Alain Leroy Locke Senior High

In response to Frank's previous comment, I think that you are prematurely jumping the gun. There have been vast improvements made at the school; while I will agree that not ALL problems have been solved, it is still too early to declare a public indictment of Green Dot and their efforts. It has only been one year. Compartmentalizing the school into different sections is only ONE method in which Green Dot is attempting to rectify the years of academic injustices committed at Locke High school. As a current instructor at the school, I can confidently assert that learning is taking place not only within my classroom, but within my colleagues' classes as well.

What you fail to acknowledge, in your hasty generalization, are the various efforts that both the local [Locke] school sites and the home office are making to improve academic rigor and student achievement. During the course of the summer, countless hours have been devoted towards instructional professional development for our teachers, so that your declared "pseudo-reality" of Locke's failure does not come to pass.

Lastly, I wish to address your declaration that Green Dot needs to understand the community and its needs. I cannot agree with you more. However, you have presented no proof, or concrete example, that Green Dot has not made a concerted effort to integrate itself into the local community. While the previous school year may not have been a prime example of illuminating the relationship between school and community, I once again reiterate the fact that it has only been a year. Transformation projects fail when organizations attempt to change too many things at one time. Thus, Green Dot is merely involved in a steady pacing of introducing themselves to the community while simultaneously gathering information in an effort to comprehend its unique needs. You must recognize that this is the first time Locke has been involved in a project such as this. A single solution cannot be created within the span of a nine month school year.

Thus, Frank, I implore that you allow the administrators, teachers, staff and students to learn from the previous year and co-construct relative solutions to enhance both the academic and social experience at Locke High School. Perhaps, then, we can all see the change that WE ALL desperately seek.

I am a witness at the horrible crime that is being committed to the students of Los Angeles. Just because you divide a school in several sections does not mean the students are learning. You need to understand the community, and its needs. If not the schools will continue to fail. Locke High School has failed under Green Dot. The media should expose this fraud once and for all.

I am an instructor with Locke High School's Marching Band. These students are very talented and I believe Green Dot has helped every step of the way. The visual aspect of uniformity and respect has sky-rocketed! Especially for the arts program. I am honored to be a part of what was once a choatic school to a great clean, serious, and supportive institution.

There is always security. I recall one evening we had a late rehearsal and I was assured that there was campus security 24/7 from a security officer. The campus is gated every way possible with tarps so no one can squeeze through the gates etc. As well as the guards are constantly patrolling the school grounds to make sure that people who do not belong there leaves.

Like I said, this school was once horrible, but with Green Dot and the rest of the Faculty, they want to ensure their students the right of passage towards colleges and knowledge. It is now a safe school with the right environment every possible way.

Well I just started attending the
new and improved locke high, but since it is divided now i go to animo watts 2.It's a very tiny school only one hallway for about 100 students but alraady I see a change there may be fights every once in a while but not as before.These schools really care about our well being and our education and I thank them because I believe i could succeed and go places with my life and get out of this place we call "The Ghetto".
I know Green Dot wants the best for us.
Even if the schools are boring at times and half of all my friends are seperated into different schools, I know that me attending this school would be ten times more better then attending the old Locke high school.

-Sincerly Kimberly Parker
A Student of Animo Watts 2.
[the new and improved Locke H.S]