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A better way to deal with school cuts?

I'm a sophomore at Addison Trail High School. People should hear about the schools' budget cuts from a student's point of view.

Addison Trail is known for having a ton of electives, more than many other schools - everything from auto and photography classes, to clay and paint classes. Because DuPage High School District 88 has cut $3.2 million, everything will change for my 2010-2011 school year. Many of my school's electives are getting eliminated. That may even include Torch, my school's newspaper. Torch is very important to me, and I know I am not the only one. Some of Addison Trail's students dream of becoming a writer for a newspaper, but how are they supposed to achieve their goal if they can't practice writing for one?

My school is letting go of 15 teachers, which is extremely heartbreaking for us students. Not only do students respect their teachers, we form close bonds with them, too. It is going to be very hard to see one of my favorite teachers go because she is the one I can go to and actually say what is on my mind and not get in trouble. She is the go-to teacher for many students.

Every class now will be filled with 30 or more kids. How are we supposed to learn anything in a class that's filled from wall to wall with students?

I'm writing not to complain or have people feeling sorry for Addison Trail; I know we're not the only school going through this. I'm writing because there has to be a better way to deal with budget cuts, without cutting teachers and electives. I haven't a clue on how to do this, so I'm asking someone to help us find a solution, because school officials and the state government obviously can't.

Kadie Chapman

Addison

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