&letterheadDirector

impugned

TO THE EDITOR: Ever since I read the front-page story nearly a month ago, I have been shaken by the misrepresentation of Pyramids Child Development Center and the impugned reputation of its founding director, Mellisa Felicelli.

There are always two sides to a story, and it certainly seems that Melissa Felicelli and Pyramids have not had a fair opportunity to present theirs. Implied judgment by front-page journalism which, in my opinion, was incomplete and unexpectedly biased, is unworthy of good, small-town newspaper reporting. I am disappointed and fret for an appropriately balanced presentation of the facts.

A truly transformative, compassionate and effective educational concept was developed by Melissa and realized through endless hours of labor, the high energy of conviction and the desire to better serve a needy population. The creative renovation of an entirely empty school building was undertaken, and the implementation of a truly imaginative curriculum, which served handicapped and other pre-school children was carried out, successfully, by Melissa and a truly dedicated staff. They are to be applauded in a role-model situation.

I taught yoga to these wonderful staff people, and my three grandchildren have attended and benefited by participation in this unique program. There is no hesitation in my conviction that Melissa is a person of complete integrity and absolute commitment. If some kind of problem has arisen, it will be because of the complexity of her achievement.

I trust that her side of the story will receive equal pronouncement.

Lola Johnson

Chazy

&letterheadBoard

disrespectful

TO THE EDITOR: When five AuSable Valley Central School seniors were trying to explain their class's actions, they were publicly humiliated at a recent board meeting.

When they finished their prepared statement, one board member began to interrogate them. As she was asking questions and placing blame, the seniors were not able to say anything in their own defense. As soon as one senior began to say something, she was cut off and told that she was lying. Even before these teenagers spoke, a decision about the topic had apparently already been decided and the board seemed to be trying to intimidate them and keep them from speaking.

The board member had absolutely no right to tell the five high-school seniors that they have "no character," nor to speak to them in the disrespectful and discourteous manner that she did. It was obvious that the board did not have all of the facts about the situation and they did not seem to want to be informed or listen to the students' side of the story.

Kasey J. Snow