In Support of Sudbury Odyssey

Dear Dr. Wilson, Sudbury Public Schools Staff and Members of the Sudbury Public School Committee: We respectfully request that any decision regarding major changes to the Odyssey program be placed on hold until new SPS leadership is in place and changes are made to the current composition of the Odyssey review committee. Odyssey has been a beloved rite of passage in Sudbury for generations. Elementary students anticipate the day they will have their turn to proudly wear red sweatshirts and enjoy their overnight adventure. Many alumni recall the Odyssey experience as one of their fondest memories of SPS. The presentation on August 30 was disheartening for many people. The survey feedback presented about Odyssey was overwhelmingly positive, but the presentation overall was extremely biased and focused on negative aspects. For many of us, this runs counter to our experiences where students, staff and chaperones demonstrate incredible moments of kindness, growth, learning, fun and connection - all things emblematic of our core values. Many in town have expressed eagerness to help support the program's health and continuation. Please take these requests into consideration so that we can make sure that we do not lose one of Sudbury Public Schools' most important, unique and treasured experiences.