IMPORTANT: The money request that appears after you sign this petition DOES NOT go to the petition's creators; rather, it goes to Change.org

Learning a language involves more than just memorizing words; it also involves connecting with others and learning about the culture and people who use the language. You genuinely come to understand how your culture differs from others. Some of us have Chinese roots we aren’t able to learn about and Chinese allows us to be able to learn. Some of us are interested on the roots of our favorite foods, beloved tv shows, and even China’s influence on our own cultures. Many students at Chavez are Asian. Chinese language and Chinese culture is related to our home language and our home cultures. We feel lucky to have the opportunity to learn Chinese language and Chinese culture. We, Chinese students, have all thoroughly enjoyed our educational experience. 

Recently, we’ve been informed that the Chinese program at CCHS will be canceled. We are deeply disturbed by this news because what will happen to the students who take Chinese 1 and are looking forward to taking Chinese 2? What will happen to those who want to go to a desirable college and take 3 years of a language? Why isn’t the school being diverse in the languages offered? We demand that the school give Chinese priority! By signing this petition, you agree that Chinese is a valuable class and future students should be able to take Chinese as a required course of study.

Please read some of the testimonials of students who take Chinese:

“One of the best choices I've ever made in my life was choosing Chinese class. Chinese has grown to be one of my interests. I've learned so much from this class, and I'm not sure what I would have done without it. The idea that I won't be able to continue learning Chinese absolutely breaks my heart.” -Chinese 2 student

“Chinese class is very important to me, which makes me feel home far away from the United States. The Chinese teacher also helps me very much. Because my English is not very good, I ask the Chinese teacher a lot of questions. The Chinese teacher has helped me a lot, and there are also many good friends in the Chinese class. I hope I can meet more friends in the Chinese class.” -Chinese 2 student

“Even though I struggle with Chinese a-lot, Ms. Wang always finds a way to make it goofy and interesting. And it is not just that, The class itself makes me want to learn more about the culture. She is one of my favorite teachers!!! And being in the class is literally one of the best highlights of my freshman year! I always feel welcome when I enter her classroom. “ -Chinese 1 student

“Chinese class is important to me. It is important to me because I get to learn a new language that I have always wanted to learn and I have that opportunity to learn it at school. Chinese class not only taught me it’s language, it also taught me its culture there. Another reason why Chinese class is important to me is because China is one of the biggest manufacturing country out there. China has become a huge market and knowing it will be great for your resume! “ -Chinese 3 Student

“Chinese class is very important to me, because I have met a lot of friends in the Chinese class, which also makes me miss my country. I hope to stay in the Chinese class, because there are still many students who have not studied or want to try Chinese class. Ms. Wang is the only one Chinese teacher in Stockton. We can’t lose her. It‘s rare. I hope Ms. Wang will stay. She is a good teacher, and there may be many people who want to try Chinese class, so the Chinese class has to stay.” -Chinese 2 Student

"Chinese class is important not only to me but to many other students who want and are taking the class. I have taken this class for over 3 years now. Not only did I learn the language, but I also got to learn about the traditions and culture, which I really enjoyed learning about. Not only that, but Chinese is the SECOND most spoken language in the world, according to my research. Today, many businesses involve Chinese. With their corporations, governments, and other large-scale institutions, Chinese have almost taken over the world. With all this, Chinese is actually a really important language to learn. The Chinese program not only teaches us, but it also provides many students with the opportunity to learn. Therefore, I hope you understand this and keep this course in your student voice." -Chinese 3 Student

“I don't know where I'd be without my Chinese class. Honestly, the class itself is like any other, but our teacher is amazing. She is hardworking, tries her best to help her students, and shows that she genuinely cares about us. I've never really had a teacher as supportive as Ms. Wang. Not only is Chinese the most spoken language in the world, it is extremely useful and it provides a challenging yet fun experience for students taking the class. It hurts me to find out that Chinese class is being canceled…” -Chinese 1 student

“I wanted to take Chinese because my traditions are connected to Chinese traditions in a lot of ways. I wanted to learn more about the culture and not just the language. Being informed that Chinese class might be canceled makes me sad. Being provided with this opportunity to learn Chinese is one of the best opportunities ever. I want the future students to be able to have the same opportunities and feel included that there is more diversity in the school program.” -Chinese 2 student

We all DEEPLY want to continue our Chinese education. Don’t let the Chinese language opportunity be taken away from Chavez students. We want to learn Chinese and we love Chinese; 我们想学中文,我们喜欢中文。Again, please share and sign this petition.