Comments on: Fifth Street near Jefferson

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:54:45 +0000

It was indeed a problem of a large file not being received. The matter and the photos are now with the principal. They aren’t great photos of the kids – that photo was sort of an afterthought and they’ve turned away – but likely enough detail that someone will recognize them, including the fact that it was 2 boys and a girl. I guess I’ll remember to use the camera and do a better job of it in the future. Although I’m still uncomfortable with the whole thing.

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:16:16 +0000

Eric,
I did send Ms. Bruder an email on Monday. I included the two photos I had, and an explanation. I have not gotten a response. I’m sorry that the damage is more extensive than it first seemed. I will post here if I do hear back from her. If my email was rejected for being too large, please let her know that I did try and will resend if needed. My email is ldf(at)lindadianefeldt.com

By: Eric Boyd

Eric Boyd — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:24:09 +0000

Linda,

My son’s soccer team practices there. We tried to fix the goal this afternoon, but they actually snapped some of the PVC and tangled / tore the netting, so it will need significant repair.

Please contact Shelly Bruder, Bach’s principal. She’s very responsive. She’s likely to view it as a teaching moment, not a punishment. She might have the kids help repair it.

–Eric

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:48:01 +0000

So perhaps minor vandalism of school property is better classified as “wear and tear”? I still have a hard time just standing by when people wreck things.
The soccer items are left on the field, I suppose because there is no on-site storage, and lugging stuff back and forth across the street and down the steep hill would create even more wear. Sometimes they have left out balls, plastic stand up markers, and more for days on end.
I suppose I’m mostly interested in how to impart the idea that you shouldn’t damage stuff that doesn’t belong to you. Also having some ethical responsibility for using things responsibly. Needless and thoughtless destruction puzzles me.
Is there an intervention that would increase that awareness? The financial impact is miniscule, and the nets would deteriorate in the sun and with use eventually anyway. How do you get people (especially kids I don’t know) to care for and value small stuff so that it is more obvious to care about the big stuff? I do believe they are linked. That is a better description of my curiosity.
I have little interest in punishing kids.

By: Carol

Carol — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:38:39 +0000

They will be thinking about being photographed for awhile and waiting for the other shoe to drop. The suggestion about the principal is a good one and should bring results, if not $$$, at least an acknowledgement of bad behavior.

By: cosmonıcan

cosmonıcan — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:06:13 +0000

That is an “Attractive Nuisance” [link] If the school asked for damages, the parents would be right to laugh in their faces. Maybe the big kids and/or adults should learn to put their toys away.

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 04:15:57 +0000

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
Ruth, it is true they come apart. But they were also ripping the netting by climbing it and a kid fighting the net after pulling it over on top of himself. Minor destruction, but it adds up.
The weird thing is they even saw me stop and turn around and start photographing them. No response.

By: Ruth Kraut

Ruth Kraut — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 03:15:50 +0000

Aren’t those PVC pipe soccer goals that come apart easily and are put back together easily? I think they are actually made to be dismantled.

By: David

David — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:29:58 +0000

That playground is Bach School property. Take the pictures, including the close up photos, to the principal. She is quite approachable and responsive to these sorts of things. It is likely that she may recognize one or more of the kids and take appropriate action.

By: Bear

Bear — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:42:57 +0000

responsibility is a learned trait. This is an opportunity for them to learn a little discipline. No, I will not act carelessly, carelessness has definite consequences. No consequence, no care.

I’m not advocating being harsh with them, just making sure they are encouraged to take responsibility for what they’ve done, make amends, learn from the experience and drive on!