Gripevine

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

In the May 11 issue of the West Haven Voice, I read that the cafeteria at Bailley Middle school had been extended in size. I applaud that but I was shocked to learn that the students had to have their lunch in five ways prior to this and that number has now been reduced to four.

However, I don’t believe that action is enough. And what are the current space and comfort conditions at Carrigan? I am very ignorant about the expenses involved in opening another school building. But I do believe if anything is to be invested in, it is our students. They are our most important assets and deserve to be motivated to stay in classes and to stay in school and finish it out. If that means reopening one of the empty school buildings such as Malloy or Thompson to utilize it as a third middle school, I hope that will be given serious consideration.

Unfortunately, many students are inclined to skip classes or to quit school completely. However, we may be exacerbating the problem by insisting they go to school in crowded classes that are too hot due to lack of air conditioning and classes when they are hungry because they have to wait for their turn to eat. We don’t do this to working adults. It is against the labor laws. Students have a much lower tolerance level for discomfort and yet their need to learn is much greater. They are building foundations for their lives. How can they listen and concentrate well if they are seated on the top of one another and are sweating and hungry? They are bound to be distracted., Are these circumstances allowed to continue if there are no laws against them?

As I think of it, the cost of a new architectural design, removal of the old façade, raw new materials and a contractor and actual construction must have been quite high. Would it really be that much more expensive to reopen one of the current buildings an add air conditioning? I think it would make the teachers’ work easier too, if they could teach summer classes in a cool environment and eating on time.

As a parent and grandparent, I would appreciate any information you can obtain.

Curious and Interested

Dear Curious:

I am sure there are many readers who would like responses to your letter today. However, before I go searching for the Bailey Middle School reasoning on enlarging their cafeteria, I would like to hear from other readers as well.

Dear Eleanore Turkington:

Can you find out why there is only one door open to get into City Hall and why are there two security guards sitting there doing nothing? What are the purposes of being there. Are they trying to be like Walmart Greeters? More money being wasted!

Gripe Vine Reader

Dear Gripe Vine Reader:

I have submitted your questions to Mayor Nancy Rossi’s office and will publish her reply in my next column.

Readers can submit their questions, issues and comments to gripevineatwh@yahoo.com or mail them to Gripe Vine c/o West Haven Voice 840 Boston Post Road, West Haven 060516 Please include your name, address and phone number, kept in strict confidence with me. You can also submit through our online form.