17 March, 2011
Dear Editor:
Like many of those not native to Hopkinton, I grew up in a districted town (Shrewsbury). We moved here primarily because of the quality of the schools and the reputation of the town. Ironically, thousands of new parents had the same rationale over the last 10 years. This of course resulted in significantly more classrooms for each grade than historical averages, and overcrowded classrooms.
One argument swirling around against the new school is that it will not only change, but divide our town. The only thing that seems to be changing is the retiring of an out of date structure, the building of a new school, and how we group our children for grades K-5. Unfortunately some parents feel that with this change, their kids won't be able have friends across town. Looking back on my experience, my friends at the time were not only the kids that I went to school with, but also the kids with whom I played soccer, basketball, little league, cub scouts etc. None of this will change in Hopkinton if we build a K-5 school. Many of our children's friends might come from school, but they also come from their extracurricular activities. They will still have many opportunities to make friends with children from opposite sides of town before middle school.
This new proposed format isn't the divisive change it is being made out to be. It is a change that will only result in fewer transitions for our kids, smaller grade sizes, better communication between teachers regarding needs of individual incoming/outgoing students, and better parent/teacher relationships. Growing up in a family of 4, my parents had 13 consecutive years of interaction with the teachers and involvement in events at my elementary school. Those Hopkinton parents of multiple children will experience a similar situation. Parents' commitment to one school, although strong at the primary levels, could be better. It could rival the commitment parents make to our excellent high school, which will only make our town stronger.
By no means does this suggest that parents opposed to neighborhood schools do not want what's best for our children. Many believe that Hopkinton is great the way it is and are fearful of change. But, the neighborhood school model has the support of our Principals, Superintendent, School Committee, Selectmen and Appropriations Committee. I hope that our residents support this new school as a step in the right direction to make our town even better.
Dan Driscoll
24 Appaloosa Circle
