Reading "Division Avenue High School Is a Focus of Concern" left me more than a little angry. I understand that problems exist at DAHS, as they do in every high school. What I do not understand is why the blame appears to be directed at the previous administration.
I cannot attest to students' scores on this year's mid-year exams. However, I can attest to the student-centered, parent-supportive environment which existed at Division under the administration led by John Allen.
My husband and I are proud our children went to Division. Our children are proud of their alma mater. In response to the article, I am asking the Tribune's indulgence in re-printing the following letter which appeared in the May 31, 1996 issue. I wrote it then; I stand by it now:
Over the years I have been reading the Tribune, numerous letters have appeared in this column about our schools, mostly around the time of the budget vote. They usually deal with taxes, salaries, buses and sports. But I can't ever recall reading a letter about exactly how good things are here for our children.
As our last child prepares to graduate from Division Avenue High School, I began to think about all the people who have helped our three boys over the ten-year span during which we had children at Division. I could not recall a single time that any of our phone calls went unanswered or our concerns unaddressed. The principal, Mr. Allen and the assistant principals, Mr. Goelz and Mr. Zola, have always treated us and our children with respect and professionalism. More than that, when our children needed help in any way, these concerned educators were there for them.
Over the years, I found every teacher, guidance counselor, attendance counselor, nurse and secretarial or custodial staff member to be equally professional, helpful and caring in their respective roles. In addition, the coaches were great role models and motivators and I know they deeply influenced our children.
In addition to classes, our children participated in athletics, acted in plays, took part in spirit night activities and went to proms. They made lifelong friends and had fun. Not only did they learn math, English, French, physics, etc., they also learned how to drive, how to cook, how to improve their jump shots and that if they were late to school in the morning, they would have detention. They went to free SAT classes and Regents review classes. And more times than I can remember, the staff at Division went the extra mile to congratulate them on their achievements, to encourage them when they needed it and to come to their aid when they were in trouble. They are neither perfect students nor overly gifted athletes; they are average kids who were given every opportunity to meet their fullest potentials. What more can parents want for their children?
I believe that people love to let you know when you mess up, but are slow to take a minute to say you did a good job when you deserve it, so to the staff at Division, I must say thank you for ten great years!
Although I will probably never write a letter to this editor again about the quality of Levittown education, I will continue to support it by voting for the budget long after my last child graduates this June.
