I support Bridges Charter School, which seeks approval by the Ventura County Office of Education.

Why another school when districts are closing schools and increasing classroom sizes? Because options benefit children and the community at large.

Remember middle school? Not too fondly? Many consider it a tough spot you just have to get through before you can emerge more mature and ready for high school. I thought that way.

Some of the worst times in my life happened in middle school, and I lived to tell about it.

Then came my daughter’s experience: A creative, sensitive, bright, seemingly welladjusted sixth-grader arrived at middle school and promptly began to deteriorate. She was obviously overwhelmed on many levels, socially, emotionally and academically.

No worry–she had supportive, involved parents and teachers/counselors trained to help.

You’d expect a happy ending, right? Wrong. After an entire year –we aren’t quitters–working with the school and ultimately seeking outside professional help, I rescued her the only other way I knew. I pulled her from public school and homeschooled her.

Removing the stressor didn’t magically make adolescence a pleasure cruise, but the depression lifted. A year later, she was ready for high school, but we knew block schedules and large classes wouldn’t work for her; having no other options, we chose a small private school.

Many kids survive middle school relatively unscathed, but those who don’t deserve a free, appropriate education, too.

As a five-time parent and taxpaying community member, I want workable options for my kids/family. In this economy, I can’t afford teaching my kids at home or sending them all through private school.

I’m not saying abolish traditional middle school; I’m saying there’s more than one way to do it. I’m not asking Conejo schools to create some better plan because Bridges’ lead petitioners have already done that.

They’ve invested countless hours developing an alternative that incorporates whole-child education and delivers it on one K-8 campus. I ask that this charter be approved to establish an innovative K-8 option in Conejo Valley for those who want one.
Lisa Paaske Wyrick
Newbury Park