The following are among the letters sent to the Board of Selectmen and included in the packet of information that they received for the meeting of Monday, Feb. 1: 

Students of Arlington High School

The students of Arlington High School would like to address the impending state of our school district.

We are aware that, due to financial concerns, the coming school year may bring dramatic changes to Arlington High School, as well as to the Ottoson and the elementary schools.  Some of these changes are very disconcerting to us and have produced much discussion in our school classes.  We have also spoken with various people about some possible options, and only one stands out to us as a viable choice.  We, the students of Arlington High School, would like to appeal to you to consider an override election for the near future. Although we know that an override may not pass, we must at least try. The changes being discussed for next year will be catastrophic. They will be even harder to face if we do not try every solution to prevent them.

Admittedly, we realize that the budget is not yet finalized, and we are ignorant of all the details involved. However, from our discussions with faculty, particularly with Principal Skidmore, we have collected some preliminary information. 

This information is terrifying. To our understanding, 17-25% of our teachers and administrators will be laid off. In a worst-case scenario, minimum class sizes will be approximately thirty-six students. For most of us, it is nearly impossible to imagine an Arlington High School in which one quarter of the classrooms are empty, and in which those that are in use are packed beyond capacity with students. It is evident that this will result in a greatly diminished quality of education.  And should the budget deficit fall below the current projections, the outcome will not be much better.  Please bear in mind that even a $3 million deficit could be extremely detrimental. 

One of our greatest concerns is the loss of many teachers throughout the school system.  Although each of us may only have had a few of the teachers whose jobs are in jeopardy, collectively we have met them all, learned from them all, grown to respect them all, and forged important relationships with them all. These relationships are invaluable throughout our high school careers.  Of course, it would pain us to see any of these teachers go, as we are sure it would pain you.  They include some of the best teachers we have had at the high school, and their loss would mean a diminished teaching and learning environment.  In addition, it would be a waste of money to let so many teachers leave the system after we have invested in their development. Laying off such drastic numbers of teachers is a shortsighted solution. 

 We are also troubled by the prospect of increased class sizes.  The AP Calculus class began this year with thirty-seven students squeezed into one small classroom, with remarkably inefficient seating arrangements--small tables crowded by extra chairs dragged in from other rooms.  As you might imagine, this is no environment in which to learn calculus.  Even in the three years that our seniors have been at the high school, there have been significant increases in class sizes. Many of us have been able to witness first-hand the inverse relationship between class size and class quality. Another increase, and the quality of our education will certainly be compromised. 

In addition to class size, the variety of our curriculum plays a tremendous role in our education. A reduced staff would mean that fewer electives could be offered. Specialized programs, such as those in the arts, are invaluable in producing informed citizens.  We value our well-rounded education, and believe that band is just as important as biology. 

The budget cuts also threaten the number of levels that can be offered.  We have been told that one possible outcome of the budget deficit is that all Curriculum B-level classes will be canceled next year. The existing tracking system allows students who benefit from learning at a faster pace to be grouped together in honors, or curriculum H classes. Then there are also Curriculum A classes and Curriculum B classes, which move at a slightly slower pace.  Last year the High school eliminated a fourth level, forcing those students into levels above or below where they were placed before. The budget cuts will lead to the elimination of all Curriculum B courses, again forcing students in need of this level of attention up to Curriculum A. This change will affect every student in the entire school, precipitating a shifting level of work in both remaining levels. 

The homogenous class levels will affect our education, as will the changes proposed in scheduling. In order to make a cost-effective compromise, Arlington High School will have days consisting of only four periods, each 83 minutes in length. A student and a teacher both would struggle to maintain a productive learning environment, as it is strenuous to remain focused for such a long time. Not only would the time spent learning be less effective, but the total hours spent in a class would diminish by thirty over the course of a year. This is the equivalent of shortening our school year by thirty days.  We would learn for thirty fewer hours, and fewer of these hours would be considered productive.  A block schedule would mean that either (a), the students have four distinct available periods for each half of the year, or (b) the school functions on a two-day rotation, with four periods one day and four the next. The first option is unreasonable for the students, as it would result in large interruptions in our learning of a subject. The second option places tremendous stress on the teachers, as they would be managing over 50% more students than they currently are. 

