Newtown Public Schools Named One of 476 Best Communities for Music Education

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown Public Schools has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education, according to a release.

Newtown is one of 476 districts across the nation to receive the award in 2016.

The Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) "recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who work together to ensure access to music learning for all students as part of the school curriculum," according to their website.

The NAMM Foundation has also recognized 118 schools nationwide with the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), honoring individual schools that have demonstrated strong support for and commitment to music education.

“The schools and districts that the NAMM Foundation honors this year with this award demonstrate a commitment to supporting music education and assuring opportunities for music learning in the curriculum for all students,” said Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation. “We are moving from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children. That includes access to a well-rounded education – and an opportunity to learn and grow with music and the arts. The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs. ”

School leaders said the award has had a direct impact on funding for music programs.

"Music and the arts make a very positive contribution to the general success of the school and connection to the community,” said KU researcher and professor Christopher Johnson. “Access to music and the arts in the curriculum is important in its own right and connects students to their own personal expression and creativity. These activities also have been shown to contribute to lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, higher ACT scores, and all the while, children learn the joys of music and all the life skills it fosters.”

A complete list of districts and schools recognized by the foundation this year can be found at:

Best Communities

SupportMusic Merit