North Hills School District has announced that 2020 summer camps are canceled due to the restrictions by the governor surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  This means that the Theatre Workshop held for students in grades 7-12 and the Elementary Drama Camp will not be held this year.  We are saddened by this, but look forward to hosting more events  in the future when it is safe for all to participate.

The North Hills School District has been named one of the best communities in the nation for music education for the sixth consecutive year.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation comes from the noted NAMM Foundation and recognizes outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
North Hills is one of 754 school districts in the country to receive the designation this year.

"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 Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino. "It is truly an honor."

The award also recognizes that the North Hills School District is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children that in those without music training. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound; young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, "Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

Eight out of 10 North Hills students take part in a music class or related activity. There are 13 different classes offered at North Hills High School and 11 at North Hills Middle School. All elementary students take part in a general music class and more than 600 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders play instruments in the elementary band or orchestra or sing in the children’s choir.
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About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.