THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 10, 1996 TAG: 9605090174
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Teachers deserve special thanks
As we conclude today our activities surrounding Teacher Appreciation Week, we are prompted to tell you about a special group of people - the teachers at Providence Elementary School. All of the home-baked goodies and other gifts of appreciation do not adequately express the immense gratitude and pleasure that we and many others feel about them.
While our school system has faced difficult times and much criticism, these wonderful people have continued to work hard to maintain the integrity of education for our children. We, as a community, cannot take educators for granted but should do more to support and thank them for the great job they are doing!
Good teachers are a rare and precious gift. We feel many of the great ones have congregated at Providence! Our children are fortunate to be enriched by such outstanding teachers and mentors. A heartfelt thanks and resounding BRAVO to all the educators at Providence who make such a positive difference in our children, families and community. Your service is truly a ``gift for a lifetime.''
Terri Hutsell
Judy Sotosky
Providence Elementary PTA Board
April 29
No to Sunday soccer
I haven't figured it out yet. For many years the Virginia Beach children's soccer programs did well playing their games on Saturdays. But now there seems to be a developing trend to play more and more games on Sunday; some during Sunday morning church hours.
The Sunday morning/early afternoon games create an unhealthy and unfair choice for parents who normally take their children to Sunday school and church on Sunday morning. It's a dilemma these parents should not have to face.
I want to call upon the Virginia Beach Children's Soccer officials to evaluate their position on this serious issue. As community leaders, we need to work together for the total well-being of our children. In the Bible, we're told that when Jesus was 12 years of age, ``he grew in wisdom (intellectually) and stature (physically, athletically) and in favor with God (spiritually) and men (socially). Let's help our children to have a well-rounded growth even as Jesus did.
I would also encourage concerned parents to band together and share your concerns with your children's coach and with appropriate league officials. You owe it to your children to do so; for once again they are the innocent and helpless victims in an unhealthy situation created by misguided adults.
Rev. Tommy J. Taylor
Pastor, London Bridge Baptist Church
April 26
Babies first, then animals
I would like to offer a few thoughts regarding People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and those who support its cause. I will be the first to admit I love animals and do not always agree with the way they are treated when it comes to science.
However, I would like to list some of the phrases used when defending PETA treatment of our fellow beings . . . being compassionate, being concerned about other creatures . . . abhor the grotesque, senseless torture of . . . needless slaughter of the thousands. . . indiscriminately killing all that happen . . . killing the unsuspected that has never attempted to injure anyone
If one was to omit the word PETA, you would come to the conclusion we were talking pro life. What does this say about today's society where we put a higher level of protection and resources for animals than we do children? Are our children not the leaders of tomorrow? What will history have to say about this generation who were more concerned about saving the fish, turtles, rats, etc., from scientific research than they were about the millions of children who were killed for the sake of convenience? Yes, convenience, for we know that second and third abortions account for a large percentage.
Let's not forget who deserves our highest respect and protection . . . our children!
Jason Umidi
April 26 by CNB