Student wants more music classes in PSUSD elementary school
Over the years, multiple studies have proven that music education helps students preform in all aspects of academics. Which is one reason why an elementary school student was shocked to learn that she would not be taking any music classes this year.
Kaila Derleth loves singing and music, so she was heartbroken to learn that she would not be getting music classes in the fourth grade at Cabot Yerxa Elementary in Desert Hot Springs.
“It’s not just me that’s feeling bad, half of my friends love music. Because most of the performances and the talent show are singing, and most of them were in the third grade last year, and now they are in the fourth, and they don’t have music,” said Kaila.
Kaila’s grandmother and guardian, Rhonda Johnson, would like to see her education enriched with music education in every year of school. Cabot Yerxa Elementary is not offering music classes to second or fourth-grade students.
“Music isn’t just about music. There are studies that have proven that students that get music early in their education do better at test scores and are more likely to graduate,” Johnson said.
According to administrators with the Palm Springs Unified School District, because the district is now offering full-time kindergarten in the majority of its elementary schools, it is not able to offer music classes to all students every year.
“They have added full-day kindergarten, so they have been able to provide music instruction to our kindergarten students. Last year [Cabot Yerxa] did not have fourth grade music as well. This year they do not have it for second and fourth-grade but they will be getting it next year,” said Denise Ellis, director curriculum instruction with PSUSD.
Parents who want to make sure their student gets music education have multiple options across the district with after-school programs.
“They do have enrichment opportunities outside of the classroom teacher. But throughout the district we do have afternoon violin, we have harp, and some of our schools have piano labs,” Ellis said.
PSUSD administratiors said the district has more music teachers this year than last year. And the district is looking to hire more music teachers.
The district also said all students at Cabot Yerxa Elementary will have the opportunity to perform in the Winter Music Festival and be involved in the school talent show near the end of the school year.
In the meantime, if a student wants to learn more about music, or any art for that matter, parents can talk to the school’s principal to find out options.
