THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 8, 1995 TAG: 9502080015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Regarding Principal Pamela Hoffler Riddick vs. dress codes for Ruffner Middle School: The Jan. 21 article is the first article in which she was not being bashed.
I feel that too much emphasis is put on how well a kid is dressed at school and not enough on education. Education somehow falls at the bottom of the priority list.
There are a lot of people who think they know what these kids are going through. But they can only assume. Mrs. Riddick has been there. She understands what these disadvantaged kids, as society calls them, have to deal with in everyday life.
I dispel the myth that these kids don't want to learn or become better students. I know; I used to be one of them. They just need some guidance not to be ridiculed or talked down to. Kids know when people genuinely care about them, and it makes a difference.
I know that these kids are constantly judged because they are poor and live in the projects. Children are supposed to be our future - and not just middle-class children.
These kids' futures are on the line. Now they have someone who can relate to them and wants to make a difference. If Mrs. Riddick feels she can enhance the quality of learning for her students, then I say stop the criticism and let Mrs. Riddick do her job. Let's see how this situation turns out. Who knows? Some of the criticism may just turn into applause.
ELAINE D. JOHNSON
Norfolk, Jan. 26, 1995 by CNB