Students write, run to rescue education

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 to run 10 miles. This year he’s hoping to finish 15.

Once in Sacramento, children will be delivering the invitations and letters to lawmakers.

Fifth grade student Chris Ede, 11, is dedicating his school project to researching California’s public education and asking local businesses for support.

When asked why businesses should support local schools, Ede explained how difficult things will be without offering children a solid education.

"Who will invent all the things? Who will take care of the economy?” he asked.

Ede, who recently finished collecting research, will use the information to create a Power Point presentation that he plans to give to local businesses to find support.

Students at the Charter Learning Center are learning about change makers, people who were able to make change, as part of the lesson to explain why they are an important part of the process to protect education.

Both schools have difficult choices to make. Without additional funding, things like physical education, student support and library services are in danger.

Fourth grade student Nicky del Cardayre wrote to state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, about the importance of keeping such services. Physical education is her favorite.

"It’s fun,” she said. "You get your ya yas out.”

To get involved visit www.spend1day.com or e-mail getinvolved@scclc.net.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.