Giving Kids Connections to Their Schools

I was sure the May 11 article, “These ‘Schools to Watch’ Rise Above Challenges,” was going to be another list of failing schools. What a nice surprise to read about successful ones for a change.

As a middle school teacher myself, I have frequently talked about looking at what made our schools successful in the past.

The schools mentioned in the article have something in common: They give the children something to connect them to the school besides academics.

Small learning communities are the new buzzwords, but isn’t that the way schools used to be without this specific structure? Kids were involved in all kinds of activities like the ones listed and grouped themselves accordingly.

This also extended down to elementary schools, where students are much more eager to try new things and get involved.

Giving students extra academic help is great, but they also need to “buy into” the school environment. I fear that one without the other is a major cause for our failing middle and high schools.

Sari Rynew

Studio City