Image 1 of 4
Larry Skiba
Image 2 of 4
Ralph Wernli in his Pine Mountain Upholstery workshop, carefully fixing the weight bench cushions for Frazier Mountain High School. Wernli said he hopes students enjoy the equipment and use it with respect.
Image 3 of 4
(l-r) Varsity quarterback Patrick Moulder, JV tight end Robert Gibson, parent Gerald Garcia, JV lineman Stephen Downs (partially visible), Varsity lineman Jordan Garcia, head coach Steven Aguilar, weight room renovation organizer Larry Skiba.
Image 4 of 4
Football players from both the varsity and junior varsity teams worked alongside parents and coaches to paint the FMHS workout room.
Another OpEd by Larry Skiba
As I’m writing this, the high school workout room project is about 95 per cent finished.
The painting was accomplished on Saturday, Nov. 20. The light color really helps enhance the existing lighting.
When the call went out for help to paint, several students along with a few parents responded. With these volunteers the work was finished in a very short space of time. Saturday was cold and wet and I’m sure the responding parents would have liked to stay in a warm bed, but they felt a strong need to help the students and came out. I can’t say enough about students who came out, some of whom had to get rides to be there.
From the time I started this project I have been very surprised by the lack of response from the vast majority of parents. It appears a lot of parents want to complain about the schools, but don’t want to do anything themselves. They have taken the attitude of “let the other guy do it.”
Not all the problems in the schools can be blamed on lack of money.
While working in the boys locker room area, Larry Brown and I observed the area to be a mess. Football gear, clothing, other sports equipment and paper was thrown all over the room. We watched students throw candy papers and plastic bottles on the floor, then walk out. I can only wonder what their homes look like.
I assume the school is short of custodians and the ones they do have don’t need to walk behind students and clean up after their stupid actions. What may need to be done is an old fashion “G.I. Party” (you old military types know what that is!).
The students who use the locker space need to be brought together under the direct supervision of the coach to clean up the area. Then, after each class, five minutes is spent picking up any mess. After they do this a few times, they may think twice about carelessly throwing trash down on the floor.
I wonder how many parents have gone to the schools, signed in and told the staff you wanted to look around. As a parent and taxpayer, I think you have a need and an obligation to see the school as your children see it every day. It may surprise you.
I need to thank Gerald Garcia, Steve McChesney, John Vever and all the students who spent their Saturday morning painting, rather than leaving it for someone else to do….
P.S. Other projects may be on the way.
This is part of the November 26, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you.
