Patience

Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 11:41 a.m.

Lisa, why is it that every time a black man in America gets a little authority they have to be labeled as either "articulate" or Afro-centric"? Can you define "Afro-centric", because if you look at the statistics of most successful black people in this country, they had to cope in an American culture, and adapt to a European standard of living in order to be successful. So when this black person shows any sign of appreciation for their culture, or when they try to motivate by doing and saying things to build on their culture, they are said to be "Afro-Centric". Unless you heard him say somethings on the lines of "I'm better than you because of the melanin in my skin", or "It's a black thing, you wouldn't understand"; then don't assume that he is being "Afro-Centri", because that just adds fuel to the whole discussion.

a2flow

Mon, Feb 1, 2010 : 10:26 p.m.

Don Bee - I would also agree with Lisa's comment. To say no one cares is way oversimplifying. I would say that much of what is the problem stems from lower academic skills coupled with behavior problems. And the lower (or very low) academic skills may be a great source of why the students act out in the first place. Frustration. Most students sent to Clemente is because they have exhausted their options at the traditional schools. From my experience and from the link Mr. Jesse posted, the students sent to Clemente on average have a lower skill set. They may be graduated at Clemente, but they are not meeting state proficiency levels, which the data shows. What is troubling is that throughout the K-8 educational process, we continue to socially progress these students year after year. By time 9th grade comes, they are reading so far behind their grade level, they will struggle. There was an article about Dr. Edmondson a few years back because he was starting to hold some students back who were not achieving while he was at Scarlett MS. This was not common practice in the district, as the article pointed out. I don't know what the solution to the problem is, but the district can no longer afford an education of 23K or more per year. What student (or teacher) wouldn't want the opportunity to work with a teacher with less than 10 students in one class? If I had a magic wand, I would invest my money in early childhood education, not letting kids continue to attend but not succeed. Social progression must end. It might be after school tutoring, summer school, or reduction in electives and greater focus on core skills. This might mean collaborations with the UM, EMU, etc for help in reading deficiencies. We can't continue to have classes where the teacher/student ratio is below 10. But on the flip side, many of these students of a very low skill set will have difficulty in a classroom of 25-35 students. I know the problems, but the solutions will be harder to come by.

pattycakes

Sun, Jan 31, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.

OK, as a teacher in an urban high school in Ca, I almost choked- 25 students to a class is a lot!? OMG, we can't even dream about numbers like that! (My largest class is 39) One of the things lacking in these urban schools and IT IS SO IMPORTANT- are the alternative schools! Without alternatives, you have a small handful of unmotivated, rebellious kids acting out and hi-jacking the rest of the students' (the majority) education. Trust me, having a place to put those kids (usually from dysfunctional homes) is a win-win-win (teachers-motivated kids-rebellious kids) and maybe- win (less money for prison later on) situation! Edmundson comes across as SO afro-centric as to be racist (personal knowledge) BUT we live in a racist society and kids need to see successful and strong role models, and frankly, the proof is in the pudding and RC has turned around many kids. But I agree with the commenter who says that equal funds should be spent on the high achievers as well. Even Detroit has a school for the gifted and talented (Bates). I was SO BORED in Ann Arbor Public Schools! That is part of the reason I myself became a trouble maker and was sent to Commie High. What kind of school district has pretty much nothing for their GATE kids? AAisn't ALL THAT! Don't make it worse than it already is!

Lisa Starrfield

Sat, Jan 30, 2010 : 6:35 p.m.

DonBee, While I am thrilled that these students are doing so well at Clemente, I suspect that their difficulties at their previous school were more complicated than their "teachers not caring."

SimplyJ

Fri, Jan 29, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.

I am a Junior at Roberto Clemente. I have read enough comments to understand how people in the Ann Arbor district really feel about Roberto Clemente. By the comments that I have read on this article, I see that you really could care less about us and actually see us as a "waste of your tax payers dollars". Let me inform you that all of the accusations and preconceived notions that you have about Roberto are both unfounded and untrue. I feel like if you have not been to Roberto than you have no room to judge. People are so wrapped up in the prejudice and stereotypes that have been built up over the years about Roberto Clemente, that they are ignoring the progress that we are making now and have made since then. Roberto Clemente is unlike any other school that I have been to or was accustomed to. At Roberto I truly can say you are more than just a student. You are family. Teachers here at Roberto are always willing to go that extra mile, and that goes for all teachers at Roberto, not just some. Can you say that all teachers at Pioneer, Huron And Community are willing to do the same? To those who do not attend here Roberto is just a school for wayward children, but to those who attend Roberto Clemente it is a Family! We have our good times and bad times such as all families do, but we never stop encouraging each other and we never lose site of our goal which is to prove people like you wrong who say we can't when we can. In times such as this when people have nothing but negativity to say, this is when we need to be the strongest. We are Roberto Clemente. One Voice, One School, One Family! -Jeremy D. Jackson

Killa101~

Fri, Jan 29, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.

Hello, I am a freshmen at Roberto Clemente High School. I came to Clemente from Forsythe Middle School with a report card of shame. Last year my report card spelled E.D.D.I.E before I got here, but since I've been a student here at Roberto, my report card now spells A.B.B.A.A. This school has given me a chance to realize that if I couldn't make it in middle school, then how am I suppose to make in a high school with 3 to 4 thousand students walking the same ground as me. This is a good school and to those who have the audasity to talk bad about a wonderful and life changing school like this one And who haven't even been here, should really consider keeping their negative comments to themselves. This school has the power to change lives, if you would just give it a chance. But it seems like some people are just quick to get their money and education for kids just doesn't matter anymore Huh? But all I can say is, is that without this school, I don't know what kind of grades I would be getting at Skyline or Pioneer.

DonBee

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 9:05 p.m.

In my mind the sad thing in this string of comments from the students is that they mostly echo one theme - this is the first time in their time in school that a teacher cared about them. I find this a very sad statement. We have reasonably small class sizes in the elementary schools and block classes in the middle schools in order to get the students to interact with the teachers and give the teachers a chance to motive and educate the students. If these statements from the students are true (and I don't doubt from their point of view it is) than we have a bigger problem than the budget.

sbbuilder

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.

David Back when I was in 7th grade, we had a classmate of mine stay on-and-off at our house for a few days. His mother had thrown a butcher knife at him while he was fleeing down the basement stairs. The knife went fairly deep, but he still managed to crawl out of a basement window. The rest of the year he went from home to home, trying to steer clear of his home. Many of the kids had only one parent (their mom), having little or no recollection of their dad. At least one family lived in their car. This, at a time when single parent families were far from the norm. So not only was poverty at our elbow, there was real family breakup as well. So, yes, I believe I can say that I can put myself in their shoes. As distasteful as it is, I feel compelled to return to my original point. How much is appropriate to spend, and, at which point do we begin to say that it is too much? I have drawn a line, saying that the current levels are too much. Can you draw a line as well? How much would you say is too much? I'm afraid that unless that question is answered, I'll have little respect for the arguments in favor of the status quo.

David S. Malcolm

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.

