E-News No. 12
January 30, 2014

As your representative,
I am here to listen and to help. Please don't  hesitate to contact me.

Rep.Harriet.Drummond
@akleg.gov

IN JUNEAU
Mid-January to mid-April
(907) 465-3875
State Capitol Rm  112
Juneau, AK 99801

IN ANCHORAGE
May to December
(907) 269-0190
716 W. 4^th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501

Voice your opinions!
Here are some way to make sure your voice is heard:

Write a Letter to the Editor
It's the most read section of the newspaper. Submit up to 175 words to the Anchorage Daily News at www.adn.com

Contact the Governor
Governor Parnell's Office may be reached at 907-465-3500, or you can email him at sean.parnell@alaska.gov

You can also visit the state website at www.state.ak.us

Contact your
Congressional Delegation

Senator Mark Begich
www.begich.senate.gov
Anchorage Office
(907) 271-5915

Senator Lisa Murkowski www.murkowski.senate.gov
Anchorage Office
(907) 271-3735

Congressman Don Young
www.donyoung.house.gov
Anchorage Office
(907) 271-5978

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February is Public Education Month!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Rep. Drummond speaking about public education at the Tlingit-Haida Central Council Native Issues Forum

Last week, the Governor declared 2014 the “Education Session” during his State of the State address to the legislature. I couldn’t agree more. As districts across the state have been forced to face huge teacher layoffs, we are at a critical moment for public education.

Over 90 percent of Americans attended public schools. Public schools play a critical role in preparing students for the workforce.

There are so many amazing opportunities coming up this month for folks who want to get involved and show their support for public education. 

February is Visit Our Schools Month in Anchorage. The Anchorage School District is opening the doors of every school for public tours. Everyone is welcome. Tours happen every Tuesday in February at 9:30 a.m. This is a fantastic opportunity see what public education is all about.

There are several education rallies happening around the state this month too.

In Anchorage show your support here:

What: Rally for Education!

Where: Z.J. Loussac Public Library

When: Saturday, February 22 at 1 p.m.

If you are in Juneau this month:

What: SOS - Save Our Schools Education Rally

Where: Steps of the Capitol

When: Monday, February 17 at Noon

Spotlight on Public Education in Alaska
 

Benny Benson holding his Alaska Flag design.

Every week this month, I will highlight outstanding Alaskans who benefited from public education in Alaska. This week, I selected someone who is a fundamental figure in Alaska’s history.

Benny Benson, Aleut Native who designed the flag of Alaska.

In 1926, a contest to design a flag was held for students in grades 7-12. At that time, Alaska Natives were not part of the public school system and were not allowed to enter the contest; however, a 13-year old native named Benny Benson was eligible because he was living at a State run institution.

He won for his description of the flag; the blue field represents the blue of the Alaska sky and the wild Forget-Me-Not, what is now the Alaska State flower. The Big Dipper represents the Great Bear symbolizing strength and the North Star represents Alaska’s future.

Thank you,

Harriet Drummond

When filling out your PFD application this year, don’t forget to…

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