Pub. 5 2015-2016 Issue 2

24 For the past six years, I have had the opportunity to bring our school’s scholar council to the State Capitol to participate in Charter Day at the Hill. It is with great pleasure our school attends this event each year. The rotunda full of charter school students sharing why they love their school is an amazing sight to see. Each year Charter Day at the Hill gets better and better. There is an excitement in the air as schools set up their displays to show why their school unique. The rotunda gets louder as students walk around talking and sharing with each other. Brains are tested as questions are asked and answered regarding the purpose and mission of each school’s charter. The preparing of the adults pays off as students are able to answer the questions without difficulty. Students are able to show the pride they have in their school. This past session charter students united in one voice to speak with their representatives regarding SB 38. With charter students receiving less funds than their neighboring schools, this was a popular topic to share. UAPCS provided the opportunity for students to invite their local representatives down to meet with them to discuss this and other topics. My scholars took the challenge and invited Representative Brad Daw down to talk with them. He came down and talked with them regarding this bill. They felt important and heard as he listened to what they shared about why we need additional funding. I like to think they had a small part in helping this bill to get passed. A highlight each year is when the students crowd on the steps to listen to the governor. It is a tight squeeze with hundreds of kids standing shoulder to shoulder showing they love their charter school. The parents and school staff proudly smile and take pictures of the amazing scene while grateful they aren’t being smooshed on the steps with the kids. This year, Interim State Superintendent Syd Dickson hurried between meetings to snap a picture of the students. It is an inspiring sight to see students from elementary to secondary schools standing together for charters. Governor Herbert’s address to the students was motivating as his focus was “If you want a good job, get a good educa- tion.” He had the students repeat this in unison over and over to get it in their minds. I truly feel this is why families are drawn to charter schools. Charters offer so many choices for parents to find the education right for their children. I am appreciative to UAPCS for preparing this big event each year. Coordinating so many schools and students is not a small task, but it seems to be a flawless production. From the ease of the set up to the resources for the students, the day is one not forgotten by those who attend. It is a great feeling to be united with other schools with varying charters as we all work together to help each child grow and learn. Charter Day on the Hill BY ANGIE TISCHNER, PRINCIPAL AT NOAH WEBSTER ACADEMY