In regards to the article “Officials at local private schools take judge’s decision on vouchers in stride”:
I am the principal at Sacred Heart Catholic School, and I was interviewed for this article and asked how we feel about the scholarship opportunity. However, public school officials made mention of other things when they spoke against the bill that I would like to address.
First, the article states, “Every child is welcome in public schools, despite race, socioeconomic background or religion …” Every child is welcomed at Sacred Heart, and we have a diverse student body that brings together children from all walks of life.
Second, the article states, “private schools aren’t held to the same level of accountability as public schools.” Sacred Heart follows DPI’s Standard Course of Study, and we are able to go beyond that curriculum and enrich it with many activities and field trips.
Third, the article goes on to say, “Private schools aren’t required to administer state mandated testing.” While it is true that we don’t have to administer EOGs, we do administer the Pearson Exam, which is a nationwide comparison of how children are performing. We also administer a cognitive test to 2nd, 5th and 7th graders each year and we do a 4th and 7th grade writing test.
And lastly, the article says, “private schools wouldn’t have to undergo financial review unless they received more than $300,000 in grant money”. While this is true, we are a non-profit institution, comply with all state and federal laws, and our profits go back into the school.
However the scholarship opportunity turns out, we will honor the decision. I feel that giving a child the chance to experience private school who otherwise wouldn’t be able to, would be great. Isn’t this what we are all about, wanting the best opportunity in education for our children?
— Frank Cardelle
Salisbury
Cardelle is the principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School.

Francis Koster did a good job of lifting up the need for dental care for those who cannot afford such care in Sunday’s Post. I was sad, however, to read the article and not see a mention of some of the resources close by that provide dental care for those who have no ability to have dental care.
I was the community coordinator for the first Salisbury Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic, where we provided dental care for over 800 patients who lacked insurance and were extremely grateful for the care. Part of our effort for the MOM Clinic was to lift up to the community two wonderful ongoing dental clinics in Rowan County. The Community Care Clinic and the Good Shepherd Clinic offer free dental services to those uninsured, and have for close to 20 years. Rowan County adults under 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible if they do not have access to health insurance. Missions of Mercy Dental Clinics are planning another year of clinics in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem. All of these are not far from Kannapolis. We are very close to announcing the next MOM Clinic in Salisbury dates in 2015.
I continue to thank God for those working hard to offer dental care to those who cannot afford it, and I thank God for a community such as Salisbury that perseveres for those in need of the service of dental care.
— Dr. Jim C. Dunkin
Salisbury

I had the privilege of attending a concert performed by the Hinkle family from Texas on Monday, Feb. 17, at Magnolia Gardens in Spencer. The performers were extremely talented and enjoyed by all the residents and employees. Just to see the residents wheeled in or assisted with walking into the dining room was a precious sight. Their eyes sparkled and their hands clapped as some of them were able to sing along with the old gospel songs most of them were familiar with.
It would be wonderful if other talented performers or church groups would appear at some of our nursing homes. We never know when we may be residing in one of those centers. I know, for it was a year ago this month that I was discharged from the second nursing home I had been in for over four months. Many answered prayers enabled me to be where I am presently.
Remember the old saying, “There but for the sake of God go I.” We need to take care of our families as we never know when we will lose them.
— Rachel Boger
Salisbury