St. Joseph School District has once again been named one of the 2023 Best Communities for Music Education in the nation! Designations were made by the NAMM Foundation to 830 school districts and schools this year that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.
“We are so pleased to once again receive this national award that recognizes the work and dedication our K-12 music department and community provide our students,” said Janell Becerra, SJSD Instructional Coach for Fine Arts. “We are pleased that our music department and arts community supports can once again be recognized for being one of the best communities in Music Education. Many of our music teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to give the best music experiences to the students of SJSD. We look forward to continuing to grow and move our music programs forward.”
This is not a new recognition for SJSD. The district was awarded this national distinction in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The district has outstanding music programs with 100 percent participation of elementary students, 51 percent of middle school students and nearly 35 percent of high school students.
Due to a global pandemic and transitions in the district, SJSD recently started to re-apply for this distinction.
Only seven school districts in Missouri were given this national honor.