Finally, a school's purpose is not only to serve its students while they are in attendance—it is also to prepare them for continuing education. Advanced Placement courses provide students the wonderful opportunity to pursue specific subjects at a more challenging college level. We fear that changes to the schedule next year will affect the quality and availability of AP courses.  Any course in which interest is not great enough to fill a 36-person class will be cut. This currently includes almost all AP classes, such as AP Physics and AP Chemistry, AP French and AP Latin, and other more specialized classes, such as AP European History. This will have a further-reaching effect than the quality of our education at Arlington High School.  It will also affect Arlington’s reputation beyond our town.   The current roster of Advanced Placement classes at our school, which is taken advantage of by two hundred and forty students, gives Arlington students a slight advantage in the college admissions process—and in today's environment, even the slightest advantage helps. 

We urge you to consider these losses that will come as a result of the budget deficit.  These numbers are not merely numbers.  They are students and teachers alike, whose lives will be affected in innumerable ways.  We understand the risks involved in an override vote that might not pass. However, we maintain hope that it will.  As the students of Arlington High School, we plan to do our best to help an override pass, should you decide to put it on the ballot.  We foresee significant compromises in the quality of the education we have thus far enjoyed, and while there is an opportunity to prevent such losses, we urge you to consider it.  We express our concerns in the hope that you will do what you can to preserve our schools. In the following pages, we have included statements from the student body, expressing their concerns. It is unacceptable to watch our schools disintegrate while any option still exists. 

From Adam Hill, 2013:

I guess it's pointless to say that you're in a rough situation. You need to save money, but you've also got a job to do. I get that, reality is reality. That being said, this seems a bit drastic. God knows how anyone let the debt get that big, but it certainly wasn't the people who are getting the pointy end of the stick. Perhaps it's futile to say it, but despite all the whining we students sometimes justifiably indulge in, I'm not of them. I don't think that any of my teachers deserve any of this, and I doubt you do either. Perhaps the apathy of teenagers is not overstated, but this is a time when I would like it to be. In plain English: yes, this matters to us. I believe that best school is the library, but this isn't the reality of the situation. These are, indeed, livelihoods of extremely competent people you are forsaking on account of another's mistakes. It feels a bit foolish to be writing this. Strength in numbers and intentions doesn't match strength in dollar signs. But here we are.

Maria Jun, 2010:

I am a senior this year at Arlington High School and I am writing these paragraphs because I believe the changes that are being planned for the school next year will result in a loss of some great teachers at AHS. Some of our best teachers are teachers who have been hired very recently, and are therefore, unfortunately the ones who will most likely be fired. Dr. Collins, who is my Chemistry teacher this year, was hired during the 08-09 school year. In my opinion, she is one of the best science teachers ever. She teaches almost all levels of chemistry (advanced, honors, AP) and she is good at it. She knows how to present the material in a way that is appropriate and understandable for each and every level. Another teacher is Ms. Dietz. She has been my homeroom teacher since my junior year. Although I have not been her student, as a homeroom teacher, she is great. She is very supportive to her homeroom, especially during the iCARE sessions. She is very open to our ideas and encourages discussion of our real problems. Other than these two teachers, there are many more who are truly assets to the Arlington High School community and should not be forced to leave. 

Also I believe the changes in scheduling will be detrimental to the education of Arlington High School students. Having near 2-hour long periods will tire the students way too much. Also dividing the year into two parts and having certain classes only in the beginning and others in the end is just not logical. For example, the students will not be able to prepare well for AP exams. If they take an AP course in the beginning of the year, it will be hard for them to recall the material in May when the AP exams take place. If they take an AP course at the end of the year, the students will be extremely stressed by the major cramming and studying that will need to be done in a short amount of time. 

All in all, I think the changes planned for the next school year will interfere with the education of many at AHS and therefore, should not happen.

Kevin Anastas, 2011:

I believe that this change to the school next year is going to be horrible. I cannot work in a class with 36 other students. I have an IEP and I have trouble learning while there are another 36 students in a class. Also, raising the athletic fee will make it much harder for kids to pay for sports. Many people do not have that much money can they wouldn't be able to afford sports. 

Lucas Munson, 2013:

If this budget cut really does happen, it could be a major setback for not only my education but also the education of several thousand other kids. I understand that the economy is rough, yet we are the future, and if our school loses 25 teachers, what kind of education would we receive? And not only at the high school level would people suffer, but even kindergarteners. These kids will spend the next 13 years in a school system that has almost nothing. Please pass the override, for we need the money to receive the education necessary to succeed in life. 

Arielle Rosenthal, 2013:

I hated English class.  For me, all it did was the equivalent of taking our language and pushing it through a cheese grater.  My teachers tried to give English a mathematical formula and beat down all signs of creativity and personality in writing.  That is, until I had Mr. Bourassa as an English teacher.  In his class, creativity is not stamped out.  Instead, it is allowed to flourish.  Mr. Bourassa and the other new teachers have bright and innovative new teaching techniques, that offer so much to AHS.  Please do not get rid of them.

