THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608080163
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 65 lines
I just had to respond to Jack B. Davidson's letter (July 14 Beacon). I've had it with people complaining about our city's schools, teachers and children. Give us a break! We deserve it.
I am proud to say I teach at the Beach. I have worked with some of the most dedicated people I have ever met or will ever know. These people have given their time, hard-earned money, and hearts and souls to the city's children and I think it's time they were given a standing ovation instead of more finger pointing.
Our city's schools have been through the wringer since I began teaching here eight years ago. I started teaching when Jim Melvin was superintendent. Since then we've been through four superintendents and a $12 million budget deficit, not to mention the years with no salary increases or the ones that were barely there. Yet, somehow, through all the controversy and lack of funds, our teachers and students managed to succeed.
And succeed we did! Our students have won many state and national honors from academics to athletics to the arts. Our teachers are some of the best in the country and are extremely dedicated to their professions. I know that I am not the only teacher who is sitting at her computer on a Sunday evening doing ``school stuff'' on my ``summer vacation.''
If only you could see the dedication to ``our'' children that I see every day. I know teachers who tutor children for free after school and drive them home because their moms work nights and aren't there to help with homework.
I know parents who work full time, coach Little League, are PTA presidents and who still find time to come to school and teach after-school programs.
I know students who spend time doing community service instead of hanging out or playing Sega Genesis. I could not even begin to list all I have seen.
Mr. Davidson, I assume from your letter that you were a teacher. If so, God has already helped us since he got you to retire. ``Our'' children deserve only the best and most dedicated teachers - even if their salaries don't reflect it. It seems as if you are ``burnt out'' which is quite understandable considering the pressures teachers are put under.
If only the public knew how we dedicate our lives to these children and how hard it is when society blames us for its woes. We get all of the pressure to make a difference, blame at election time and little financial reward for all our efforts. It can be tough at times and I can understand your frustration.
Mr. Davidson, I hate to burst your bubble about the good old days and how our public schools have gone downhill, but it just isn't so. I talked with my mom and she remembers people wishing for the good old days and discussing the same problems. I was in high school in the early '80s and the problems we have today - teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, violence and dropping out of school - existed then.
By the way, we also had prayer in school. It wasn't the answer then and it's not the answer to any school or society's problem now . . . although a little personal prayer of your own can't hurt. It helps to have faith no matter what the challenge.
The answer is community involvement! If you, as a citizen, are unhappy with ``our'' schools, get off your little tushy and go to your local school. Get involved! Join the PTA, then actually go to the meetings. You don't have to have a child to become involved. Volunteer some of your time at a local school. They make it easy. You can do stuff at home or actually come to school and visit a little smiling face. With all of the federal cut-backs, we need volunteers more than ever!
Mr. Davidson, I wish you the best in your retirement and if you ever have some free time, I'll be in first grade, Room 2 at Thalia Elementary with 20 of the sweetest, smiling faces. We would love to have you come and visit. We'll remind you why you decided on teaching as a career all those years ago.
Karen P. Mallard by CNB