#38: Guest - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  

 i have always thought it was unfair to ask these kids to split up at a HS level but assumed that it was due to lack of space at HSE.  That is until I was told by quite a few teachers that East has room for the kids and they were always told that it was the parents in Silverton that wanted to send their kids to HSN.  I wanted to show that the parents are not the reason these kids are going to HSN.  I remember going to a PTO meeting when my son was in kindergarten and parents of older children were bringing this issue up.  My son is now a freshman at HSN, so we are going back 8 years.   Back then Mr. Pizza said "its always been that way and its not going to change now."   If there is a logical space, transportation, faculty issue than I can accept it, not just "thats the way it has always been."  I have a daughter in 8th grade who asks me everyday if she can go to East because she does not want to leave her friends and start over with a group of girls who already have their established friends and groups.  I know families in Silverton who have moved to other parts of Toms River in order to send their kids to HSE.  I know kids who have suffered severe anxiety going to HSN and have had a medical excuse to transfer to East and now parents have to provide transportation to and from school everyday.  Its an issue whos time has come and should be addressed appropriately.  Thats the purpose of the petition.

#40: - Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:  

 Respecting the parents need to stand up for their children and wanting to give the children what they want ' stay with the same group of friends'  but I don't think eveyone feels that same need.  There have been plenty of children who have parted ways for HS and done well and kept old friendships despite attending different HS.  I also believe if the parents themselves see this as an opportunity for the children to branch out and meet new kids make new friendships and expand their social circles they can convey this to their children and have them feel more confortable with the situation and those kids will thrive in any environment.  Sheltering children by making things easier might not be the best for their children.   With that said it is obvious each parent is looking for the best interest of their own child and you might have parents whose children where not accepted in the 'group of friends' are welcoming the fresh start for their children.    the school board should place the 'my child wants to be with her friends she had for 3 years in Intermediate schools" aside and base the decision on how will this benefit the community at large with ease of transportation, class room ratio etc.  Perhaps 8 years ago HSE was at max capacity and today is no loger that case.