Ms. Erica is a pillar of the Montclair Elementary school community. Students say, "Ms. Erica has this way of getting to everyone in the hearts." Her leadership for all students and as a role model serving African-American students is indispensable. 

Mr. Kelsey’s garden program is a beloved part of our school community. It gives students hands-on learning, connection to nature, pride in growing food, and real excitement about healthy eating. Many families have memories of tasting Mr. Kelsey’s salad fresh from the school garden or seeing their child come home excited to eat kale they grew themselves.

The garden program was cut for next year at a PTA board meeting without broad awareness in the parent community. Many families did not know this decision was being made.

We are asking the PTA to:

 1. Restore funding for Ms. Erica and Mr. Kelsey’s garden program for next year
 2. Improve transparency and community notice around major program decisions