Emma Horn, 2013:

We understand that there is no money, but this knowledge isn't going to make the pending situation suck any less. As a freshman, I am hit hardest by this, because I have three years of giant classes and block scheduling ahead of me. And if I start developing bed sores from the endless class periods, I will be even more miffed than necessary. I don't want to sound selfish, but I don't want to sound okay with this either.

Cecilia Douglas, 2010:

The size of my Spanish class is ridiculously large, it is roughly 30 people. I feel as though I haven't learned a thing in Spanish, because of the difficulty our teacher has with handling such a large number of students. There is a lot less interaction with the teacher, and I feel like I have to teach myself. If 36 people per class was a minimum? I don't know what I'd do. It's incredibly frustrating to have so many students and only one teacher. My learning is hindered, and it will affect me for the rest of my life. I understand the money problems and debt, but I feel like the cuts are happening in the wrong places. Education is essential to the potential our young minds can achieve. How else are we going to get out of this economic downfall? We need a proper education. We are the future. Why take this away from us?

Rich Auterio, 2011:

I think that the new plan for next year is a really bad decision. Things as they are are working in our schedules and making us have four classes a day is ridiculous. I am a three-sport athlete, and if the fee goes up to $500 I will no longer be able to play the sports that I love to play and enjoy doing at the high school. I really like going to this school but if all these things happen then I might have to leave. A lot of people will. 

Lilia Rubin, 2010:

For four years, I have been graced with the opportunity to travel a well-paved road toward college. I am not rich, and I do not have famous family members with big names to get me into the university of my choice. No, I have been attending Arlington High School. We may be a small town, but with over 1000 students, the school seems enormous to those of us on the inside of it. We are diverse. We all face different challenges. We all have different strengths. For years, Arlington High School has been accommodating these differences. With multi-leveled classes, we are able to work at the appropriate difficulty for our skill sets, and the classes benefit from avoiding moving too fast or too slow for some students. I personally excel in writing and language, and struggle more in math and science, so being able to take Honors and AP classes in English, foreign languages, and history, while taking advanced (or what is now called Curriculum A) classes in math and science, enables me to challenge myself appropriately. Arlington High School is lucky to have some incredible new teachers. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Michael Sandler my junior year. Mr. Sandler teaches AP Psychology, and with his excellent teaching, I was able to succeed in a challenging course, and get a 5 on the AP Exam. Mr. Sandler is just one of the wonderful younger teachers at AHS. He has connected with so many students and helped them to better themselves and improve their grades; it would be absolutely tragic to lose him. Please, help us to keep our wonderful new teachers. Help us to make our athletic programs and clubs affordable to everyone. Help pave the road for incoming students, so that every student can have a successful high school career.

Christina Tapiero, 2013:

I'm worried how this will affect not only my education opportunities, but my younger brothers' as well. To get into a good college, I need a good education. With such a big class, will the teacher be able to help me? Will he recognize me for my strengths and weaknesses, and be able to help me individually in class? But others in such a big class will definitely need help as well, and need attention. Although I understand, the one-on-one attention is important to me. My future, along with all the other students', is what's important here.

Nadya Greenberg, 2009, Colgate 2013:

As a recent graduate from the Arlington school system, I am deeply concerned by the proposed plan to save money in the following year.  In particular, laying off teachers based on seniority and increasing class size will greatly hinder the learning process for many students.  It has frequently been my experience that the newer teachers will have more enthusiasm in their teaching and work better with students than the teachers who have been working in our school system for years.  For example, Mr. Sandler, the AP psych teacher at the high school was an incredibly talented teacher, spending hours everyday after school preparing innovative lesson plans for the next day.  I don't think any student who had him would be able to argue that he did go above and beyond for his classes.  However, with the budget cuts, he would be laid-off before teachers that many students could agree have been in the system long enough, and put less time into their lessons.  I firmly believe that loosing teachers such as Mr. Sandler would be a huge misfortune for the Arlington school system.  We need a different solution for our economic troubles.

Helena Awad, 2012:

    My biggest concern as a student with the budget deficit is the problem with the advanced placement classes. I personally feel that if a student would like to take a high-level, college-like class, that student should be able to. High school is a matter of educating for the future, and AP classes are best at giving students the tools they need to get into and thrive in a top-notch college.

      This is not my only concern, however. I have five younger siblings at home, all under the age of ten. They will all be attending Hardy Elementary next year. How will my youngest twin sisters learn in kindergarten next year with twenty-eight other kids for the teacher to cater to?

