Letters to the Editor 03-04-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Turn Signals - KEYS Program - Block Scheduling - Educational Priorities - PTO Says Thanks - Thanks To K of C
Turn Signals
Editor, Times-Union:Couple of weeks ago, I was going home from work. It was late at night and I stopped at a four-way stop and made a turn. A couple of moments later I was pulled over by a Warsaw City policeman. He pulled me over because I didn't use a turn signal (like I am the only one). I didn't get a ticket; he just told me to start using it. A few days later I was following a Warsaw Police car when he made a turn. He didn't use his turn signal. Can we pull them over?
Marcia S. Knight
Syracuse
KEYS Program
Editor, Times-Union:Kosciusko County has a wonderful program which enables an outstanding group of students to get hands-on experience in philanthropy. The program, known as Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services, was begun in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Dekko Foundation, which has sponsored similar groups throughout the Midwest. The stated purposes of KEYS are to promote education and to focus on emerging educational needs in our community.
The KEYS program in Kosciusko County is supported by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Megihann Kinney, who was one of the founding members of our local KEYS chapter in 1994, is adviser and mentor to the KEYS group today. The students are initially selected as eighth-graders and, once selected, continue as members of KEYS until graduation from high school. Today, students from Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw and Wawasee high schools and Lakeland Christian Academy participate in our KEYS program, and students from Whitko are part of Whitley County's program.
The KEYS mission is to "work together to positively impact and improve education in our community by providing aid now, and for future generations." They accomplish this by accepting grant applications from local schools and youth serving organizations, evaluating these applications and then providing grants from the KEYS endowment at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. For example, they recently approved a grant to purchase a math resource kit to be used by a special education class at Burket Elementary School, and they made a grant to fund books for an in-class library at Mentone Elementary School.
In addition to the formal grant-making process, the KEYS students also have speakers and activities aimed at improving their understanding of philanthropy, especially in support of education. They also are responsible for their own governance and for the strategic direction of KEYS. I recently had the privilege and pleasure of attending one of their meetings, and I was extremely impressed by the way the students conducted the meeting and the obvious interest they took in the process. They are bright, concerned and capable, and they are making this process work for good in our community.
Bob Condon
President, Board of Directors
Kosciusko County Community Foundation
via e-mail
Block Scheduling
Editor, Times-Union:I have to commend Bill Harris of Winona Lake for his letter published Feb. 13.
I fully agree with Mr. Harris and was encouraged to read his letter.
While I was a student at Warsaw Community High School, there was talk to switch to block scheduling. It was something that I as a student supported, however, the change did not take place until after I graduated in 1996. However, with keeping in contact with some of the teachers at the high school, I always receive positive feedback about the change for them as well as the students. I understand that the reason for switching back to the seven classes a day every day would cut costs. Of course budgeting money is important, but I am concerned about the consequences it will play for the students at WCHS as well as those who will be students there in the future. My education at WCHS was good, but in making a decision that will drastically affect the leaders of tomorrow, I am not sure that the projected money savings will be as cost-efficient as planned.
I am also concerned about the cutting of elementary counselors in the school system. If you cut the counselors' jobs, that puts more work onto the elementary teachers, which will cut into their teaching time. It's a sad fact that children are faced with the burdens of death, abuse, neglect and results of such actions. As adults, we need to provide the best help that we can for the children of today for they will be the leaders of tomorrow.
I plead for the school board to think about the consequences that these two issues bring up. The Warsaw School Corp. may see ways to save money now, but the long-term consequences will most likely cost more in the long run than saving money. Please think about the needs of the students and how best to cope with their needs so that they can be the strong leaders of tomorrow.
Erin McGrath
Muncie
via e-mail
Educational Priorities
Editor, Times-Union:Senator Adams stated in the Times-Union, "Education is a priority" in Indiana. For the 2003-2004 school year, Warsaw will lose eight high school teachers, Block Four Scheduling, four elementary counselors and the elementary counseling program in its entirety. How does this demonstrate education as a priority?
The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce recently named Warsaw Community Schools as a "Best Buy" school corporation. The qualifications for the award included ISTEP test scores and best tax dollar value. The reward for the school corporation and our community is teachers losing their jobs and program cuts. Still think education is a priority?
Senator Adams did state, "Equity in school funding is not the same in all school corporations." Warsaw does not receive equitable funding under the current state school funding formula. He went on to list cost-cutting measures that could be taken to avoid teacher lay-offs. What he didn't say is that Warsaw had already instituted those measures to generate funds to save teaching positions. In fact, an entire page of cost-cutting measures from the past several years was distributed at the last school board meeting.
In the last legislative session the Indiana Legislature passed several consumer tax increases hoping to alleviate the budget crisis. Not only did those taxes fall short of addressing the budget crisis, it cost the taxpayers $600,000 for an extra legislative session.
