Students write, run to rescue education

Students write, run to rescue education

Students write, run to rescue education

April 05, 2010, 03:30 AM By Heather Murtagh Daily Journal Staff

Michael Costa/Daily Journal Fourth grade student Zia Moore, 10, writes a letter for Run For FUNds at the San Carlos Charter Center. “Dear Leeland Yee,” 9-year-old Kendall Mantoani wrote on her lined piece of paper. “I am concerned about the money that goes into children’s education,” the fourth grader at the San Carlos Charter Learning Center continued. The little girl has reason to worry. Budget cuts coming down from the state have resulted in the loss of programs, layoffs of teachers and larger class sizes. Less funding is leading schools and often school districts, to fundraise to keep what’s important. This year schools are joining forces. In May, the San Carlos Charter Learning Center and John Gill Elementary in Redwood City will both be taking part in fundraisers to support the schools financially while encouraging physical fitness. Those from the San Carlos community will be taking part in a 150-mile run from San Carlos to Sacramento called Run for FUNds. At the same time, John Gill will host a move-a-thon. Both will use the fitness-based activities to raise money. But that’s only part of the game plan. Children from both schools are writing letters to legislators about their concerns and inviting the elected leaders to see the impact of budget cuts on schools. “We would like them to see how larger classes make it hard to learn and teach,” said Christopher Mahoney, director of the San Carlos Charter Learning Center. “An up-close view of the safety and health hazards caused by crumbling buildings is important, too. They also need to look at the kinds of difficult choices that face principals everyday.” Both schools are also collecting letters from those in their communities who have concerns to share. “We recognize lawmakers are struggling with the budget, but dedicating a day to a school is the only way they will truly know how to set their priorities,” said John Gill Principal Amanda Kemp. Children are supporting the effort in a variety of ways. Eleven-year-old Julien Levy, a sixth grade student at the Charter Learning Center, will be running in Run for FUNds. Last year he was able