SCASD Board Approves Music Program to Enhance Student Engagement and Community

This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette .

The State College Area School District Board of Directors, during a meeting on Monday, Aug. 5, unanimously approved a year-long partnership between Malik McPherson, a musician and educator, and Easterly Parkway Elementary School for the 2024-2025 academic year.

McPherson’s program, “Creating a Culture of Belonging Within Our Schools,” offers teacher training sessions on promoting sustainable skills and practices and includes musical workshops for students, music albums created by classes, team building activities for employees and community events that will showcase student’s songwriting and public speaking skills.

McPherson founded SEL Hip-Hop, a play-centered, music-based curriculum program.

“I support schools and youth-serving organizations in building cultures of belonging through authentic engagement and creative expression,” McPherson said when discussing SEL Hip-Hop. “I facilitate professional development for administration and staff, focusing on implementing creativity and play to enhance classroom management skills. Additionally, I provide engaging and interactive workshops for students and families, promoting self-regulation, holistic thinking, community building and literacy.”

The new program was proposed by Easterly Parkway’s principal, Meredith Henderson, who noted she believes the partnership will enhance Easterly Parkway’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports initiative — a program that follows STAR, show kindness, take responsibility, act safely and respect others.

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