In response to sbbuilder, I dont think there ever was or ever will be any thought of entitlement by the Students and their families that attend RC. The danger of entitlement comes from those in the community that want to close this program down. The AAPS has been failing these student's from the first day they ever walked into it's doors. The since of intitlement comes from people like this XMO person on here accusing these kids of not being motivated. Are you not reading these kids contributions to this blog? Who cared about how motivated these kid's were before they got to Roberto Clemente. You mentioned the function of family life in your post. Do you know that there are children that attend Roberto Clemente that have watched their parents get murdered right in front of them? Do you know that some of these children have lost their parent to disease and sickness? Unfortunately, some of them dont have access to parents because they are locked up the prison system. Statistics show for every 100,000 African American Citezens in this country, 2,468 will go to prison. Compare that to 409 per 100,000 for Caucasian's. If the faculty,staff and parents of Roberto Clemente can to motivate student's and reduce these ugly, disproportianate statistics by using the systems in place at RC, Why would we not want to keep it open and how can you call it inefficient? I am not blaming anyone for the shortcomings of others, but why should we make these children suffer when they have found it within themselves to succeed, it just took caring people to help them get there. Everyone can't be as perfect as some of those blogging on this site and I dont know of anyone that lives like June,Ward,Wally and Theodore Cleaver.

Makaila Soto

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 2:32 p.m.

~ My name is Makaila Soto. This is my first year going to Roberto Clemente. I am currently a freshman and I can honestly say that this school is the best school I have ever been to. Coming to Roberto Clemente was my last chance forever thinking of passing High School. If I were to go to Pioneer or Huron, I know for a fact I wouldn't be as successful as I am here. I maintain a 3.3 average. This is the best I have ever done in school. The teachers here care about us, and they are wiling to stay after school for us every chance they can to help us do better. I came to Roberto by choice, I wasn't sent here or kicked out of school. My first day here I felt so welcomed. Having known only a few people, I felt like this was the right school for me. Over the couple of months I have been here I have grown to know more people and have gotten close with them just like a family and that is why we are the "Clemente Family". Dr. Edmondson has been the best principal I have ever had. Any student would be lucky to have him as a school principal. He is a principal that will believe in you and set higher standers for you. From last year to this year I believed that I would never have maintained a 3.3 average and I can thank Dr. Edmondson for that.

paris-iloveRC

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.

My name is Paris Morrow. I attend Roberto Clemente as a freshman. First I would like to state that everyone's opinion is important, and I respect everyone's statements made. I've only been at RC for a few weeks,and I honestly appreciate this opportunity. I used to attend Huron High School. At Huron I didn't feel that things were slow enough, and that teachers didn't spend enough time working independently with students that were having a hard time. I did not get SENT to RC because of criminal behavior and or acts of menace!!! There are many stereotypes about RC. One that stands out is that every student that attends RC is a menace to society or a convict,or soon to be convict. This is not true! Although I am not ignoring the fact that a selective few students AT ALL HIGH SCHOOLS will be in that 3% Dr.E always mentions. I don't think his comments are out of order. The comment about paying now or paying later is very TRUE. There's no need to sugarcoat things. Closing RC would be a bad decision. Why spend money on us? We are worth it. As the Clemente Family we are just as valuable as any other student that attends a comprehensive school in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

cheyenne taylor

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.

I think closing Roberto Clemente is a terrible idea. I was a formed student at Roberto and it helped me so much. I understand the budget is tight but to close a high school is ridiculous. Let's close one of these fifty-thousand elementary schools we have in Ann Arbor. The district distributes money to each school depending on how many student attend that school. When I was there the maximum amount of students was 119. That's like pocket change for the district. There can be budgets, but take other things away. Home Building, Cosmetology, even 7th hours if you have to. There are ways to get around close a high school. And let's be honest; A2PS doesn't care about black kids and they don't know how to handle them. There is a reason why Sebastian Black is like one of the FEW white kids at Roberto (if that). Ann Arbor's needs somewhere to puts and Roberto is that stop. Like the administrators say (right before they tell you, you are no longer welcome at there school), we feel Roberto Clemente will be a better setting for you, they offer small classes, and they provide the individual attention they you need. Roberto needs to stay open, there are other way to save money.

sbbuilder

Thu, Jan 28, 2010 : 11:57 a.m.

In no way do I want to disparage the children attending Clemente. They seem justifiably proud of their school, and so they should. They are receiving a Rolls Royce education. Ivy League boarding prep schools cost only a little more. The point I was trying to make, is that there is a cost for everything. You must always draw a line as to whether something is fairly priced or not. That is a fair statement. I will simply say, without equivocation, that 23k/student/year is excessive. On that point you may disagree, but let's not drag the conversation over into the seemingly only alternative: that of jail. Don't shove that argument under my nose. The attempt at holding us hostage to the idea that unless we spend profligately now, all the kids are destined for Jackson, is specious. And, bballcoach, I do have experience in the lower reaches of societal poverty, and it's attendants. Four years I went to a school where we were allocated the scrapings off the bottom of the barrel. Kid's who attended often only had a couple changes of clothes. I could recount to you story after story of hardship. But, wouldn't you know, we had a bunch of teachers who challenged the heck out of us, and wouldn't put up with any excuse to aim for less than excellence. So we aimed high, because that is what was expected. The point here, in case you missed it, is that you may not need to spend vast sums to produce a quality education. I will go so far as to say that in some cases, it is possible to spend too much. The danger here is in entitlement.

ELC

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 9:13 p.m.

CLOSE SKYLINE or move all three schools (Community, Clemente & Stone) into Skyline. Skyline has been draining financial resources for since it's blueprint. CLOSE some of these under populated elementary schools. PUBLIC take a close look at the people you are hiring, and the decisions they are making. APPLY for a FOIA and see what ALL monies are being spent on. TRY DOING THE REAL WORK before doing the easy thing by shutting down effective programs.

Precious

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 7:21 p.m.

My Name Is Precious Bass, and I attend Roberto Clemente. I've attended for the past 3 years. I can say with all honesty that Roberto has helped Me alot. Not only academically, it helped Me change my whole Ora and My confidence in myself. When someone attends A High School and needs attention, they usually act out! Simple cry for help, especially if your a Minority ( Latino, African American ). Don't get me WRONG, When I started I was "Scared" probably because of the reputation. When I got there, I LOVED it there the first day. The whole atmosphere was wonderful. Students showed you love and so did the Teachers. They respect you, like they would their own Child and that's why we bond so well with our Teachers. Last year we had talked to them on a First Name basis - Which probably isn't the BEST way to do it, but the Teachers were comfortable with it and so were we as a student body. This Year has to be the biggest change I've ever seen. Coming from a 1.7 UPGRADING to a 2.51! That's tremendous. To me it seems like when something is going good, it gets put in a position to be taken away. That's NOT right at all and something SHOULD be done about it. More people need to learn about Roberto Clemente then base it off of what they've heard. Come check us out! We won't bite. A couple of "jns131" comments were VERY offensive. Honestly all of your comments were NOT valid, and I understand you have the RIGHT to your own opinion, BUT when voicing ones opinion as RUDE as yours.. you should throw some FACTS into it. Look at Community - Stone and Roberto. Community isn't targeted, and most of the students go there because they cannot fit into a "Normal" School setting. As long as we get our credits, nothing should be talked about. We don't cause any more havoc than Huron-Pioneer kids.. BUT were the ones who are targeted. Something to ponder about. My Point - Roberto Clemente SHOULD stay open and if it closes, it seems like your giving up on Kids that need help like we did. I Love My Roberto Clemente Family, Can you say the same for the School you graduated from?!

