Dear Editor,

I am writing as a mother of three, an educator, and a tax-paying citizen of the town of Raymond. This letter is intended to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed reduction of social work service at the Jordan Small Middle School.

As a mother, I am concerned for my children, especially my son entering Jordan Small in the fall. Adolescence can be a very turbulent time of life. Adolescents need as many positive, safe people to turn to for help and guidance on their journey as possible. If the guidance is not available for these students when it is needed at this crucial time in their lives, the results could be disastrous.

We have entrusted our children to our school to help educate and mold them into productive members of society. There are so many external factors that I, as a parent, cannot control or anticipate. I can only do my best to support my child and pray there are other safe, supportive adults in the school to help guide him and give perspective with what he will face to prepare him for life.

As an educator of several years and having spent some time at the middle school level, I have witnessed the trials, tribulations and stresses placed upon our youth. The social and academic pressures are only continuing to mount. Now is not the time to cut social work services to the student population that needs them the most.

Having a classroom with 23 students this year myself, I know the everyday challenges that face the hard working educators in our district. Our educators are faced with increasing demands from the state and federal governments along with a multitude of new assessments and curriculum. Teachers do care about the multitude of students they come in contact with, but it is sometimes difficult to reach each of them to the degree they wish they could. If one student is having difficulties and needs someone to talk with, the teachers cannot simply stop teaching to the remaining students in their class.

Teachers are torn between the one child that needs them right then and the others sitting and waiting to learn. Many educators, myself included, are not trained to handle issues that a social worker would. In the past, students have come to me with some rather difficult issues and concerns. I have always been grateful for the support of the social worker in our building either with taking the student directly if warranted or assisting me with the best way to deal with the situation. The social worker is a very valuable resource for the educators who spend many hours each day with our children. I would not want to be responsible to just make my untrained best guess with how to handle a difficult situation with someone else’s child nor would I want anyone else to have to do so with my child. I clearly understand the difficulties and dilemmas with school budgets, however this cut should not even be a consideration.

When looking to purchase a home, one of my priorities was making sure there was a good school district for my children. I found what I was looking for in Raymond. Up until now I have had nothing but praise for the district, but this baffles me. Why are services being cut to the population that needs them the most? When I first heard this proposal I was astounded. I am perplexed as to why essential services are being cut. I fear there is some ulterior motive behind the reduction in the services. Do not let politics endanger our children. A full-time social worker is needed at the middle school level as well as the elementary.

As a mother, an educator and a taxpayer, I want to voice my strong concerns with the proposed cut in social work services. The school board and the town need to take a long hard look at what the priorities are. Our children are our priority and I want that to be heard loud and clear.

Shannon Tyler

Raymond

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