I am tired of hearing a minority of whining parents trying to force their views on the silent majority at West Seattle High School. Where is the data to show that they represent "hundreds" of dissatisfied parents? Who has surveyed all of the students' families? No one.

Last night I attended Honors Night for graduating Westside seniors. You will not see a more accomplished group of young adults in any high school, public or private, in this city. Over a quarter million dollars in college scholarships where announced, and I'm sure there are others that have been earned as well.

I agree with teacher Wayne Grytting that the opinions need to be backed with facts and data. So far it looks like the parents are manufacturing statistics to support their viewpoint. Yes, there is less time with backsides in chairs, but does that mean there is less learning going on? How much time is wasted in six-period days, with settling down and taking attendance 33 percent more of the time, two more transition periods between classes, and more wasted periods getting organized at the beginning of each semester.

My son will graduate with seven credits in math, six earned at Westside and one at Madison. What other high school in Seattle could offer a student six years of math in four years?

Two young women were honored last night who passed the AP math test in their junior years. How many students at Roosevelt or Garfield accomplished that? What are the progression problems encountered at other schools? It might be anecdotal, but I know of a student who had to leave Franklin because he wasn't able to schedule the classes he needed to graduate on time. What are the problems at the other schools while we're on the subject?

Eight credits a year for four years equals 32 course opportunities. Six credits a year for four years equals 24 course opportunities. 24 does not equal 32 people, do the math! There will be fewer electives in a six-period day, you can count on it.

These are the same kind of parents who whined about the snack machines until they were removed, then did absolutely nothing to help make up for the lost revenue and lost extracurricular opportunities they caused.

Is the system broken? Where are the facts to prove it?

Jeff VanGilder

West Seattle