A thought on an Appleton story

I have to say, I can't believe a school district is going this far. I understand the idea of "zero tolerance" and protecting our schools...but when it comes to education, and fully understanding things that shaped our history, I can't agree with their decision.

For years, fifth-graders in Appleton learned about the Civil War by being in a mock battle which re-enacts what happened. But that’s gone now, after some parents complained that it goes against efforts to prevent gun violence – and it violates a school policy, which bans look-alike weapons. About 800 fifth-graders will still spend a whole day reading and talking about the Civil War. Nan Bunnow, the director of humanities for the Appleton school district, says principals from the 15 participating grade schools recommended the change. Bunnow says youngsters were disappointed, but only a few parents complained. Some of them called Charlie Sykes’ talk show on W-T-M-J Radio in Milwaukee this morning to complain. Sykes slammed the Appleton district, saying it denied youngsters a realistic lesson about U-S history.