Parents, families, neighbors and friends of students at Kennedy Longfellow, object to the placement of the High School Extension Program at Kennedy Longfellow School for the following reasons:

Our open stairwells and classroom layouts do not allow for a separation of the student populations. Having High School students in contact with and sharing facilities with K-5 students presents conflicts for both parties. 

In addition, the inevitable negative perception of the HSEP being at our school will adversely impact our school reputation, which we have worked so hard to improve.  Kennedy Longfellow is a school on the verge of a rise in popularity and reputation. It is an unfortunate but inescapable fact that having the HSEP in our school will have a dramatic impact on choice, resulting in a very under-chosen school.  This will in turn impact the balance of the Upper School Triad into which Kennedy Longfellow feeds; already this Upper School will be the most socio-economically out of balance of all the Upper Schools.

We feel the children at HSEP deserve a safe, secure and mature environment so that they can work on the challenge of completing high school. In addition, HSEP students should be located more centrally, to encourage attendance, and in proximity to the High School, giving the students an opportunity to connect with RSTA or CRLS. Having the HSEP at Kennedy Longfellow is not right for either party.   Please reconsider this option and do not place the HSEP at our school. Thank you.