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Show , ; A2 Wednesday, April Opinion and Commentary 23, 2003 PUBLIC FORUM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What is your opinion? The Express welcomes letters from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to the Uintah Basin. There are no restrictions as to contents, if not libelous or vindictive and of reasonable length (two typewritten double spaced pages). Letters must be submitted exclusively to the Express and bear the writers full name, signature, phone number and address. Letters for the sole purpose of expressing thanks to individuals or groups will not be printed in the forum. 0 Letters may be mailed, faxed at at editorvernal.com. or through The name or names of those submitting letters must appear on all published letters. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters express the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily the opinion of the Express Editor. 789-869- : i Schools Dear Editor, am writing in regards to the letters in last week's newspaper. The letters were from some teachers. The letters talked about and defended teachers that do lids (individual education plan). I am sorry that my points were not brought out sooner on this point. I ask you, the reader, if the lEPs were done right why are there so many eople saying there are problems. I do not want to get into details with each school and point. What we are asking for is the services that students are entitled to. It there is some point to all of this, why did we let 14 teacher aides go this year? You have 15 or so disabled students in a classroom and only one teacher to deal with all the problems. We have been to several schools and have seen only one teacher out on playground duty at any given time. How big is a playground? Can it really be feasible for one teacher to see what is going on or will we have fights from bullies. We know as a general rule, the students that are not nomtal" get picked on. But it seems to the school that one teacher can handle it. Look in the detention center and see if that is working, We sympathize with the teachers in some aspects but if a child needs extra help reading, doing math or any other subject, we should make sure that student gets the help that they need Not lay off teacher aides. If we want to put in an IFF that a student needs more time on a test that student should have that time that is the law. any educational goals that parents want in an IEP should be there. Who knows the student more? The parent or the teacher? As parents we live with them every day the schools have them for a few hours a day. If ILP's are followed then why do we have kids in high school and lower grades that can not read? Why is the school telling the students and parents that because the student has a disability they cant take a certain class. And lets be honest here how many attempts do they really make to get a hold of parents to do an IEP. I have never heard of or seen one teacher offer to go to my work or anyone elses work to make an IEP. Where is the seven day notices they are supposed to give, and do we really get the notice from the student or do they feel they might be in trouble and throw the paper away or do they just forget it in their desk or locker. I have never seen a notice in the mail yet. Federal law overrides state law on lEPs It states that an IEP can not be changed without parent consent. If there is no meeting foi a new IEP it can not be changed for any reason. It is etched in stone for the schools and they must follow the II P until a new one can be made.They can not meet without the parents to make the IEP. They say the parents must know their rights. Let me ask you I know of some parents that can not read or Wright. You tell me how they know their rights or are they going to be taken advantage of?, and just told to sign. The little booklet they give parents that supposedly tells them their rights doesn't tell them much at all. It doesnt tell them that if a student that can not talk or Wright or communicate in any way and if they cant afford the computer to help that student function on a daily basis. That the school district is responsible to obtain this device, either by renting or purchasing it for that student. That goes lor any technical device including walkers, glasses, hearing aids ect., there is a lot more to that list and I dont think I need to go on with it, you should get my point by now. Several parents volunteer in the schools to help make sure disabled kids get some extra help. The schools say they invite parents to observe and help in the classroom. That is fine if they practice what they preach. If this is so why are we asked to leave the school? Some I dis-tii- Express (ISSN 0892-109- Published every Wednesday for $24 per year In shopping area and $36 per year out of shopping area within state and $39 per year out of state within USA by the Vernal Express Publishing Company, 54 North Vernal Avenue, Vernal. Utah 84078. Periodicals postage paid at Vernal, Utah 84078 POSTMASTER Send address changes to VERNAL EXPRESS, P.O. Box 1000. Vernal Utah 84078. Steven R. Wallis.... Virginia Hamngton Maureen Spencer .. Mandi Oaks Editor and Publisher Feature Writer Feature Writer Feature Writer Public Notices R Patrick Bostick .. Richard Harrington Tom Leverton Advertising Advertising Circulation $ Classified Ads Advertising and Layout .Advertising and Layout Tern Black Tasha J. Robinson. Mindy Morgan Phone Website www vernal com FAX: editorOvema! com NEW DEADLINES Display Advertising Classilied Advertising Public Notices Monday 12 noon Monday 2 pm, Monday 2 p.m Monday 2 pm. of us still have our badges that say volunteer, you can only get that from the office. Teachers ask parents to leave the room so they can discipline the class or students, why is this? Why cant that happen infront of parents? Are they hiding something from parents? The law states that money is not an excuse for any school district. They fail to tell you that the federal government gives each school district money for special education, and services that are needed. Well if that is the case where is that money going? This money is for special education. I would like to tell you that the Advocacy for Disabled Students is the parents of the special education students. We do know what is going on. And we are saying there are