Chapter 19. School Days
Withdrawing child from preschool for cause
Francine Willows, Director
Rolling Meadow Preschool
Dear Ms. Willows,
I am writing to inform you that we will be withdrawing our daughter Jessica from Rolling Meadow Preschool, effective at the end of this week. We have enrolled Jessica at another preschool in the area.
We have spoken several times in the past about our concerns that there was not enough structured play and educational activities at your facility; it seems to us that you are essentially providing a baby-sitting service, and we wanted more for our child.
We do appreciate the work of your staff. They are well-meaning people, and Jessica never complained about her treatment.
Thank you.
Sandra Michaels
Sick children in daycare
Barbara Lewis, Director
Rolling Meadow Daycare Facility
Dear Ms. Lewis,
I am very concerned about some health practices I have observed at Rolling Meadow Daycare Facility.
When I picked up my daughter Laura last Friday I noticed at least two children who were noticeably ill.
I know sniffles and other illnesses are inevitable, but the two youngsters I observed were clearly contagious. They were sneezing and coughing and touching toys and other objects; they should not have been allowed to attend daycare.
I reread the rules distributed to all parents by SDF, and I also consulted the health regulations published by the state and listed on the bulletin board at the entrance to the daycare building.
Both sets of rules clearly state that a child who is suffering from a contagious disease cannot be allowed to attend daycare. I realize this is an inconvenience to working parents—I am one myself—but the rule is there to protect all of the other children and their families.
I look forward to hearing from you about how this will be dealt with in the future.
Sincerely,
Sandra Mason
Complaint about supervision on class trip
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
My son Andrew was one of the third-grade students who went on a field trip to the Natural History Museum last Wednesday.
When we first heard about this trip we were excited that Andrew would be having an adventure with his classmates and without his parents; that is an important part of growing up. However, when I learned about several incidents that occurred during the trip—including the fact that at least six of the children became separated from the group and had to be located by museum personnel—I became quite upset.
It is obvious that there was insufficient adult supervision for this trip. There were more than fifty students taken into the city and a very large unfamiliar building with only four chaperones.
That meant that each adult was responsible for about twelve children. I don’t understand why parents were not asked to volunteer to go along. I have done just this sort of thing with my older child.
I am grateful that nothing seriously marred the adventure. However, I will be very hesitant to approve my son’s involvement in future trips—and I will make my feelings known to the school board—if a better plan is not put into effect.
Sincerely,
Isabelle Raymond
Seeking votes in election for PTA president
Dear Parents,
I have been a member of the Rolling Meadow Parent Teachers Association for the past fifteen years, since my first child started school here.
I have always been impressed with the level of cooperation between parents and teachers in Rolling Meadow; we are indeed fortunate to have such a fine public school system.
After all this time as a member, I have decided that I would like to try to offer my experience to young parents just entering the system. I will be a candidate for president of the association this coming March, and I would appreciate your vote.
Sincerely,
Annabelle Lolavitch
Resigning presidency of parent teachers association
Rolling Meadow High School PTA
Dear Members,
I was honored to have been elected president of the Rolling Meadow Parent Teachers Association last October.
As the parent of two children in the school system I share with all of you a commitment to excellence for our students and our support for the teaching professionals on the staff.
Unfortunately, due to unexpected family issues, I no longer have the time available for the important work that needs to be done. The last thing I would want to do is shortchange the students, teachers, and parents of Rolling Meadow.
I am therefore resigning the presidency, effective at our next meeting on March 15. I hope I can still be of service to the association in another capacity.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Reed
Complaint about teacher
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
My son Matthew is a student in the fifth-grade class taught by Anne Rose.
I am writing to express some concerns about Ms. Rose’s ability to satisfactorily manage her students and classroom.
According to my son—and the parents of several of his classmates to whom I have spoken—much of the day is taken up with dealing with behavioral problems that seem to be beyond Ms. Rose’s ability to handle.
Perhaps as a result, my son has been coming home with what seems to me to be an unusually heavy amount of homework. Some days the time he spends—even with guidance from my husband or me—can reach three hours. I think this is excessive and perhaps an indication that not much actual learning is taking place in the classroom.
As principal I think you may need to become involved before this school term progresses much further. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss these concerns.
Sincerely,
Julia Adams
Follow-up about complaint about teacher
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
It has been two weeks since I wrote to you with my concerns about what was happening in Ms. Rose’s fifth-grade classroom.
At your request, I met with her to discuss the situation. Although I am certain she means well, I am more convinced now that she is unable to control her students and classroom.
She told me she is often overwhelmed by chaos among the students, but she said that she felt she could handle it. She basically asked me to leave her alone so that she could do her job.
At this time I must ask for the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this. If you are not able to offer a solution to the problem, I may ask that you move my son to another teacher and classroom.
