On Tuesday, March 11th, MACS is hosting the annual Charter School Day at the Capitol to promote the 2008 legislative agenda and to share the benefits of a charter school education with local legislators. Individuals from across the state are encouraged to attend this important day and share the positive difference charter schools have made for students and their local community.
MACS is hoping for another great turnout this year, and we encourage students in grades 6 and up, parents, teachers and staff and friends from every charter school to get involved. Join charter school supporters in St. Paul to share with legislators our 2008 Legislative Agenda and impress upon them your commitment to workign with them on behalf of our students!
Keep in mind that YOUR VOICE will make a difference in our ability to communicate with as many legislators as possible!
This year, there will be two "shifts" for attending the Day at the Capitol activities.
(1) From 9 a.m. to NOON (Registration is at 8:30 a.m.)
(2) From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration is at 10:30 a.m.)
We are meeting for Legislative Briefings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Room 300N of the State Office Building (immediately West of the State Capitol).
Following each of the briefings, charter school participants will spread out to meet with their State Representatives and State Senators (starting at 9:45 for the 9 a.m. session, and 11:45 for the 11 a.m. session). These are very important appointments! Legislators appreciate visits from their constituents!
MACS will have a check in point (at 300N, the same room for your legislative briefing) for you to meet with MACS staff and report back on your appointments. Our staff will also have major talking points ready and we will go over those with you at the briefing sessions.
MACS asks that schools commit small groups of teachers, parents, staff and students (grades 6 and up) to meet with legislators that day. Participants from your school should contact their local district representatives and senators to meet during the day of March 11th.
Once participants have arranged appointments with legislators, they need to contact Margaret Uttke at the MACS office and inform her of the times and individuals with whom they are meeting (and also let her know which legislative briefing session they will be attending). The MACS office is asking for this information in order to keep track of the appointments that have been made with local legislators, to further our goal of meeting with every state legislator.
For a downloadable appointment sheet to send to Margaret, please click here.
To the State Office Building (SOB)...
Note: The SOB is just west of the State Capitol.
From the East: Hwy 94 to Marion Street Exit; turn right, go to Aurora Avenue, turn right again, go one block to park in AA Lot.
From the West: Hwy 94 to Marion Street Exit; turn left, then right on Aurora Avenue, go one block to park in AA Lot.
If participants do run into difficulties during this process, please contact Margaret Uttke for assistance at 888.789.3090 ext. 303, 651.789.3090 ext. 303, or at margaret@mncharterschools.org.