To the editor:

I read the Oct. 23 article regarding the autistic student at South Junior High and I was disappointed in the picture it portrayed. If someone unfamiliar with SJHS were to read the article, they might picture a bunch of monsters keeping a child locked in a closet all day.

Although I don’t know all the facts, I know that my wife has taught there for nine years and my daughter is currently an eighth-grade student there. I know Mr. Blackbird, Mr. Harrod, and most of the staff personally and I know they are all very caring, very dedicated teachers. In addition to teaching 600-plus students, they deal with a multitude of different disorders (ADD, BD, ADHD, etc.) on a daily basis. I can’t imagine the added responsibility and stress that this must bring.

I truly feel for Miss Gott and the many challenges she faces in dealing with this disease. It breaks my heart to hear of any child of any age dealing with any disability. However, in speaking to my wife, I’m sure this article does not tell the whole story.

It has become obvious recently that the building at 2734 Louisiana has its limitations and has become a top priority of the Lawrence school board to replace. However, I know that the staff is doing their absolute best to meet the needs of every child that goes there. I would encourage Mr. Carpenter to write a follow-up article from the perspective of Mr. Blackbird and the teachers.

Gary Weishaar,

Lawrence