A new Blakely is badly needed | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:58 am Saturday, January 30, 2016

To the editor:

Buildings matter and there is no simpler way to share this important fact.

For the past 50 years Blakely Elementary, the building, has seen countless children, families and community members. It has served our children and the community well. It has done its job!

With profound respect, I am proud to say that I have been a part of this rich history. With that said though, it is time to celebrate the past and embrace the future, A NEW BLAKELY. A new Blakely will provide students a safe environment to learn in and allow staff to maximize each child’s potential.

Safety first! A student may spend in excess of 350,000 minutes during their K-4 career at Blakely. A new Blakely would provide the essential upgrades needed to support a safe and secure school.

Each day I walk through the halls of Blakely and I am continually amazed by our staff and parents working tirelessly to educate our children in a building filled with obstacles and challenges. I can’t help but wonder though, what if, what if this same effort was amplified in a building that maximized opportunity. What if classrooms were designed in a way that provided flexibility to instruct students without asking them to work in the hallways? What if classrooms were designed to incorporate natural light and the local environment?

Buildings matter. Our children matter, and ensuring they have an education that allows them to reach their potential is an investment that benefits everyone. Say yes to schools!

REESE ANDE

Blakely Elementary Principal