We have received hundreds of letters from people supporting New West’s High School expansion at 1905 Armacost. Below are some excerpts. We’d love to hear from you too! If you have a testimonial in support of New West, please submit it using the reply form at the bottom of this page. We’ll review and add testimonials submitted as quickly as we can.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I’m the director of the documentary Waiting for Superman about our nation’s public schools, and I’m writing to you in support of the New West Charter middle school expansion project. After spending years chronicling our public schools, and in particular, the schools of Los Angeles, I believe that the greatest thing we can do is give parents and students educational options.
While I understand there are practical considerations such as traffic flow, real problems indeed, the opportunities for our families and our city are too great not to do everything we can. The New West Charter middle school is spectacular, both in its results and in the message that it is sending our neighborhoods–that it is possible for a public school in our city to provide a great education.
I believe, as a public official, there’s no greater purpose than to support this kind of reform, and supporting proven educators like those at New West Charter.
I would love to discuss this with you directly.
Sincerely,
Davis Guggenheim
To Whom it May Concern,
We are writing in support of New West Charter School’s application to lease a property at Armacost and Missouri in order to expand their program to serve students through grade 12.
We are troubled by some of the misinformation about charter schools that has been distributed via email and the internet in response to New West’s application. Charter schools are public schools, open to all students who wish to apply. They do not have competitive admissions and are tuition-free. Charter schools offer families a unique educational option within our public education system and work with parents as partners in their children’s education. In exchange for operational freedom and flexibility, charter schools are subject to higher levels of accountability than traditional public schools. There are currently more than 200 charter schools in the LA area, serving diverse communities across the city.
Identifying and securing facilities is one of the most significant challenges for charter schools. Under state law, school districts are required to provide charter schools with facilities that are “reasonably equivalent” to other schools in the districts. However, for a variety of reasons, this doesn’t always happen and charter schools are forced to find other solutions, just as New West has done.
New West has a track record of success and a large base of current parents and students who are excited about having this school option on the Westside. New West has already been approved by the State Board of Education to open a high school in addition to their current middle school; it would be unfortunate for them to be prevented from doing so simply due to facilities limitations.
We hope that you will consider their application in light of the benefit New West provides to students on the Westside and work with their team to find a way for them to expand.
Sincerely,
Allison Bajracharya
Managing Regional Director, Policy and Advocacy
California Charter Schools Association
www.calcharters.org/understanding/
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am a long time resident of Brentwood/West LA – Council District 11, a parent of public school kids and a Founder of New West Charter School (“New West”), located at 11625 W. Pico Boulevard in West Los Angeles. I also will be serving on the Brentwood Community Council starting next month as the public school representative. I am writing to ask you to support New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue (“project site”) to serve middle school and high school students.
New West’s Conditional Use Permit to locate the school at the project site was approved on December 8th, 2011 at the Los Angeles City Planning Department. I urge your continued support of their relocation and expansion. Not only has New West been a good neighbor for the past 9 years at their current location, but it has also played an active role in the West Los Angeles Community by providing for a safe, educational environment for its students, parents, and staff. It a model of racially diverse, quality public education.
I drive down Bundy on almost a daily basis and few other projects will impact traffic less than this school. There is very little coming and going once the kids arrive, everyone is gone before rush hour and the school has a mandatory car pool policy. It will breath new life to that area by bringing in a high quality educational option. I would expect that eventually it may even open its facilities to some of the surrounding community once it gets the logistics worked out.
I strongly urge you to support New West’s relocation and expansion project so that the school can continue to play a vital role in our community and serve the many students in need of independent, charter school education.
Sincerely,
Caroline Kelly
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am a pioneer, trailblazer and member of the culminating class of 2006. Because of New West’s small population, we accomplished what few other schools have – we interacted with each other regardless of age, color, wealth, or other superficial factors that society judges people by. We learned to get along, to appreciate one another’s differences and talents, and to build in ourselves foundations for the future. We witnessed the building of a great institution – and with every locker christened, assignment completed and milestone accomplished, our futures became brighter. The teachers were OUTSTANDING, always available, and together – parents, students, faculty and staff – we all made New West a EXTRAORDINARY place. From my New West experience, I made lifelong friends with whom I still hang out with.
I support the NW expansion to the building located at 1905 South Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students. My desire is for future students to experience the excellent educational environment I was blessed to be a part of.
Sincerely,
Allison Comrie, New West Charter Middle School Class of 2006
Sophomore, Scripps College
Claremont, California
Councilman Rosendhal,
As a founding parent/family of New West Charter Middle School, I wholeheartedly support New West’s relocation to 1905 Armacost and the unanimous decision of the City Planning Commission. New West to us was a dream realized….my daughter was a pioneer and member of the founding class of 2006. I personally planted, painted, moved furniture, hung white boards, volunteered in the office and more – all because I wanted my daughter to go to a school with smaller class sizes in a small school setting – combined with excellent teaching and learning for my daughters academic success and social and emotional growth. New West provided that in an environment of educational excellence.
Your continued support of the New West Charter expansion project is critical to the educational opportunities of hundreds of young people in your district AND in the greater Los Angeles community. Now is the time to look to the future. We must continue to touch the lives of future students and bring the New West philosophy and our experience to high school and beyond. Working together, we made a difference and can continue to do so with your support. The proof is evident….my daughter is now a sophomore at Scripps College, one of the Claremont Colleges, and the test scores and service to the community at large speak volumes.
Sincerely,
Susan Hall Comrie
Inglewood, California
I read earlier a statement from an 8th grader at NWC. It is so compelling. Our children’s future will suffer from what we decide not to do today because of a small very vocal minority whose children are no longer in school or who will move and sell their houses anyway. As time goes by, we never get a shot at going back in time. Let’s not make that mistake here. Our kids do not have enough good school options on the West Side. Let’s not sell away their future. BTW: it has been proven empirically that school’s increase the value of homes in their neighborhood.
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am an eighth grader at New West and would really appreciate it if you approved the expansion project. New West is a great school and this High School would really help me prepare for college. I know it will. The teachers are great and Dr.Weir is the best principal I have ever had.
Please support New West Charter’s relocation, it would mean a lot to all the students in New West.
Dear Bill,
As a businessman and neighbor to the New West Charter School, I support and I urge you to support the expansion of the New West School. My business is across the street from the school on Pico Blvd. I have found them to be a non-disruptive and considerate neighbor. Parking could be a problem- but they pro-actively mitigate the potential for congestion and safety issues with their volunteer-run carpool and drop-off program.
The success of the education program at the school is simply a matter of public record. Excellence in education is something to be applauded and hopefully expanded on. The idea of a charter high school for the current New West students is an obvious positive choice. That even more students could be a part of that success is only an additional benefit for the community.
