Wednesday, September 4, 2002

I am writing to express my utmost concern on the recent release of SAT statistics for the state of Georgia and what I believe is contributing to our school's decline in excellence. I am a Fayette County resident and our two children attend Tyrone Elementary School.

I am disheartened to see so much business being incorporated into the schools now. The first week of school, both of our children brought home flyers from Sally Foster advertising wrapping paper. I am tired of trying to explain to my children that not only is door-to-door selling dangerous in this day and age but that selling wrapping paper is not going to give them a better education.

My children, as other children, are being enticed to sell products to get some monetary gift. For instance, in Sally Foster, the "dangling carrot" is $100. Children's minds need to be solely on education while at school, not rushing home to see how they can sell wrapping paper to so they might be the top seller and receive $100. It's not worth it.

Look at the SAT scores for Georgia. Not 43rd or 23rd 50th in all the states in state SAT statistics. Dead last. It's embarrassing to tell anyone that my children live and go to a school in Georgia.

The point that I'm trying to make is: education in school is not Corporate America. Corporate America should not be involved in schools unless it wants to make a contribution to our schools. Personal achievement is obtained through education, not selling wrapping paper.

I'm a dedicated parent who spends on average of 2-3 hours a night going over third grade homework and re-explaining work that was just gone over that day in class. I do this because it is my responsibility as a parent to take an active role in my child's education.

What educational purpose is there in selling wrapping paper? Does it help our children to learn better? No, I think not. I see this as a total unnecessary distraction to children.

Our school is trying to raise money to "enrich" the Media Center. Fine, but what ever happened to schools having a bake-off fund-raiser or arts and crafts sale? Why are our schools content with receiving 50 percent profit, when with one school bake-off or something similar, all of the proceeds would be used solely for the school? Why not contact corporations and plead for their support instead of disturbing our children's education with tactics of sales that sidetrack their education while in school?

I remember when I was in school the same thing was going on. I never participated because I didn't see how selling tins or cookies or wrapping paper for a corporate America company was going to possibly enhance my education. As an adult with children in school, I certainly don't see it. Why doesn't our county have a fund-raising chairperson to help schools achieve needed funds for necessary school improvements without enticing our children and compromising their education?

Selling wrapping paper and enticing kids to sell and dwell on "Sell, sell, sell" is not enhancing, protecting or preserving their right to a thorough education.

Anjellica Guthrie

Tyrone

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