School Technology
Dear Editor: I whole-heartedly support Jennifer Robinson’s quest for school funding, and her praise for the quality of Sitka schools. I have three kids in the schools. I have had extensive interaction with the teachers and administrators. We have amazing people working for our kids.
However, I have my doubts about the efficacy of technology as the cure-all in education.
We have many talented, dedicated and inspiring teachers. These folks are the school. Let’s celebrate them and support them. The primary indicator of student success is the quality of the teachers. All the major news sources and professional literature support this. Teachers are the key.
No amount of laptops can replace these teachers.
Administrators tend to prefer technology over teachers, as computers do not have negotiated agreements and philosophies.
Yes, we should try to get all the computers we can in the hands of our kids. Yes, we have to keep up with developments, such as teaching programming and higher math in earlier grades.
But beware of administrators and school board members who want to replace our amazing teachers with machinery. Put the money where it supports the teachers. Put the money in staff development. Invest the money in people.
Thanks for listening to me.
John Welsh, Sitka
Boo Boo the Cat
Dear Editor: Boo Boo and I wish to thank Sandy and the Sentinel staff so very much for keeping all our friends and family up to date on our recovery in Anchorage. If it hadn’t been for all the Sitkans’ well wishes and prayers, I sincerely don’t think we would have fared as well as we have. We are immensely grateful and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and concern.
Just a few corrections though ... Boo was a rescue animal and has been by my side for 13 years. He was certified as a service animal 5 years ago but because of recent changes in the law was downgraded to “special needs” animal just for being a cat. Had he been a Shetland pony or dog, he would have received the same immediate attention I was afforded by paramedics and hospital staff. He saved my life and almost gave his in doing so and in my mind deserves hero status at the very least.
Justin of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins office is actually working on having cats reinstated to “service animal” status, so please give his office a call in support of his efforts.
Unfortunately, Boo was NOT rescued or relocated from the exposure until I was released from Providence Hospital E.R. later that day. My definitive blood lab analysis of carbon monoxide poisoning and treatment preceded his rescue so he suffered more toxic exposure than I and is in worse shape and can still use your prayers. His kidney functioning lab results are improving so we are very hopeful this will not have any permanent or lasting damage but only time will tell.
Please, if you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors in your home, GET SOME! It’s way less expensive than the cost of a life, or devastating medical bills.
Our love and appreciation to all,
Kiki Norman and Boo Boo, Sitka
‘Star Wars’ Thanks
Dear Editor: Several hundred Sitkans gathered recently to enjoy the original “Star Wars” trilogy: “Star Wars,” “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Not even sunny weather could keep the true fans away. Being in a theater full of cheering, smiling fans of all ages did our hearts good, and reminded us of why we all like going to the movies.
A big thank you is owed to Sitka Coliseum Theater owner Scott Bowen and his stupendous staff for their work in getting the films, and making these screenings free to the public. We hope to continue collaborating to offer more big-screen celebrations of our favorite films. Thanks also for those who turned out to enjoy the films and compare esoteric notes on the various incarnations of the trilogy.
Shannon Haugland for
The Sitka Film Society
