Dear Ms. Fergusson,
I am a happily married, full-time working mother and I am reaching out to you to request
your assistance in addressing what I believe is an important and neglected matter related to
K-Elementary schools for the City of Menlo Park. We have excellent public schools in our
town and many of us have gladly supported bonds and measures that ensure our public
schools remain the best.

However, I learned that neither Laurel nor Oak Knoll provide any on-site after
school program. I am hearing that this issue was discussed over the last few years,
but no solution was ever reached.

As a working mother, the lack of a reliable after school program poses a serious problem
for me and my family. I've quickly realized that I am not the only one in this predicament
and it is hard to believe that the City Council is turning a deaf ear toward so many families
in need.

I've heard that the "solution" proposed during a past meeting of the City Council was to
resort to baby sitters/care givers. Apart from financial considerations,, I do not believe
this is a good arrangement for a child, especially at an age when social and intellectual
skills are in full development.

It is for this reason that I am urging the City Council to take action and to help the
parents who chose to call Menlo Park "home". We are not asking the city to fund after
school. We just need your support to bring a well recognized child care institution
on campus. Las Lomitas has done this successfully and now has an excellent private after
school program managed by CCLC.

I am sure that in your position of working mother, you understand my concern.

Thanks
Alessandra Costa

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          =,    (\_/)    ,=     Alessandra Costa Ph.D
           /`-'--(")--'-'\      Product Engineering Director - CIC
          /     (___)     \     Cadence Design Systems
         /.-.-./ " " \.-.-.\    alexc@cadence.com
                                +1 408 944 6877 
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