Letters

I am a proud Tuckahoe School parent who has two children attending the school and feels compelled to make a public comment about the article at 27east.com with the picture of our superintendent/principal, Len Skuggevik, over his choice of a Halloween costume, as the Joker from Batman [“Tuckahoe School Parents Outraged Over Superintendent’s Joker Halloween Costume,” 27east.com, November 6]. Several parents and PTO board members raised a concern about this choice of costume, as well as that of the assistant superintendent, Doreen Buckley, as Harley Quinn, another supervillain to Batman.

I attended the PTO meeting last week and found it was not the position of the entire PTO board to send a letter to the Tuckahoe School Board. I strongly feel this concern should have been addressed directly to Mr. Skuggevik and Mrs. Buckley. If corrective action was not immediately taken, it would then be elevated one step — and neither would involve the PTO or going out to the public.

This was not fair to Mr. Skuggevik, Mrs. Buckley, their families, friends, the Tuckahoe School Board, teachers, faculty and staff. I have witnessed Mr. Skuggevik and Mrs. Buckley put their heart and soul into their job each day and every day. They would never have the intention to upset or hurt anyone.

I feel the public now deserves to hear a balanced view of Tuckahoe School and our leaders. Tuckahoe School fosters a community feel, where there is a great sense of belonging and connection within. The leadership, teachers, faculty and staff continuously focus their efforts in making a meaningful contribution, day in and day out.

In the four-plus years I have had at least one child attending the school, I have seen this administration hire the best teachers. I have witnessed each new teacher make an immediate positive impact, thus complementing our amazing veteran teachers and staff who make up the heart and soul of the school.

Just this past weekend, I experienced the noticeable impact of Tuckahoe School. All my son could talk about was his school project and that he was excited about completing it. My daughter used a saying she learned at school and said, “Come on, Dad, teamwork makes the dream work!”

Moving forward, I would encourage our Tuckahoe family to pivot to the qualities that have made generations of Tuckahoe families contributing members of society: respect, positive attitude, empathy, compassion, encouragement, appreciation and understanding.

Lastly, when we are faced with an issue or concern with one another, let us communicate directly with the person in a fair and constructive manner. Keeping it “in house.”

Rob Essay Jr.

Southampton