~ Submitted by Leslie Savoy, Mom to children ages 10,8,6 and 4
I am a mother of four children who attend the Bedford schools. I met Kelly several years ago as we have children that are similar ages, and we’ve spent many hours together at the town playground pushing our kids on swings and balancing them on the seesaw. We often saw each other at many events that were put on through the Bedford Family Connection (BFC) as our kids were in the same BFC playgroup. Through the pandemic, I got to know her more intimately as I shared with her some of the struggles we were facing as a family. Two of my children have communication disorders, and the challenges they face daily were exasperated by the pandemic. Over the past two years, they’ve had difficulties building friendships, interacting with others, and expressing their emotions – all greatly impacting their self-confidence, overall wellbeing, and mental health. It’s imperative that as we come out of the pandemic, we focus on the overall wellbeing of all students. Many have been and will continue to struggle mentally and emotionally, which is why I fully endorse Kelly Horton for School Committee and ask that you do the same.
As part of Kelly’s advocacy for safely returning to in person learning here in town, she often articulated what many of us were experiencing at home as we watched our children struggle with remote learning and isolation, negatively impacting their overall mood, attitude, and happiness. She could speak to it so well because she listened to what other parents were going through, and she was going through it herself. I’ve watched her stand up for what’s right and work toward practical solutions by asking thoughtful questions and staying the course. When others couldn’t or wouldn’t speak up, she gave them a voice. When others gave up, she didn’t.
Knowing that our students’ mental health is one of Kelly’s top priorities as we emerge from this pandemic gives me comfort because I know she’ll continue to advocate for those that aren’t able to, and she’ll move us all forward. And I know that Bedford will be better for that.
Please join me in voting for Kelly Horton for School Committee on March 12th.
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