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Show THE ZEPHYR JANFEB 90 PAGE 30 To the Editor (aka Jim Stiles): Re: The Zephyr the readers respond Editor: shining faces, all looking at me, waiting. MIkenna glowed with pride to see her mom "as teacher." Justin beamed with that eager to please look. Navlta, scowling slightly, dared me to provide her with something Interesting and challenging. Other eyes begged for personal attention. Some began to wander as they turned to their neighbors to chat. Most just waited, eager to become Involved learning new things. I had better get started. Id planned an afternoon full of activities and learning. I felt confident, and now I stood at the front of the classroom thinking that It felt kind of good to be teaching again, even If it was only as the substitute for my daughters first grade class for a half-da- y. I began the afternoon by asking the students to gather round to listen to a story. Suddenly I was completely engulfed In the business of teaching and all that It entails. We read a story and then each child wrote hisher own story. I moved from student to student, daring each to take a risk, encouraging creativity, cajoling reluctant participants, challenging those able to, to do better. I personally assisted every child. The afternoon carried on. We did an art project together where every child pursued hisher own plan for their collage. Running through an obstacle course on the playground was a favorite activity. The children went to the library and chose books. We went to music and sang songs. Show and tell allowed for a time to share, where children spoke In front of the class about an experience or object they wanted to talk about The afternoon ended with singing until the dismissal bell rang. The fifteen minute recess vanished In there somewhere. I guess it was lost on me as the children seemed to have needs and wants that didnt distinguish between class time and recess time. I was "on call" every minute I was there. I thought I had been a parent who truly appreciated her child's teachers. I offered support In the classroom. I baked treats and brought them In. I spoke words of thankfulness for all she did. Still,. I was guilty. I had taken her for granted. Today I was reminded of Just how much teachers do during the course of the day and I realized what a demanding and ceaseless Job they have. We entrust them with our most precious treasures, our children, and expect so much for so little. They have a monumental task and most tackle It with willingness and even Joy, commitment, v course of the afternoon I Interacted with each student no less than the During 5 times. I spent a good deal of the afternoon on my knees beside children at little tables; answering questions, asking questions, spelling and writing words, helping each child to complete assigned tasks successfully. I listened to accounts of personal tragedies, triumphs, and everyday happenings. I eased hurt feelings, attempted to elevate awareness of others feelings, and boosted fragile egos. I Jumped rope, tried to climb a 12 foot pole, and ran from one piece of playground equipment to the next I searched through magazines for Just the right picture for Just the right child. I gave hugs to children with runny noses and grubby hands. I was mauled by a constant barrage of hugs, small arms reaching around my hips and waist from those same children. I responded to every "watch me" personal triumph each student wanted to show me. By being there, I faced the realities of teaching and as I thought about my experience, I began to wonder. How often do we simply reflect on how lucky we are to have a public education system dedicated to ensuring learning for all? How often do we, as parents, take time to thank our children's teachers for all they do? For the time, energy, and caring they give to our kids? For going beyond the basics In order to meet students needs and goals? If we have concerns or questions, are we willing to constructively suggest alternatives or changes for the Improvements we seek? How often do we, as patrons, In this community, make an effort to show our support for educators, or to take a positive stance In favor of education? Do we talk positively about our school system? Do we have respect for the professionals working In that system? Are we electing legislators who will work for education by adequately funding programs and salaries? Do we volunteer our services and time? We must never take our teachers for granted. I had. Well, the day ended. Each child filed out of the classroom. Only MIkenna remained, looking at me like I was a stranger. I surveyed the empty chairs and the remains of the afternoons activities. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically. Id only been there half a day. I left her teacher a note saying how smoothly everything had gone. We cleaned up before turning out the lights and leaving. I could still see those twenty-fo- ur waiting faces, and knew they'd be there again tomorrow morning, and every school morning thereafter. I also knew their teacher wouldn't let them down. Twenty-fo- ur Marcy Clokey-TI- I I was Just cleaning up some old bills, notes, letters, etc. when I realized that owe you a small thanks. being as Its Sunday (as Im sure Its So, today as I have a little time Sunday In Utah; l.e. 3 hrs. earlier), here goes: Two years ago, my wife and I were In Moab, Utah, for the Easter Jeep Safari. We had a great time and while In Moab (for 1 week) we saw the whole town. We ate at most of the restaurants (at different times, of course,), saw the Arches State Park, "Hole n the Rock, etc. Everybody we met was nice (as we spent a lot of money). We (wife and I) even said that Moab seems like a nice place to retire to as we Intend to do In ten years. So, we live In New York City where we own two (2) businesses (bar and restaurant) (l.e. 2 bars - 1 here and 1 there). Now, In a Safari flyer, we saw of a new newspaper starting and said -- hey -that sounds o.k. Lets subscribe. Which we did. I now have Volume 7 In front of me. Ill assume that means youve done seven newspapers so far. Weve received only four (4). But thats not the main reason Im writing. Having read the last four Issues, Ive been sent, my wife, my son (20 years old) and all our friends who have , read your paper, we've all come to one conclusion: and that Is the grist of what this letter Is about come What I and my friends deduce Is the locals (l.e. Moablans) want Is to Moab - spend vour money, buy our stuff - THEN GETOUT111 You people want money for roads, housing, parks, more police, more this, more that. You want tourists (visitors), but. you don't want new people to "pollute" your area. So, why do I owe you a "small thanks? It's for showing me what truly narrow view the people of Moab have. We have now scratched off one city where we wont retire. Oh, we'll still go to the Jeep Safari again and stay In your motels and eat In your restaurants, but we will never buy property, or live In Moab. Well - It's your loss. . . wont send us the remainder of our subscription, but If you are a truly newspaper person, you shouldnt take It personally. My friends and I do get a laugh out of your paper (especially the pathetic cartoon ads) for that alone It's worth IL Well, 10-- 4, over & out P. S. You probably Steve Felshman ' ' d . Note: If any other subscribers are not receiving all their Issues, please contact The Zephvr. A few have been lost In the mall, but we'll send another If you let us know. 'a' ,T . J.S. F . . Quality Realty, Inc. 59 S. Main Suite 4 Business (801) 259-502- 1 Residence (801) 259-791- 4 Dollink, Vhat do you think? Vaunt to valtz around the Vail? II Dear Jim: Your editorial on education hit It right on the mark. There Is a growing concern among educators, business leaders and the general public that we are not doing the Job that needs to be done for the 21st century. The dialogue between Tom Martin and Margot Early was good. We need more. In Utah we also need more money, and when polled, most Utahans (71) agreed. However, the legislature hasnt heeded the people's choice and the people seem to forget when they get to the voting booth to make their choices felt where It will count by voting out the Republican Incumbents. I say Republicans because they are voting as a block and so far the block has been for refunding the surplus rather than putting It Into education. Representative David Adams has worked hard for education In this district, but until he can either move the entire Republican Party to help us or split with the party to vote for us, he Is not doing the Job' we need done. We need to let both Representative Adams and Senator Omar Bunnell know our concerns about education In Utah and In Grand County before they go Into session In January. Then we need to check their votes on the Issue before we , vote again In November. Sincerely, suzan martin . Equal Housing Opportunity Joan Gough 0 sales associate EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED ANlS tiPERATEDi v |