My daughter Latisha wrote this in response to her school cancelling the grade twelve drama program for next year. This is extremely difficult for her and her friends, and if you could take the time to read this, you may be able to help prevent this from carrying through. She wrote: So, a serious issue has been brought to my attention in the LCSS community. As you all know, I am extremely passionate about drama and acting, and it has been one thing that I have been carrying through my education since I applied and was accepted to Pearson in grade 4. I have never gone a school year without a drama class since. Now, however, the students who are so dedicated at Central are being threatened with a year with no senior drama class. According to the guidance counselors, the class has been cancelled due to lack of interest. However, in speaking with the people my friends and I know, the minimum requirement for a class has been met, and is simply being overlooked in the interests of pushing more Central students into the maths and sciences tracks. Many people I know take drama as a course to get away from the stress caused by the demanding curriculums of the rigorous academic courses here. They use it as a tool to control stress levels, and as a tool for improving life skills such as public speaking, interview skills, confidence, co-operation with others, leadership and memorization skills. It is an invaluable resource and staple in their lives, and many of us are devastated at the prospect that is quickly becoming real of losing it. I, however, also have a personal need for this class. As many of you know, I am seriously considering acting or other dramatic pursuits as a career option. Drama classes are essential to developing the skills and maintaining those I have if I ever want a chance in such a tough climate. My main concern, though, is that no acting school will take a student who does not have grade twelve drama class on their resume, as it shows lack of dedication. The hole in the space where it should be will be obvious, and I will stand no chance at all of being professionally trained in the art I love, which will result in my being at a serious disadvantage in the field. Essentially, what this decision by the school (made with no good motive) is robbing me of the chance to be successful in what I love. Personally, I dont think that should be a schools decision to make. Careers are highly individualistic and personal choices that should not be made by someone wishing to improve the academic reputation of their institution. I am, quite frankly, desperate to change this. It could really put a stop, or at least a serious setback, on my future plans and the plans of others. We need your help. If any of you wish to discuss the matter further, please feel free to message me or leave a comment below. I will answer any questions you have to the best of my ability, with the knowledge that I have. The school is being quite secretive about this so far, as the guidance counselors also held off telling us about the course cancellation until the deadline for changing schools had passed and we were essentially trapped here with no drama program, barring moving into the area of another school for nothing but the opportunity to get a class you need for your future. I feel that this whole situation is underhanded and unjust, and I urge you to help us in any way you can. If I hear of any more ways, I will post them in the comments, but here are some ideas I have heard so far: ANYONE- Repost this status, or share mine with my story, I dont really care what you do with this. You are free to use my words, or to create a statement of your own, but the more we get the word out, the more we can do about it! Feel free to add your own story, in place of, or alongside mine. We need to work together if we want to change this and get our drama course back. Please take the time to spend even two or three minutes to spread this, even if you do nothing else for it. Central Students- 1. Wear drama clothing and spirit wear tomorrow (March 4)! We are trying to get the word out, and this show of solidarity would be amazing. I dont care what grade you are in, if you have it, please wear it! 2. Talk to your friends and have them complain to the guidance counselors, as well as getting them to talk to their parents. 3. If you were thinking of signing up for drama and you didnt, and you still have room, please do- it may not be a real issue of numbers, but if we can erase that illusion more, then the school will have less to hide behind. Parents, Friends, Family- 1. Write letters! Mr. Robertson needs to hear that people are not happy about this! Please keep them calm and respectful, but make your opinions known and the fact that you are upset about it! 2. Come to the school in person and talk with the principal and guidance counselors. Though the counselors themselves did not cancel the course, they can pass on your opinion, and they were also behind waiting until after the transfer deadline in part! 3. Write to the newspapers, television channels, radios (you can call them, too!), and any other media or education connections you know to let them know what is going on! If no one knows, then how can we get anything accomplished in getting a change here? 4. Talk about it! Dont let the school keep this quiet and swept under the rug. When a decision is unfair and harmful, it needs to be shared and changed! Latisha has been extremely dedicated to putting herself out there and getting involved in Drama whenever she could from an early age. The opportunities she experienced through Pearson School For The Arts was exceptional. She took time to go on school tours before making a choice. Central was chosen for the reason that it has a solid strings experience as well as Drama and all other academic needs. I dont know what can be done to change the decision or outcome but I will do what I can to help and support my daughter Latisha and others in voicing their needs and thoughts on this matter not to mention to review our options. Anyone with any thoughts or suggestions please feel free to contact myself or Latisha....or the school itself. Well written letter Latisha, very proud of your trying to deal with this situation in a constructive way. Hope others will step up and help change the fact that Drama wont be offered to those already in the program now. Please help any way you can....Thanks.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:34:24 +0000
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