K.Jones

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.

I am Kayla Jones. I have been a student at Roberto Clemente since I was in the 8th grade. NEVER have I been in a school who care so much about me & my education. NEVER did I have all A's & B's. NEVER did the teachers stay on me so much about my school work. The teachers here at Roberto do their all to see all of us successful. I could have left the school after 8th grade, but I didn't I chose to stay. I have became soo comfortable in this environment. I was kicked out of Scarlett & Clague. They gave up on me. I was told "one door close; another one opens" Roberto opened their doors for me. I think that is so true. All the problems I had Roberto NEVER gave up. The teachers actually care about you getting your work done. They stay on you & they ask you if your staying after school to make up work. We are really a FAMILY. We help each other. We push each other to do better. Without Roberto, I don't know where I would be. When things like this come to mind I just want to break down & cry because we are doing our best. We have changed a lot. Nobody seems to see it. The negative comments about our school is just motivation. Keep talking. We'll love to prove you wrong.

bballcoachfballfan

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.

sbbuilder: when you talk about putting a price on a child's dream, it seems to me that you cannot put yourself in the position many of these kids are in. The truth is, if we are going to offer all the young people in our district an equal shot at their dream--then we are going to have to spend substantially more on those who don't have the resources, support, or background that some of our other children have. Now maybe this is a political, philosophical debate for you and if so, then I could not disagree with you more. We must spend more on some of these young people. And, as to your comment knocking Mr. Edmonson for bringing up future incarceration rates, I would urge you to read one of dozens of studies on the subject. Mr. Edmonson was dead-on. As a coach in the district, I want to say to all the Roberto kids who have posted on this--coming to their school's defense--I am proud to be part of your school district!

Lisa Starrfield

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 3:06 p.m.

To all the Clemente students who posted, thank you. I know there are students who have refused to go to Clemente and preferred to stay where they were, failing. I wonder if they had had testimonies like these before them, would their decision have been different?

Tiara M.

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 2:22 p.m.

Hi my name is Tiara Malcolm. I currently attend Roberto Clemente and I appreciate all that Roberto has to offer. Even though I am senior I still care about this school a lot. Everyone deserves a second chance and at Roberto you get that and much more. I am so grateful to have people that care about me as much as the staff do at Roberto. Dr. Edmondson has helped to change Roberto around a whole lot. The people who judge us as a school think they know us based off of what they hear. Roberto is worth keeping open just as much as Community, Huron, and Pioneer. Here at Roberto, they teach us about different aspects of life and what to expect, they help us and guide us through. Coming to Roberto was the best thing that ever happened to me, when I went to Huron I had teachers who could care less about if I graduated, did my work, or even come to class. When I came to Roberto I saw that I had people that care about me and want to help me so that I can be successful. Roberto is not only a school it is a FAMILY. I thank every teacher here from the bottom of my heart for all of the help they have given me.

David S. Malcolm

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 2 p.m.

GOOD OLE ANN ARBORITE'S NEVER SEESE TO AMAZE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! The color of some these comments are quite obvious to me. I say this because RCSDC has been a part of my life for over thirty years. My mother and her sister were two of the first school bus drivers that drove for RC in the 70's. I was a student in the 80's at RC and still visit often because my wife works there. As a child my mother would take me to Mr. Dulin for a chat when I was acting out or getting in trouble. This program is of vital importance to it's student body and the Ann Arbor Community. The faculty at Pioneer, Huron and the middle schools obviously do not care, don't have the time, or they do not have what it takes to deal with the issues that some of kids deal with every day, That is why they send them to Roberto. I know the young man Darrien that was featured in the article and many of the other students that attend RC personally. I know some of thier personal trial's and tribulations they experience every day, I was once one of them. On any given day my wife recieves phone call's to her cell phone from students (past and present) in need of assistance with issues dealing with pregnancy, loss of parents,legal situation, rides to school, etc. The faculty at RC don't complain, the address these issues and work tirelessly to help the kids that need and want help. I appreciate Mr. Edmonson, for he has been charged with continuing the fight to save the children that these other schools and people in the community would otherwise throw away and lable undesirable's. Roberto does not need to be closed, leave Community High where it is, and there is no need to merge with Stone Scool. If the superintendent want's to save money he cant start by getting rid of some of the administrators and teachers that are not doing the job they are payed for and consistantly Ignoring the issues that plague the minority student body within the AAPS. Joe Dulin taught us how to become young men and women, to be responsible and productive citizens. When my mother died in 2002 some of her former students approched me and said that they would not have made it if it wasnt for her pulling that big yellow bus up to thier front door and coming into thier homes and making them get to school, that is what Roberto is about. Joe also taught us to " say what we mean and mean what we say". To all of you that are hiding behind these screen names on this blog, say what you mean. " forget the bad ass black kid's, who cares what happens to them" You folks will vote on millages for art parks and anything green, what about a green mind? No,the cost are not out of line and as a tax payer with three African American children in the AAPS, I will gladly pay more to see that they succeed.

David S. Malcolm

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.

GOOD OLE ANN ARBORITE'S NEVER SEESE TO AMAZE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! The color of some these comments are quite obvious to me. I say this because RCSDC has been a part of my life for over thirty years. My mother and her sister were two of the first school bus drivers that drove for RC in the 70's. I was a student in the 80's at RC and still visit often because my wife works there. As a child my mother would take me to Mr. Dulin for a chat when I was acting out or getting in trouble. This program is of vital importance to it's student body and the Ann Arbor Community. The faculty at Pioneer, Huron and the middle schools obviously do not care, don't have the time, or they do not have what it takes to deal with the issues that some of kids deal with every day, That is why they send them to Roberto. I know the young man Darrien that was featured in the article and many of the other students that attend RC personally. I know some of thier personal trial's and tribulations they experience every day, I was once one of them. On any given day my wife recieves phone call's to her cell phone from students (past and present) in need of assistance with issues dealing with pregnancy, loss of parents,legal situation, rides to school, etc. The faculty at RC don't complain, the address these issues and work tirelessly to help the kids that need and want help. I appreciate Mr. Edmonson, for he has been charged with continuing the fight to save the children that these other schools and people in the community would otherwise throw away and lable undesirable's. Roberto does not need to be closed, leave Community High where it is, and there is no need to merge with Stone Scool. If the superintendent want's to save money he cant start by getting rid of some of the administrators and teachers that are not doing the job they are payed for and consistantly Ignoring the issues that plague the minority student body within the AAPS. Joe Dulin taught us how to become young men and women, to be responsible and productive citizens. When my mother died in 2002 some of her former students approched me and said that they would not have made it if it wasnt for her pulling that big yellow bus up to thier front door and coming into thier homes and making them get to school, that is what Roberto is about. Joe also taught us to " say what we mean and mean what we say". To all of you that are hiding behind these screen names on this blog, say what you mean. " forget the bad ass black kid's, who cares what happens to them" You folks will vote on millages for art parks and anything green, what about a green mind? No,the cost are not out of line and as a tax payer with three African American children in the AAPS, I will gladly pay more to see that they succeed.

