NHS Is Getting A Bad Rap

To the Editor:

I’ve kept my mouth shut long enough. With each passing issue of the Danbury News Times and The Newtown Bee, I’ve grown more and more furious at the continuous bad press that Newtown High School and Newtown teenagers have received. The letter submitted by Temple Whitaker to The Newtown Bee was the last straw. This has got to stop.

I graduated from NHS in 2001 and am currently a junior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Penn. Even though I live in Pennsylvania a majority of the year, I remain updated with my hometown area news via the Internet.

Having left Newtown High only a few short years ago, with a sister who graduated in 2003, one who is currently a sophomore, and one who will be entering as a freshman this upcoming academic year, I believe I can speak volumes on the ins and outs of the high school. I would be lying if I said that NHS didn’t have its problems. But I would challenge anyone to find me one high school in the United States that didn’t. Yes, I’ve known people who have experimented with drugs, and some more than others. But blame the educational system? That’s outright ridiculous. And as for the rumors concerning sex in the high school building, that’s exactly what they’ve been since I began high school in 1997, rumors. If this was ever a reality, the administration would have taken swift and immediate action to punish the offending students. The faculty and administration at NHS consist of some of the most compassionate, approachable, intelligent, and amazing individuals I have ever met. These adults truly care about their students’ development, both academically and personally.

During my first semester of college I was commended time and time again from countless professors for the education I received at my high school. I was prepared on all levels for my participation in an undergraduate institution. Not only have my current professors recognized Newtown’s achievements, but the United States Department of Education has as well. I’m amazed at how quickly this town has forgotten that only four years ago in 2000, NHS was awarded the prestigious Blue Ribbon Schools Award. This award is meant to recognize outstanding public and private schools across the nation. To quote from a press release issued on May 18, 2000, from Senator Dodd’s office: “Winners must demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence; a strong sense of leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission; a high quality of teaching and challenging curriculum; and a strong show of family and community involvement in the school.”

Never once have I felt uncomfortable or nervous about walking the halls of the high school. Instead I’ve relished in the awards, both scholastic and athletic, artistic talents, and loving environment existing within the walls. So instead of constantly focusing on the small percentage of teenagers who have strayed off the path, for once I’d like to see the accomplishments of the majority of Newtown students and alumni highlighted and recognized. Newtown has always been and continues to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family. And when the time comes for me, I hope to do the same.

Sincerely,

Shannon Solheim

Box 0531, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, Penn.    February 24, 2004