Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School is not just a place of learning for our children; it is a crucial part of our community. Our school serves as a beacon of hope, providing transitional kindergarten and nurturing children that have experienced past traumas. Most importantly, it offers convenient before and after school programs that aid the parents who walk their children to school due to limited or no transportation options.

The proposed closure by the Franklin McKinley School District threatens to take all these benefits away. According to the district's data from 2019, our school still has the capacity to house more students. Hence, the closure would not just hurt our children, but it would also rob potential future students of the nurturing environment and services that our school offers.

Moreover, our school carries the legacy of Flight 93 pilot and a proud graduate of our school, Captain Jason M. Dahl, who displayed remarkable heroism during the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks. The school was renamed in his honor to serve as a daily reminder of his courage and dedication. 

Dahl is not just a school—it’s a vital resource. Dahl recently became one of only two Trauma Skilled Schools in the entire state of California, meaning it will be specifically equipped to support students who’ve experienced trauma. Dahl is one of the few in the district with the SEAL program, which helps develop the language skills of young English Learners—an increasingly important need in our growing community. Thanks to the Community Schools grant, Dahl is able to offer after school programs, professional development for teachers, and community events, making a significant impact on the lives of students and families. If the school closes we won't be able to make ise of those grants. Dahl meets the consolidation criteria. Our school has a strong parent engagement group who creates community events.  

To close down such a significant institution is not just an affront to our community, but it also disregards the legacy of Captain Dahl. Therefore, we urge the Franklin McKinley School District to reconsider their decision, keeping in mind the impact it would have on the students and the community as a whole. Let's keep the doors of Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School open. Sign this petition to join us in this pursuit!