And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Organization: The University of Michigan - Flint
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Date: Tue, 16 Mar 1999 10:43:13 EDT
>Subject: Re: Charter School for American Indians/Latino/a's
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>
>Ish.....
>
>Last night I received a phone call from James Goenner, the Director of the
>charter school office at Central Michigan University to let me know that
>our application for a charter school was denied by CMU's Board of Regents.
>
>Although a lot of people are going to say that our detractors had an
impact on
>CMU's decision I want to stress that is as far from reality as I am from the
>planet Venus. The fact of the matter is this: we did not have a good site
for
>the school. The best site was in the south end of Flint and we wanted a site
>on the east side of Flint where the great majority of Latino/a and
>American Indian people reside. A school on the south end would have been a
>greater traveling distance than one on the east side and it would not have
>been
>as convenient for the parents, relatives and community members who
>want to be involved in the school. Strategically speaking...it did not make
>sense.
>
>During the past few months the Flint people involved in the charter school
>have
>had some incredible experiences, have made new friends, and have learned the
>meaning of class from the people at Advantage Schools, Inc. (Boston,
>massachusetts). We took a trip to Advantage's school in Kalamazoo and
>witnessed Advantage in action...a very positive and encouraging experience.
>We
>took a trip to Central Michigan University and met James Goenner who is
>determined to improve the quality of education for Michigan children. At
>every
>level imaginable...the people involved with us have been dedicated people.
>
>We have received national attention from various American Indian and Latino
>groups, newspapers, and magazines. Many of our people are looking for
>alternative means of education...for many reasons....for our children. We
>have
>been sharing our experiences and have made many good contacts of support.
>
>We also shook the bushes and watched snakes crawl out at us and we withstood
>insults, petty name calling, threats, etc. Every single person who stood in
>this group here in Flint acted with class, intelligence, patience, and
>kindness. We stayed on our path and did not let anybody move us with uncivil
>words and actions.
>
>Steve Wilson, Josh Solomon, and Ken Campbell (all from Advantage) support and
>confidence in our group was inspirational...their commitment and interest has
>been greatly appreciated every step of the way. James Goenner treated our
>group with respect and gave us a good forum to express our concerns, hopes,
>and
>dreams. Lily Tamez Kehoe wrwote a letter of support which created more
>controversy than the actual charter school application. Lily never let her
>detractors have the upper hand...they did not break her spirit or her will.
>Gary Glenn and his organization went to the wall for Lily and our group...a
>courageous group of people who are not afraid to take a stand. Dave Murray
>from The Flint Journal wrote great articles about the charter school issues
>and
>educated a whole lot of people with his honesty. Mostly....it was each
>person's individual fearlessness which meant the most to me personally. I
>also
>will never forget the constant good humor from each person...nobody ever lost
>sight of reality. Very cool, indeed!!!!!
>
>It just doesn't get much better than this. All of these people and
>experiences
>have meant a great deal. When we began this effort we had an end result in
>mind never imagining the journey itself. We didn't get what we started out
>for
>but, for me anyhow, I gained a hell of a lot more than I lost.
>
>Catherine Davids
>Flint, Michigan
>
>
>
>
>
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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