CDA SCHOOL LEVY: Rally around the students

I’ve been a teacher for 21 years in Coeur d’Alene No. 271 district. I began at old Hayden Lake Elementary where I daily heard the beautiful sound of creaking in the old wooden floors. I’ve consistently taught third-fourth grade and for the last 15 years; I’ve been the ALP Teacher at Sorensen. I teach third-fifth grade students to understand the power of learning Latin Stems, enjoy discovering math concepts, and much more. Many return from university with gratitude for not only what they have learned in my classes, but what they have learned from my colleagues who work tirelessly to make sure students are thriving academically, socially and artistically.

I direct our 46-member choir, lead a Chess Club of 48, am the Site Director for Math Is Cool, Adviser for the Elementary Student Advisory Group, and proudly direct Veterans Day Assemblies honoring those who have served in our community. Every one of these programs is vital to the enhancement of a child’s life and becomes a sustaining force throughout their educational journey.

There are many teachers just like me showing up every day in classrooms; even in the midst of being told we are indoctrinating our students, which are followed by many other hurtful misnomers. Investing in education is investing in the sustainment of our community that we love. I’m not asking for sympathy or accolades. I’m asking that we rally around students. The assignment is to vote on May 16 like your community depends on it, because it does.

CHARLENE BABB

Coeur d’Alene