‘To Whom It May Concern: Hi! My name is Linzell Swinson. I am in the 5" grade at Scotland School for Veteran’s Children, We heard that you are shutting us down, We were all crying! We were asking, “Why us?” Then | thought it is not just about me. It is also about the adults, You're taking away their jobs. This is why America is having problems. There will be 200 more people without jobs. They went through all of this to be unemployed? They have something in them that make you laugh and be happy. For instance, Ms. Becky is funny. Mrs. Mouer is nice and there are more teachers that I can mention, but that is not why I am writing, 1 am writing because of us children. Where are we going to go? Somewhere where the killing rate is high? Somewhere the school can’t afford textbooks and computers? Somewhere where your teacher will try to hit you and then lie to your family? I don’t ‘want to go back to that. Do you want me to go back to that? I hope not. We children are the future. When you tear this family apart, you are tearing yours apart as well as ours, One day one of us might just be in the Army. You might just think out of 288 students 7 students have people in the military. That’s just not right! Out of 288 students, there are 288 students have had someone in the military. For instance, my Grandpop who is still alive fought in Vietnam. Obama says “Change that we can believe in!” I thought that this country would change healthcare for children’s, healthcare. It didn’t change yet. Well, it doesn’t feel like it.I can’t believe 288 students are being laid off from this school. Please don’t make Obama look like a liar. chool isn’t like Philadelphia. This school does the following things Safety A home away from home A.warm place to stay A family Good education ‘Small classes Clean environment Better specials like art Tcan play an instrument Food Tutors Encouragement Sport programs Clothes Doctors and dentists Good night’s sleep Good teachers . . .3585 Scotland Road Scotland, Pa 17254 Governor Edward G. Rendell 225 Main Capital Building Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Honorable Governor Rendell: 1, Brandy Flowers, am writing you to ask you to reconsider the closing of Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, | understand that the financial situation of the entire country is in dire straights. I recognize that the state of Pennsylvania is in deficit However, Scotland is home to many people, Students here, including myself, have been at this school since they were in 3 grade and have developed great friends that we can call family. I’m from the same city you are, Governor Rendell, but I'm not certain that you recognize the violence that is so prevalent in my area of the city. Daily, people, counting children, die in my neighborhood. On a day-to-day basis, | fear that my life is in danger in the school district of Philadelphia. By closing Scotland School | also risk returning to a public school, in which the academic standards are not up to par. Furthermore, I have family who are presently fighting for out country in Iraq, This is disrespectful not only to my family, but also to all veterans who have fought in war. This school is the only of its kind, where veterans can send their children and relatives to get a great education and to know that their children are safe. This school has been standing for over 100 years and has become a tradition and a national landmark. We are a unique school. We are the only state that recognizes its veterans by helping their children gain a better education, and by training future American for thedefense of our country. Pennsylvania should be honored for its recognition of these veterans, Scotland is a living memorial to both past and present veterans. What an honor, our state pays to these men and women. Taking away Scotland School there will not be another school like it. In your visit to Scotland School, in 2004, 1 remember you saying that Scotland is a wonderful place and we need more soldiers and leaders in our nation. Shutting our school down is not going to make that happen. Scotland is building leaders and has been for over 100 years. Scotland is working and it is making a difference in so many people lives. When student graduate from this schoo! they fells as if they really can be anything in the world, like anything is possible, Students here really believe that they can one day be the president of the United States, a profession athlete, or even a college professor. If the entire student body returns to their local neighborhoods all our dreams and opportunities seem to be going out the window. In closing, I really hope this letter helps you reconsider shutting Scotland School for Veterans’ Children down, Many people care about this school. By closing this school you're not just saving a lot of money, but you're also closing a great institution for children, taking away a home, destroying friendships, thrashing children’s dream, and most importantly your breaking up a family. Sincerely, Brandy N. Flowers Clo 2011