When Sophomore Cindy Kreeck registered on Aug. 20, she was surprised by a change in her schedule. Former Swim Coach Ms. Linda Simons was missing in all swimmers’ seventh periods.
Near the end of August, Kreeck messaged Ms. Simons about the confusion. Ms. Simons told her that the District had removed her from her coaching position.
In response, Kreeck created a petition on Change.org. Every time someone signs the petition, an email is sent to Superintendent Ms. Kathy Perini. Signers also have the option of posting a comment about why the issue is important to them.
“It’s important that we raise awareness for this issue so that we can get the attention of the superintendent in hopes that we are able to reestablish Coach Simons,” Kreeck said. “We want them to know how we feel about her removal, as well as how much Simons means to us.”
Kreeck also sent emails to Ms. Perini and Athletic Director Mr. Ralph Fick. However, she still has not received a reply from the superintendent.
She has also created a Facebook page along with Juniors Joanna Hua and Brian Lam to raise awareness about the issue. For a week, they posted statuses about their favorite memories with Coach Simons on the page, along with the hashtag #BringSimonsBack. Some have also changed their profile pictures to bring more attention to the problem.
“Ms. Simons is not only a great coach, but she also understands our needs,” Junior Joanna Hua said. “She pushes us to become our best, not the best, and I think that is the most vital and important thing a coach can do. She has helped me through a variety of personal issues as well, and she is definitely like a second mother to me. She is a worthy and amazing coach and the team needs her.”
Normally, Ms. Simons has offseason practice during first semester so that students can avoid doing regular P.E. and provides training for when swim season finally arrives second semester. This year, swimmers do not have swim during the first semester. They are instead opting to do P.E., join another sport or just not have a seventh period.
Mr. Fick, Ms. Perini and Ms. Simons all declined to comment on this article.