LAKELAND: Loud and clear ‘yes’

I am writing today to voice my support for the Lakeland March Levy.

First and foremost is the importance of full-day kindergarten. As a mother of a kindergartner, I have first handedly witnessed the benefits of this program. My son is halfway through kindergarten and is already learning to read. This isn’t something he would be able to do at this point in the year if he were in half day. Full day has given him the opportunities to enter first grade with his best foot forward.

Class size is EXTREMELY important to me. I am so thankful for the manageable class size that Lakeland has to offer. There is time for one-on-one. There is space for teachers to build a personal relationship with their students and family. The teachers are able to know their students individually, make deep connections and educate their students based on their individual needs. If class sizes were to be changed or interrupted this would no longer be the case.

My son receives speech services within the school. This is a crucial part of his education success. It’s terrifying to know how detrimental it would be if this were taken away from him and many other students, due to funding.

This levy is so much more than “just a supplemental budget.” This is about children’s lives, future and development. I will be voting YES on March 9 for not only my children’s future, but for the brighter future for all Lakeland students.

SAMANTHA MOOS

Hauser