Recently, I have read three separate articles in the Sun Journal regarding first-graders at Greene Central School.

My son was one of those first-graders.

I applaud the first-grade teachers for the immense time and effort they have given to this class. To read that a parent said, “The teachers were excellent, but the students were more than they could handle,” is disheartening.

I do not believe this to be the case.

Both first-grade teachers worked very hard planning for these students throughout the school year and planning for the important transition into second grade.

All parents have opinions concerning the way they feel a classroom should function. The reality is each child is a unique individual, and every classroom will run differently. Children come from different cultural backgrounds, families with varying parenting styles, and with different individual needs to be met in the classroom.

As a parent, I do not expect my child will be in a classroom without challenges. I volunteered in my son’s classroom frequently from April to June. Each time I volunteered, it was clear many hours of planning and preparation had taken place for the students. It was evident the children were very aware of classroom expectations and not once did I witness hitting, spitting or chair throwing.

This is a class of very active students with many different needs, but they are a great group of children. I never worried about the safety of my child at school.

Brenda Perry, Greene