As a proud student of Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) ELC/Advanced Math program, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power these initiatives wield in unlocking students' boundless potential. The news of their potential removal strikes a chord deep within me, resonating with a personal significance that extends far beyond mere nostalgia. To dismantle these vital programs, sacrificing them to underfunding, is nothing short of an unacceptable compromise of our young learners' futures.

MCPS' commitment to specialized education and advanced learning has consistently proven its worth, nurturing students with diverse needs and propelling them towards extraordinary achievements. The statistics speak volumes: In 2018, an impressive 92% of MCPS' special education students successfully graduated high school within five years, eclipsing the national average of 67.1% for students with disabilities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2018). Furthermore, the advanced learning programs have consistently boasted a higher-than-average percentage of students seamlessly transitioning to tertiary education (MCPS 2020 Academic Report), proving their effectiveness in preparing young minds for the challenges of higher learning.

The impact these programs have on shaping lives is invaluable and immeasurable. By curtailing these essential classes, we risk creating barriers to educational opportunities for a considerable segment of the student population—those bright minds who may not neatly fit into the confines of the mainstream spectrum. We risk stifling their intellectual curiosity and limiting their potential to shine.

Therefore, I direct this plea to the esteemed education decision-makers: Please don't sacrifice the quality of education for our future generation because of short-term monetary deficits. Let us not allow budget cuts to erode the very foundation upon which our students' dreams are built. I implore you to reinstate the special education and advanced learning classes within MCPS, ensuring that every student, regardless of their unique learning needs, is given the opportunity to not just survive, but to truly thrive.

My own experiences within these programs were nothing short of Amazing, and I need to pass that torch of opportunity to future generations. This isn't just about numbers and statistics; it's about preserving a vibrant community. A community we have painstakingly built, brick by brick, with dedication, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of education. PLEASE DON'T DESTROY THE COMMUNITY WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO BUILD! Join me in this crucial movement. Sign this petition today and stand with us to bring back these vital programs to MCPS. Let us ensure that every student has the chance to reach their full potential. Thank you for your support.

 - Mae Alemi

Please sign this petition to bring back these crucial programs in MCPS.

Thank you for your support,

-Mae Alemi