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New Superintendent Needs Support to Invest in Arts Education

Stating the long-term goal should be for every school to have art and music, Dr. Diana Greene made the strongest statement of the three finalists for our next DCPS superintendent in support of arts education as essential in educating the whole child.

Acknowledging short-term adjustments may have to be made considering the $62 million shortfall, she nevertheless put an early stake in the ground for her priorities. She bragged that as soon as Manatee County had a fund balance over 3 percent, she began investing in the arts.

Dr. Greene will be walking into a community eager for investment in the arts. She will be walking into a community rich in educators and community partners eager to serve.

That said, no superintendent is a miracle worker. Dr. Greene needs more than her and our community’s good intentions; our children deserve more.

Dr. Greene and our children need elected leaders, especially at the state level, to adequately invest in public schools and give them similar flexibility given to charter schools.

Dr. Greene and our children need everyone at all levels of our district to consider that lower-income students who regularly participate in the arts have a 96% graduation rate, compared to only 76% among their peers, when making resource allocation decisions.

Dr. Greene and our children need business leaders to take to heart the fact that arts education creates tomorrow’s leaders – empowering them to analyze, problem-solve and innovate. If we really want to equip students for the jobs of tomorrow – many of which haven’t even been imagined yet – we’ve got to do more to cultivate creative thinking and truly engage students in learning.

Responding to a question about the growing school choice movement, Dr. Greene shared how she brought students back to public schools in Manatee by working with principals on curriculum to make their schools the most attractive school they could and engaging students once they enrolled so they would want to stay there.

If Dr. Greene wants to do the same in Duval County, there is simply no better way to attract and engage students than through the arts.

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

CAP is grateful to announce that we have been awarded a Find Your Light Foundation 2025 grant! Their support allows us to continue to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students in Northeast Florida have access to quality arts education.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. Thank you, Find Your Light, for uplifting the power of the arts and helping us make a lasting impact! #capkidsjax
Spring for the Arts celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting instruments, paintbrushes, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Get your tickets today at our link in bio! 🎉
Our mission is to inspire every child's creative spirit! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed #strings
Every heart needs art! Happy Valentines Day❤️
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed
It was an unforgettable day at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Hundreds of guests enjoyed the fun and engaging activities during the CAP Family Day at the Cummer! 

Students and their families participated in Intro to Improv, Nature Printmaking, Needle Felting, World Drums, Positive Words Graffiti, Jazz-Tastic Dance, Boom Whackers, a Museum Scavenger Hunt and an Instrument Petting Zoo! Thanks to CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, staff and volunteers for your efforts today. Special thanks to the Cummer Museum for graciously hosting our amazing families! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Research indicates that theatre training for children significantly improves their public speaking skills by building confidence, enhancing vocal projection, developing effective body language and fostering emotional intelligence through character exploration. The practice of performing on stage in a supportive environment helps kids feel comfortable expressing themselves publicly and it's fun! Learn more about our theatre programs at capkids.org #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Research from organizations like the Arts Education Partnership, show clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior and social and civic participation. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Learn more at capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Did you know that the arts support students’ social and emotional development, increase empathy, reduce intolerance and generate acceptance of others?

School partnerships with arts organizations can mitigate disparities in students’ arts learning opportunities and resources. Studies consistently demonstrate that the arts are intrinsically beneficial and an essential component of a well-rounded education. Learn more about #artsed by visiting capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Congratulations to the CAP String Orchestra for their festive live performance on First Coast News this morning. Happy Holidays! #capkidsjax #theartsaddup
Congratulations to the Neptune Beach Elementary Music Therapy students for a wonderful Winter Wonderland Holiday Performance! Extra special thanks to Hembree Poindexter of UpBeat Music Therapy, and her intern Eli, for their unwavering dedication to the success of their students. Thanks to @theanthonyaustin for emceeing the festivities, the classroom teachers, school and CAP staff and board members for your support. The holiday spirit is in full swing! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed
Through the generous sponsorship of PNC Bank, CAP partnered with MOSH today for an exciting and fun event! CAP families enjoyed an arts integrated celebration and exploration of science, nature and the St. John’s River. Through activities like storytelling, acting, making music and creating visual art, we celebrated our community’s most valuable resources, our children and our environment! Special thanks to our CAP team, volunteers and @thejessiejax @kidshopealliancejax @pncfoundation @stuartstotts @moshjax  #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed ✨

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