Dear Dr. Maestas,
I am writing you today as a concerned parentt. Coronado Elementary School a dual language magnet school located within your district, is being offered in a proposal for closure by Board Member David Robbins as a means of saving the district money. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the board meeting this evening but wanted to voice my concerns over Mr Robbins's proposal.
My name is BreAnne Garcia-McClellan, I am the proud parent of an Honorable Caballero of Coronado Elementary School. My son will enter the 1st grade at Coronado in the fall. As you know Coronado is a Dual Language magnet school. When I first heard of Coronado Elementary and its curriculum my son was just entering Pre-K at another school. I was intrigued by the idea of children being taught in a Spanish immersion setting. I did my research and realized that attending Coronado would be an amazing opportunity for my son. I spent a great deal of time researching schools for my son both public and charter. As it is for most parents private school was well out of my financial reach. I looked at curriculum, teaching style and philosophy. I entered my son in several charter school lotteries in addition to applying for a transfer to Coronado. I had chosen another school for my son last spring. But as time went by I became uncomfortable with my decision and kept going back to the idea of Coronado Elementary for my son. As my husband and I struggled to come up with the right choice for our son's education I received a call from Coronado informing me that they still had a spot for my son. That was it our decision was made. I registered my son, and I have never been more pleased with a decision. My son entered kindergarten a shy boy who had only ever spoken English. He has emerged from kindergarten as a confident, outgoing, bilingual boy. He has blossomed and shined at Coronado in ways I could never have imagined. At 6 yrs old he is confident speaking and reading in two languages, one of which he only began to learn nine months ago. I attribute this to the amazing teachers, staff and principal at Coronado. Credit must also be given to the community of parents at Coronado. Their dedication to the school and all of the students is beyond words. Our principal Sra. Ulibarri is a positive and active presence in these students lives. She knows her students by name, they know her as a part of their school and not someone to be feared. You cannot put a price on that. I attended a Catholic private school for elementary school. My principal Mr Sea was out every day serving as our crossing guard. I knew him, he knew me and I felt safe and important. I never thought that my son would have that kind of experience. I feel blessed and privileged that he has had that at Coronado.
I know that in these economic times cuts must be made. But to close this school and set 250 students adrift is unacceptable. What are we saying to our children about their worth if we say that their education costs too much? Our children deserve the best that we can give them. We owe it to them to prepare them for the world. Our children are not only learning the basics or a second language. They are learning how to navigate a multicultural world with respect and understanding. Every thing you need to know about our school, our community of students, teachers, parents and staff can be found in our Mission Statement and our Core Values.
Mission Statement
We, the honorable Caballeros of Coronado Dual Language Magnet School, will enrich our community and our world by ensuring success as biliterate, life-long learners.
Core Values
- Academic Excellence
- Two-way Communication
- Diversity
- Biliteracy
- Community
- Physical and Emotional Well-being
I beg you to look elsewhere when making your cuts and preserve our school as a model for what we can do and not as a financial drain.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
BreAnne Garcia-McClellan
