Bad Example for Students

To the Editor,

It’s Tuesday, November 2nd, Election Day. Two weeks ago I phoned the principal’s office of the Newtown Middle School with a little advice.

“This year, why don’t you put down rubber mats in the Middle School gym A so the floor isn’t ruined by voters with street shoes on election day.”

“Oh yes. I’ll have someone get back to you right away.” I didn’t hold my breath waiting for that call, and on Tuesday there were no mats.

As a Travel Basketball coach for the past four years and with daughters who have practiced and played in the Middle School gym A, I am appalled at its condition each year; missing lights, ceiling tiles falling, filthy dusty floors, no window shades, and a leaking roof.

How can we expect children to respect a school gym in this condition? What attitudes will our children carry with them when they enter high school? Will they respect our high school? Maybe the problem with the school budget is not that there isn’t enough money, but poor facility management. The next time basketball parents are squeezed for another 50 bucks for electricity and heating costs why don’t we ask the facility managers why the gym floors have to be redone every year. Are you listening John Reed?

It rained on Tuesday.

Daniel Haines

40 Echo Valley Road, Newtown                             November 2, 1999