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Despite the economic downturn and a student population with 56 percent of children qualifying as economically disadvantaged, Bishop Elementary School has managed to keep its music program intact for all 700 students. But with further cuts from the Sunnyvale School District likely on their way, the school is resorting to other sources to support the program. It's reaching out to local community organizations.
Bishop principal Frances Dampier has sent out about 100 letters to Sunnyvale groups that have partnered with the school in the past, like Yahoo!, Citibank and AMD, asking for contributions to keep her school's music program afloat. Teachers and parents have also received letters to hand out to businesses they know. Dampier's goal is $25,000.
The Sunnyvale School District cut music programs two years ago, Dampier said, but she had managed to keep Bishop's program running through parental support and juggling other discretionary budgets. But, as she said, "those budgets aren't there anymore.
"Students need to be well-rounded, especially with all the heavy-duty academics coming down from Sacramento," Dampier said. "We're educating future doctors and lawyers but also people who will become artists, and we need to make sure that students have the opportunity to see if they have those interests. If they don't get it at the elementary level, it's too late."
The letter suggests various levels of donations, from $34, which would sponsor one music student for one year, to $4,080, which would take care of a grade level of 120 students for one year.
To donate, send a check made out to Bishop School (Music Donation) to the school, located at 450 N. Sunnyvale Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085. For more information, call 408.522.8229.
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