Sincerely,
Julia Adams
Complaint about disruption by other student
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
My son Dennis, currently a student in the fourth-grade classroom of Fern Arnold, has done well academically in elementary school thus far. We think Ms. Arnold is a fine teacher.
However, Dennis has been having significant difficulties with one of the other students in the class. Billy Hudson seems to have singled out my son to tease and humiliate nearly constantly. According to Dennis, this happens every day at recess, on the bus, in the cafeteria, and within the classroom.
The situation has begun to affect Dennis’s feelings about school and his own self-esteem. We believe that on at least one occasion he missed a day of school because he was afraid to come to class. In thinking back about the day, we’re not sure he actually was as sick as he told us.
I am asking you to look into this situation and work with Ms. Arnold and other teachers to stop this abuse of my child. Obviously this has to be done in a way that will not cause further problems for Dennis.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Carole Simmons
Asking teacher to separate friends
Christine Mason
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Ms. Mason,
My son Christopher is a student in your third-grade class. He thinks very highly of you, and by all indications he is developing very nicely in math and reading.
As you may know, we are new to Rolling Meadow; we moved here over the summer. Our son has developed a close friendship with one of the children of our next door neighbor, Mark Patton, who we think is a very nice boy.
This friendship has extended into your classroom, where Chris and Mark have been assigned as reading partners.
I don’t want in any way to interfere with your job as a teacher or to meddle with our son’s choice of friends, but I was hoping you could find a way to help Chris expand his circle of friends beyond Mark.
I would appreciate it if you would find a way for him to work with some other children on various projects in the coming school year.
Again, thank you for your fine efforts. We look forward to meeting you at parent-teacher night later this year.
Sincerely,
Judith Schultz
Asking teacher to separate squabbling friends
Dear Ms. Darcy,
My daughter Kasey is a student in your class; she speaks very highly of you, and we are quite happy with her academic progress.
There is, though, a problem that has come into the classroom from outside the school.
Kasey has had some sort of a serious disagreement with Sarah Martin, who once was one of her best friends. I do not know the nature of their disagreement and think it best as a parent not to get in the middle.
I am not asking that you get involved other than to separate them as much as possible. I am sure you are quite experienced in dealing with ten-year-old girls, and I would appreciate any assistance you can offer so that they can each concentrate on their schoolwork.
Sincerely,
Brenda Jones
Asking attention to healthy diet at school
James Beach, School Superintendent
Rolling Meadow School District
Dear Dr. Beach,
I was pleased to receive an invitation to join my son Brandon at “Take Your Parents to Lunch” day at Rolling Meadow Middle School. It’s a good program and a great way for parents to learn about the learning environment in our school district.
I was, though, less than thrilled by the food choices available in the cafeteria.
The menu featured french fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese. Beverages included a highly sugared fruit punch and whole milk.
The salad bar, to be charitable, looked very tired and little used. Even worse, the available dressings were highly processed and full of chemicals and fat.
Are we not teaching our children about the importance of a healthy, low-fat, and low-salt diet? Healthy eating is a message that should be addressed at school as well as at home.
I am afraid we are putting our children in danger of obesity, medical conditions, and wasteful spending, all things that could be rectified by more attention to the menu choices at the cafeteria.
I would be happy to work with a committee, if you want to establish one, to look into creating a more healthful set of lessons for our children.
Sincerely,
Kris Manchester
Declining to coach team
Janet Sullivan, Athletic Director
Rolling Meadow Boys and Girls Club
Dear Janet,
Thank you for inviting me to once again coach the girls’ junior soccer team.
It has been a difficult decision for me, but I have finally come to the conclusion that I do not have the time to devote to the team this year.
I loved working with the girls and I hope to be able to volunteer again in the future when my work and personal schedule permits.
I would be happy to be available to consult with whomever you select to coach the team.
Sincerely,
Jane Nolan
Asking school to scale back holiday trip
Dear Principal Miller,
I fully realize the popularity of the annual winter break ski trip; it has become a tradition among fifth graders.
However, I think I am not alone amongst parents in feeling uncomfortable about the cost; the cost of transportation, lodging, food, ski passes, and incidentals is approaching one thousand dollars. It will be a problem for us, and I know from speaking with other parents that they also feel strained.
I am hoping that there is a way we can reduce the cost and make the trip more available to every student. Perhaps we could reduce the number of days from a full week. We could also contact several ski areas and see if there is one that is willing to offer a better package than the others.
I would be happy to serve on a committee to investigate ways to reduce the cost. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this.
Sincerely,
Jan Stewart
Objecting to spending student funds on speaker
Elizabeth Stanford, President
Rolling Meadow University
Dear President Stanford,
I am writing to express my strong objection to the use of student activity fund fees to pay for the upcoming appearance by writer and political “personality” Ann Cross.
