Re: New school keeps hope in struggle for success, April 18.
I am a parent of a kindergarten student at James B. Sanderlin Elementary and was disappointed to see such a dark picture painted of our school's first year. I see many of the challenges Sanderlin has faced this past year as growing pains. Despite these challenges, our principal and school staff continue to amaze me with the dedication they show in taking care of our students.
I'm a highly involved parent through volunteering, PTA and SAC and have had the opportunity to see a lot of what goes on behind the scenes - the good and the bad. My daughter loves being a Sanderlin student. She has had a typical kindergarten year, one I would expect in any other school.
I imagine many Florida schools face similar challenges in the midst of the budget crisis our public school system faces. While our family's public school experience has not met my highest expectations, I believe the diversity found in the public education setting is important and will enrich my daughter's education.
Our family continues to support the vision Dr. Denise Miller presented to parents over a year and half ago of internationally minded students, eager to ask questions. I have confidence in Dr. Miller, our teachers and the entire school staff to guide the school through these first years and create a masterpiece at Sanderlin.
-- Stephanie Flynn, Treasure Island
The difference is fundamental
Re: New school keeps hope in struggle for success.
The article mentions the wonderful success of Lakeview Fundamental Elementary School, across the street from James B. Sanderlin Elementary. The answer to Sanderlin's struggle and Lakeview's success is right there within the words of the article.
Lakeview, following the fundamental policy code, does not tolerate any misbehavior on the school grounds. The contract parents sign each year ensures that the learning environment is safe, rich and free of violent or unruly behavior. It all boils down to the parental commitment that fundamental schools embrace, and the back-to-the-basics approach of requiring respect for others.
Many years ago all public schools were run by the same philosophy that the fundamental schools are run by now. Today's school boards are faced with lawsuits brought about by parents angry that their child was "disciplined" by their school. Without the support of the parents, and the ability to command basic respect from students, potentially great schools like Sanderlin will continue to face enormous uphill battles. When will our School Board wake up and realize that?
I feel so very privileged to be a part of Lakeview and Southside Fundamental schools.
-- Victoria Piscitello, St. Petersburg
Bikers should consider other hues
Re: Tired of burying friends, bikers rally, April 20.
Okay! Maybe louder motorcycles do make other drivers aware of where the bikes are. And leather may be protecting the bikers if they do "go down."
And I don't believe they should be forced to wear helmets. Too many freedoms are already being taken away from us.
What I don't understand is, why they must wear black? I believe they make leather in white, red or whatever color you want. It just makes sense to wear a bright color so that other drivers can see you.
I have observed that many motorcycles are black. Doesn't black absorb the hot sun in Florida? It seems to me that a lighter color would:
1. Make the bikers more comfortable in the heat.
2. Make them more visible in our heavy traffic - especially when you are sharing the roads with tourists who are lost and there are so many drivers who have to drive together in such a congested area.
-- Bea Warren, Clearwater
Pedestrians risk lives around here
It's sad to say but there seems to be open season on pedestrians. I have almost been hit twice in the last six months. Both times I had the right of way. The idiots making the right turns must have thought otherwise.
Drivers don't appear to understand what that red light means. I have also noticed that people don't look where they are going until they have already gotten there. Or, they are in a hurry to their nail appointment or to pick up the dry cleaning.
'Tis a shame people must lose their lives over such trivial things.
-- Dori Emerson, Palm Harbor
It's how you give, not what you hoard
Re: What does it really mean to be rich? by Douglas Spangler, April 21.
Douglas Spangler wrote an insightful article that relates to the tenor of our times. Nowadays one meets many people who make ice seem warm. They live for money and material things and degrade others to boost their own egos. They think money and their degree of wealth define all people. They don't appreciate you for what you are, but instead for what you own.
As Jesus Christ taught, perhaps to gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything. When the rich man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit the kingdom of God?" Jesus replied, "Sell all that you have and follow me."
The Bible says, "Sooner will a camel walk through a needle than a rich man will enter the kingdom of God."
It's not money hoarders who are precious but rather those caring souls who are deeply concerned about the security and happiness of their fellow humanity. It's those wonderful people who help scrub the sadness and hurt out of our fellow beings and who devote their energy and attention to making life bearable for all. Such are the true friends who walk in during times of turmoil when the rest of the world walks out.
An attitude of gratitude, not material reward, is what giving folks expect.
-- Robert B. Fleming, St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay Symphony merits publicity
Recently there was another sterling performance not only by the wonderful Tampa Bay Symphony but also by the two winners of the youth competition. As usual, not a single review appeared in the paper.
We do not understand why this superb orchestra is never reviewed as is the Florida Orchestra. Are you saying that because it is composed of all volunteers it is not deserving of a review? What snobbery! We subscribe to this orchestra, as do many of our friends whom we have introduced to it, and hate to see it being treated like a stepchild.
How about equal time for this dedicated group?
-- Patt Sulzberger, Sun City Center
[Last modified May 2, 2004, 01:05:38]