I believe that choice is the best agent for positive outcomes in education. Not every child is served best by the LAUSD. I believe the competition for better education with the charter schools is a motivating factor for ALL schools and therefore increases the general welfare. The motivated parents from this school would likely choose another magnet, charter or private school before attending University High. I heard the objections of the Uni folks and I believe they and their faculty mean well. However, another school will not keep them from doing their best, and may spur them to greater things. All in all, this would be a net gain for them and the community.
I voted for you in the last election and I hope I can vote for you in the next one. This issue is important to me as I live and work in the immediate area. As you know it is easy to be against something new. Change is scary. I urge you to weigh the positive outcomes and the potential long term benefits for the community. If this school gets the chance it will show the way to a better educational future. Thank you.
Jeff Jardine,
Jeff’s Auto Service
11568 Pico Blvd.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing to say that I am in FULL support of the New West Charter school expansion.
In our community there is such a huge need for more public school choices. The fact that there are at least 9 students for every opening at NWC shows the desperate need for more schools like this. Our current (LAUSD) schools are over crowded and decreasing in quality every year. Many of our friends and neighbors have moved out of the area to seek communities with better public school choices. The kinds of families that a school like this will draw, are dedicated, responsible members of the community who deeply care about the future of their children.
The school has been more than compliant with the wishes of the residents. They’ve chosen to live in a busy part of Los Angeles which is full of businesses already. What harm will adding some children to the neighborhood do? It is very self serving of them to think only of their individual property values and short term convenience, which frankly will probably increase with a quality school being close by. Long after these current residents are gone the school will remain to serve the community.
I can’t tell you how important it is for my family, and many others, that this school expansion become a reality.
Please consider the dreams of the majority, and do the right thing in supporting the New West Charter school expansion!
Sincerely,
Angela Koveos
Dear Councilman Rosendhal,
I am a Mar Vista resident in district 11. I grew up attending LAUSD schools and my family has lived in Mar Vista for 45 years in the same house I grew up in. As an adult I chose to move my family back to Mar Vista to my family home because of this great neighborhood. Regrettably after my children finished elementary school I found my choices for a good neighborhood LAUSD middle school or high school non-existent. Then I was lucky enough to find New West Charter School where my now 11th grade child attended during her middle school years. Unfortunately for her New West Charter School ended at 8th grade. Now my 6th grade child has also been blessed with the opportunity to attend New West Charter School for her middle school years. The LAUSD school’s academic program my 11th grader receives now is in no way comparable to the excellent education she got at New West Charter School. So, when the prospect of my 6th grader completing not only her middle school years at New West Charter School but also her high school years I jumped for joy. These are the children that will some day shape our future and a good education with the good family/social values they receive at New West Charter School is what all school should strive for. I am writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve as both a middle school and a high school. The children in district 11 deserve the best and New West Charter School is among the best.
Please not only support the expansion of New West Charter School but also encourage everyone in District 11 to make sure our children get the best public education they deserve!
Respectfully yours,
Anne F. Berkowitz
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I have one child entering Middle School. In our search for a school we find there are very few options to choose from in public schools in your district.
New West Charter is particular because it provides an academically rigorous education. Classes are small which gives an individualized education unlike other schools with 30+ students to a class.
They set high standards for their students, and because of this, Graduates have always gone on to excellent high schools.
Parent participation is a requirement. Studies show the students excel much greater in their studies when their parents are highly involved in their education and their community. Unlike the idea that the schools proposed location will bring the community down, the community will be greatly improved.
Please approve the proposal to relocate to the Armacost location. Give us a chance to show you and the local residents that we can contribute to the area while educating children with the best education possible.
We greatly appreciate your support!
Dear Councilman Rosenthal,
We are writing to urge you to support the new expansion of the already successful education system that is New West. You must look at the facts, and the facts are, with fewer choices and many budget cuts, there aren’t many opportunities for local people to make a difference in their community. With this expansion, it not only continues the right course for many students and their families (with strong volunteer support) in the education process of your district, but it also is contagious in that when the community supports people like us, we are COMMITTED to support the many businesses that have supported a great cause such as providing an education and a belief and a way of life at New West. Please look at the Big Picture and continue supporting this advancement of the High School, so that you can say confidently, “YES, I listened to the real people who live here and support our community and we are making a difference in this world by supporting an eduation process by which we are molding the future generation, not just for college but for living in Los Angeles, California & the United States!” Please make us proud to support our local community and make this a top priority.
Best Regards,
Duane, Lillian & Melanie Matayoshi
Local community supporters and Family of incoming 6th grader in Middle school
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing to express my support of the New West Charter School
expansion. As a resident of your district who works in Century City, I
am aware of the challenges involved with respect to the traffic. I also
know of the need for good high schools in the area. I have heard and
read about the expansion, from impassioned parents who care about the
education of their children, and I firmly believe it will be a positive
influence on the neighborhood. The schools in the area are impacted and
budgets are stretched to their limit; charter schools are a positive way
of dealing with the issues, and likely, the wave of the future. New
West has a proven record with their middle school – the administration
has consistently worked with their neighboring businesses to minimize
the impact of foot and auto traffic. The children are disciplined,
intelligent and well-behaved. This can only be a positive legacy to
leave with your district, if you permit it to happen.
People have been drawing a comparison with Amino Charter in Venice, and
I feel its worth mentioning again – there was resistance at the
beginning, but the schools is now a shining example of how to help our
kids – the kids who will be running the country in a few years – future
lawyers, doctors, teachers and politicians. I firmly believe that New
West can not only meet, but exceed the success experienced by Amino,
based on their dedicated parent base and outstanding administration.
As a member of your district, I would be proud to count you among the
supporters of this fine effort. Thank you for your time.
Dear Councilman,
As a proud (and concerned) parent of a child graduating from NWCMS, I am compelled to appeal to you regarding the expansion. I can’t list all the ways New West has been a godsend for me and my family. It is not a big secret that the schools in LAUSD leave something to be desired, and it only gets worse in high school. I can’t be nearly as eloquent as many of the people involved in the argument, but I can assure you, from my perspective, you won’t find a better group of people to work with. I know that if there are concerns that are brought up about the way the school is run, the administration and the parents will work with you to get them resolved. Their dedication to the students and the community is amazing, and is shown in so many ways.
My daughter knows things at 13 that I don’t even understand (atomic bonds, polynomials – the list keeps growing). I can only attribute that to the fine education she is receiving at New West. Our feeder high school is Los Angeles High, and I have heard and read some horror stories about that campus. It would be such a shame to let her outstanding education go to waste. She wants to go to UCLA, and I honestly think that New West High School can prepare her for that experience. I can’t afford to send her to a private school, but I can, and fully intend, to move to your district, to be within walking (or at least, biking) distance of the school. It’s something we have not yet been able to do, but could really do it in the next few months. I think it would be wonderful.
Many of your concerns are well thought out and reasonable, and I honestly believe that, given the chance, New West will make you proud. The kids are remarkably well-behaved, and their parents are participatory and proactive. As a product of Catholic schools, I believe this group is more like private school kids and parents – held up to a higher standard.
