Dear Editor:

Several years ago when I had my four children enrolled at the Bench Elementary school, I would hear references of chaos in the middle school. When my son entered the seventh grade there, however, it was not only a welcoming environment, he continued to grow into a responsible and kind student. I was on high alert for the first while, but it was quite unnecessary.

This year, the youngest is flourishing quite nicely there. The caring nature of the teachers along with the enthusiastic involvement of both principal Mr. Slanzi and vice-principal Mr. Bergmann make CMS a great learning environment and athletic atmosphere.
If the editor would only enlighten himself and spend some time at the school, he would witness the obvious eagerness of both teachers and administration for the success of the student population.

Come and watch a basketball game to observe the desire to show school spirit!

It would be a shame to close this school for it allows a gradual step into the high school and the large, hairy inhabitants that call it home.

Listening to gossip is a waste of time and potentially hurtful; printing it is irresponsible and harmful.

Loree Burnham
Merritt, B.C.