To the editor:

The writer of “Pparents already have opportunities to know what students are learning” (3/7/22), stated, “It is a mystery to me why parents all over the nation seem to think they need to demand a say about what schools teach.” As a parent she knew the lessons being taught when helping her kids with their homework and listening to them read.

I am thinking she might have been parenting about the same time I was — when subjects focused on reading, mathematics, science, history, etc. Reading materials were about people and events but not about various gender choices. You could go to school for 12 years and never feel awkward about choosing not to watch an R-rated movie in class.

The last two sentences above explain why parents all over the nation want to know what their child’s curriculum will include. Personal lifestyle choices are no longer kept personal. Some teachers may speak of the Bible as a collection of myths, disrespecting freedom of religion. Sex education classes in some school districts are no longer basic but teach how to practice safe sex and have students role playing different genders.

Parents want to know that curriculum materials will respect their values and beliefs. It is good to know the Marshall School District is working on providing more life skills courses for students. When parents feel assured that their children are learning valuable skills they will feel less anxious about the curriculum.

A school should be a safe place for all learners.

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall