Educational environment extremely supportive

Moving into the Polk Elementary School district, we didn't know what to expect. We did know that a large percentage of children qualified for free/reduced meals and teachers were hardworking and exceptional and the kids loved them. We found it to be much more than that.

Polk is a community of talented, brilliant and fearless students and teachers who operate without fanfare or expectations. Together, with community partners, they have created an educational environment that surpasses anything we have seen in the district.

Everyone is encouraged to do their best and expected to go to college. It really doesn't take much for growth when you're given opportunity and support.

My kindergartner already reads at a second-grade level. He can do story problems. He and other classmates are able to write stories using complex ideas and phrases. He counts by 100s. He wants to be a physicist. His kindergarten class blows his teacher's mind.

But now, the superintendent recommends closing his school. They say it is to save money but they don't want to save success.

What he has learned already is priceless. You cannot put a price tag on it. And I don't think you should. Do the right thing. The best thing. Keep Polk open.

Sue Nading

Cedar Rapids