Literature

1. Text of my palm card (flyer):

ELECT

CHRISTINE T. RAFAL

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WARD 4

I’m a mother and an educator.

My children are in 7^th and 5^th grade at the Healey School.

I’ve been volunteering in the Somerville schools for 11 years because I believe good schools make good communities.

VOTE

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3

My education work focuses on helping adults—teachers, parents, and volunteers—support children’s learning.

I work for nonprofits where I need to deliver great products under tight budget constraints.

I seek to ensure more students have access to great educational opportunities.

I want to be an energetic and attentive voice for you on the School Committee.

2. Text of the introductory mailer:

Working for Great Schools and a Stronger Community

Christine Rafal is a mother, educator, and concerned neighbor dedicated to improving schools for our children. She knows that strong schools make strong communities and believes our neighborhood deserves a better voice.

For more than 20 years, Christine has worked tirelessly to improve  education as a teacher, volunteer, and mother. Christine began her educational career working as a student teacher at Somerville High School. She currently works in the education field helping teachers, parents, and volunteers better support children’s learning.

Christine and her husband have two children at the Healey School where she served for six years on the school council. She also volunteers her time leading book groups at school, chaperoning field trips, advising for the school newspaper, and working as a room parent. Christine Rafal is a problem solver with experience delivering excellence under tight budget constraints. She is dedicated to improving our schools and communities.

As a school committee member, Christine will roll up her sleeves and get to work to improve our school and our community. She wants to ensure all Somerville students have access to great educational opportunities.

Christine’s top priorities are:

• Increasing parent and community involvement in our schools.
• Working to provide more individualized learning opportunities for all students.
• Helping to increase funding to hire more teachers, provide more supportive services, and improve after-school programming.
• Creating more opportunities that encourage community input and dialogue about our schools.
• Providing access to high-quality after-school and summer programs.