Please, please, support the expansion, for my daughter’s sake, as well as for all the smart, involved, dedicated kids that will follow her.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
For those of us who have a choice but choose to participate and support the public school system while keeping our children there, New West Charter has stood out as a beacon of hope for the future. And while every elected official says they support improving public education, here is a chance to really make a difference. The expansion of New West Charter will be a signal that our government is on our side and working for us.
Sincerely,
Roni Weisberg-Ross
Roni Weisberg-Ross L.M.F.T.
Family Resource Counseling Center
11500 West Olympic Blvd. Ste. 420
Los Angeles, Ca. 90064-
(310) 479-9798 x10#
roni@roniweisbergross.com
http://www.roniweisbergross.com
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I have 2 children about to enter Middle School and one son about to enter high school…and am hopeful that we can have options of our choice in public schools for our kids in your district.
I, too, am writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students.
We need an affordable choice! It should be a non-issue to support opportunity for a more intimate learning experience than our current choice of Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Pali High School–with thousands of students. Whose opportunity is it anyway? A few local residents or an expanded school population for our kids’ future?
Please work on our behalf to make an expanded New West a reality.
Thank you for your unconditional support of a model education at work.
Best,
Meryl Holland
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am a Venice resident in your district and a grandparent of two students at the New West Charter School. I am writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students.
My grandchildren have blossomed at New West and are eager to continue their education at this excellent school. It is a small school with a strong culture that promotes learning and positive social interactions. It has contributed immeasurably to my grandchilden’s emotional and academicgrowth.
Our concern should be on our children and grandchildren and if traffic has to take a back seat, so be it.
Please support the expansion of New West and our children who are the future!
Respectfully yours,
Charles E. Bloomquist
I strongly support to have a high school in our neighborhood.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing you in support of New West Charter expansion. The choices for education in Los Angeles are limited. You can either have 35-40 kids in a classroom or pay over $30,000 per year per child for private school. New West, offers an amazing opportunity to educate our kids in a safe environment with good teachers and a workable class size. “Who can be against education?” We need more choices for high quality education and New West offers that.
We live a few blocks away from Hamilton High School and can hear the band practice, football games, and of course graduation. All good sounds. We understand we live in an urban environment and schools must be included in the landscape.
Please make education your highest priority.
Sincerely,
Jill Seidel, LCSW
Dear Councilman Rosendhal,
We are a West Los Angeles area residents in your district for over 16 years, and We are a parents at the New West Charter School. We are writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students.
Best Regards,
Haleh Mozaffarian & Ali Zaghari
We are supporting the New West High school and would want to have this high school here in west L.A.
Neighborhoods are built on families and their children. They bring warmth, growth and a future of young adults that will remember their roots and keep the community strong into the future. Those opposing must have been faced at some point with wanting the best possible education for their children. I can only hope a place like NWC will be available for our children when they come of age. Be part of our solution not part of the problem.
Seth, Trudy, Lylah and Asher Fine
Today’s children are the future of this nation. It is in the nation’s interest to provide the best possible education for our children and the New West Charter High School relocation presents a great opportunity to facilitate this.
I perceive blocking or delaying this relocation is a simple case of politics trumping progress. Haven’t we had enough of that?
Councilman Rosendhal,
I reside in the Westdale neighborhood of West Los Angeles and work in an office building in the neighborhood of the proposed school location. I strongly urge you to support New West’s relocation and expansion project as I think that a school that promotes high-performance among students in a project-oriented learning environment is a great opportunity for local kids. Growing up in this area, I didn’t have many options as far as which schools to attend in the over-crowded, under-funded LAUSD. I ended up having to leave the district in order to get the focused and enriching education that I had been unable to get in my area. I think it benefits the entire community to give more children this type of public learning opportunity.
Sincerely,
Ashley Blankenship
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I am Managing Director for Astrum Investment Management located on S. Bundy Drive and I strongly support New West’s relocation and expansion to Armacost.
This new facility is good for the children, the parents and good for the community.
Thank you,
John Hartman
Councilman Rosendahl,
I live three blocks from where NWC’s new campus will be and my business is located at 1990 South Bundy Drive on the same block as the new campus. I am very happy and proud to live and work close to this great new addition to our local area.
I am a strong supporter of NWC as it is an outstanding public school and a model for the rest of our city.
Thank you,
Tom Pastore
My name is Nevin sanli, I own a small company located at 1990 South Bundy Drive, on the oth floor. We are on the same block where NWC’s new campus will be. Everyone here is very excited about this addition to our neighborhood.
I am a strong supporter of the expansion of NWC for a variety of reasons. NWC is a State Charter School that has achieved OUTSTANDING academic results in a short time; we need more of a good thing. This is basically a public school that outshines the private schools of the West side .
I visited the school several times and attended their open house. My wife and I are very impressed with the diversity both ethnically and socio-economically of the sudents. The project-based teaching model at NWC is engaging and brings the best out of the kids. We are looking forward to the possibility of sending our children to NWC for middle school and then high-school.
Please join me in supporting the school’s move to Armacoast; to bigger facilities. I can’t wait to be part of the parents at NWC.
Cheers,
Nevin Sanli
Sanli Pastore & Hill, Inc.
And I recommend that we all support the school’s planned new facilities on Armacoast.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
There certainly must be moments in the day-to-day grind when you honestly wonder if your work as a City Councilman truly makes a real difference. Frankly, the politics of it all must at times be overwhelming and outright burdensome.
We write this appeal to you to suggest that, at least on the issue of The New West Charter Expansion decision, you have a genuine chance to cut through that burden and through the cynicism and skepticism many people feel about government. Your opportunity to make a substantive difference in the lives of so many children is at hand. Your affirmative support of the expansion will send a message that a school that labors day in and day out to bring greatness out in its students can thrive and grow.
As parents of one New West graduate and a seventh grader as well, we’re only disappointed that you cannot somehow look in the eyes of the New West children and see the determination and excitement in their eyes to learn and to be better. You can only imagine the pride we feel in what this School has accomplished and envisions just ahead.
We encourage you to imagine what it’s like to be part of a place that makes a huge difference in so many lives. That’s what your vote will stand for.
Lisa Kalin and Drew Kugler
Dear Councilman Rosendhal,
It is my most fervent wish that our twin sons may attend New West Charter. We are now looking at Middle Schools, caught up in the challenging rush to find the best public education possible. There are so few public school options available to residents in Los Angeles, ones that truly represent the best that education can offer. As you well know, our children are our most precious gift and in them, lie the possibilities for our future. If New West can grow, can take our children through high school, hope becomes more concrete. We can solve any practical problem, but nothing can replace a first rate public education. Please support New West’s expansion through high school.
