I am writing on to say that I am disappointed that our Highline School District is going to cut several wonderful school counselors because of "budget cuts".

Our school counselors are the "HEARTS AND SOULS" of our schools. The students, teachers, and parents desperately need them.

In the past two years, one of my students has lost a father. Last year, James Peckenpaugh died of cancer.... leaving behind 3 children. One of his children was in my class. The family and I relied a great deal on the support of Louise Hones, our wonderful and compassionate counselor, who is about to be "cut"!!!

This year, at the very beginning of the year, Mr. Bob Scheffield, died suddenly. His son, Daniel, is in my class this year. Again, our school counselors were there in a heartbeat to help the family through this terrible, hard time of grief.

As a community, we cannot afford to lose our counselors. The heart-wrenching problems that our students come to school with are unbelievable. Our society is changing more and more. Children NEED a listening ear, someone to help them "navigate" through tough times, and a "cheerleader" to root them on when they are making positive choices.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Please, HIGHLINE COMMUNITY--SAVE OUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS!!!!

Janie Lemley

Kindergarten/PM Teacher