A WORTHY IDEA

Letter to the editor:

Ms. MacAllen's sixth grade reading class at the Weare Middle School
deserves a great deal of praise for discovering and trying to solve a
serious social problem.

In their reading, these students discovered that between 3 and 6 p.m. on
school days, significant numbers of "home alone," latchkey children become
involved in tobacco and drug abuse. The students determined to do what they
could to address this problem. In a logical way, they researched its nature
and possible solutions. They read articles and periodicals, contacted
neighboring towns, used the Internet, surveyed their fellow students and
wrote to those they thought could help (including President Bush!). Their
conclusion? An after-school program of activities that would appeal to
young people. The students presented their findings to a classroom full of
parents, businesspeople and community leaders, the very people whose
support they will need if they are to succeed. And succeed they may. The
students' presentation was so well done that many of the invited guests
signed up to help. I did, and I hope many townspeople in Weare will join
these dedicated students to make their dream a reality

Neal M. Kurk

Weare