Save Our Current Art Program – Reinstate Ms. Filis Warren at HMLS

We, the parents and guardians of students at Horace Mann Laboratory School, are calling on the school district to reconsider the decision to eliminate the full-time art teacher position at our school and to reinstate Ms. Filis Warren for the 2025–2026 school year. The district’s plan is to replace Ms. Warren with a different art teacher from another school who will split their time with between their school and ours. Though we are assured our children will still receive art classes without interruption, we are told keeping our beloved art teacher is not in the budget. 

Our children thrive on connection, consistency, and stability—something they’ve had far too little of in recent years. For example, if this passes, they will have had four different art teachers in four years! That is unacceptable to us. Ms. Warren has been a constant presence, a calming force, and a creative guide. She isn’t just the art teacher; she is a vital thread in the fabric of our school community, and that cannot be accomplished with someone who is only here part-time.

In every hallway and classroom, you’ll find our children’s artwork—a direct reflection of Ms. Warren’s encouragement, care, and ability to inspire. She doesn’t just teach art; she helps students lead with their creativity, express their feelings, and find joy in discovery. She sees every child, and helps them see themselves as artists.

Replacing her with a part-time teacher—someone who may not be present in the halls, at school events, or fully integrated into the daily life of HMLS—is a disservice to our kids. Our students deserve more than this. They deserve connection, consistency, and someone who knows them and celebrates them.

Ms. Warren is present for our children. She is at the heart of school events, infuses joy into our traditions, and has the unique ability to make every child feel special. Can that commitment be given by someone who is not in the building, connecting with our children every moment of the day?

A full time art teacher matters. Ms. Warren matters. And our children’s experiences and education are better because of both. 

Please sign this petition and make your voice heard. Help us keep Ms. Warren and our children’s immersion in creativity alive at HMLS. We will present this petition to the school committee and the superintendent on or by the public budget hearing on Monday, April 14th (7pm at Collins Middle School).