READERS RESPOND

I live in Mesa Verde and I will be having my 5-year-old twins start

kindergarten next year. I am not happy with the school that my children

are supposed to attend. I want a neighborhood school. I am 100% for the

charter school.

I feel that it would be great for our Mesa Verde community. There are

many young families moving into Mesa Verde, and we need a neighborhood

school rather than going out of the district or sending our children to

private schools.

TRACI J. DEUTSCH

Costa Mesa

While I agree that a charter school in Costa Mesa could be a benefit,

I have to comment on the letter written in the Oct. 19 Community Forum by

Margie Bell.

Her statement that “they have dumbed down our kids so much that our

children are graduating from high school with nowhere near an adequate

education” is an insult to hard-working students and dedicated teachers.

It is also flawed logic in response to fixing our schools. Today’s

standards far exceed the expectations of years past -- in every grade,

from kindergarten through high school.

In order for our schools to succeed, we must all take responsibility.

The lessons of manners, respect and the importance of education should

begin at home.

This would go a long way in giving the classrooms and schools back to

the teachers.

CHERYL KIMME

Costa Mesa