OPINION: A No Vote Protects Town Character

Medfield MA

11 November, 2021

2:57 PM

Description

OPINION... "A No Vote Protects Town Character" Nov. 15 Ballot Election a Critical Next Step I was reminded recently by a post by our beloved town historian and my former teacher Richard DeSorgher that "Democracy is not a spectator sport." When I was asked to share some thoughts at the recent Special Town Meeting about why I am voting no for a new school on Elm St. I would be lying if I said I didn't have a moment of pause. Sometimes it is easier just to be a spectator. The main reason I am speaking out is because I am passionate about this town, just as much as I know every single one of you who took time out of your Sunday to be part of this is. I truly believe that what makes this town special is the community that lives within its borders. My feelings about Dale Street School run deep. It's hard to believe that 30 years ago I walked the halls of Dale as a student. Then, after returning to Medfield, I was able to have my two daughters learn and grow there too. As a Dale alumnus, mom, and someone who works in education, I can honestly say that there is no school like Dale Street School. There is something so special about Dale where 4th and 5th graders can grow in a close knit community as well as utilize and engage with neighbors and friends at large with its ideal downtown location. Dale is a place where real growth can happen before they enter middle school. A place where kids learn about how to be a good friend, navigating how to ask a classmate to walk up town, stop at Park Street Books or the library and feel the sense of emerging freedom and independence. The location at Dale Street School offers students and teachers alike an opportunity for walking trips all while helping bring the curriculum to life, especially now with the new state educational guidelines focusing on teaching local history in our social studies classes. The Town Hall, Dwight Derby House and Vine Lake Cemetery are all within walking distance from Dale Street's current location. I recognize that one could argue many of the things I shared could also happen at a new school on Elm Street. But what they can't say is how the Elm Street site is directly connected to the heart of our community. It's not -- it's a mile and a half away. The Town wide master plan just approved as a goal of "Honoring Medfield's Town Character." Dale being at Dale and Elm remaining as open space, on such a beautiful scenic road-- supported by all of us today, IS the heart of Medfield's character. Dale is an old school that needs a fresh start. A saying that many of us grew up with, "Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold" could not ring more true when thinking of the decision here before us. Dale Street School is our gold. It sits at 45 Adams Street waiting for us, the stewards of this town to decide its fate. I hope you will join me in voting No in the Nov. 15 ballot election so that we can protect Medfield's special town character. But regardless of the outcome, the number one thing I hope remains intact is our friendships with one another, and our ability to love, honor and respect each other as members of a community that we all hold very close to our hearts. Catherine Thorp, South Street