problems. If there are not problems like the teachers said, why is the group getting bigger every day? I will tell you why because there are problems and all we are asking, that we fix the problems together. There is no need for teachers to feel defensive or picked on. We are asking them for their help fixing the problems. It also seems that we were accused of not teaching our children at home. Well it seems we are doing most of the teaching and are not the ones with the certification to be teachers. I don't see many teachers in the school district with the ability to handle special education children like ADHD or ODD, ADD, LD, BIPOLAR there are 4(XX) different disabilities noted to date. Show me one teacher with the ability to handle these problems. There is none. But do you think they will listen to the parent that raises this student to be a productive part of society? NO they dont. It seems that they have this god syndrome going on, they know best. I am not saying we know everything, but we do know our children better than they do. Talk about behavior modifications it seems that teachers and principles just want to send students home, instead of helping to deal with the problem. You say teachers cant fix, cure, alter, or change a child. Well let me ask you why are you teaching? That is your job. To help change, alter and fix the learning process, for the children. 1 thought that is why we send our children to school. To learn, grow, and belter themselves. Why do teachers single out children in the classroom and target them? Why make a spectacle of them in front of their peers and be little them? Why would a teacher tell a child they are not worth teaching or tell a student they should have learned that in the third grade or they dont have time to deal with them . This is a touchy subject for these students and it should stop. These kids are not retarded like sonic teachers say they are just a little slower and need a little more help. I will make sure all kids that need help, get the help they need. I also think that if certain teachers want to start quoting the law. They need to first read IDEA (individuals with disabilities) act part B of 1990 and US DOE (department of education) memo of 1991, and I can suggest a few more. I also dont think teachers are doctors and should not try to act like them. They do not have the ability to diagnose students and should not try. Any time the school district would like to meet with the ADS they are welcome to contact us and set up a meeting. We are not the bad guys. We are just the bearer of bad news, and the ones that want to make sure changes are made to better the district for all students. We are also the ones that are going to inform parents and students of their rights. We are willing to help the school district setup and participate in planning a seminar for teachers, principles and parents to review what an IEP is, what should be in an IEP, and how to make it better for teachers, students, parents and principles. Through this I think we can have a better oudook of how to better the students ability to learn and interact in the future. We also invite any member of the Ute Tribe to be involved. TOM CHRISMAN Parent and President of ADS BOY THERE , AIN'T NOTHING LIKE GETTING-OU- T AND DIGGING-IN THE DIRT, hard-foug- Soldiers Mother ht I MAKES YOU FEEL , LIKE THE PIONEERS, IT & j W I 'i 1 , i f:Fl AND PLANTING ViH SEEDS, AND GROWING A GARDEN, AND STUFF OUT OF IT, EATING AND GROWING' UDAF distributes at pro-rate- dry milk non-f- at to drought-stricke- n of Utah The Department will and Food (UDAF) Agriculture distribute approximately 8.9 million dry milk to eligipounds of non-fble Utah beef cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat owners. The Nonfat Dry Milk (NDM) being distributed as part of a nine-stat- e of U.S. Department Agriculture drought assistance program announced April 8 by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ann M. Veneman. The milk is an excellent feed additive for cattle and other livestock. "This is a welcomed program that will help get needed nutrition to the drought-weakene- d livestock herds in Utah," said Cary G. Peterson, Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food. "We expect to start distributing the milk as soon as we can formulate a fair and economical plan," he added. The UDAF will offer the dry milk to eligible livestock owners in all 29 Utah counties. The allocation d will be based on the number of livestock owners who sign up for the program. "I have advised Governor Leavitt, and he is in agreement, that drought Dear Editor, Im an alumni of Uintah High School and was embar- conditions merit extending the milk allotments to all qualified Utah rassed to be from Uintah while I was at the Uintah versaid Commissioner sus Judge soccer game on April 12. ranchers," Peterson First of all, the referee lost control of the The UDAF is currently working game early on and he didnt make an honest attempt to the logistics of receiving and on the of control regain game. Also there were to many people at the game who distributing the large amount of dry were on the sidelines (onlookers) trying their hand at powdered milk. It is estimated that officiating the game, and in my opinion, they just the nearly nine million pounds of milk will require 208 semi-truc- k stiiTcd the crowd up even more. Then the coach for Uintah stormed the field with disloads, each weighing 43,000 regard for his staff, team and the referee, when he pounds. The milk is shipped in sacks that are specially should have tried to regroup his thinking and his team for a much tougher game than anticipated with the wrapped to seal out moisture. Ranchers interested in receiving Judge team and the referee. the milk would be required to verify I also didn't the agree with threatening of beating up their herd size and be able to the referee like I heard one man do. I was taught sportsmanship, fair play and respect for promptly retrieve the milk from centrally located distribution points. my team members, coaches, opponents and the referee While the dry powdered milk is and that you didnt argue with any of them and that to win a game, you used your heart, body, mind and spirit offered free to livestock owners, to prove you wanted to win and not leave any doubt in there could be costs to recipients associated with the storage, loading the minds of anyone that doubted you. You simply out and local transportation of the milk. and scored or them out tried to played anyway. The USDA will pay for the transWhile I don't agree with the refs decision-makin- g skills and the coach's action or the responses from the portation of the milk to Utah. Eligible livestock owners will sidelines, 1 do, however, think we need to look and lissoon receive an application packet ten at what were teaching our athletes and kids, and to also think about how we could all be better fans or observers without going to the extreme. 