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In reply to the discussion: Science teacher being investigated for using the word 'vagina' during lesson on reproductive system [View all]Stuart G
(38,525 posts)You can find this letter in the comments section of that very article...
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Jess Helsley - 13 hours ago: I am incredibly proud to be an Idahoan. I have spent every day of my life proud of the fact that I grew up in a state that is famous for its incredible mountain ranges, whitewater rivers, and incredible history. However, when asked about where I am from, I am NOT AT ALL proud to tell the rest of the world that I spent the majority of my learning years in Dietrich, Idaho. My family moved to Dietrich when I was in the 3rd grade. From the first day I attended school in the Dietrich School District, until the day that I graduated from that same school, I was ridiculed because I was considered an unfit member of the community. Because my family did not attend the same church that the rest of the community attended, I was considered a heathen, and was not allowed to play with certain kids that were in my class. I was looked down upon by a community for 10 years. This form of bullying is not something that I would wish upon any child; no matter their race, religion, or sexual orientation.
It was a privilege to be a student in Mr. McDaniel's class. He was one of the few teachers that did not care what religion I practiced. Rather, he focused on my interest in the scientific field and gave me the confidence to pursue science- even when the school district was not willing to fund an actual science lab with working equipment. Thankfully, there is now a lab with functional equipment. Unfortunately, Dietrich still appears to be a community that desires to demean and ridicule the talented individuals working to educate the greater good. I may not be proud to have grown up in Dietrich, Idaho, but I am proud to have endured. I, unlike a number of my peers from Dietrich High, did not fall into the uneducated biological trap of unintentional parenting. I, thanks to the encouragement of Tim McDaniel and other mentors, went on to pursue a collegiate degree in a scientific field, and continue that pursuit as a funded researcher at the University of Idaho. Stand proud Mr. McDaniels. Science is science, and clouding science with religion- as the Dietrich School Board has done for too many years is not only illegal, but immoral. There is truly no one better than you to teach science like it is! Invite me as a guest lecturer and we will raise the roof of Dietrich High.