Charter school works for her two children

I am the proud parent of two Tacoma public charter school students. To say that these schools have transformed my children’s learning experiences is an understatement. That’s why I am writing in support of the Feb. 29 editorial , “Charter schools fix deserves action.”

My son, a first-grader at SOAR Academy, was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. Immediately after this diagnosis, his teachers had a plan of action in place to help him prosper in and out of the classroom. That support has been critical to my son’s confidence and success in school. Thanks to his incredible teachers, he now enjoys reading — a triumph we didn’t consider possible in such a short time.

At Destiny Middle School, my daughter is excelling in a college-focused environment that gives her access to new opportunities and a successful future. She’s excited to go to school in the morning, and learning is her top priority.

These two charter schools have given my kids so much enthusiasm for their education. It would break their hearts – and mine – to lose this choice. I can’t believe that our legislators would allow politics to take precedent over the best interests of our children. That’s why, week in and week out, I keep returning to Olympia with a simple message: We’re real families, not pawns on a chessboard. Please don’t deny my children and countless other Washington families who deserve the chance to attend these great schools.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 1:44 PM with the headline "Charter school works for her two children."