District 207 earns National Music Education Honor
On March 26, the NAMM Foundation announced that Maine Township High School District 207 has been awarded national recognition for its outstanding commitment to music education and has been deemed a Best Community for Music Education.
More than 2,500 applicants applied for this national designation, and Maine Township joins approximately 300 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction this year. This national program celebrates districts' and schools' exemplary dedication to music programs.
The Best Community for Music Education application requires districts to answer detailed questions about demographics, teacher qualifications, curriculum, assessment, funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, support for the music program and community outreach programs.
District 207 provided detailed information regarding curricular components to music course offerings, extracurricular programs as well as student achievement in regional, state and national performances. The quality of teaching faculty, guest artist residencies and private lesson opportunities provided a strong basis for Maine Township's application. In addition, community support through parent booster organizations played a significant role in this recognition. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kan., an affiliate of the University of Kansas.
The announcement of this year's Best Communities for Music Education designation highlights District 207's belief in the importance of music education and its role within the school's core educational program.
"District 207 has long been known for its comprehensive music program that provides our students with incredible opportunities to enhance their instrumental and vocal musical talents under the direction of incredible teachers and supported by fantastic families and the entire Maine Township and District 207 communities," said District 207 Superintendent Ken Wallace. "This award represents well-deserved recognition for all of the years of programming commitment by the District 207 Board of Education under the leadership of our Fine Arts Department chairs and each school's Music Boosters led by our wonderful music parents. We are very proud of the recognition of our world-class high school music program that is among the nation's very best."
Founded in 1902, Maine Township High School District 207 serves students in the communities of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Glenview, Niles, Mount Prospect, Morton Grove, and Harwood Heights. The over 6,500 students attend class at Maine East, Maine South, and Maine West High Schools. Each school offers comprehensive instruction in music education. Fine Arts Department Chairs are Pat Barnett at Maine West, Edward Eubank at Maine East and Teralyn Keith at Maine South.
This spring and fall, the district will hold special concert performances to celebrate this prestigious accolade and honor the tireless efforts of the students, parents, teachers and administration who have made strengthening music education programs in our schools a priority.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,000 members around the world.
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