Dear Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District,

I was laying in my dorm room late at night, under the faint glow of my string lights hanging above my window. It had been a very long day: earlier in the day I had a 9 a.m. class, several hours of work in an on-campus coffee shop, and then a night class that lasted from four to seven, so you as you can imagine I was pretty damn tired. However, something I always do before I go to bed is to check all of my social media like most young college students do. I was casually scrolling down my Facebook feed when I saw a recent news article capture my attention, and actually made me sit up from my almost slip into unconsciousness.

It was an article about a local protest in my hometown, about how teachers and staff arranged a show of strength and defiance in a way to fight for the contracts they rightfully deserve. On the first day of school, they made sure everybody knew about their fight, holding up signs that read "SETTLE NOW" and "JUST PRACTICING." For those who are unaware, this is the second year in a row teachers and staff in the Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District are beginning a school year without a contract. There is currently a contract stalemate between the union and the school board over the multiple issues such as salaries and benefits. The union states that the board's offer would result in pay cuts. They have yet to come to a settlement, and they have been assigned a Super Conciliator, but as of yet, there has been no meeting.

Teachers and Staff Protesting in front of Absegami High School on the first day of the school year.

When the union proposed a plan, one that had many benefits for our beloved teachers and staff, the board made a counter offer that belittled the union, and what they were asking for. In fact, Stephanie Tarr, Union President said in a statement to the AC Press "that the board simply rejected all items in the fact-finder's report that benefitted the union."

Switching gears, this is an issue that not only affects my favorite teachers that I used to see every day but people who I know and love. My friend's father actually works for the district, and I am exposed to how big of an issue this really is. I am a graduate of Absegami High School in Galloway Township. I had graduated just last year, so I am very familiar with the struggles within the school community. Although I slightly miss high school, I am adjusting and doing well in my new college environment, and I'm loving every minute of it; however, I wouldn't have been properly prepared for college if it wasn't for the amazing and dedicated people who polished me up for it.

I remember cursing underneath my breath when my teachers would assign homework or essays that would take me hours on end to complete, and I also remember rolling my eyes at my teachers when they would tell me to stop texting and pay attention to their lesson. Which I begrudgingly did, but little did I know, (even though I didn't want to admit it at the time) it really prepared me for where I am today.

Senior year I had a pretty hectic schedule. First period with Mr. Wastell where we would discuss current events and remember the importance of knowing what was going on in the world around us. Of course, we also learned about Law and Criminal Justice, going into the topics of CSI, Family Law, and much more. Next was Gym, my base teachers being Mr. Roesch and Mr. Garrison, and nobody could ever forget the bright and bubbly Miss Boylan who actually made gym pretty bearable, at least for me anyways.

Next was 20th-century pop culture with Mr. Trudeau, and no, not the prime minister from Canada. Mr. Trudeau was honestly the most savage teacher I have ever met, and he wasn't afraid to express his opinions (Whoops, I may have exposed him there). After him, I had Mr. O'Brien for AP Psychology. That class was honestly one of my favorites, the discussions we would have, as well as the constant "SpongeBob" references. (I feel like no one gets my Doodlebob references in college and it kind of makes me really sad.)

Next, I had honors anatomy with Miss Galli. I had her for biology during sophomore year. Miss Galli was very memorable for her love of purple and her generous extra credit opportunities. We also had the opportunity to dissect pigs, and it was honestly one of the most fun learning experiences I have ever had.

Fast forward past study hall and into lunch is some of the best staff. Trust me, you have to be to serve unruly teens, as well as making sure everything you have is cooked and ready to go in time. I also remember on my way to my next class most of the times I would see janitors doing hard maintenance work around the school from making sure everything was properly working. I feel like staff members like this are crucial to the school environment but are the most underappreciated. I'm sure just some of the examples here are just a small portion of the work they put in every day.

After lunch, I had Mr. Breitzman, who was my honors English teacher. Even though he was known for yelling, having no compassion, and being very intimidating. However, he was very active in National Honor Society and made our graduation run very smoothly, which I am very grateful for. I don't think I will ever forget learning about "Twelfth Night" by Shakespeare and actually going to see an up close and personal play at the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre.

Last but not least was Mrs. Walters. She's known for dressing in black most of the time and loving Paul McCartney,(trust me her whole wall by her desk was covered in pictures), and being very witty. Although I'm pretty sure my period was the worst behaved period for her last year, she still kept her composure and taught us and guided us through that year.

Honestly, I can go through every year of high school and tell you every experience I had with every teacher I had, and of course, I didn't have every teacher in the district, but I can tell you one thing.

These teachers care about their students. When they say "I care about your kids" they mean it. These people go out of their way to help students the best they can to teach and guide them to the best of their ability. Not only that, but they do everything in their power to make sure that the school is the best environment for your child. These are way more than just people who just teach the material, and take care of the school. They teach you life lessons and dedicate each moment they have to the student body and benefitting it as a whole, as well as making connections with students. You can't put a price on that, ever.

So with that said, It's time to give the teachers and staff the damn contracts they deserve and earn every day.

And yes, GEHRHSD School Board, I'm talking to you!

Sincerely,

A Pissed Off Absegami High School Alumna