Letter to the editor: Feb. 21, 2007

You hear it all the time that our society is rapidly dropping the higher standards once held up with pride, more and more accepting to a lower quality blend of policies in our school districts. I’m sure it all started in the 60’s with the outcry for more “freedom of expression?” and the burning of long cultivated values that set this nation above the others. It’s all about me instead of we today.

I’ll try to narrow the axe-grinding to one item.

I guess I am simply resisting areas that lack COMMON SENSE and MODERATION. How much are we being forced to accept because of the few who don’t want to ruffle any feathers?

My grandson came home the other day and said the superintendent of the Happy Valley School District visited the classrooms with an announcement. He didn’t see any problem with students coming to school with dyed hair — any color dyed hair including purple, lime, orange, blue, green and all the other colors in the spectrum.

I understand what prompted this was a lack of written policy and other inconsistencies in the issue. Of course, everything has to be in writing these days, remember. My response to my grandson’s request for blue hair was “No,” unless it is “spirit” day at the school. That’s how I feel the policy should read. I’m sure there are other policies that are missing in the school district, but this is a fresh start. It used to be that common sense covered such items of concern.

We all battle some kind of rules set in place to maintain higher standards in some way whether it’s personal or neighborhood appearance. And, all of us have our own ideas about what is acceptable. Oh, and there are always those exceptions to the rule that is in place. But, without firm boundaries, we are chipping away at some dignified examples, for impressionable youngsters in our care, to follow. Children need boundaries. It’s some parents who need to get a grip and draw more appropriate lines, stick to them and stop compromising their way out of the job.

Back to the colored hair. Hopefully the school board of directors will address this issue that I believe should be on their next board meeting agenda. Hopefully they’ll set a dignified rule and not go the wimpy route. Like I said, on spirit day yes, regular school days, no – end of discussion.

Virginia Reeter,

Happy Valley