>>> "Kathleen Heasley" 4/25/2007 9:41 AM >>>
Dear Parents,
We expect to hear the Judge's ruling very soon on the certification for class action. It goes without saying this has been a very difficult and devastating time for the school. We have been assured over and over from our referral base when this is finally resolved, we should fully expect HLA will resume very quickly to normal student occupancy. We are not making plans to close the school.
Much speculation, mostly instituted by students, who hoped and fully expected they would be withdrawn, and a couple of misinformed individuals perpetrated the idea, and continue today to speculate without any benefit of a knowledgeable base-in-fact, that there is a lack of adequate staff.
We are not short staffed as a few would like you to believe. We have thirteen qualified counselors; that is a ratio of 7.1 students for each counselor. Similarly, two years ago we had 16 teachers with 150-160 students...today we still have 16 teachers...that is a 6:1 student to teacher ratio.
Yes, we have lost staff, as we do every year. This is not in the least bit abnormal in a rural setting such as we are in. Young single staff in particular, become dissatisfied with the amount of social and living amenities offered within the area and make the decision to leave in favor of a city or urban area. Some of our staff come to us through the local military community, which are subject to duty transfers more now than ever and leave. Also, it was far more proficient and sound judgment, both in cost and in the level of quality to hire outside professional companies for cleaning and night security, necessitating lay-offs of those staff which accounted for a considerable amount of employees. Again, we are not short staffed. In fact we have more personnel than students.
Our sport's program is growing as always. Student's who have never participated in sports before are excelling in our sport's program. 74% of our students participate in a team sport. Off-campus activities are continuing, with our student council taking an active role in planning the events. In no way have on or off campus activities been diminished.
Summer is historically a difficult time for parents. With family vacations and general summer activities children are sorely missed. It is understandable that parents would like to have their child home early, therefore, they ask us to make academic exceptions. Doing so could seriously jeopardize our accreditation. We cannot give grades a student has not earned.
Hidden Lake has always maintained the highest of standards...that has not changed. It is school as usual. We are proud of how we have maintained those standards despite the ordeal we have been forced to go through.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support throughout these past eight months.
Sincerely,
Leonard Buccellato, Ph.D.
