Lexington C.A.R.E.S.In response to the guest commentary by Brian Camenker (Lexington Minuteman, June 23, 2005, pg 9):
Brian Camenker made some valid points (ex: "decent people ... simply insist on sticking to their own beliefs"), but in order to be heard, Camenker needs to be calmer and more mature, rather than being sarcastic (ex: "the "tolerant" Lexington Cares people picketed outside a church ... it had the nerve to ... support David Parker") and using other tactics that won't be received positively.
We're all human; we all have flaws; we all have our own beliefs. If Camenker had respected that, both sides could have a mature and reasonable discussion.
Rebecca Luberoff, 15
Outlook Drive
Thank you, Brian Camenker for clarifying your position on the issues confronting Lexington. It is nice to hear from a Newtonite on our town matters.In reading your commentary, I see that you are speaking for a number of parties; you; Article 8; David Parker; and Jed Snyder.
So thanks for helping clarify their positions as well. I'd like to use your quote to illustrate your position, "We're also critical .... of homosexual behavior in general. That's also a legitimate point of view." Thanks for that information. I think this quote speaks volumes about what you represent and I think Fred Phelps would agree with your position. So you are saying it's not really about school programs, families or marriage -- it is about being gay. You are critical of people just because they are gay. You said you don't think this position is similar to racists in the Civil Rights struggle. Again, thanks for shining this very bright light on who you are!
Susan Cyr
Revere Street
Ths is the last week of the 2005 public school year, it is the week our Interim Superintendent's term finishes, and I want to say a public "thank you". Like the superintendent, our two oldest children are about to move on as well. They have nearly finished the kind of wonderful fifth grade year that seems so typical of our public school system, replete with their first two trips to the Boston Symphony, several Big Backyard excursions, and an overnight trip to Nature's Classroom in Connecticut. Celia and I moved here for the public schools, and we continue to appreciate what the school system and the town provides for our entire family.
What has been a great year for our children, however, could easily have been tarnished by the recent effort to make our town's public elementary school classrooms less safe and welcoming for children like our own, kids who have two moms, kids whose parents are gay or lesbian. Fortunately, the Interim Superintendent supported the school staff as they worked together to keep Estabrook's classrooms safe and inclusive to all kids, regardless of what kind of family they come from. For this, Celia and I are deeply, deeply grateful. In fact, as co-chair of Lexington C.A.R.E.S., I know I speak for many, many parents and residents when I offer my sincere thanks for these efforts on the part of retiring Superintendent Hurley and the school staff, as well as for the continuing excellence of our public schools. Our community values of inclusion and respect run deep, and they sustain us.
Meg Soens
North Hancock Street
The Moving On ceremony at Bridge School is a moment of sweetness and connection to community, a moment for children to say farewell to elementary school and parents to look back and forward in time.
Our principal, Barbara Manfredi, spoke about what children take from elementary school education. Some lessons are directly taught, and others are taught by modeling. How children are taught is as critical as what they are taught. "Bridge School is ...a place that made a commitment to set a place for everyone at the community table, " said Mrs. Manfredi. "Schools are important places for children and society at large. They are transmitters of what society values. Schools are more than places to pass on information. It's a place that values how we pass that information on. Bridge wants to build on the sense of community that it holds dear" She spoke further, "Schools are delicate environments that daily need care. There needs to be a balance between challenge and nurturance, independence and direction, responsibility and understanding. Besides providing a rich environment that engages and stretches children so that math science and social studies and language arts are exciting, we also strive to provide an understanding of diversity that reflects society. ...We provide modeling on what it means to be honest fair, responsible, respectful and tolerant. "
At Bridge School, the staff have worked to develop an anti-bullying program that empowers children who are "bystanders" to become a vocal ally to a child who is being teased or bullied. Mrs. Manfredi has often shown herself to be an ally, standing against discrimination and standing up for inclusion and tolerance.
Mrs. Manfredi and her colleagues have worked for many years to develop the values she expressed at the Moving On ceremony. She has worked hard to create a school culture welcoming to all children and families, to integrate all kinds of learners into every classroom. These are values that support learning, and that include children from all kinds of families. These are not footnoted lessons: they are critical values for children's education and success as future members of the larger community.
I was happy to see the Lexington CARES op ed piece. It articulates what is dear to me as a parent in this community. It is important to recognize the tremendous effort that has gone into developing ways to teach respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness.
Elisabeth Sackton
Outlook Drive
With the end of another school year, many of us look to recognize the efforts and talents of our teachers with a gift of appreciation. This year, I plan to recognize Superintendent Bill Hurley and Estabrook Principal Joni Jay as well. Both of them have shown their dedication to the safety and inclusion of all children in our classes, providing a healthy learning environment where all can strive to reach their potential. I deeply appreciate their commitment to our children. Whether you send a letter of thanks, donate a book to your school library, or make a donation to LEF by purchasing a STAR in their honor, please join me in showing support for our school leaders.
Rachel Cortez
Ledgelawn Ave.