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Good afternoon, Chairs and members of the Committee. My name is Hayden Ulysse. I am a resident of Malden and am the parent of four former and current students at Pioneer Charter School of Science. I am here today to testify against S.320 and other legislation that would be harmful to all charter public school students, including my youngest two children.
My wife and I came to the United States 20 years ago. We wanted to come here for a long time because we believed, and still believe, that this country gives so many opportunities for peoples’ dreams to come true. We wanted our children to have the opportunity to get a good education in this country so that they could achieve their dreams.
For us, parents and schools working together is what makes it possible for children to be successful. We have been very lucky to have a true partnership with Pioneer since our first child enrolled at the school. The teachers communicate with us regularly. We always know what our children are learning, how they are doing in school, and how we can help at home. We feel so respected and valued by the teachers, who treat us like true partners in our children’s education.
Also, the teachers at Pioneer truly believe that all of the children, including my own, can become whatever they want to be. They believe every child can achieve big things, and they truly care about helping them do that. When one of my sons was struggling in math, his teacher asked if he could stay after school to practice. The teacher stayed with my son until 5:30 every day until he had the math foundation that he needed to be successful. This meant so much to us and made such a difference for my son.
Pioneer is the right public school for our family. Our children are achieving their dreams. My oldest child was three when we arrived in this country. He graduated from Pioneer, then from UMass Boston, and is now a nurse. My second child graduated from Pioneer a few weeks ago and will be going to Regis College to study radiology. My two youngest are at Pioneer and I have no doubt they will also be successful in whatever they decide to do, in part, because of the incredible public education they have received.
My wife and I believe that every child and family should have this same opportunity. Charter public schools give students and families an important option. And it is one that we should celebrate and support, not try to tear down. As such, I respectfully ask that you please not pass legislation that would hurt our state’s charter public schools and its students, including Pioneer and my own children.
Thank you.
