SAIL works to address the needs of students with learning differences
by providing creative learning environments. We have developed
a specialized curriculum using the arts to help children
learn in ways that match their learning styles, paying
special attention to individual learning styles and specific
need. Our focus is on developing the whole child, intellectually,
emotionally, physically, and socially.
Studies
demonstrate that children provided with a creative, flexible,
and dynamic learning atmosphere engage more readily
with the learning process and develop stronger problem-solving,
comprehension, and life skills. Our students demonstrate
the validity of this philosophy on a daily basis. Through
the regular
and comprehensive developmental assessments used to track
student progress, we constantly refine each student's individual
education
profile and track the progress of our students.
At
SAIL we not only address the needs of the child, we also
make a
special effort to reach out and support the parents
by encouraging them to join in the learning process. Because
we share a home with WVSA arts connection, our umbrella
organization serving DC children and youth with special
needs for over
25 years, we have access to a wealth of youth and family
resources
within our own buildings.
May
18, 2007 - UPDATE ON CLOSING
Dear SAIL Upper and High School Parents:
Thursday, May 17, the Washington Post reported that the DC
Board of Education decided Wednesday evening to lease space
to SAIL Upper and High School (and two other charter schools)
at the Fletcher-Johnson Education Center for next school
year only. SAIL’s Board of Directors met in emergency session
last evening, after staff visited Fletcher Johnson, to review
this new development, and decided to uphold its decision
to close the Upper and High School on June 21, 2007 because
Fletcher Johnson does not meet the needs of your child and
the program.
As
background to the continued decision to close, the following
is presented. We received no official notice from DCPS
about the space. We don’t know how long it would take to
get a lease or a plan to renovate the space to make it compatible
with SAIL’s Learning model. We don’t know
how the space would be divided among 3 schools. Also
who would
ensure the safety of all in such a large building, or
if anyone can afford the rent/heat/lights, security,
etc for
the building. Additionally,
The building is predominately open space and would
require partitions/walls to be installed, re-routing
heating/air
conditioning ducts and a security plan since
the space is enormous— 300,000 sq ft (bigger than old Hecht’s
building downtown) - our space at H street is 8,400 sq ft.
Sharing the building with two other schools could compromise
your child’s
safety, as it will be difficult to control whom is authorized to come in
and/or move about in the building.
There are a very few windows in the building and almost none on the first
level. Those on level two/three are small and @5 feet above floor level
and are clouded
and not transparent— minimal light comes in and you can’t see
through them.
There is insufficient exterior lighting, and numerous safety related
to the size of the building and the size of open space on the grounds
of the
building.
Lastly, it could take two months to get a lease and
there is no guarantee that we could make any changes
to the physical environment before school
would start.
The above factors are a significant deterrent to taking
the space. The Board based its decision on all
the available information and closing
SAIL is still
the only choice.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any other
questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Esteban
H. Morales, Principal
SAIL Upper & High School
Dear
WVSA & SAIL supporter,
We have determined that to continue pursuing development
of the 9th Street property presents a considerable
financial strain that challenges the standards
of excellence
in the existing WVSA & SAIL programs. Therefore we have decided to focus
on the quality of our Programs at our 16th Street property and indefinitely
postpone the development of the 9th Street Property.
This difficult decision also results in closing the Upper and High School at
the end of this school year. We understand that this is going to be a difficult
time for our students and staff; therefore it is our desire to assist each individual
student and staff with transitioning into a new suitable program and setting.
As we change our focus WVSA & SAIL will proudly
be continuing to educate young minds through the
arts and is looking forward to many new partnerships
and programs in the upcoming year.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
L. Lawrence Riccio, EdD
President/CEO
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