Patch Blog: Dance Away the Layoff Blues

I was planning to write a blog this week about the Oscar parties - imagine all the places we could go to Monrovia to get appetizers, dinners, or even cakes to share with our family and friends while we get together to watch the Oscars... but it is too happy a story with the MUSD layoffs coming up.

Great, I thought, I'll write about the Board of Education meeting we had last night! The highlight for me was the , what an amazing speech! She is the epitome, in my eyes, of Monrovia. A poised, well-spoken individual that channeled all Monrovians' feelings and thoughts about this subject.

We must watch her at the KGEM presentation of this meeting. But no, it is not a topic I should blog about. Sure, I can logically understand why all 5 Board Members voted to open the dialogue about layoffs. It's the budget. Sacramento can revoke their funding to our district because of the economy, but we in turn cannot tell our teachers to work for free.

I would like to propose all teachers take maybe a 10% cut while we survive this economic crisis - would lowering their tax bracket make up for the difference? I don't know. Emotionally and as a parent that volunteers often at the first grade level, where the teacher cannot adequately teach 27 kids without parent volunteers, it just does not make sense. Having 32 children for one teacher is asking for failure. Please voice your opinions to our legislators.

So, instead, I would like to blog something that is right in Monrovia - the California Dance Institute - have you heard about it? It is an amazing after school program at Mayflower. The program Founder and Director Carole Valleskey, was a principal dancer at Joffrey Ballet.

This program is currently being offered at seven schools and we are so fortunate to be one of them. According to their website, their mission is: "The California Dance Institute motivates children to develop a personal standard of excellence by promoting confidence, fitness, self-discipline, and critical thinking through a structured and joyful dance workout."

Yesterday we had the privilege to watch a performance at Mayflower. The kids dancing are proud to belong to this group, the children watching were completely captivated by the music and dance. The teachers are also teaching via sign language, which adds an extra layer of learning for our children.

This group performed at the dedication of the Monrovia theater recently. Children are also learning to perform in front of crowds. You never know, the next great dancer might be right before your eyes. 

In the near future all seven schools will have a performance together. If you have a chance, come and watch them. We need opportunities to see what Monrovia is doing right during this challenging times!