The ISD 423 Board of Education will conduct a regular meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers at Hutchinson City Center (111 Hassan St SE).
Free Meals – Order by 9 am, 2/26/2021
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Music in the Time of Covid
By JoEllen Kimball, ISD 423 Board of Education
No matter what the learning model, we still have plenty of music happening in our District 423 schools. Public performances with live audiences may not occur for a while, but singing, dancing, listening to music, playing in the band, and singing in the choir are alive and well.
I believe this is a very good thing for our students. If you look up, Music and the Brain, Benefits of Music, or the Mozart Effect you will find lists and studies about the benefits. Here is a paraphrased list of ten health benefits taken from a study by Pfizer. Music improves your memory, focus, creativity, and IQ score. It can provide you with coping mechanisms, and help control pain. Music improves productivity levels and visual attention. It can help with heart disease and even bolster your immune system.
I asked some of our District’s music teachers for help with this article. I requested examples of resilience and growth in their music students during this current school year. Even with everything on their plates, I received wonderful examples.
An 8th grade percussion student had a lesson without needed materials. He had a “fantastic” lesson using a pencil, stick, and a bucket. Students took lessons from home with sleeping night-shift parents, “fingered along,” and made it work.
At the Elementary level technology is playing a big role in music instruction as well as the use of creative ways of including instruments, dancing, singing games, and partner activities. To safely play recorders in fourth and fifth grades, bell covers and masks are in place.
In High School band students are missing camaraderie and craving playing in an ensemble. They are continuing to learn music theory, apply for music scholarships, and audition for All-State Band. Choir students are also missing and craving performances. They consistently “show up” in the choir room to work hard to improve their musicianship.
It is obvious that our music teachers are deeply connected to their students. They are learning new ways to build relationships while promoting the benefits of music.
My personal pandemic experience is a further example of the importance of music. I am quite sure that my mother has been mentioned in a previous column, and this one is no different. Most Wednesdays I go to Minneapolis to visit her. We enjoy lunch together and then make music. She was a music teacher and at 97 still accompanies me on the piano as she has since I started playing violin at age 9. It takes us a while to warm up but by playing the same pieces week after week, before long we sound pretty good. We work on phrasing, dynamics, and tempo changes to improve the musicality. We also reminisce about when and where we first played each piece. While my mom stretches her arthritic fingers to reach an octave our brains are engaged.
Making music or listening to music benefits us all in so many ways. So sing, hum, whistle, or drum your bucket. There is both light and music at the end of the Covid tunnel. Thank you music teachers. Mom, I will see you next Wednesday.
Tiger of the Week: Karissa Korson
Activities: February 22 – 27, 2021
Click Here to View This Week’s Activity Schedule
For more information about the HHS Activities Department – Click Here
Click Here for Spectator Guidelines
Click Here for Live Streaming through the Wright County Conference
Tiger Pride!
Bridging the Gap
Tiger of the Week: Austin Hagen
Activities: February 15 – 20, 2021
Click Here to View This Week’s Activity Schedule
For more information about the HHS Activities Department – Click Here
Click Here for Spectator Guidelines
Click Here for Live Streaming through the Wright County Conference
Tiger Pride!
Secondary Learning Model Change Effective 2/19/21
The District is making a change in learning models due to the continued decline in local Covid-19 rates. Secondary students will return to in-person learning starting Monday, February 22. There is no change for Elementary students. They will continue in the current in-person learning model.
Learning Model Schedule (as of 2/19/21)
Secondary Staff and Students (6-12)
- Friday, February 19, 2021, there will be no school for secondary students, staff work day to transition.
- Monday, February 22, 2021, will be the first day of in-person learning.
- The shortened schedule implemented in January will continue.
- Students/families that have already selected Distance Learning will remain in Distance Learning.
- If you have questions about changing learning models to or from Distance Learning, contact the building principal.
Elementary Staff and Students (Prek-5)
- Friday, February 19, 2021, there will be school for elementary students.
- There are no changes to the learning model. Staff and students will remain in the in-person learning model.
- Students/families that are currently in Distance Learning will remain in Distance Learning.
- If you have questions about changing learning models to or from Distance Learning, contact the building principal.
The District will continue to closely monitor the county, community, and school district case rates. We will work with our Covid-19 regional support team to determine if further changes will be required.
In order to keep our kids in school and finish the school year in-person, please continue your efforts in supporting social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing. It is important to screen your children daily. If symptoms are present, please have your child stay home.
The District appreciates your continued patience and support