Beatrice Educational Foundation fundraiser focuses on arts, at the elementary level

BEATRICE - Upgrading arts education is a goal for the Beatrice Educational Foundation, which held its Luck of the Orange fundraiser Thursday night. Executive Director Kristin Jensen says the goal is to provide dedicated space for visual, vocal and instrumental arts offerings at the new PreK to Fifth Grade school under construction.

"We've had so many businesses come together and be willing to provide donations, sponsorships, those types of things. Our community is thriving and everyone just wants what's best for Beatrice...and so it's awesome to see that support....and it doesn't surprise me at all, because we generally come together when there's important things that matter, going on."

The Red Barn Farm hosted the foundation event, which included a silent auction of donated items, food and entertainment.

Beatrice Public Schools Superintendent Jason Alexander says construction on the new school is going well, with most of the focus now on the interior work.
"The project is coming along very nicely, they've now been about 70-to-80 percent complete on the concrete work on the outside. That's a good measure from a standpoint of having that done before cold weather sets in. The inside of the building is really where a lot of the work is happening. We're there weekly, and you can't believe just how much work is taking place from week to week...so it's coming along really nice."

Alexander says research indicates the positives of providing adequate space for arts education and participation at the early grades. "We're really focusing in on wanting to provide an arts experience for our elementary students that will then continue and help them grow in the middle school and the high school. So, we have an art room, we have a vocal music room, we have a band room and an ensemble room...to really promote the fine arts. Research shows that kids that are involved in those things...it helps relieve anxiety, it helps them express themselves. It helps them be creative and to collaborate."

The new school is projected to be in operation for the start of the 2024 school year. The Beatrice Educational Foundation also has a capital campaign in progress to help further equip the new building.