Tonight I will attend the Open House. I will see shoe-boxes turned into Gold Rush dioramas, models of the Solar System, Presidential portraits and artwork. I will read poems, essays and book reports. I will greet the other parents touring with their students, and shake teachers' hands.
It is all bittersweet for me this year. After years of financial strain on our Millbrae Public Schools from California State budget cuts, the stress is beginning to show. Classrooms are crowded, squeezing in 10 extra students this year. There is more work and less time to do it. Parents are being asked for more financial support just to keep classes going, and everyone is tired. It is not fair to our kids, our teachers and our community.
So, again I am going to ask anyone who reads this to donate to the Millbrae Education Foundation this month to try and pay for some staff members for the next school year. Also, there will be a rally on Tuesday, May 24th at 5pm at the corner of Millbrae Ave. and El Camino Real to protest lack of adequate state funding of public schools. Please show the teachers, students and parents you care what happens to public education by doing your part.
As for me, I will be making room on the refrigerator to display my children's work and praising them for all they have done to make this school year the best it can be. Thank you, kids. Your ability to thrive in the most difficult circumstances inspires me. I am proud to be your Mama.
Any declines in the local public schools affects the whole community socially and financially. To those who don't have kids in school, remember good schools make our community more desirable and helps our real estate market. All Millbrae residents have a vested interest -- the time to act is now. Thanks, Sharyl, for reminding us the children need to know we're still proud of their accomplishments, and not to lose heart, but remain involved and active to improve their educational experience.
I agree with C Yuen and her comments, and ultimately, it will be the Millbrae Community who pays for not financing and supporting its schools properly. Sharyl, thanks for another very good article!