PO Box 233
Nampa, Id 83653
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North Nampa Residents Association PO Box 233 Nampa, Id 83653 |
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Executive Board of North Nampa Residents Association We were appalled and outraged by the blatantly prejudiced and elitist comments made by Nicole Huffield and Doug Cook in a recent Press-Tribune article ("Parents Want Out Of Nampa School," May 15th.) Huffield stated that "we would prefer to be in a school district that has a higher-quality teaching staff," and that "we live in a nicer subdivision because that's what we choose to do, and sending them to a school where children are mostly poverty-stricken would hinder them." Is this the kind of narrow-minded, bigoted thinking we want to set as an example for our children? Are we to assume that these "poverty-stricken" children choose to be so? Do Huffield and Cook think that only children in a certain socio-economic level deserve a good education? Where do they think their children can live and go to school where they will only have contact with children of the same economic level? Are we going to ask parents to submit W-2's when they enroll their children so we can determine which school they qualify for? Didn't these parents think to look into which school district they were in when they purchased their "nicer" homes? If it was such a concern, why didn't they buy a home in the Vallivue District -- or were those not "nice" enough? If there is a problem at Snake River Elementary, wouldn't it make more sense to work with the school and the teachers to correct the problem instead of assuming a substandard education is OK for "poverty-stricken" children? |
John
Montgomery did an excellent job as principal of West Middle School, and we
know he will do an excellent job at Snake River. Contrary to statements by Ms.
Huffield, Snake River has some exceptionally dedicated and talented teachers,
who care deeply about helping all their students succeed. Why don't these parents focus on a positive, pro-active approach to solving a problem in a way that will benefit everyone? Set a higher standard. Set an example that shows children how to work together across lines of ethnicity and economics. Become part of a positive solution instead of creating more problems. Break down those barriers of bigotry and build a school and a community based on mutual respect -- a school that will become an example to every other school in Nampa and Idaho. As the North Nampa Residents Association, we invite Ms. Huffield and Mr. Cook, and all of the other 206 parents to work with us and Snake River Elementary to achieve those goals so that we can raise our children to be bright, productive members of the community. >> Executive Board of North Nampa Residents Association Darin Eisenbarth, president Wilma Hensley Marjorie Davis Mark Johnston Lynn McConnell Shirley Dean |
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Last Update 8 Jul 2001 www.nampa.net/nnra/ipt990525.htm |