Forced transfers were recently announced in the Cherry Hill Public Schools. Mr. Michael Melograna is being transferred to Beck Middle School. Mr. Mel or Coach Mel, as he is affectionately called by his devoted students and players, has been a beloved health and physical education teacher and coach at East for15 years. When I think of the "heart" of East, he immediately comes to mind. During the pandemic, he “helped” Crimson go house to house visiting the Class of 2020. This was done on his own time, not during his contracted hours. He coaches students on and off the field or court and serves as a trusted confidant for those who need him. Mr. Melograna makes connections with each of his students. Our kids have been through enough trauma during the pandemic. How can our school district cause them more needless trauma by forcibly transferring the heart of East at this time? Please sign this petition to show our administrators and the Board of Education that this is not the time to make a change.