Perspective from Ellen Machiele, Mary Scroggs Elementary Parent

[Ellen M.]

Dear Members of the Board,

I am writing on behalf of our school community in advance of the upcoming Glenwood Elementary relocation decision and potential redistricting plan. As a parent of elementary students from 2020 to 2032, a parent of two students at Mary Scroggs Elementary School, and the volunteer coordinator for the Scroggs Garden program, I strongly advocate for preserving the current walk zone at Mary Scroggs.

While our school community would warmly welcome any new students and families reassigned to Mary Scroggs, maintaining the walk zone is critical to preserving the robust culture of volunteerism and family engagement that defines our school.

The walk zone directly drives the success of our school programs. For example, in the Scroggs Garden program, parent volunteers coordinate monthly garden visits for all students. Because volunteers live within walking distance, they can easily utilize short windows of time—such as lunch hours—to support teachers and students. The accessibility of a walkable school allows us to regularly maintain the garden, water, weed, and run hands-on learning projects that would otherwise be difficult to sustain if families had to commute.

The physical, social, and academic benefits of a walkable neighborhood school are invaluable. In the case of the Mary Scroggs and Southern Village community, our strongest support networks of family involvement are rooted directly within this walk zone. 

As you consider the potential redistricting plans, I ask that you prioritize preserving the walk zone for Mary Scroggs Elementary to ensure our community and volunteer programs continue to thrive.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to our students.

Sincerely,

Ellen Machiele