Victoria Marks
Professor, UCLA
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
My husband and I are both Los Angeles natives and live in the West Los Angeles area – Council District 11. Our son is a 6th grader at New West Charter School. We are in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to a high school. The fact that New West’s Conditional Use Permit was approved on December 8th, 2011 at the Los Angeles City Planning Department is a positive indication that quality public education is important to you.
As Los Angeles natives we have seen how the city has changed over the years. One of the many positive changes in Los Angeles is the fact that there are choices for public education.
New West is a unique independent public charter school with an amazing education and high standards. We would like to see our son have the same quality of education that he has received this year to continue through high school. The students, teachers, faculty and parents of New West are all dedicated to this expansion. Our son said to us the first month of school “These teacher’s love their jobs, they want to teach and they enjoy teaching”. We could go on and on about the incredible education that New West Charter brings to their students, but you know those facts.
One of the big concerns of the residents near the new location for New West is disturbance from the student body. My brother in law lives on La Grange near the Westside YMCA where New West Students walk/run by his house four times a week for one of their elective classes. He has never been disturbed by noise and there has never been an incident to his property. He has written you himself to encourage the expansion.
Quality Education for our children should be the number one priority of our community and our country.
We truly hope you will take into account how important education is to our children. California has been hit hard with budget cuts. Charter schools have been hit hard with trying to locate space for their schools. The fact that New West has secured a location is a great success in the Charter School world. Please support New West and it’s expansion.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Leslie & Craig Nuesca
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am a Venice resident in your district – Council District 11, and I’m a parent at the New West Charter School. I am writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students.
As you’re aware, New West is a very successful school from a State-wide testing perspective. And you’re also aware that the high school’s in this district are not. What you may not know is how a small school with a strong culture that promotes learning and positive social interactions can affect a child’s emotional and behavioral growth as well as academics. Please support our school expansion and our children who are the future!
Respectfully yours,
Karen Barber
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am Anne Solomon. I live in the West Los Angeles neighborhood in Council District 11, and am a New West Charter Middle School parent. I am raising two wonderful boys on my own. Like most mothers, I want them to get an excellent education.
Many years ago, my father told me that the hallmark of all great societies is their devotion to their children, the sacrifices they are willing to make to educate them. I believe that.
My mother was a middle school teacher. She taught in the public school system for 33 years. I trust teachers like her to teach my sons.
I love New West. I was thrilled by the prospect that my boys might be able to continue beyond middle school through high school. I love the enthusiasm and discipline of the teachers and administrators. I value the students’ focus on academics. I admire the active and required participation of the parents–and even grandparents. I like that all of the New West students and families want to be there and count their blessings that they won the lottery to get in. I want the diversity of the student body for the benefit of my sons, my community, and my society. I am glad that few of the students’ parents are wealthy. Even if I could afford a private school for my boys, which I can’t, I would want them to go to New West.
New West is a shining example of what a Los Angeles public school can and should be. In a short period of time it has become the outstanding public middle school on the entire west side of Los Angeles and Santa Monica. I pray that you will agree with me that New West should be encouraged to add high school classes for the benefit of our community.
I have heard the claim that we are a bunch of wealthy white parents who simply want a private school without paying for it. This is simply not true. As I am sure you are aware, admission to New West is by chance, a lottery in which anyone can participate. New West serves students of diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. At New West, our families are 49% White, 19% African American, 24% Hispanic, 6% Asian, and 2% other., and we’re not wealthy. I know by personal experience that these are people who feel blessed to have a school of this quality.
I have also heard that some neighbors are fearful that unruly kids will loiter in their neighborhoods. This is also not true. This is an extraordinarily well behaved student body. These kids want to be at this school. The fact that they choose to be at a school without the physical facilities of larger schools illustrates their commitment to their education. And we parents want them to be here. In fact, both parents and students sign a “Home-School” contract at the beginning of every school year in which we pledge to follow and support all school rules, which include disciplinary rules, and parents further agree to complete a minimum of sixteen volunteer service hours at school. Both the administration and the parents support the idea that a close and on-going collaboration between parents and educators is the single most important determinant of the school’s and students’ success. By participating and supporting the administration on campus, we are aware of what is going on at the school. The students of New West are also very involved in community service, not only because it is a requirement, but because they want to be involved with and help improve their community. Some of my favorite times spent with my kids have been collecting clothes for and distributing food to homeless people as part of Food on Foot, a local work for food program.
As you know, in the short existence of New West Middle School, scores have gone up every year. New West has improved their API score every year with an overall 178 – point total gain. Last year New West achieved a record breaking API score of 930. This is the sixth consecutive year the school has scored over 800, which is the goal for all middle schools in the state. This score is higher than top performing schools such as Lincoln Middle School in Santa Monica and Paul Revere Middle School and LACES in Los Angeles, and is in the top 1% of highest performing charter schools in Los Angeles. New West also outperformed all 110 LAUSD middles schools’ API results. Additionally, their most recent scores have placed New West in the top 5 percent of the highest performing middle schools in California.
Listening to the “opponents” points recently, it appears to me that they are losing sight of what the fundamental point is here. This school is working. It is remarkable. How could anyone want to restrict this when we all should want to promote it? Schools like New West should be encouraged and welcomed into neighborhoods rather than limited and scared away. New West has administrators and parents that are supportive of extending this into the high school. I firmly believe that this is the kind of school that the community should be welcoming, applauding and encouraging. We want more of this, not less.
I attended the Los Angeles City Planning Commission hearing on December 8th, and heard you speak in support of the conditional use permit and expansion. I want to thank you for that. I am now writing to request your continued support of New West’s relocation and expansion plans. This project site is the perfect location for New West going forward, and would support the school’s operations and goal to expand their high quality education to more students and grade levels. New West, and New West families, are committed to positively interacting with the neighbors and becoming a productive and supportive member of the local community at the new project site.
For these reasons, I strongly urge you to support New West’s relocation and expansion project so that the school can continue to play a vital role in our community and serve the many students in need of a strong and independent charter school education.
Sincerely yours,
Anne Solomon
Dear Mr. Rosendahl,
I am a parent of a child who attends New West Charter Middle School. I am a resident of Venice. I have had three children attend this excellent school. Offering high academic standards, hands on projects, excellent teachers, and small class sizes, New West Charter Middle School fosters a wonderful learning environment. In addition to great academics, this school offers a safe environment for children who may be bullied at a different kind of school. When on the campus of New West Charter (and because of my work, I have been on many school campuses), I have always noticed how polite and calm the children are, and I have never seen bullying as I have at others schools.
I understand the community’s apprehension regarding increased traffic in their neighborhood. I live directly behind Costco, and our community had the same fears before Costco was built. I can honestly say that I did not notice a change in traffic in our residential neighborhood after Costco opened. The times in which children will be dropped off and picked up at New West Charter are not high traffic times. Traffic is almost at a standstill at 5:00 p.m. when I pass through the area. At 3:30 p.m. (pick up time) however, there is little traffic. Also, pick up at New West Charter is amazingly fast. I remember the first time I was just 10 minutes late picking up my child, and there was no one left, the gates were closed. Pick up was over.
