With the spring BASICS – or Benefiting All Students In Cranston Schools – concert just around the corner, Pete and Kerri Kelleher are looking ahead with great anticipation while taking a proud look back at how far they’ve come.

“BASICS got started about 5-1/2 years ago, with the intention of being an advocacy group that would find a way to boost parent involvement in our school system,” Kerri said.

“Very soon after we got started, the district cut the music program, and although we never intended to become a programming group, that was such an immediate and urgent need that we did what needed to be done for the kids.”

The BASICS music program had only just begun, but families all over Cranston were signing up. Within months it was building momentum, and expanding its offerings after just one year’s time.

“We were up and running with the after school music program by that winter. The first year we just had band and strings, and closely mirrored what used to happen within the school day,” Kerri said. “By the second year, we had a little bit more confidence in ourselves. My husband took over as the music director, and we added guitar and the glee [singing] club based on popular request. By the third year, we had added the holiday glee club, and started booking performances all over the city. With year four, our summer glee [club] was launched.”

The Kellehers had committed to only five years, and that timeframe is now coming to a close.

“Here we are, finishing up year five, what we always expected to be the end of the program. As per the district’s legal responsibilities under the Caroulo lawsuits, the school department had to repay the debt to the city before any programs could be restored,” Kerri said. “Last year, the final that payment was waived. So, we figured the district and the School Committee members would follow through on what was promised, and begin the restoration of middle school sports, the gifted program, and the elementary music programs.”

Kerri is cautiously optimistic for Cranston’s musical future, hoping that the initial proposals are steps toward something bigger and better.

“What is proposed for next year for elementary music, I hope it is only a stepping stone towards the rebuilding of an actual viable elementary music program,” she said. “Otherwise, it is simply not enough.”

As they reflect on the past five years, both Kellehers realize that BASICS has helped them as much as they have helped others.

“My husband and I have spent many hours running the music program over the last several years, and while it has been a difficult balance at times, it is something that we have selfishly enjoyed. Since we are both transplants to Rhode Island, and to Cranston specifically, it is amazing how much a part of the community we have become, and how many families feel like extensions of our own,” she said. “While we always say that we never intended for things to take the path that they did, we are so grateful for where that road has led us.”

That road even included a run for school committee for Kerri during this past election season. Although she did not come out on top, it was a close race.

“When we started out, we adopted the slogan, ‘Just fix it!’ and we were a bit idealistic, thinking that it should be relatively simple for the politicians to put politics aside and put the children first,” she said. “Five years later, I realize just how naïve that thinking might have been, but I still think the heart of that idea holds true, and that was the very reason I decided to put my name on the ballot last November, because I think operating in the best interests of the children should be the only objective of the school committee. It shouldn’t be about stepping stones to higher office, or egos, or personal agendas, and too often it is. Our kids deserve more.”

The Kellehers have hung their hat on their belief that the school department needs to be more transparent and communicate out to families on a consistent basis. The BASICS Facebook page seems to show evidence that the need is real, and the Kellehers will not be closing up shop in that department any time soon.

“Thankfully, the BASICS Facebook page has taken the parent involvement to a new level in our city,” Kerri said. “Although our page is disliked by many administrators and elected officials, I think it serves a critical role in this age of social media. The page serves as a place for parents to ask questions, share ideas, or express opinions. While at times being the administrator isn’t the greatest role, I think our forum is an important one, and I am committed to seeing it continue.”

As the school year winds down, fun events are in the works. A recent Minerva’s Pizza luncheon with the mayor at Stadium School was the recent reward for a snowy BASICS challenge, with Grace Lovenbury coming out on top as the winner. Lovenbury had guessed that the mayor would see 20.5 inches of snow during one of Cranston’s many winter storms.

“She guessed 20.5 inches of snow in Mayor Fung’s yard and he had 20 inches,” Pete said. “The kids watched and measured snow all evening and guessed on Facebook. Over 100 kids guessed. It was a fun night for families stuck inside during a snowstorm.”

Now, there are just about two weeks remaining before the final concert of the year.

“We have instructed over 800 students during these last five years, and we are less than two weeks from what should be our last concert. Our theme for this one is ‘Songs you know by heart,’ which just seemed fitting,” Kerri said. “You can check out the show on May 29 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Cranston West. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $7, or on our website for a discounted rate of $5 for adults and $3 for children until May 26. Summer glee will begin in June, and run for eight weeks. We will have several surprise ‘flash mobs’ over the summer, and finish the summer session up with a concert at the gazebo at Garden City.”

The music tab on the BASICS website, www.basics-ri.com, has more information and registration paperwork. Those interested may also email basics.cranston@live.com.