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Final grades ought to take behavior into consideration

We are about to start another school year, and again one of the most demanding issues is school bus behavior.

I drove 18 buses as a substitute in northern New York state. I never had a problem of this type on a school bus there, but I came to Florida and was removed from my route (at Powell Middle School's request) because bad reports were turned in on my bus. The principal thought it was better to remove me than take care of the problem.

The behavior of a student is more important than what marks he or she gets in his or her other classes and should be considered for more in their final grades for graduation.

If a student is headed for Harvard University and he knows how he acts on a school bus could make a difference, the parents might be more responsible. If all parents who saw an F for behavior (not only on the bus but in class) on their kids' report cards, it could make a great deal of difference.

Indiscriminate clearing of trees robs county of identity

You know, some things really burn my you-know-what, and this is one of them.

I watched a front-end loader clear three lots across the street from my house. What trees were left? One small turkey oak on the corner is all.

When I left for work one morning, I noticed that three medium live oaks were still left on the western property line. I thought, "Well, at least they're not going to take them out."

I came home for lunch, and they were gone. There is absolutely no way these live oaks were in the way of building a house.

The builder, as I've noticed at other cleared lots in my neighborhood, clears practically everything. It's ridiculous!

Why can't the county government regulate some of this clearing? Perimeter live oaks should not be cut down on these lots.

I long for the days of my youth in Hernando County. I wish my kids could grow up in the same place as I did and not just the same location.

Band director worked hard to teach, make a difference

Re: Disjointed ensemble picks up the pieces, July 11 Times:

As a 2001 graduate from Hernando High School and a member of the band for all four years, I am compelled to comment. I am a senior at the University of Florida and living in Atlanta, completing a seven-month internship at an accounting firm.

After reading this article via the Internet, I was extremely disappointed at the way Tom Damato and the Hernando High School band program were portrayed. Mr. Damato remains one of the most dedicated and influential teachers I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He went above and beyond the call of duty for all of his students. Only now, after entering the work force, can I fully appreciate and understand the sacrifices he made for us with the countless additional hours he put in every day after school and on weekends.

Mr. Damato's job did not end when marching season was over. Immediately, he began gearing up for concert season and preparing for the Kaleidoscope concert at the end of the school year. In the meantime, he was organizing ensembles, preparing students for solo and ensemble competition, taking his advanced students to All-State and Tri-State concert festivals and brainstorming how we could improve next year's marching show. As his students, we had nothing but the utmost admiration and respect for him.

He not only educated me on how to become a better trumpet player, but he taught me the values of perseverance, patience, dedication and the importance of teamwork. He was then, and still is, a role model, coach, mentor and friend.

He is a brilliant musician, a magnificent teacher, and I am honored to have been one of his many students.

[Last modified July 17, 2005, 01:05:20]