Proclaiming March of 2026, to Be "Music in Our Schools Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, The National Association for Music Education has designated March as Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM); and

WHEREAS, Throughout history, music has been present and played an important role in human culture; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception 41 years ago, Music in Our Schools Month has been an annual month-long event, celebrated by thousands of children in our schools and in our communities; and

WHEREAS, Music is a natural phenomenon which captures every human emotion by producing a series of pitches, sounds and rhythms, creating a response of joy, sorrow, excitement, or pride; and

WHEREAS, Music is naturally therapeutic for the mind and body. Research has documented that participation in school music programs promotes student engagement, leading to improved social and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk students; and

WHEREAS, Music education engages children in developing proficiencies in creativity, self-expression, problem solving, and evaluative and mathematical skills; and

WHEREAS, Music education shapes the way students understand themselves and the world around them and is an essential part of every student's well-rounded education; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims March of 2026 to be "Music in our Schools Month" and moreover, fully supports the teaching and learning of music in public schools and recognizes the hard work of music educators across our State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Music Education Association.