In regard to Ron Friesen’s recent Herald Forum essay (“Too many kids aren’t ready to learn to harm of all,” The Herald, Dec. 9) I believe people like him and I are the solution. He volunteers at Marysville Middle School, while I am at Lake Stevens High School.
As a retired teacher, I understand that this is an all-hands-on deck situation, so I tutor in an intermediate algebra class and volunteer to coach cross country, swim, and track and field. It is amazingly rewarding working with young people, and it gives me a reason to get out of the house every day. Plus, because I am the age of most of their grandparents, the students treat me with an inherent level of respect and kindness.
We need an army of retired volunteers to get involved and help at all levels. We bring special skills and can be very approachable. We cannot wait for the Legislature; we all know that those wheels turn too slowly. The need is now! Please contact your local school and come without an agenda, simply ask “How can I help?”
Cliff Chaffee
Lake Stevens
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