I am writing in response to two preposterous letters submitted to the Record Bee (Friday, Sept. 21).
My son attends Minnie Cannon Elementary School and last year our Principal, Tom Hoskins, offered the students more than a run-of-the-mill pizza party incentive to improve the school”s STAR testing results.
He promised the students that if they reached an overall score of 700 points, he would shave his hair into a Mohawk and wear a dress to school.
The students could barely contain their excitement when he made this promise, and they couldn”t wait to not just reach, but surpass this goal. And they did.
Our students scored 716. Mr. Hoskins” actions were not racial, discriminatory, or prejudicial. He went above and beyond to motivate our students. Minnie Cannon Elementary has historically scored below average on the STAR testing.
And regardless of differing opinions, the fact of the matter is that Mr. Hoskins” incentive motivated the students to reach their goal, and improve their scores! Isn”t academic success the ultimate goal?
The people who have submitted negative letters were obviously not at the school assembly and didn”t see students” expressions when they saw their principal wearing a dress and getting his head shaved. The students, and many parents who attended, including myself, were upbeat and bubbling over with excitement.
The assembly was motivational, positive and encouraging. The entire multi-use room was filled with pride ? the students were proud of themselves, the parents were proud of their students, and everyone was proud of Mr. Hoskins for (1) fulfilling his promise, and (2) proving to be an exceptional leader. There was nothing negative or hateful about his actions.
Native American”s are not the only race to cut their hair into a Mohawk. I”ve seen whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, etc. with Mohawks. It”s just a haircut. Mr. Hoskins was in no way making fun of any race or lifestyle.
Instead of making an issue where there is none, and turning something so innocent, fun, and rewarding into such ignorance, let”s focus on the positive.
Our students tried their hardest, did their best, and gave it their all during the week long testing, and it paid off. I wonder if the two people who submitted their letters have ever heard of positive reinforcement.
Jody Galvan
Middletown
