December 25, 2003


Castillero elective experience would be missed

Editor,

My daughter graduated from Castillero in June and participated in drama, art and music during her three years there. Castillero has a great academic program but it is the electives that make the school so special to the kids. I still remember my daughter's first day of sixth grade. She came home all excited and said "Castillero is a lot better than ....(her elementary school)! She loved all her teachers, but choir was her favorite class that year. The thrill and excitement of the various performances drives the students to practice and perfect their skills during the summer, before the regular school day and after school. In these programs the students learn dedication, perseverance, responsibility, team building, how to speak/perform in front of an audience, school spirit and a sense of community.

I chaperoned on the L.A. trip where the students compete at Fullerton College before judges. The judges were very complimentary and even asked the audience to rise and give a standing ovation to the orchestra! The school spirit and pride that the students exhibited while encouraging the other Castillero groups was amazing.

The groups are involved in the community in ways that are perhaps not known. The women's choir sang at various nursing homes in San Jose. These beautiful young women looked and sang like angels in this setting and mingled with the residents bringing pleasure to their lives. The orchestra has performed at a local elementary school during the art show, showcasing their talent and providing a relaxing atmosphere to the event. A drama group performs at local elementary schools. Art students plan and implement an art lesson for elementary students.

My daughter has taken piano lessons for many years and while she has learned valuable skills during that time, it cannot compare with the experience she had in middle school working and performing with a group of people. Many students may never have such fun and exciting school experiences again. These memories last a lifetime.

Two of her friends both attend expensive private high schools now and both admit that their music
program just can't compare with Castillero, a middle school. Colleagues with kids in private school were envious of the many offerings and opportunities provided. Many times I would read in the paper about how "the schools have failed us" and I would thank heaven that we lived in SJUSD and that my kids were able to attend such good schools. I have met a number of people who moved to this area specifically so their children could attend Castillero.

My sixth grade son attends Castillero now. He had a hard time deciding on which electives to take because there were so many that interested him. He is enjoying both of his electives very much and feels the pride of accomplishment that comes with working hard at something.

It would be a tragedy if we lost our excellent teachers, the tireless encouragers of life nurturing
music, dance, and art who work so hard with our children to strive for excellence. Once lost, we will not be able to regain our teachers or their trust, or the lost opportunities, skills, and enjoyment of the students. Time waits for no one.

Anne Tysanner
Almaden Valley

Almaden Business Association says thanks

Editor,

The Almaden Business Association recently placed our first full-page ad in the “Almaden Times Weekly” and our members are already getting some good responses. On behalf of the Association, I want to express our thanks to the “Almaden Times Weekly” staff for their help and support in creating our ad and designing our new logo. We used it in the ad and our members plan to use it for their future marketing and advertising pieces.

Doug Keller
Chairman
Almaden Business Association