The last time I wrote to a newspaper editor was over 20 years ago as a 5th grade student of Arendtsville Elementary School. After coming home and telling my mom that everyone should know what a great Principal Mr. Cope was, she told me I could write a letter to the editor, so I did. I again have something I think everyone needs to hear, so I am going to follow my mom’s same advice.
Unfortunately, my reason for writing this letter is less cheerful than my last. I am concerned. I am concerned that in the future there won’t be any “Mr. Copes” at Upper Adams to write about. For months I have listened as the Upper Adams School Board has spent hours drafting, meeting, and arguing about a policy regarding the books that are in the High School Library. This policy has taken up the time of the librarian, teachers, and administrators. The needless revision has brought to question the competency of administration and teachers to do the job that they were educated and hired to do. This has all been done despite the fact that there has been only one parent complaint in 25 years. Meanwhile, our district does have needs that are arguably being ignored while a policy that does not need to be rewritten is being debated over.
We need to support our teachers and staff. We need to acknowledge the value that good teachers and administrators bring to our district. We have good teachers. We have good administrators. We have good staff. They show up for our students and our community day in and day out. Instead of spending time on a policy revision that does not need to be rewritten, let us take the time to listen to those who are essential to our district’s success. We need to provide the support, training, and resources that they need to be successful in educating our students. We need to recognize the expertise they bring to the district. There are unfilled positions. Instead of spending hours working to keep our teachers and administrators, do we spend hours scrutinizing their every move? What will happen when those unfilled positions continue to increase? What will happen when my kids do not have a Mr. Cope to write about? Suddenly, it won’t really matter what books are in the library at all.
With Concern,
Alex Weigle
Graduate of Upper Adams School District
Parent of 4 children. Grades 6th, 3rd, and 1st, and one little canner waiting for his turn.
Well said, and kudo’s for speaking out. Banning books has never been appropriate, or successful in any society. If we are doing our job as responsible parents, mentors, and teachers, our students will be capable of the discernment and wisdom needed to “know” right from wrong, and choose healthy, positive outcomes. Maybe, we should be more concerned about what they are learning from social media, which they spend more time with than any library.