A letter to the Newton Tab (originally printed June 24, 2009)

Olivia Mathews is a woman of action. We know this to be true from working with Olivia in the Kids-In-Action Club at Mason-Rice Elementary School.

Two years ago, Olivia co-founded a bi-weekly after-school club that involves children who want to make a difference in their communities. Olivia focuses on teaching the kids that they must take action to help resolve the global and local problems they care about. For example, when the kids expressed concern about endangered animals and world health problems, Olivia helped them take action by organizing a coin drive to raise money. The kids also expressed concern about local children in need, so Olivia helped them take action by traveling with them to a nearby agency to clean and sort toys and supplies. The kids expressed concern about the environment, so Olivia helped them draft a petition to send to Congress to help ensure that other kids learn about preserving the environment. She also helped the kids create art to display and sell at a citywide event to raise funds and awareness about issues they care deeply about.

Olivia’s leadership in Kids-In-Action is illustrative of what she would bring to the School Committee — a commitment and ability to take action to get things done. Her past experience as an educator and as a school administrator is also invaluable. Olivia’s ability to get things done and to inspire those around her will bring a new level of positive energy to the School Committee.

If you want action, please join us in voting for Olivia for School Committee.

Liz Blumberg
Kari Horstmann
Co-leaders,MasonRiceKids-In-Action

A letter to the Newton TAB, (originally printed July 7, 2009)

I am writing this letter in full support of Olivia Mathews for School Committee this November. I am thoroughly impressed with her as a candidate because her experience is perfectly suited for this role. With several graduate degrees in education; experience as a teacher and administrator in the Cambridge school system; and a founder and board member of a thriving literacy program in the Boston area has confirmed for me that she is wholly qualified. In fact, our city is sorely in need of her hands-on experience and out-of-the-box thinking.

As a parent of three young children, I am deeply concerned with the future of our schools and the current priorities of our leadership. Since my children have entered public school, each year parents (including Olivia) hold their breath anticipating more budget cuts, larger class sizes, lack of classroom aides and overwhelmed teachers in deteriorating and inadequate buildings. We need a school committee and administration that is prepared to do more with less, make difficult decisions for the short and long term and seriously reassess our long-term goals if we are to maintain the high quality and expectations of our public schools.

As the city moves forward in choosing our next superintendent, we are at a turning point, which is why we need qualified candidates who will bring a fresh perspective and new energy with pragmatic solutions. That candidate is Olivia Mathews. Please join me in supporting and voting for her this November. I encourage you to learn more at www.oliviafornewton.org.

Nicole La Camera
Chestnut Terrac