Longer school day isn’t answer
A very well-meaning young lady named Chelsea Faris proposes a longer school day to improve test scores. This might have merit if all other factors are in place, but it is not the answer and it might exasperate more than help. Education and accomplishment start with motivation, and this starts with a solid home life. Natural intelligence also doesn’t hurt. However, lifestyle has the final word in the accomplishment of any endeavor. Students who are properly motivated will be more alert and responsive in class if the teacher is motivated and if they are at peak health by proper diet, adequate rest, proper exercises and reasonable responsibilities at home.
Long and time-consuming bus rides take time away from home and school not to mention the safety factor. Billions of gallons of fuel are required to support consolidated schools that have led to the demise of hundreds of our local schools. Soda-pop machines in schools don’t enhance student health. Therefore, both of these coerced and unnecessary factors have a negative part in student health and accomplishment.
Ed Rinkhoff Jr.
Coverage isn’t a ‘mistake’
The coverage that the Herald-Standard gave to the Marsha Sneddon incident was absolutely newsworthy and headline worthy. Let me explain why.
First, like it or not, Kyle Sneddon is a public figure. Mrs. Sneddon knew that when Mr. Sneddon became chief of police. If Mrs. Sneddon did not want to be publicly scrutinized for her mistakes, she should have had a conversation with her husband about her discontent for being the wife of a public figure.
Second, the Herald-Standard covered Marsha Sneddon’s “mistake” as it has covered those of many family members of public figures. Further, her “mistake” allegedly included having Kyle Sneddon’s insurance company foot the bill for her addiction. Considering his position as police chief, that is an issue that should be a concern for all taxpayers in Uniontown. Therefore, Marsha Sneddon’s “mistake” was newsworthy.
Third, the Herald-Standard does not owe a duty of non-disclosure to people who are arrested just because they have many friends who wish to be character witnesses.
As you have probably noted, I have placed quotation marks around the word “mistake.” That seems to be the term used by Marsha Sneddon’s supporters. Mrs. Sneddon’s actions were not a “mistake.” They were a choice; as are the actions of many of Fayette County’s residents who make front-page headlines.
Lastly, if the Herald-Standard did not disclose the information surrounding Marsha Sneddon’s arrest, there would be a line of people complaining that the only reason the Herald-Standard did not print it is because she is the wife of the police chief. I guess some people only like “fair and balanced journalism” when one of their friends is not involved.
I would like to applaud the Herald-Standard for having the courage to put politics aside and just report the news. As the old clich’ goes, don’t shoot the messenger.
Nicole Jordan
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Ms. Jordan is a former Hopwood resident.