I just finished ready Ms. Allen’s shopping list of problems at the new North Hill Elementary School, outlined in a letter in a recent edition of the Times/News. To be frank, I had to read through this letter several times because while it is chalked full of complaints, I didn’t catch a single solution.

As a parent leader and active volunteer at North Hill Elementary School, I have not missed a PTSA meeting of our school’s parent group in over three years. I am sad to say I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Allen at any of these meetings.

When our PTSA worked to pass two bond measures, I never saw Ms. Allen at a meeting to offer her input about new construction.

When the PTSA sent our strongest leaders to be a part of the architecture committee which gave input toward the building of this new school, I don’t remember meeting Ms. Allen at any of the architecture meetings

When North Hill families were unhappy about boundary changes made by the former superintendent, I didn’t notice Ms. Allen at any of the community action meetings conducted by the PTSA, which kept our students in their neighborhood schools.

When out teachers needed money to purchase new storage units for the school, I can’t recall if Ms. Allen made it to the budget meeting when the PTSA reimbursed the teachers for their purchases.

I tell my kids all the time, “It doesn’t do you any good to complain unless you have a solution.”

Any one of your readers who is taking the time to read this article could probably give you their own shopping list of complaints with their own lives.

What Ms. Allen was remiss in telling your readers is that North Hill has had the pleasure of working with a wonderful project manager, Eric Becker, who has patiently listened to the complaints of many a parent at North Hill then worked to remedy situations from drive-through traffic to pencil sharpeners.

North Hill has a patient and caring staff of teachers and administrators who are working as hard they can to help families adjust to growing pains.

Yes, the coat hooks may be low and close together, our children may still have to learn social skills because they have to sit next to their peers, gasp! But, how many districts, schools and families wish they had the problems we have? Glass half full, glass half empty?

My closing message to all parents is this: you have two choices when it comes to the education of your children and the buildings where they are educated.

You can sit back and complain and write dirty letters to the editor all day long about everything wrong under the sun. Or, you can step up, sign up and show up.

You can ask anyone at North Hill, our PTSA is loud and proud, and we work to make the school a better place for your kids. And, the PTSA at North Hill, and at all schools, is always looking for new recruits.

Ms. Allen, I look forward to meeting you at a future meeting and working with you to help remedy some of the many problems you perceive at our school.

Melissa Musser

North Hill PTSA Leader