Don't kick KICKSTART out!
The CFBISD School Board has decided to stop funding The KICKSTART KIDS karate program. Out of the six middle schools in the district, 5 of them have the program. This includes Dan F. Long Middle School. About 160 students in Long are in the program. Once these students walk through the dojo, they are met with a very large, bear-like man who once had a handle-bar mustache. This is their teacher, Mr. John Bain. Mr. Bain has had a very long past involving martial arts. He is a 9th degree black belt and an army veteran. He has said to his students, "Karate can be 3 things. Self-defense, sport, and a way of life." His choice was obvious.
He has been trying his best to keep this program alive. Fund-raisers and sponsors were great help. But that was not enough. The district has decided to completely do away with any funding that was given to the schools with the KICKSTART KIDS program. There are over 500 students in the district that are involved. Dan F. Long is at a risk of not having the program next year.
SIGN THIS PETITION, AND WE MIGHT HAVE A CHANCE
As we work hard to keep KICKSTART at Dan F. Long,as well as to keep KICKSTART in all middle schools. This petition is not only meant for the middle school administration but also The Board of Education! I know money is tight and times are rough, but there are some things in this district that are not necessary at this very moment. Like band uniforms, iPads, special computers, construction of new (unnecessary) buildings. These things can go one more year without being dealt with. As I know this sounds selfish, but these items can go one more year without immediate attention. One year without KICKSTART.....and we..the students,teachers,parents, and citizens. We would be letting go a part of ourselves. Letting go of something we cherish and grew up with. You'd be making us give up apart of OUR lives, our safe haven where no one is judged or humiliated. We stand as one to take on any challenge that comes in life. We share every hope every dream and we are a family. That's something you don't see often now a days, you don't see children laughing and supporting each other like we do. You can't put a price on that....we love our instructors and we love this program. This IS OUR LIFE!........please....don't end it.....don't put a price on the bonds we make or our families smiles.....don't put a price on the love we have for this program. Because true value...comes from the people that stand by what they believe.
