The superintendent of SAU 24, Dr. Jacqueline Coe, made the executive decision to end the John Stark Connections Program. This is a program that provides an alternative learning option to the regular high school. This program is beneficial for students who struggle with various mental health issues, large classes, have trouble focusing, struggle sitting still for 90 minute classes, and so many other reasons. 

This program is very community based. We all volunteer at a local farm Sweet Beet for community service. Connections has also volunteered at a local thrift store, we go for walks daily & do weekly local trash pickup. We are very focused on recycling here & respecting our space provided to us. 

This decision involved Dr. Coe, Principle Gary Dempsy and the assistant superintendent. Dr. Coe has never been to our Connections building once in the 2 years I have been here. Dempsy has only shown up once in my 2 years. The school board was not allowed to vote on this either. None of them know our names or anything about us. It also feels as if they are getting rid of us and dumping us back at the main campus with no empathy or regard for us. They were in such a rush to get rid of our program, but still have no plan for us. All of us here have anxiety.. not knowing what our future looks like is horrifying.  For them to not even get to know us or our achievements is very unfortunate. Every single one of us has made a complete 180 turn around while being here. I have made friends that I never would have met if it weren't for this program. I am so incredibly proud of each and everyone of my peers here at connections.

When we first get to school we can eat breakfast & then go to periods 1 and 2. After period 2 we have a morning meeting where we all come together and talk and then have snack. After snack we have periods 3 & 4 before lunch. Finally we have 30 minute fitness block before our final period to go outside and get some energy out. We are on a separate campus than the John Stark High School. This provides a minimized risk for anxiety provoking events such as entry/ leaving the building at the same time as everyone, crowed buses,  finding parking and walking to school. We also have a psychiatrist, Doc Z, who everyone loves to talk to.

I would be so devastated to see this program come to an end. I am so upset about this decision but I feel so much worse for the lower class men who will not get the chance to experience this amazing opportunity. I am so grateful for the 2 years I got to spend here & will do anything to keep this program up and running. 

This petition is to get the superintendent  to reconsider their decision. We are willing to negotiate the terms but connections cannot close. So many current & future students depend on this program to get their high school education.