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disheartens her that our 6th and 7th grade students may lose out on this opportunity <br />further stating that the studies of world languages are a fundamental non-negotiable <br />component of any 21St century education. <br />RMHS student Kevin Yatsuhashi said he developed a great foundation in Spanish <br />during middle school and urged the committee not to cut the program. <br />Parker student Laura Yatsuhashi said she began taking Spanish this year and after <br />only 3 months it has become her favorite class. Learning Spanish has opened the <br />door to learn about different cultures, people and experiences. This cut not only <br />affects the 7th graders, it affects the 6th graders who are eager for the opportunity to <br />take Spanish. <br />Ann Marie Cory spoke as a parent, resident and teacher at RMHS. She said this has <br />been an emotional time for her and others. She said that the shear logistics of teaching <br />French and Spanish 1 is a daunting task and there will be a cultural change at the high <br />school. Students will fit have to fit 4 years of language into what they could typically <br />do in 3, meaning as seniors they will have fewer elective opportunities. Middle <br />school students should have the same opportunities and urged the School Committee <br />to look in other areas such as athletics and extracurricular for cuts. <br />Rebecca Liberman began by asking the committee to ask themselves if this is the best <br />they could do for students. She feels this budget is unacceptable and urged the <br />committee to look at everything else to avoid the personnel cuts. She asked them to <br />consider the core mission of instilling the joy of learning and the people that <br />implement this mission. <br />Donna Shindelman, parent of a Parker and Killam student, shared that in her work as <br />a mental health professional she has seen what a strong foundation and support <br />students get in education is paramount to their wellbeing. Kids deserve a well- <br />rounded educational experience. <br />Coolidge student Maxwell Carcione said -that this budget is detrimental -to his <br />education and to all students that come after him. He pointed out the value of the <br />double ELA block which allowed for his teacher to provide the extra supports needed <br />for the students in the class. He urged the School Committee to reconsider the middle <br />school cuts. <br />Preschool parent Rebecca Bailey said she moved to Reading for the schools and is <br />concerned that her kids will not have the same educational opportunities. She asked <br />the committee to consider the little ones entering the Reading Public Schools in the <br />future. <br />Geoffrey Coram understands there are no easy answers and these cuts will have long <br />term effects on the district. Once positions/programs are removed, it is difficult to <br />restore them. The repercussions from these cuts will go beyond one year. He also <br />urged the committee to look at all areas. <br />Chair Robinson closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. <br />II. Recommended Procedure <br />Page 1 2 <br />