We respectfully request that the BOCES board of education and those with the power to do so would reinstate Ms. Rickson as a Criminal Justice teacher at Capital Region BOCES.

We stand behind her for the following reasons:

1. Ms. Rickson was an awesome teacher that got students engaged, taught them critical thinking and how to think for themselves. Students wanted to attend her class, were attentive and actively learning.
2. Ms. Rickson provided a stable environment within her classroom where the students felt safe during times of extreme uncertainty. She cultivated a strong sense of community and the culture of family where students developed caring relationships and checked on one another if anyone missed class. 
3. At no time did Ms. Rickson endanger any students (physically or emotionally).
4. Since her sudden dismissal, students have been sitting idle half their school day everyday. There is no coordinated curriculum. BOCES is failing to provide these students with the education that was advertised to them.

We urge you to consider the negative impact Ms. Rickson’s absence from the classroom has had, and continues to have on the students! Bring back Ms. Rickson and the living and learning community she created in her classroom for the students!