Let our children put their best foot forward!
Our children deserve the right to attend a neighborhood school.
By Sarah Madill
As a public school teacher, and a resident of the Magnolia neighborhood
of Seattle, I am more than disappointed in how the public school
communities are being treated. The lack of foresight of changing
demographics, the huge classroom size and now the lack of space in the
schools are astounding. Don't tell our children there isn't room for
them in their neighborhood schools.
Communities with strong public schools are safe and proud
communities because
they stay in town. The families are walking to schools, meeting their
neighbors, and building camaraderie with one another. Less cars on the
road and in the parking lots translates to less accidents, less climate
pollution and less money spent on gas. The
unspent gas money goes back into community businesses and schools.
Furthermore, we do not lose the small town atmosphere of our
neighborhoods. Keep our children in their neighborhoods!
Let the children exercise their right to walk. Let them be greeted
by their neighbors. Let them be recognized for their efforts of
contributing to the neighborhood and for just being children. Our
children deserve happy, safe and healthy childhoods, respecting their
neighborhoods and being respected by their neighborhoods.
Let our children develop strong self-efficacy. Let them exercise and
leave green footprints. Let them see the impact they make on themselves
by exercising, and the impact they make on others by reducing cars on
the road. The children will learn valid lessons about taking care of
themselves and the environment. They will develop pride as important
members of their communities. Our children will become proud and
respected citizens.
Children want to be loved, supported and recognized for their
accomplishments. Guarantee that our children can attend schools in
their neighborhoods. Let the communities welcome their children. Let's
not lose the small town atmosphere of our neighborhoods and
most of all don't tell our children there isn't room for them.
Support our children through our public schools. Let them know
they are respected citizens of the community. Let them know we are
depending on them to take care of themselves, each other and their
neighborhoods. Allow them the opportunity to shine as members of
their communities: thinking and acting locally. Let them exercise their
right to walk and put their best foot forward.
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