Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Hundreds and hundreds of kids all across the Plateau have gained confidence, made friends, and grown in their own identities through the care and passion of Mr. Howie and Small Hands on Art. This non-profit, local organization helps children learn musical theater all while funding Autism research and it must be protected.
Since Blackwell Elementary contracted its after school programming to the YMCA, the team there has made it incredibly challenging for Mr. Howie to continue to do the great work he does. From messing with his schedule to driving prices higher so fewer kids can participate, the YMCA is working hard to push Mr. Howie out so they can bring in their own programs like they have done this quarter.
This much stop! Sign this petition to send a message to the YMCA and all of the Plateau schools (if you're not at Blackwell, your school could be next!) that we support this local non-profit and Mr. Howie. He has brought so much magic to our kids. It's time to bring some magic his way.
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Updates
November 15, 2017
Seeing the momentum behind this fight feels like a heavy weight beginning to shift. It has been exhausting to watch these programs get dismantled but your backing confirms that this work is worth the struggle.
12 Comments
My son was just in a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest as Prospero and it all started with his being Michael Darling in Mr. Howie's Peter Pan many years ago. With a little pixie dust and Mr. Howie's help, he actually did fly! What a priceless resource.
My daughters have part of Mr Howie's program for several years, at a neighbor school (Samantha Smith) and it is an amazing program. The kids LOVE working with him, and he teaches them all at their level. This is hands down one of the BEST after school program we've seen, mainly due to the way it is taught. It cannot be replaced!
For John and Liam
Keep small hands on art going! This is a great program.
Howie and Amy provide an amazing program!
I'm so sorry to hear this is happening at other elementary schools in the area! This is terrible news. I hope our school isn't next (I don't think the Y does afterschool programming there), but it shouldn't happen at any of them. "Howie plays" are so welcoming and fun and Howie is such a delight. I'm sorry to hear that some kids will be deprived of this opportunity.
My husband and I have been incredibly impressed by Mr. Howie and his programs. We gladly drive from Snohomish whenever we can to attend. He gives so much to the kids and they find such inspiration and joy being part of his programs.
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
Hundreds and hundreds of kids all across the Plateau have gained confidence, made friends, and grown in their own identities through the care and passion of Mr. Howie and Small Hands on Art. This non-profit, local organization helps children learn musical theater all while funding Autism research and it must be protected.
Since Blackwell Elementary contracted its after school programming to the YMCA, the team there has made it incredibly challenging for Mr. Howie to continue to do the great work he does. From messing with his schedule to driving prices higher so fewer kids can participate, the YMCA is working hard to push Mr. Howie out so they can bring in their own programs like they have done this quarter.
This much stop! Sign this petition to send a message to the YMCA and all of the Plateau schools (if you're not at Blackwell, your school could be next!) that we support this local non-profit and Mr. Howie. He has brought so much magic to our kids. It's time to bring some magic his way.
Updates
November 15, 2017
Seeing the momentum behind this fight feels like a heavy weight beginning to shift. It has been exhausting to watch these programs get dismantled but your backing confirms that this work is worth the struggle.
12 Comments
Nothing should be allowed to drive out a resource like Mr.Howie, a brilliant, passionate, energetic, and kind drama coach who can transform a stage-shy child into an enthusiastic performer - or equally, channel a child's over-abundant energy into something creative and positive. No thank you, ymca.
My son was just in a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest as Prospero and it all started with his being Michael Darling in Mr. Howie's Peter Pan many years ago. With a little pixie dust and Mr. Howie's help, he actually did fly! What a priceless resource.
My daughters have part of Mr Howie's program for several years, at a neighbor school (Samantha Smith) and it is an amazing program. The kids LOVE working with him, and he teaches them all at their level. This is hands down one of the BEST after school program we've seen, mainly due to the way it is taught. It cannot be replaced!
For John and Liam
Keep small hands on art going! This is a great program.
Howie and Amy provide an amazing program!
I'm so sorry to hear this is happening at other elementary schools in the area! This is terrible news. I hope our school isn't next (I don't think the Y does afterschool programming there), but it shouldn't happen at any of them. "Howie plays" are so welcoming and fun and Howie is such a delight. I'm sorry to hear that some kids will be deprived of this opportunity.
My husband and I have been incredibly impressed by Mr. Howie and his programs. We gladly drive from Snohomish whenever we can to attend. He gives so much to the kids and they find such inspiration and joy being part of his programs.
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Nothing should be allowed to drive out a resource like Mr.Howie, a brilliant, passionate, energetic, and kind drama coach who can transform a stage-shy child into an enthusiastic performer - or equally, channel a child's over-abundant energy into something creative and positive. No thank you, ymca.