When I moved to Enfield, CT in 2001 at the age of 5, I had no idea what to think about this new town. I was nervous and scared, as any new comer would feel. I was worried about fitting in, making new friends. But when I started kindergarten at Nathan Hale, I instantly knew that I was right where I needed to be. Not only has Nathan Hale given me a wonderful education, this school has shaped me into the individual I am today.

Throughout my years as a student, I made the most amazing connections with the staff/facility and my classmates. The kids I went to school with are now considered my true best friends. 

I was also very fortunate enough to have my own mother be apart of my experience, learning and growing in this incredible school. For a few years, she was a Teacher's Aid in the Special Needs Department. With that being said, my sister and I were very well known to most of the staff. When I say that I love(d) every single teacher in that school, I mean that with all my heart. I can't express that enough. For most of my life, my mother has battled with cancer. When our family was struggling, do you know who was there to lend a helping hand? The entire Nathan Hale staff.

One of my most cherished memories during this time was when my own second grade teacher, Ms. Provencher (Lynn Provencher Nasiakos) took both my sister Samantha and I out to Friendly's. The fact that this woman took the time out of her busy schedule to spend time with two students, in need of support, overwhelmes me with joy. Every member of NH helped out in any way they could. Just to name a few teachers..Ellen Sciarrino Dowgewicz, Quyen Nguyen-Cacio, Julie Culp Nuzzo, Felice Thompson, Amy Jacques, were all very kind and generous. Whether they offered food, transportation, guidance.. or even a simple smile and hug; from that moment on, I knew I would always be taken care of. 

My entire elementary experience can be summed up in three simple, yet strong words. Love, Support and Authenticity. I have so many important things to say about this school. It would probably take hours to even say them out loud or write them down on paper. I can easily tell you all to sign this petition because it would mean the world to me. That is in fact true, but I guarantee if you ask anyone that attended Nathan Hale, you will indeed get the same response from them. I have yet to meet a single person that has had a bad experience at NH. 

I understand that the Board of Education sees this whole situation in a financial perspective. I can say, without a doubt that I do not have the solution to this financial issue. I am not a member of the Board of Education. I'm just a former student. I am also fully aware that I don't see Nathan Hale as an opportunity to save money for our town. I see Nathan Hale as my home. My childhood. 

Every now and then I'll pass by Nathan Hale, just as school is getting out. I see the young children smiling, hand and hand with their parent(s) or friends. They all look so happy. I can't even imagine closing this school down. These kids need a school that is close by. Growing up, I was very lucky to have my school down the street from me. These kids still need that. In this crazy world, these young generations need to have this safe haven. For me, it was always Nathan Hale. Please don't take that away from them.

I'm not sure what this petition will do for this whole decision making process. I'm not even sure if this will impact the Board in any way at all. But I do know that we have to try. If you love this school just as much as I do, please sign. Share this post to your friends and family.

Let's keep the love alive. Let Nathan Hale live.