***Updated***

The new referendum originally set to benefit multiple athletic teams and the arts at PLHS, is now being altered in ways that directly impact the Varsity and JV gymnastics team. The original plans included a designated, permanent gym space for the gymnastics team.

For years, we have been practicing at Twin Oaks so we weren’t in the way of other larger sports. Every season, the gymnasts themselves have to physically take down and set up all of our heavy equipment. This impacts the wear and tear of our equipment, and potentially creates additional hazards in terms of safety (think: traveling carnival rides v. secure amusement park rides). Our mats which are very expensive, specially, see the most damage from being moved all of the time. Our space holds a training season in the summer and fall and is open to gymnasts from nearby schools.

We were recently informed we will no longer be getting a new gym space, and our allotted space at Twin Oaks is being cur down in the off season. In case you aren’t aware, gymnastics is a year round sport. Without this space, we lose that practice time. For as long as I’m aware, we’ve sent individual gymnasts to state every year, and we have a really good chance at making it to state as a team in the next few years. This would really prove our hard work is all worth it, and solidify us as a real competitor in high school gymnastics!

Further, we are receiving conflicting information about why we are not getting a new space, and why the team's space is being cut. We have heard it is to allow space for 9th grade boys basketball, we have heard it is to accommodate middle school physical education classes, etc. Gymnastics is the only program that is not gaining from the referendum, and is actually losing something. Is the school board’s next step to cut the gymnastics program completely?! Other schools in our district have already done this, and we need to set a new precedent and keep our program growing and thriving.

I have been doing gymnastics for fourteen years of my life and if they cut our program, I would have no where to go except quit the sport I love forever. PLHS has plenty of gyms to fit all other sports. If we had the permanent gym space, we could potentially start a club team for younger kids’ classes and be able to build them into high level gymnasts. This decision will impact many generations to come. Gymnastics is one of the most gravity-defying, graceful, and extraordinary sport, and it has been around for 4,000 years.

We plan on sending this petition to the superintendent to show her we belong in Prior Lake-Savage High School. We feel we aren’t recognized for the potential we have, and she needs to see this! Please help us show them we do not deserve to be cut down any more than we already are!