To the Editor:

In many schools all over the country, stages are dark, potter wheels sit in dusty piles and children are often undereducated in the arts.

Recently, due to the economics of the world today, schools have been experiencing budget cuts. As a result of these major cuts, schools have been taking away the students' ability to learn about the arts. Music, painting, drawing, singing, dancing, etc. have all been cut from the schools' syllabuses.

Teachers, whose schools are depriving children of an education in the arts, are out of a job when their school eliminates the arts program. These teachers give their undivided attention to educating kids in the arts of the past, the present and the future. They encourage students to pursue their passions in the arts. And how do we thank them? By taking the program and jobs away.

Teachers thrive on different aspects of the arts as well as the students. When you eliminate their passions, hobbies, and interests, you crush children's dreams. You also remove the ability for younger students to become educated in the arts.

Schools are depriving students and teachers by eradicating what they love to do and learn more about. I strongly disagree with many districts throughout the United States that take away the right to gain knowledge in the arts. This is especially the case in inner-city and poverty stricken districts, where school is the only opportunity for exposure to these programs.

Without the exposure, where will our next Bethovens, Lennons and Picassos emerge from?

It makes you wonder, "With all the advancements today, why are we consciously taking a step backwards and robbing the future generations of this treasure?"

Madison Lysek

Emmaus High School