My name is Reby Helland and I am a fifth-grade teacher at Lake Youngs Elementary in the Kent School District. I am not a community member of Kent; therefore I do not get to vote for this levy on Feb. 11. So, I am writing not to influence your decision, but as the voice for my students.
In this day and age, as a teacher, I am always asked to do more with less. Currently, I do not have materials to teach my students the new common core standards. My students are being denied opportunities for field trips and enrichment programs. My students, who are being bullied out on the playground, have no trained professional to turn to because we have no school counselors. The arts and athletic programs no longer exist for my students.
Why should my students have to do with less when you have to power to give them more? You have to power in your vote on Feb. 11 to provide the money needed for teachers to get materials aligned with the new common core standards. You have the power to say yes to reinstating fifth-grade band and orchestra. You have to power to say yes to lowering class sizes. You have the power to say yes to reinstating before and after school programs in order for all students to be successful. You have the power to put counselors back in our schools. You have the power to say to students, “I believe in you. You are worth it!”
According to OSPI, Kent’s per pupil levy spending is well below the state average. Why are my students not worth average? If you want above average students, if you want exceptional students, don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk and vote yes for this levy.
The Kent School District’s vision is to “successfully prepare all students for their futures.” These students only get one chance. This is their chance, their time. Don’t tell them, “You aren’t worth it.”
By saying yes to this levy it will restore cuts made in the past, it will enhance the education experience of our students now, and it will propel them into their future.
Say yes to my students. Say yes to your child’s future. Vote yes for this levy.
– Reby Helland
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