      With my younger siblings, it is expected that I, the oldest, attend a good college and later help support my brothers and sisters, all of whom are very bright. With these expectations and responsibilities I have, is it not fair that I should at least be able to get a good high school education so I can pursue my career as a doctor?

      I know for a fact that Belmont High students are allowed to take an AP level class in their sophomore year. I, at Arlington High, cannot do so. Further, next year when I will be able to take a higher-level class, budget cuts might make it impossible for me to take that class.

      Even if there are AP classes available to take, how will I take the college- standardized test at the end of the school year, if  I take the class during the first half, or semester, of my junior year? All and all, this is a horrible circumstance, and the future for myself and kids like me is in peril.

Sarah Yow, 2011:

My name Sara Yow and I am a Junior. I have heard of the large budget deficit and I understand that you need to find a solution to be able to allow the school to function. However, I do not believe that you are going about it in the correct way. The new schedule is the first of my woes. The block schedule decimates the music and Advanced Placement programs. I adore the music program (I play the Clarinet), but we will be unable to have our concerts of we only have it for half of the school year, and most students will be unwilling to take it for ¼ of their high school years. The music program seems to be in serious jeopardy, and it is one of the bright spots of my day. My favorite two classes are AP Psychology and AP US History. They are truly the most interesting classes I have all day due to their interesting topics and great conversations. I have not learned as much as I have in these two classes in any other class. Cutting these classes would not only disrupt the school, but also destroy many students’ happiness.

      It has been suggested that Seniors will want to graduate as soon as possible next year, and that, with this new system, it will be possible and pressed for. Seniors would be able to graduate in January. Does this not strike you as absurd? I want to enjoy my last year in high school to the fullest! I want to go to Senior Prom, Graduation, and Senior Week as all of the alumni have done before me. In addition, colleges still look at third and fourth quarter grades. We need to have the opportunity to get these grades.

      My secondary (but just as, if not more important) concern is the large number of teacher lay-offs. Firing 20-25% of the teachers at my school is insane! Class sizes would become far too large, destroying the learning process. In addition, the way in which the teachers to be laid off is ludicrous! You should judge who leaves and who stays based on teaching ability, not seniority. Most of my better teachers are those that have been in the school district for less time. Meanwhile, older teachers who are far too secure in their positions do not teach as well. One teacher (who shall remain unnamed) never teaches her class; her class is a place where her students can either drool on themselves or sleep. Perhaps you could look in on teachers at random, without telling them before hand. This would be a far superior method.

      Although there is no perfect solution, I’m sure that we can find a better way.

Emily Fuller, '2010:

For the past four years I have attended Arlington High School, and almost daily, have been amazed at what I have been able to learn. The spark that comes from learning something exciting, that is truly interesting is incredibly valuable in keeping kids in school and learning.

Yet when placed in a large class, of around thirty students, this spark dies. And it takes a truly amazing and talented teacher to share that sense of excitement with students in classes with over twenty students. I have been lucky enough to have many of these teachers throughout my high school career, but many of these teachers are at risk of losing their jobs with the personnel cuts that would result from the proposed budget deficit.

One teacher who truly stands out in my memory is Mr. Sandler. I had him last year for his first year of teaching AP Psychology. Me and the other eighty-some odd students that he taught across four classes were so inspired, and so excited to learn that over 115 people signed up to take AP Psychology for this school year. It would be a shame to lose such a magnetic figure who can keep seniors focused throughout the school year, and who can also teach World History to freshman in a way that causes them to set their sights on taking challenging AP classes.

Additionally the AP scores that Mr. Sandler's students earn on the AP exams help propel Arlington High's rankings, which in turn help the strongest students win acceptance to the top colleges and universities, and helps raise the value of Arlington real estate.

A strong school system will attract people to Arlington. I have also been fortunate enough to have been involved in the ceramics program at Arlington High since I was a freshman. The pottery room has become my haven. Through pottery I have been able to discover who I am outside of academia. Since I began pottery it has become more and more difficult for a student to be enrolled in the course. What was now open to all grades has now been limited to seniors and a few lucky juniors. In the face of budget cuts more and more students are being forced to put off fulfilling their fine art requirement until their senior year thus shutting out underclassmen from having the same opportunities I so enjoyed and so greatly benefited from.

As I prepare to leave this school and move onto college, I am completely distraught that the amazing opportunities that were available to me will not be available to my brother nor any other students still in the midst of the high school, middle school, or elementary school journeys. I understand the realities of the budget and the unfavorable economic conditions, but I urge you to not risk losing what makes Arlington High and Arlington so great, and support putting an override on this year’s ballot. It will have my vote.