and sixth-graders play instruments in the elementary band or
orchestra.
A Northwestern University study found that students involved
in music programs saw higher success in academic areas such
as reading. According to a recent Gallup Pool, 94 percent of
Americans consider music to be part of a well-rounded education.
Established in 1999, the Best Communities for Music
Education from the National Association of Music Merchants
Foundation honors school districts and school buildings that
have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music
education programs as part of the schools’ core curriculum and
exemplify commitment and support for music education.
To be considered for the designation, district educators are
required to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation
requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities,
support for the music program and community music-making
programs. Responses are verified with school officials and
reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public
Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of
Kansas.
North Hills Sophomore
Advances to National
Art Competition
N
orth Hills School District students
were honored for their artistic
achievements in the recent Alliance
for Young Artists and Writers competition
for the Pittsburgh region.
In coordination with the nationally
known Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the
competition recognized two North Hills
artists for their photography and digital
art entries. Their artwork was on exhibit at
Community College of Allegheny County
North Campus in February.
Sophomore Alexis Ligus won the Gold
Key Award, the competition’s highest
honor, for her digital art and photography
entry featuring lollipops on varying
backgrounds. Her piece advanced to the
2016 National Scholastic Art & Writing
Awards competition where her artwork
will be judged alongside the best student
artwork in the United States.
A Silver Key Award was given to
sophomore Kamile Miseikyte for her
photography entry.
More than half of the entries into the
competition were not selected for the
show and less than half of the pieces
accepted into the competition were
recognized as award winners. A panel
of local artists, art educators and art
professionals judged the entries.
Ross Township | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 35
N OR TH HI L L S SC HOOL DI STRI C T N E WS
orth Hills School District has been honored as one of the
nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the
noted NAMM Foundation. North Hills School District is
one of only nine districts in Allegheny County to be awarded the
program’s highest designation this year. Only 476 school districts
across the country were recognized with the honor.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is
awarded to school districts that demonstrate exceptional efforts
toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core
curriculum.
“It is an honor to be one of the 476 districts nationwide to be
selected, and this recognition is a testament to the incredible
educators and talented students who instruct and learn in North
Hills School District’s valued music education program,” said Dr.
Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills School District’s superintendent.
At North Hills School District, nearly eight out of every 10
students has taken part in a music class or related activity during
the 2015-16 school year. A total of 12 different classes are taught
at North Hills High School, and students can enroll in 11 music
class options at North Hills Middle School. All elementary students
take part in a general music class and nearly 500 fourth, fifth
Nor th Hills School District
N
North Hills Named a Best
Community for Music Education