To the editor:

I am thinking about kids going to school. We want children to feel confident and secure. Some will feel intimidated for many reasons, like not feeling good enough about self. Now more than ever we need to spread compassion, not hate.

Children need good models from family and community. They will also become models of compassion. They will look for the best in others. Maybe when they feel alone they will look for another who looks alone, too.

As a tutor at a local elementary school I work with many children individually. I am thinking about a Native American second-grader who learned compassion at a young age. He was concerned about his fellow students and me, too. At the end of our session he would say, ”I hope to see you next week.”

HELEN HOOVER

Kingston