Hopefully everyone has had a very relaxing and fun summer. The journeys of summer are gone and the excitement of a new school year has begun. As a teacher, I have brought to the capital my observations concerning the school system in Colorado, more specifically in Jeffco. Much legislation concerning educational reform made its way to the House floor this past session. After many hours of deliberation and debate, our students will see improvements throughout all aspects of their schools.

Let's begin with those who are first timers in the educational system, the at-risk preschool children. Prior to legislation being passed, a wait list existed for three and four year olds to enroll in preschools. The House of Representatives addressed this problem immediately because they feared the current enrollment process would dissuade the parents of those who are most at risk from getting an early education for their children. The new legislation has completely eliminated the wait list for at risk preschool education. Please parents, enroll your children. The education they receive in preschool lays the foundation for education later in life.

Young people these days have a lot on their plate. Between homework and extra curricular activities, it is important that the health of our children is maintained. This year, more money has been put into programs that support school based clinics. These programs allow the young peopleto stay in school and get their education, while adults don't need to take time off work to tend to sick children. Colorado School Based Health Clinic coupled with Community Health Provider's Network has managed to successfully implement the program in Stein Elementary School. It has been so successful that the program is being expanded to Alameda High School.

Speaking of high school, HB08- 1040 has provided more counseling positions in middle schools and high schools. The School Counselor Corps will be implemented in the Jeffco School districts. With this support, students will have more access to help at school. We want to make sure that all students have access to career counseling and mental health services in school. By creating more counseling positions, we have provided students with another resource for help, guidance or advice. As a teacher, I have spent many years in the classroom and have made many observations about improvements that need to be made to insure our students receive the best education possible. At the moment, the most pressing problem is the increased drop out rate. I have observed that students need much more guidance during the transition years; the years between elementary and middle school, and between middle school and high school. Young people need this support to be able to face the challenges that the next school year will bring. That is why I gave strong support to the bill that created funding for more counselors.

Healthy minds and bodies are a primary concern for our students. Representative Benefield passed a bill entitled Healthy Food Choices this past session. Scientific research has proven that a student who consumes healthy food has much better brain power and attention in a classroom than a student who has consumed junk food. Rep. Benefield passed legislation to put healthy snacks in the vending machines at school. We want our student's minds and bodies in the best shape they can be in. One way that we can demand excellence for our children is to begin with better food choices.

Teachers are one of the most influential people in your child's life. That is why I sponsored SB08-133 entitled Math and Science Scholarship Teachers. This bill was passed in this last term and I eagerly await the results. It creates scholarships to those who would like to become math and science teachers. I am sure that everyone remembers the one teacher that touched them back when they were in school. My hope is that, through these scholarships, more amazing, creative, and educated teachers are put back in the classroom to help your student learn, grow and get ready to face the real world.

The 21 st century is a plethora of ideas and changes. Some people are working on renewable energy, some are working to create peace in the Middle East, and people all across the globe are making discoveries and decisions that are shaping the world. This is an exciting time. As our students attend school, it is important to think about what skills they will need to succeed in life after school. There is a movement sweeping through education boards, PTA's, and across the nation. It sounds pretty simple but with the pressures of standardized testing has been lost in recent years. That movement is the idea that students should learn to think for themselves. We are not talking about one subject or two, but all of their subjects. Students should learn to question what they hear and make decisions for themselves. Let's not allow our student to stop and stare and simply memorize the facts. Let's prepare them to ask questions, explore and be creative. Students should be focused on how to think, not about how to take tests. Many of the facts that we learn in school do not impact our everyday lives. However, learning how to think for ourselves is an asset that will never diminish its value over time. I ask parents that you get involved in you child's education. Sit and read with them, take them to the library, GET INVOLVED!!! Help your student grow intellectually and offer encouragement. Theses children will grow up to be great diplomats, leaders in the community, doctors. No matter what they become, they can't become anything without an education. So, help your students succeed in school.

There are 80,000 students enrolled in Jeffco Schools and each one deserves a high quality of education. I believe that each one of these students has the potential to do something great but they need a solid foundation in which to plant their greatness. This foundation is education. As a teacher and your State Representative, I have learned a lot about what our children need from us - as teachers, as parents, as concerned citizens. Let's work together to support our children. Strong schools create strong communities. And strong communities support strong schools.

The best part of my job is listening to you, the people whom I serve. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to reach me at andy.kerr.house@state.co.us. I would love to hear from you! For more information about the bills, please visit http://www.leg.state.co.us/.

Thank you,

Rep. Andy Kerr