Letters to keep Los Senderos open

We have an 8yearold son currently attending third grade at Los Senderos Open School in Camarillo. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to send our child to a school that not only nurtures our child's talents, but also utilizes them to enhance his learning capabilities.

We choose to send our son there for the programs and opportunities offered and for the open school philosophy that fosters a child's desire to learn. The programs offered instill a strong sense of pride in every student's achievements, achievements they acquired through their own talents and desires. This school teaches them to be enthusiastic about learning and to share their experiences with others to help build a community dedicated to enriching all students.

Numerous parents volunteer their time to share their talents and experiences with the students and to assist with the programs that foster and support the open philosophy and teach our children the responsibility of not only enriching themselves with knowledge, but sharing their knowledge with others to enrich their lives as well.

This school is dedicated to raising intelligent, responsible thinkers that will become true leaders.

We are thankful to send our child to Los Senderos Open School and we look forward to continuing our educational experience with them in the coming years.

Although the closure of any school is difficult to accept, we hope the Pleasant Valley School District will find the wisdom and courage within to make a choice that ultimately supports the true needs of our children, and our future leaders. Tamara and O. Jay Cassellius Camarillo

This letter is in support of Los Senderos Open School remaining open in philosophy, as well as the school doors staying open, so that the school can continue its exceptional educational practices.

My daughter is in kindergarten this year. Last spring, I entered her in the lottery for all three alternative schools, assuming we would decide based on our opportunities. She was lucky enough to be chosen for two of the three.

I interviewed and observed the classes of Los Senderos and another alternative school. I also visited three private schools in Camarillo. I was overwhelmed by the exceptional learning environment provided by Los Senderos.

As the school year has progressed I am so glad we made the choice of Los Senderos. I have nothing but admiration for the staff and appreciation for the support of the other parents.

If Los Senderos tragically closed its doors, it would be a major loss to the Camarillo community. The efforts of so many that have supported this school in the past and nurtured it to provide an exemplary education for hundreds of Camarillo children would be wasted. Please keep Los Senderos open in philosophy, open to teach and to kindergarten through eighth grade. Shawn Hopkins Camarillo

Pleasant Valley School District in Camarillo is faced with some daunting challenges. Its teachers are among the lowest paid in the county, and their benefits also rank among the lowest.

It has too many smaller-sized schools in mature neighborhoods, and property values have risen so high that young families cannot afford to move here. The student population is economically diverse, coming from affluent, middleincome and lower-income families. Now the district must make the difficult choice of which schools to close.

In making this decision, the primary concern should be preserving the quality of education. Among the elementary schools under consideration for closure are the district's three alternative schools: Los Primeros Structured School, Los Senderos Open School and Santa Rosa Technology Magnet. Students in these alternative schools' neighborhoods are automatically admitted, and the remaining openings are filled by lottery.

While the alternative schools cost no more to run than their traditional counterparts, their API test scores are consistently among the highest in the district. Furthermore, these schools currently offer or plan to offer middle school grades six through eight, and studies show that young teens perform better in K-8 schools. The smaller K8 environment and long-term relationships promote a positive school experience and reduce high school dropout rates.

Wouldn't it make sense to preserve the education programs that are working?

Why not reward these teachers, administrators and students who have worked so hard and achieved so much by keeping their schools open, and sharing their success with the rest of the district? Margaret H. Messina Camarillo

I'm trying to understand why a school district would close a school with the fastest-growing enrollment, one of the highest API scores in the district, an environment where students are obviously flourishing and the parent volunteer hours, 13,000-plus, are through the roof.

I asked the superintendent why a facility like Los Senderos Open School was on the butcher block to be cut or altered.

The actual building facility received a very high score, while others that scored lower as far as accessibility, expandability and age were not mentioned in the possible school closures.

With Los Senderos Open School's enrollment on the rise, potential students on a waiting list, the capability of being expanded, high test scores and a very active parent group, why would a district close what is already successful? Karen Schlemmer Camarillo