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Memo distributed today to all Issaquah High School Students:

ISSAQUAH HIGH SCHOOL
www.issaquah.wednet.edu
700 Second Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98027-4319
Phone: (425) 837-6000

March 6, 2003

Dear IHS Parents,

Yesterday afternoon IHS was the focus of KVI Talk Radio with John Carlson. Specifically, Mr. Carlson was dealing with the topic of liberalism and was citing the website link created by Social Studies teacher Jeff Berka. While Mr. Calson is entitled to his political perspective, we were concerned about the personal attacks that were directed at Mr. Berka. As we review the situation, these clarifications and concerns surface:

- The purpose of Mr. Berka's website over the past three years has provided additional educational support for students. It provides balanced material in narrative form, course outlines, homework assignments, and test reviews. Mr. Berka endeavors to present this information in an intriguing, creative, and student-friendly format.
- While Mr. Berka subscribes to his own political ideology, he encourages genuine critical thinking in his class.
- Mr. Berka is sensitive and responsive to the objections that others may have to political cartoons or ideological statements. When made aware that some people were offended by a political cartoon on his website, he volunteered to remove it. This was prior to Mr. Carlson's radio broadcast.
- I have personally observed Mr. Berka's classes and fomd that he always endeavors to treat all students with respect and to protect their dignity. His instruction is excellent. It is creative, engaging, and challenging.
- Last year Mr. Berka was the recipient of an excellence in teaching award.
- I applaud the efforts of teachers who create other venues that support and encourage student understanding and learning.
- We acknowledge the political diversity on this campus and in this community. In fact, our staff reflects this wide range of political opinion. Communicated in a responsible, appropriate and sensitive mannner, this political diversity can and has been very healthy for us. This is not coincidental; it is the result of a community committed to working, interacting, and sharing their thinking. This school is not a bastion of any political ideology. It is a school that encourages staff and students to think for themselves.

Thank you for your understanding, commitment to IHS, and your partnership in this educational community!

Sincerely,

Mr. Michael S. Gallagher
Principal