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Dear West Hartford Board of Education,

I am currently battling shock, dismay, and heart-break over the last-minute suggested elimination of the Quest Department and its programming. It seems crystal clear that the Board, and the Executive Team currently in place, do not understand, nor care to understand, the value, need, and equity this program provides for students in this district.

As a Board member recently stated, “It is an equity issue.” Yes, it is. Our district’s motto is “Every Student. Every Day.” Students who are being serviced by West Hartford Public Schools deserve equity. Every student deserves to be given a quality education, pursuant to their needs – INCLUDING gifted and talented students. They also stated that the “district is the Quest for for our kids.” It is not. Our programming offers more rigor than can be given in the general education classroom; it provides social opportunities, and discourse that cannot occur with like minded peers outside of the Quest classroom.

Additionally, it was suggested that the program is “privileged” and that students have to check boxes. We pride ourselves on our DIVERSITY within the program. Speaking only for myself, I ensure that I am seeking out ALL students that require the program; I fight for what is best for any and all students – just as I am now.

Over and over my students have told me that Quest is the best part of their day. They not only have access to challenges that they do not experience elsewhere, but they also are able to socialize, debate, create, invent, design, and be themselves. In a world where others ask you to fit into a mold, we allow our students to break out of it. It is a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and discover at a pace and elevation that fits their needs. Every Child Every Day.

I cannot fathom a world where we take away NEEDED supports and services from students. I challenge you to do what is right and just for every child – every day!

Christy Rybczyk
West Hartford Public Schools Quest Teacher, Gifted and Talented
Aiken Quest & Math Quest Grades 4 & 5
Bristow Middle School Quest, 6, 7, 8