As planning for the 2015-2016 school year begins, I wanted to take a moment to provide you an update.  The Walton High School Foundation's campaign, "Giving our Students a Strong Foundation," officially comes to a close on Friday, April 3rd.

Unfortunately, monies raised to date will not allow the Administration to hire all 5 part-time teachers that reduced our class sizes this year.  Remember, smaller class sizes have a direct correlation with the following:

• student achievement - resulting in higher GPA and more scholarship opportunities
• student/teacher relationships
• improved skill sets
• lower tutoring expenses
• student preparation for college 

As you may have recently read in local media publications, education funding continues to be a focus.  Additional resources provided by the State and County will be invested in teacher retention and professional development.  Current funding levels will not enable any meaningful reductions in class sizes in Cobb County in the coming years. In fact, we received our Cobb County teacher allotment for next year and Walton will not be receiving any additional teachers.

The part-time teachers hired by the Foundation lowered class sizes in language arts, math and science.  This has increased the effectiveness and frequency of writing assignments, classroom discussions, oral presentations, and science labs.

I am asking you to consider the benefit of smaller class sizes for your student.  There are few investments where your donation could have as direct an impact on your student's future.  Please join us today by "Giving our Students a Strong Foundation."