Dear Editor, As a family member enrolled at Charter School of
Morgan Hill (CSMH) since its opening, I took offense to and was a
bit saddened by the Dec. 23, 2005, article by Marilyn Dubil,
”
MH Charter School on the Chopping Block.
”
Dear Editor,
As a family member enrolled at Charter School of Morgan Hill (CSMH) since its opening, I took offense to and was a bit saddened by the Dec. 23, 2005, article by Marilyn Dubil, “MH Charter School on the Chopping Block.” I recognize that the article failed to note CSMH’s outstanding features as its purpose was to point out the areas of concern expressed by the Morgan Hill School District Board Members. But our school is SO GREAT that I am compelled to stand in its defense and “shout out” to the community, touting its unparalled program!
Faced with adversity since opening its doors, CSMH administration and family members work HARD to make the school the successful, outstanding school it is today – recruiting and hiring dedicated, creative teachers, seeking resources for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, developing and adhering to a project-based learning program, and enhancing the state required curriculum with an enrichment program, including Agriculture, Art, Music, Spanish, and PE.
Our son, now an 8th grader, has been a student at CSMH since 4th grade. Through project-based learning, he recognizes the skills and responsibility needed to work with others to achieve a common goal.
He has no fear of and actually enjoys giving presentations, learned by years of presenting projects to fellow students and parents. These everyday, life skills he learned at CSMH.
Spanish – by the time our son enters high school he will be prepared to ace Spanish I. He already speaks and understands Spanish with a degree of comfort.
Agriculture – what other school in our District provides children the opportunity to build chicken coops, raise chickens from eggs, garden and solve gopher problems, design and build a greenhouse, and vaccinate hoofed animals?
Art/Music – dedicated Art and Music teachers share their talent weekly with grades K-5, and also work some with the Middle School students.
Finally, two dedicated PE teachers ensure weekly physical education for ALL students, including nutrition, fitness, skill development and intramural activities.
CSMH is a success story! Its success shines through the students, quantified in its Academic Performance Index score (831), and demonstrated in the ownership and participation in school activities, and enthusiasm and appreciation expressed by both students and parents. We love our school and to suggest that it is “on the chopping block” is a slap in the face!
Janelle Cox, Morgan Hill
Editor’s Note: In a front page article on Nov. 8, the Times published a story about the renewal of the Charter School and mentioned all of the items listed by the author. It is available to subscribers at our Web site, www.morganhilltimes.com
