Great Visuals: Thousands of letters written by students to be presented at council meeting
(PHILADELPHIA) June 10th, 2013 – Mothers plan to use the smallest voices in a big way today, Wednesday, June 12th at 2pm to urge Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of the Whole to pass the liquor-by-the-drink tax. About 4,000 letters written by Philadelphia school students will be presented to Council members expressing how important art, music, sports, counselors and others play a pivotal roll in their lives.
This highly visual event is being organized by The Ad Hoc Group of Parents to Save Our Schools supported by Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) and Education Voters of Pennsylvania.
Fatima, the author of one the letters wrote “We have a counselor to help us feel better if we have a problem. She is the only person who knows how people feel when they are sad, mad or shy.” Without additional funding to fill a $304 million budget deficit, the district will be forced to implement its “Doomsday” budget which would eliminate 3,783 jobs including 1,202 Noontime Aides, 676 Teachers, 307 Secretaries and 283 Counselors.
“Having instrumental music has given me something in life I have always wanted to do. My mom can’t afford to give me lessons. This gives me a chance to do my dream in life. That is the main reason I hope they will let us keep music” wrote Sarah, another student whose letter will be delivered to Council members on Wednesday.
PCCY Executive Director Donna Cooper says “The future of our city’s children hangs in the balance. Without dedicated funding from the City of Philadelphia, students will be sidelined from sports, and silenced from music. They deserve better and it’s up to Council to help make that happen.”
PCCY supports dedicated funding bills to restore funding to the Philadelphia School District.
Daniel sums it up best. In his letter, he wrote “I want an education so I can get somewhere in life. To achieve that goal, I need you to stop cutting the budget and start funding them (the schools).”
For additional comment or to set up an interview please contact Anthony Hopkins, Communications Director, at 215-563-5848 ext. 23 or 484-433-7490 (c).
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