Speak Out 04/25/03

Drinking aversion

HOW LUCKY I was that I took the advice of an older man who had four daughters. He said that when they were little they each had their own little glass and would say, "Dad, can I have some of your beer?" They were never turned down, and by the time they were 12 years old, they wouldn't even taste a beer. I have three children now in their 40s and 50s. I followed this advice and gave each of them a glass. When I drank a beer in the evening I would pour a little into their glasses. By age 9 or 10, they wouldn't even ask for it. Today, none of them drinks except a little wine at a meal like Easter or Christmas. They will all tell you the same story: "It was no fun when we knew we could have it by just asking Dad."

Cut sports first

I READ that Jackson schools may lose $1.4 million dollars next year. Instead of reducing the number of teachers, why don't they eliminate school-sponsored sports programs? A quality education would surely serve the students better than the ability to throw a ball.

Direct contact

THIS IS for the person who asked teachers for comments on report cards. Do what I do. Call the school and speak to the teachers or send them an e-mail. My daughter's teachers at the Jackson Junior High School have been good about returning my e-mails when I have questions about my daughter. You should try it instead of waiting for the report card to come out. By that time, it could be too late to bring up the grades.

Special help

I WANT to say a special thank you to the family who stopped and the gentleman who helped when I had a flat on I-55 between Fruitland and Jackson with my 6-year-old in the car. Your help in changing my tire was much appreciated. There is a special place in heaven for people like you.

Teacher recognition

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Oak Ridge teachers who were honored for their outstanding performance in the reading program. And congratulations to the Cape Girardeau teachers who were recognized with the Kinder Awards. It was so nice to see these people recognized and see their pictures in the paper.

Clean bluebird boxes

THIS IS just a reminder for all of you who have bluebird boxes: They need to be cleaned out as soon as the young leave so the bluebirds will come back. They will make up to two or three nests a year.