March 9, 2008
Fond du Lac Reporter
Letter to Editor: Support WIVA for future students
March 9, 2008
My youngest child floundered in traditional schools because he was frustrated by the behavior of other students.
Now, he is thriving as a student of Wisconsin Virtual Academy (WIVA). When he needs a teacher, they are there for him, despite being physically miles away.
In January, we rejoiced that a historic, bipartisan compromise was reached in the state Legislature to save our school. We rallied with 1,100 others in Madison on Jan. 16. We believe in this choice of schooling for our son that much.
Only hours prior to our next trip to Madison on Feb. 19, the rug was pulled out from under us by the governor's threat to veto SB396 unless it was amended to lock out future growth of these Wisconsin public schools. Our state Senate had to give in to avoid a veto.
I applaud state Sen. Carol Roessler's poignant pleas to the senators. She could not understand why we would have limits on educational opportunities. Neither do I. Why restrict learning choices for children who don't fit the cookie-cutter style of traditional schools?
If WIVA closes, my child could again flounder, but this thing is no longer about just my child. It is about future students who may need another option in education. You can learn more at these Web sites: www.wivirtualschoolfamilies.org and dpi.state.wi.us/imt /onlinevir.html.
Then, please share your thoughts on this with Gov. Doyle by calling (608) 266-1212.
Ann Alonzo
Fond du Lac
http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080309/FON06/803090518/1345
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