Wilniqua Battle

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.

Hello, my name is Wilniqua J. Battle and I am a Junior at Roberto Clemente. I have been at Roberto Clemente for two years and I have to say that I love this school. I came to R.C. from Pioneer High School. I wasn't sent to Roberto, I chose to come here. Even though I had heard it was a school for bad kids I still went because I don't go off of what other people say. Personally Pioneer is a school that doesn't care about their students. They only care about the pay checks. When I was at Pioneer I would just walk out of class because I would ask the teacher a question and they wouldn't stop to help me understand the lesson. When I was at Pioneer they didn't help you think about the future or the real world. Roberto is the best thing that has EVER happened to me. My grades in Pioneer were just D's and E's but mostly E's. With grades like that I was ashamed to go home and when people asked me how I was doing in school, I had nothing to say, and that was an embarrassment on me and my parents. Now that I'm at Roberto and I get the one-on-one help I need with my teachers I am proud to say that my grades have truly changed and because of the climate in the school so has my attitude. It feels good to go home and talk about my grades. Now my parents can brag on me, and that makes me happy. I look at every adult in Roberto as my parents away from home, and I look at every student in Roberto as my brothers and sisters. This is my family! There's so many people here at Roberto that have been here and they've changed the way they take care of or handle things. I don't see why anyone would want to close a school where students are being successful, including myself. If anything, they should close the school that's not doing as good as us and split them up into other schools or either close a middle school or two because there's so many in the same area or too close together. This school is a good school. Yes, kids that are considered bad come here and they change their life around. Dr. Edmondson, our new principal, encourages us to do better and to start planning for the future. He wouldn't let any of us do anything he wouldn't let his kids do, and that's also for the other teachers. People who talk bad about us motivates us and people who are actually proud of The Clemente Family, motivates us too, and for that I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Think about the students who have messed up and have no where else to go. Wilniqua, a proud student of the Roberto Family!!

Lamen Simpson Jr.

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.

My name is Lamen Simpson I believe that Roberto should stay open. Though I am a Senior this year I was able to attend Roberto and was given a second chance. The teacher really care and I know this. I would have trouble at home and my grades would go down. The would just help my get my grades back up to par they would also have me and my family have a meeting. They did this so that we could deal with the source of the problem and the grades can stay up. THAT IS CARING ABOUT YOUR STUDENTS! Neither Pioneer or Huron shows that type of LOVE for their students.

Kevin Bailey

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:32 p.m.

I'm Kevin Bailey, a student at Roberto Clemente. Roberto is more than just a high school, it affects and gets into our social and community life outside school. That's where it starts from inside the home which usually affects a student's academics in school. Roberto has not been very successful in academic achievement but, the staff there puts their all into helping the students that have these problems academically and personally. The staff cares and loves the students here and wants them to be successful by graduating with their high school diploma. In the year of 2009-10, there has been a big change in the climate of the whole school. Students actually want to learn, want to get an education. Our new principal, Dr.Edmondson, brings great strength and motivation to our school. He encourages students by telling us how difficult life will be in the real world without an education. Since I have been at Roberto my grades have changed tremendously for the better. I have a whole new perspective on life. It really has matured me. We are a family here and everyone is treated with the same respect no matter what their situation is. In those other public schools the teachers would not take their time out of their personal life to help students. Here, the staff does that. In today's society you need a college education, Jobs are being shipped overseas and the unemployment rate is at it highest. Without an education you cannot succeed in the world. At Roberto we value our education and if they close this school many students will lose an opportunity to be successful.

Kelly Lilly

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.

My name is Kelly Lilly, I am currently a senior at Roberto Clemente. Reading this article, but more so the blogs have made me feel disrespected. People judge our school when they have never been here to witness what goes on. Personally this school has not only changed my academics, but also who i am. When i first came to Roberto Clemente i had a very low GPA. After being here for three years i now have a GPA of 3.5 and am graduating this year currently. Other schools such as Pioneer and Huron don't offer the academic help that schools such as Roberto do. Ann Arbor has been responsible for the Academic Gap for many years. Here at Roberto Clemente the Academic Gap is broken, and an opportunity is made for all. The teachers here know you on a first name basis, and connect with you on a personal level. One of the reasons i have succeeded so well is due to the teachers, and the class sizes. In public schools with a larger population teachers don't know you and could care less if you were to succeed or not. All the staff here goes out of their way to help the students. Teachers will stay after school, without getting paid and on their free time. They do so, because they care about you and your education. They want to help you succeed, and will do whatever it takes to achieve that. Roberto Clemente is a successful program, contrary to others beliefs. We are progressing everyday in our academics. Last year our overall GPA was only a (1.7), and now we are at a (2.5) as a whole. Dr. Edmondson has changed our whole school around. Since he came here as our principle, students are working harder and achieving grades they can be proud of. He has helped so much to improve Roberto Clemente. I believe we will keep progressing and improving, we just need the chance to do so.

Kelly Lilly

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.

My name is Kelly Lilly, I am currently a senior at Roberto Clemente. Reading this article, but more so the blogs have made me feel disrespected. People judge our school when they have never been here to witness what goes on. Personally this school has not only changed my academics, but also who i am. When i first came to Roberto Clemente i had a very low GPA. After being here for three years i now have a GPA of 3.5 and am graduating this year currently. Other schools such as Pioneer and Huron don't offer the academic help that schools such as Roberto do. Ann Arbor has been responsible for the Academic Gap for many years. Here at Roberto Clemente the Academic Gap is broken, and an opportunity is made for all. The teachers here know you on a first name basis, and connect with you on a personal level. One of the reasons i have succeeded so well is due to the teachers, and the class sizes. In public schools with a larger population teachers don't know you and could care less if you were to succeed or not. All the staff here goes out of their way to help the students. Teachers will stay after school, without getting paid and on their free time. They do so, because they care about you and your education. They want to help you succeed, and will do whatever it takes to achieve that. Roberto Clemente is a successful program, contrary to others beliefs. We are progressing everyday in our academics. Last year our overall GPA was only a (1.7), and now we are at a (2.5) as a whole. Dr. Edmondson has changed our whole school around. Since he came here as our principle, students are working harder and achieving grades they can be proud of. He has helped so much to improve Roberto Clemente. I believe we will keep progressing and improving, we just need the chance to do so.

sebastian

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 1:02 p.m.

My name is Selena Johnson. I attend Robert Clemente Development Center. I will be graduating from Roberto this year. I can say that this school has helped me in so many ways more so this year. My G.P.A has gone up tremendously. I don't think that the school should close because this school helps young teens in many ways. This school is a second chance school in my eyes and it has been a blessing to me and my two other siblings who also attend Roberto. The fact is this, if they close Roberto Clemente then there will be no second chance for young people who want an education, who are not getting the education they need at the community public schools.

