Letters to the editor

Losing teacher will result in decline

From the viewpoint of a now outsider, it seems as though Bigfork High [School] is losing popularity among students and parents. In the two years since I have graduated, the school's population has dropped, as shown by Bigfork's current status as a Class B school within MHSA. However, it also appears that the students who remain still have a sense of pride and respect for their teachers, as many of the band students wore their band uniforms to school in order to protest Mr. Peters' suspension, and, now, [possible] termination. This action poses the question: why is he being terminated at all, if the students clearly support him?

Mr. Peters has been critical of the administration, which, according to the First Amendment, is his right. Having an opinion is not a reason to terminate a teacher, and I cannot think of anything that Mr. Peters has done in order to deserve this action against him. Yes, he makes his students work hard. Yes, he corrects their mistakes and makes them begin again. However, he does not do this because he is trying to belittle the students, or because he is a bully. He makes his students work because he is passionate about their learning and success in a subject that he clearly knows well: music. I doubt that without his dedication to students I would have been able to start playing the flute in the seventh grade, two years after everyone else, and gone on to have a very successful musical career at Bigfork High.

Mr. Peters' actions within the classroom and towards the students are the only things that should matter in regard to his status as a teacher, and his manner of teaching revolves around one word: discipline, that word that no one seems to want to hear. The administration can keep him and his talents, ideals and successful teaching methods, or they can let him go, with the full expectation that this already waning school will experience nothing but an additional decline.

Kelsey Smith

Class of 2008

To the school board

I have attended Bigfork Public Schools since the third grade, and graduated from Bigfork High School in 2008. Both of my siblings attended Bigfork schools from kindergarten until my family moved away in 2008, and my mother taught at the school before her death in 2003. I am writing to express my explicit support for Doug Peters and objection to his [possible] termination from teaching.

Mr. Peters taught both my siblings and myself for many years as we progressed through the band program at Bigfork High School. Having spent many years being taught by him, I can wholeheartedly attest to his value to Bigfork High School as well as his superior personal character. Mr. Peters has had a profound impact on my development as a musician, student and leader. Being involved in his classes taught me the principles of self-discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork, and assisted me in developing a hard work ethic that has been invaluable to my success since leaving Bigfork.

Through music and personal example, Mr. Peters taught me many important life lessons. He taught me never to quit, to work hard for what you want, and to do what is right. He always stood up for students in the face of adversity, and always fought for what was right. These are the most important lessons that he could have taught. He is one of the most beloved teachers in Bigfork for this reason, as well as many others. He is someone that students look up to, and are willing to work hard to please. He is respected for his skills as a teacher, as well as for his integrity as a person. I would hope that this integrity and moral fiber for confronting things that are not right is not the cause for his termination.

I would like to remind you of your mission, which according to the School District 38 website states that, "It is the mission for School District 38 is to help all students acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to be individually successful throughout life. In partnership with students, parents and community, we are committed to having high expectations for all students by maintaining a safe, nurturing environment that promotes success, learning as a lifelong process, responsibility and respect for others." From my experience, Mr. Peters has been one of the few instructors at Bigfork High School who has taught these values and contributed to this mission. He has done this through teaching and leading by example.

Please take a moment to consider what message you are sending to the students of Bigfork Public Schools through your actions. What example are you setting? I would like to believe that your intentions are pure and your motivation for this action is unbiased, because as trustees, the people of Bigfork have put their trust in you to govern how their children are taught. However, having spent so many years under the instruction of Mr. Peters, I find it exceptionally hard to believe that he is capable of behaving in a way that warrants his termination.

Graduates of Bigfork schools are the future not only of the town but of the world. We are moving on to transform the world that we live in. What guides us are the principles that are at the root of our character, and our roots are in Bigfork. Teachers like Mr. Peters have helped to develop us all into the people we are today, and their legacy will continue through our success. In effect, our decisions are their decisions, which are made through your decisions. I urge you to make the right decisions, set the right examples, "be the change you wish to see in the world." The world is changing, and it will be guided by the graduates of Bigfork High School; what change do you want to see?

The change that I want to see is simple. I want to see a town governed by honesty and integrity. I want to see students with self-respect, discipline and a strong moral code of conduct. Doug Peters has helped immeasurably to develop this in our students, but it is up to you to cement these principles in our government.

I urge you to keep Doug Peters at Bigfork schools.

Abigail R. Rundle

Class of 2008

Peter's a quality

educator

I have had several grandchildren attending Bigfork High School through the years. All of them have had Mr. [Doug] Peters either as a band instructor and/or drivers education teacher. Each one has had a good experience with him as a teacher and a person. He goes the extra mile for each one and they have the greatest respect for him.

I hope the powers that be will take an in-depth look at the actions they are taking against him. Mr. Peters shows qualities that I would think the school would want. Is a school not about turning out quality people, which he does through his dedication, discipline and respect? Is it not about the students' welfare or is it a power struggle at the top.?

It is my hope that the school board will listen to the community and students, as these actions will only destroy lives and the community.

Arlene Hendrick

Columbia Falls