PALs Update
by Julie Collier

Dear PALs,
 
A parent from Vista Del Mar is offering an invitation to all PALs. Please read her email below and the invitation (link). This will be a positive and focused discussion to help enlighten us and find ways to help. If you are interested in attending, I would encourage you to come with an open mind and respectful behavior. There will most assuredly be people there who do not agree with your opinion, as there are a wide variety of viewpoints.

As a community, it is essential we listen with respect to every issue and opinion involving the teachers and students of CUSD. As I have stated before, no matter what the outcome is, there are no winners. I look forward to seeing you there.

Julie Collier
Parents Advocate League

Subject: Invitation to Town Hall Meeting on Mon., April 12, at 7:00 p.m.

Dear All,

You are invited to a Town Hall Meeting (Take Two) on Mon., April 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club in San Clemente (located at 200 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente). Please click (here) to view the flyer. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a partnership with parents, teachers and the Board and our richly diverse community, to educate students and to assist them in realizing their full potential as responsible, productive and contributing members of society by providing an educational environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected and differences are valued and by collectively modeling that behavior and holding ourselves to the same standard of conduct.

I am aware of the plans for a student strike, and I have mixed feelings about it. I am a huge advocate of keeping these issues away from our kids. In my opinion, the fiscal crisis is not their issue or problem.  I don't want my kids worrying about adult issues. I understand the passion behind the strike though – trying to encourage both parties to put aside their political agendas and come to the table for the betterment of our children's education and the future success of this district is a noble one. However, during a time when the district is in such a colossal fiscal crisis, I don't think keeping our kids out of school is the answer; honestly, I think it will only have a negative effect on our children's education. Simply, less time in school = less education.

So, my kids will not be participating in the strike; instead, I am encouraging parents to attend the town hall meeting on Mon., April 12, to respectfully talk about what we can do together to get through this mess. Please help me keep adult issues at the adult level!

Thank you for taking the time to read my email, and I look forward to seeing you on Monday, April 12.

Respectfully,

Dana Lush