It has been put out recently that a proposed budget cut change at Westfield High School will cut the Child development and Laboratory Preschool programs. These programs have been formative for many high schoolers, preschoolers, and families in Westfield. 

As a child, I was enrolled in the preschool at WHS. I had a wonderful time, learned so many things, and was fully prepared to go into Kindergarten. I still have the personal memory books that were hand made by the high schoolers assigned to observe me that year (my "special teachers")! My three younger siblings all have attended as well. Upon my arrival to WHS, I enrolled in Child Development, took two years of that, and was able to finally come full circle to becoming a teacher myself in the Laboratory Preschool. This was a formative experience for me. I am now an EEC certified teacher in a local daycare working to put myself through college, and working towards a degree in Special Education. I can say with certainty that my life would not be on the track that it is right now if it was not for this program which worked to form my education throughout my pre-k and high school experience. 

Countless local families in Westfield are given quality, child care with a personal touch because of this program, and I know it would break an incredible amount of hearts to see this program and its staff be let go from WHS. Having a program as unique as a full day laboratory preschool is something that gives WHS a leg up from other schools in the area, and having the chance offered to be a real teacher and gain hours learning how to lesson plan, manage a classroom, make bonds with students and network with other teachers is something that has impacted the lives, educations, and careers of SO many students and alumni of WHS. 

Please sign this petition to urge WHS to continue to allow this program to be offered to students, and to give students the chance to experience what is like to be a teacher whilst having the full support of the amazing staff and local Westfield families who enroll their children.