Carrie Conway, Chelmsford residentÂ
I am a proud first grade teacher at the Robinson School. I’ve been lucky enough to work with incredible students and families for the past eighteen year in Westford. I am writing to urge Westford to attend town meeting on Saturday, March 23rd at 9am to Vote YES for Westford. Without a YES vote at town meeting (and later at town elections in the Spring,) we will see a major loss in town and school staff.
One of the largest and most impactful losses in school staff would be our Reading & Math Interventionists and Literacy Specialists. As a first grade teacher, countless students have received specialized support from reading and math specialists over the years through general education services. These services have allowed students the extra small group time needed to bridge gaps in their learning. If residents do not Vote YES for Westford, our students in grades PK-5 will only receive services from 1 Literacy Specialist and 1 Academic Coach per school. Currently 550 students receive interventions from our team of 35 specialists and interventionists. If the Prop 2.5 override does not pass, only 156 students will receive specialized instruction next year from a small team of 12 specialists and interventionists.
I’ve always been so proud to teach in Westford and told parents throughout the years, “we are so lucky to have these services in place to give your kids a boost when needed.” My main concern is how we will continue to see incredible performance from our students over the years if our youngest learners aren’t given that “boost when needed.” Please consider taking the time to attend Town Meet on March 23rd and Vote Yes for Westford.
Disclaimer: If you would like to submit a letter to the editor, contact managing editor Ben Domaingue at bdomaingue@westfordcat.org. Letters to the editor are reviewed and published at the discretion of the editor. Letters to the editor represent the opinion of the reader who submits it and do not necessarily represent the opinions of WestfordCAT or its employees. WestfordCAT retains the right to refuse any letter to the editor for publication as it deems necessary.
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