We bring in tourists — check the plates

My stepdaughter emigrated from Rwanda to join her mother and me in Santa Fe in early June. Thinking of ways to assist her acculturation, we dreamed up a version of the license plate game: Every time we saw a new state license plate, we would share interesting facts about the state, its people, history and culture with her. For example: Why does North Carolina say “First in Flight” on its plate? Why is Illinois the “Land of Lincoln”? This immediately inspired a middle schoolaged future citizen from East Africa. Given the number of cars we’ve seen here from Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma, our daughter probably knows more about those states than the folks who live there.

Our goal was to see all 50 states’ license plates, and as of today, no doubt thanks to the Spanish Market crowds, we finally spotted a Delaware license plate, our last one. We saw Hawaii and Alaska weeks ago. Fun as this has been (stalking hotel parking lots, for example), our family game perhaps offers yet more evidence of what a tourist draw (as well as a relocation destination) our City Different is. We are thrilled to be living in a place that attracts the diversity that our entire country offers. Welcome, everyone, to Santa Fe! Peter Thorp

Santa Fe

More school days

Milan Simonich (“New Mexico students would benefit from a longer school year,” Ringside Seat, July 27) makes a valid point that students would benefit from a longer school year. After our son was born in Albuquerque, my husband was transferred to Colorado for his work. Our son attended public schools in Douglas County, which, through the elementary grades, were scheduled nine weeks of school and three weeks off, year-round. Because there were four “tracks,” the schools were using continuously, except for the major holiday breaks. The middle and high schools observed traditional calendars because of sports and summer jobs for the students. We found that the teachers did not have to spend time reviewing subjects to get the students “up to speed” after a long time away from the classroom. As a consequence, the way the children were educated in Douglas County, Colo., benefited them. Raye Highland

Santa Fe

Wearing wires

I was very disappointed to read in James Keller’s review of the Santa Fe Opera’s production of Doctor Atomic that the singers were amplified (“Going nuclear at Santa Fe Opera,” July 20); a day I knew would eventually come but dreaded. Just because we have the technology and can use it does not mean we should. Conductor and opera director Sarah Caldwell, former director of the Metropolitan Opera Rudolf Bing, and especially Santa Fe Opera founder John Crosby, to name a few, must be rolling over in their graves. I can still hear Mr. Crosby pronouncing that, “If you cannot project in my opera house, you will not sing in my opera house.” After hearing the results during The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs last year, I truly hope this is not going to be a trend. Kim Aeby

Española

Deserving better

Preschool programs improve the outlook for long-term success of children, including their cognitive skills, behavior and health. Preschool programs give kids a fighting chance to succeed in school.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation this year ranked New Mexico 49th among the 50 states in caring for our children’s health and education.

Yet Steve Pearce, Republican candidate for governor of New Mexico, does not support preschool programs. Is this who we want to govern New Mexico? Melissa Savage

Santa Fe