HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2026 AS “ARTS IN THE SCHOOLS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8263

2026 -- H 8263
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LC003534
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
CELEBRATING MARCH OF 2026 AS “ARTS IN THE SCHOOLS MONTH” IN THE STATE
OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fellela,
Diaz, Tanzi, Fogarty, Ajello, and Felix

Date Introduced:
March 10, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, The arts enhance and enrich the lives of every Rhode Islander; and
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WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has clear evidence that the arts contribute
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significantly to our quality of life, the education of our citizens and the economy of our state; and
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WHEREAS, Arts learning fosters school attendance and participation, as well as
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teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, cultural
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competency, and resiliency, all essential skills that employers require in a 21st century economy;
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and
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WHEREAS, With new regulations and policies in place, arts education in our schools can
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be quantified to present a full picture of arts education in the Ocean State; and
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WHEREAS, The R.I. State Council on the Arts went through a public process to
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overhaul the Project Grants in Education application and evaluation criteria to better deliver
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support and services to arts educators and teaching artists; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Education has published an Arts
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Curriculum Framework to support high-quality, standards-based arts instruction for all students;
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and
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WHEREAS, Arts education in the schools provides substantial, unique educational
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benefits to all elementary, middle and secondary students, helping students stay engaged in
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school and graduate with proficiency ready to enter the R.I. workforce; and
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WHEREAS, The National Art Education Association, the American Alliance for Theatre

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and Education, the Educational Theatre Association, the National Association for Music
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Education, and the National Dance Education Organization designate the month of March as
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“Youth Arts Month”; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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celebrates March of 2026 as “Arts in the Schools Month” and urges all the citizens of the State to
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join us in the observance of this month, and to recognize and applaud the efforts of arts educators,
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artists, and administrators, who work diligently to ensure that all young people have access to the
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arts in their school throughout the school year; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.
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