THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995 TAG: 9507180089
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
When I saw the article about TRT putting on a special trolley bus from Willoughby to Waterside and return for only $2, I thought that would be just the way to get down to the fireworks display without the hassle of driving and fighting the crowds and looking for convenient parking at the usual $4 rate the city charges for the weekends.
Just to play it safe, I called TRT to get the trolley schedules. As I suspected, the last trolley left Waterside for its return trip to Willoughby at 8:48 p.m., a full 42 minutes before the fireworks even started.
Bravo TRT. Good planning.
Jack R. Main
West Ocean Avenue Educational thoughts
The American Federation of Teachers says, ``American students are unprepared for the world of work according to their study.''
The federation should conduct another study on their own organization, and I believe they will find that teachers are unprepared for the world of work.
One of nine students does not graduate from high school. Three of four do not graduate from college.
If the student has not learned, the teacher has not taught.
From the poor showing of American teachers compared to other teachers of the world - Scotland, France and Germany, and many Asian countries - a solution must be found for preparing our teachers with the ``real'' world of work.
A solution:
a. The federation should survey the Hampton Roads area city councils and city managers who ``are responsible for the efficient administration of city affairs'' written in their job descriptions to determine efficiency.
b. The city manager's administrators should review the efficiency ratings and reports of superintendents, principals and teachers and ``weed out'' ineffective educators who are in the wrong line of work.
The ``buck stops here,'' at the ``city pay-window'' for the teacher's salary. Retrain or fire teachers.
c. Develop large-scale vocational classes in all occupations with input from potential area employers.
Bruce H. Banks
Pecan Point Road Give game back to kids
This statement is dedicated to the children who win fair and square and to the parents and fans who sacrifice for the Little Leaguers participating in our favorite national pastime.
This is especially dedicated to the 9- and 10-year-old all-stars who played their best game against Green Run after a four-hour rain delay July 1.
They played on the field while adults played the outcome from the stands. Before the children were allowed to complete their last inning, an extra inning, the adult players took the game for themselves in a forfeit. I couldn't witness this without pitching a few reminders. First, uncontrolled parental emotions are counterproductive and can interfere with the game. Second, scorekeeping is a trusted position, not an opportunity to score against the other team.
Finally, the Little League rule book is meant to protect the children, not to hurt them.
Again, I respect the parents and fans who support fair play. To those who need the reminders, I say, give Little League back to the children.
Lee Ann Novak
North Shore Road Kudos to the police
Not knowing how to address a letter of commendation to our police divisions, I'm hoping to reach some interested party.
My purse was stolen during a break-in July 6 and reported around 8 a.m. In this busy crime field, my husband and I are amazed and delighted to find the compassion given by all we have contacted - the friendly voice of the female who answers 441-5610, the burglary section represented by a young man named Kliber and the Identification Section investigator who searched for physical evidence. Each and every one of these young people exemplified pride in our police department, and their conduct helped ease the trauma of having our privacy invaded.
Helen D. Stone
Kingston Avenue by CNB