I wrote a letter to the editor...

and they printed it!!! I am excited, but nervous, hope this doesn't upset anyone, but wanted to voice my opinion. Here it is...

Dear Broomfield-
I want to start by saying THANK YOU to Meridian Elementary and it's staff for
recent changes in the lunchroom. As some of you probably saw, on Channel 7
news, there are many not so thankful for the changes though. Meridian heard
my(and others) pleas and came up with a solution to protect my child and the
other 17 with severe peanut/nut allergies. To them, I am grateful. I am hoping
other schools in the district(Adams 12) and across Colorado follow in their
footsteps. My son's teacher deserves her own recognition, Mrs Mindy Schriner.
Thank you Mindy, without your support and your quick actions back in October, my
son wouldn't be where he is today, in school. She went above and beyond her
teacher duties to protect my son, and to teach the other kindergarten students about
food allergies and safety. I could easily have kept my son at home, but because
of caring empathetic teachers like Mindy, he is able to atten d school like
every other child(which is his right). Ms Weese,
Mrs Keppler, Linda and lunchroom staff, Buster and staff(and everyone else
involved).....I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for
these kids.
I wanted to point out, both kindergarten classes have been doing these changes
since October 9th. 5 and 6yr olds understood the importance of protecting one
off their fellow classmates. Mrs Schriner roll played with them and they "got
it". It wasn't until December 4th, when the changes went school wide that
parents and students started protesting and becoming outraged. What does that
show us, 5 and 6yr olds got it. Reminds me of that story written a few years
ago "Everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" by Robert
Fulghum....they are some smart kids!
This is a sticky topic, not many welcome change with open arms, especially if it
does not directly benefit them or their child. To those families I ask you
this, "at what point do you take the focus off yourself .... and show empathy
for your fellow classmate or neighbor"? Empathy isn't taught to all children,
but as parents we need to make sure it is. Let me remind everyone, we are ALL
different. Could you honestly look at my child, your child, any child and say
"I don't want to do that to save your life, you mean that little to me". I
could not, it's that simple. I am not asking you to change your lives, I am
asking you to take these kids into consideration at school, only. What you do
at home, after school, on the weekends is entirely your life. But for those few
hours a day could you please think of someone other then yourself? It's his
life, it's a precious life(like with any child) I would do that for your child,
could you do that for mine?
On channel 7's story(which is still on their web site under education) these outraged parents tossed the word
"segregation" around. Do you honestly think the changes in the lunchroom
constitutes "segregation"? This is not a black and white issue here, it is a
life and death one. Each and every one of those kids can sit with whomever they
want, we just ask they plan ahead. My son doesn't get the privilege, have you
ever thought about him through all this.......didn't think so. To show my
support to the school, I was the mom out front the next day with a sign thanking
Meridian for keeping my son safe, so you all know who I am.
Mrs Schriner, Meridian, Adams 12, I thank you...it takes a village to raise a
child, thank you!!

Sincerely, XXXXXXXX