On Jan. 29, the Manhasset Board of Education approved the elimination of middle school drama classes for the 2004/05 school year. Drama classes have been a part of the middle school curriculum for over 30 years.

We recognize that the budget cannot continue to rise unchecked and that reductions should be fairly distributed, but there must be less drastic ways to meet budget restraints that do not impact our children's educational programs.

As parents of children who have gone through the middle school drama program, we are strongly opposed to eliminating it. This program has helped children find their niche and without it some of them would have no place to go.

Drama gives students skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives. A middle school drama class is a place where:

• students gain confidence and feel they can succeed;

• students who "march to a different drummer" find a place to call home;

• students experience a less stressful environment where they can express themselves, think out of the box and use creativity to solve problems in unique ways;

• students learn important social skills such as empathy, respect for one another, listening and how to work collaboratively in a group;

• students learn about the media's influence on our culture.

There are currently 154 students enrolled in eight drama classes which is a large percentage of the current middle school population. As a result of their experience in middle school drama classes many reluctant students go on to make confident, successful presentations. We feel that it is not in the best interest of the students to eliminate middle school drama classes.

We are grateful that our children were afforded the opportunity to take middle school drama classes. We do know firsthand what a great program it is and that drama classes do transform so many students' lives. We would like to see this positive experience continue for future students in Manhasset Middle School.

Manhasset is known for its strong traditions. Are we ready to let this 30-year-old tradition end?

Doreen McDonough

Lynda Calogero

Pam Wonder

MHS Drama Booster Club