By Gigi Talcott
Washington Families for Online Learning

Over 500 students, teachers, families and virtual education supporters filled the marble steps beneath the Capitol Dome in Olympia this week to hear the state's top legislative leaders proclaim the merits of online public school programs.

Families who registered in advance for the Washington Families for Online Learning Annual Capitol Day were able to meet with their own three legislators.  They also received training regarding how to understand messaging and how to conduct visits with legislators.  Families were also invited to take part in a scavenger hunt, and various other activities planned throughout the day, such as education committee hearing, capitol tours, and an awards ceremony. 

The parents focused their messaging to legislators on students sharing, "My online pubic school program is good for me because?"  Our funding message was "Please keep fair and equal Basic Education funding for all public school students, including me."

This year's Pioneer Educator Awards, which were old school hand bells, were presented to the Chairwoman of Senate Education Committee, Rosemary McAuliffe;  Chairwoman of House Education Appropriations Committee Kathy Haigh; Senator Mike Carrell; and Representative Shelly Short.