September 2, 2005

LETTERS2theEDITOR

District communicating with parents

Editor,
I wanted to respond to the article on construction at Willow Glen Elementary [WGE] School last month. I feel that the story was incomplete.

It is true that communication with the parents of WGE was very poor last year during development of the construction plans for the school. At a time when everyone—district, schools, teachers, staff, parents and community members—has to work together to overcome the challenges facing public education, poor communication on any issue is inexcusable.

However, the district has begun meeting regularly with parents at the school about the construction. They are also attending WGNA [Willow Glen Neighborhood Association] meetings to give updates to the community. Parents and community members can fill out a construction question form in the WGE office and will get an answer directly.

Suggestions from parents and community members are being incorporated whenever possible into the project.

Also, while the playground area will be in transition over the next two years, every effort is being made to make sure we still provide a sufficient place for the children to run and play. The PTA will be providing some extra playground activities and supplies to the children when they are at recess.

We are also doing everything possible to make sure that the education of the children is not compromised, which is obviously the most important thing. The institution of some new policies in the classroom will enhance their educational experience. We want to make sure that with all the building issues, the most important ones are not forgotten

Finally, the district, architects and construction personnel are all very enthusiastic about the project. There are some exciting improvements planned. When construction is finished in two years, the site will be better for the school and the community.

In the meantime, I hope that everyone is patient during the construction process.

Alexandra Hoppe
WGE PTA president

Wallenberg Park underused 

Editor,
This concerns comments made about the dog park meeting in April. I’m middle of the road on this issue for Wallenberg Park, but I don’t like seeing this park so underutilized while Willow Street and River Glen parks are so filled with activity.

I was at the April meeting and was very surprised at how calm and orderly it was compared to the previous meetings over the past several years. The city conducted a very well run meeting. There was a little vocal  excitement/exasperation from the crowd when some one asked why the funds were not used for education or new playground equipment.

The first part of the question was not for this meeting and it was pointed out that the whole Wallenberg playground was just renovated including new playground equipment. This did not please the person asking the question and I was very impressed when someone in the audience took the time to go over to that person to try to further explain. 

There were other comments, pro and con. All were handled equally. There was an orderly show of hands at the end of the meeting and it was adjourned. When erroneous comments are made it tends to discredit the whole article.

Pat Coleman
Willow Glen

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