Letters, letters, letters

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

To the Editor:

The past week has been a real eye opener.

In June, our family moved to Sisters from Wenatchee, Washington. The beauty of the Sisters had a lot to do with our decision to relocate. However, the paramount reason we are here is the Sisters school system.

While, as the parents of three young children, we are excited by the reputation of the Sisters School District, we are shocked by the conditions in which our middle school child and her teachers are expected to flourish.

The quality of life in Sisters is the envy of the Northwest. On November 7, we have a chance to protect that cherished quality of life. Young families are vital to maintain the health of any community. Without better school facilities, Sisters will be unable to attract young families.

Supporting a new middle school in Sisters is a fiscally responsible choice. A new building will eventually have to be built; waiting will only increase the cost to us, the taxpayers.

We encourage you to tour the Sisters Middle School. Then don't just vote yes for the local option and construction bond, participate in the effort to make sure we give our kids a safe and reasonable school in which to learn.

Sincerely,

Jan and Mike Gould

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To the Editor:

In the upcoming election, we, the voters of the Sisters area, will have an opportunity to put children first. In our hearts we all know our children are our future.

We of the Sisters area are blessed by the natural beauty of our surroundings and our great sense of community and pride. Now we must take our sense of community and pride one step further and advocate and then vote for a four-year local option (Measure 9-92) and the replacement of our patchwork middle school (Measure 9-93).

Excellence in education requires a safe, well-lighted place with adequate space. Then, with the support of involved parents and our inspired teaching staff, we can lay the groundwork for positive self-esteem in our children.

The Committee For Sisters Area Children will meet this Thursday, September 14, at 7 p.m. in the conference room at the Ponderosa Lodge. Please join us. Your support could make the difference between success and failure.

Bill and Zoe Willitts

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To the Editor:

It was good to see the Sisters Folk Festival reach big-time Sisters event status like the Rodeo, Quilt Show, Jazz Festival and Sisters Starry Nights.

Thanks for a fine musical weekend.

Lois and Tom Worcester

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To the Editor:

Last fall was one of the best of my life. New soccer coach at the high school; new to beautiful Sisters -- ahhhh.

A colleague said I was crazy for keeping 10 seniors, that I was bound for dissent. We had some difficulties, but made state playoffs for the first time.

I also worked for the district tutoring students every day in both the middle and elementary schools. What great kids!

But in March I was suddenly laid off with three other staff due to budget shortcomings. Ouch! A sad ending for someone who was trying hard to help.

But I will stay positive -- like I tried to teach my players and students -- and remember the good times and the good people.

So THANK YOU to the kind people from my time in Sisters:

Finally, I would like to thank players in the soccer program for your time, energy, and study. All the best to the graduates, and good soldiering to this year's team!

Bob Bowling

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