Photos: Vallemar Staff, Students and Teachers Rally to Support Public Education

Participants in Vallemar school's Week of Action rally and picket line Friday morning hoped to convey this message of giving thanks to parent teacher organizations (PTOs), taxpayers and the Pacifica School District. 

"We're just so appreciative that PTO is still raising money for the enrichment program," said Barbara Ng, principal.

Dozens of parents, students and teachers joined the rally armed with chants and picket signs until Vallemar's morning bell dispersed pupils to class.

"One reason we are here is to thank Pacifica and show we are united," said Maureen Manis, a second-grade teacher at Vallemar. "It's a student's right to a good education, and that's in jeopardy now in a really big way."

Students at Vallemar school may face increased class sizes with 20 days cut from the school year if state funding to decreases next school year.

This year, kindergarten through third grade class sizes have already increased from 20 to 24 students. The school year was also shortened by five days.

Brandy Vasquez, a first-grade teacher at Vallemar and parent of two, said that with increased class sizes and less teaching time in the shortened year "it's hard to get to all the specific needs of students."

Vasquez has been an educator for 14 years, and said that testing standards are increasingly difficult although teachers have less one-on-one time with students.

"Teachers have been asked to do more with less time and the children are the ones who are suffering," she said.

Doreen Cummins-Murphy said that she is greatful Pacifica School District's teachers have shown dedication enough to teach students after hours and without pay.

Cummins-Murphy is a parent of two students attending Vallemar school and a member of the PTO board.

"I cannot see us deducting 20 days of school. We need to be adding 20 days of school and here we are going backward again," said Cummins-Murphy.