Regarding the letter to the editor about conduct at student dances, I was very sorry to read that this is still the acceptable conduct at high school dances — considered acceptable by attending teachers and parents! Kudos, as they say, to Mrs Haines’ grandddaughter, whose wisdom in this department puts the aforementioned to shame.

In 2009 our 17-year-old grandson moved here from Pennsylvania, and I dropped him off at a high school dance. On his return he told us of the “grinding”, which he mustn’t have come across before, and was quite taken aback by. I was disgusted by it, and probably to his chagrin, tried to see the principal to give him my thoughts. He wasn’t available, but I was able to speak to the vice principal. He wasn’t rude to me, but I had the impression he thought I was from another planet and would probably have a big laugh about it as soon as I was gone.

I believe that teachers and staff must role-model self-respect and respect for others, and expect the same from all students. Sexual abuse by teachers upon students is not tolerated, nor should student-upon-student abuse. Considering what everyone including children is barraged with from the media, and often the difficult home environments children have to try to survive, school should be an oasis of safety and decency.

Our granddaughter recently attended a middle school dance, so I asked her how it went … any grinding? I was relieved to hear that she hadn’t seen any bad behavior, and it sounded as though the principal had been clear to the students as to the standards he expected. Needless to say, I was very relieved.

I thank Mrs. Haines for bringing this subject up, and add my pleas to the principal, the teachers and the school board to discontinue allowing depraved behavior at dances.

Colleen Bricker

Wilmington