On Oct. 6 Bridges Charter School formally petitioned Conejo Valley Unified School District to grant them a public charter school.

Bridges would be a K-8 school located at the unused University Elementary School site. It would feature hands-on education connecting kids to their world.

It would employ an education philosophy, which among other things teaches problem solving, conflict resolution and teamwork—important skills necessary in solving tomorrows’ problems.

The program includes public speaking, community service and lots of writing, as well as handson science projects and math. In addition, Bridges celebrates our cultural diversity and teaches sustainability and healthy living. Parents are active participants in the classroom.

Bridges’ outreach is to all families who are interested in a school where all the teachers are committed to whole-child education. Information about the school includes materials printed in English and Spanish, and meetings will offer bilingual support, if needed.

Bridges is petitioning for a charter to serve the needs of students who might not benefit from what’s currently offered by CVUSD. The Bridges Founding Committee has experienced educators, highly educated individuals (i.e., doctorates and master’s degrees) and people experienced in creating and running milliondollar businesses, including schools.

I hope the CVUSD board will grant the petition for Bridges Charter School because it will be a dynamic, welcoming, passionate community where knowledge, innovation and individual creativity are honored and celebrated.

For more information, go to www.bridgescharter.org. Jim Floyd Thousand Oaks