Woodlands Alumnae Need Answers

I agree with Alison wholeheartedly. I am absolutely crushed to hear about the dismissal of Mrs. Marko. If it weren't for her and many other staff members, I honestly don't think I would have made it through life, let alone graduate high school. Alison is absolutely correct and her points are spot on. While the property is improving aesthetic appearance, the core of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is its staff. This woman improved my life in so many ways and truly still is one of the best teachers I had and I never took a class from her. She was not my advisor and yet the lessons she taught me are lessons I still carry with me today. She became a second mother to me. To this day, I still call her "Mom." To eliminate her from the staff entirely is just ridiculous to me. You would be eliminating an important foundation block of the school. I hope you can reconsider your decision.

Please reconsider for the sake of the future students and families that want to know sacred heart is about the students and not only profit. Surely you can afford her and help get more students.

I respectfully ask you consider our request. Sincerely, Sheila Phelan Harvey, class of 1996

Class of 1999

I could not agree more with the letter Allison wrote. I transferred into Woodlands the middle of my sophomore year, coming from a large highschool. It was the human connection that brought me back to my best self and helped me to excel (and care to excel). Mrs. Marko is one of those connections that nurtured me to empower myself.

If this had happened when I was in attendance at Woodlands I would have never return. This is a travesty.

Class of '91

Mrs Marko and her position are extremely important to the Woodlands Academy community. I am saddened to hear that her position has been eliminated. and even more sad that she can no longer touch the students lives of myself and many others and helped us to become the beautiful women we are today. WA is a community and something like this should never happen. Please reconsider.

Class of 2003

I need to know why her job is being eliminated. She is an integral part of Woodlands, and I would have been lost without her. I never would have made it through the rigors of high school and my terrible home life without her. She cared when no one else did. She is an integral part of the Woodlands team and you have made a grave error that will negatively impact your students. I would not be the person I am today if it had not been for Mrs. Marko. Please make the right choice and keep her. You are dishonoring a woman who has spent nearly her entire career in the service of this school.

Class of '05

Class of 2005

Class of 2005

Ms. Marko has dedicated her life to Woodlands and helping girls no matter what their issue, year in and out. She was an instrumental part of my life and growth. I am saddened and deeply disappointed in the actions I am hearing of her removal and think it is not true to the spirit of Woodlands and how I was raised. I write in the hopes you change your position regarding her employment or how you think she can be most useful to students. 27 years of service should and must count for something.

I am class of 2003. Woodlands Academy will not be Woodlands Academy without Mrs. Marko. Horrible decision to eliminate her position

Class of 2003

Class of '01.

Mrs. Marko is truly one of the most selfless people out there. As an educator myself, I understand the hardships that many school districts are facing financially. But the teachers who have been continually making an impact in children's lives should not be the ones being riffed. Especially when they play such a critical role as school nurse and an overall genuinely amazing person as Marsha Marko has.

I wouldnt be the woman I am today, or face all the unexpected trials in my life- the way I do, if not for Marsha Marko. This issue demands resovle- first and foremost, to her- as well as the alumni classes that have ALL been touched by the graceful, supportive (especially for those whom boarded), compassionate & gracious woman (whom ALWAYS has had WA's best interest in heart... as well as her students all around, as well as medical, well being at the forefront of her 'importance' every. single. day. THIS is not the Woodlands Academy I remember... and certainly NOT the way the #1 All Girls School in the State (remember that little award, that you were just given???) should hadle ANY situation of this magnatude. It's appalling! I WILL have more to add to this. You're disrespect of someone who really touched so many lives, will not go unanswered.

For the countless hours Mrs. Marko put in and the lives she touched she deserves better than this.