Students in the 21st century need skills that enable them to craft new realities out of fast-moving data -- to decode sounds and images, articulate problems, envision possibilities and shape workable solutions in concert with multiple diverse perspectives. They need curiosity, adaptability, empathy. The habit of lifelong learning. And, to compose a future we can only imagine, they will need creativity. Fine arts programs play a lead role in meeting these and other educational goals. The ability to analyze complex visual and aural messages and make critical judgments lies at the heart of the information age.
Arts programs build these interpretive skills. At the same time the arts illuminate nobler impulses of human nature: tolerance, compassion, courage. They teach responsibility, collaboration and cooperation. They soothe and even heal.
Research has consistently shown that combining the desire to create with the perseverance needed to excel in the arts results in improved student performance in all academic subjects.

• Arts education:
• builds a climate of high expectation, discipline and academic rigor strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• promotes a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance and goal-setting
• nurtures a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done
• develops greater appreciation and understanding of the world at large
• provides an opportunity for parental, community and business involvement with schools.

School districts that value the arts provide a full education in the deepest sense of the word – one that prepares students to live and work together, to appreciate the interconnectedness of humanity, and to thrive in an uncertain future.

To help ensure a vibrant future for fine arts education in the Minnetonka Public School District, the Minnetonka Alumni Association (MAA) has created the MAA Fine Arts Endowment Fund. This permanent, income-producing legacy, held by the Minnetonka Public Schools foundation, will make possible extraordinary opportunities for Minnetonka teachers and students in the visual, performing and literary arts. Opportunities beyond and separate from the schools’ normal operating budget.

A survey of District teachers and staff produced an exciting array of programming ideas that annual grants could support:

• Invite a composer to work with music students over a period of several weeks to compose, rehearse and perform an original score especially for Minnetonka High School.
• Host guest clinicians who teach and evaluate vocal and instrumental music groups.
• Arrange for a professional muralist to guide art students through the design and completion of a mural as part of an all-school beautification project.
• Create residencies for professional coaching in ceramics, jewelry making, photography and printmaking.
• Purchase a supply of stock-sized frames in which to display student art.
• Focus on the technical aspects of theater -– lighting, sound, scene construction and costuming -– by inviting specialists in these areas to conduct workshops.
• Introduce creative writing students to professional writers through readings and workshops, both in school and at writers’ events in the area.
• Organize a non-competitive, co-curricular modern jazz dance group with instruction by a professional choreographer.
• Host and make field trips to performances by outside choirs, bands, theater and dance companies.

Exciting ideas, yes, and just a sample of the arts enrichment programs the MAA Fine Arts Endowment Fund could support every school year – with your help.

Minnetonka Alumni Association 2005-2006 Fine Arts Grants

How To Make A Gift

An endowment is an investment in the future.
The Minnetonka Alumni Association invites you to join in the creation of this vibrant, long-term legacy.
To make a tax-deductible gift to the MAA Fine Arts Endowment Fund please complete the pledge form.
Indicate how you wish your name(s) to appear in our donor recognition lists.The MAA will
gratefully acknowledge your generosity as follows:

• Laureate $10,000 and above
• Master $5,000 – $9,999
• Virtuoso $1,000 - $4,999
• Prodigy $500 - $999
• Patron $100 - $499
• Muse $50 - $100
  Working together we can help ensure excellence in fine arts programming in the Minnetonka
  School District for decades to come.

Click here for the FAEF pledge form. Requires Acrobat Reader

To view in PDF form, click here. Requires Acrobat Reader