Batavia Unit Dist. 101 music education program receives national recognition

Batavia Unit District 101 has been honored once again with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

Batavia District 101 joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.

The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.

This award recognizes that Batavia is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.

"This is the second time in three years we have received this recognition … we must be doing something right," joked Lisa Hatfield, fifth-grade band teacher. "This designation just continues to prove that our students, staff, administration, and community members highly value music education in our schools. It is such an honor to be a part of something that brings Batavia together in such a fun and creative way, while enriching the lives of our students one note at a time."

The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education Award and the implementation of the federal ESSA law bring attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school's core education for all students. It also highlights music's vital role in students' overall success in school.

Batavia Unit District 101 offers music education from the elementary through high school levels. Approximately 65 percent of students are involved in some musical ensemble throughout each year. Enrollment numbers have been increasing steadily, and with that has come larger performances and community support.

Thank you to all of the music educators for inspiring the lives of Batavia children every day: Peter Barsch, Rob Buckley, Lisa Hatfield, Kate Hillman, Mary Jensen, Laura Lauderdale, Katie McCann, Chris Owen, Keith Ozsvath, Sherry Reiss, Laura Rexilius, Nathan Sackschewsky, Kate Truscello, Rachel Uffelmann, Brian Van Kley, Jamie Vanmersbergen and Walt Zimmer.