Dear Mr. Eckhoff

During my freshman year, my favorite teacher was getting laid off from some damn seniority rules. After many emails to the school board, I was directed toward Mr. Eckhoff. This is my letter:

"Dear Mr. Eckhoff,

           

            I am Vivian Chu, a freshman at Armstrong High School. I would like your help and input regarding the layoff of orchestra teacher Mr. Bast. We, as the Armstrong freshman orchestra class, were notified of his job loss on April 7^th. The District has decided to decrease funding to the middle school music departments, resulting in Mr. Bast’s layoff. Since I began my musical career in the 5^th grade, I have had eleven conductors (both in school and in after school orchestra programs hosted by the district) and I can clearly say that Mr. Bast is the best one I’ve had so far. He’s full of musical knowledge and his talent of being a teacher and a conductor surpasses the previous ten teachers. I’ve heard that Mr. Bast was chosen to replace Mr. Schmeickle for his musicianship and nine years of experience for teaching high school level orchestra. He’s a great and energetic teacher who makes us want to play everyday.

            We know that he has only been teaching in District 281 for only one year, but we really want the district to keep him. We’ve heard rumors that Mr. Kevin Martin will be taking over his job. Mr. Martin is a great teacher, I had him for two years in All District Orchestra, but many of us feel like he is not right for a high school level job. He only teaches elementary and middle school level kids. Although I do not know the details of Mr. Bast’s job and the District budget cuts, we would like to keep this man as our orchestra teacher. Any input you may have on this subject will be gladly accepted.

            We also invite you to Mr. Bast’s final concert here in District 281. It will be on Tuesday, May 12^th at Armstrong High School at 7:00 pm. It will feature the freshman orchestra, the philharmonic orchestra, the symphonic orchestra, and the Armstrong Chamber Strings, all directed by Mr. Bast.

On behalf of the freshman orchestra,

Thank you,

Vivian Chu"

Damn jackass never replied.