Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Petaluma Joint Union High School District

As a dedicated student's advocate, I will continue to help our students achieve their highest potential by enabling them to understand that an individual can accomplish any realistic goal with hard work and a positive attitude.

I am anxious to facilitate cooperation between parents and school personnel, want to help the schools meet the needs of a diverse student population while reinforcing the primary role of the parents in molding the fundamental values that guide their children's lives.

I believe in creating the best learning environment possible. This should include the best teachers, text books, resources and a positive learning environment with support systems for all students.

I support chorus, band and art programs. Music and math are directly related. We are exposed to advertising, sales and entertainment each day, music and art are the cornerstones of these professions. Also important in our everyday lives is the fact that music and art are stress reducers.

There needs to be close communication between parent, teacher and student. Too many students are "slipping through the cracks."

I believe that parents need to take an active role in the education of the Human Interaction program. Each year students will have a new teacher yet their parents remain the same, the constant is the parents. I believe it is extremely important for the schools to actively involve parents and to facilitate communication and assist student comfort zones in approaching their parents with questions, concerns or problems. I have easy ideas to facilitate this.

To take the Star or other similar test ONCE a year to judge students knowledge is not logical nor an accurate assessment. One cannot expect that a student will do their best work "on demand" once a year. It would be much more sensible to give a series of tests throughout the year, perhaps quarterly, and then take the average.

I believe test taking skills should be taught and programs should be created to desensitize and relieve stress and pressure while taking tests. I am a perfect example of stressing under testing situations.

I support adult education. There is a wonderful example of this already in Petaluma. I was pleased recently to be present at a graduation recognizing adults earning their high school diploma.

I want to give our students those experiences that will instill a strong curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that they will carry with them their entire life

I believe that I am uniquely qualified to serve as your representative. I am experienced and motivated to serve our students in their educational quests.

With the successes that I have had in my professional and volunteering careers combined with the dedication and desire that I have to continually help improve the educational experience for all students, I know I will be a positive asset while serving on the Petaluma School Board. I have much to give and I am anxious to get started!

I respectfully request your vote ... Thanks!