Greater good?
In response to Michele Mahoney’s letter asking the Snoqualmie Valley School District board to consider cutting the district budget at Two Rivers School, because “more kids are helped through sports programs,” I suggest that she drop by Two Rivers, take a tour with Principal Tom Athanasas, meet the staff and chat with students.
Then, she should think again about what activities and programs could re-start at a later date without deep irreparable harm. Better yet, she should attend Two Rivers’ graduation ceremony (and remember to take some tissues).
Two Rivers School is a gem that serves kids who most need special attention. Cutting Two Rivers would hurt kids and our community.
While I agree that sports fill an important need and keep many students engaged in school, the purpose of school is to teach every student. Two Rivers successfully graduates young people who wouldn’t graduate without it.
Kristy Sullivan
Ames Lake
Two Rivers cuts?
We wish to respond to the comments on Two Rivers School in Ms. Mahoney’s letter to the editor (Wednesday, May 13) regarding budget cutbacks. We agree with her objections to the cuts in other programs.
But Two Rivers is not a problem, and eliminating Two Rivers is not the solution.
Each one of us has our own learning style. This is recognized at Two Rivers. Students come to Two Rivers for a variety of reasons, both personal and academic, which cannot be dealt with in a large, “one-size-fits-all” environment.
At Two Rivers, students can pursue a high school diploma in an intimate setting with self-paced programs supported by caring and dedicated staff, where all students who want to learn can. We could say, “why sports, music, shop, or art,” if our own children aren’t drawn that way?
Public schools are supposed to be there for all students, not just those who fit into a particular mold. If Two Rivers did not exist, many of its 165 students would not be in this district, leading to an even greater loss of revenue. As noted by Ms. Mahoney, the same holds true when programs such as sports, music, shop or art are cut or curtailed.
Without Two Rivers, we undoubtedly would not have two sons graduating this year. We sincerely owe the entire staff of Two Rivers our heartfelt gratitude for giving our boys the chance to succeed.
Doug and Cathy Prince
North Bend
Saving our rails
The Save Our Rails fundraiser, held Thursday, April 30, at the Snoqualmie Depot, was a resounding success. The event was the first of its kind for the Northwest Railway Museum.
Proceeds from the event helped us close the gap on funding borrowed to repair flood damage. This allows the Museum to focus on current and future projects, such as construction on the $3.5 million train shed.
We value and appreciate the community’s outpouring of support in helping us overcome this emergency. Special thanks are due to the Woodman Lodge and their staff for their invaluable assistance in holding this fundraiser. We also appreciate the generosity of merchants who donated items for the silent auction, print and electronic media for helping us spread the word, and finally to all our friends, neighbors, and supporters who attended the fundraiser.
Sue Van Gerpen
The Northwest Railway Museum
Honor our veterans
Another Memorial Day is approaching, a time to remember all military veterans. I note almost daily as I read through the obituaries the number of veterans who are leaving us. There seems to be more lately.
I would like to remind Snoqualmie Valley Record readers that I continue to be a volunteer ambassador for the U.S. Army’s Freedom Team Salute program. This is a free outreach program to thank all U.S. Army veterans for their service to our country. Army veterans receive an official commendation package from the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff that includes a personalized letter of thanks and certificate of appreciation, an Army lapel pin and two U.S. Army decals.
I need the name of any honorably discharged Army veteran — active, Army Guard, or Army Reserve — and his or her address. You may also include their rank, if known, but it is not required. Please send the information to my e-mail address at Arthur.Farash@us.army.mil or call (425) 888-6518.
Let’s thank our veterans now while we can.
Happy Memorial Day!
Art Farash
North Bend