It is appalling the state requires a budget structure that provides for new building projects but does not allow for funding to keep teaching positions. Apparently, it is better to build than to touch the lives of children.
The result of inadequate education funding for Warsaw will have a lasting negative effect on our students and community. The road ahead holds larger classes, lost programs and lost opportunities for students.
Warsaw teachers urge the public to support education through this difficult time. Your teachers have already done their part by accepting minimal raises and losses in benefits over the past several years to keep class sizes and educational programs in place. Write to our local legislators and let them know that your child's education must be their priority.
The citizens of Warsaw need to know that while Senator Adams and others profess to be looking to the save the future of Indiana, they are truly taking the future from our children.
Terry Sims, President
Warsaw Community Education Association
via e-mail
PTO Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the PTO for Madison Elementary School, we would like to thank the many businesses, friends and school staff that helped make our Winter Carnival an overwhelming success. Specifically, we wish to thank:
¥ The many local merchants who contributed items for our silent auction.
¥ Our Community Business Partner, Mutual Federal Savings Bank (Marlene Huffer and staff), for advertising the Carnival details on their electronic sign, and for their sponsorship of the always enjoyed "Moonwalk."
¥ Dan Daggett and the WRSW Community Calendar for getting the word out on the air.
¥ Marcus Cable for getting the word out on the tube.
¥ The students of Madison Elementary School for painting of signs and helping to set up games.
¥ DARE Officer Terry Polston for once again serving time as our jailer.
¥ The Rental Shop for donating the use of several tables.
¥ Celebrations for the wonderful balloon bouquets that adorned our tables.
Lastly, we wish to thank Mr. Neumann and his great staff along with the many parents who unselfishly donate their time and energy to making this Carnival successful, but most of all, FUN for everyone! We are truly thankful for your continued generosity.
Rich Utley Jr.
President, Madison Elementary PTO
via e-mail
Thanks To K of C
Editor, Times-Union:Knights of Columbus: Thank you again for the generous donation that was made to the Pierceton Elementary School special needs department! Every year we get two wonderful visitors that leave us with the means to purchase some very essential materials for our special needs students. We say "thank you," which doesn't seem like enough. Just know that your donation will go to help students and that we really do appreciate your thoughtfulness! God bless!
Cathy Olson
Sherri Gyrion
Angie Speicher
Pierceton
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- Turn Signals - KEYS Program - Block Scheduling - Educational Priorities - PTO Says Thanks - Thanks To K of C
Turn Signals
Editor, Times-Union:Couple of weeks ago, I was going home from work. It was late at night and I stopped at a four-way stop and made a turn. A couple of moments later I was pulled over by a Warsaw City policeman. He pulled me over because I didn't use a turn signal (like I am the only one). I didn't get a ticket; he just told me to start using it. A few days later I was following a Warsaw Police car when he made a turn. He didn't use his turn signal. Can we pull them over?
Marcia S. Knight
Syracuse
KEYS Program
Editor, Times-Union:Kosciusko County has a wonderful program which enables an outstanding group of students to get hands-on experience in philanthropy. The program, known as Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services, was begun in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Dekko Foundation, which has sponsored similar groups throughout the Midwest. The stated purposes of KEYS are to promote education and to focus on emerging educational needs in our community.
The KEYS program in Kosciusko County is supported by the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, and Megihann Kinney, who was one of the founding members of our local KEYS chapter in 1994, is adviser and mentor to the KEYS group today. The students are initially selected as eighth-graders and, once selected, continue as members of KEYS until graduation from high school. Today, students from Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw and Wawasee high schools and Lakeland Christian Academy participate in our KEYS program, and students from Whitko are part of Whitley County's program.
The KEYS mission is to "work together to positively impact and improve education in our community by providing aid now, and for future generations." They accomplish this by accepting grant applications from local schools and youth serving organizations, evaluating these applications and then providing grants from the KEYS endowment at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. For example, they recently approved a grant to purchase a math resource kit to be used by a special education class at Burket Elementary School, and they made a grant to fund books for an in-class library at Mentone Elementary School.
In addition to the formal grant-making process, the KEYS students also have speakers and activities aimed at improving their understanding of philanthropy, especially in support of education. They also are responsible for their own governance and for the strategic direction of KEYS. I recently had the privilege and pleasure of attending one of their meetings, and I was extremely impressed by the way the students conducted the meeting and the obvious interest they took in the process. They are bright, concerned and capable, and they are making this process work for good in our community.
Bob Condon
President, Board of Directors
Kosciusko County Community Foundation
via e-mail
Block Scheduling
Editor, Times-Union:I have to commend Bill Harris of Winona Lake for his letter published Feb. 13.
