I am huge proponent of good public schools. I feel that children learn invaluable social and academic skills in good public schools. So, three years ago, we moved our family to Clyde Hill from Federal Way private schools specifically for the education that the Bellevue schools deliver.

We have been delighted with the teachers at Clyde Hill Elementary. I have been impressed by their dedication and support to both the children and parents.

As a student, I have been through a strike in Northern Illinois in 1984. The longer the strike continues, children will become frustrated, disillusioned, and eventually angry at the teachers. Learning becomes difficult. Respect and honor that the teacher receives is diminished.

Many parents in our community are angry that teachers and the school board are using our children as pawns in a chess match. Teachers please understand that your union and the school board are collectively destroying the morale of our youngsters.

My daughter was excited and a little nervous to start at Chinook middle school. I had told her that Bellevue School District is one of the best in the country and they will figure out a way to end the strike. They will not disappoint the children. As the teachers picket for the second week, she tells me that the school board and the teachers don’t really care about the students.

We can’t prolong this strike one more day. Teachers please go back to the classroom and let your union leaders negotiate around the clock. Please understand that “We love our teachers, but, we love our children more.”

Please don’t disappoint the children. Don’t let the children lose faith in teachers whom they respect and admire.

Dhara Trivedi

Clyde Hill