Cultivating Talent

To the Editor:

My wife Holly and I attended Newtown’s We’ve Got Talent show last Saturday night. We were impressed with the talent show put on by Newtown residents of all ages, and especially by the students. Special thanks go to The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission and Donna Monteleone Randle as executive producer for an outstanding job and, of course, all those who practiced so hard to entertain us all.

As I watch these youngsters sing, dance, and play instruments, I was reminded how much more there is to their education than classroom academics. The other nonacademic programs such as sports, music, art, and technical programs are critical to their overall development as contributing adults. These programs are not luxuries; they are key components in developing well-rounded students and eventually productive citizens. These programs allow the students to explore a variety of interests, to learn about themselves and what they might be capable of today and in the future.

As we move through these tough economic times, I hope everyone will give some thought to how multifaceted the education process is and support both academic, nonacademic, and extracurricular programs within our schools. They are all equally important pieces in the education of our youth.

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                                      October 11, 2010