Today I write to solicit your support and advice and action. Four weeks ago, I learned that Castle View plans to not offer Japanese 001 for the 2016-2017 school year. The reason provided is the District has not given the school enough money to cover the class. If they do not offer Japanese 1 next year this will mean that the program will be phased out. I believe that this is short sighted for a number of reasons. First, the textbooks and other Japanese resources are already purchased so there will be almost no savings in materials. Second, I understand that there were 34 students who signed up for level 1 Japanese so there is more than enough interest to warrant the class. Other programs have teacher/student ratios as low as 1/6. CV has the only Japanese program in Douglas County. It is one of four languages that are recognized as a level 1 difficulty language (with Arabic, Chinese and Korean). CVHS was founded 10 years ago with the mission of offering our students as much choice as possible in their learning. Educators and students all understand that our learning absolutely blossoms when we are interested in a subject. Many students are passionate about Japanese language and culture and have found the Japanese program at CV as their connection to the school and has provided many with the adult and student relationship that they need and deserve. On April 23rd, under the current leadership of teacher, Aki May, students representing Castle View High School at the Colorado/Wyoming Japan Cup competition performed better than any other school in the region.  In the Level II Competition CV placed 1st and 2nd.  In Level III, CV placed 3rd.  Castle View’s Japanese program has also been the home of one of the most impressive inbound and outbound exchange programs in the country. Wonderful and long lasting friendships have come from these important exchanges.  Students today must be prepared to participate in a global world. To be successful, they must have the skills to understand and interact with as well as appreciate other cultures. Cutting the Japanese program at CV is not the way to raise global awareness nor will it help prepare students for the 21st Century. If you are a student, former student, parent or have had any dealings with the Castle View Japanese program I ask you to take the time to call Castle View High School at (303) 387-9000, the Douglas County School District at (303) 387-0100 and Director of High Schools, Mr. Corey Wise at  303-387-0042 and respectfully share your desire to see the program continue. Please join us in saving Japanese at Castle View.Thor KjesethCV Teacher from 2006-2015