> Dear Mr. Litfin
>
> My name is David Tindall, Jr. I'm sure you know me.
>
> Anyways, I'm sending you this email in regards of
> the
> seminar decision for next year.
>
> As I've heard, you've taken it away because it's not
> used. I think the administration has it wrong.
> Your
> probably looking at the 10% or so that don't use it.
>
> I believe if you take away seminar next year, and
> add
> the next class, grades will fall. With the No Child
> Left Behind Act, that is not what you want. Seminar
> at Topeka West is used, at least I've seen it been
> used. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The
> seminar
> program has no flaws. It's helping many people. It
> has helped me when I fall behind in a class or two.
> What happens if your sick, they expect you to come
> early or stay late? That takes time out of the
> student and teachers day. I, personally, haven't
> had
> to use seminar much this year. Why, you ask? It's
> the simple fact that I come to school every day, do
> my
> work in class when presented time, and listen to the
> teacher's instructions. I believe you have looked
> at
> seminar as a time for some to just goof off. Your
> looking at the negative effects of it! Those are
> only
> a couple students out of the whole pack. They are
> probably the ones who could care less about school.
> If they don't care, you shouldn't either. I think
> we
> should pay more attention to the ones who take
> school
> seriously.
>
> The other part of this news I don't like is just the
> fact it came in the year Tony Saywer came along. In
> my opinion, he has turned the school district 180°,
> in
> the wrong way. It seems like he can just come in
> and
> change everything in the district, like it's New
> York
> City. It's Topeka, a Midwest city. We run stuff
> differently here. I could name other stuff he has
> changed or mentioned that isn't a true sign of a
> leader in his first year.
>
> Please take my consideration of changing the
> decision
> of seminar around. There are students who need it.
>
> Thank you for reading and reply back with any
> questions and or comments.
>
> David Tindall, Jr.
> 9th Grader, Topeka West High School
I just got this reply from him.
> David,
> Thank you for you well written and timely e-mail. I
> believe as you do that most students use seminar in
> an appropriate manner. That being said, due to the
> budget crunch we are under, it is being looked at as
> a way to lower our budget deficit. Please be assured
> that the administration and Board of Education will
> study every option before making a final decision as
> to what will need to be cut.
> Sincerely, Mr. Litfin
>
> J.Jeff Litfin
> General Director of Secondary Learning
> U.S.D. 501 Topeka, Kansas
> 785-295-3057
> Fax-785-575-6188
I just emailed back with this reply.
Dear Mr. Litfin,
I understand that many people, including USD 501, need
to lower the deficit in their budgets. But, when you
take away something that is helping the kids in high
school, thats not a good "budget cut". Hopefully this
is another point you can look at.
If you have any more questions and/or comments, feel
free to email back.
Thank you.
-David Tindall, Jr.
Any questions/comments welcome.