This school is a great example of what can be done with limited funds and a diverse population, and should be a model for all schools. I would really appreciate it if New West Charter High School was approved. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Angi Evans
Dear Councilman Rosendahl
We know that you have been inundated with calls and letters from people in support of New West Charter School’s plan to expand and relocate to Armacost Avenue. The outreach is happening for good reason: people are passionate about the extraordinary level of education at New West, as well as the goodwill New West brings to your council district.
As parents of both a graduate and a current student at New West, we know first-hand why the school is a model for independent charter schools, not only for California, but for the country. There is absolutely no doubt that the same degree of integrity, dedication, professionalism and care for the community will be brought to New West Charter High School.
We strongly urge you to help make the dream of expansion and relocation a reality of New West. There is too much at stake for both future students and the community to do otherwise. We hope you embrace this chance to leave a lasting mark on the lives of so many.
Sincerely,
Chris and Lisa Viscardi
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
We strongly urge you to support New West’s relocation and expansion project so that the school can continue to play a vital role in our community and serve the many students in need of independent, charter school education. We feel strongly that New West, with its whole-school approach to academic preparation for high school and college, provides our son with an experience that is not available in other public middle schools and high schools on the Westside.
We are thankful every day that our son was admitted to New West. We hope it will be able to provide him with a similarly excellent high school location in its new, expanded location.
Please make educating the Westside’s children your highest priority.
Best,
Marcy Magiera and Sam Kenberg
New West parents and your neighbors in Mar Vista
//
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am writing in support of the New West Charter expansion. As a registered voter who lives in your district, I have seen you time and again fight for the good cause, even when it represented a politically uphill battle, which is why I trust that you will support the creation of the New West High School at 1905 Armacost. I think that by now it’s been well established that New West is an amazing school that gives students a chance for exceptional public education that they might not be able to get otherwise, but I also sincerely believe that you’ll be able to show members of the local community that, both in the short and long terms, such a school in their midst will only be a benefit in terms of economic growth, property values, attractiveness to new families, and general image as a dynamic, vibrant community.
Sincerely Yours
Dear Councilman,
I’m writing you today to advocate for the expansion of the New West Charter School. I am a young person from the Palisades and I went to school in Los Angeles my whole life. I attended Canyon Charter for elementary school, one of many quality elementary schools in the LA public school system. However, when it came to pick a middle school, my parents looked at the public school options and saw nothing but massive, depersonalized, and oftentimes low quality education. They felt that, if I were to get a strong education, the only real options were private, and so I entered the private school system for the rest of my education in Los Angeles. They felt conflicted about this because they wanted to support public schools, but they were not willing to do so at the cost of my education. If New West had existed then, this very well could have been avoided. New West is performing at a level unlike nearly any other public school in the area, educating kids carefully and thoughtfully. The founders of the school are committed and now experienced, they fought long and hard to make New West happen, battling powers much bigger than themselves, and have now defied all expectations for the performance of their school. They have proven themselves and their goal, and to do anything but support and encourage the expansion of New West would be foolhardy, short sighted, and a grand disservice to all the students who could truly benefit from an extension of this quality educational institution. Concerns have been raised about the details of the expansion, but they are generally misinformed and do not present a real problem, as can be seen here:
http://supportnewwestcharterhighschool.com/myths-and-facts/
And so, I beseech you, work hard to make sure New West gets their Use Permit so they can continue to educate hundreds of young people from your district. Thank you.
Councilman Rosendhal,
We have a ninth grader who is a graduate of New West and a current 6th grader. Thanks to New West my previously shy, older child has become a strong and vocal advocate for her needs and is an inquiry based learner in all aspects of her life–she has transitioned well to the challenges of a large public high school but misses the learning opportunities of hands-on, project based learning, smaller class sizes and the outstanding caliber of the teaching staff that New West not only attracts but retains. Our younger child who is currently at New West has a very different learning style and needs extra help. I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of additional class ‘labs’ and after school tutoring offered to ensure that all children regardless of income or background can reach their potential and perhaps more importantly that all types of learners, visual, auditory, kinetic…can benefit. Respect for each other and for property and the environment is taken very seriously at New West and extends beyond the school’s doors.
New West has been limited by their current space yet has always managed to take creative approaches to give their students a variety of experiences–including physical education with no field and no gym! I have been impressed with the school’s outreach to various cultural and educational communities. Just imagine what this school can offer to their students and the community with adequate learning spaces. I have no doubt that the local residents, Stoner Park and the New West ‘Family’ can work towards a symbiotic relationship. Get to know a New West Student…it is a rewarding experience. Please support the growth of the New West community with this important expansion.
Sincerely,
Maureen Sautter
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am writing in support of the New West Charter expansions.
Horace Mann stated, “A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.” Indeed, if this is not the paramount opportunity for us today as a community, I don’t know what is.
New West Charter is an amazing school. Strong academically, the school is also exceptional in terms of social skills and is an example of what we should expect from all of our California schools. In addition to being among the finest of all California Schools, New West is an example of what we should expect from our citizens. The students perform academically and socially.
On the contrary, we have friends in the local LAUSD schools — Palms — and they consistently complain about bullying and the educational challenges (and Palms is one of the strongest schools in the state). Contrarily, while at New West, my daughter has reported no incidents of bullying — rather, she has shared with me that New West Charter is an environment that supports learning and growth. Not surprisingly, New West Charter is one of the top Schools in California.
I know of comparable schools in the area that charge tens of thousands of dollars for admission. New West does not. It is an opportunity for all involved to have a school that supports our youth with exceptional education and exceptional values without any of the high tuitions for “privileged” schools.
I trust that you will take this into consideration and see the New West Expansion for what it is: an opportunity to provide remarkable education for all children. Please support the expansion of New West Charter.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Best Regards,
James Diorio
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing to solicit your support for the New West Charter High School. As the Middle School Specialist at the UCLA Lab School, I work with parents of our students who are leaving us to move onto middle school. New West Charter has been one of the most sought after schools by our parents since its inception due to its rigorous educational standards and successes as well as its economic affordability. I have witnessed first hand the exemplary teaching that takes place there and have heard many success stories from my former students. To be able to allow New West to continue its education through high school would be a tremendous benefit for our students and all students who are fortunate enough to be enrolled there. I know the administration and staff to be thoughtful and caring individuals who are always looking for the “win win” compromise so that students can have the best public education possible. Please support these hard-working and dedicated educators who are truly making a positive difference in the education of our future leaders.
