This letter is in response to “I’m happy I’m not religious” letter of July 8.

First off, the letter was written third hand! The details are not completely accurate and further the positives were not addressed. I feel it is my responsibility to clarify the happenings of this situation.

When we moved into this area my child’s services were cut by two-thirds when entering into the public school system. I was disturbed by this, the class size, and further, wondered how a teacher could actually meet the basic needs of his/her kids in a class of that size, let alone a child with special needs.

I took my child to Children’s Hospital in Seattle to gain a diagnosis, thinking this would help to regain her services; it did not, even though the hospital recommended that she get even more therapy than before. I became a special education assistant to find out what the school was doing for her and found that my child’s best interests were not being served. I was disheartened to see that her needs were not met in the public school setting.

After talking to a friend, I decided to place my child in the Christian School, this was a decision that I never regretted. The class size was about 22 children with two certified teachers the first year. I was thrilled! My child was given a lot of extra help throughout the year and because of this she thrived. After that first year the classes averaged 10 to 15 students per class with one teacher.

Year after year, I realized more and more that good role models, tough work ethic, differentiated instruction, moral lessons, love, discipline and being taught right from wrong was an invaluable factor in developing her whole self. So for seven years I felt she would and should be there.

This past year was a bit bumpy and those things were addressed with the administration, and I hope rectified. Though what happened I don’t excuse, I also won’t allow it to color our whole experience at the Christian School. We owe a debt of gratitude to the school, people and staff for all the past years that my child was taught there. I really don’t know where she would be now without it. I truly feel blessed that my child went to the Christian School.

The letter that was written to the editor not only put the school in a bad light, but also Christianity itself! I would like to address this issue also.

Not all people are perfect, however love and forgiveness is a huge part of Christianity! It is imperative to not hold groups responsible for the misactions of one, but show love and forgiveness to those who have wronged. I firmly believe that when you see a wrong you try to “right” it and this is exactly what was done.

B. Smith lives in Oak Harbor. She is the mother of the child whose experiences were written about in the July 8 letters section.