Kaici L.

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 12:58 p.m.

My name is Kaici Lane and I am a current student at Roberto Clemente. I have been going there for a year and it's been the best year for me. I wasn't sent to Roberto, I decided to go on my own. Since I've been at Roberto my grades and GPA have changed for the better. If it wasn't for Roberto I wouldn't be graduating this year. The teachers and Dr.E care so much about their students and will do anything to help us succeed and be successful. Roberto gives students a second chance and hope. We are not just a school we are a family.

Richard

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.

Several people have TOLD me what we do here at Roberto and several people have ASKED me what is going on here at Roberto. So I am here to tell you what is really going on at Roberto. Every first and third Wednesday we have powerful and deep conversations about things going on in our community and in the lives of teens. We talk about the things that motivate and drive us. We talk about our leaders. We have fun and crack jokes, but at the same time we are serious and about our business. We have trimesters which allow people behind on credits to quickly catch up to their graduating classes requirements. We have a music program that brings the community out for our wonderful potlucks and concerts. Last year we had a wonderful Valentine's Day dance and our entire school loved it. We also had a field day with games, prizes, food, and FAMILY. Pioneer and Huron aren't able to handle every different type of student and they shouldn't have to. That is the reason Roberto Clemente is needed. Roberto is here to help students that can't necessarily participate with higher functioning students. But to say that we are unmotivated and to try and close this school is disrespectful. We are an excellence driven school and we will remain excellence driven. If you want to talk about our school then I hope you have come out to see our beautiful school. If you haven't seen it then you should come see it. Ever since Dr. Edmondson has arrived here everything has changed. I used to be an underachiever but now I am slowly becoming the man I want to be and that man is a Morehouse Man. Without Dr. E I wouldn't even think about applying to Morehouse but he ignited the fire in my chest needed to succeed.

Trey Coleman

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : noon

my last sentace should say shouldn't close it down maa bad

Trey Coleman

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 11:55 a.m.

Hello, my name is Trey Coleman Roberto. Clemente, in the short time Ive been here, has helped me realize that I can graduate and go on to collage. Dr. Edmondson has been my principal at different times since I was in 3rd grade. He always set high expectations for his kids especially for me. I have been in his office then more times then I can count but he still hasnt giving up on me. It seems he is tired of trying to help me and Ive relised that its time to start helping myself and Roberto is the school to do it in. Me and a couple of my friends came hear stright E students. Now my two friends are on the honor roll and people and their parents are proud of them. I still have some work to do and it feels good to hear someone finally say that theyre proud Im doing better and starting to care about school. I think its a shame how theyre trying to close down a school thats obviously helping most of the students here. For all the people who are badmouthing Dr. E he may be strict but hes doing a hell of a job at Roberto like he did at Scarlet and like he did at King. Being at Roberto is like having a family. So I dont think that they should close it down.

DagnyJ

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 10:07 a.m.

How would the addition of out of district choice students affect spending at Stone and Clemente?

Patience

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 9:48 a.m.

I'm so glad those ex-students of RC and Stone voiced their opinions about how these schools have helped tremendously. Furthermore, I think people want to criticize Mr. Edmondson for being a realist and getting straight to the point. As a special education educator, I can tell you that most of the students who fall between the cracks, more than often do end up draining money from taxpayers either through Govt. assistance programs, and yeah.... incarceration, so let's not ignore that fact. Don't criticize the messenger, look at the numbers. These schools are here to help the people who need it most. To piggyback on SamiM, I think if Stone and RC merged, and Community High was sold and moved to RC, that would help tremendously.

DonBee

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.

We need to help all children learn, in an environment that is effective for them. It does not matter what they need to stay motivated and learning - what matters is that they do. Stone and Clemente are in facilities that are probably not optimized for what they do. It may be that is our best choice and it may be that there are other choices. I find an interesting issue with the numbers published in the budget document. Clemente has but 0.5 Custodians and Stone has 2 Custodians. Does that mean the students at Clemente have to take some of the cleaning load (OBTW - I don't know if this is a good or bad thing if they do)? The uneven numbers on the cost of maintenance and utilities across the buildings is an issue no one seems to have addressed. I appreciate the input from the students at Clemente and wonder - is it a catch as catch can to find students for Clemente or is it a active program to move students? I also wonder was it the basketball coach that found spots for his two players at Clemente or was it someone else? How does the district decide who is in the programs and how big the classes can get? How do they decide when a student is beyond even Clemente? I do not find any documentation on these issues on the district's website. I also wonder if many of these students at Clemente could have been motivated earlier in their school career onto a different path? If so, what would have had to have been done differently for these students. With roughly 8,000 middle and high school students to only have 80 that need Clemente is good I think, but I have to wonder, having been in the building at passing times and end of the day - if we are identifying all the right students.

Basic Bob

Wed, Jan 27, 2010 : 6:09 a.m.

Dr. Edmondson turned around Scarlett Middle School. We were sorry to see him go, but happy that he was reassigned to Roberto Clemente. He is an excellent role model for students who do not have many adults they can look up to. He also stresses responsibility to the students. Maybe some students like at CHS are self-motivated, but others still have some learning to do when they reach high school age. I would rather they spend four years with Dr. Edmondson and the staff at Clemente than a potential lifetime in poverty or in prison. Sorry, xmo, that we can't all be exactly like you.

AMOC

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 11:57 p.m.

@ SemperFi --You said "What happens to a kid that doesn't work out at Clemente? They get sent back to Pioneer and Huron. Hmmmm." Only rarely will a student leave Clemente and return to one of the "comprehensive" high schools in the district. In some cases they are not eligible to do so, and in most cases they don't want to return to a place where they experienced pain and failure. Instead, a kid who doesn't work out at Clemente drops out of school. Maybe he or she eventually gets a GED. Maybe he or she can find a job somewhere that doesn't require even a HS diploma. I'm sure some of them do OK. But many don't. It's true that R.C. is spending an inordinate amount per student, because there are so few students there now. Making this program a "school of choice" might be a way to maintain it at a more cost-effective level. But the program is pretty effective in getting students to complete high school, most of whom would otherwise be dropouts.

skfina2

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:47 p.m.

I am a middle school teacher in a neighboring district that does not have any sort of alternative program for middle school students, like that at Roberto Clemente. Instead, these students disrupt the learning environment of the 30 or so other kids in my classroom. Who would win if they were removed and put in a structured environment with a waaaayyyy lower student-teacher ratio? Everybody. It's sad to say, but I do have students that I truly believe will end up in the penal system if they continue on their present path. Wouldn't it be great if we could get them on another path, before they cost us taxpayers many thousands of dollars a year in incarceration costs? Ann Arbor is fortunate that their children have that opportunity. Ben, keep up the good work at Roberto Clemente. You rock!

DSB

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10 p.m.

