Bethany+Fenyus

== = April 8, 2011 = = = = Beth Cannon, = = = = As middle school teachers with the Steel Valley School District, we are very concerned with the Governor’s proposed budget cuts and possible school-wide furloughs. Over the past decade, our PA public schools have made enormous strides and these cuts can reverse this trend. Our students have showed progress in all academic subjects and grade levels. In fact, last year’s 8th graders scored in the top 11% in the state. Because of the state funded computer programs, our students have been able to compete academically with students across the nation. Our extended periods of math and language arts classes have provided students the time to increase their writing skills and practice higher-level thinking strategies. In addition, the middle school teachers have been provided the students the opportunities to play in a variety of successful team sports, travel with their classmates, attend academic competitions, lectures, and field trips, perform in two drama productions each year, and even explore music technology. An active PTO, with its strong parental involvement, has provided students with fundraising opportunities to help fund yearbooks, assemblies, class trips, and dances. Futhermore, the chorus and concert band always work extremely hard to put on unforgettable seasonal concerts. A visitor cannot walk through our building without seeing a student’s nose in an AR book, the building and writing taking place in tech ed., the awe inspiring displays of art, our bully-free campaign in full swing, or the latest interactive SmartBoard lesson or science lab experiments engaging students. Most recently, our entire middle school staff pulled together to plan an extensive academic assembly to motivate students to do their best on the state-wide exams. Our students will report that none of the teachers are unwilling to sing, dance or humiliate themselves in order to connect with the students and inspire them to take chances. With furloughs, the quality of our students’ education will be diminished. = = = = Our building is loud, busy, and filled with hormonal preteens, but it is bustling with positive energy, active learning, and rigorous teaching strategies. Most importantly, it is a school with a culture that is built on meaningful relationships among successful students, hardworking teachers, a dedicated principal, involved parents, and a supportive superintendent and school board. We need to ensure that our students’ education doesn’t suffer as a result of the worst recession since the Depression. The history of the steel valley is rich with stories of resilience, rebirth, and renewal. Let’s be sure that our students have the enriching educational opportunities that will lead them into a future that is as solid as the steel that our communities were built on. = = = = Yours in Education, = = Bethany Fenyus, D.Ed. and the = = Teachers of SV Middle School = = = = = =Personal Messages= =home=