Well done
I was so happy to read the article in the Feb. 9 issue of the Record Bee which described the positive school-wide attendance program at Kelseyville Elementary School. I called their office to get some additional information. Their current attendance rate is over 92 percent. That is exceptionally good. I was also curious about the pennants which are flown outside the classrooms when all students are present. In the photograph, it looked like they were college pennants. I was told that they were indeed the pennants from the college that each teacher graduated from. So as well as promoting and recognizing good attendance, Kelseyville Elementary is also exposing students to the idea of pursuing a college education.
So kudos to Kelseyville!
Principal Barbara Gleason and her staff are exactly right: successful schools make a practice of encouraging students to come to school every day. Thank you for your team work, hard work, and focus.
Carolynn Jarrett, Clearlake
A legend passes
On Feb. 9, 2017 I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a Lake County legend, Nelson Hopper. If you don’t know who he is, you should.
In his 100 years on this planet he touched the lives of so many people, particularly his tribal and Hawaiian families. He was also a proud veteran of our armed forces. He was always a voice for reason and bringing people together.
If you ever met him, you’d never forget it. Like his sister, Elvina, and brother, Marcus, they represented the best of people. They will remain in my memory forever.
I met Nelson in the late 1980s. He taught me so much about local native people as a young ranger who had just relocated here but who had never really known before the soul of what it means to be an American Indian. It was a gift he gave me. I’ve locked it away forever. I have such deep respect for this man. My grandchildren will hear about this man. Thank you for bringing me into your world for a short time.
May you fly with the spirits!
Tom Nixon, Kelseyville
Fill the holes
If Hendricks Road in Scotts Valley is a county maintained road, maybe the county could patch the potholes.
Pat Haas, Scotts Valley
