District 15 parents and community members were recently informed that French classes will be eliminated starting next school year 2025 due to budget changes. This decision not only impacts our children’s education but also sends the message that diverse language opportunities are expendable. We are calling on Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz and the District 15 Board of Education to reverse this decision and reinstate French classes in our schools.

French is one of the most studied and influential languages in the world. With over 30% of English words derived from French, learning it provides students with a deeper understanding of their own language and strengthens literacy skills. French is also a critical language for international diplomacy, global business, science, and culture. Removing it from the curriculum limits our children’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalized world.

Countries around the world begin teaching multiple foreign languages in elementary school, and the U.S. already lags far behind in language education. By eliminating French classes, District 15 is moving in the wrong direction and depriving students of the chance to learn a language that can open doors to higher education and career opportunities.

While Spanish is the most widely spoken second language in the U.S., offering additional options like French ensures that students have diverse choices that suit their unique interests and goals. Language diversity is key to a well-rounded education and fosters a deeper understanding of the world.

By signing this petition, you are not only expressing your support for reinstating French classes but also indicating that you would be interested in enrolling your child in these classes when they reach 7th grade. This demonstrates the community’s clear demand and interest in preserving French as part of the District 15 curriculum.

After signing this petition, we encourage you to send a personalized email to Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz EdD at   Heinzl@ccd15.net. Below is a sample email template you can use or customize to express your concerns.

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“Subject: Request to Reinstate French Classes in District 15 Schools

Dear Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz,

I am writing as a concerned parent and member of the District 15 community regarding the recent decision to eliminate French classes starting in 2026. This announcement is disappointing for many families, including mine, as it denies our children the opportunity to learn a language that holds immense academic, cultural, and practical value.

French is one of the most widely spoken and studied languages in the world. With over 30% of English words derived from French, learning it provides students with an enhanced understanding of their own language, supporting literacy and cognitive development. French is also essential for careers in diplomacy, global business, and higher education. Eliminating these classes limits our students’ competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

While Spanish is a vital and widely spoken second language, providing additional language options like French ensures students have diverse opportunities to align with their unique interests and future aspirations. Offering French would enrich our district’s curriculum and set our students on a path for greater academic and career success.

It is also worth noting that many parents who are signing petitions or reaching out to you are doing so because they would like their children to take advantage of French classes in 7th grade. This clear interest underscores the demand for maintaining a robust language program in District 15.

We understand the challenges posed by budget constraints, but we strongly urge you and the District 15 Board of Education to explore alternative solutions that allow French classes to continue. Please consider reinstating French in the curriculum to provide our children with the tools they need to thrive in a global society.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope to see French classes reinstated for the benefit of our students and community.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address (optional)]

[Your Contact Information (optional)]“

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Together, we can send a message: Do not let our children fall behind. Reinstate French classes in District 15!