Dear PRISM parents,
As you are probably aware, Bellevue School District is on course to split the cherished PRISM program starting next year. The decision has been made without little regards to academic and emotional impact to our children in the name of expediency.
Our opportunities to stop or at least slow down these changes are very limited at this point. One of the last opportunityies we have is tomorrow when the Bellevue School District Board members meet for their bi-monthly meeting. We need to make it clear to the board that PRISM program is something worth protecting and the proposed changes are happening too fast.
I implore you to show up at the meeting and let them know how you feel about the changes. The meeting starts at 4:30PM and there will be an open mike on the floor at 4:45 PM. We are planning to have following parents speak for us.
- John Lawler will be asking whether required analysis and planning have been done for this change
- Laura Van Horn will speak to the emotional impact on our children
- Raj Sehgal will present why gifted program should be in one place
There is also an all-day GAC meeting discussing the changes on Tuesday. While you cannot speak at these meetings, parent can attend and find out exactly what GAC is recommending to the board. If you have the time, I would encourage anyone to attend this meeting.
8 am - 3 pm
ESC Room 200
Educational Service Center & Bellevue School District Office
12111 NE 1st Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
In addition, Dan Phillips (Odle Parents) and I will be meeting today with Eva Collins (acting superintendent) and other cabinet members to get more details on exactly what is driving all these changes.
Please, please find time in your busy schedule to show that you care. Here is the board meeting information:
Board meetings are held at:
WISC Rainier Room
12241 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98005
4:30PM on 4/17
Sincerely,
Rich Choi, 4th grade PRISM parent
