Letter to the Editor

Two readers elect to tackle same subject (Second Letter)

Sunday, June 29, 2008

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in response to the letter ran last week ("Reader points out errors in information") regarding the French IV and Dance classes taught at Northview.

I was quite taken back by the line, "It appears we are catering to the well-bred, well-fed and well-read that qualify academically to participate in extra-curricular activities while neglecting the education of struggling students."

This line cuts me to the core.

How, by offering these classes, have we lessened the education of those that are struggling? It was explained in earlier letters that these classes were offered at no greater expense to the taxpayers than any other class. In my opinion, if a child can take an AP class and it will better enable them to excel, how can we not offer it to them? How is that not discriminating against the education of that child that can excel to be told that we cannot teach that class?

I am a firm believer in equality for all. A child in AP classes has needs the same as those that are enrolled in any form of special education or education in general!

And as for extra-curricular activities, I would be happy to show you what I as a parent pay, above and beyond my tax load, so that my daughters can be involved. Many kids are earning this money on their own so that they can be involved in these activities. How is that discriminating?

There are funds and ways for anyone wishing to be a part of these groups. We are not catering to a certain class of people.

Go to a band booster or athletic club booster meeting and you will see people from all walks of life and economic status.

I think that children have a hard enough time in this day and age that anything a parent can do to help maintain an interest in education should be done.

Advanced placement classes, dance classes, extra-curricular activities are all part of the educational process. I, speaking as a parent, am very happy to know that the school is trying to make these children well rounded in their education.

Holly Neil,

Brazil