May 1, 2008 1:00 PM
FRENCH IMMERSION
Re: “Charting a Course,” Education column, by Dawn Ruth. February 2008 issue.
My thanks to Dawn Ruth for compiling the list of charter schools in the city. As a proud parent of a 5th grader in the French Immersion program at the International School of Louisiana, I note that ISL was on the opening list but not included in the capsulizations that followed.
With a K-7 student body and around 460 students at present, ISL is achieving results in LEAP testing and in language immersion that fit the vision of the Founders back in 2000. With a 10-year charter, awarded after ISL lost its Lakeview campuses to the flood, ISL is pushing towards the goal of K-12 education. This includes the International Baccalaureate and language immersion in French or Spanish, worked towards by a student body that could number over 1,000 when fully realized.
It is always good for education when schools are allowed to promote themselves and parents can sort out the best education option.
Grant Ligon
New Orleans
CHARTERS: JEFFERSON VS. ORLEANS
Re: “Schoolyard Brawls: Conflict among the charter schools,” Education column, by Dawn Ruth. March 2008 issue.
The March issue of New Orleans Magazine raises some interesting educational issues.
Prior to [Hurricane] Katrina, Orleans Parish public education complained about having to “compete” with non-public schools. Post-Katrina we were told that adding charter schools would make all schools better because of the “competition.” Now, it seems that “competition” is once again causing problems in Orleans Parish. The charter school situation is very different in Jefferson Parish.
In 1996, the Jefferson Parish School Board had the wisdom and foresight to create the state’s first charter school, not to “compete” with the parish school system but to complement it. The Jefferson Community School was chartered to serve regular education children who had been expelled from Jefferson Parish middle schools. This was service, which, at the time, wasn’t being provided by any other Jefferson Parish public school. It still serves this mission on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. The succeeding years have proven this to be a very wise move on the part of the Jefferson Parish School Board. The Jefferson Community School participates with the public schools in programs that are mutually beneficial to students. It doesn’t compete, it complements.
It remains to be seen if Orleans Parish will have its educational level raised as result of competition in education. Instead of competing, perhaps we should be complementing. Jefferson Parish already understands that relationship.
Glenn Gennaro, Principal
Jefferson Parish
CHAIR CANING
Re: Julia Street column. December 2007 issue.
I read with interest Gail Garner’s letter in the December issue about rattan barstools and where she could get them rewoven. The procedure is commonly called chair caning. I feel sure I could do the job for her, but shipping the stools to me and back to her would be expensive. She should have luck asking around for someone who does “chair caning.” Most towns have someone who will do this. If she would like for me to see if I can reweave them, she can send/e-mail me a picture of the stool and I can then tell her in an instant if they can be rewoven and if I can do it. There are several types of weaving on stools, but I have done most of the different weaving. My address is: Frank J. Cagnolatti, 1130 E. Dawn St., Gonzales, La. 70737. If I can be of service, please contact me.
Frank Cagnolatti
Gonzales
FAVORITE POLITICIAN
Re: “New Orleans’ Best,” February 2008 issue. (Mr. Fielkow was recognized on the cover as our reader’s choice for Favorite Local Politician.)
I would like to thank New Orleans Magazine for recognizing me in the February 2008 edition. I am deeply honored and humbled and want you to know how much I appreciate this recognition.
Thank you again and let’s work together to rebuild this great city.
Arnie D. Fielkow
President, New Orleans City Council
CORRECTIONS
Re: “A Remembrance of Dr. Bob Brocato,” Local Color column, by George Gurtner. March 2008 issue.
Dr. Brocato was reported as being “the only one of Diamond Jim’s sons who retained the family name rather than change it to ‘Moran,’ a nom de guerre used by his father when he was a young boxer.” Son Nunzio Brocato also kept the name.
Re: “Charter Schools,” Education column, by Dawn Ruth. February 2008 issue.
Sarah Usdin was identified as the founder of New Leaders for New Schools. In fact, Ms. Usdin is the President and Founder of New Schools for New Orleans, whose work is described in the article.