Letter: The kids know: No good reason to close school

Friday, April 28, 2000 | 10:10 a.m.

Five years ago it became clear. Children are to be cherished.

My son was 5 years old, passing out coffee and apple pies to the rescue workers who were digging through the rubble of the Murrah Federal Building as they looked for survivors. One year ago, April 20, we watched in horror as the Columbine tragedy unfolded. Again, children were victims of violence. We remembered, as we do each day, children are a gift.

Today, we are faced with a disturbing situation. The Nevada Department of Education has had a change of heart about the policies and procedures they approved for Odyssey Charter School, where my son attends. Is it fair to the children to abruptly stop funding their school? Odyssey's Terra Nova scores were well above any other elementary school in the district! Consider the children! Do not treat them unjustly.

This is a stressful time, the anniversary dates of the bombing and the Columbine tragedy. Many children are distraught about these events ... more than they verbalize. Even if they were not physically there ... the media coverage brings the violence and injustice toward children right into their homes.

It is absurd to stop funding their school. It is a cost-effective and efficient school. New school buildings are overcrowded before completion.

We deserve a thorough evaluation, a complete school year. This disruption of the educational process goes against all logical thinking.

Do what's right by the children ... little eyes are watching!

KAY KEYLON

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