Dear Friends of HP Arts,

As HP Arts embarks upon it's 32nd year, we are lucky to have the opportunity to continue to make a difference in the fine arts programs across HPISD.  I would like to thank each and every one of you that donated to our organization during Back-to-School Sign-Up.  Your generous support and the ongoing support of La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, our cornerstone benefactor, make it possible to continue funding fine arts enrichment programs, equipment and instruction for students in every grade at HPISD.

This school year will present many exciting developments with major renovations and additions of new fine arts spaces at both HPHS and MIS/HPMS, new fine arts faculty members joining the HPISD team, and one very notable departure.  As many of you know, Linda Raya has officially retired from her teaching position at Highland Park High School.  Linda has had many stellar achievements throughout her 45-year career in our district and we can all agree that the landscape of our fine arts programs would look vastly different today had we not had Linda's expertise and support.  Thankfully, our organization does not have to bid Linda farewell, as she will continue to serve as the liaison to the HP Arts Board and we will continue to benefit from her years of experience.  On a personal note, I would just like to say that not only does Linda provide a wonderful, historical perspective to our organization, but she is just such a gracious and lovely person.  I am lucky to know her and to glean her wisdom and insight as I lead HP Arts this year.

During the 2017-18 school year, our organization was able to fund more than $90,000 in programs and special projects.  A special grant funded by La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas has also been designated to upgrade the sound system for the HPHS cafeteria stage, a space that is widely used by many school organizations.  Together with funding from HPHS and the HP Sports Club, HP Arts is pleased to support implementation of this project this fall.

As HPISD continues to grow its emphasis on STEAM education and looks to enhance opportunities in, not only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but also in arts education and integration, our organization becomes more critical than ever.  This year, we will continue to look for opportunities to fund arts enrichment programs that can be integrated into the core curriculum and will give ALL students a well-rounded foundation to better position them for future successes.

Sincerely,

Jill Dalton, HP Arts President 2018-2019