Ms. Cross is a very controversial and polarizing figure. I find her positions to be highly offensive and almost always not based on the facts.
My objection, though, is not based on my opinion—or hers. I feel that it is wrong to spend so much money (according to newspaper accounts, about $20,000) on someone who is so polarizing in her positions. Are we going to spend the same amount of money to invite someone with opposing views?
Please understand that I fully support freedom of speech, especially at a university.
If Ms. Cross wants to come to our school and speak for free, or if a student group wants to raise money specifically to pay for her appearance, that is fine with me. I object to the use of the general student fund for someone—anyone—who is so far out of the mainstream.
Sincerely,
Madeline Turner
Asking recognition of students with single parent
Susan Evans, Assistant Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mrs. Evans,
My son Ben is a fourth-grade student at RMES. At dinner tonight he gave me a copy of a notice about an event you are hosting in the school next Tuesday: Fathers and Sons Day.
I am sure the school means well, but I think you should know that Ben was quite upset about the event.
By my estimate, of the twenty-eight children in his classroom, about one-third come from single-parent homes. Many of the children, including Ben, do not have a father in their life because of divorce. Others never knew their father, and a few have fathers who are serving in the military and are not at home.
Out of fairness to these children, and to expand the idea of diversity in the school, I would like to suggest that this event and others like it be reconsidered. How about having a “Mentors” day where students could invite any adult they know and respect to accompany them to class?
In Ben’s case, I’m sure he would be thrilled to invite his uncle Ned, who is a very well-respected researcher at Rolling Meadow University. I know that Ben looks up to his uncle as a role model, and I think the other students would benefit greatly from meeting him.
I hope you will be able to make this sort of change and extending an invitation to this event and all like it to any adult whom a child considers an important part of his or her life.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Klein
Divorced parent asks to be on mailing list
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
My children Stephen and Jennifer are students at the elementary school. As you may know, my wife and I recently divorced, and the children live with their mother during the week.
However, I do want to continue to be involved in their lives and their education. Please add my name and address for any mailings regarding school activities or concerns.
And while I am on the subject, I think this sort of consideration should be given to all parents. Whether we like it or not, there are more and more children who are being raised in single-parent homes or other nonstandard situations. Perhaps the school district should put out a general notice each year to tell all parents and caregivers that they are welcome and wanted.
Sincerely,
Kevin Barrington
Complaint to principal about continued teasing
Denise McAuley, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Ms. McAuley,
My son Brandon is a student in Ms. Holly’s second-grade homeroom. I sent her a letter four weeks ago, and again two weeks ago, about the teasing and bullying that routinely takes place in her classroom. She has not responded, and according to Brandon the level of abuse has not changed.
I am enclosing copies of the letters with the details.
At this time I am asking that you investigate why this behavior by some is allowed to continue.
In any case, my husband and I feel that the situation has gotten out of control to the point where we would ask that Brandon be removed from Ms. Holly’s classroom.
Please let me know your plans as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
Betsy Hawkins
Complaining of change to advanced placement course
Joshua Cornyn, Principal
Rolling Meadow High School
Dear Principal Cornyn,
I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the school’s decision to merge the two AP English classes into one for the coming term.
My daughter Emily has been in Mr. Peterson’s course and has benefited greatly from it.
Combining the two sections into one class with sixty students is a very poor decision. These are some of our most capable students, and they deserve the chance to improve their chances for a scholarship and get a head start on their college classes.
While I understand that the school budget has been cut back severely and ways must be found to save money, I think there have to be other solutions. For example, I am aware that in other school districts parents are allowed to volunteer as aides in some of the elementary school classes.
I look forward to hearing from you about this matter.
Sincerely,
Clifford Arena
Complaining of poor judgment in holding event
James Miller, Principal
Rolling Meadow Elementary School
Dear Mr. Miller,
I am writing to register my disappointment in the judgment of school officials who decided to go ahead with the Spring Carnival at Rolling Meadow Elementary School last week.
As you know, the day was not at all Spring-like. It was windy, cold, and rainy, and I can’t say that any of the children had a particularly good time.
I know we can’t control the weather, but this storm had been forecast for a full week in advance. I don’t understand why there was not a contingency plan to either postpone the event or move it indoors to the gymnasium.
My daughter Amy missed the next two days of school with a cold, and I was forced to reschedule my own work.
I hope that any future events have a plan A and plan B to deal with the weather. I would be happy to become involved in any committees dealing with events of this nature.
Sincerely,
Rose Patrick
Asking for change in bus stop
William Jenkins, Transportation Coordinator
Rolling Meadow School System
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
I am writing to ask that you make a change in the bus stop location for students who live in West Hagensboro.
