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The first furlough Friday: Standing together for Hawai'i's keiki
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Keiki show their support for school at the state capitol building on Friday.
Yesterday marked the first furlough Friday for teacher's in the Hawai'i Department of Education. Supporters from the state gathered together to show their support for our keiki by rallying for education at the state capitol building. Parents, children, educators, and other community supporters joined each other in a common cause- to bring school days back to our youth.
The atmosphere was exciting for all involved. Petitions to reinstate school days floated around the capitol grounds and young children were even able to sign their name. It was exciting to see the beginning scrawl of 5-year-olds on the paper as well as the more sophisticated script of a high school senior. The petition was delivered to Governor Lingle yesterday afternoon by a group of parents. You can still sign the petition on line at this link.
Children had the opportunity to write postcards to the governor, their local representatives, as well as President Obama on why they think it's important to have school in session. They also created faces on small paper plates which were posted on the grounds of the capitol to represent those who have lost their rights the most in this state.
A poster making area was set up with all the necessary supplies for kids and supporters to make signs. Those signs were then waved at passing motorists on Beretania Street. The honks of support were endless and the energy high on the side of the road. A little later a march was organized around the capitol.
Many people spoke in support of reinstating school days and finding other ways to cut the budget rather than by furloughing our teachers. The crowd was also treated to a few songs from world-famous O'ahu singer and 1993 Kahuku High school graduate, Jack Johnson. A sign even waved that said, "Jack Johnson is cool, but I'd rather be in school."
The answer to the teacher furlough has not been reached yet, but advocates remain hopeful that school will begin again soon. Children want to learn. Teachers want to teach and still be able to pay their bills. Hawai'i is an incredible place to live and we need to make sure we take care of our keiki's education so we can have the next president come from our state as well.
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