How to write a letter supporting public schools
(and Happy Father's Day!)
Good morning and Happy Father’s Day to all the frog-loving dads out there, especially Richard/Daddy, Grandpa Allen, and Grampa Boggs! We love them all a lot!
We’ve been busy learning more about how we can help our public schools, which as you probably know are under attack in North Carolina. A week ago we delivered 31 letters from families in Chatham County to Senator Natalie Murdock, who represents Durham and Chatham and is a member of the senate education committee. (Bea and Harriet actually handed the letters to Senator Murdock’s legislative aide, as Senator Murdock was traveling to a conference.) We know she really appreciated them and will read them all and share them with her colleagues.
The letters were great, and came from students, parents, educators, and retired educators. But we especially appreciated the ones from kids, who have the best window into what their public schools do and what kinds of resources they need. We heard about playgrounds and libraries, STEM labs and science experiments and friends. But we heard the most about teachers, who are after all the ones who taught these kids to read and write, and to love science, math, history, and more.
Word is spreading about this letter-writing campaign, and this morning we’re going to write more letters with families at Chapel in the Pines, a Presbyterian church in our community. They asked for a fact sheet to share that focused exclusively on the benefits of public schools (instead of the harms of vouchers), so we thought it could be useful to share it here. The fact sheet has some “talking points,” but also a sample letter format you can use when writing. We know from Public School Strong that it is incredibly meaningful for our legislators to hear from families across the state, so we’re hoping this becomes a more widespread effort, traveling beyond Chatham. We’re always glad to help, so just reach out if you have questions!
Supporting Our Public Schools… a kids’ guide to making your voice heard
Under North Carolina law, everyone has a right to a “sound basic education.” Article I, Section 15 of our State Constitution says, “The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.”
How do we guard and maintain that right?
By supporting our public schools and teachers, and telling our leaders how much our public schools mean to us!
Most kids in North Carolina—and in the United States—attend free public schools. In fact, more than 90% of students in this country go to public school.
Public schools must:
-Have certified, qualified teachers who have to stay up to date with their skills and knowledge.
-Teach a well-rounded curriculum that is approved by the state.
-Accept everyone, regardless of race, gender, disability, or how much money you have. (Public schools are free!)
-Welcome and teach kids with learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder.
-Be accepting of LGBTQ kids and teachers.
-Provide bus transportation, school lunch and breakfast, and other services for kids and families who need them.
Most public schools also have sports and arts programs that bring their communities together.
Unfortunately, North Carolina’s teacher pay and support for students is among the worst in the nation—we rank 48th in teacher pay. We’re also near the bottom in what we give our schools per pupil. Even with a thriving economy (we rank #10 in gross domestic product), our level of funding has decreased instead of increased.
What can we do?
Our senators work for all of us—even (especially!) kids. The state senate’s education committee is currently deciding how much to pay teachers and how much to give schools. Tell the Education Committee what you love about your public school and what you think they should do with our resources.
Dear Education Committee,
My name is _____________. I live in ____________, NC and I’m in ___________ grade at __________________.
[Tell your lawmaker some your favorite things about your school!]
North Carolina ranks near the bottom of the country in how much we give our public schools. But we’re near the top of the country in how much money we have overall!
Here’s how I think you should spend our money:
[Tell the committee your great ideas!]
Sincerely,
[your signature]
To mail a letter yourself, send it to the education committee chairs:
Senator Amy Galey Senator Michael Lee
300 N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 521 300 N. Salisbury Street, Rm. 523
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
How are you spending your Sunday, Frog Troublers? We’re also going to brunch and probably the river. We might let some puddle-rescued tadpoles go in a safe pond. And we’ll definitely Facetime with the grandpas!
Love and more soon,
Belle and Bea
I love what you are doing keep up the good work. -Sarah
Thanks for being so supportive of Public Education. You guys rock!