THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 2, 1995 TAG: 9506300188
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 203 lines
The staff of the WIC Program would like to give thanks to all of the local businesses who donated their services to make a memorable evening for Sandy and Anthony Taylor on June 22.
In addition to the businesses mentioned in The Virginian-Pilot (June 22), Chanello's Pizza contributed to the evening as well.
The kindness of the community and the interest of Channel 13 and of The Virginian-Pilot made a night out after many months of hard work caring for four infants a very special one indeed.
Kathleen Walters
Nutrition Supervisor
Portsmouth, June 29, 1995 Get the facts straight
To Ida Kay Jordan: When writing an article, do your homework, get the facts straight or cut off your typewriter. The magnet school article, June 18, is a perfect example of a story written with only half the facts and a lie included.
The opponents never argued that the magnet program would benefit blacks and hurt average kids. First, let's set the record straight. There are many average black kids, as well as above and below average blacks and whites. Opponents argued the issue of ``race and space'' which hurt all of our children.
Black children who were not zoned for I.C. Norcom could not get a waiver to attend Norcom's math, science and technology magnet program under the race and space policy.
White children zoned for Norcom could not be granted waivers to attend Churchland or Wilson's magnet programs under the policy. Opponents argued admittance should be based on ability not race. Ms. Jordan probably doesn't realize this because she was not in the state at the time. I don't believe she has any children who would have been affected by this plan, either. Many affected students and parents attended School Board and civic meetings to become as well informed as possible.
A conversation with the city clerk does not qualify as satisfactory research.
Race and space is now a dead issue. Children may apply for zone waivers and be accepted on a space-only basis. If a black child at Wilson wants to attend Norcom's magnet program, or a white child at Norcom wants to attend the magnet school at Churchland as long as there is space they can do that. That was the goal of the opposition. Equal opportunity to create our own destinies.
When talking about public ignorance, remember the saying, ``People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.'' Most all parents are proud that the magnet schools are doing so well and that they now have the freedom to help their children choose which to attend regardless of race.
Jackie Johnson
Thelmar Lane
June 22, 1995 Give us less sarcasm
I received the sad news today from Ginny Higne, Ledger-Star district manager, concerning the expiration of The Ledger-Star.
However, I do hope Portsmouth, the local ``red-headed stepchild'' of the Tidewater area, will be more effectively covered with less sarcasm.
In good spirit and hope, I look forward to the morning Virginian-Pilot as I have looked during the past years to the old Portsmouth Star and later, the Ledger-Star.
Best wishes to the staff and our good ambassador, Ms. Ida Kay Jordan. May she be long with us.
Robert P. Sebrell
Camellia Drive
June 23, 1995 Thanks for support
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the Portsmouth School Board and the parents and students of the Hunt-Mapp Magnet Program for their support and continued confidence in our program and my ability to serve as its coordinator.
At the May School Board meeting, concerned parents and students spoke up for a program that is providing a challenging success for the students and what is so important, our School Board listened. Our program can boast of such successes as 60 to 70 percent of its students on honor roll and with perfect attendance each grading period; attitude changes - they like coming to school, and, as one eighth-grader put it, ``it's OK to be smart here.''
Our requirements and expectations are right in line with the new changes Governor Allen and Superintendent Bosher approved Thursday as the State School Board approved tough new standards that will hold educators and students to higher standards of achievement. The key is to motivate and challenge young people to want to do well. And that is what the Aerospace Magnet Program at Hunt-Mapp is all about.
Again, may I say thank you for supporting us - and thank Ida Kay Jordan for the fine article on Sunday. She sure does tell it like it is.
Linda D. Ridenour
Magnet Program Facilitator
Hunt-Mapp Middle School
June 21, 1995 Another foolish idea
This letter is in response to Ida Kay Jordan's article of June 16. She wrote it was time churches pay taxes.
Once again, a foolish idea to generate quick money is written about by Ida Kay. If churches have to start paying taxes, church programs will have to be cut. Churches no longer will be able to run soup kitchens, feed the homeless or have jail ministries and so on.
