THE WORD IS GETTING OUT AND SUPPORT IS GROWING:
Thursday, June 26th was a big day for the Project and brought about this terrific news report on WABC
New York Daily News 06/25/2008
KIDS TEACH POLITICIANS ABOUT SCHOOL CUTS
Albor Ruiz [NY Local]
You would think Schools Chancellor Joel Klein does not need to be reminded what his duties are. But two young mothers of public school students disagree and are intent in not letting him forget...
New York Daily News has also contributed this report from June 19th. In addtion to a piece from June 3rd.
Read the article in the Chinese language World Journal newspaper - (with an "automatic" English translation) -
here! The link for the original version in Chinese: HERE. The next article translated from SingTao New York can be found by clicking HERE.
June 11, 2008
Dear Parents:
I am writing to voice my support for the Kids Protest Project—a letter writing and direct
action campaign—and encourage you to get your schools involved in this opportunity.
The project is modeled on the third grade letter project at PS 87, which resulted in a
positive news piece on WABC on May 14th. The plan is to have students from different
public schools around the city deliver envelopes filled with letters protesting the school
budget cuts to Tweed Courthouse (DOE headquarters) each afternoon in June.
The Kids Protest Project helps the DOE understand the real impact that these budget cuts
will have on the schools through the words of students. Moreover, the Project introduces
students to the workings of city government while gaining meaningful experience in civic
action and participation.
On May 14, 2008, third grade students from PS 87 on the Upper West Side kicked off the
project by personally delivering letters protesting the budget cuts to the Chancellor’s
office. Unfortunately, the Chancellor has not yet responded to these letters. The failure
of the DOE to respond is completely unacceptable, but PS 87 students and parents remain
committed to working with other schools to coordinate a citywide effort.
Currently, the letter writing campaign is expanding to numerous schools across the city
with the hope that many more students from many more schools will also participate.
The letters will typically be delivered to the Chancellor’s office at or around 4:30 P.M.,
Monday through Friday. All of the specific details and information about the project can
be found at, www.kidsprotestproject.org or you can contact Cynthia Wachtell: wachtell@yu.edu or 917-392-2486 or Paula Seefeldt: kennapj@hotmail.com or 646-
734-0182. If you have any questions about the role my office is playing, please contact us at (212) 669-7250.
Sincerely,
Betsy Gotbaum, Public Advocate
Paula Seefeldt's interview with WBAI:
WBAI:
Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.
~James A. Garfield, July 12, 1880
20th president of the United States
