Tattered flag dishonors America's veterans

Tattered flag dishonors America's veterans
EDITOR:
I travel the World War II Bridge formerly known as the Center Street Bridge daily and have noticed that the American flag is badly faded, torn and tattered. It has been like this for four or five months. The flag did not get like this from the bad winds we have been having lately. I called the veterans' number listed in the phone book to ask if their office was responsible for taking care of the flags on the bridges named after the wars. I was told that they were not, but that they would have it taken care of. That was two weeks ago and nothing was done.
I get upset each time I cross the bridge knowing that our men and women are fighting to protect our country and flag and that whoever or whatever office is responsible to be taking care of the American flag on the World War II Bridge isn't doing the job. I think there should be respect for the American flag and for the veterans who fought to protect us. The flag flying on the World War II Bridge is a disgrace.
KATHY BAIRD
Campbell
Too many hoops required before scientist can teach
EDITOR:
In response to your opinion of May 7, obviously you have it wrong. There is no concern about & quot;the size and adequacy of the teaching force in science ... . & quot;
I have a master's in geology, having recently retired early after 20 years as a worldwide geoscientist, and I planned on teaching in Ohio. Actually, this was one of the main reasons for my retirement. However, the state of Ohio, along with the university education departments, feel that I need two years of undergraduate or graduate education courses leading to an education degree before I'm qualified to teach.
The alternative licensure programs advertised (and that I was counting on because most other states are pushing these programs) are not supported here. So there is obviously no need for experienced scientists to teach science in your high schools.
By the way, I'm qualified to teach at university level and have taught a specialized course, called petrophysics, to students stateside and around the world.
Oh well, guess I'll just have to go back into industry after my severance pay runs out because of taking education courses (presently) at YSU.
Good luck getting anyone else with experience from industry.
RANDY NALEPA
Brookfield
Put kids in kindergarten when they're ready for it
EDITOR:
I am responding to the article that discussed when kids should be sent to school. Some children can start school as early as four or five, others as late as six or seven. Years ago, when our parents were in school, they started early and most of them graduated at 17. As far as I can see, the majority of them turned out OK. Now parents are in a state of confusion about when they should send their children to school.
In some of the research I did, some of the smartest kids in the Jackson-Milton School District are young for their grade. The basic problem with sending your children to school is underdevelopment. No parent wants their children to be unprepared for school. The problem with sending your kids to school late could also be development. If you have a 14-year-old sixth grader with facial hair, the kids might avoid him.
So when is the right time for kids to start school? I think there is no perfect time. All children should be tested in all areas, before they enter the school system. I started school early. I like it because I will graduate younger than most kids in my grade. I dislike it because the older kids have the advantage of being older and more developed. Some of the kids in my grade are well over a year older than me.
Children should be sent at the time that is right for them. The choice is up to the parents, and I hope they make the right one.
NICK DIERKES
North Jackson
X The writer is a student of Eric Eye at Jackson-Milton High School.