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Speak Out
Schools still need plenty of help
Thank you for your excellent coverage of the new Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation. The foundation board is already working to allocate a first grant to the schools by Oct. 15 of this year. The exact nature of the grant has not yet been determined and will depend upon funds donated through mid September. Attention has been focused on support for the Library/Media Center shared by both schools, which the district has committed to operate with an expanded after school schedule, providing a place to offer study skills classes and tutoring programs.
The article touched on the sad spectacle the physical grounds of both schools present. Happily, both schools are now receiving long overdue maintenance such as interior and exterior paint, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning repair, thanks to a $165 million district bond issue.
Matching state funds of $80 million have also been secured by the district which will finance landscaping improvements and new window coverings. SJUSD officials have pledged to make Willow Glen Middle and High School the lead campus to receive a new landscaping master plan will be on display at school and in the community as soon as it is completed. Watch for joint events to be sponsored by the foundation and other school and community groups after irrigation systems are in place, when residents can celebrate and pitch in with garden tools and plants to help the campus take on its new look.
The phrase, 'it takes a village to raise a child' has never been more relevant than right here and now in Willow Glen. This village cannot raise and educate its children by waiting for someone else to revitalize the schools the villagers themselves have lost interest in, meanwhile sending their children to neighboring villages with high-profile programs. It is true that our village has expanded to include a more diverse population with varied needs, but the latest test score data show that even those students struggling to learn English are improving their academic performance dramatically under new high standards and strong academic programs.
All students benefit greatly from the new friendships this diversity makes possible. This June the stage at Willow Glen High School senior honors night displayed a wonderful variety of graduating seniors of Hispanic, white, Vietnamese, and other backgrounds, stepping up to receive the school's top awards in academics, sports, activities, and community service. Increased numbers are going on to four-year colleges and universities.
Here's how Willow Glen residents and businesses can support our schools, our village's greatest investment in its future citizens: Contact Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation to become involved as a member, worker, or tutor, to make a tax-deductible contribution of money or equipment, or to offer skilled help in fundraising, grant-writing, or public relations.
Sign on to www.escrip.com to register your Safeway and debit cards so that a percentage of your transactions go to benefit Willow Glen Middle or High School at no extra cost to you. Attend local school drama, music, athletic, and beautification events. Send your children to the neighborhood schools or for more information, email willowgf@aol.com.
Kathy Stark, Karen Clinton, Lise Shannon, Carol Myers
Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation
Not everyone is opposed to trees
My husband and I purchased our home on Parkside Avenue in 1973. We live on the end of the street near Pine Avenue.
I read the recent article in the Resident titled "Neighbors are fuming over plan to cut down trees on Parkside" in which Ms. Lamers stated, "residents of the street don't want to see the 46-year-old trees cut down." Please be assured that not all resident of Parkside Avenue agree with that statement. Several of my neighbors and myself are more than happy to see the trees removed.
Have you ever stepped on one of the round prickly balls that are dropped constantly by these trees? Ever parked your car under one in the spring, only to have it covered with a yellow pollen dust so heavy that you have to wash your car before you can see out the window? Ever had to try--and that is the operative word here--to remove or kill the dozens of roots that shoot up in the lawn all summer long? Ever been sued by someone walking by your home that steps on the spiny balls dropped by these trees all fall and winter? Ever had someone injured while walking past your home because of the buckling sidewalks caused by the roots of these trees? Ever had to have a standing order with Roto-Rooter to have the roots removed from your drain pipes from two to five times a year?
Most people love trees and the atmosphere that they reflect in a neighborhood, but in this case, I for one am anxiously awaiting the removal of these horrendous trees. Almost any tree that replaces these would be a marked improvement to our neighborhood.
Chris Arnone
Parkside Avenue
Kris vs. Ken doesn't need to get ugly
I am becoming increasingly alarmed at the nasty tone of letters to your paper about Ken Yeager from Kris Cunningham supporters. The latest was last week's by Sharon Grover. We just went through a divisive campaign between Manny Diaz and Tony West. Many people were dismayed at the negative tone of those campaigns.
Let us raise the level of debate. I urge all those voters who support Kris Cunningham to refrain from lowering this campaign into the gutter. Kris Cunningham is probably a good person with views we should consider. I know Ken Yeager is a good, decent person who has worked for many years on neighborhood issues in our community. Attacks on an opponent should be viewed by voters as a sign of desperation and I urge us all to reject such tactics.
Charles Jewett
Franquette Avenue
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
