I have just begun to read these comments about the school (via my 3rd grade son). There are many comments on both sides that I agree and disagree with. However, we are new to Union and my children have personally experienced variances in schools as have we. I would like to say first off that I agree that the first step when having a concern is going to the source (i.e principal, teacher, etc..) Something we personally have done to no avail. We were even told that our son would be able to communicate his own concerns, to no avail. Our mistake was telling our son he would have this opportunity. His concerns have been legitimate which led us to express them as well. When expressing our concerns as well as our son's we found no initiation in taking responsibility only fault pushed on others.

I would like to speak first about the issues that seem to be arising currently. Lunch and field trips. Although I have not personally been at a lunch with my child, I do have him begging me to go due to the way he feels the kids are treated. My husband has attended and said they must speak quietly and eat quickly. No major issues from his viewpoint. My son however, continues to feel frustration regarding this matter and explains that there is an inconsistency during lunch time based on who is attending (i.e. parents, principal, etc.).

On the issue of field trips, I also have a first grader and was notified of complications, challenges, etc. via school statements. I do have mixed feelings regarding this matter. I do agree with many parents on the supervision aspect although I am not aware of the stadium regulations. Perhaps the trip was not properly thought out. On the other hand, I feel it was a great field trip idea and my child thoroughly enjoyed it. My issue regarding the field trip is actually a little different. My older child came home after an after school program stating things he overheard involving the conflicts about this trip that I found to be very irresponsible and unprofessional not to mention the content being being communicated between staff members. I do take into consideration that I heard this from my son, but he explained things I am not sure where else the information would have come from.

That said, my husband and I have had concerns about this school basically upon enrollment a couple of years ago. We kept making excuses ourselves saying that we didn't know the community or that we were just comparing it to a previous school. However, this year we did confront the school administration with our concerns and have even looked into transferring our children. At this time we have decided to try and put up with our concerns. We have even been frustrated enough we considered going to the media but had not done so. We are feeling at this point that our concerns are not felt by ourselves alone.

I realize that much of this feedback is difficult to consider and may come across as being negative. It is truly meant to be seen as a chance for change and to understand that it is not just the parents who have concerns. I also realize that many of the community members are giving feedback with much distaste and I believe there needs to be a better way to handle the situation. The problem (in our case) is that we have tried to take appropriate steps and feel like we have been heard but not truly listened to.

So to the writer of the above editorial. Some of these concerns may seem greatly exaggerated but are not inaccurate and they are definitely necessary if you care about your children getting an education thy deserve. These specific issues are bits and pieces of a much bigger picture that needs to be addressed or at least looked at as feedback and not taken as school bashing but challenges that could allow for a better environment for our children.

As for the principal herself I do not judge her character or her as a person. However I can say that both of our children rarely see her.Yes, her door is always open, but in our case it may as well have been shut. I will repeat though that this was our particular experience and not any knowledge of anyone else's. Both the parents and school are being childish in this matter. If it is truly about the kids than maybe we need the ACTUAL CHILDREN'S perspective.

So again to the writer of this editorial
1. truth is relative
2. kindness should apply to everyone, sometimes truth is not kind
3. necessity is also relative, for us our children's education is important and therefore their concerns are as well.

I too am saddened to have to express these thoughts.

I just went back and read the other "Letter" and the comments that went along with it. My daughter will be starting summer school at Central On June 8th, then starting Kindergarten in Aug., sounds like I have a lot to look forward to (sarcastic). She asks me every day if it is the day to go to school. I seriously hope that all the BS going on between parents, and staff involving Central does not effect her love for school, or my want to be involved! I feel really bad for parents that are just entering the school system (like myself) and are reading these things. By law we as parents have to send our children to school, and at the same time we are expected to put 100f our trust in that school. Seeing that the SCHOOL retaliated by putting a Letter to the Editor in the paper instead of holding a meeting, involving the parents and allowing THEIR voice to be HEARD, kinda makes me sick. Are we not teaching the old saying two wrongs don't make a right anymore?