Well. I'm a student at pioneer high school. Reberto Clemente should NOT be closed down. It is acceptable to justify buying $80,000 dollar cameras, and a $3.1 million dollar watershed project, yet not OUR own students. People at the larger schools do not care about how their students do. Let's be real if you fail all of your classes at pioneer?huron who will even say a word to you. I read some very ridiculous and ignorant comments. "They can't operate in a normal environment. The children who are there are mostly convicts and/or troubled children. No normal hi school in their right mind would accept them." -jns131 You should be ashamed of the sheer stupidity and ignorance of this comment. You say they can't operate in a "normal" "hi school" environment. By the way what is "normal"? You show no awareness or consideration of the varying situations and circumstances of these students. "You would see a mass exodus of parents pulling children out of that school because those parents do not want their children seen with those children. Quite frankly I can't blame em." -jns131 This sounds a lot like parents pulling their children out of recently desegregated schools to me. Agree? Maybe have faith in your child and don't blame a program that actually helps their students. C'mon now bro. seriously? And for the "99%" of motivated children. You cannot sincerely believe this figure. I have observed that Clemente students are just as and ofter more motivated than students at schools that do not push them to succeed. There are more factors than just motivation that can alter a child's output in school. For example economic situation and social background, everyone doesnt come from a household with a white picket fence 2.4 children and a dog. Just a thought. Keep Clemente open. -Mani Herring

sbbuilder

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 9:07 p.m.

What some poster's are saying is that, at some point, the cost is too high. "What price can you put on a child's dream?" Actually, you must put a price on this dream. Since we do not have an unlimited pot of money, we must put a price on the dreams of these kids, as well as the dreams of EVERY OTHER kid. Some folks believe we are already overspending on these kids. Does this make us "hateful"? What jibberish. I would ask, then, what you would consider too much. How about $734,000 per child/year? Too much? Then, by golly, draw a line. You see, you must come back eventually to money. Like it or not. I think the most impertinent, churlish, disrespectful comment of all was, of all things, from the principal. To equate spending on education with prison costs is pedantic to the extreme. This type of thinking comes from years of heading down the wrong path. Should we just canvass the local prison to find out their costs, then peg our local education funding to line up? Has all logic fled to the hills? Here's an idea: send all these kids to Greenhills, which I believe costs about 16k/year, along with 7k extra for all the little extras and see how they do.

Julie

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:20 p.m.

MikeD I couldn't have said it better. The messages from these kids here on this thread speak for themselves. You guys rock, and yes, you are worth it. Of course you are. And there are plenty of us who will continue to do everything we can to support you. For the naysayers -- these kids were failing in traditional schools. So, what, throw them back in there? Who wins in that situation??? Not these kids. Not the other kids in the classes. And not society.

Mike D.

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.

It's great to hear from students about their positive experiences at Roberto Clemente. It sounds like there's a real spirit of achievement there--one that could be a model for other AAPS high schools. The cost is high, but it's pretty standard to spend a lot more on at-risk kids. If the choice is extravagantly funded after-school sports or extravagantly funded academic programs like Clemente, the choice is obvious.

jns131

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

Hate to say it, but if Clemente closes? They become Stones problem because they were kicked out of traditional hi schools in the first place. Plus there are reasons they are there. They can't operate in a normal environment. The children who are there are mostly convicts and/or troubled children. No normal hi school in their right mind would accept them. As for sending them to skyline or community? You would see a mass exodus of parents pulling children out of that school because those parents do not want their children seen with those children. Quite frankly I can't blame em.

mama247

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:34 p.m.

Thank you to the RC students who have written so enthusiastically about the love of learning at their school. Mr. Edmonson has high expectations of his students and they are truly rising. The school has improved culturally and intellectually with the arrival of Mr. Edmonson; it is a safe community of scholarship. We need to protect and serve children who have not been protected and served adequately in our schools and society. They are as bright and valuable as the students in the "A.P." (Advanced Placement) classes. There is a direct correlation of educational "success" to economic disparity which cannot be disregarded.

Samuel

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.

Hello, I am a student of R.C. I have just started going to R.C. this year and it was vary helpful. I wanted to make a few comments about what people have said about R.C. first, I want to say if people want to think they all know what R.C. is about and I am talking about the people with the negative comments like "99% of the students at Roberto don't care about their education" YOU ARE WRONG!!! How do you know what it is like have you ever been there or seen how we work to tell you the truth that was vary rude and totally unnecessary. I onces was a problem student at Tappan Middle School and I had pretty much I think maybe E's in most of my classes getting sent down to the planing center every day. Then going to R.C. and getting C's,B's, and A's and have not even got into any trouble this year. To tell you the truth I think that is a big improvement to me so I think all the people that have negative things to say about R.C. "DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER" and come see what it is all about this is my own time I am taking out to tell you how much I LOVE!!! R.C. and how much kids like me need this program and to tell you the truth in the next few years I think Dr.Edmondson could make this a vary nice school with a higher G.P.A then most schools and maybe even a high success rate then most schools. So i don't think this school should go any where but only to strive and succeed for better. AND WE ARE THE ROBERTO CLEMENTE FAMILY!!!!!!!

Rosie

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 6:45 p.m.

If AAPS opened up Clemente's enrollment to neighboring districts they might be able to make the per student expenditure look more attractive. Could they also possibly look at how the COPE program fits into the equation? The COPE program, run by a non-profit, (see info. at their website): http://www.cope1.org/About%20Us/history.html recently moved into the former Ardis school building in Ypsilanti. Possibly some kind of arrangement can be made so that all the alternative schools in the area (not just Ann Arbor but Ypsilanti, Saline, Willow Run, etc.) can best meet the needs of the students while consolidating services when enrollments are low.

sh1

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 6:15 p.m.

I appreciate the young people of Clemente posting here; it's wonderful that they want people to come see their school. I think 95% of the people that post against schools have not spent meaningful time in one in decades. They really need to see the miracles our kids and teachers are working.

Lisa Starrfield

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 6:03 p.m.

I have to admit that I know little about Clemente. Maybe one of the students can tell us more about the program.

a2grateful

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 5:56 p.m.

@Sebastian, Richard, and Darien: Good job! Keep working! There are many that believe in all of you!

DagnyJ

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 4:50 p.m.

BTW, Ben Edmundson is a wonderful educator and we as a district are lucky he is here.

DagnyJ

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 4:28 p.m.

That the same people arguing for Community are not arguing here for Clemente hints at the sad truth about Ann Arbor "progressives." The "haves" wanting to have more, and only caring about folks who have less when it doesn't cut into their piece of the pie.

wln15

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:49 p.m.

"Let's pick 80 of the best, brightest, most creative students in the AAPS and spend 23K on them. You know, balance out the teeter-totter a bit." My guess is that most of those students have families that are already doing that and have been throughout the children's lives.

darien

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:46 p.m.

Hi, My name is Darien Hill. I am the person on the picture. You people in the community that say negative things about Roberto are just motivation for us to keep going harder and stronger than ever. I would also like to say that Dr.Edmondson has completely changed the climate and the culture of Roberto. I don't want to compare things to last year but we have made a drastic change in behavior and attitude. We are on the right path to getting this school back on track and you people down talk us like we are doing something wrong. My outlook on this whole situation is that there is nothing wrong with change, that sometimes change is needed, and it has been a positive change that happened here at Roberto. The comments that one person made about 99% of the students at Roberto don't care about their education is completely false and that accusation was wrong of he/she to say. Our GPA at the start of the this school year was 1.7 and thats nothing to be proud of and now we are over a 2.5 school wide GPA. We are striving to make ourselves better and i'm looking forward to the rest of the year and and hopefully next year we are here because I need Roberto WE ARE A FAMILY. Would you want someone to break up your family?

a2grateful

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.

