SOAR: Don't ground program

We are writing this letter in support of a wonderful program and teacher in the local Post Falls School System, Ann Cunningham. The program is apply named the "Soar Program." In these tough financial times throughout the country, many programs are under fire to be cut or eliminated. This program, directed and run by this wonderful teacher and leader is a shining light!

Ms. Cunningham is an excellent example of cost effectiveness in education. She is the director of the Soar Program and National Junior Honor Society at both Post Falls Middle School and River City Middle School. This wonderful teacher and leader gives endless hours of free time to all these young men and women helping them open their minds to the endless benefits of education and working together to help students achieve with "learning!"

Ms. Cunningham's "Soar" Program utilizes the NJHS (National Junior Honor) leaders at both these schools to tutor students who are having difficulty learning in the classroom for grades sixth, seventh and eighth. Both the students and the tutors learn valuable lessons in this process. I believe the only costs to the school system is her salary and possibly some minimal expenses.

This teacher and her programs are essential and should remain in the school system. It would be doing a great disservice to the Post Falls schools and students should Ann Cunningham and her programs get eliminated. Please keep this wonderful teacher in our schools. Thank you.

RICK D'ALESSANDRO

Post Falls