I recently had the great privilege of attending music performances by students in all four of Portland’s public high schools. I witnessed great joy and camaraderie as “my” Portland High School jazz students entertained a happy crowd at a Foundation for Portland Public Schools event, a moving performance of an original song by an multilingual musician at Deering and energetic music performed excellently by Casco Bay High School students and others at the PATHS annual showcase.

Additionally, the PATHS dance program held its annual recital; the orchestra shines in concerts and ceremonies; theater students are presenting spring shows and Shakespeare, and City Hall has an impressive visual arts display. In every instance, students have been engaged, challenged, supported and celebrated.

This is what education should be. The arts give students from all over the globe a point of entry to a new environment, and also make the schools attractive to families considering moving to the suburbs. Portland Public Schools should have an arts program that is reflective of the city’s identity as a center for visual and performing arts, not just for some students, but for all students. PPS would be initially transformed simply by making arts classes the absolute top priority, with possible additional staffing needed in future years.

Scheduling the arts first requires nothing but time and creative problem-solving. A school system rich in arts education will bring our schools new energy and identity, and all students will reap the rewards.

Jayne Sawtelle
music teacher, Portland High School
Portland