Given the recent circumstances and world events, DIS must lay off some of their staff. While logistically we understand the need for that, it seems quite sudden and rather unfair. Heidi is our favorite teacher—she is kind, caring, hilarious, brilliant, effective and so passionate about what she does. It is not just teaching material that she does, however, she also teaches us values and about ourselves every day. Even though we had to return from our abroad program early and we are no longer with her in person, Heidi constantly checks in and she helps make it feel like we never left. We suddenly realized that Heidi had been laid off. This will both affect us, her, and future students. We also worry about general cuts being made and particularly to the Child Development program at DIS as that is the reason we chose to come to DIS in the first place, and it is such an impactful department. We hope these signatures and support could help Heidi and also shed light on the issue of compassion during this trying time. We would ask that DIS consider other creative options such that no teacher would lose their jobs, but perhaps consider ways in whichever this tragedy can be shared among the community as a whole. Thank you.