Teacher shout-out: Rod Ivy, Golden Valley special ed teacher, has been “a blessing” | Opinion
Shout-out to a special educator
“New CEO appointed for Golden Valley clinics in Stanislaus,” (modbee.com, April 2)
Graduation season is upon us, and it’s time to celebrate the great accomplishments of our students! May we also take this time to celebrate the amazing teachers that go to work each day and do so much for our children. It is about so much more than just teaching reading, writing and arithmetic; teachers are also role models, protectors and friends.
My son has special needs and is graduating from Golden Valley this year. I could not be more proud! I want to praise one of his incredible teachers: Rod Ivy, a special education teacher at Golden Valley who has been such a blessing to us during the last four years. He is patient and kind, and he has made high school more manageable and less scary for our son (and for us as his parents!).
Mr. Ivy is retiring this year, and it is bittersweet. On one hand, I am so thankful that my child had the opportunity to be one of his students. But it is such a loss for the students coming behind him who won’t have the opportunity to know this incredible teacher. Thank you, Mr. Ivy, for all you have done for our George, and for the rest of the students you have had over the years.
Congratulations on your retirement!
Amanda Metz
Merced
Trusted professionals
“Modesto hospital remains in Medicare program after federal agency reverses decision,” (modbee.com, May 8)
A recent Modesto Bee article included an erroneous statement. It is, in fact, within the scope of practice of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to administer any medications that an anesthesiologist may administer.
CRNAs administer over 50 million anesthetics in the U.S. annually. CRNAs also play a crucial role in all branches of the U.S. military, practicing at facilities on military bases in the U.S. and on bases around the globe. CRNAs may practice without MD supervision to the full scope of their education, training and license.
They play a critical role in crucial, life-saving air evacuation teams. Often, CRNAs are the sole providers of anesthesia on the battlefield with deployed surgical teams. At home, CRNAs play a significant role as anesthesia providers in U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals. CRNAs are trusted professional anesthesia providers who provide exceptional care to both active-duty military members and veterans. Their invaluable service should be applauded.
Sonja Severson, MSN, RN, FNP
Modesto
Trump’s tell
“Modesto readers say Donald Trump is a liar and criminal,” (modbee.com, Aug. 6, 2023)
It’s a little strange that Donald Trump and his minions claim that Michael Cohen and others are lying in his (several) current trials.
Trump has a somewhat unique “tell” so we can see when he is lying. Watch closely: If his lips are moving, he’s lying.
Paul Desrosiers
Sonora
Geriatric brawl
“Statewide results for California’s presidential primary election,” (modbee.com, March 5)
Perhaps less people would be prone to leave the two major political parties if a pragmatist approach was used rather than what is being done today. Perhaps both sides of the latest Geriatric Brawl known as the 2024 presidential race might consider the use of true compromise and negotiation with their prospective governments?
I doubt it. It’s why I refuse to support either person in this race.
Leslie Shaw Klinger
Modesto
Missing Barnes & Noble
“Barnes & Noble bookstore will be closing in Merced, CA,” (mercedsunstar.com, March 28)
It saddens me that we no longer have a Barnes & Nobles in Merced. As of May 12, the Barnes & Noble is no more, and we no longer have it to share with our children and grandchildren. We will miss taking our sons and daughter to explore new worlds (and playing with Thomas the Train when it was there). Could they explore these worlds at the library? Of course! There is just something about a “bookstore” that is magical that I will miss.
Who is responsible for the doors closing? Is it the company? The owners of the property? Is it the City of Merced who claim to represent the community’s interest and, yet, seem to have done less than enough to prevent this closure? Or is it the fault of consumers, like me, who slowly deserted the building for a much easier way to purchase items through the internet because the cost was lower?
We all need to take a little responsibility for the closing of the Barnes & Noble and hope that, if they heard us through emails, they might open shop again in Merced in the future.
Dennis Haines
Merced