Say what?

In her recent letter to the editor, Michelle Darnell comes to the conclusion that school shootings are caused by our “monolithic,” “impersonal,” and “sterile” public schools.

If only the likes of Nikolas Cruz had attended a “boutique, couture” private school (whatever that is) – then he never would have felt compelled to set his sights on joining the ranks of those who find their place in history by committing the worst atrocities imaginable.

That’s hogwash and balderdash!

The students of Parkland, and those in high schools across the country, demonstrate that public schools are doing a wonderful job. They are creating citizens who are willing to participate in our democracy in a thoughtful, articulate manner.

These 17-year-olds stand in front of cameras, appear before school boards, speak at events and rally together to shout out to those in power that there is no place in our country for military-style assault weapons. Thank goodness for public schools that are teaching our kids to think critically and act on their convictions.

The onus is now on adults to respond in as mature a manner by changing laws that are based on common sense gun legislation.

Were Darnell to experience the reality of public schools, she would see that, as teachers, we are focused on nurturing the whole child.

We attend to the social and emotional well-being of our students, as well as their academic learning. Her characterizations of public schools are nothing more than false narratives ginned up by those who want charter schools, with their own agendas, to replace our well-oiled public institutions that actually know what they’re doing.

Jennie Knapp,

Kirkland