Sincerely,
Kevin North
Middle School Specialist
UCLA Lab School
Councilman Rosendahl: I am a constituent and supporter that strongly supports the New West expansion. We need other strong, public high school alternatives in our district and New West has an exemplary record of scholastic performance. Please support New West
We have a 6th grade son at New West. He struggled with the school experience from K-5th grade. His teachers consistently said he was very smart, but just didn ‘t apply himself. I am sure many parents of boys have heard this before! We called him “Ferris Bueller” because he would do anything to miss school. We were a bit concerned about middle school and our worry about him “falling through the cracks” lead us to look at a smaller school environment . His first trimester at New West, he fell in love with school. He thinks all his teachers are amazing and cool. We hardly have to nag him to complete his homework! He understands that it is his responsibility to get his work done. We are thrilled to share that he earned all A’s his first trimester. We knew he could do it, but now HE knows He can do it! A great gift and life skill has been imparted to our son from the New West experience. Who wouldn’t want to expand this model of healthy learning to more kids?
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I urge you to support the relocation of New West Charter School to 1905 Armacost Avenue. As a long-time supporter of public schools I feel it is very important to foster good quality public education. I have lived in the area for more than 30 years and have sent my own children to public schools. When you have a school as successful as New West Charter it is imperative to nurture its growth and provide a quality education to students beyond middle school. Please enable New West Charter to grow and enrich the lives of its students through high school. What a great opportunity you have to ensure and enhance the quality of public education.
We do not attend New West Charter, but our dear friends send their daughters there and we are so impressed by their learning and their adoration of the school. We are proud to live in a city that enables a variety of educational resources to be available to its families. PLEASE continue to support New West. Thank you.
Councilman Rosendahl,
Please, we all want New West High School to open. We have all been hoping for this for so long. Kids that are in High School wish that they could have an opportunity to go to New West High School. Will you just please just let these kids have a chance to have a good education. It’s not only the parents that want this for their kids, it’s also the kids that want it. We don’t mean there to a be a conflict between the School and the community but please. We will be very thankful if you let New West Charter open. Thank You.
Sincerely,
Irma Platas
Councilman Rosendahl,
I have a cousin who lives on Stoner Ave and a great aunt who lives on Wellesley. Both in that district. They have been questioning their neighbors who are all in support of the expansion. I completely understand how daunting having a high school move in across the street from you would be, BUT Dr Weir and the New West families have made it clear that they will bend over backwards to make things work and honestly, once things settle down, I think this school will be a great asset to the neighborhood and a school the neighbors will take a lot of pleasure from.
Councilman Rosendahl, there are now FIVE private schools operating in this neighborhood. I assume you gave your blessing to all of them. How could you in good conscience not approve of a public school option. Not just any public school, but one of the top 5% of middle schools in the state of California and probably in the country. New West knows how to educate kids properly. You can’t say that about many schools. I have had my kids in private school and public school. I have a daughter who is in her junior year at the Hamilton Humanities Magnet and a son who is an 8th grader at New West Charter. I am lucky. I did my research and we lucked out in the lottery and both my kids have amazing public school options. Options. Choices. It’s all about good public school CHOICES!! My friend Davis Guggenheim who directed the documentary WAITING FOR SUPERMAN wrote a letter to you asking for your support of the NWC high school. I volunteer with Superintendent Deasy and with the LA Fund for Public Education. I asked Superintendent Deasy what his views about charter schools are and he said, “A good school is a good school is a good school. I support any public school that works including all charter schools”. He said that right now we are in a crisis of epic proportions. Public education is failing our kids. Especially in LA. He said we should support and celebrate the public schools that work and put our time and effort and limited funds into the schools that don’t work. Kids are this city’s future and right now the future looks grim.
There are always solutions to be found regarding logistical issues such as traffic and parking, and the New West community will support and comply with whatever those solutions are. A harder city issue to solve is how to offset drastic cuts in public education with innovative and successful schooling. Supporting the opening of New West Charter High School is a rare and important opportunity to have a profound positive effect on public education in Los Angeles. I sincerely hope that you will look at the big picture and not just the irritation that some neighbors will feel when something new comes into their lives. We need forward looking people right now. We need leaders who understand what the priorities are. The priority right now in Los Angeles is EDUCATION!
I think the saying is, You have to break some eggs to make an omelette.
The time is now to stand up for what matters most — successful public school choices. Please don’t lose this opportunity to do what’s right for the west side and for Los Angeles.
Best,
Lisa Zimble
Councilman Rosendahl, I am a parent of New West Charter school as well as a resident of your district (Venice). I am writing you to urge your support for the expansion project of New West Charter High School. Both of my kids are currently receiving an incredible education at New West Charter and I would love for them to have the opportunity to continue this high level of education. This school is special in that the teachers love to teach and the kids love to learn. My kids come home excited every day telling me about their upcoming projects, how “fun” their classes are (yes even core classes are fun) and how wonderful the other students in the school are. The students are all very supportive of each other. Dr. Weir has done an incredible job with this school and it would be an amazing thing for our community to allow her to continue her hard work and achieving this type of environment and education for our high school. I run a parenting group in Los Angeles called Peachhead.net with over 12,000 families in the Los Angeles area and I can tell you that education is one of the most highly discussed topics. Finding a great school in your community is at the top of every parent’s list and I hope that you will allow Dr. Weir to continue her efforts in bringing top notch education to our community and allowing the high school to open for our kids.
Linda Perry
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing to you to let you know that I live in your district and am an enthusiastic supporter of New West’s expansion and relocation to 1905 S. Armacost. I am asking you to support the unanimous decision of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission to grant the Conditional Use Permit to New West Charter Schools.
As a resident of Westwood, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have better schooling in our neighborhood, especially one with an excellent reputation like New West Charter.
I strongly urge you to support New West’s expansion and relocation so that this school can continue to play a vital role in our community.
Sincerely,
Scott Samet
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing to urge you to approve the expansion of New West Charter School in West Los Angeles.
Any person who spends time at the school will be impressed by the students. They are well-rounded, articulate, self-confident, courteous, broad-minded, and cheerful. They demonstrate the dramatic impact that a good school can have on children.
New West Charter is the highest performing public middle school in Los Angeles. It has accomplished this distinction with a school population that mirrors the highly diverse population of Los Angeles. By expanding to include high school students (a population in particular need of quality education in our city), the school will make an invaluable opportunity available to many more families.
My son, a 7th grade student at New West, has told me that his classmates respect him when he gets good grades. “In other schools, you’re popular if you goof off. But at New West, you’re popular if you do well.” His feelings reflect the school’s culture of excellence and of high expectations. It’s the sort of school culture that brings out the best in children.
Regarding the local residents’ concerns about the school’s impact on their neighborhood: as a psychiatrist, I can tell you that people often resist change and tend to catastrophize its potential consequences, even when the evidence suggests a good outcome, as is the case with the proposed school. If the school expansion is allowed to proceed, I believe the residents will be pleasantly surprised to find that their fears were unwarranted.
Sincerely,
Victoria Hendrick, M.D.
