Letter
Pam Hannah
From: <phannah@northampton-k12.us>
Date: Thu, Oct 30, 2014 at 7:40 PM
Subject: JSS Playground Needs CPA Funding
To: Downey Meyer <dmeyer@northampton-k12.us>
Cc: Gwen Agna <gagna@northampton-k12.us>, slavalley@northamptonma.gov, Jo Comerford
<jo.comerford@moveon.org>
Dear Downey,
I am writing today to lend my support to the Jackson Street School's application to the CPA for
funding for the Ms. Agna Playground. It is crucial that the CPA financially support this project,
without these funds the playground will not be able to constructed. This play area is a vital
community resource, not only for the young people attending the school but for families in close
proximity to the school. For our good neighbors in Hampshire Heights, Coachlight and
Hathaway Farms, this play area at JSS is often referred to as "the park" as many of these families
do not have a car and cannot afford the entrance fee to Look Park.
Jackson Street School is one of the most racially, ethnically and class diverse schools in
Northampton. Consider these statistics:
For 18% of JSS students, English is not their first language
43.5% of Jackson Street School’s families live in poverty; compared to Northampton as a whole where
roughly 13.5% of residents live in poverty.
39.2% of JSS students are children of color; compared to roughly 12.5% at the Northampton city level.
24.5% of JSS students live with disabilities.
41.5% of JSS students receive free lunch.
55.2% of JSS students are considered high need.
These students and this community, most vulnerable due to our society's lack of prioritizing the needs of all its
citizens, need to see our fine city recognize their importance. One step in this direction would be the financial
support from the CPA to build the Ms Agna Playground, to allow the construction of a playground where
thousands and thousands of young people will have a safe place to grow, play and explore. I encourage you to
do right by our community and ensure that this project is able to get completed.
Please feel free to contact me at 413-222-8774 with questions.
Thank you for giving this your immediate attention.
Sincerely,
Pam Hannah
Ward 1 School Committee Member