I fully agree with Mr. Harris and was encouraged to read his letter.
While I was a student at Warsaw Community High School, there was talk to switch to block scheduling. It was something that I as a student supported, however, the change did not take place until after I graduated in 1996. However, with keeping in contact with some of the teachers at the high school, I always receive positive feedback about the change for them as well as the students. I understand that the reason for switching back to the seven classes a day every day would cut costs. Of course budgeting money is important, but I am concerned about the consequences it will play for the students at WCHS as well as those who will be students there in the future. My education at WCHS was good, but in making a decision that will drastically affect the leaders of tomorrow, I am not sure that the projected money savings will be as cost-efficient as planned.
I am also concerned about the cutting of elementary counselors in the school system. If you cut the counselors' jobs, that puts more work onto the elementary teachers, which will cut into their teaching time. It's a sad fact that children are faced with the burdens of death, abuse, neglect and results of such actions. As adults, we need to provide the best help that we can for the children of today for they will be the leaders of tomorrow.
I plead for the school board to think about the consequences that these two issues bring up. The Warsaw School Corp. may see ways to save money now, but the long-term consequences will most likely cost more in the long run than saving money. Please think about the needs of the students and how best to cope with their needs so that they can be the strong leaders of tomorrow.
Erin McGrath
Muncie
via e-mail
Educational Priorities
Editor, Times-Union:Senator Adams stated in the Times-Union, "Education is a priority" in Indiana. For the 2003-2004 school year, Warsaw will lose eight high school teachers, Block Four Scheduling, four elementary counselors and the elementary counseling program in its entirety. How does this demonstrate education as a priority?
The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce recently named Warsaw Community Schools as a "Best Buy" school corporation. The qualifications for the award included ISTEP test scores and best tax dollar value. The reward for the school corporation and our community is teachers losing their jobs and program cuts. Still think education is a priority?
Senator Adams did state, "Equity in school funding is not the same in all school corporations." Warsaw does not receive equitable funding under the current state school funding formula. He went on to list cost-cutting measures that could be taken to avoid teacher lay-offs. What he didn't say is that Warsaw had already instituted those measures to generate funds to save teaching positions. In fact, an entire page of cost-cutting measures from the past several years was distributed at the last school board meeting.
In the last legislative session the Indiana Legislature passed several consumer tax increases hoping to alleviate the budget crisis. Not only did those taxes fall short of addressing the budget crisis, it cost the taxpayers $600,000 for an extra legislative session.
It is appalling the state requires a budget structure that provides for new building projects but does not allow for funding to keep teaching positions. Apparently, it is better to build than to touch the lives of children.
The result of inadequate education funding for Warsaw will have a lasting negative effect on our students and community. The road ahead holds larger classes, lost programs and lost opportunities for students.
Warsaw teachers urge the public to support education through this difficult time. Your teachers have already done their part by accepting minimal raises and losses in benefits over the past several years to keep class sizes and educational programs in place. Write to our local legislators and let them know that your child's education must be their priority.
The citizens of Warsaw need to know that while Senator Adams and others profess to be looking to the save the future of Indiana, they are truly taking the future from our children.
Terry Sims, President
Warsaw Community Education Association
via e-mail
PTO Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the PTO for Madison Elementary School, we would like to thank the many businesses, friends and school staff that helped make our Winter Carnival an overwhelming success. Specifically, we wish to thank:
¥ The many local merchants who contributed items for our silent auction.
¥ Our Community Business Partner, Mutual Federal Savings Bank (Marlene Huffer and staff), for advertising the Carnival details on their electronic sign, and for their sponsorship of the always enjoyed "Moonwalk."
¥ Dan Daggett and the WRSW Community Calendar for getting the word out on the air.
¥ Marcus Cable for getting the word out on the tube.
¥ The students of Madison Elementary School for painting of signs and helping to set up games.
¥ DARE Officer Terry Polston for once again serving time as our jailer.
¥ The Rental Shop for donating the use of several tables.
¥ Celebrations for the wonderful balloon bouquets that adorned our tables.
Lastly, we wish to thank Mr. Neumann and his great staff along with the many parents who unselfishly donate their time and energy to making this Carnival successful, but most of all, FUN for everyone! We are truly thankful for your continued generosity.
Rich Utley Jr.
President, Madison Elementary PTO
via e-mail
Thanks To K of C
Editor, Times-Union:Knights of Columbus: Thank you again for the generous donation that was made to the Pierceton Elementary School special needs department! Every year we get two wonderful visitors that leave us with the means to purchase some very essential materials for our special needs students. We say "thank you," which doesn't seem like enough. Just know that your donation will go to help students and that we really do appreciate your thoughtfulness! God bless!
Cathy Olson
Sherri Gyrion
Angie Speicher
Pierceton
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