News 12 Friendship Bracelets Program Helps Purchase New Musical Instruments for Newark Schools.

In September, News 12, in collaboration with Optimum, initiated a fundraising campaign to produce friendship bracelets to support school music programs. 

This program allowed participants to craft colorful bracelets that symbolize unity and community spirit. 

       The program has raised $80,000 for music programs across the tri-state area. Roberto Clemente Elementary School is among several schools that received funding. This school will benefit from receiving a portion of the $7,000 allocated to purchase new musical instruments. 

    The investment aims to enhance the quality of musical education by allowing students to explore their musical talents and giving them a therapeutic outlet. At Roberto Clemente Elementary, the fifth-grade class urgently needed musical instruments to support their growing interests in the arts.

     In an interview with News 12, Tim Amalfitano, one of its teachers, emphasized the school’s strong commitment to fostering creativity.

    He said, “Here at ( Roberto Clemente Elementary), we believe that the arts should be introduced as early as possible,” 

             The effort to secure additional funding for public schools is an ongoing struggle that many educators face regularly. Teachers often advocate for everything from basic classroom supplies, like textbooks, rugs for reading sessions, and writing materials, to essential facilities to enhance the child’s educational experience. 

     Organizations like DonorsChoose are instrumental in fulfilling classroom wishes and needs. They support the need for musical instruments and essential classroom supplies. Through their platform, teachers can post specific projects or items they need for their students, allowing donors to contribute directly to improving the educational experience. 

            More information about DonorsChoose can be found on the organization’s website.