To the Editor:

I really cannot believe that parents really feel that having an iPod stuck into the ear of a student is a safety net in case of an emergency, while the child is playing their music.

Also why in the world would a student really need a cell phone, with text messaging be necessary, other than send answers to other friends in other class rooms or right in the very room they are in?

In the case where the students called their mothers on their cell phones, to let them know about other students with a gun, why didn't they go to the principal, or any teacher, with this information?

It appears that parents today, in too many cases are letting their children call the shots on how a school should be run.

It also appears that there are fewer adults in our homes, and now in the classrooms. How many parents even check on their children and see what she/he are up to, and how did those children get a gun out of the house?

Maybe it's time for parents to be parents and not their children's best friends.

Maybe they would also learn a little more respect for the older generation, and not "flip them off," when driving by, or "tagging" their fences.

It appears that some parents are siding with her children because they are whining about not being able to take their "play toys," to school, instead of paying attention to the teacher and what is going on in the class room, and not be distracted with their cell phones buzzing, or their favorite music playing.

If your kid is a straight A student, and still has an iPod, and or a cell phone, does that mean they have learned anything other than what is the latest American Idol, finalist? Getting straight A's, in high school, anybody can get, just hand in your homework, and ace your tests.

High school should be easy for everybody, if they put half a mind to it.

You say their toys are not a distraction, just wait until they get out into the "real world," of college and the work force.

Mrs. Pat Gee

Federal Way