Schools reflect our society; many kids are in crisis today

Schools need what are called “wraparound services.” This includes school social workers, mental health professionals, school nurses, parent liaisons. The few social workers we have are serving several schools at a time. It costs money, so therefore, it isn’t likely to happen. I don’t know the child involved at West Rowan Middle School, so what I’m going to say is only based on 35 years of experience in elementary, middle, and high schools in Rowan, Guilford, Cabarrus and Kannapolis.

Schools can only reflect what’s happening in society and far too many homes are stressed for a variety of reasons. Unemployment, underemployment, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse and folks who are working 60+ hours a week at low wage jobs to make ends meet, just to name a few.. But until our county and state produces real tax money to employ more help at schools, we’re going to have more of this. Our teachers and the few support staff that are left after ten years of cuts can’t do this alone. I hate to say it, folks, but we’ve cut our schools to the bone.

And by the way, capital outlay monies cannot be used to hire personnel. The “Central Office Boogeyman” is only a straw man for political use.

— Dr. Ron Turbyfill

Landis

Great way to honor veterans

We would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank everyone who supported Retired Staff Sgt. Thelma Luckey, from Thelma’s Down Home Country Cooking Restaurant and the Frontier Coffee Shoppe, in her quest to have a Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner. Thank you to the Rowan Honor Guard who presented the colors, Bill Lane who was officiating officer and the great dancing music provided by the Salisbury Swing Band.

The functions was in the old JCPenney store in the West End Plaza and was decorating in red, white and blue.  The food and desserts were delicious and I do not believe anyone left the building hungry.

We are new to the area and have been involved in numerous functions for veterans and by far this was the best-planned event that we have attended.

For those who are veterans who missed this function, please be advised that you can visit the Frontier Coffee Shoppe in Thelma’s Restaurant in the West End Plaza on Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. and feel the camaraderie that was felt during the Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner.

Again, thank you to all the businesses, churches and veterans groups that supported Thelma Luckey in realizing her dream and making the night one that will not be forgotten soon.

— Al and Lynda Healey     

Salisbury

Think about this

In response to Jimmie Porter’s letter (“What the Bible teaches,” Nov. 3 ): Here goes another quote you might can use when you’re trying to make a point. It’s by Albert Einstein. “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”

— Whitey Harwood

Mocksville