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| Ms. Farris, Thank you for using Let's Talk to share your concern. The District does not plan to alter our partnership with the Colorado Springs Conservatory at this time. Sincerely, The Let's Talk Team | |
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Reply by Jo Ann Schneider Farris |
| Thu, Feb 25, 2016 at 11:30 AM |
| In response to your request, I sent a hard copy of the letter below directly to Andre Spencer's office. I received a call back from the Superintendent's assistant, Debbie, on Friday 2-20-16 and then spoke with her again on Wednesday 2-24-16 since I wanted to make sure I clearly understood what she told me on Friday 2-20, since I was away in California and driving on Los Angeles freeways when she called me last on that Friday. Debbie told me that Mr. Spencer asked her to call me to tell me that he shared my confidential concerns below with the Colorado Springs Conservatory. When I asked her if any other action would be taken since I had was concerned about the welfare of District 2's children, her answer was she did not know and that Mr. Spencer is a "very busy man," so I should send my letter to "Let's Talk." She said that way, my concerns may be addressed. My original letter is below. I do hope this situation is investigated since a school district should not continue to support a program that could put students' emotional well-being in danger. Note: I have CCed this email to other parents of children who I believe may have been hurt by the Colorado Springs Conservatory and to The Colorado Springs Independent reporter who had begun an investigation. JO ANN Schneider Farris ------------------------------------------- February 10,2016 To: Andre D.Spencer Superintendent HarrisonSchool District 2 1060 Harrison Road Colorado Springs, CO 80905 From: Jo Ann Schneider Farris Subject: District 2’s Partnership With the Colorado Springs Conservatory (Confidential) In response to an email I received from your office on February 9, 2015, my specific concerns regarding Harrison School District 2’s partnership with the Colorado Springs Conservatory are summarized below. I believe that Harrison School District 2 should consider ending its partnership with the Colorado Springs Conservatory to protect future and current students from emotional harm. A continuing school partnership may jeopardize the well-being of future and current School District 2 children and families that come in contact with the Colorado Springs Conservatory. I am asking that you please seriously look into and investigate this situation. A public school program should not put children in contact with what might be considered abusive. Here is a summary: · My family and other families were introduced to the Colorado Springs Conservatory because of the existing Harrison School District 2 partnership. · In late 2015, an online support group was formed for the parents, students, staff, and faculty who have been hurt by the Colorado Springs Conservatory. Forming a group became necessary when several former parents, students, and staff came forward and shared stories of unfair treatment. · Those who have been hurt by the Colorado Springs Conservatory shared similar stories of abuse. More than 12 individuals and/or families have come forward and shared negative experiences about the Colorado Springs Conservatory. I’ve been told that there are many more people who have been hurt who“out of fear” have stayed silent. · Children’s self-esteem is the main concern. · There have been stories of children directly being told that they are “worthless” and/or being belittled in front of peers and teachers. · Students and teachers have been dismissed from the school with no explanation or notice. · In addition, the parents and students who participate in the partnership school program were told that the program paid for by District 2 is identical to the Colorado Springs Conservatory’s after school program which requires tuition, but that is not the case. · After District 2’s students told their parents that they were not learning “anything new” each semester, it was explained to the families that wanted their children to learn more and excel in the arts, that the partnership school program is “introductory,” which means the District 2 students that return each semester to the Colorado Springs Conservatory end up learning the same things over and over again. This means Harrison School District’s funds are not being used wisely. · If students wish to “move on,” or audition for roles in Conservatory productions, paying tuition to Colorado Springs Conservatory’s regular tuition programs is required. · Parents and students who have been in the Harrision School District 2 school Colorado Springs Conservatory partnership program discover that the school program is“not as good” as the tuition based Colorado Springs Conservatory programs. · The school partnership program seems to be only an “advertisement” to promote the Colorado Springs Conservatory and serves an avenue for the Colorado Springs Conservatory to gain new students and funds for the Colorado Springs Conservatory programs which require tuition. · In addition, some of the recent musical productions done by the Colorado Springs Conservatory have not been suitable for minors. Performers have been required to use inappropriate language. Costumes are sometimes also inappropriate and the situations and plots in some of these productions have included adult content. Parents and the families of these students see their children for the first time in these roles during live performances open to the public, which can be very awkward. My daughter was introduced to the Colorado Springs Conservatory through Harrison School’s partnership, has been hurt directly by the organization. She had been given a great opportunity to excel as an artist, but on November 4, 2015, my entire family was devastated when we suddenly received a letter from Linda Weise and the Colorado Springs Conservatory that stated we were not welcome to participate in any Colorado Springs Conservatory activities including attending productions. No explanation was given. My daughter’s entire “world” was ripped fromher on that day. My daughter has begun to recover, but I believe the “bruises” she has experienced through this unpleasant interaction will stay with her throughout her life. My youngest child is enrolled in Mountain Vista Homeschool Academy, which means the optional Colorado Springs Conservatory partnership school opportunity is now closed to her for no reason at all. How can a public school program be closed to an eligible child for no apparent reason without an explanation? My daughter was directly hurt by her interaction with The Colorado Springs Conservatory. Other parents have also told me horrifying stories about their children’s interaction with the Colorado Springs Conservatory. The director and parent board of Mountain Vista Homeschool Academy have been made aware of this situation. Thank you for your time and I do look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jo AnnSchneider Farris From: Christine Lyle To: joannfarris@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 2:28 PM Subject: Re: Concern for District Superintendent - Andre D. Spencer, Ed.D. |
Feedback Form sent by Christine Lyle |
| Thu, Feb 11, 2016 at 1:28 PM |
Reply by Christine Lyle |
| Tue, Feb 9, 2016 at 2:27 PM |
| Jo Ann, Thank you for sharing your concern with Dr. Andre Spencer via Let's Talk. Can you provide copy of the specific concern you have rather than a link to your blog? Thank you - The Let's Talk Team |
Original Message |
| Sent by Jo Ann Schneider Farris on Sun, Jan 31, 2016 at 3:23 PM |
| Please read my personal blog entry. It's regarding the district's partnership with the CSC. http://danfarris.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-opinion-about-colorado-springs.html |
