Letter of the Day: Water balloon ruckus the result of poor communication

Editor, Index-Tribune: We wear our Noma Pride today to signify a common goal – the happiness of Sonoma Valley High School’s students, teachers and administration.|

Editor, Index-Tribune:

We wear our Noma Pride today to signify a common goal – the happiness of Sonoma Valley High School’s students, teachers and administration. We know this common goal can unite all Dragons in the pursuit of a successful, fulfilling and beneficial high school atmosphere.

In regards to the lunchtime incident May 1 (in which some students engaged in a water balloon fight, food fight, set off the fire alarm and wouldn’t return to class – leading to a visit from the Sonoma police) the riotous behavior that went on got out of hand (“Water Balloon Fight Turns to Melee at SVHS,” May 5) – we all agree on that – but we want to make it clear that it was not merely meaningless rambunctious behavior.

Over the weekend, we held a discussion with members of the student body and the general sentiment seemed to be that students feel a growing disconnect with the administrators; this divide has led us to feel out of control in our own academic lives, and our high school experiences have been tainted with tension between staff and students. We find it difficult to cultivate connections with some administrators and would like the opportunity to change that.

The community of students is increasingly frustrated, and Friday was indicative of a deeper issue: a lack of communication and understanding between students and staff. However, we see this time as an opportunity to make constructive, positive changes to the state of the relationship between the administration and the students.

To ensure that this doesn’t happen again, all parties’ perspectives need to be heard and understood. Our student leadership looks forward to meeting with the Sonoma Valley High School administration on how to resolve this issue diplomatically for the well-being of Sonoma Valley High School and its community.

Rodrigo Rico, class president

Kirsten Storment, vice president

Rick Taggesell, student voice

Alex Gustafson, financial advisor

Alejandra Alvarez, activities director

Angelica Griggs-Demmin, valedictorian

Elizabeth Eagles, salutorian

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