1 admit that I Men have fought to keep it couldnt do any better as a ref or coach, but believed they can and will. splendid, men have fought to keep it bright. Respect, honor, fair play and sportsmanship go a long But that flag was bom of women way in the world today. 1 also would like and her sufferings day and night to promise to do my part as a fan Tis her sacrifice has made it and and a parent of a Uintah High athlete. Also, I would like to thank my parents and Coach Belcher for instilling the once more we ought to pray. For that brave and loyal mother values in me. ROBERT SCHULTZ of the boy that goes away. Vernal There are days of grief before her, there are hours that she will weep. There are hours waiting when her will banish sleep. fears Dear Editor. She has heard her country calling After my mother, Irene B. Karren, passed away, this and has risen to the test poem was found among her effects. She had three sons For she has placed upon the alter who served their country: two during World War II and the nations need her best. of I W'ar. one during the Korean would like to share the No man shall ever suffer in the all the mothers with who in have the children poem turmoil of the fray armed services. Its original author is unknown. The anguish of the mother of the The Soldiers Mother The mother on the sidewalk as the troops go marching boy who went away. DURRELL KARREN by Vernal Is the mother of Old Glory that is waving in the sky. Soccer fans 3 ranchers in the mail. Ranchers who are interested in receiving the milk should immediately return the application to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food by either mail or by fax. Based on the interest level, the UDAF will establish distribution points throughout Utah. The NDM application steps: Complete the document and return to the UDAF by May 5, 2(X)3. Identify number of beef cattle, sheep, goats, or buffalo that were owned by applicant as of Jan. 1. Sign the liability waiver. Questions about the program can be directed to your local USU extension service office or the UDAF at: (80 1)538-- 7 104. The U.S. Drought Monitor will be used to determine which counties are eligible, and eligibility will be every 30 days to ensure the program is targeted to producers in greatest need. Eligible livestock are foundation herds (breeding and replacement stock, no dairy cows) of beef cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. The allocation of NDM for a county will be based on a renewable, if applicable, y supply, based upon two pounds of NDM per day for beef cattle and buffalo, and one-hapound of NDM per day for sheep and goats. Individual allotments distrid may vary based on bution. "While the USDA has allocated the surplus milk to Utah based on "exceptional" drought conditions in eleven counties, it is important to note that currently the entire state is in "extreme" drought conditions." Commissioner Peterson added. The UDAF is working with various agriculture-oriente- d groups and agencies such as: The Utah Cattlemen's Association, the Utah Wool Growers Association, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Utah Farmer's Utah State Union, Extension Service, the University U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Intermountain Farmers Association, and other members of the Utah Feed Dealers and Manufacturers 30-da- lf pro-rate- Assn. The milk powder requires special feeding instruc- high-prote- in tions, since the product should not be fed directly to livestock. USU livestock nutrition specialists are distributing feeding information about the various safe feeding options for livestock owners. For additional feeding options, contact your county USU extension agent. The USDA has placed a conservative estimated value of the product at $80 per ton. Utah's allotment of 8.9 million pounds is valued at $365,000. USDA will partner with state and tribal governments to move the non-fdry milk to eligible producers. Approximately 100 counties in nine states currently meet the initial eligibility criteria. The states with eligible counties are: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. The USDA can increase Utah's allotment of NDM if and when drought conditions in Utah warrant. The NDM program does not affect livestock owners' eligibility to participate in other USDA sponsored drought relief programs. The NDM being offered to ranchers is a portion of the one billion pounds of powdered milk currently being stored by the U.S. government. The milk was originally intended for human consumption, but has exceeded its expiration date. The distribution of the milk accomplishes two goals; It reduces the cost the USDA pays for storing the milk, and it helps livestock owners improve the quality of their feed diet during severe drought condition. For more information on this subject visit: www.ag.utah.gov For more information on drought condition and eligible counties at visit: http:disaster.fsa.usda.govndm.htm To see USDA announcement about dry milk program, visit: http:www.fsa.usda.govpasFullSt ory.asp?StoiyIDl 73 To see map of eligible states and 1 counties, visit: http:www.fsa.usda.govdacoNDM Sales ApprovedCountiesMap0403 .p df. Do you know your community? Last weeks picture for know your community was of a hand-madd barber pole located at Hair Cut Village on 25 1 West Main e, hand-painte- in Vernal. Those who correctly identified the barber pole are: Koreen Spoon, Domain Robbins, Tami Morris, Genea Garcia, Camille Johnson, Bill Hall and Kevin Kuhr. If you recognize this weeks mystery cactus, call the Vernal Express 1 at 789-3- 5 by 2 p.m. on Monday, 28. If April you can correctly identify it, your name will be listed among those who know their 1 Do you know your community? If you recognize this horseshoe cactus, call the Vernal Express at 789-351- 1 by 2 p.m. on Monday, April 28. POOR |