KEY POINTS

 

Ensuring that our children are supported and can thrive and find joy and their life path is one of the absolute core priorities of society and community. Tending and feeding the spark and flame in our children is what will continue to create happiness and success for individuals, humanity, and society.

 

Our schools are a vital community space where many children spend so much of their time learning and growing. There are so many incredibly dedicated, compassionate teachers who work so hard to bring the world of education and opportunity to their students. It is critical that teachers and families are supported in all possible ways so that the children can have the best chance at happiness and success.

 

Public Schools must always be a safe, supportive space for all of the children in the community, regardless of their backgrounds, belief systems, faith and world views.

 

All children deserve access to high quality education and the support and services necessary to ensure they are able to succeed and advance on their personal educational path.

 

Schools must remain a place of education, classical education NOT political ideology, identity politics or the inappropriate discussion and coverage of highly controversial topics that parents and society disagree on.  If these subjects are introduced at an age appropriate level, then ensuring that a well-rounded discussion covering all sides of the subject are presented and explored is essential so that children learn critical thinking skills and how to engage in debate and deep thoughtful understanding. Subjects at the forefront of “real education” at schools that likely all parents can agree upon are: History, Literature, Languages, Science, Math, Physical Education, Art, Language Arts, Reading and Writing Skills and of course many enrichment programs, clubs, and extracurricular activities.  Encouraging critical thinking, respectful debate, a sense of wonder and a love for learning are essential.

 

We need to ensure that families have the resources and the services available to help home schooled children succeed and thrive. Learning and education are very personal and different for everyone, there are many paths to education and respecting the many varied paths of homeschoolers is a top priority.

 

I will always work to ensure that homeschool parents have a direct line of communication with agency of education and the many incredible home school guides there working hard to ensure that the homeschool community is supported.

 

Parental rights and parental involvement in schools must be allowed, respected and taken into account at all times. Parents and guardians are the providers and decision makers regarding the health and welfare of their children. They have the final say in all areas related to the health choices, educational opportunities and support pathways of their children at school. This must be respected at all times.

 

There are known physical risks to wearing a mask as well as the fact that cloth masks have shown fully ineffective at preventing covid transmission. Decisions to mask a child should never be made by the school or Agency of Education. These healthcare decisions must be made by the parents who can effectively and safely determine what makes the most sense based on their specific circumstances.

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Creating space for children to grow and be supported in their families and communities is of the utmost importance for the child's sake and also for the future of humanity. I am fully dedicated to working to ensure that systems and services are in place to help parents and care providers and teachers ensure that their children are supported and thriving. 

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KEY POINTS- PUBLIC SCHOOLS-

 

Public Schools must always be a safe, supportive space for all of the children in the community, regardless of their backgrounds, belief systems, religions and world views. All of the children must be able to come into a public school to learn and have the support of an inclusive, nonjudgmental environment that fosters their education, character and values and respects and allows for difference of opinion and upbringing. Public schools are available to all community members and must maintain neutral ground for all to feel welcome and comfortable knowing that the goal of the school is the education of children and fostering the values of respect, compassion and education.

 

An inclusive supportive and respectful environment for all students and staff regardless of race, religion, gender, disabilities, cultural, political beliefs or socioeconomic status and our many other differences, must be provided and maintained at all times. Issues in this realm must be brought to the attention of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors and parents or guardians so that a safe and supportive environment based on full and total respect and acceptance for all attending the school can be a reality.

 

All children deserve access to high quality education and the support and services necessary to ensure they are able to succeed and advance on their personal educational path.

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Parental rights and parental involvement in schools must be allowed, respected and taken into account at all times. Parents and caregivers are the providers and decisions makers regarding the health and welfare of their children. They have the final say in all areas related to the health choices, educational opportunities and support pathways of their children at school. This must be respected at all times. We must be clear that Agency of education and school administrators and teachers cannot make healthcare decisions for children. This is the sole decision of the parents based on their specific circumstances. Options can be provided at schools while administrators and teachers work in conjunction with parents and children to ensure a functional, effective plan both with regards to education and any other necessary additional care.

 

KEY POINTS- HOMESCHOOL

 

I am a strong supporter and advocate of homeschool if a family determines that this is the right fit and a good option. I have homeschooled all of my children and I know how amazing and beneficial this can be for many children. Having the opportunity to have adventures and teach and spend time with your children through a homeschool option is very special.  We need to ensure that families have the resources and the services available to help homeschooled children succeed and thrive. Learning and educating are very personal and different for everyone, there are many paths to education and respecting the many varied paths of homeschoolers is a top priority. I have seen many approaches to homeschool and the ways in which children can thrive in a variety of different circumstances and learning environments. Staying open and supportive of this evolving process is critical for the success and happiness of children. This is also the gift that homeschooling offers and it must remain supported. The Vermont Homeschool community has been growing exponentially over the past few years as some parents have chosen to pull their children form school because of the concerns regarding the risks of wearing masks all day and compromised education. Homeschooling is a great option for some families but not all people are in a situation to be able to take this path. Working to create safe and supportive learning environments both in public schools and for homeschoolers is what will allow the children to succeed.

 

I will always work to ensure that homeschool parents have a direct line of communication with Agency of Education and the many incredible homeschool guides there working hard to ensure that the homeschool community is supported. A family should not have to work with the local public school to homeschool if this is not their best option. The public schools should not be a requited intermediary for homeschool families. Homeschool families deserve a direct relationship with Agency of Education for work assessments and seeking alternatives and service if needed.

 

Legislatively, I also feel that it is worth looking into precedent set by other states to offer families some aid to help with expenses if they are not using the public school system. The public school system will serve many children but there are some families who will not thrive or choose this as the best educational path for their children. If this is the case, then I do believe those families deserve a stipend and or a percentage of the educational cost in order to help facilitate classes and other learning opportunities that resonate with their child best. I feel this is worth exploring as a viable option for homeschool families.

 

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