MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Ferris

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PROJECT ABC OF THE BEECHWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, VICKSBURG-WARREN SCHOOL DISTRICT, UPON ITS RECEIPT OF THE ARTS EDUCATION AWARD OF THE 1998 GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS. 

WHEREAS, since 1991, Beechwood Elementary School in Vicksburg-Warren School District has been infusing the arts into the basic academic curriculum through Project ABC (Arts in the Basic Curriculum), which was the first Mississippi Arts Commission "Whole School Project" and continues to emphasize the value of the arts as an academic discipline; and

WHEREAS, dance, music and visual arts are a regular part of each student's day at Beechwood Elementary, which was awarded the Arts Education Award as part of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts for its Project ABC; and

WHEREAS, anchoring Project ABC is the belief that the arts provide a way to connect all areas of the curriculum and frame a coherent learning experience that makes sense to Beechwood's 875 students; and

WHEREAS, the arts are taught for "arts" sake, but this fosters a greater understanding of math, science and reading; and

WHEREAS, standardized test scores have risen during the past seven years, parental involvement continues to grow, weekly study groups allow training and experience in specific artistic disciplines, and student confidence and positive self-awareness have also risen as a result of Project ABC; and

WHEREAS, the arts at Beechwood Elementary have effected positive change, and with the support of the school administration, teachers and parents, Project ABC will continue to spark change in the Vicksburg-Warren County School District in the years to come:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Beechwood Elementary School, Vicksburg-Warren School District, upon its receipt of the Arts Education Award of the 1998 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts for its Project ABC (Arts in the Basic Curriculum) program.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be presented to the Principal of Beechwood Elementary School and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.