Time to trust in our schools and children
I have a seventh-grade child at Rosemont Middle School, and
considering all that needed to happen (on Sept. 18) when the children
were evacuated, I was amazed at the excellent job that was done by
all. I think I am most proud of the students who I know that were
thoughtful, followed directions and figured a few things out on their
own. What an excellent time to see if, a parents, we have prepared
our children for emergency situations both at school and at home.
I have to wonder if Tracey Miller attended the same parent
meetings I attended, where:
* both school district officials and police organizations admitted
that some things could have been done better;
* an overly detailed account was given of what happened;
* it was explained why phone calls could not go out to everyone
nor an e-mail as these are not run from the school but from a
parents' home as a courtesy to parents;
* and they did talk about 15 children showing allergy symptoms on
(Sept. 17).
When I got to the park to find my daughter, the number of adults
in official capacities was amazing. There were administration and
health personnel from Crescenta Valley High School, emergency
personnel from a vast number of agencies, each class with its
teacher, district people and police keeping the perimeter secure.
When I tried to check out a child who was not my daughter --
because the mother was out of town -- I was politely told I couldn't
because they couldn't verify that it was OK. At first, I was angered,
but then pleased such good care was being taken.
I knew that my daughter had been well taken care of when she told
me about all the food, water and sunscreen that was passed around. I
have heard stories of a few children who didn't get their needs
fulfilled. I hope that their parents are teaching them now how to get
their needs met, by finding an adult that can help them and by
speaking up for themselves. These children are seventh- and
eighth-graders and they should be able to handle some things without
an adult holding their hand, even in an emergency.
I must also say I was thankful that an assembly was held first
thing so that my daughter felt informed about changes and about the
incident itself. I was also thrilled to know that the administration
had prepared for construction problems by adding extra instructional
minutes for the entire year so that they could miss these days of
school but still meet regulated instructional minute times set by the
state.
