A change.org petition is calling on IDEA Public Schools to return College Signing Day to its original format, saying IDEA seniors and their families have looked forward to the “rite of passage” event ever since they were in the fifth grade.
IDEA Public Schools promises to get students “to and through” college.
As part of the tradition, IDEA seniors and their families have gathered every spring at a large-capacity venue, where seniors walk across the stage to announce the college or university they will attend.
In 2022 and for several years prior, the event has taken place at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.
IDEA was founded more than 25 years ago in Donna, but now has schools across the Rio Grande Valley, as well as in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Louisiana and elsewhere.
Here is a sampling of comments made to change.org by people who signed the petition:
“I can’t believe this. I have been waiting for this day since my son entered IDEA. And for them to cancel when it’s so close to the date is just wrong. It’s not fair at all. IDEA stands for every student to go to college, and the kids show off where they’re going to college on signing day for family and friends to see. It’s not fair. To cancel at this time when everyone is excited for this day and it being just around the corner is just not fair.”
>> Mary Beltran
“My daughter is a senior this year, and we’ve been waiting almost 10 years for this moment. IDEA should’ve consulted with families before taking away this opportunity for their kids.”
>> Amber Curry
“You already told me to save the date! I saved the date; you fulfill your end! Figure it out that’s your job; my job was to prepare my kid! We did our part YOU do yours!”
>> JoAnna Villarreal
“My nephew and all the kids who have struggled during this past hell of a pandemic deserve their moment to shine and celebrate!”
>> Nicole Aviles
Gianna Rhodes of Houston started the petition, the change.org website states.
“For over a decade, College Signing Day has been an integral part of the journey to and through college for IDEA Public Schools seniors. In 2023, IDEA Public Schools HQ made the unilateral decision to diminish the influence of this rite of passage. This is an open letter to HQ asking them to reconsider their decision. Please sign this letter to support us in our fight to bring back this tradition,” the petition, signed by the Class of 2023, states.
In a statement Tuesday, IDEA Public Schools said it was considering options.
“College Signing Day is a longstanding tradition that celebrates IDEA’s core belief that college is for everyone. We have listened to the concerns of students and parents and are committed to working with senior representatives to continue the conversation and find a meaningful way to celebrate the achievements of IDEA graduates while responsibly prioritizing investments in our classrooms,” the statement reads.
An IDEA spokesperson said the district had decided after last year’s event to have individual campuses host their own College Signing Days.
“While we understand there were several factors that went into the decision to have individual College Signing Days, the Class of 2023 feels this decision was not the right one. Since the 5th grade when we first attended College Signing Day and took our #NEXT4 pictures, we have awaited our opportunity to experience the magic that surrounds College Signing Day. As we eagerly sat in the arena watching seniors announce their futures proudly while signing a contract promising to matriculate, we began to imagine what our future would have in store for us,” the petition begins.
The petition is 684 words long. It concludes:
“We therefore urge you to reconsider the changes made to how we are celebrated via College Signing Day at the end of the year. In addition, we have testimonials from IDEA alumni who support our grievances and have experienced and recognized the magic of CSD. We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss alternative solutions and further explain the disappointment and hurt we have experienced due to this decision.”
