Flickr Favorites: Pledge of Allegiance

1. CTE053, 2. American Flag of the United States of America (USA Flag), 3. Old License plate Map, 4. Constitution of the United States of America, 5. * Independence Day July 4th *, 6. One Nation Under GOD, 7. Westwood 9/11 Memorial, 8. 4Th Of July Independence Day (United States Of America), 9. monument stage

I pledge allegiance
to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the republic
for which it stands
one nation under God
indivisible
with liberty and justice
for all

I chose these images because Independence Day is coming up. An added bonus is that I will be able to do something with this for my 3rd graders. As I was choosing images, creating the mosaic, and now coming up with the post, I have a rap version of the Pledge stuck in my head from a performance from my students.

For the past two years our wonderful music teacher has directed the 3rd graders in a patriotic presentation. All I can say is WOW! She's amazing what she can do with a group of 60+ mostly 8 and 9 year olds. Last month when the students performed for family, there were very few dry eyes in the house...teachers included.

Academically, this presentation aligns directly to our social studies curriculum. It is very powerful for the students when we can integrate learning into the arts. And very sad to think that the arts may be eliminated.

About two weeks ago the school board in my district held a study session to discuss contingency funding in the event that an upcoming override is not passed. For the elementary schools which service K-8 students:

• Eliminate band
• Limit music to 7th & 8th grade
• Limit art to 7th & 8th grade

In addition, it was also suggested to limit PE to 7th & 8th graders, as well as eliminating all reading specialists. I understand the simple economics that if the money isn't there, cuts need to be made. Also, I believe that my district is not overly top-heavy, but reductions that could be made at the district level would be a drop in the bucket of the millions that may need to be cut.

Of course there were other cuts suggested, but I see these as the ones that would most impact the students. And teachers...continued more work and less money, but that's another story.

Art Mind Flickr Favorites for this week!