Schools Doomed Unless Gilroy Stops Demanding Policies on a Whim

Dear Editor, As a former CalStateTeach student working as an
assistant in the Gilroy Schools, I feel passionate about this
subject based on my own past observations and experiences.
Schools Doomed Unless Gilroy Stops Demanding Policies on a Whim

Dear Editor,

As a former CalStateTeach student working as an assistant in the Gilroy Schools, I feel passionate about this subject based on my own past observations and experiences.

Throughout the years, I have noticed that there are a multitude of people in this community who constantly and consistently complain about the school system, but no one is ever willing to focus that energy in any attempt to make the necessary, positive changes. There is such a dichotomy of ideas in this community, but the public school system does not and should not run on the monthly whims of this community. If it did, nothing would get done.

Last year for instance, one minute the community was up in arms about children missing classes because teachers in the high school wanted to have one day without verbal communication. The next minute, the community was frothing because the cheerleading team was denied the ability to miss three days of class for the Pro Bowl. So are you saying you want school policies made on a monthly basis according to the community’s whim for each, individual issue? Is that an efficient, effective way of running a school system?

It seems to me, that Gilroy’s public school system is not going to improve until the community decides to unite in support of public school education, the teachers, administrators and board. That means everyone rolling up their sleeves and actually experiencing what the administration experiences and educating yourselves as to the laws that govern the schools, not just the ones that serve to prove your own points. As a former teaching student, I can assure you, there are an endless barrage of regulations that the curriculum has to adhere to, that teachers have to apply, that administrators have to follow. Start getting involved and start actively seeking positive solutions. Most of all, for heaven’s sake, stop the incessant whining, moaning and complaining. Grow up!

Finally, it seems somewhat obvious to me, but perhaps a mother that has been homeschooling her children for years (regardless of her own educational and professional experiences and achievements) is perhaps not the optimal choice to be a credible, objective leader in a crusade to better the public school system. Just a thought.

Sharon Stone, Highland Park, Illinois

Column on Poor Sport Coach Sorely Needed

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the article for on being a “role model coach.” For the coaches of the Blossom Valley Athletic League its just shows another embarrassing moment thanks to coach Nick Arellano. Last year I had a similar incident, and I complained directly to our league commissioner but nothing was done. But I’m not the only one, at least every single team or official that played Mt. Pleasant suffered from verbal abuse from this coach. It is time for him to go and let coaches who really want to teach good skills to their players continue.

I hope the Mt. Pleasant principal and athletic director take a real action to avoid future such horrible situations that display a poor image to students and fans of soccer.

Luis Ruelas, Head Soccer Coach, Overfelt High School