Anyone who lives in or commutes around the Arlington area may be wondering what the "Keep Trafton Alive" buzz is all about. We, as concerned parents, teachers, and citizens, want to make sure that the public is informed about what is happening right now at the Arlington School District that may have a huge negative impact on our community and our children.

Due to recent talks of more budget cuts for the Arlington School District, a sad possibility is lingering in the air, a possibility that we hope will not come to fruition, the possibility of the closure of one of Washington's historic gems.

Regardless of whether you do or do not want Trafton School to close, we feel it is important for people to know why so many of us do not want to see this historic school closed. Trafton School has an amazing history, and in fact is on both the state and national historic registry. Trafton became a school in 1888, one year before Washington became a state. Trafton is, in fact, the longest continually operated school in the state.

Aside from its historic value, Trafton holds honors not to be beaten by any larger school. Trafton School is a place where children can enjoy the benefits of a small school, while parents enjoy the benefits of enrolling their children in a "school of choice." Being a "School of Choice" means that all parents choose to send their children to Trafton. Some parents endure a long commute every single day to get them to school. Arguments that state not having a cafeteria or an indoor gym as possible reasons to close the school are preposterous. Not only do parents know that Trafton does not have these things, many of us embrace those things. Eating in the classroom can be quite beneficial to many students, and the fresh air of outdoor PE is welcome.

The choice to fight to keep Trafton open is clear to many who have walked through the doors of this school. Many former students of the school have come back as parents to give their own children the quality education that they received as children. In fact, Trafton's own principal Ed Aylesworth was once a Trafton student.

Also a benefit to its students is the fact that since parents have chosen to send their children to Trafton, many also choose to spend their time volunteering at the school, giving each child more individualized attention.

Trafton is also a school where the students, staff, and parents all feel as though we are part of one large family. The school has the privilege of only having one class per grade level, which in turn creates a sense of community and family as the children move through the grade levels together, each year creating strong bonds with one another.

The historic school is a place where children of all abilities can feel a sense of achievement. Regardless of ability, the children work together to help each other feel successful, and involved parents help to nurture each other's children. Statistics have proven there are numerous benefits to this type of schooling, and past and former students will agree. That is why we are asking for every single person to come forward and do your part in helping to keep this historic treasure alive for future generations.

There is a Web site where you can get more information about this historic school and its fight to stay alive: www.keeptraftonalive.com.

We are asking for community support at the upcoming school board meetings. There are several scheduled before the June 14 final board decision: April 26, 6 p.m. at the district office, 315 N. French Street, Arlington; May 10 and May 24, 6 p.m. at Presidents Elementary, 505 E. Third Street, Arlington; and June 14, 6 p.m., District Office Board Room, 315 N. French Street, Arlington.

Every voice counts. Please come to these meetings and show your support for this historic gem. Future generations depend on it. As a community do we really want to shut the doors on a place that has positively impacted our community for so many years? The answer is clear, we must Keep Trafton Alive!

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