This week has been an exercise in flexibility: state testing has forced us all to shift our schedules in significant ways. In some cases, our teachers haven't had half as much time as they need with their students; occasionally, teachers have had no time. And our But the importance of tests like PARCC and MCAS cannot be understated, and we are happy to participate in these programs because they support us, even if the process of participation is difficult.

Through it all, we persevere. We make room for our obligations, and we celebrate the progress we're making. And we ensure that the truly important things don't get left behind. In the midst of upturned scheduling, our El Sistema staff is preparing our students for the approaching El Sistema Showcase, when we will meet and learn with the other El Sistema programs in our city. In the last weeks of school, our teachers are bringing lively new projects to our students, to keep them interested up until the very end. I am so excited to see their end results! 

And soon will be the grand finale: our June Concert Series, starting with our kindergarteners and ending with our 8th grade graduation, will be an event to remember. I know that every single person in our community is looking forward to it.

In the past couple weeks, we've reached out to you about the changes for next year. We encourage you to keep up the conversation. Please join us at the El Sistema Showcase, PAC meetings, and our June Concerts. Help us to persevere, as we really couldn't do it without you. Help us finish this year strong!