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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 19, 2008

Editorial Omitted Facts

Regarding "Private-School Students Deserve Chance on Public School Fields" (Our Opinion, May 12):

The two facts you conveniently omitted from your opinion are:

1. School choice. If a student can choose which school they would like to attend, then by your misguided logic they can also choose which school they would like to play for. You stated that they would have to play for the school in their area. Eventually some parent would feel that choice is also their right for athletic programs as well as academic.

2. School vouchers. If state government grants tax money for private school tuitions, then your argument of how the parents' taxes support the athletic programs and the maintenance of the fields is false. Those taxes also provide insurance coverage for the athletes. Would the insurance requirements be the same for the private school?

Other issues include transportation, time and, yes, school spirit.

Remember there is no 'i' in "team." It is about what is best for all, not a selective few.

JESSE JULIANO

Tampa

Possibilities Abound

When families choose private schooling, they spare the public system the expense of educating their children while continuing to pay property and other taxes that support the public schools. As your May 12 editorial pointed out, it would be a good idea as a matter of fairness for privately schooled children to be able to try out for their neighborhood public school's athletic teams.

Such an inclusive policy could be useful on practical grounds, as well. Young people could come to know and respect each other with less regard to school ties. And leaders of public, private, home, charter, cyber and other types of schools could work out other kinds of cooperation benefiting kids.

Perhaps a private online course could benefit kids studying technology at a public technical center.

Perhaps to offset the rising cost of fuel, transportation costs could be shared. Possibilities abound.

ROBERT HOLLAND

Chicago

Misuse Of Exemptions

Regarding "Hillsborough Schools Unfair To Club Athletes" (Other Views, May 14):

First of all, congratulations to the rowers of Plant High School for their massive achievement at the recent FSRA state championships. As a rower and part-time rowing coach at a local prep school, I can readily appreciate the personal dedication of each of these remarkable athletes.

However, I am shocked by the revelation of the Plant coach, Mr. Abel, that students are exempted from final examinations based on their attendance record. I could understand a policy of exam exemption based on academic performance throughout the year, but why are they given that for attendance? This makes no sense at all.

If the schools did away with so-called "exemptions from exams" based on attendance, the problem Abel addresses will be solved and the students will be the better served.

A.H. FELDMAN

Tampa

Learning Can Be Fun

Regarding "Let Teachers Teach" (Letters, May 12):

I'm sure the letter writer believes the old adage of "no pain, no gain." But thank God we're learning thorough brain research that children learn through play.

I believe we all learn more and more quickly when we are having fun. Why do we remember all the words to that dumb commercial with the cute little jingle when we hardly can remember our own phone number? Those who write commercials have long known if you make the commercial fun, we'll remember.

Our education system is far behind, and in its diligence has turned a good number of our young people into failures. Many of these young people have given up.

I believe God has given people the ability to learn naturally. Who taught the baby to walk or talk? Why do we think we have to teach them everything else? Our job as teachers is to encourage and direct and make learning fun. Why? Because it's fun.

GIN KROKENBERGER

Tampa

Children Are The Victims

Regarding "Beating Up On Dads Again" by Kathleen Parker (Other Views, May 10):

It takes "two" to tango, to be married and also to raise healthy children. I have seen "good dads," "bad dads," "good moms" and "bad moms." Hopefully there are laws in place to enforce the correct child-support funding that is needed for children in broken homes, be it the father's or the mother's responsibility.

I pray for a society that builds up family as well as parental responsibility versus a society that tries to tear it down. Parents, as well as television producers, need to know one underlying truth: that the attack or "dagger" from one parent against the other parent unfortunately goes through the heart of their innocent children.

DALE KIMBALL

Tampa

Power Of Christian Faith

Regarding "Pollock's Death Only Reaffirms Christian Faith" (Other Views, May 15):

The column by Derek Maul about Pastor Forrest Pollock's death was exceptionally well written. I have never read or heard someone explain reaffirmation of the Christian faith better than Derek did in that brief article.

I didn't know Pastor Pollock and I don't know Maul, but I do know the power of faith which is so difficult to understand in our crazy world.

Thank you, Derek, for your insight and this article, and thanks to the Tribune for printing it.

JOE H. JONES

Tampa

The writer is senior fellow for education policy for the Heartland Institute. The writer is director of Lake Carroll Baptist Learning Center.

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