Professor
Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences
Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am writing you in support of New West Charter. The choices for education in Los Angeles are limited. You can either have 35-40 kids in a classroom or pay over $25,000 per year per child. Here, with New West, we have an amazing opportunity to educate our kids in a safe environment with good teachers and a workable class size. My husband (who also wrote you) always asks, “Who can be against education?”
We live a few blocks away from Hamilton High School and can hear the band practice, football games, and of course graduation. All good sounds. We understand we live in an urban environment and schools must be included in the landscape.
Please make education your highest priority.
Sincerely,
Andrea Rosen Daniels
December 20th, 2011
Dear Councilman Rosendhal,
I have been a resident of Venice and Council District 11 for close to 25 years. Renee Petropoulos and I have twin daughters in the eighth grade at New West Charter Middle School. I am writing to ask your support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to our new Armacost Avenue site to serve both middle school and high school students.
We have been seeing a lot of each other lately, first on November 16th, in City Hall at the City Planning Commission Hearing for the New West Proposal, then on December 6th, in City Council Chambers for the “Move to Amend” Vote (Thank You for that and Congratulations, by the way) and again on December 8th, also in Council Chambers, for the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of New West’s Conditional Use Permit.
The support for and against the new school location is clear. I have taken the opportunity to speak with many of the neighbors of the new site and understand their concerns. Unfortunately one cannot make an omelet without breaking an egg. And whether we like it or not the population of our state, our city and our neighborhoods is going to continue to grow. When I was a boy the population of California was 10 million, today the population is fast approaching 40 million and by 2040 it is projected to be 60 million. We must plan for the future. We need to build new and re-build existing infrastructure: roads, bridges, hospitals, mass transit, etc. and, of course, more schools – let us begin with New West Charter.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Roger F. White
Our community desperately needs good public school options. It is imperative for our kids, our community and our real estate values. I urge you to support the expansion of New West Charter.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
New West Charter is unlike any other middle school in Los Angeles — small classes, fantastic teachers, a phenomenal principal — they are constantly evolving and continuously thinking deeply about how best to educate middle school kids. The teachers have fun, the kids have fun and the quality of education is as good as it gets. No public school is perfect, but New West Charter comes pretty close.
I hope that you will support the NWC High School expansion project with your entire heart and soul. There are always solutions to be found regarding logistical issues such as traffic and parking, and the New West community will support and comply with whatever those solutions are. A harder city issue to solve is how to offset drastic cuts in public education with innovative and successful schooling. Supporting the opening of New West Charter High School is a rare and important opportunity to have a profound positive effect on public education in Los Angeles.
Please look at the big picture. The neighbors will recover and hopefully in time will benefit from and feel a part of the positive energy emanating from New West. The grass at Stoner Park will survive and maybe NWC and the private schools (there are many!!) in the neighborhood could come up with a maintenance plan and some money to pay for it. The private schools in the neighborhood will continue to thrive and serve the LA elite with tuitions hovering around $35,000/yr., and the kids of Los Angeles will have another public school option that will assuredly change their lives.
It’s all good!!!
We need forward looking leaders right now. The time is now to stand up for what matters most — successful public school choices. Please don’t lose this opportunity to do what’s right for the west side and for Los Angeles.
Best,
Lisa Zimble
Venice, CA
Councilman Rosendhal,
We were one of those few lucky families who received the wonderfull opportunity for our 2 daughters to attend New West Charter Middle School. Our girls flourished and thrived under Dr. Weirs guidance and longterm vision. It was truly a wonderful gift to both of my daugthers and to our family. If New West Charter is given the approval for a much earned and derserved Charter High School, it would only be a positive and life changing for many. Opportunities like this for anyone, from anywhere in Los Angeles, are so greatly needed. The more “good” choices we all have in life will make for a richer society. Isn’t that what we all need and deserve? We all need to look ahead toward the future with our children in mind and not be short-sighted, nor selfish. They are our future. This will only be a “WIN-WIN” for all!. Let’s support this most important endeavor and enjoy the journey and the fruits it will bear………Education!
sincerely,
Gloria Berck
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Liz Wolfson and I am the founder of a high performing charter school in Denver, CO. I have been following New West Charter school’s growth and development as a model school and it informs my work here in Denver and in developing other schools across the country. We must support their work and in this case their expansion in order to serve all of our children in becoming productive, happy and successful 21st century adults. Thank you.
Liz Wolfson
Founder, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I am writing to tell you that our family fully supports the New West Charter High School’s Relocation to 1905 Armacost and the unanimous decision of the City Planning Commission and urge you to support it, too. It is so important for this amazing and successful school to succeed. The future of our children depends on it.
Best regards,
Caroline Packman
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I strongly support New West Charter’s relocation to 1905 Armacost and am certain that the school’s administration, staff and families are committed to expanding responsibly in a way that only benefits the broader community. While my children do not attend New West, I live in the area and am confident that the school prioritizes positive environmental impact, community involvement, and quality education.
Sincerely,
Andrea Nylund
Eco Hatchery, LLC
Westwood, CA
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
This school and its visionary leader, Dr. Sharon Weir, are a gift to the city of Los Angeles and to the LAUSD. Especially in these desperate times, New West stands as a shining example of the heights a school can achieve with loving leadership, supportive and involved families, and the freedom and support to innovate and to grow. LA needs this school, both middle and high. I hope you will find a way to make peace and to make this happen.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
When I learned from a New West parent that New West Charter School was adding a high school in Sept. 2012, I breathed a tremendous sigh of relief not only for the students, parents, teachers and administrators, but for all of us in the broader L.A. community who so desperately need the kind of superior education New West provides. The school’s adherence to excellence at every level should be seen by our community (and especially local residents!) as a source of deep pride and a model for how outstanding public education in our city is entirely attainable in the here and now. Any effort to thwart this critical project should be met with outrage and a resounding, city-wide, “NO.” There should be no question whatsoever that decisionmakers should support and uphold the unanimous decision of the Los Angles City Planning Commission granting the conditional use permit to New West Charter Schools. Anything less than full support undermines the future of New West students and all of us here in Los Angeles who care about quality education.
Sincerely yours,
Patricia Palmer
Los Angeles Resident and
New West Parent Hopeful
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I am a 5th and 6th grade teacher at UCLA Lab School, and every year have a few lucky students leave my classroom to begin their middle school years at New West. Because I support families as they seek middle school opportunities in Los Angeles, I know it is critical to have New West as a strong, viable choice for our graduates, and I applaud New West’s expansion to a high school. In New West we have a dynamic, student-centered program devoted to creating engaging, relevant and rigorous curriculum. It is a place where young people feel safe, welcome, and known so that they are open to learning. Let’s make this new campus available with expediency, so that the teachers and children in their care can get on with their work, and reach their highest potential. Exemplary schools make a difference to the larger educational community.
Julie Kern Schwerdtfeger
Demonstration Teacher
UCLA Lab School
I really hope this works out, we desperately need this school.
