Letter: Charter critics need to pay a visit

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October 3, 2012

Letter: Charter critics need to pay a visit

Anonymous Gloucester Daily Times The Gloucester Daily Times Wed Oct 03, 2012, 12:00 AM EDT

To the Editor:

I’m often puzzled at the speculation of people about our Gloucester Community Arts Charter School who have never experienced it from the inside.

For more than two years now, I’ve been reading about what a terrible school I’ve chosen for my children by people who have never sat in on a class or shared enthusiastic conversations about the creative delivery of an alternative public education with other parents in this tight-knit community.

My child started 6th grade the year GCACS opened. Our choice to send him to the charter school was a personal one, as it is for every parent who has his child’s best interest at heart.

We knew upon our first meeting with Executive Director Tony Blackman that the mission of the school and the vision he and his staff shared to execute it was a philosophy that we shared.

Mr. Blackman’s tireless work to get this new operation off the ground has often been thankless, but the reward of happy, engaged and thriving students has always been his thanks and motivation.

All of the teachers and staff at the charter school have been extremely dedicated and fearlessly determined. They have worked above and beyond their job descriptions just to make certain our children succeed.

When I hear the argument that the way our charter was awarded was corrupt or the funding is unfair, then I say fight the system for change but don’t fight our school.

Lastly, I would caution anyone who bases their feelings about our school on hearsay or outside interpretation to come to our school, speak with our parents and see our kids in action and then make up your mind.

I have a strong suspicion it would make all the difference in the world.

CAROL MENDOZA

Gloucester