Brookfield school levy is worthy of public support

Brookfield school levy isworthy of public support
EDITOR:
Four years ago I was given the opportunity to become part of the Brookfield Local School District as principal of Brookfield Middle School. I am proud to be a part of an outstanding school system and a community that cares about its kids.
Before coming to Brookfield, I was part of another outstanding school system and community, Hubbard. There are many similarities in the school systems. Broofield and Hubbard have chosen to offer their children advantages that some people refer to as fat. I prefer to think of these programs and staff members as tools to provide our children with the best possible educational experience. What we do for our children now determines the direction our community and nation takes in the future.
The reason for this letter is obvious. I would like to ask the citizens of Brookfield to support the upcoming school levy. The purpose of this letter is even more important. I would like the people of Brookfield to know some of the truly innovative activities and projects that go on every day at Brookfield Middle School.
The middle school offers our students a school store that is stocked by generous private contributors. Our students earn Brookfield Bucks for coming to class prepared, doing their work and committing random acts of kindness. This program reinforces academic responsibility and good citizenship. Because of the success of the program, other school districts have copied it. I cannot say enough about the impact the program has had on our kids.
We have instituted an adviser/advisee program at Brookfield Middle School -- the only one in a middle school in Trumbull County. Every staff member is responsible for 15 to 18 students. They meet with their group once a week. They do group activities centering around career interests, citizenship and making good choices.
Our students participate in a sustained silent reading program two days a week. Everyone reads -- kids, teachers and me. We do this to emphasize the importance of reading. We hope this promotes lifelong reading. The list of competitions and projects our students are involved in is too long to be listed in this letter.
Our students and staff are actively involved in community service projects. Middle school students have raked and bagged leaves for the elderly. Our students go to nursing homes and work with their residents. Our kids have been part of the Christmas celebration at the center. Our students and staff are active in the community.
The middle school guidance services and nursing services are beyond basic. Our guidance personnel work with testing, special education, career activities, scheduling and student problems. They work with administration, staff, students and families. Our nursing personnel provide health screenings, dispense medicines, tend to bumps, bruises, illnesses and sometimes serious injuries. Our nurse works on school and family issues. These are not basic services. Parents and community members of Brookfield, you should be proud they aren't.
I cannot say enough about the students, staff, parents and community members of Brookfield. The staff at Brookfield Middle School is exemplary. They work hard to provide our kids with the best academic experience.
The programs, initiatives and extras I have described at the middle school exist in every school building in Brookfield. As a school principal, I am proud of Brookfield schools. You as residents of the community have even greater reason to be proud of Brookfield schools. They're yours: Be proud, be supportive.
RON GARRETT, principal
Brookfield Middle School
Candidates for Mars trip
EDITOR:
I was somewhat interested when I heard about the Mars exploration trip that Bush had come up with. When I got by the notion of spending billions of dollars at a time of record deficits, I was wondering who they would come up with to go on such a mission.
After pondering this question for some time I have come up with the perfect people. I believe that Cal Thomas, Sean Hannity, and the rest of the Fox & quot;news & quot; team would be perfect because their views are so out of this world.
TOM LAMB
Boardman