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Letters to the editor: 08/17/00

A slap in the face

To the Editor:

We are writing in response to the letter "Too Late For Me" composed by a former student of Blue Ridge School. We took it as a slap in the face.

As students of Blue Ridge, we feel that the school offers several things that Smoky Mountain High does not, such as a friendly environment where everyone knows your name and your accomplishments. Blue Ridge also has smaller classes where teachers can work with you more individually and material is covered faster and more sufficiently.

As for the studentıs comment suggesting we had no choices in our classes our freshmen year, we would like to mention that in your freshman year, regardless of what high school you attend, you are required to take a health education class, an English class, keyboarding, physical science, economic, legal and political system (ELP), and Algebra I.

Being in the same graduating class, we know that there were eight classes you could take. If you subtract the six required classes from above, you will notice that it leaves two classes, so she did have choices.

With a letter like "Too Late For Me," readers may get a negative impression that students at Blue Ridge are not in support of their school. Many of the students at Blue Ridge have attended since kindergarten and have no intention of changing schools.

We strongly believe that the false remarks not only slapped the students of Blue Ridge in the face, but also the dedicated faculty. The writer also said that children are barely noticed at Blue Ridge School and have no way to obtain a quality education. We consider the comments invalid. Faculty members spend countless hours before, during and after school to help students in anyway they can.

In conclusion, we hope that Blue Ridge School will be here for many years to come and that the faculty and school get the respect they deserve.

Teri Wallace

Stephanie Hoxit

Blue Ridge students

What's the rush?

To the Editor:

What has turned Sylva into "spaghetti junction" in Atlanta?

I'm concerned with the "road rage" around Sylva. Lately it seems people are driving so fast, weaving in and out of what little traffic we have. Going 50 miles per hour on Main Street just to get ahead of two cars.

I was in the Wal-Mart parking lot recently. I was walking toward the entrance (in the crosswalk) when this woman came within inches of hitting me. (I'm seven months pregnant.) She was trying to get to the curb 20 feet away to park in a "no parking" zone so her passenger could load her purchases. She never said a word.

A couple of months ago I had two kids behind me on the four-lane through a one-lane construction area, where obviously the speed limit is reduced. As I slowed to make my turn, they began to beep and yell and shake their fists at me.

Sylva isn't that big - it takes no more than 10 minutes to get from one end of town to the other. What' the rush?

My husband and I have had people fly past us on Main Street only to slam on their brakes in front of the Coffee Shop for breakfast. Hungry?

Wasn't there a thing called "Southern Hospitality?" I guess Sylva's got lost somewhere. With as fast as everyone is driving, maybe it flew out the window!

Regards,

Paula L. Daughtery

Sylva

Wonderful child care appreciated

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to thank everyone at Southwestern Child Development at the Southwestern Community College day care center for the wonderful care my child has received for the past five years.

My daughter, Allyson, was born with a cleft palate. She had several problems as a result of this condition. She had surgery at 10 months of age and has done well since then, but she did require some special care and speech therapy.

The child care workers at SCC were wonderful about helping make sure we received that care and providing transportation to and from speech therapy.

As a parent who needed to work in order to sustain a household, it was a great comfort to know that I had a safe and caring place to take my child.

I would like to give special thanks to Mary Fowler, her assistants, Ms. Dinah and Ms. Alisa (as Ally called them), and all the Foster Grandparents and college students who work at the center. I would also like to recognize Delores McNeely and Sunshine Childers at the Shephard Center. I will never forget you.

Allyson's father and I think she is an exceptional child, and we want to give a great deal of credit to those who have helped us raise our daughter.

We could never adequately convey our gratitude appropriately. Perhaps this letter will let you know that you are appreciated for what you do.

Sincerely,

Sandy Dills

Cullowhee

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