Newtown Teachers

Rest Assured

To the Editor:

I’d like to take this opportunity to respond to Allison Bloom’s recent letters viciously attacking the teachers in the Newtown School System and her seemingly personal assault of teacher Karolyn Baumgarten [“Teachers And Their Union Are Out Of Touch,” Letter Hive 3/6/09 and “The Party Is Over,” Letter Hive 3/20/09]. Ms Baumgarten, as well as other Newtown teachers, deserves to know that there is a very different view point in this town which I am convinced is far more prevalent than the nasty, outlandish view of Ms Bloom.

First, let me clearly state that I do appreciate that this is currently an extremely challenging economic time that has affected every family, some more than others. I am truly sorry to hear of Ms Bloom’s financial hardships and in no way attempt to minimize or downplay her family’s current difficulties.

With that said, I, like many parents in this town, continually return to one overriding thought over the past year…our children’s future. I feel that the single most important facet of my life for the next couple decades is preparing our children for a world that is becoming more complex and competitive every day. As a parent, we should do everything within our power to position our children to have an opportunity to be successful and more importantly, live a happy life. At the absolute core of this preparation is the education of our children.

I am extremely grateful for the quality of the teachers in our town. It is their knowledge, tact, and hard work which helps make our school system one of the best in the state. It is my opinion, and one that is shared with numerous people within our town, that education should be the absolute last area targeted for financial cuts. This does include teachers’ salaries. As responsible parents, we simply cannot afford to short change our children.

So to Ms Baumgarten, rest assured that most people in this town do recognize and appreciate your efforts and those of our other teachers. To Ms Bloom, I am again sorry to hear of your financial challenges. However, if you don’t like the great premium placed on education in this town, you’re certainly are aware there is always another option open to you…

Charles Sortino

13 Turkey Roost Rd, Sandy Hook                                March 25, 2009