Alternative schooling

EDITOR:

My daughter, Jordan, is 13 years old and attends Sierra Crest Academy. She is in seventh grade. Jordan has gone from a student who came home in tears to a happy child who loves school and is very happy.

She spent 8 years at Jacks Valley Elementary School and was in special education the entire time. She was very social and, until the sixth grade, I believed she was getting the help she needed. I personally was aware of significant differences in the sixth grade. I had a meeting with her teacher, her special education teacher, and Jordan.

This was the most destructive meeting I had ever attended with my daughter present. We left that meeting and the next morning I met with the school counselor to relate my meeting. She said that she would speak with both teachers and that was the last I heard.

It was at this time I decided to talk with the staff at Sierra Crest Academy. I was so impressed with the philosophy I knew immediately that was where I would send Jordan. I then had Jordan privately tested and found out for eight years she was misdiagnosed.

I spoke with Janice Visgar, Director, Special Services for Douglas County School District, and gave her the report from the private testing. She was as dismayed as I was and I felt for the first time there was a real understanding of the situation.

Jordan is doing well, and to that end, I give credit to the wonderful staff that truly cares about each child. If Sierra Crest Academy closes, an alternative school for children who do not fit in regular school will be lost and one of the best experiences of their educational years will be gone.

Please keep Sierra Crest Academy open.

Gail A. DellaVedova

Genoa