Kudos to the students for speaking on Clemente's behalf. Keep your eyes on the education prize: it is the key to your future! Detractors concerned with cost could spend some time volunteering in their nearby elementary school. Elementary schools offer plenty of volunteer opportunity to allow transformation of critical negative energy into helpfulness for kids. Both parties benefit. Be the change!

Bookbag

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:04 p.m.

Ben Edmonson is a wonderful principal - and the AAPS is lucky to have him!

Bookbag

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.

Sell Community High, move the students from RC to Stone, which according to data the other day is at half its capacity, and put Community High in the RC building. How much are we paying per student at Community? It's a problem when there's only a roll of the dice that decides what students are allowed to avail themselves of this expensive program.

bballcoachfballfan

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 2:31 p.m.

I want to give a different perspective here. Two of my players, including the young man highlighted in this story, are students at Roberto. Both struggled mightily at Pioneer and had never been eligible to play basketball at Pioneer. Their personal situations are too delicate to share but safe to say, they needed more than a school Pioneer or Huron's size can give. They enrolled at Roberto this year and their academics have improved dramatically. They both became academically eligible to play basketball at the end of their 1st trimester. They both have a chance to play basketball in college. Now I can't tell you whether or not that will happen but I can say this: that dream would not even be a possibility without Roberto Clemente. This would be a real shame if economics cut this program. I know reading the facts of this story make the money spent seem totally out of line. But what price can we put on saving a child's dream--and potentially his/her life?

Richard

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

Please excuse my earlier spelling errors. Thank you. ~Richard Lloyd Johnson, III

sbbuilder

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.

I could say a lot of things, but I'll just reserve myself to this one comment: Let's pick 80 of the best, brightest, most creative students in the AAPS and spend 23K on them. You know, balance out the teeter-totter a bit.

Richard

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 1:04 p.m.

And to XMO. You said "By educating the students at R.C. we are taking away money that could be used on the other 99% of students in the district. Why punish the students who are motivated?" So are you suggesting that the students here at Roberto don't have motivation? Or are you saying that we don't matter?

Richard

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 12:57 p.m.

I am the current Student Council President and I have also been here since the 8th grade. I can honestly say that Roberto Clemente has helped me to become the young man I am today. Without Roberto i would have become yet another young African American male with the "hood mentality" and I would be failing all my classes. When I was first "referred"by Tappan Middle School to come to Roberto I was just a little kind in a big body. I was a know it all and I wore my pride on my shoulders, but after 3.5 years of being here I realize that this school is very necessary and needed. I tried doing a split schedule with Huron and all I realized that teachers over there don't really care if you succeed or not. For anyone who thinks Roberto is a waste of money you should come out here yourself and see the change that Dr. Edmondson has brought about because you cant judge what you haven't seen. ~Richard Lloyd Johnson, III

DagnyJ

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 11:56 a.m.

I say if we close down Clemente, let's send those kids to Community which offers the same thing--small class sizes, personal attention. We should make 25% of the seats at CHS designated specifically for students who really *need* this kind of setting to achieve. In fact, we should do what other districts do that have schools like CHS--they reserve seats so that the incoming classes reflect the student population as a whole in terms of socioeconomic status and student race/ethnicity.

sebastian

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.

My name is Sebastian Black. I have been a student at Clemente since my freshman year. I was in the same position as Mr. Hill. I went to Pioneer my freshman year and did not learn. Too many kids in a classroom makes learning difficult. Clemente is a wonderful school that can really help you if you take advantage of it. If you know so much about Clemente when was the last time that you came to OUR school. Dr. Edmondson has created a completely different atmosphere this year. The school GPA (2.51) is higher then they have ever been this year. If you do not believe take a drive out to see OUR CLEMENTE FAMILY in action.

Tracee

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.

For thirty-five years and School Board approval, the Clemente program has been viable. Now that the issues of monies spent, which appears to be more than twice as much as that spent on non-problematic students, and the racial makeup of the school have been raised, there is clamor to close the school. People, do your research. In any district throughout this country ALL classified or behaviorally impaired students receive at LEAST twice the funding!!! Typically, those most incorrigible are sent to specialized schools that can handle appropriate behavior modification. Which seems to support Dr. Edmondsons comment Either pay now or pay later. Case in point - in Philadelphia an ad paid for by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) repeats on all the radio stations asking parents to unite behind its effort in removing incorrigible students from the general classroom environment, where they had been returned after budget cuts, and returning them to specialized environments, which will be a win-win for all students. You see, general education has not been the same since the return of Mr./Ms. Incorrigible.

a2grateful

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:21 a.m.

SamiM: "I agree with Mr. Edmondson 100%." Me, too. And, I am grateful that you shared your story, SamiM. Good job! Keep working! Best!

Atticus F.

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

We spend more money in the state of Michigan to lock people up in prison than we do on education. And anything we can do save at risk children will help to buck this trend. This is one of the things that make the Ann Arbor public school system so great... Not that we have great schools like Huron/Pioneer. Those are great schools, but there are great schools all over the country. The thing that makes AAPS so great, is we have programs in place to help at risk kids, as well as kids that dont learn well in a traditional setting. You might find that one of your kids could use a school Like Roberto or Community to launch a successful career, or to provide needed structure to save them from dropping out.

treetowncartel

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

Sell community High, move the Students from RC to Stone, which according to data the other day is at half its capacity, and put Community High in the RC building.

SamiM

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.

"Costs are way out of line here. That's clear. You can't justify it and Mr. Edmondson should be ashamed of himself with his "pay now or pay later" comment." I call bs. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for my ability to attend BOTH Clemente AND Stone high school that I wouldn't be a successful sophmore in college right now. I attended Pioneer High School where I slipped through the cracks, flunked out of my classes, and found myself using my time to get high instead of attend school. I was arrested before my junior year of high school, following my drug related arrest I was told by a Pioneer staff member that I could no longer attend the high school. The day I stepped foot into Clemente, and then later Stone, I took a turn that put my life in the right direction. It was thanks to those teachers and staff members that I'm working toward a degree in Computer Science now instead of selling cocaine to YOUR CHILD. I agree with Mr. Edmondson 100%. Those schools picked me up when Pioneer or Huron didn't have the skill or dedication to do so. One less person to keep in prison with YOUR tax dollars.

SemperFi

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 9:20 a.m.

What happens to a kid that doesn't work out at Clemente? They get sent back to Pioneer and Huron. Hmmmm.

yatapy

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.

