Parent of EJMS student fed up (11/29/07)

To the editor:

I am the father of an East Jay Middle School student. I am fed up with being told my child has a "write-up" yet no one really knows what happened. At times I am called and told that weeks prior my son did something that was considered disrespectful, yet again nobody can tell me what he did.

I have talked with several other parents who are also fed up with the current "behavior strategies" being used at our school. I, like the other parents I have talked with, would like to see some definite changes in the way things are being run. There has to be some way to monitor what the teachers are saying to our children, as well as what is actually going on.

I will not discipline my child weeks after the incident. If my son or daughter has done something so horrible it requires punishing, why does the school wait weeks to inform me of the infraction?

It seems that our children are not being given a chance to express themselves or to be individuals. Our children are expected to follow the handbook and all the unwritten rules that the school and its personnel dictate, yet I feel the teachers do not follow the rulebook.

Something as simple as "letting the parent know of multiple missing assignments," as stated in the handbook, is not being done in some cases.

Punishments are handed out quickly; praise is held for the select few. In today's society, individuality is a desired quality. Conformity does not help the student succeed in college. We need to ensure that our children feel secure about themselves. Putting them down does not help to build their self-concept and promote a feeling of self-worth.

When we allow teachers to publicly ridicule children we are, in my opinion, allowing these teachers to verbally abuse our children. I believe my children are accountable for their actions. Yet I also believe that every action is not a problem behavior.

The teachers at East Jay are very quick to hand out "write ups," but I haven't gotten an explanation as to the behavior.

I am asking that other parents who are frustrated with this current way of disciplining our children to speak out. Let your voices be heard. It is your children that are being affected.

We need to promote an atmosphere at school where the students feel they have a voice. Where they feel they matter. Not where they dread to go because they never know what they may do to get a write up.

In my opinion, it is time for us as parents to say enough is enough. This is our school and our children. We are paying for these administrators and teachers. We should have a voice in how the schools are run and how are children are treated and disciplined.

Joseph Hibbard

Portland

Good care

To the editor:

I recently stayed at Persimmon Ridge due to illness, and thanks to everyone who helped and cared for me, I was able to go home to stay.

I had heard stories about such places and was nervous about going, but I was put at ease and found everyone friendly and caring. I found none of the things I'd heard true about Persimmon Ridge. The people there really cared about helping the residents and that it was not just a job.

Since I had to go somewhere, I'm glad it was there. I met a lot of nice people and made a lot of friends. I am glad they are there to help those who need it.

It's good to know there is a place you can count on when the need comes up. I'm glad to be home, but I will miss them too.

So thank you everyone who helped me to get better. I will remember you all.

Shirley Boudreaux

Portland[[In-content Ad]]