Broward County Public Schools - Broward Center for the Performing ...

Letter From the Superintendent of Schools
The Broward County Public School system is facing unprecedented reductions in the classroom due to state budget
reductions. Broward schools face millions of dollars in cuts resulting in a close examination and review of all district and
school based programs. From our first budget workshop through our public hearing process, the School Board of
Broward County has stood steadfast in their support of the arts, specifically the Student Enrichment in the Arts (SEAS)
program. The School Board of Broward County is committed to educate the total child. The arts are a critical component
of our educational programming, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Through the SEAS program, students become
appreciators and producers of the arts. SEAS is a national model and the leading arts in education program in the nation.
The School Board of Broward County is proud to continue its investment in students by continuing the SEAS program.
The SEAS program was formed through a collaboration between Broward County Public Schools
and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in March 1990. Through this partnership, the school
system has exclusive use of the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater during the day throughout the
school year. The SEAS program offers a visual style of learning by integrating arts such as music,
dance and drama into the students’ education.
More than 125,000 students are transported each school year to the Broward Center to attend
SEAS programs. What makes the SEAS program truly unique is our commitment to provide artistic
opportunities to all students free of charge. Regardless of socio-economic standing, the SEAS
program is available to all schools, teachers and students. This ensures that all students have
the opportunity to become appreciators and producers of the arts.
The Broward County Public School system and Broward Center for the Performing Arts continue to be on the
cutting edge of education. To complement SEAS, the Reading Residency program was designed to improve reading and
verbal understanding for economically disadvantaged students. All Title I second and fourth grade students read either
Stone Soup (grade 2) or Charlotte’s Web (grade 4) and attend a performance of the same titled book at the Broward
Center. The Reading Residency program focuses on story sequencing, plot development and inferences. Study guides
aligned with these three areas are designed to make connections for students between the performances and the
book. Last school year approximately 20,000 Title I students participated in the Reading Residency programs.
The Broward County Public School system is further committed to assist students in developing their artistic talent in
post-secondary institutions. The Arts for the Future Scholarship Fund is a community-wide initiative to promote artistic
career opportunities for graduating high school seniors. Over the past ten years, more than $515,000 in scholarships
have been awarded to students pursuing education in the arts. Arts for the Future is the largest scholarship program
devoted to the arts in the state of Florida.
This year’s season of high quality shows covers a wide spectrum including history and diversity, which are targeted
to improve reading and literacy. We are pleased to kick off our 2009-2010 season with the national tour of
Sesame Street, which has assisted students in reading, math and life skills for decades.
Through SEAS, reading and literacy come alive on stage!
Sincerely,
James F. Notter,
Superintendent of Schools
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