To the Editor:
We were so disappointed and devastated to hear of the potential cancellation of Collab.
This class teaches students in a unique way—one that encourages individual thinking instead of the practiced memorization of facts, asks students to question surroundings and what is expected and known, and has proved to be a progressive teaching style.
We have been taught the importance of thinking for ourselves, working with peers, and how 21st century skills are vital to the learning process.
Westport prides itself on the superior education, individuality, and support it provides to its students. Our town was recently honored with having the No. 1 school in Connecticut.
With these supposedly necessary budget cuts, our class is finding it hard to believe we will be able to maintain this status without the many classes that make Staples unique.
In addition to Collab, many other distinctive classes are being canceled, including ones that are critical to an average high school. French 1, music lessons, Latin American Studies, Senior Options, Current Issues, British and Irish Literature, and A.P. Computer Science are among the courses being cut.
This fight is not simply about Collab. We believe that restricting educational opportunities is a critical error, no matter what the class.
We spent almost an entire quarter researching and studying American education. From this examination, we learned how easy it is for funds to be mismanaged.
Education should never be limited, so we urge the Town of Westport and all interested in furthering the education of its children to help us.
Please join us on Monday night, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Staples cafeteria to protest the outrageous cancellation of these classes. With any questions or comments, please e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sincerely,
The Staples High School Collab Class 2008-09
Westport
