Dorchester Collegiate Academy                STUDENT NAME __________________________

131 Hancock Street

Dorchester, MA 02125

Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

75 Pleasant Street

Malden, MA 02148

Dear Board of Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education,

I am writing as a parent of a Dorchester Collegiate Academy (DCA) student to express my disagreement with the Commissioner’s recommendation to revoke the school’s charter.  I strongly believe that the Board should reject this recommendation and permit DCA to continue providing the high level of rigorous and holistic education to its students.  

The mission of Dorchester Collegiate Academy is to welcome students of all backgrounds and prepare them for high school and college success through a rigorous academic program, character development, and a culture that actively supports teacher growth and development.  In addition, the school is committed to actively recruiting students who are showing the early indicators of educational failure: 1) a high rate of absenteeism 2) frequent disciplinary issues and 3) academic under-performance.

My child/children have been at DCA for _________ years and I am pleased with the education they are receiving.  My children’s teachers work hard every day and communicate with me about their academic progress.  When I have examined the work my children have brought home, I am pleased that it is on grade level and challenged them. I am very concerned that I will not be able to find an equivalent school placement for my child should DCA close.

(Check all that apply)

• In fact, I have been so pleased with the education they have received that I have sent, or plan on sending, siblings to the school.
• I have also recommended DCA to other families.  
• As a parent of a child who previously was not successful in a district/charter school, I believe that DCA fulfills an important role as a school that welcomes and works with students who struggle.  The school attends to the socio-emotional needs of my child and sees him or her holistically.  DCA is the only school that I’ve had my child/children attend that has developed a plan to ensure his/her/their success.

Before making a rash decision, please consider the students, the families, and the staff, who will all be deeply affected by the closing of DCA, our children’s second home. Once again, I’d like to demand that the Board reconsider the Commissioner’s recommendation and that the Board reject the recommendation to revoke DCA’s charter.

Sincerely,

________________________ (print name)                ________________________ (sign name)

 

 

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