Thanks to an investment by Evansville’s Moore Music, 700 classrooms will soon be equipped with new resources for teachers and students to start the school year.

This donation will help further the EVSC’s GAIN program. GAIN – Growth in Academics through Innovation and Neuroeducation – is the EVSC’s comprehensive approach to education, specifically educating the whole child. It combines high-quality learning and teaching with social emotional skills (critical thinking, creativity, responsibility) that students need in order to be successful.

Specifically, the donation from Moore Music provides teachers with additional tools and funding to develop a video series they can use in their classrooms. These videos teach students how to use mindfulness practices to reduce and cope with their stress. Teachers can use the videos throughout the day to refuel students for learning. 

Students from all backgrounds enter school while experiencing stress. Typical stress can stem from general anxieties, while more traumatic stress stems from violence in the home, addiction, or abuse. “These experiences can create barriers in education for our students, especially if stress is prolonged,” stated Maureen Barton, EVSC Foundation Executive Director. “Moore Music’s positive, forward-thinking is helping EVSC further develop a program that goes beyond the classroom and reaches our school families and communities.”

“As a school community, we are thankful for Moore Music’s investment, especially for children relying on extra support due to negative COVID-19 experiences,” said Barton. “Also, 15 schools will be outfitted with classrooms designed to reduce stimuli for students, enabling them to return to learning.”

The donation stemmed from visits to Evans School where Moore Music leadership witnessed the success teachers had developing self-regulation skills with their students. “This is going to change the world, starting here in Evansville,” said Brett Mulzer, owner of Moore Music. “…I’m blown away.”