Hearing about recent events at Lopez School, and at school board meetings, makes me sad for my community. Most Lopezians try to teach kids how to work things out without fighting. We teach them not to be mean. We’re the grownups. Shouldn’t we be modeling for the kids how to disagree with people without screaming or making personal attacks? Yes, folks feel stressed and fearful these days. All the more reason to calm down and not be hateful toward other people who also love the children and who are trying to do the best job they can. If Lopezians disagree, I wish they would do what I’m doing: use decent words. Let’s teach our children well.

Gretchen K. Wing

Lopez Island