At The Learning Community in Central Falls, RI, Music Teacher Lisa Pare has built more than a K-5 general music program – she has created a space where her 379 students feel seen, safe, and inspired. “Our music classroom and program has fostered a sense of community and belonging for kids,” she shares. “Our room is a community space and warm environment where all are welcome.”

In a school where 83% of the student population is economically disadvantaged, the teacher says the music room is a source of stability and connection. Ms. Pare even has created a dedicated “Safe Place” within the classroom, a calming area where students can go when they feel dysregulated. The teacher has found this layer of care strengthens learning and deepens her relationships with her students.

The results of this nurturing environment are evident. The connection Ms. Pare made with a fourth grade student helped him overcome behavioral challenges, and he even was able to perform a music solo. He later brought Ms. Pare his completed math homework, which she proudly displays on the music room wall.

While Ms. Pare is working wonders with her caring approach and the meaningful connections she makes with her students, she needs help to solve the school’s shortage of quality instruments.

When Ms. Pare began teaching at The Learning Community, she inherited instruments that had not been properly cared for. Many instruments are missing bars or have deteriorated rubber components.

Because of this, the students frequently have to share instruments or wait their turn, limiting the time they have for hands-on learning.

With new, high-quality instruments, Ms. Pare can ensure that all the children who feel so warmly welcomed in her classroom can have the equipment that’s needed to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities she creates for them to explore, create, and shine.

DONATE TODAY!

Your donation goes to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, allowing the foundation to work with the school’s music teacher to purchase the school’s needed instruments. Instruments are then delivered directly to the school.

Every contribution helps! Your generous support will:

*Equip students with high-quality instruments

*Expand access to music education and grow participation

*Inspire creativity, confidence, and success in school and life

How your donation works:

Your cash donation goes directly to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to help purchase the instruments each school needs at deeply discounted rates (typically one-third of retail price). Instruments are delivered directly to the school; no cash is given to schools. A 5% service fee is retained by JustGiving, and the Foundation retains 10% to cover administrative costs, including school vetting and grant management.

With generous and transformative support from Eddie Van Halen over the years and now continuing through his son Wolfgang, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation is pleased to announce that the Van Halen Family has committed to kickstarting the Adopt A School campaign with a generous $1,000 donation towards each of the first 100 participating schools.

How we select schools:

Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation identifies schools through a combination of outreach and research, focusing on those that meet specific grant eligibility requirements. Once a school is determined to be eligible, the music teacher is invited to complete a detailed grant application and participate in an in-person or virtual site visit. This process helps the Foundation understand the school’s unique needs and ensures that any donation will result in a sustainable, long-term impact on students’ access to music education.

More ways to help:

To spread the word on social media or link to this page in your own fundraising efforts, use the links below! And to learn more about Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation's Adopt A School campaign, visit mhopus.org/adopt-a-school or contact us at info@mhopus.org or 818-762-4328.