The churches might not be able to let the city use their buildings for voting places and other city functions. If some of these programs were cut the city would be forced to pick up the slack and run these programs. The city would be forced to increase taxes to pay for these programs.
Churches do vital services in Portsmouth that not everyone notices on the surface. Youth programs that help keep kids off the streets and out of crime. Family programs designed to keep families together to provide a strong home, which cuts down on family abuse, child abuse and divorce.
The city should look at areas like MidCity and Downtown and fill the empty stores that we can shop and spend money in. The city should go after businesses, aggressively, like a Capt. George's or Grate Steak on the waterfront that would do wonders for our downtown area.
I have heard lots of parents who wish the city would bring a Discovery Zone playground to one of our many empty stores (like the old Ames store on Airline Boulevard).
So, go ahead, tax churches, you will pay more for it in the end and the city still will need more tax dollars.
Tim and Debbie Rodier
Clifford Street
June 23, 1995
Editor's Note: The article in question advocated taxing churches for property other than church sanctuaries. Orton a fat cat
Tell the City Council they can praise (Wayne) Orton all they want and pat him on the back for a well-done job. But he is leaving the city of Portsmouth in the worst financial shape it has ever been in.
Orton got what he wanted by joining the police fire retirement and leaving this city a fat cat and well off, while this city and the people of Portsmouth suffer and probably have to raise the taxes some more while he lives like a rich king.
I just hope the City Council can see this. But I doubt it. They probably will give him a gold watch too and give him a raise so he will get a better retirement.
Robert L. Wilson
Century Drive
June 26, 1995 Graduation excellent
No gripes!
I am a Portsmouth native, three score and ten-plus, a grandmother who attended the Churchland High School graduation recently.
The program was excellent including the music, speeches, awards and presentation of the diplomas. When I hear all the negative remarks about our school system, it makes me wonder what kind of people we have in our city.
Another plus I would like to add is the way our Portsmouth Police force handled the security and the traffic, especially for the handicapped.
Hats off to those in charge!
Sarah A. Roberts
Portsmouth Gardens
June 25, 1995 Retired educators air concern
As two retired educators of Portsmouth Public Schools, we desire to express our concern for some of the things that are happening in our school system. Yes, we are both citizens of Portsmouth; and we do care about what happens to the students now and in the future - just as we cared when we were a part of the school system!
There are some questions that need to be answered in regard to some very serious matters. What is happening that would cause some of the best young leadership to leave this school system and pursue their careers elsewhere? We are directly addressing the recent news that James Roberts, Sheila Hill and Michael Spencer have accepted positions in neighboring school divisions. These outstanding educational leaders and others like them are people who have ``made a difference'' in a very positive way in Portsmouth Public Schools. What could have been done to keep the educators of this caliber in the school system?
How can high morale among teachers and other educators be maintained while leadership changes are being made? What can be done to keep young families from locating in other nearby communities? Can there be greater stability in continuing educational programs and instructional strategies that have been developed to improve education for all students? Can a smaller percentage of local funds for education be justified at a time when nationally educational reform and improvement are costing more than ever?
Both of us believe that we were fortunate to have been a part of an excellent school system for many years. Indeed there were problems and certainly situations in which we did not always agree. We worked beside many educators, however, who cared about students and were loyal supporters of Portsmouth Public Schools. Educators worked together as a team to achieve a high quality education.
The best education requires the best educational leadership and instruction. We still support this concept, and our loyalty remains to a mission of high quality education for Portsmouth students.
Our questions and concerns are expressed because we care, because we want to see real teamwork and dedication aimed toward the best education for all students. Site-based management may be effective in some instances (and we have always practiced some elements of it before it was given a name), but nothing can bring a school system together for the good of all like a united team of educators from across the system with a positive attitude and a spirit of dedication. This requires educational leadership at its best! In the ``shuffle,'' can we find it?
Harriet C. Heath
Early Drive
June 27, 1995
Jean H. Shackelford
Sterling Point Drive
June 27, 1995 by CNB