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| FOLMADS Grants |
| At
a time when many school systems have dispensed with the arts in the
face of budget cuts, Lexington can take pride in its continuing recognition
that the arts have an important place in the educational curriculum.
Lexington residents can also be proud of a tradition of excellence
in the arts programs in all of our schools. FOLMADS is committed to
fostering continued excellence by supporting our extraordinary and
dedicated teaching staff. |
| Donations
to FOLMADS are used throughout the school system to purchase items
to enhance the fine and performing arts programs that are not covered
by the school budget. Several years ago we paid the last of three
$5,000 payments in a lease-to-purchase agreement for ten musical instruments
to be used at the secondary level. |
| We were especially happy to be able
to purchase a Boston grand piano for the High School (to replace one
that was 111 years old), and with a special fundraising program last
spring, collect enough money to also purchase an upright piano (to
replace one that is "dead" at 71 years). |
| We have approved grants to teachers
for the purchase of such items as monitors and amplifiers for Estabrook,
choral risers and a kiln for Harrington, art display panels for Diamond
and Clarke, choral risers for Diamond, a pottery wheel, tuba, book
press, and 25 studio easels for LHS, and an art shelf/wardrobe for
Bridge. In 1995-96, through the combined efforts of FOLMADS, students
in the band, and the High School administration, we were able to order
an additional 25 uniforms needed to outfit the LHS Band. |
| We are beginning to investigate actively
ways to improve the acoustics and lighting needs in the LHS auditorium. |
| A
complete list of grants awarded recently follows. |
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