Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
February 6th, 2015
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I am writing to you with the intention of inviting you to visit our classroom. You see sir, I feel that there is much that our third graders could teach you, and share with you. Our students are truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that you would find the visit rewarding.
Governor, spending some time in our classroom you would learn the importance we place on developing the well being of the whole child. You would notice how we encourage empathy and understanding. You would see that we value collaboration, and working together to solve problems. And, that in spite of significant challenges we persevere. Our students would tell you that building each other up and helping one another is important. That our mutual agreements of being respectful, responsible and safe help to create an environment that is conducive to learning and growing. You might even be surprised to learn about the diversity in the background, circumstances, and abilities of our students and how we differentiate instruction in order to meet their unique academic needs, and how we also provide support for their physical and emotional needs. We are a community of learners: students, teachers, and families working together.
We look forward to the opportunity to have you as our special guest at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully yours,
Christina Luce
3rd Grade Teacher
Nate Perry Elementary
Liverpool, NY
P.S. Here are some photos of our learning community. We hope you enjoy them!
Great blog! I hope Gov Cuomo visits your classroom to see the awesome learning that is happening and realizes that all across our state dedicated professionals are working to help every student to be successful. Our students don't need political bullying, they need the support of all adults in the community.
ReplyDeleteRenee,
DeleteThere are so many dedicated professionals and learning communities that are doing their absolute best. It is disheartening to not have the support of our government officials. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!
Amazing teachers produce amazing classrooms! These children are becoming advocates for their own learning, and will surely demonstrate that if given the opportunity. Your blog is on point, Christina!
ReplyDeleteDr. Patterson,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read, and to comment. I truly hope that he will take the time to visit the learning communities that are directly impacted.
I hope he stops by soon! He'd have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI hope so too! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
DeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteSuch a transparent invitation. Recently, I was at a professional meeting where the question was raised as to whether politicians make trips to schools for anything beyond a photo-op. Unfortunately, most often, the answer seems to be "no". That being said, if other professionals - all professionals - took your approach, I wonder if invitations would start to be accepted. Your courage to share your classroom and openness to an honest conversation is admirable. Well done.
Dennis
Dennis,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to read and to provide feedback. I think that it is easy to make decisions that affect others when you remove or distance yourself from the situation. I have to believe that if the Governor spent time with educators, students and staff, that are directly impacted by his policies/suggested reforms, he would have to see things differently.