Special Report: Budget cuts gaining students' attention
The economy. Politics. Budget cuts.
When most teens hear these words, they instantly check out, thinking there is no way they can have any say in these ongoing issues in American society.
Think again.
Brian Lewis - A poster encouraging students to support teachers as the school district faces budget cuts hang at Johansen High School in Modesto. Photo by Brian Lewis
- Social networking reaches students where they live
- Sports cuts are all talk so far at Modesto-area schools
- Opinion: It's a crime the way teachers are laid off
- Staff cuts have 'domino effect' in schools
- Education's budget crisis in the eyes of a student, teacher and principal
Saving Our Schools
These are tough times in our schools. Some school districts have made painful cuts to programs and staff, and others will soon. Today, the members of The Bee's Teens in the Newsroom program present the first of a two-week project in which they examine from a student perspective the anxiety that budget cuts, real or rumored, are causing.For details on the Teens in the Newsroom program, read the Editors Desk blog.To see the full package of stories, go to www.modbee.com/buzzz.
Countless high school students in the Modesto City Schools district are speaking up in regard to the budget discussions that are affecting all schools and teachers. Whether it's by writing a teacher a simple thank-you card or speaking at board meetings, students are determined to let their voices and opinions be heard.
In March, high school students received word that more than 140 more teaching positions were to be cut in Modesto. The teens rallied and decided to take action to show adults that students have a stake in what's taking place and want to do something about it.
On March 22, Enochs High School students rallied in the main courtyard in the middle of the campus in support of their teachers. Students sported pink clothing, and some even volunteered to speak in front of the crowd to inspire their peers to let their voices be heard.
That evening, students from several high schools gathered at Modesto Centre Plaza and began a high-energy march to the school board meeting. Several students volunteered to speak at the meeting to make sure people know that teens sincerely care about what is happening at their schools involving budget cuts.
The Associated Student Body president at Enochs, junior Joseph Andrade, said, "I had my voice heard through the ability to speak the board meeting in March. I realize everything I want will not happen. Fortunately, the board listens with an open mind to your opinion."
Joseph believes students should take advantage of their ability to speak at board meetings and share their opinions. At the meeting, he shared his that "we wouldn't get a diploma in every hand without teachers."
While some students spoke out at board meetings, others spread awareness about the ongoing budget cuts by talking with parents and friends. Enochs senior Jissel Poblete said, "I wore pink in honor of the teachers that received pink slips and I've had discussions with my family about it to get the word out on the subject."
Jissel, like many other students, believes in the importance of sharing opinions and discussing the
Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/04/28/1146294/budget-cuts-gaining-students-attention.html#ixzz0mVKTGaok
Public voting began Monday in a White House competition among high schools to get President Obama to deliver the commencement address.
