Springfield selected for Kennedy Center "Any Given Child" program

Tonight, I’ll be sharing some exciting news with the Board of Education at their February study session: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has selected Springfield to participate in their Any Given Child program. This program assesses our district’s existing resources along with those of Springfield’s public and private arts organizations to develop a comprehensive arts education plan for the children of Springfield.

Any Given Child seeks to bring access, balance, and equity to each child’s arts education, using an affordable model that combines the resources of the school district, local arts groups, and the Kennedy Center. With the assistance of expert consultation services provided by Kennedy Center staff and other professionals, community leaders develop a long-range plan for arts education that is tailor-made for the Springfield school district and community.

The arts offer kids the opportunity to enrich their lives and enhance their educational experience. Studies have shown that involvement in the arts can help children increase their overall academic achievement. The expertise available through Any Given Child will be invaluable to our district and our entire community as we work toward the goal of enhancing arts education offerings throughout our community.

Springfield is fortunate to have such an active and vibrant arts community, especially since our arts organizations have made educational outreach one of their chief priorities. Those organizations and the district collaborated closely to make the Any Given Child program a possibility in our community. I want to thank the Arts Programming Sustainability Initiative, Springfield Regional Arts Council, City of Springfield and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for their role in making this happen.