Many students of the Toledo High School are just as passionate about the school bond as the staff, and many of them have a word or two to say about it.
Alexis Ball is the president of Toledo's FFA, vice president for the National Honor Society, and a strong leader in the Toledo High School. When I asked her about what she thinks about the bond, and why she wants it, Alexis gave me enough words for an entire newspaper article, which definitely portrays her eagerness.
I also spoke with Katie Bowen, very active and well-informed in the city of Toledo, as well as the Toledo High School, she certainly knows a thing or two about the bond.
Alexis stated, "As a Junior attending Toledo High School, I know I can speak on behalf of the student body; this bond is a must for THS."
She went on to say, "My dad, John Ball, has been the Toledo High School metal shop teacher and FFA advisor for twenty-five years. That being said, I'm well versed in the deficiencies of the building and the dire situation it's become."
Alexis continues, "As I've seen teachers, administrators and students come and go in THS, the building has remained almost exactly the same. My mom, Jennifer Ball, attended Toledo throughout all of her schooling. Even since my mom has graduated, about two decades ago, the building has received minimal improvements. Being that the building is almost all original, Toledo High deserves a fresh start."
"Keeping school spirit alive isn't always easy, when the sound of roof leaks dripping into buckets is quite literally, raining on your parade. Or when your bags get wet from sitting on the floor next to the windows in our hallways, that leak when the rain pours, which is often in Washington. Seeing and comparing THS to neighboring schools is almost disheartening."
"I believe good education comes from good teachers, a supportive community, and a safe learning environment. Toledo High School is no longer adequate to support these essentials, Due to issues that can no longer be patched or temporarily repaired. The school is no longer up to earthquake code, our intercom system and our bells (which our Secretary rings by hand) are no longer working, and or aren't loud enough to hear in some classrooms. The fire alarm cannot be recognized/heard from some classrooms, including the chemistry classroom, leading kids to ask, 'what's that noise?' during fire drills."
Alexis finishes, "If this bond passes, Toledo High School students will get the education environment that they deserve. This fifth running of the bond is the best deal we've had yet, meaning voting yes should be easier than ever."
As Alexis gave a very passionate description of why the Toledo High School desperately needs the bond, Katie Bowen also had a few words to say on the matter.
Katie comments, "I've gone to Toledo since day one. Toledo is a great community, but in order to continue that, we need an updated high school."
Katie continues, "As a student attending THS, I find it very difficult sitting in class and hearing water drip where I am working, as well as listening to the other teachers instruct on the other side of our fake walls. Most of all, I find the school very unsafe. It is very important to me to have a safe school where not just me, but our whole town would know we were safe."
Katie concludes, "If the bond is to pass, that would mean my family could continue to carry the traditions. VOTE YES FOR TOLEDO SCHOOLS."
For the safety, learning, and benefits for the Toledo High School students, it's crucial for the bond to pass. This bond is the cheapest one yet, and this deal is way too good to pass up. For the students, staff, and families of Toledo, vote yes for the Toledo High School bond in November of 2018!