COME PREPARED WITH THESE TIPS & TOOLS!
Before Back-to-School Night
- NJ law requires arts courses (visual & performing) to be weighted equally in GPA. Read more
- Students involved in the arts have higher attendance, stronger academic performance, and better social-emotional skills.
- Arts education is a state-mandated part of a “thorough and efficient” education in New Jersey.
- Arts education in New Jersey is not a “special,” an elective, or a luxury—it is a core subject required for all students.
Bring Resources
- Make flyers or postcards with advocacy tips from ArtsEdNow.org.
- Share the “Did You Know?” fact sheet about arts benefits.
During Back-to-School Night
Talk to Teachers & Administrators
- Ask how the arts are being supported this year.
- Show appreciation for arts educators (a little thanks goes a long way).
- Mention that parents care about the arts as part of a well-rounded education.
Connect with Other Parents
- Start small conversations: “Did you know arts classes count equally toward GPA in NJ?”
- Suggest forming or joining a parent arts booster group or PTA arts committee.
- Share links to Arts Ed NJ resources, professional learning opportunities, and advocacy tools.
Make It Visible
- Set up a small info table (if your school allows) with advocacy resources.
- Share stories of how the arts have impacted your child’s well-being, social-emotional learning, creativity, or academic success.
After Back-to-School Night
Follow Up
- Attend an upcoming Board of Education Meeting
- Email school leadership, thanking them for supporting the arts and asking how parents can help sustain and/or grow programs.
- Share advocacy resources in your school’s parent newsletter, PTA group, or Facebook page.
- Encourage parents to learn more at ArtsEdNow.org