Several weeks ago, the idea of a groundbreaking "celebration" came up as a way to introduce the students of Willow Glen Elementary to the exciting and significant changes they would be seeing starting this summer and continuing into next school year.

We set the date for the last day of school and invited local dignitaries and representatives from the groups that have been involved in the planning process. We also informed the Willow Glen Resident, thinking it would be nice to see a lighter side to the construction issue covered in the press.

What we did see in the newspaper, however, was a one-sentence mention of a groundbreaking that led to yet another article of a negative nature about the project. Too bad. The Resident missed an opportunity to share with the community a small but noteworthy event.

What took place that day were 500 or so children sitting on the exact spot where the new two-story building will be standing in two years. Principal Dayle D'Anna, San Jose City Councilman Ken Yeager, San Jose Unified School Board member Pam Foley, PTA president Andrea Wheeler, along with architect Bill Gould and district construction representative Steve Adamo addressed the gathering of students, teachers and parents.

The speakers pointed out to the audience that this is a very special time in the school's history, a history of which they are all a part. Students representing our student council and several classrooms then donned hard hats and participated in the ceremonial breaking of ground along-side our invited guests, school staff, and those working hard to make improvements to our site a reality. Then the short program ended with our school song.

There have been many positive aspects to this project all along, but one would not know that from what has been reported in the papers. I am aware that controversy attracts readers, but with a community newspaper like the Resident, I was hoping for just a little coverage of a small but historic event, an event designed so the children of Willow Glen Elementary could be informed about, and included in, the important changes to their school environment.

Jenelle Morella

Willow Glen Elementary School staff member

Correction

The June 29 issue of the Willow Glen Resident printed the incorrect phone number for LaBró Antiques. The correct number is 408.448.4600.