To the editor,

I read a piece in the Duluth Sunday paper that about broke my heart. It said that some schools are dropping cursive writing. I know that the teachers have too many children in class, and it would be hard to check each child’s handwriting. They say there is no need as so many kids print or they now have computers. But, as I understand it, you cannot print your name on a legal paper; it must be written. I know with the electric signatures you can’t read them anyway.

But I remember when I was young (long time ago) I was taught hand writing and my grandmother made sure I did and I won several contests in the county fair. Just a year ago I signed a paper when I was out of town, and the lady said, “You have beautiful handwriting.” Boy, did that make me feel good.

I had a chance just a few years ago to work with some fifth and sixth graders at the Falls school, teaching them penmanship. We had a ball. The teachers told me that the kids papers improved so much. It was a pleasure to read them. Still to this day I have some of those kids (not kids anymore) coming up to me and telling me they are still trying to keep up their writing. You know how good that means me feel?

I would love to work with the kids again, if there was a chance. Because if we lose this, we are losing part of our history.

Back before the doctors could send your meds into the drug store by computer, I joked to my doctor that I would hold penmanship class at the clinic. He just looked at me and we both had a good laugh.

I hope that our schools are not ones that will drop this.

Pat Nash

International Falls, MN.