Letter to the Fosters Editor submitted today in response to Laura DiMeglio's recent opinion piece featured on page B2 in the June 29, 2011 edition of Fosters Daily Democrat:
A challenge
To the editor: I'm writing in response to Laura Dimeglio's community commentary in Fosters on Wednesday June 29. I challenge her to provide objective evidence that Oyster River is an excellent school district. Everyone knows how she feels about it — but why not give us some facts?
Oh, I forgot, Laura Dimeglio doesn't believe in assessment!
I think that the teaching staff and administration have been teaching to elevate student self-esteem rather than setting high standards and teaching to achieve a high level of measurable academic performance. Sure the students love the teachers — but is that what taxpayers are paying a premium price for?
The last two School Board elections were fair and open, and to call Megan Turnbull a liar is disgusting. However, the rude, over-the-top language of Laura Dimeglio may indicate that the old guard has finally realized that the inmates are no longer running the asylum, and it's driving them crazy.
Mike McClurken
Durham
In my mind, self-esteem and academic achievement go hand-in-hand. It's hard to do one without the other. If kids don't feel a sense of competence and significance, it's hard for them to fully engage academically. At the same time, it's pretty hard for kids to feel good about themselves if they're not learning. I've got two children in the district, and I've seen their teachers consistently creating learning environments that are conducive to learning while also pushing them academically so they stretch and grow. As a taxpayer and a parent, I have been very satisfied with the Oyster River School District so far.
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