The new dance coaches at Paetow High School have shown a heartbreaking lack of commitment and interest in the already-established Dance Company since the start of the year. Their neglect has led to serious safety concerns for the students and has been nothing short of demoralizing. Time and time again, they have openly expressed indifference toward the success of this team—a team that has been a source of pride, passion, and purpose for its members. For us, a group of dedicated and hardworking students, this lack of care and support has been devastating. We have tried to hold on, but we now find ourselves forced to take matters into our own hands to save what remains of this once-thriving program.

In a moment of desperation, the leadership team turned to Paetow’s administration, hoping for understanding and support. The meeting gave us a fleeting sense of hope, but that hope was cruelly extinguished. The administration spoke with the coaches about our concerns, yet the coaches showed no sympathy, no remorse, and no accountability for their actions. Instead, they chose to blindside us, shifting blame onto the very leadership team that has worked tirelessly to hold this program together.

On Friday, November 22nd, in a stunning act of disregard, the coaches dismantled Dance Company as a performance ensemble for the remainder of the year, citing their own failure to understand the scope of their job. They made this decision without consulting the leadership team or the parents—stakeholders who have supported this program financially, emotionally, and physically. We were not given a voice in the process, nor were we provided any opportunity to help salvage what we have poured our hearts and souls into.

To make matters worse, questions remain about the financial management of the program. Parents have paid for a full year of involvement, yet there has been no transparency about where those have gone and where the involvement is.

We, the leadership team, are devastated but determined. We have crafted a plan to find an alternative solution, and we are asking for your help. By signing this petition, you stand with us in urging the school to honor its commitments to its students and the parents who trusted and invested in this program. This team deserves better. We deserve better. Please help us fight for what is right. We’re not going anywhere!