"The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create." –President Barack Obama JOIN FRIENDS OF PRITZKER‘S 2012-13 CAMPAIGN: ONE MISSION. MANY STARS. “The arts significantly boost student achievement, reduces discipline problems, and increases the odds students will go on to graduate from college.’” -Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education On November 15th, Friends of Pritzker kicked off this year’s annual giving: One Mission. Many Stars. The Annual Giving Campaign for 2012-2013 begins November 15th and runs through March 1st, 2013. "A broad education in the arts helps give children a better understanding of their world…We need students who are culturally literate as well as math and science literate." –Paul Ostergard, Vice President, Citicorp The CAMPAIGN: Enhance the sound system in the auditorium – the heart of our performing arts program; Expand our Artist in Residence and Music programming to give our students the unique experience of collaborating with professionals in the fields of art, music, poetry, dance and drama; and, Create a studio space on the stage for dance and drama classes and rehearsals "The rapidly evolving global economy demands a dynamic and creative workforce. The arts and its related businesses are responsible for billions of dollars in cultural exports for this country. It is imperative that we continue to support the arts and arts education both on the national and local levels. The strength of every democracy is measured by its commitment to the arts.” –Charles Segars, CEO of Ovation Why the ARTS? The FACTS: The arts teach essential life skills: collaboration, decision-making, innovation, creativity and critical thinking. Research shows that participation in the arts develops self-confidence and persistence and adds to academic achievement, school success and preparation for the work world. There are 676 students at Pritzker. Many students experience arts and hold a musical instrument for the very first time at Pritzker. Other may not experience art and music outside of their school day. According to our music teacher, Dr. Jenkins: “Pritzker is one of 12% of the CPS schools that is a Fine and Performing Arts School. What differentiates our school is that we offer the full range of programming: music, visual arts, drama, dance and poetry. Many of these schools do not have both a music and an art teacher!” Our teachers endorse it! “Whoever has skill in music is of good temperament and fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools.” – Martin Luther “Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in schools, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.” – Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States How will the auditoriurm upgrades and music programming benefit Pritzker students? Improve intellectual skills at all levels More students can have access to art, music, drama, dance and poetry simultaneously By building a community center at the school, we will attract more families and outside resources to Pritzker The new design will create a multi-functional learning space to enhance student learning “I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training – training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.” – Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education “We need people who think with the creative side of their brains—people who have played in a band, who have painted…it enhances symbiotic thinking capabilities, not always thinking in the same paradigm, learning how to kick-start a new idea, or how to get a job done better, less expensively.” –Annette Byrd, GlaxoSmithKline Why give? Parent involvement builds the best schools Your donation is 100% tax deductible 100% of your contribution money goes directly to this project. Many companies provide matching donations, dollar for dollar. You can double, and possibly triple your donation. Last year, families increased their donation with a company match. Check: http://matchinggift.com/uchicago. Chicago Public School continues to cut our budget. To hire the best teachers, run basic school operations and invest in the best technology and arts programming, we need outside resources. “The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.” –William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Plato SUPPORT THE ARTS AT PRITZKER! TAKE ACTION NOW!!