Copyright 1999 Times Publishing Company
St.
Petersburg Times
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February 25, 1999, Thursday
SECTION: PASCO TIMES; LETTERS; Pg. 2
DISTRIBUTION: PASCO TIMES
LENGTH: 773 words
HEADLINE:
Parents of disabled students need help
BODY:
Re: Money should not be lure to parents' involvement, Feb. 23
letter
Editor: I must take exception to the letter by Joanne Giglio. I
am appalled that an educator in the Pasco County school system would take
exception to providing assistance to parents of disabled children that would
enable them to better understand the rights their disabled children have to a
basic education.
Giglio needs to understand that even with the passage
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, individuals
with disabilities have experienced serious difficulties in receiving the
educational services they are entitled to. In most instances, individuals
attending their annual individual education plan meeting must have a copy of the
IDEA law in their hand or have a well versed individual or an attorney with them
to ensure that educational services that they are entitled to are provided. Even
then the school system argues to get out of providing the service because of one
excuse or another. They, in most cases, must be cited chapter and verse of what
the entitlement is before they will relent and provide the service. Even then a
good number of cases go to a mediator before services are provided. Many parents
believe public school systems here in Florida support or promote a policy of
don't ask, don't tell. In other words, if the educational service is not asked
for, don't tell them it is available. That attitude is a disservice to both the
individual child and the system as a whole.
I think if Giglio would take
the time to look at the situation, she would find that most of those parents of
individuals with disabilities who may be eligible to obtain the $ 20 stipend may
be poor, have additional small children that need to be taken care of, lack
transportation, need to take time off from work or have many other financial
situations that would not permit them to otherwise attend meetings.
I
have been under the impression for many years that teachers were dedicated
individuals, committed to ensuring that every child who can be educated receives
the best education possible. But after reading Giglio's letter, obviously, I
have been mistaken.
Thomas H. Dunn Jr., Port Richey
A few more
utility facts
Re: Fiorentino's utilities proposal, Feb. 16 editorial
I would like to add a few informative facts. Forest Hills Utilities did
ask for an increase (close to 104 percent). The Public Service Commission did,
as your editorial stated, grant an increase of 30 percent.
The reason we
feel 30 percent was settled on was that the homeowners in Forest Hills and
Forest Hills East retained an attorney to go to the state capital to plead our
case. You were also right in stating that the PSC doesn't always roll over and
play dead. But I am reasonably sure the utility would have gotten a lot more if
we the people had rolled over and played dead.
It is unfortunate that
Ann Hildebrand and Heather Fiorentino didn't fight for our agenda. I guess it
wasn't in their back yard.
Ron Irving, Holiday
Education is
about sharing
Editor: What an honor it was to attend the awards ceremony
for the teacher of the year celebration at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church
centrum. Being part of this gathering allowed me to once again appreciate the
privilege it has been to be a part of such a community. It was quite evident
from the varied sponsorships that Pasco County works hand-in-hand with the
educational community.
As a resident of Pasco County since 1968, I feel
grateful knowing that the stores where I shop, the restaurants where I dine and
the services that I receive are also the people who hold dear the future of this
county by supporting education. This celebration allowed paraprofessionals,
educators and administrators to gather and recognize talents.
Even in
the midst of the celebration, I observed a teacher doing what she does best. A
server from Carrabba's Italian Grill hesitantly made his way to a former
teacher, perhaps questioning whether this woman would recognize him from past
years. Within seconds his face glowed from being recognized by his former
teacher from Gulfside Elementary School. Her primary focus then centered upon
this young man, catching up on past experiences and future goals. Each took
pride in knowing that he or she was a valued page of the other's past.
I
guess that this is what it is all about, sharing in the lives of Pasco County's
future. The partnership exists on many levels, between teacher and child and the
educational system and the community. Everyone benefits from these mutual
relationships.
Jacqueline Balough
Schwettman Education School
LOAD-DATE: February 25, 1999
