Letters to the Editor 07-18-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Importance Of Writing - Storm Thanks - Lakeview Triathlon - Half-Cocked
Importance Of Writing
Editor, Times-Union:I noticed a recent news report that Indiana students had difficulty with writing exams in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress tests.
It has been my pleasure over the years as U.S. Senator to read many well-written letters from young Hoosiers. Often it was apparent that the letters were written as school assignments and were probably graded by teachers, but I have found them to be a helpful window into the minds and opinions of young citizens.
I know that our Indiana teachers, in recent years, have put renewed efforts into reading instruction. This is important because reading is the gateway to mastery of all other subjects. But reading must go hand-in-hand with the ability to write well.
To be successful in the adult world, students must be able to communicate in written form as well as orally. Good writing is essential to having the ability to persuade others to see a certain point of view.
I would encourage Indiana teachers to give frequent writing assignments and to insist on good spelling, grammar and punctuation. More importantly, teachers must teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and put them on paper in a way that makes sense to others.
A simple and effective exercise is to ask a student to read an article in a newspaper and then write a reaction or reflection.
It has been a half-century, but I still remember my teachers at Shortridge High School who helped me develop my writing skills. My best teachers were the ones who required that I write on a frequent basis and took time to critique my work.
One technique I have often used when writing is to read a passage aloud. If it is not readily understandable to the ear when spoken, it is probably not going to be understood by a reader.
In the hope of stirring increased interest in writing among Hoosier young people, I encourage teachers to have students write to their elected representatives. I will respond to each letter I receive, and I will begin posting a selection of the best letters on my Web site, http://lugar.senate.gov/kids_page.html
I will choose one or more letters each month and post them along with my written responses. These will serve as examples of outstanding achievement to both teachers and students.
Students in today's world are confronted with many attractions competing for their intellectual attention - television, computers, movies and music. Yet we must make sure they take time to practice the basic skills of intellectual development - reading and writing.
Richard G. Lugar
U.S. Senator
Washington, D.C.
Storm Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Carboneau family and Tri-Lakes Marine would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who came to our aid during the July 4th storm on Winona Lake. While participating in the first annual flotilla, we were caught out in the storm, unable to get to the boat trailers in time to get the boats off the lake. Not anticipating the severity of the storm, we chose to "ride it out" in the center of the lake. Wow! Many, many thanks to the Momyers, Wildmans, Wilsons, Workmans and many unnamed others who came to our rescue, gave us shelter and helped us get our boats off the lake at the end of the storm.
The boat that sank is now fully operational and the whole family weathered the storm without injury. Again, the Carboneaus and Tri-Lakes Marine extend our thanks to all who helped ... true community spirit in Winona Lake!
Damien & Ginger Carboneau
Tri-Lakes Marine
Warsaw
via e-mail
Lakeview Triathlon
Editor, Times-Union:As I was leaving the Y the other day, it was brought to my attention that the YMCA had not received any communication from Lakeview Middle School pertaining to the 2003 Lakeview Triathlon. Somehow things must have gotten missed in the last days of school, the summer closing and just time lost. I wanted to take a minute to rectify any misunderstanding that might have taken place.
Lakeview Middle School is most grateful for the cooperative partnership that the YMCA has shown us. Its prime location is a center of wellness activities for our students, as it is only two blocks away. On any given day, you will see Lakeview students walking to swim practice, using the gym or participating in youth fitness activities. They have been a gracious host to our Triathlon for the past two years and have assisted us in our canoeing/camping unit as well. This year we added rock climbing to our curriculum, and with Tom and Nancy's vision of programming, we will continue to add more and more offerings that will interest young people to pursue new ventures in fitness. We are most appreciative of the friendly staff that greeted us in the morning, the members who shared their facility with us that day and the lifeguarding staff that oversaw the swimming event. I reveled in the success of our students and saw it carried through as Lakeview students participated in the Optimist Triathlon this year at Winona Lake. It is a complete experience in self-esteem, positive fitness and team fellowship.
I have written a personal note to each and every one of our sponsors, but I wanted to publicly thank them as well. Our community is so giving, and we have so many businesses that are concerned with the health and well being of its young people. The triathlon would not be successful without their support, and they should take pride in knowing that they are providing opportunities that will become lifelong habits of health for the future. A big thanks to all the businesses and the countless number of parents who supported the effort as timers, counters, supporters and caregivers.
Chris Boyd and Michelle Harter
Physical Education
Lakeview Middle School
via e-mail
Half-Cocked
Editor, Times-Union:George Bush, to quote an old expression, "went off half cocked." The time for intelligent, rational thought is before the deed is done, not after. I can't believe the lynch mob mentality that took over this country. We have something to fear in this country and it never was Saddam Hussein. It is the president and Congress violating their oath to uphold the Constitution.
Greater minds than we have in Washington, D.C., decided that the power to declare war was too risky to put in the hands of one person, so they gave that power to Congress. When the dust has settled on this debacle you will realize that you are less free than you were a few months ago.
We need to clean house in Washington. If the people in the FBI and CIA had been doing their job in the first place, 9/11 would never have happened.
