C O L U M N S
According
to James
Shades
of
Pinkie
A
Short
Perspective
Blue
Bank
Woman
A
Letter
from Lea
Jots
by
Jerusha
F E A T U R E S
ClanPower
Clan
Kids
Korner
Publisher's
Privilege
Benedict's
Nine
Interactive
Story
Thanks
for
visiting.
A Parent's Letter — by Joan
Previously featured on
the front page of Clandestiny
..
Dear Ms. W:
Please understand that I would never presume to make suggestions to you
on how to coach or how to teach. As a parent and a teacher, I know better
than to do that. However, since Caitlan has made the decision to come
to this practice scheduled on a Sunday, I feel I must express my displeasure
to you.
When Caitlan told me that you had scheduled this Sunday practice in light
of the upcoming tournament, I immediately reacted with dismay. As a Christian
and a Catholic, I have taught my children that the Sabbath must be preserved
as a day of rest dedicated to the Creator and spent whenever possible
with family. I realize that other coaches are probably scheduling Sunday
practices, and that you feel that the girls have a right to be competitive.
However, soccer already takes up a significant amount of time in each
girl's schedule and the schedule of her family. Practicing on Sunday (or
on Wednesday nights) sets a precedent that allows athletics to encroach
on time previously reserved for church or home. At some point, parents,
and hopefully students, should recognize that there is a limit to the
amount of practice and game time available in anyone's week, and that
priorities need to be maintained.
Since Caitlan is seventeen and old enough to make this type of decision
on her own, I allowed her to do so. She obviously felt that she would
not play in the tournament if she did not practice. After knowing how
I felt about this, she did agree to give you this letter. It was not her
idea. Today is a gathering of Caitlan's family in Casey County during
which we remember the anniversary of her Grandfather's death. She will
miss that gathering. Luckily she was able to attend church with us because
you scheduled the practice later and I do appreciate that. Her family
is made up of aunts and uncles who have coached and played high school
and college sports. Her cousins are involved in many high school teams
across Central Kentucky. We understand the value of athletic competition.
We also understand the value of family time and a day of rest.
Thank you for the time and effort you have put into coaching our girls'
soccer teams. Please accept this note in the spirit it was written, and
good luck in the tournament.
Sincerely,
Joan Dixon Adkins