People who make that comment about not having hope in kids cause the Parents feel this school may be the last hope is completely uncalled for and unfair. Having a son myself who has trouble in school I have often felt like he was just getting thrown away cause he was not getting it. A school like R.C. is a blessing. Often we have no compassion if the problem isn't knocking at your door. These kids deserve a chance too. As far as just sending them back to business as usual at another school. You tried that, thats why a school like R.C. was created. If the school is succeeding,leave it alone. I didnt here in the article that the other schools were suffering because of the money difference. As a matter of fact they are probably doing quite well. I notice that Huron and Pioneer is not listed, only Stone school. I wonder is that just coincident or if they also have high spending too. If the services, resources and education at R.C. are helping those who fall through the cracks,LEAVE IT ALONE!! Remember you can have a strong foundation but if you dont do the yearly maintenance to fill in the cracks it all becomes unstable. R.C. is filling the cracks, leave it alone!!!

Andrew Thomas

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.

@ Lisa Excellent point. Clemente has been around for 20+ years, we should have some data on how well this program works compared to trying to meet the needs of troubled students through traditional high schools. @ XMO One of the characteristics of public education is that we have an obligation to ALL students, not just those who are self-motivated, or who come from "good" homes, or who have not fallen behind and given up, or who have managed to stay out of trouble. Private schools have the luxury of excluding students, public schools do not. I see this as a moral and ethical obligation, not just a legal one. I am sure many people share your opinion, but it saddens me think that this is the case.

SemperFi

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:53 a.m.

The work done at Clemente, Stone & Community is commendable. No one argues that smaller class sizes produce better results. It would be great for all the kids in AAPS to have a 8 to 1 student/teacher ratio, but we all know that is not financially feasible. The fact is that the cost at the small schools is even higher than reported here. The $23,228/student at Clemente and $13,545 at Stone are based on FTE and do not include building expenses. With the entire cost included Clemente is over $25K, Stone exceeds $15K, Community is more than $13K, Skyline around $10K, Huron over $9K and Pioneer is near $8.5K in per student funding. No one wants to eliminate good programs, but there must be a way to balance the cost without the average student suffering the brunt of the cuts. Perhaps all three small schools (Clemente, Stone, Community) could find a way to share space and utilize common resources.

David Jesse

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.

For those of you wondering about academic achievement at Clemente, here is a link to the district's collections of annual reports. Included in the PDF for Clemente is a breakdown of MEAP scores and other data for the 2008-09 school year: http://www.a2schools.org/schools.pa25/2008-09_pa25_reports

belboz

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.

Just because people think it is not efficient / appropriate to spend $23k per student, does not mean we don't think the students are important at Clemente. Heck, I think we should be spending less on my kids who go to Pioneer and Burns park. SO please - don't change the focus of the discussion whomever mentioned it... As for the reference to education and the plight of our society - the study referred to never asked a certain set of kids to go to school, and then a certain group to not go to school. The study simply looked at the outcomes of those who finished school - did well in school, and those who did not finish school. That is more a function of the family life - the parents - than the school itself. These kids started out going to the same schools as everyone else. It wasn't the education that they were missing, it was the home life. That starts with the economy providing jobs to keep people socially motivated to be a part of society and the education system. It does not start with keeping expensivie, innefficient schools open.

xmo

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.

By educating the students at R.C. we are taking away money that could be used on the other 99% of students in the district. Why punish the students who are motivated?

Lisa Starrfield

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:37 a.m.

The question that matters is what are the outcomes for the students? I wish you had given us more information about that.

Andrew Thomas

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:34 a.m.

Okay, everyone, let's all take a deep breath and consider what's really going on. I have heard nobody from AAPS say that they want to eliminate the programs being offered at Clemente, or at Stone. There seems to be a recognition that these two programs represent the "last best hope" for giving these at-risk students an education. What I am hearing is that Clemente is not sustainable at its current enrollment. In response to this, two options are being considered: 1) open up Clemente as a school of choice and pick up students from other districts; and 2) consolidate the two schools in one location, most likely Stone. There have been some who advocate offering a Clemente-like program at one or more of the traditional high schools, but that seems to be the least likely of the three options. Stone's demographics are somewhat different from Clemente's, primarily older students who had previously dropped out of high school and now want to come back and finish. Many of the female students dropped out due to pregnancy and have child care issues, hence the on-site nursery. Whether these two programs could successfully coexist in the same building is currently being discussed. The bottom line is, AAPS administration does not want these programs to be sacrificed for purposes of balancing the budget, but is actively looking for ways of continuing them in a more cost-effective way. If Clemente can attract significantly more students, both schools will likely remain open.

antikvetch

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:30 a.m.

Based on Principal Edmondson's logic, it would be cheaper to pay each family at the school $50,000 to move to Montana.

voiceofreason

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.

I understand the need for some students having a more "personalized" education, but for $23,000 a year we could send these children to the best private schools. There is absolutely a way this school can maintain its unique educational experience and substantially reduce costs.

Jim Mulchay

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.

Any idea on the academic success of the Clemente / Stone students in comparison poor performing (say lower 20% GPA) at the comprehensive high schools? Is this a possible place for the "school within a school" type within the existing comprehensive buildings - or a collaboration with WISD as a county-wide program (and maybe some dedicated federal money?).

a2grateful

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.

As a sidebar to the Clemente students that may be reading this blog: You may read hateful, mean-spirited comments here. Consider that the anger may be fueled by a writer's lack of care and commitment in their own educational experience. They may have come from "bad families" as well. You know what they say about dysfunctional families, right? EVERYBODY has one. Peace, focus, and diligent studying! Carry on, Clemente!

Jeffersonian

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:35 a.m.

Let me get this strait- either these children go to R C or they will become convicts? What a slap in the face to the students.

skigrl

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:33 a.m.

Why is it that there are students failing in the comprehensive high schools that are trying to get into Clemente and are being turned away, there is obviously space available. Is it because their parents aren't involved with their education? Perhaps that is why they are failing in the first place. AAPS is paying 23K to educate a student at Clemente and we want to fill those slots with out of district students??

belboz

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.

So, you're saying that the kids will only figure out how to be law abiding citizens by attending your school? Nice vote of confidence in your kids and their families. While agreeing that many kids need to see the softer side of an education system, that doesn't mean it needs to cost 4 times more than what every other child receives. I'd have to imagine integrating the programs with existing schools can be accomplished.

a2grateful

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:14 a.m.

Armchair quarterbacks need not apply here. Trust the seasoned educators to know what they are doing. I am not a teacher or school employee. I am a parent that knows some of the kids that have been saved by this program. Upfront investment saves lives! Small class size and personal attention is the goal. Why end what we perceive to be optimal? I am more in favor of spreading this trend than ending it. Great thanks to those that serve and save the children at Roberto Clemente! For those students at Clemente, keep up your good work. There are many people in this community that care deeply for you, and will come forward to support you amidst whatever change may occur. Seize the opportunity of this day!

zollar

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 7:01 a.m.

Sine there are only 80 students at Clemente, why cant students and staff utilize the existing SkyLand (?) High facilities.

SuperFreckleFace

Tue, Jan 26, 2010 : 6:27 a.m.

Costs are way out of line here. That's clear. You can't justify it and Mr. Edmondson should be ashamed of himself with his "pay now or pay later" comment.