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Students Rally Against Budget Cuts at Town Hall

Students+gathered+on+the+steps+of+Town+Hall+on+May+4+to+protest+the+proposed+budget+cuts.+Photo+by+Ross+Gordon+11
Students gathered on the steps of Town Hall on May 4 to protest the proposed budget cuts. Photo by Ross Gordon ’11

 

Students gathered on the steps of Town Hall on May 4 to protest the proposed budget cuts. Photo by Ross Gordon '11
Students gathered on the steps of Town Hall on May 4 to protest the proposed budget cuts. Photo by Ross Gordon '11

“I’m here personally because I want to show each Board member how much we really care. We are willing to really really fight…those extracurriculars really make the best school in Connecticut, whether it be sports or music or players.” – Jahari Dodd ’10

Alex Shmerzler '10 raises his guitar in protest as others raise their signs at the rally. Photo by Ross Gordon
Alex Shmerzler '10 raises his guitar in protest as others raise their signs at the rally. Photo by Ross Gordon '11

“When we grow up, past high school, there’s one thing we need- experience. These cuts have to go. How else can we get the experience that we need?” – Jason Wiles ’10 

Students of all ages joined the rally today to protest the budget cuts that will affect the entire district. Photo by Farrel Levenson '11
Students of all ages joined the rally today to protest the budget cuts that will affect the entire district. Photo by Farrel Levenson '11

“Just the fact that we’re the number one school in the state- I don’t understand how [the RTM] can even thinking about cutting so much money out of the budget…our extracurriculars are what make Staples so special.” -Morgan Patrick ’10.

A picket sign reads "Restore the $1.4," a phrase that students began to chant throughout the rally. Photo by Stevie Klein '12.
A picket sign reads "Restore the $1.4," a phrase that students chanted throughout the rally. Photo by Stevie Klein '12.

“You don’t get the SHS skills from lousy elementary school….you don’t get the SHS sports teams from lousy elementary schools…They cannot cut these wonderful extracurriculars.” – Suzanne Prop, music teacher at Greens Farms Elementary School

Mikey McGovern '09 addresses the crowd of students. "We know that education doesn’t simply happen in the classroom," said McGovern in his speech. Photo by Lila Epstein '10
Mikey McGovern '09 addresses the crowd of students. "We know that education doesn’t simply happen in the classroom," said McGovern in his speech. Photo by Lila Epstein '10

Thoughts or comments on the student rally? Share them below!

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  • S

    Stephen RexfordMay 9, 2009 at 8:21 am

    What’s next, Inklings?
    The RTM is not going to restore the money, and now the pain and hard work of cutting programs and teachers and services begins. Great job on this article. I hope you continue covering the issue by telling the public what’s being lost.

    Reply
  • S

    StevieMay 8, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    This rally was great! It was so cool to see all different students come together about an issue they really care about. It shows how much we care, and how much even the younger generations care! Westport is truely unique.

    Reply
  • J

    JaneMay 4, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    As a parent, it is tremendously cool to see such a large group of students get off the couch and really DO something. It shows how truly passionate they are about their education and their town. The RTM should acknowledge this event as a landmark for the town- we have raised a town filled with children who really care about their futures. This issue is more serious than ever, and I hope that the RTM things wisely about their decision.

    Looks like our kids have learned at least one thing from their parents! I remember participating in quite a few protests and rallies during my student days.

    Reply
  • J

    jahariMay 4, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    This was such an important day, not only for students but for the town of westport! The adults and those in authority needed to see that we care. I am so proud of everyone who came out, held a sign, spoke and were involved.

    we are the future, we fight for that reason alone.

    Reply
  • E

    EmilyMay 4, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    The rally was SO much fun. It was so cool seeing so many students come together for something that they really believe in. I understand that the economy is in bad shape, but I really hope that students will not have to suffer because of it. The RTM meeting tomorrow should be interesting….

    Reply
  • C

    CaleyMay 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm

    The amount of kids at the rally was incredible. So happy to see so many people came out to support Staples and their fellow students! Hope to see everyone at the RTM meeting tomorrow night!

    Reply