As many of you have noticed, the school lost a very important staff member last week. Mrs. Danese, who has been with the school for over 15 years, was removed by Superintendent Vitti of Duval County Schools and reassigned to a middle school. Superintendent Vitti feels elementary schools do not need this position as student on student violence is less prevalent in elementary schools. Tragedies such as Sandy Hook Elementary as well as more recent incidents of shooting show a real threat from outside sources and a need for security personnel.

As a concerned parent body we feel that he made a move without assessing what is best for our students. We are a predominately military dependent school and our students already face a unique set of situations in regards to family setting and frequent moves. Mrs. Danese provided a watchful eye,and a safe and stable environment. In addition to fulfilling her security duties she was a smiling face in the morning when 4th and 5th graders went to the media center before class. She was the lunch lead and kept order in the cafeteria. She helped organize the media center and run our school book fair. Most importantly she was family to staff and students for years. Help us by signing this petition that we will be submitting to Superintendent Vitti, letting him know we don't agree with his choice to remove our security guard. Our student's safety within our Finegan Family, of which Mrs. Danese played an integral role, is of utmost importance to us. Please bring Mrs. Danese back to Joseph Finegan Elementary.