Dear parents and friends,

In 2001, Brockman began a process of becoming an official Arts in Basic Curriculum Site (ABC). This endeavor was supported by the faculty, PTA, and School Improvement Council. The procedure involved writing a five year Strategic Plan for integrating the arts into the Montessori curriculum. As a result, we were given a three year status as an official ABC model site. We also received funding for two years through the State Department of Education grants for Distinguished Arts Programs. That money was used to fund our strings programs, various artists in residency programs for students, professional development for teachers, sound and lighting equipment and arts integration supplies for classrooms. We have remained an Arts in Basic Curriculum site ever since.

For continued grant funding we must show parent support in donating both time and resources needed to institutionalize our programs. Matching funds 2:1 are a requirement of the ABC Grant.

Brockman’s Fine Arts Booster Club (FAB) was formed to facilitate involvement of parents whose child participates in our arts programs. Although PTA originally budgeted funding for the arts and continues to support our Strategic Plan for the arts, a separate booster club is needed to maintain the various arts programming we have without competing for general classroom supply funds. Our parents and community have generously funded FAB through our annual Silent Auction. FAB works in conjunction with the Arts Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is composed of interested staff, parents and community members who determine the direction of our arts programming each year based on our Fine Arts Strategic Plan and take the steps needed to implement the plan.

Brockman’s Fine Arts Booster Club supports arts integration during the school day and to offer a variety of after school classes with only a nominal fee. This is a bargain for our families in that it allows our students access to professional instruction for a much reduced rate. Our goal for the after school program is to offer instruction in a variety of arts disciplines to allow students to explore their personal interests.

We are requesting all parents of children currently involved in our arts program to consider one or more of the following ways to become involved in FAB.

• Help with fundraising
• Donate time during rehearsals and performances to assist students
• Donate funds
• Give administrative assistance with grant management, word processing for memos, letters, etc
• Grant writing
• Form partnerships with community members
• Volunteer to help with Silent Auction
• Offer any other ideas and suggestions; we welcome your input

For a list of Arts offerings at Brockman, please visit the Programs page.