Our Viewpoint
Parents need to help out

This week, images of Columbine and school-related police incidents were brought to Jasper's front door at Rowe Intermediate.

In the span of three days, two incidents tested the resolve of the faculty and staff of the school, additionally scaring parents throughout the school district.

The district's emergency plan was put to the test and came through with flying colors.

During the March 7 bomb threat, staff and students were safely evacuated from the campus in an orderly and quick manner. Once the issue was resolved and proved to be a hoax, the students were returned to the campus.

While the district has done its part by taking care of the problem, it's time for the parents of this community to step up and keep problems like this from cropping up again.

In partnership with school officials, parents can keep these issues from ever being brought to the school grounds. For the parents involved in their children's lives, keep up the good work. For those who fall short in this area, the time is now to step up and be the parent that your children deserve.

The old adage says "it takes a community to raise a child." With a school district that places its children first, we are already off to a strong start.

Roses go to….

t Tom McClurg, of JEDCO, who was credited by Tiger Truck officials for being the main reason the company chose Jasper for its expansion.

Thorns go to….

t The two students who disrupted classes for two days at Rowe Intermediate.