After reading Kaitlyn\’s letter I felt for her. How sad it is that her parents would put her in such a situation. My children attended Alice Costello School from K-8th grade. My eldest started kindergarten in 1989 and even way back then parents were not to drop/pickup their children in the parking lot.

The school puts out monthly newsletters and if one were to look at any of these newsletters they would clearly see that time and again it is clearly stated that using the Boro parking lot to drop/pickup their children is prohibited. Numerous notices have also been sent home regarding this matter.

I would think that it would be obvious to most people that a parking lot is not the safest place to be dropping their children off for school. This parking lot is not a school parking lot, it is a Boro parking lot used for Boro business as well as the Police dept. At times this lot is very busy and it is not a safe place for children to be walking about. There is a drop off lane that is often crowded because some parents use the lane space as a parking spot instead of what it was meant to be, a drop off spot.

However, St. Maurice church which is literally around the corner from the school has extended the use of their parking lot for teachers and parents alike. Those who choose to use the church\’s lot do have to get out of their cars and take the 1 1/2-2 min walk to the school doors. It is true that there is no sidewalk in front of the church however there is a sidewalk across from the church and a crossing guard is posted on the corner by the front of the school to see that children can cross safely.

Is walking a half a block not worth ensuring our children\’s safety? Why be lazy? A little exercise is a good thing. Bad weather can make that little walk a bit uncomfortable but it is only a 1/2 a block. Considering the winter we have had…one significant storm….weather really hasn\’t been a factor this school year.

For those so quick to judge Brooklawn school might I suggest they get all the facts before casting any stones. Perhaps the school could have handled things in a better way. Perhaps Kaitlyn\’s parents could have also handled things in a better way. Blame for the situation is not one sided.

The parking lot rule is in place for one reason and that is to help keep our kids safe. Why anyone would argue with a policy that is in place to protect our kids is beyond me. As Brooklawn is being singled out for their parking situation might I ask that people take a good look at the parking situations at other schools.

How many spots has Mary Ethel set aside for parents? How about Cold Springs? Where are the parent parking spots at Gloucester High? It is not always easy to be a parent and sometimes we need to step up for the sake of our children but sometimes it is better that we let them learn that actions have consequences.

The child was issued a detention because the parent disobeyed the rules and while this might seem unfair, a rule is a rule. Perhaps if the parents had taken a minute to evaluate the situation and had reacted logically rather than emotionally they would have better served their child.

Life is not always fair and sooner or later we must all learn that lesson. Maybe if the parent had offered to serve the detention with their child instead of for her she would not have had to leave all her friends and teachers behind.

signed Irish