I love Kent, Washington. I have lived in Kent for over 40 years, and attest to the strength of our schools, not only because I attended Panther Lake Elementary School, Meeker Junior High School, and Kentridge High School, but because today I am an educator in the Kent School District.
On Feb. 9, our community is going to vote on two critical levy propositions regarding education in Kent. http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/ksd/cr/2010levy/web/index.html
The purpose of these levies will be to “maintain” the current excellent status of education for our children at our current tax rate.
By voting “yes,” we will continue to ensure that our students are technologically savvy in the 21st century. By voting “yes,” we will ensure that our students will continue to have “clean and well maintained classrooms,” after-school sports programs, music programs, arts programs, safety officers, and a highly trained teaching staff that is preparing our students to become the future leaders of Kent.
I appreciate what the Kent School District offered me when I was a student. My teachers taught me the importance of hard work, knowledge, dedication, and the high ideals of contributing back to the society that raised me. Because of the great ideals that my teachers instilled upon me, I chose to become a band director in the Kent School District.
I see those ideals being met every day in the classroom by observing my colleagues. I see teachers tirelessly and lovingly instructing students every day. I see teachers continuing their personal education by taking college classes, master classes, professional certification classes, and national board classes.
They do this to ensure that they are acquainted with the newest teaching strategies available to help their students. I see teachers helping disadvantaged students by opening their checkbooks to pay for clothing, food, school supplies, band instruments, and even for school camps. Why? Because the teachers of Kent care about the future of our community!
By voting “yes” on Feb. 9, we are advocating the district motto to “Successfully Prepare All Students For Their Future.” Voting “Yes” Feb. 9 will ensure that our teachers have the necessary tools to “Prepare All Students For Their Future.” The school administration, teachers and Kent School Board are united in our quest to build our community, student by student, classroom by classroom, school by school.
“Yes” means quality education for our children of Kent! “Yes” means a positive future for all of the people living in Kent!
Darren Motamedy teaches fifth- and sixth-grade band in Kent. He was the 2008 teacher of the year in Kent, and KCTS Golden Apple Recipient for the State of Washington in 2009.
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