Change.org Petition Calls for Allowing Howitt Band to March in Memorial Parade

Parents are calling on the Farmingdale School District to allow the Howitt Band to march in this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

In a letter obtained by Patch that was sent to parents, school officials say student-musicians will not march in the band this year because of several factors. School officials said in the letter:

For the last few years academic expectations for middle school students have increased dramatically. The time necessary to meet these educational demands has made an impact on students’ ability to accomplish rigorous academic and music curriculum goals and also be fully prepared for the parade. Additionally, we have experienced a variety of health and safety concerns with middle school students marching with heavy instruments on a hot Memorial Day. For this reason most districts only allow high school students to march in parades.

But some parents say it’s important for middle school band members to march in this year’s parade. The change.org petition states:

Our children work very hard and are very talented , the school is trying to take away childhood experiences that have been offered to others for decades, all in the name of test prep. Its time to take back our kids childhood.

School officials say the district’s music teachers will emphasize to students the significance of Memorial Day, and encourage students to attend the parade and see the high school marching band perform.

Meanwhile, the change.org petition, which was launched Monday, is gaining momentum, with 315 signatures 19 houses after it was created.

“There’s more to life than the common core!” wrote one person who signed the petition.

“I’m embarrassed at how testing is ruining our schools,” wrote another. “Music is extremely important and they shouldn’t be allowed to take that experience away.”

How do you feel about the school’s decision? Tell us in the comments.

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