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Category: Readers' Opinions

■ 20 August 2008 | 7:51 AM

Band deserves reward

I could not believe my eyes when I read ('The band can play, but not on the rides,' Hampton Roads, Aug. 14) that the Great Bridge High School marching band will be allowed to travel 12-plus hours on a bus, stand in the sun in full uniform to march in the Orlando Citrus Parade (for maybe 15 or 20 minutes), then hop back on the bus and travel 12-plus hours to Chesapeake.

These students worked hard to pay their own way with all kinds of fundraisers and practiced long hours.

Being invited to the Disney World Citrus Parade is an honor for the band, the school and school district. But along with the honor should come the joy of being at the amusement parks and riding the many rides.

The school division authorities who pass such a rule must have never been a kid, or never been in the high school marching band.

Sandy Todd

Portsmouth

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Did the School Board run out of release forms?

Submitted by Wm D Tabor DDS on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 10:08 am.

The decision on whether the risk/reward ratio is acceptable for riding theme park rides is properly that of the students themselves and their parents.

So long as parents are aware that their children will be enjoying the park and have consented to those activities, it is not the place of the school board to overrule those choices. Any liability concerns can be dealt with through properly exercised informed consent.

So get over the notion of being everyone's nanny.