Dear Maple Valley Community,

As we approach an important election I’d like to share a story of what happened in the first two weeks of school for my classroom. But first here is a little about myself.  I am Gracie B.W. I go to Lake Wilderness as a fourth grader in Mrs. Turian’s class. I love to read and write. I wake up every morning excited to go to school — but not one with distractions.

One time my teacher was reading a book and the heater started squealing. It was very annoying. Mrs. Turian went over, made a fist and slammed it against the heater. She told us the janitor said to do that. It didn’t stop but at least it got quieter. It continued to bug my class. It was like a little whistle at the back of your head and it didn’t matter how quiet it was but it was all you could think about. It distracted you until you got away from it. Some kids went to the carpet to get away, and some people’s desks were far enough away.

This is why you have to vote! If the bond passes our learning environment will be better. All we have to do is vote! We have a privilege to vote! Let’s celebrate our privilege by voting! I want to be in a distraction free environment. So please, please vote. Vote for me.

Gracie Brondstetter-Weis

Fourth Grader at LWES