2019 -- S 0393

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2019, TO BE "ARTS IN THE SCHOOLS

MONTH"

     Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Conley, Goodwin, Ciccone, and Sheehan

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, The arts enhance and enrich the lives of every Rhode Islander; and

     WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has clear evidence that the arts contribute

significantly to our quality of life, the quality education of our residents, and the economy of our

state; and

     WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic

Analysis, the arts strengthen the Rhode Island economy by generating approximately $1.8 billion

in economic activity annually and by supporting nearly 18,000 jobs; and

     WHEREAS, The arts bolster the development of what are commonly referred to as

deeper learning skills -- the skills and knowledge that students need to attain success in college,

career, and citizenship, such as teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving,

public speaking, tolerance, flexibility, and attention to detail, all of which are essential skills that

employers require in a vibrant and competitive economy; and

     WHEREAS, Arts education in preK-12 schools is essential in order for Rhode Island

students to graduate fully proficient and ready to enter the Rhode Island workforce; and

     WHEREAS, The National Art Education Association designates the month of March as

"Youth Art Month"; and

     WHEREAS, The American Alliance for Theatre & Education and the Educational

Theatre Association designate the month of March as "Theatre in our Schools Month"; and

     WHEREAS, The National Association for Music Education designates the month of

March as "Music in our Schools Month"; and

     WHEREAS, The National Dance Education Organization designates the month of March

as "Dance in our Schools Month"; now, therefore, be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims the month of March 2019, to be "Arts in the Schools Month" in our state. We

furthermore urge all the citizens of the state to join us in the observance of this month, and to

recognize and applaud the efforts of arts educators, artists, and administrators who work

diligently to ensure that all young people have access to the arts in their schools throughout the

school year; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, the

Rhode Island Art Education Association, the Rhode Island Music Educators Association, and the

Dance Alliance of Rhode Island.

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