The current stop is directly in front of my house at 68 West Street. I don’t understand why this location was chosen—there is a park one block further up the road that would serve quite well as a gathering spot for students.
I am sorry to say that my objection is based on the rude and inappropriate behavior of many of your students.
They begin to gather at about 7:15 each weekday morning, and their noise wakes us up. A number of them smoke cigarettes and bring food, and they leave a big mess.
And in rainy or windy weather some of them have the temerity to come into our yard and wait on our porch, which only adds to the noise and garbage problems. I am also concerned about my exposure to liability claims if any of them are injured while on my property.
I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Harry Owen
Objecting to the initiation of user fees
Timothy Orful, Chairperson
Rolling Meadow School Board
Dear Mr. Orful,
I am writing to express my strong objection to the decision by the school board to impose a fee on students who participate in sports activities.
I have two children attending Rolling Meadow High School. Both are good students and good athletes. My older son Kevin is a junior and will be applying to college this year.
He has excelled in lacrosse for the past three years, won several awards, and was a big part of the Rolling Meadow team that advanced to the state championships. We were hoping that this record would help him get a scholarship to Syracuse University, where he is applying for college in the fall.
Although we are fortunate enough to be able to pay the charge, the whole idea of a “pay to play” fee seems unfair to the student community. Sports activities are an important part of the educational experience, and it would be a shame if some young person was unable to participate because his or her family was unable to pay the fee.
I would be happy to serve on a committee or otherwise assist the school board in seeking other ways to fund the athletic program. I am aware of some school districts that solicit sponsorships from area businesses and organizations, and I think this is one of several possibilities that should be considered.
Thank you.
Ann Harper
Supporting user fee for sports in schools
Timothy Orful, Chairperson
Rolling Meadow School Board
Dear Mr. Orful,
I would like to express my support for the idea of imposing a user fee on those who participate in organized sports in the Rolling Meadow School District.
The purpose of schooling is to prepare our young people for jobs, not to entertain them (or the community) with expensive sports like football and baseball.
My wife and I are retired, and our children have long ago graduated and moved on to careers. We pay school taxes each year, and we do so willingly to support the youngsters.
But in these difficult economic times, I think there is no excuse for even considering raising taxes or cutting back on education in order to support sports activities. I strongly support the new “pay to play” policy.
Sincerely,
Stan Jeffers
Objecting to increase in student fee
Chancellor’s Office
Rolling Meadow University
Dear Chancellor Tully,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the increase in the student activities fee for the coming semester.
The purpose of the fee is to support student-organized and managed entertainment, special events, and guest speakers. While I appreciate the opportunity to take part in some of these events, I feel that I should have a choice as to whether I want to support these activities.
In the real world—outside the gates of the campus—the promoter of an event does not have the right to levy a tax on local residents to support a business.
It is hard enough for students and their families to deal with the high cost of a college education; we have had to contend with another increase in tuition and room and board this year. To require us to pay a substantial amount of money for extracurricular activities, whether we take part in them or not, is wrong.
In my opinion, funding for student activities should be on a pay-as-you-go basis. I call upon you to act to change the process.
Sincerely,
Karen Baker
Complaint about course fees
Dr. Harry Grove, Superintendent
Rolling Meadow Community School
Rolling Meadow
Dear Dr. Grove,
I am currently enrolled in the French Cuisine cooking course at the Rolling Meadow Community School.
When I enrolled for this course, it was stated that the enrollment fee was $50 and that the instructor would collect an additional $25 for ingredients and supplies.
At the first class, the instructor said that the published cost of $25 was a mistake and that in fact the amount required was $45 plus an additional $35 for a cookbook. I had expected to pay $75 and was instead being asked to pay nearly twice as much, $130.
I did not want to embarrass myself in the class, but the morning after the first lesson I contacted the bursar’s office to ask for my money back. I was told I could only receive 50 percent of my registration fee—only $25—and nothing more because the program had started.
As far as I am concerned, the details of this course were misrepresented. It may have been the fault of the instructor, but nevertheless the community school is made to look bad.
I am writing to ask that all funds I have paid, a total of $130, be refunded to me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Caroline Sawyer
Requesting more college aid
Marlon Waters, Director
Financial Aid Office
Rolling Meadow University
Dear Mr. Waters,
I am thrilled to have been accepted to Rolling Meadow University for the coming semester. RMU was my first choice.
However, I am concerned that the scholarship and loans offered in the financial aid package are not enough to permit me to attend. The package from RMU is considerably less than that offered by other schools where I have been accepted.
I would like to request an appointment with an aid counselor to see what can be done to make it possible for me to attend Rolling Meadow University.
I look forward to hearing from you. I am very excited about the prospect of attending RMU, and I hope you will help me make that happen.
Sincerely,
Greg Winters