Dear Local Clay Businesses & members of the community/county,
On October 6th, the American Federation of teachers and Clay Middle School are joining a national movement and co-hosting our first school Walk-In! Our goal is to show our students that their community is supportive of their education and dependent on their success.
Over the last several decades, society has fostered a separation of the public from public schools. Community members and even parents feel they are kept in the dark about what is happening behind the closed school doors. We want to encourage change here at Clay County Middle School. Research shows that student success and classroom engagement are directly related to community and family support. There is no doubt that Clay County residents want the best for our next generation so we are asking you to join the 1,500 schools across the nation and be a part of change in this demonstration of solidarity.
On October 6th, we hope to have a hundred or more community members, local business representatives, and parents lining the main hall cheering on the student body as they travel from class to the Homecoming pep rally. Meet at the flag pole out front at 12:45 to go inside to line the main hall. Decorated signs and posters of encouragement are welcome!!
Students and teachers have NEVER had a pep rally for education; this showing of love and support would leave a lasting impression that could propel them to great success.
Please consider joining us in this effort to encourage our young students and their teachers by being a cheerleader for education! Creative signs and posters supporting public education would be a wonderful addition. Participants should meet at the CCMS flagpole area by 12:45.
Direct any questions or further ideas to Amanda Shelton via text, call, or email at (304) 610-8232, or amandashelton11@hotmail.com. We look forward to making this something our students will always remember and expanding the event to all county schools annually. Don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend the Homecoming game and the royal halftime that evening at 6 pm.
Thank you very much for all you do for our community; now let’s reclaim the promise of public education (aft.org)! It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. We are the village!
Sincerely, Village members,
Amanda Shelton, AFT – Clay President
Anita Stephenson, CCMS Principal
Supporting public policy to fight cancer from West Virginia to Capitol Hill
Dear Editor,
Last week, I traveled to Washington, DC, with more than 700 other American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across the country to urge Congress to support lifesaving policies that help people prevent and better treat cancer. I called on lawmakers to increase federal funding for cancer research, support legislation to improve patient quality of life, and remove cost barriers to colorectal cancer screenings for seniors.
When I met with Senator Joe Manchin, Congressman Evan Jenkins, and Congressman David McKinley, as well as the staffs of Senator Shelley Moore Capito, and Congressman Alex Mooney, I told them that Congress should seize these opportunities to put partisanship aside and make ending cancer as we know it a top national priority.
I let our lawmakers know that people and families touched by cancer in West Virginia and across our country are counting on them to support legislation that would help make cancer history. With one in two men and one in three women being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we can’t let this year pass without taking legislative action on these important issues.
I know our conversation made a difference in the halls of Congress, and I encourage you to add your voice. Visit www.acscan.org to be connected to people like me in your community.
Annette Fetty-Santilli
State Lead Ambassador
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
Philippi, WV
