Nothing to emulate
EDITOR: Kudos to Ms. Valerie Conger’s condemnation of Guerneville’s mean spiritedness in opposing a homeless shelter in a small town with few services. We river folk should emulate the City of Sebastopol’s homeless outreach, city-provided services, and admire the well-run shelters the city provides for the less well off. Just kidding.
Dan Cirulli
Guerneville
Trustee speaks on ‘13 Reasons’
EDITOR: The West Sonoma County Union High School District recently approved use of Analy High School as a location for the second season of “13 Reasons Why.” As a school board member who voted to approve the use, I want to state that the district is taking the issue of teen suicide and bullying very seriously and address some of the concerns I have been hearing from the community.
My goal as a board member, and as a parent, is to create a nurturing classroom and school condition where our students are prepared and supported to enter the workforce and society. I want to be sure they are prepared with the foundations in basic (or advanced) educational subjects, and arrive there in a friendly and caring atmosphere.
The district has seriously looked at its policies in this regard in the past several years, and we are working to advance and improve an agenda that does not tolerate bullying and provides support to students with mental health or behavioral issues.
Last year, Paramount provided 12 internships for our students from both campuses in video production. In addition, the author of the book the film is based upon, Jay Asher, spoke to our students about suicide prevention and awareness. This was very valuable for our students.
Lastly, the agreement for facilities use has generated much needed revenue for the district, and has raised some very serious issues for discussion around mental health, depression, suicide and bullying that are not to be taken lightly. Our district counselors are prepared and are taking steps to work with any students whom might have questions or negative impressions that need to be addressed.
As a school board member, I will continue to support efforts that create a safe and healthy school climate for all students.
Kellie Noe, West County Unified High School District Trustee/Board Member
