Butler's art classes for young and old are worth a look

Butler's art classes for young and old are worth a look
EDITOR:
During this season of giving thanks, I would like to extend mine to the Butler Institute of American Art's children and adult art education programs. So often we take for granted the gifts we have in our Valley and the Butler Institute of American Art educational classes is one of them.
The Butler provides our community this opportunity with reasonably priced courses and exceptional instructors. I can speak of this from my own family's experience as first my daughter and now my son have taken the classes that are offered there on weeknights and weekends. Presently my daughter is attending Columbus College of Art and Design, and I credit a great deal of her success in accomplishing her art portfolio to the classes and instructors at the Butler. They mentored and enabled her to bring out her artistic ability, and now my son's.
If you see talent or yearning for art in your child, or if you're an adult who has a passion for learning art, I would encourage you to look into these wonderful programs. During this holiday season, what better gift to give someone than an opportunity to experience what my children have.
Again I extend my thanks to the staff and instructors of the Butler who have enriched my children's lives for a lifetime with the gift of art.
DEBORAH LIPTAK
Youngstown
As to situation at Hillman, here's the rest of the story
EDITOR:
I am responding to the article entitled, "Hillman school is safe" in the Nov. 24 Vindicator. As a teacher in the school, I feel that some corrections need to be made.
First, the teachers have not been able to concentrate on academic success, due to the severe behavior problems in the building; it is not the other way around. Also, there have not been any "deaths of staff members & quot;. Instead, a few people suffered losses within their families. The administrator who had "immobilizing surgery" had gone through knee surgery due to a medical necessity. All of these statements were made with the implication that they occurred because of or while working at Hillman. There are a lot of problems in our building, but these reasons have absolutely nothing to do with them, and I resent the fact that they were included in this article at all.
The statement that "your children are secure, and they don't even know it" is completely absurd. If they were truly safe, they certainly would know it. I teach sixth grade, and we have had to make extra efforts to ensure their safety so that they can concentrate on the proficiency tests instead of worrying about who is going to beat them up. The comment about a "more structured classroom setting" is exactly what is needed, despite the efforts made daily by the teachers -- not because they had become "more negligent about other issues."
The entire staff at Hillman Middle School has been struggling to gain control back in the building. We have been helping each other, suffering together, and hanging on by a thread, as one. Right now, it's a losing battle unless we get the help that we desperately need. I for one, absolutely refuse to be held responsible for the lack of respect and acceptable behavior from the students, nor for the absence of parental support.
JANE HAGGERTY
Youngstown