New West Charter is an excellent public school offering an innovative education to its students. Its presence in the neighborhood can only be a plus.
Dear Councilman Rosendahl, we are residents of your district, having lived in WLA for over 30 yrs. We are very familiar with the New West Charter School and its hopes for expansion. Therefore, we urge you to support the L A City’s planning commission’s conditional use permit for the school. The need for such schools is dire. We have studied the opposing views and find them to be without merit, as did the planning commission. We know how incredible New West is and it would be a shame not to allow such a school to continue.
Respectfully yours,
Paulette and Mel Blumenthal
Dear Councilman Rosendahl,
I am, unfortunately, not a resident of your district and my son (age 5) would not be able to attend New West’s proposed High School for almost a decade. So why am I writing you?
Because I care deeply about our great city of Los Angeles and even more deeply about how we educate its next generation of citizens. I have had the pleasure of meeting the students of New West, a diverse and spectacular group of kids who are willing to make incredible sacrifices just to continue on their current track. Their sense of personal responsibility is rivaled only by their commitment to the community that is New West… a community that will not continue if the proposal to expand to the Armacost location is not granted.
While it is completely understandable that you are duty bound to listen to the concerns of your constituents, Councilman, I respectfully ask that you also listen to these kids. When is the last time you heard of a sixteen-year old who was willing to forego DRIVING just so they could go to school? I have no doubt that if these special young people are allowed to inhabit Armacost, the effect on the entire neighborhood will be overwhelmingly positive.
These are challenging times, but like it or not, the message we send to the students of New West will have a direct impact on how they view the role of local government in their lives. If a kid is asking for their best chance at excelling, should we tell them that’s not going to happen because there’s a fear of increased traffic in the neighborhood?
I sincerely hope not.
Thank you for your time and attention, Councilman.
Best Regards,
Damon Lindelof
Councilman Rosendahl,
New West Middle School:
Excellent Education
Dedicated Teachers and Staff
Community-minded
Develops Student’s Talent
Please continue to support our school because all of these qualities will be true of the High School.
Best Regards,
Irina Rivera
Dear Councilman Rosendahl
I voted for you. And I will again, because I trust that you will listen to the recommendations of The California Department of Education, The State Board of Education, The Los Angeles Department of Transportation, The Los Angeles City Planning Commission. And most of all, I know you will listen to the voices of active voters like me who want to see this kind of quality education in our district.
Wendy L. Walsh Ph.D.
CNN’s Human Behavior Expert
Co-Host of THE DOCTORS
Honorable Councilman Rosendahl:
I have been an active member of the West Los Angeles Community since 1985. I am a parent of a New West Charter Middle School child and I fully support the High School expansion. Please don’t allow a minority of West Los Angeles residents to delay and impede the immediate realization of a New West Middle and High school. Those of us who are doing our best to raise moral and responsible teens in this city need your support now.
I know that fear is a powerful motivator and some in the neighborhood have expressed fears that are based on very negative notions of who teenagers are; one could say their arguments are even prejudicial. Let us prove those fears unfounded with our students. We will. The history of New West student behavior is the proof in the pudding. Just because our teens do not have the right to vote yet, does not mean they should be subject to oppressive voices that would seek to deny them a superior education in a safe and drug free environment.
I urge you to lead the West LA Community to embrace what the LA City Council Members sanctioned unanimously.
Respectfully yours,
Margie Goodspeed
Councilman Rosendahl-
As clearly expressed, we all know how incredible New West is as a school as well as a community, a model of what an educational institution should be. It’s also clear that there are members of the proposed-site neighborhood who oppose New West moving in. They feel primarily that New West would create an increased traffic problem.
The experts will decide if given the commitment of New West to conform to strict rules about carpooling etc, whether or not the traffic flow problem is significant.
The bottom line seems to be about impact.
Which is more important?
A questionable negative impact to a few who live in the neighborhood?
Or an unquestionable and proven positive impact to thousands of students who over time would have the opportunity to attend New West Charter?
Please allow the spectacular work of Dr. Sharon Weir and all of us who share in her vision and drive to come to fruition. New West Charter is a blueprint for the future of education. A thriving example for the state and the country of what can be accomplished when people work together to create something special. Is there anything better to teach the children of America than that?
Lisa Viscardi
Great idea! Can’t wait for this to happen!
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
We are residents of District 11 and fully support the decision of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission granting the Conditional Use Permit to New West Charter. Right now our grandson will be attending Warner School. We are anxious for parents and children in our district to have the opportunity to attend such a highly recommended school, and know that it will infinitely enhance educational opportunities, which our city so desperately needs.
Best regards,
Leona and Ronald Katz
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
Ever effort should be employed to support the unanimous (non-political, non-union, and unbiased) decision of the Los Angles City Planning Commission granting the Conditional Use Permit to New West Charter Schools. The dire need for excellent public schools in the City of Los Angeles is well known and documented. The New West Charter Schools are just what the City wants and so desperately needs.
For the past 40 years we have resided 5 houses from Warner Ave. School. Parking, traffic, and like matters are non-issues, when balanced against the benefits to the neighborhood, and to the City of Los Angeles as a whole.
Very truly yours
Jolene and Robert Burk (We were both born and raised in Los Angeles, and graduated from Uni Hi, as did both of our children).
Westwood, CA
Dear Councilman Rosendahl:
I am writing to let you know I live in your district and enthusiastically support the New West Charter High School’s Relocation to 1905 Armacost and the unanimous decision of the City Planning Commission.
There is a great deal of misinformation being presented by those with very narrow interests. I hope and expect you see through this propaganda campaign and make the choice to support the greater good for our community and the young students that make this institution so special and the relocation that shall make it a tremendous opportunity for young residents for generations to come. This is an all too rare success in public education and one we must nurture and be careful to not squander.
Yours truly,
Steve Katinsky
Mandeville Canyon
Councilman Rosendhal,
I am a West Los Angeles area resident in your district – Council District 11, and I’m a parent at the New West Charter School. As an active member of both New West and the West Los Angeles Community, I am writing in full support of New West’s proposal to relocate and expand to the building located at 1905 S. Armacost Avenue to serve middle school and high school students.
As you are aware, New West’s Conditional Use Permit was approved unanimously on December 8th, 2011 at the Los Angeles City Planning Department to locate the school at the Armacost site. What you may not be aware of is the discussion among the parents after the unanimous decision. I heard things like – “I can’t wait to show the neighbors how lucky they are to have New West in their neighborhood.” The discussion moved along to ways in which we can focus thousands of community service hours on the neighborhood, such as helping to improve Stoner Park. If it was wasn’t for the opportunity to have our kids attend New West, we would move out of the district.
I strongly urge you to support New West’s relocation and expansion project so that the school can continue to play a vital role in our community and serve the many students in need of independent, charter school education.
Best,
Paul Grand