Southeast is full
of true Patriots
In response to Mac Butner (Feb. 25 letter), who was offended at the display of international flags at Southeast Middle School: Mac, you aren’t paying attention! If you entered through the front door of the school, you would have passed a large banner featuring the school emblem “Patriots” that reads “Welcome Students and Families.”
Just inside the front door is a large (3-by-4-foot) picture of American soldiers and the lettering, “Welcome to Southeast, home of the Patriots.”
Only a few steps down the hall ó to your right ó is a full-length portrait of George Washington. A notable American figure, wouldn’t you agree, Mac?
You may not know, but I can assure you, that Southeast Middle’s mascot was chosen to recognize the contributions American patriots have made over the years. This reflects the sentiments of our community, including the Faith Fourth of July celebration, the Veteran’s Hospital and the National Cemetery.
Mac, Americans will never understand the blessings of living in a free America without studying the rest of the world. The United States isn’t threatened by knowledge, Mac. It is strengthened by it!
ó Dr. Ron Turbyfill
Turbyfill is the principal at Hanford Dole Elementary School and was formerly the principal at Southeast Middle.
Stop annexation
The city of Salisbury can’t even afford the water and sewer for areas it has already annexed. The people of Salisbury need to wake up and put these five city council members out of office. They all have great incomes, so they don’t care about the working people.
They already will have to borrow money for the Harrison Road and Westwood annexation.
Go vote. This board is known as the annexation squad.
ó Charles Black
Salisbury
Positives at Knox
We hear of the many failures in public schools across the nation, but seldom do we see the positive things happening in our schools. Let me take a moment to heighten awareness of the positive things going on at the best middle school in Rowan County, and that would be Knox Middle School.
Upon entering the main office, you are greeted immediately with warm, Southern hospitality. The administration shows a commitment to fostering a safe learning environment; the faculty and staff are visible throughout the school.
My child loves every one of her teachers because they show genuine concern for her as a student. When she was absent from school because of illness, I phoned her teachers and left a voice mail so that I could pick up any missed assignments. One of her teachers returned the call and offered to notify her other teachers and get work from them. Well, that was special to me because she could have been concerned only about her class, but she wasn’t. The other teachers returned the calls as well.
I see evidence in my child’s classwork that she is being challenged in some academic areas, but she is able to seek additional help when needed. Some of her teachers are available before school and some have given their home phone numbers to the class. They show commitment to the success of their students by being available.
Programs and activities allow for parental involvement. For example, on family night during report-card pickup, many parents spend time in the classes seeing what’s going on and having brief conservations with teachers.
I conclude by noting that the Knox administration, faculty and staff are doing an awesome job of giving our students a safe learning environment, a quality education and the tools to be productive citizens.
ó Felicia Massie
Salisbury