Another comment. Is the Supreme Court libertarian? They have finally acknowledged what Libertarians have known for years. What consenting adults do in private is none of the government's business. If you agree, you might be a libertarian.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
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- Importance Of Writing - Storm Thanks - Lakeview Triathlon - Half-Cocked
Importance Of Writing
Editor, Times-Union:I noticed a recent news report that Indiana students had difficulty with writing exams in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress tests.
It has been my pleasure over the years as U.S. Senator to read many well-written letters from young Hoosiers. Often it was apparent that the letters were written as school assignments and were probably graded by teachers, but I have found them to be a helpful window into the minds and opinions of young citizens.
I know that our Indiana teachers, in recent years, have put renewed efforts into reading instruction. This is important because reading is the gateway to mastery of all other subjects. But reading must go hand-in-hand with the ability to write well.
To be successful in the adult world, students must be able to communicate in written form as well as orally. Good writing is essential to having the ability to persuade others to see a certain point of view.
I would encourage Indiana teachers to give frequent writing assignments and to insist on good spelling, grammar and punctuation. More importantly, teachers must teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and put them on paper in a way that makes sense to others.
A simple and effective exercise is to ask a student to read an article in a newspaper and then write a reaction or reflection.
It has been a half-century, but I still remember my teachers at Shortridge High School who helped me develop my writing skills. My best teachers were the ones who required that I write on a frequent basis and took time to critique my work.
One technique I have often used when writing is to read a passage aloud. If it is not readily understandable to the ear when spoken, it is probably not going to be understood by a reader.
In the hope of stirring increased interest in writing among Hoosier young people, I encourage teachers to have students write to their elected representatives. I will respond to each letter I receive, and I will begin posting a selection of the best letters on my Web site, http://lugar.senate.gov/kids_page.html
I will choose one or more letters each month and post them along with my written responses. These will serve as examples of outstanding achievement to both teachers and students.
Students in today's world are confronted with many attractions competing for their intellectual attention - television, computers, movies and music. Yet we must make sure they take time to practice the basic skills of intellectual development - reading and writing.
Richard G. Lugar
U.S. Senator
Washington, D.C.
Storm Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Carboneau family and Tri-Lakes Marine would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who came to our aid during the July 4th storm on Winona Lake. While participating in the first annual flotilla, we were caught out in the storm, unable to get to the boat trailers in time to get the boats off the lake. Not anticipating the severity of the storm, we chose to "ride it out" in the center of the lake. Wow! Many, many thanks to the Momyers, Wildmans, Wilsons, Workmans and many unnamed others who came to our rescue, gave us shelter and helped us get our boats off the lake at the end of the storm.
The boat that sank is now fully operational and the whole family weathered the storm without injury. Again, the Carboneaus and Tri-Lakes Marine extend our thanks to all who helped ... true community spirit in Winona Lake!
Damien & Ginger Carboneau
Tri-Lakes Marine
Warsaw
via e-mail
Lakeview Triathlon
Editor, Times-Union:As I was leaving the Y the other day, it was brought to my attention that the YMCA had not received any communication from Lakeview Middle School pertaining to the 2003 Lakeview Triathlon. Somehow things must have gotten missed in the last days of school, the summer closing and just time lost. I wanted to take a minute to rectify any misunderstanding that might have taken place.
Lakeview Middle School is most grateful for the cooperative partnership that the YMCA has shown us. Its prime location is a center of wellness activities for our students, as it is only two blocks away. On any given day, you will see Lakeview students walking to swim practice, using the gym or participating in youth fitness activities. They have been a gracious host to our Triathlon for the past two years and have assisted us in our canoeing/camping unit as well. This year we added rock climbing to our curriculum, and with Tom and Nancy's vision of programming, we will continue to add more and more offerings that will interest young people to pursue new ventures in fitness. We are most appreciative of the friendly staff that greeted us in the morning, the members who shared their facility with us that day and the lifeguarding staff that oversaw the swimming event. I reveled in the success of our students and saw it carried through as Lakeview students participated in the Optimist Triathlon this year at Winona Lake. It is a complete experience in self-esteem, positive fitness and team fellowship.
I have written a personal note to each and every one of our sponsors, but I wanted to publicly thank them as well. Our community is so giving, and we have so many businesses that are concerned with the health and well being of its young people. The triathlon would not be successful without their support, and they should take pride in knowing that they are providing opportunities that will become lifelong habits of health for the future. A big thanks to all the businesses and the countless number of parents who supported the effort as timers, counters, supporters and caregivers.
Chris Boyd and Michelle Harter
Physical Education
Lakeview Middle School
via e-mail
Half-Cocked
Editor, Times-Union:George Bush, to quote an old expression, "went off half cocked." The time for intelligent, rational thought is before the deed is done, not after. I can't believe the lynch mob mentality that took over this country. We have something to fear in this country and it never was Saddam Hussein. It is the president and Congress violating their oath to uphold the Constitution.
Greater minds than we have in Washington, D.C., decided that the power to declare war was too risky to put in the hands of one person, so they gave that power to Congress. When the dust has settled on this debacle you will realize that you are less free than you were a few months ago.
We need to clean house in Washington. If the people in the FBI and CIA had been doing their job in the first place, 9/11 would never have happened.
Another comment. Is the Supreme Court libertarian? They have finally acknowledged what Libertarians have known for years. What consenting adults do in private is none of the government's business. If you agree, you might be a libertarian.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
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