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LATEST SUBMISSIONS

Vote to close Life Skills Center of Denver

Friday, April 20 at 12:01 AM

This Speakout has not been edited

By Santiago López, Life Skills Center of Denver

It is with great disappointment that the Denver Public School Board voted 6-1, on February 15, 2007, to close the doors of Life Skills Center of Denver. As the administrator for the past year, I have been able to see a major change in leadership, management, and overall accountability for the education of the metro area’s most fragile students.

Knowing that the students I work with daily have been let down in their previous educational experiences and now the vote of no confidence is again letting them down, really is tough to handle. We, as a school staff, are dedicated to the growth of our students both educationally and in life in general. Our focus will continue to be on students and their growth for their future.

Please know that as a person that comes from poverty, a graduate of Denver Public Schools, a two-time college graduate, a former DPS teacher, administrator and a concerned citizen; when it comes to our students that a traditional public school has not worked for, I am committed to choice. I am committed to making sure we offer an opportunity to students whom have been left behind. This commitment is genuine and is a passion. I want all young people to realize their potential. I am unconventional in my methods and personality. I also know that I connect well with this population because I am unconventional. This is what public education needs, a different way of thinking.

I truly hope that the community really pushes for true reform with their state legislators, state school board members and local school board members. We are all responsible for the education of our young people. Let’s not allow students to be left behind. Respect the child, understand their needs, and work with them to make learning a comfortable and safe experience. Too many of our students have had too many doors closed on them. When will this stop? When will the true problem be looked at? When will a plan be put in place before rendering a decision to put so many students on the streets? After all, aren’t we all educators that are concerned about the same problem? I do wish the decision were different; however, I know that our focus will be the same at Life Skills, OUR STUDENTS!!!

Santiago Lopez, Thornton, administrator of Life Skills Center of Denver

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