June 13, 2022 Koppers Campaign Newsletter
Kristen Koppers for Regional Superintendent of Schools
We are just about 2 weeks out from the primary election. If you have not voted already, please make sure that you vote on Tuesday, June 28 at your local polling place. In my last newsletter, I included links for the sample ballots in Will, Grundy, and Kendall Counties.
This past Saturday, I spent the morning at the Morris Freedom Rally showing my patriotism to my country. My father instilled in me the respect I should have for my country. This includes in the schools as well. When I was in school (K-12), we always stood for the pledge. In the last few years teaching high school, very little stand for the pledge, let a lone say it.
This is devastating to me as I cannot teach students how to be patriotic as it has to be learned. As I stood along Route 47 Saturday morning, there was a young gentlemen who purposely pulled over to get out of the car. He was filled with anger inside as he came over to us in a threatening manner as we stand strong. I do not know why he was so angry that we were minding our own business as many honked in support. But what was hurtful was that he took it to another level by blocking traffic, swearing at the patriots, and wanting to fight (or so it seemed as he ran across the street with no concern for his life or others).
This has become the problem not only in the state of Illinois but also in the country. We are always so easy to judge or become angry; we do not take the time to think.
But pride does not only exist through patriotism; it exists in our lives through our friends, family, and jobs. Recently, many teachers and staff members decided to resign from the jobs due to various reasons. In one school district alone, there have been 13 resignations from professional staff (teachers) in this last semester of the school year. In my 20 years of teaching, I have not seen that many teachers resign in one school year.
One of the questions I’ve been asked lately is how can school districts attract and retain quality teachers? It’s simple. Stop! Just stop! We all know that the Governor’s “mandates” were not only illegal but also unethical. Additionally, the ridiculous bills that have been passed through the legislation have been targeting teachers to go against their own beliefs. Not to mention the climate and culture in the districts need to get better. We already know the unions are against us, like AFT, IEA, and IFT. This is proven by who THEY choose to back. It does NOT represent the teachers collectively.
On Saturday, my friend Emily gave me some information about Trevor Till. When she told me his story, my heart dropped, and I was completely disgusted by not only those who have been elected to protect Illinoisans, but to care for our children.
If you have not read about Trevor Till, I have attached the link to his story. Trevor was not the only one who took his own life during the two years of tyranny. Suicides have increased by young children since the start of the Governor’s illegal orders. Despite his own family being whisked away to their Florida home, where no mandates existed, he held us, our businesses, our schools, our freedom, and our children hostage for two years. We cannot let our children’s lives be just a memory for what has happened to them.
I may not be able to solve all the problems. But I will stand with you and fight. I will reach out to the legislators, the school districts, the school board of education, and even the Governor’s office when it pertains to public education, the safety, and our children.
If you want to run / walk in the Second Annual Trevor Till Memorial 5K, please see the information below.
Pride also comes from your heritage. Being 100% (or close to it) Polish, I wish I knew more about my culture growing up. However, my grandparents were afraid of speaking Polish outside of the home in case someone who deport them. Now that both sides of my grandparents are gone I will not be able to ask the questions that weigh on my mind. My son, recently, wanted to learn more about his Polish heritage. On Sunday, we went to Poloniada in Plano. It was amazing to see the obstacle race, eat the authentic food, and listen to some Polka.
Pride is not just in our country, the integrity of our elections, our schools, and our heritage. Pride comes from the inside; we cannot let that be destroyed.
We MUST take back our schools! I will stand with you. Remember, it’s up to you to make a difference.
To donate to my campaign, please visit: www.koppersforROE24.com
Best,
Kristen Koppers, M.A., M.Ed., NBCT