Spectrum

School support should continue

The Herald’s cartoonist has poked some fun at the NK School District for constructing a plywood wall around Spectrum Community School. Perhaps it’s time for a serious statement from a few Spectrum staff, those of us who live behind “the wall.”

While originally built too tall and without a needed second entrance, the wall was actually designed to help us. The idea for some kind of barrier against the noise and dust of Kingston High construction first came from the Spectrum staff. We have met with the superintendent regarding modifications needed to the structure, and the district has agreed to most of our proposals. By the time this letter is in print, the wall will be of a proper height; it already has a second gateway.

Much more important than that temporary structure is the long-term relationship between brand new Kingston High, and our old buildings. The district is presently working with our staff to design the educational specifications for Spectrum’s future. The bond does provide a small building fund that could be used to add a structure at our present site.

For two decades, Spectrum has provided a safe and nurturing environment for several thousand students. We have many supporters among parents, former students, and present members of the North Kitsap School Board. The real issue is not a temporary plywood wall, but providing equitable educational opportunities both for the 800 students of Kingston High School and our 140 Spectrum students.

If the district maintains its current direction, our school can prosper next to its larger neighbor. However, without strong support for Spectrum, North Kitsap’s move towards small high schools could destroy its only existing small high school. That, rather than “the wall,” is an issue of paramount long-term importance. Working together we can provide a secure place for ALL of our students. Without Spectrum’s special role in our community over the last 20 years, thousands of young people would have been left out in the cold.

Phil Davis

Bob Geballe

Erin Landvatter

Dave Mundy

Margaret Driscoll

Kingston

‘Fahrenheit 911’ has not been shown yet

A letter to the editor appeared in Saturday’s Herald regarding the viewing of “Fahrenheit 911” by students at Spectrum Community School. The letter contains inaccurate information.

This film has NOT been shown to any students. The possibility of using the film as instructional material has been discussed by staff members, but no decision has as yet been reached. The only decision we have made is that the film would NOT be shown to students before the election. If the film is used at all, it will be with seniors in Phil Davis’ Contemporary World Issues class, not the entire student body.

In teaching about this year’s election, we did show a film to the entire school, a PBS “Frontline” documentary that compared the biographies of the two presidential candidates. It was not about any particular issues, but rather a comparison of the lives of the two men.

“Fahrenheit 911” is indeed a provocative and controversial documentary. As such, the school is obligated under board policy to provide a balanced point of view so that students can make up their own minds. (Students and parents as well would, of course, be given the option of not viewing the film.)

We are in the process of discovering whether a companion film exists that would provide a suitable balance. There are two possibilities: “DC 9/11,” which Ms. Rogers finds unsuitable, and “Fahrenhype 911,” which, presumably, she favors. It’s possible that all three films might be used — in a lesson illustrating the recent and passionate forms of political propaganda, for example.

Mr. Davis has had quite a few of the local candidates in to discuss issues with the class, both Democrats and Republicans. He is considering using them for some additional community input into the issues raised by allowing students in his class to see these films.

In any event, despite the inaccuracies contained in Ms. Rogers’ letter to the editor, we certainly agree with her when she writes, “Our common goal is to raise intelligent young Americans instilled with the ability to make their own informed decisions. After all, freedom is what this great country is founded on.”

Chris Wendelyn,

Principal,

Spectrum Community School

Kingston

Thank You

Hansville Greenway press appreciated

I wish to thank the Herald for its recent coverage of the Hansville Greenway. I’m familiar with the greenway because my company Earthwise Media was tapped to produce the DVD which you showcased on the front page of the Oct. 27 issue.

The greenway is an amazing project. I remember following a group of students through the preserve, noticing their fascination with every aspect of its forests, meadows and wetlands as they listened raptly to the naturalist educators who guided them. The Hansville group, their overall dedication to this project, and the support they received from their community gave me new faith that some of our still-remaining undeveloped areas in Kitsap County can be preserved, once people decide that wilderness is worth saving.

And by covering these efforts so well, the Herald is contributing, in its own way, to a better quality of life for all of us.

Nancy Sefton

Poulsbo