LETTER: This mom, teacher, taxpayer is voting ‘yes’ on the school budget
April 21, 2024 | By Rebecca ChartrandTo the Community,
I wear many hats in this community. First, I am a mom to two kids: Emmett is a fourth grader at Brookside, and Maeve is a second grader. Secondly, I teach French at Brookside where I get to witness firsthand why school is a safe and joyful place for Emmett and Maeve to be. Lastly, I am a taxpayer. Voting yes on this second budget before or on April 30th is crucial for HUUSD being able to maintain quality education.
I want to elaborate on my comment about school being a safe and joyful place for my children. It is that way because of the amazing colleagues that work with them every single day.
We just came out of a pandemic, and there is a mental health crisis. There are a lot of student needs, and Brookside is fortunate enough to have two amazing counselors, Ashley Bergeron and Kately Mosher. Both of these ladies have helped Maeve navigate friendship problems and anxiety.
In first grade, Maeve wasn’t reading or doing math at grade level. Thanks to the interventionists at BPS, Maeve loves to read and no longer needs their extra support. I am forever grateful to them! Thank you Diana Puffer, Kendra Renz, and Sue Rooney!
Lastly, Maeve and Emmett have both benefited greatly from specials (music, French, PE, health, and art). My kids love art! Art Teacher Rachael Wells is one of their favorite teachers at BPS.
If the April 30th budget does not pass, the next budget proposal will include over a dozen more RIFs in the categories of counseling, intervention, world language, art, and nursing.
Voting yes means that you support our teachers, kids, and all of the amazing programming that is offered across the Harwood Unified Union School District.
Rebecca Chartrand
Mom/Teacher/Taxpayer
Waterbury