Agenda Item
a. Proclamation: Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month 2025
Summary: Presented by: Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Member, District 6
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education officially recognize March as Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month.
Why: DeKalb County School District recognizes March as the month to celebrate art and music education in all schools. This is an opportunity to support teachers and students and encourage participation in music and art programs.
Details: Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month exists to:
Recognize art and music education as viable factors in the total education of students;
Direct attention to the value of art and music education for critical thinking;
Expand art and music programs in schools;
Provide additional opportunities to participate in creative art and music learning activities;
Garner support from the community, businesses, and governmental agencies; and
Increase understanding and interest in art and music through exhibits, museums, concert halls, workshops, and other creative ventures.
Financial impact: N/A
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0731
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0323
Dr. Penny Mosley, Assistant Superintendent (K-5), Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0137
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent (6-12), Division of Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0137
Mrs. Stephanie Brown-Bryant, Director, Department of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, 678-676-0161
Ms. Monica Fogg, K-12 Music Coordinator, Department of K-12 Teaching and Learning, 678-676-0209
Mrs. Bianca Hamilton, K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, Department of K-12 Teaching and Learning, 678-676-0192
Effective: March 10-31, 2025
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
P R O C L A M AT I O N
RECOGNITION Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County Board of Education believes music and art education are essential components
of the educational system; and
WHEREAS: Art and music education are part of a well-rounded education for every student; and
WHEREAS: Art and music have a positive impact on the academic and personal growth of our students; and
WHEREAS: Art and music develop students’ creative problem-solving and critical thinking abilities; and
WHEREAS: Art and music reinforce and bring to life what students learn in other subjects by giving students a
deeper understanding of multi-cultural values and beliefs; and
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County Board of Education is committed to maintaining and improving music and art
programs for all students; and
THEREFORE: We, the DeKalb County Board of Education, recognize and commend the art and music educators
for their efforts to enhance the quality of art and music education for all students. The DeKalb County Board of
Education hereby proclaims the month of March 2025 as Youth Art and Music Appreciation Month. In official
recognition, whereof, we hereby affix our signatures, this 10th day of March 2025.
Mrs. Vickie B. Turner, Chair Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Vice Chair
Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris, Superintendent