MCPS BOE FUND THE MVA (Montgomery Virtual Academy) as promised for 2024-2025 School Year!
Rockville, MD, USA
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I'm a student parent, seeing my daughter Sunny doing so great in band always make me so proud of her. But recently, the news that Mrs. Eckerle might have to leave Wootton is devastating to Sunny and to me. Sunny always talk about how much she loved Mrs. Eckerle and how much she helped her, seeing such an amazing teacher like her leaving Wootton is unaccepetable. We will do everything that would help her to stay at Wootton.
Shufang supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!Mrs.Eckerle is more than just a teacher for us; she's a mentor, role model, and beloved family member. She has taught me more than just music. She preached responsibility, decorum, and a moral compass. To us, Mrs. Eckerle is a trusted adult, someone you know will do the right thing.
Quinn supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!Dear MCPS and Dr. Bostic,
When you look at famous musicians, engineers, pilots, et cetera, you see successful, creative minds. As I’m sure you’re aware, an innovative mind is the precursor to success, a trait which this school system puts as a top priority. Now, if I may ask, how is MCPS claiming to foster an environment for successful students while also taking away necessary funding that fuels the most important tool to that flourishing? Wootton’s arts programs perpetuate creativity and innovation as well as confidence in the students that partake, all qualities necessary in the real world. Students gravitate towards these programs not only for their passions, but because they nurture an environment where they can express themselves in ways that other classes don’t provide. Taking away essential funding from Wootton, and in turn involuntarily transferring two teachers that are quite frankly the lifeblood of the Arts Department at Wootton would destroy the beautifully cultivated student culture that has been created. Not only that, but it would ruin the hopes and dreams of students who can’t enrich necessary qualities without these programs. Removing these teachers who have lead a highly successful arts department goes against the core principle of what modern public schooling is about—teaching artistry that improves mindsets.
Armaan supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!I attend Wheaton HS, but I've spoken with Mrs. Eckerle several times through various inter-school music program events. She has an immaculate ability to make you feel like music is really something worth having in life, and it's the kind of energy we seriously need more of in this county. For the sake of all our growth, please, MCPS, reconsider this decision.
Willow supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!I attend Wheaton HS, but I've spoken with Mrs. Eckerle several times through various inter-school music program events. She has an immaculate ability to make you feel like music is really something worth having in life, and it's the kind of energy we seriously need more of in this county. For the sake of all our growth, please, MCPS, reconsider this decision.
Willow supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!Mrs. Eckerle and the space she provides for her students to feel safe and welcome is vital to Wootton. When I didn't have many friends I joined the marching band where I got make meet new people and be a part of something truly fantastic. Without Mrs. Eckerle these great programs would never be the same which not only does a disservice to the students still in them. But to the entire school, that benefits from the amazing reputation her bands.
Daniel supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!I started doing theater at Wootton in my sophomore year when we returned from COVID, and I continued all the way to senior year. My senior year I was the Drama Club and Improv Club president, and I was also taking theater classes, so I worked really closely with Dr. Lazarus and I got to see firsthand how much care and determination he puts into the theater program. I truly believe that there would be no theater at Wootton without Dr. Laz, because that's how much of a role he plays. And how can you say that Wootton high school is committed to supporting students in the arts if there's no theater program? Dr. Laz is also insanely qualified - he's worked for companies on Broadway, he's the President of the Maryland Theatre Education Association, and he's been a teacher for 20 years. For students that want to go into theatre professionally, they don't have to shell out money for an acting tutor - they can just take a class with Dr. Laz. The theater department also does a lot of outreach with students from the Wootton cluster, allowing them to feel connected and supported before they even begin high school. 8th graders from Frost participate in musicals and plays, and this year elementary schoolers have joined the Wizard of Oz as munchkins. The theater department at Wootton is also really self sustainable fiscally. We source money from Patrons of the Arts, family donations, ticket and concession sales, and fundraising. More than that, our theater program is a family. I created really strong friendships because I was involved in theater, and I learned how to feel comfortable with public speaking and managing a rigorous workload with a time-intensive extracurricular - something which really prepared me for college. I wouldn't be the person I am without theater, so please don't rob future students of that opportunity.
Jessica supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!The arts program is the heart of our school, bringing students together as more than just a club, we’re a community and a family. Removing it would take away a vital space for creativity, self-expression, and collaboration. The arts have shaped so many students, providing confidence, friendships, and opportunities that extend far beyond what could be reached in a classroom. Our dedicated teachers and students have worked tirelessly to build and grow this program, and taking it away would have a devastating impact on student life and our community. Arts programs are essential in education, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional well-being. Please don’t take away something so important to so many of us.
Fennec supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!As a hard-working 34-year music educator, I feel comfortable referring to Susan as a "master teacher." Her program is extraordinary in so many ways - her ensembles play beautifully, her students excel individually, and, most importantly, her love of music is infectious. There is nothing "broken" here; to the contrary - everything is working flawlessly. Perhaps we should reconsider the decision to dismantle this well-oiled machine? I mean, we are supposed to give our students the best we've got, yes? Susan is clearly "the best" for her students. Pretty simple, actually.
Michael supported: Maintain Wootton HS Arts Programs' Excellence! Stop the Transfer of Senior Arts Teachers!The Wootton band program has always had such an amazing legacy. I remember rumors about the Wind Ensemble circulating back in middle school, about how talented and kind Mrs. Eckerle is as both a conductor, mentor, and person, and the amazing impressive marching band. I can now confirm these are all true and am absolutely honored to be part of it all.
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