Barrier Busters

Inside this Newsletter

1. Barrier Busters
2. Community News
3. Feedback Opinion
4. Feature Story

The Hand

A Thanksgiving Day editorial in the newspaper told of a school teacher who asked her class of first graders to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. She thought of how little these children from poor neighborhoods actually had to be thankful for. But she knew that most of them would draw pictures of turkeys or tables with food. The teacher was taken aback with the picture Douglas handed in ... a simple childishly drawn hand.

But whose hand? The class was captivated by the abstract image. "I think it must be the hand of God that brings us food," said one child. "A farmer," said another, "because he grows the turkeys." Finally when the others were at work, the teacher bent over Douglas's desk and asked whose hand it was. "It's your hand, Teacher," he mumbled.

She recalled that frequently at recess she had taken Douglas, a scrubby forlorn child by the hand. She often did that with the children. But it meant so much to Douglas. Perhaps this was everyone's Thanksgiving, not for the material things given to us but for the chance, in whatever small way, to give to others.

Respite Program Opens for Children with Autism

Dear Editor:
We are a group of parents, educators and professionals in the community that share information on new therapies, treatments, programs and services for children within the autism spectrum. Region 2, a division of the Department of Human Resources, who is funding the program will close the doors on the program if there are not enough children participating. The program is vital to the need of families with autistic children. Parents need this child care available to give them an opportunity to have a respite for themselves. Having a child with autism is very challenging. Between doctor, therapy and school appointments, parents have very little time for themselves. The Respite program is held at the Rutledge Center, 61 Hospital Road, Newnan, GA. The phone number is (770) 253-1189.

The program is available for children on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. for children within the autism spectrum. The cost is $15 per child. The program is open to the children, 2 to 14 years of age from Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Clayton, Henry, Upson, Spalding, Lamar, Butts, Troup, Meriwether, and Pike counties. Parents must complete an application to register their child. Spaces are available now. There are two therapy rooms with computers, televisions and VCRs, therapeutic toys, equipment, books, etc.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sandy Smith, President of Parent Autism Awareness Group

Parent Responds to Dress Code Issue

Dear Editor:
On September 12, my daughter was removed from her classroom during a reading program because she was not wearing the dress code uniform. She had on khaki shorts and a white top with a Henley collar, which is acceptable. At least I thought so. But no one seems to know what a Henley collar is in our school system and I received a letter from the principal, Mr. Daniels. It is very strange to me that the first year of attending our new school there were no letters written home to parents stating that the electrical wiring was sub-standard and that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers from Columbus were rewiring the school the last few months of school after hours and until then the ground wires were not connected to the main poles. The wires were just laying on the ground. I would think that our school system employees would want to make sure that our kids were safe and happy, most wanting them to receive a good education instead of complaining about a collar not being dress code. If they have time to go around looking and searching for dress code violations, then I think there is a lack of teaching and handling real problems in our schools.

So which do we as parents think is more important? Our childrenís education and safety, or a dress code?

Patricia Evans Warm Springs