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To: Fairmont Area schools Superintendent Andy Traetow, Fairmont Area School Board, Fairmont JSHS Administrators and Staff

Reinstating Inspiration: A Petition for the Return of Mr. Bryce Allard to Fairmont JSHS

We, the undersigned, come together from various corners of the Fairmont community—students, parents, and local citizens—to strongly advocate for the reinstatement of Mr. Bryce Allard as the STEM and Agricultural teacher at Fairmont Junior-Senior High School (JSHS). Our collective voice seeks to underscore the profound and positive impact Mr. Allard has had on our community, an impact that transcends the conventional boundaries of education.

At the heart of our petition is Mr. Allard’s unparalleled ability to connect with students. His approachability, empathy, and integrity have fostered an educational environment where students genuinely feel seen and valued. This connection is critical; it has transformed our school into a place where learning is intertwined with personal growth and mutual respect. Mr. Allard’s dedication to his students goes beyond mere academic instruction, cultivating a sense of belonging and understanding that is rare and precious.

Mr. Allard’s unique background, not rooted in traditional teaching, has brought invaluable perspectives and real-world applications to the curriculum, preparing our students for future challenges in ways that textbooks alone cannot. His initiatives, both within the school and in the broader Fairmont community, have sparked positive change, demonstrating his commitment to not just education, but to societal progress.

While recognizing that mistakes were made, it is important to stress that these were not born of malice or negligence but from a place of deep concern for student welfare. Mr. Allard has openly acknowledged these errors, showing a level of accountability and willingness to learn that we should all admire and emulate. This action alone speaks volumes of his character and dedication to our students’ best interests.

We are aware that the support from the entire school staff is crucial for such a decision. We hope this petition also serves as a reminder of the positive impact Mr. Allard has had on our students and encourages a dialogue about the kind of educational environment we wish to cultivate—one that values innovative teaching, empathy, and the growth of our students as both learners and individuals.

In reinstating Mr. Allard, we see a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to education that nurtures not just intellectual growth but also emotional intelligence and community connection. We believe his presence at Fairmont JSHS is essential for continuing the positive momentum he has already set in motion.

We respectfully request that the decision regarding Mr. Bryce Allard’s tenure be reconsidered, with an understanding of the holistic benefits his reinstatement would bring to our students, school, and the wider Fairmont community. Let’s champion the values that Mr. Allard embodies: empathy, integrity, and a deep-seated belief in the potential of every student.

Why is this important?

Allard is not just a teacher but a guiding light for students. Mr. Allard has this unique background that isn't rooted in traditional teaching paths, which brings a fresh and necessary perspective to education. He understands the real world in a way that few can match and brings those insights into the classroom, making learning relevant and exciting.

But beyond the innovative teaching methods and his ability to prepare students for the future, what truly sets Mr. Allard apart is his genuine connection with students. I'd share a story about a student who felt invisible within the school's walls, struggling academically and personally, feeling like just another face in the crowd. Mr. Allard noticed. He reached out, offered support, and showed genuine concern, not just for the student's grades but for their wellbeing. It was a turning point for that student, who began to believe in their potential and value, not just in school but in life. This story isn't unique; it's one of many that highlight how Mr. Allard has impacted lives.

I'd also mention the mistake Mr. Allard made, emphasizing its nature—born not out of negligence but from a place of profound concern for his students. It's crucial to understand that everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone owns them. Mr. Allard did. He faced them head-on with integrity and a willingness to learn and grow from them. This accountability, this human aspect of his character, makes him even more of a role model.

Why do I care? Because education is about more than just academics. It's about preparing young minds for the challenges of the real world, instilling in them a sense of purpose, and nurturing their growth as individuals. Mr. Allard embodies this philosophy. Losing him would be a disservice not just to the students who thrive under his guidance but to the very essence of what education should aspire to be.

In fighting for his reinstatement, we're not just fighting for a teacher; we're advocating for a future where education is as much about building character and community as it is about imparting knowledge. It's about ensuring that our school is a place where every student feels seen, heard, and inspired to reach their full potential. That's why this matters to me, and it's why I believe it should matter to all of us.

Updates

2024-02-16 14:06:45 -0500

100 signatures reached

2024-02-16 13:47:15 -0500

50 signatures reached

2024-02-16 13:36:53 -0500

25 signatures reached

2024-02-16 13:29:20 -0500

10 signatures reached