Tips for writing STUDENT LETTERS
Please write a small narrative with your concerns,
below are only ideas.
It is a good opportunity to teach children about community involvement.
There are two ways to submit letters:
1. Written testimony
2. Personal emails
Submit written testimony to redistricting@hcpss.org. All Board members have access to this
account and will read all testimony submitted.
Written testimony will not be edited before posting online—no personal information will be
removed. It is highly recommended that testimony sent via email be submitted as an
attachment. All written testimony should include your full name(s) and polygon number.
SUBJECT LINE: Oppose Dr. Martirano’s Redistricting Proposal
Send to personal emails:
Below is a list of email addresses of individual BOE members:
kirsten_coombs@hcpss.org
vicky_cutroneo@hcpss.org
christina_delmontsmall@hcpss.org
jennifer_mallo@hcpss.org
sabina_taj@hcpss.org
chao_wu@hcpss.org
It is imperative that we stay focused on factual reasons for not redistricting, and we must refrain from any comments that may be perceived as offensive or mean. ALWAYS BE KIND.
- Talk about commute to and from school:
EXAMPLES : How much free time do you have to do kid activities? Read a book, play outside, play with siblings/pets, watch TV?
a. What time you wake up now for bus and length of commute.
b. What time you go to sleep after activities and Homework
c. What time would you have to wake up for a longer commute?
d. Would your clubs or sports team affiliation be possible if you were unable
to get a ride from after school activities?
e. Currently we could walk to after school employment and internships.
f. My parents work and can’t drive me to after school opportunities.
g. Busy schedule and do not want to spend more time on a long bus route.
h. Why do we have to have the longest bus route in the county? Equity?
2. How changing High Schools would impact you personally:
EXAMPLES :
a. Separated from friends and relationships.
b. Added anxiety of starting at a new High School. (colleges look at these
grades)
c. Emotional Well-being
d. Our siblings/Family have attended this High School. Cheered for
teams/Participated/envisioned our chance to participate
e. Separated from your neighbors and community.
f. Affiliations with sports teams
g. Affiliations with Clubs and positions, some elected positions.
h. Connections with Teachers and Staff.
i. Ability to have letters of recommendations from counselors and teachers for
the college application process. Naviance will not work to inter-connect this
with teachers.
j. Trusted relationships with teachers to help during SAT/ACT and the college
process, i.e., reviewing essays.
3. Your Story of what your school and community mean to you.
EXAMPLES:
4. Equity for all of us. What about my equity?
EXAMPLES:
5. JUNIORS/SENIORS talk about the specific impact this would have on you!
EXAMPLES:
a. College/sports/Counselor/Leadership positions (voted on end of prior year)
Teacher Aid positions in senior year. Capstone projects for Engineering or
other classes.
6. SLEEP
EXAMPLES:
a. We need our sleep. How long do you spend on Homework and Activities
and then wake up for the bus now verses getting up earlier for a longer
commute.
7. Your Story on your membership to Teams and Clubs and breaking those bonds.
EXAMPLES:
a. Sports Teams
b. National Honor Society
c. Its Academic
d. Mock Trial
e. Debate
8. What the relationships to your Teachers and Coaches means to you.
EXAMPLES:
a. Helped you through situations.
b. Stability