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When I picked my boys up from Noxon School on Tuesday, September 18, they each handed me a pocket version of the Constitution.  Attached to the cover was a sticker which read, “Free Copy Courtesy of Senator Jennifer Fielder” and her address and website. I asked where they came from and they told me that State Senator Fielder came and talked to the school. 

I pondered this on my drive home. That evening I made some calls to determine what had happened and if this event was political/campaigning, or an educational event.  The individuals I talked to said Senator Fielder led a short discussion about the Constitution and, in their opinion, politics and campaigning were not brought up.  I was also told that her husband, Paul Fielder, was in attendance. 

The next day I called Superintendent Ehinger and Principal Horner of Noxon School and requested a short meeting at their convenience. I met with Superintendent Ehinger on Thursday, Sept. 20. He was open, honest, and forthcoming. For that I thank him.  As a parent of students at Noxon School I can say I was impressed with our new superintendent. So a big thanks goes out to him and the school!

Superintendent Ehinger told me that he had received an email from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) requesting a short session for the entire school (grades pre-K through 12) to discuss the Constitution.  The email was sent by Sen. Fielder and explained that she and two other women from DAR would be attending. Superintendent Ehinger sent an email out to the school staff requesting any input. He received the feedback from the staff and told Sen. Fielder that she was welcome to come but the discussion was to focus on education and history and not politics and/or campaigning.  

As I said above, the information I received was that politics and campaigning were not to be part of the discussion. However the other two women who were expected to attend with Senator Fielder were not present. Paul Fielder was. 

Optics and perception can mean a lot. Especially in politics. Especially when an election is right around the corner. That being said, I and a few other parents and some community members in fact DO see this as a political event with campaigning involved. I have the following questions/concerns: 1. If this was an event put on by DAR, then why does the sticker on the front of the pocket Constitution say “Free Copy Courtesy of Senator Jennifer Fielder?” 2. What was Paul Fielder, an individual running for County Commissioner with elections just over a month away, doing at this event? 3. Sen. Fielder’s Twitter account now has a picture of her at the event, but what is the intent? The caption in the picture says nothing about DAR. 

I am 100% for quality education, 100% for variety in education, and 100% for outdoor education. I am even 100% for our students learning about federal, state, and local government and various political groups and organizations when represented accurately and with an educational purpose. However, in today’s extremely explosive political environment, in which our children listen to more than we can ever imagine, is it too much to ask for our kids to get just 8 hours of peace and quiet and the freedom to listen and learn?

Joel Sather, Noxon