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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Dear MASTA members.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b><span style='font-weight:bold'>This
is a SOS – Save our Strings in Livonia.</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Please read the below information.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>I know there are many MASTA members who are former Livonia
grads who can speak about the benefits that Livonia has provided in the past
for string education and what it does for kids!<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Many of you have been there – and know how a State wide push
can sometimes move mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span>PLEASE take a precious few moments and write/send an email to the names
listed below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This state effort
may not save this program but it sure should make them realize that we all
care.</span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Thanks for all you do!</span></font><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Hi Val,</span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Is there anything MASTA can do?
I'll send a copy of the petition as well...sorry I'm not computer savvy enough
to do it in the same email.</span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>Cathy</span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'>----- Original Message -----
<div style='font-color:black'></span></font><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='background:#E4E4E4'><b><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black'> <a
href="mailto:bilgerfamily@sbcglobal.net" title="bilgerfamily@sbcglobal.net"><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Kathy Bilger</span></font></a> </span></font><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;font-weight:bold'>To:</span></font></b><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'> <a href="mailto:bilgerfamily@sbcglobal.net"
title="bilgerfamily@sbcglobal.net"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Kathy
Bilger</span></font></a> </span></font><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></font></b><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'> Friday, April 21, 2006 8:28 PM</span></font><font size=2
color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 color=black face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:black;font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></font></b><font
size=2 color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black'> FW: Livonia Strings URGENT REQUEST</span></font><font size=2
color=black face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Dear Parents, </span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>As you may have read in the news over the
last several weeks, the Livonia Public Schools has been undergoing a crisis.
The school board seeks to change the school configurations which has resulted
in a lawsuit by concerned parents. The school board has promised that by
closing schools and reconfiguring buildings that upper elementary, junior high
and high school students will benefit by more special classes. Parents
were very concerned with the music programs. The board had cut back music
programs in recent years. The new proposal will bring back band and vocal
music at the 5-6 level but not orchestra. Orchestra will be phased out of
Livonia schools. </span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black;
mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>I do not know your stand on the Legacy
Initative or the school board recall petition. I do offer this
information to any and all LYPM parents because it affects the future of our
children. The LYPM has been around for many years and we will fight to
stay around for many more. We look to grow our group with new orchestras
for next year at the beginner and intermediate levels. I will say that it has
been shown that when students do not have a school band or orchestra, they are
less likely to stay in music. </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>A second email will be forwarded with the
petition. I will be speaking to the school board at the Monday meeting,
please join me if you are able. </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=4 color=black face="Brush Script MT"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Brush Script MT";color:black'>Kathy Bilger</span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>
<hr size=3 width="100%" align=center>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><font size=2 color=black
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2 color=black face=Tahoma><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:black'> SOSLivonia2006
[mailto:soslivonia2006@sbcglobal.net] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Friday, April 21, 2006 1:37
PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> bilgerfamily@sbcglobal.net;
dbilger@HTDconnect.com<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Livonia Strings URGENT
REQUEST</span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>An </span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
normal'><font size=5 color=black><span style='font-size:16.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>URGENT</span></font></b><font color=black><span
style='color:black'> message to friends of Livonia Public Schools Strings
Programs with </span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font
size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;font-weight:bold'>only
4 days to respond – S.O.S. – <u>Save</u> <u>Our</u> <u>Strings</u></span></font></b><font
color=black><span style='color:black'>:</span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=4
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>Elementary strings instruction for L.P.S. has been cancelled
for fall 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This can be
verified by speaking with any strings or orchestra teacher or by calling the
school board office:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>744 2500 –
Shelia Alles ext. 42642.</span></font></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font
size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext;font-weight:bold'><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=4
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'> </span></font></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font
size=4 color=black><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext;font-weight:bold'><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>One additional Middle School, Holmes, will
no longer have an orchestra in fall 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span></span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=4
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>Only</span></font></b><font color=black><span
style='color:black'> Emerson and <st1:place u1:st="on"><st1:PlaceName u1:st="on">Frost</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType u1:st="on">Middle Schools</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> will
retain their Orchestra programs in 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</span></span></font><font color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=4
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>Only one</span></font></b><font color=black><span
style='color:black'> LPS Board of Education meeting remains scheduled this
spring and it is a “special meeting” with audience commentary only listed at
the very beginning of the </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><font size=4
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>6:30 p.m. meeting on Monday, April 24 </span></font></b><font
color=black><span style='color:black'>at the school board offices on <st1:place u1:st="on"><st1:City u1:st="on">Farmington</st1:City></st1:place>
south of <st1:Street u1:st="on"><st1:address u1:st="on">5 Mile Rd.</st1:address></st1:Street><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><u>Only the first 5 people who
sign up will be given a chance to speak</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes"> </span>Others who attend the meeting can stand and support someone
speaking in an effort to save the strings programs if they are given an
opportunity to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><font size=3
color=black face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black;
font-weight:bold'>ONLY THE PRESENCE OF MANY CONCERNED PEOPLE MAY BE ABLE TO
REINSTATE THE ELEMENTARY STRING INSTRUCTION CLASSES.</span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></u></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>A 3/17/06 LPS “Legacy Initiative Update”
brochure states that the Demographics Committee recommended the new grade
configuration for improved educational programs … “restoring or adding programs
at the 5<sup>th</sup> and 6<sup>th</sup> grade level…”</span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>How long will it take for String Orchestra
programs to be eliminated at the remaining 2 Middle Schools and 3 high schools
without opportunities for prior string instruction?</span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Please speak or write to:<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>LPS School Board Members - e-mail
addresses are available at: <a href="http://www.livonia.k12.mi.us/">http://www.livonia.k12.mi.us/</a><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Dr. Randy Liepa, Superintendent of Schools
– <a href="mailto:rliepa@livonia.k12.mi.us">rliepa@livonia.k12.mi.us</a></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Shelia Alles, Dir. Of Academic Services – <a
href="mailto:salles@livonia.k12.mi.us">salles@livonia.k12.mi.us</a></span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Please consider signing and encouraging
others to sign the petition sent in a separate </span></font><font color=black><span
style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=black face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>e-mail for delivery to the school board in
4 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you.</span></font><font
color=black><span style='color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span class=EmailStyle15><font size=2 color=black
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
Arial'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
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