A positive experience with charter schools

This letter comes after reading Richard Cohen's column on a recent morning ("No need to vilify the wealthy who fund these schools," March 19). Having lived in a small town Roswell, N.M. (yes, the Alien Nation), for 21 years, I moved back here in 2009 after having firsthand experience with a charter school for my foster child. She was a special needs individual from the reservation in Mescalero, N.M. Here was a member of Geronimo's own kind people - A Mescalero Apache child. We lived on the military base that was once home to the B-52s and where they converted a technical building into the school.

There were 20 children or less to a class, first seventh and eighth grade, with sixth grade added due to their success. My girl was given hands-on care from people who were once teachers in the public system. She was considered a low-income child - and there were very wealthy kids from the north and rich sections of town there as well.

Yes, my Misty did win by the lottery. We lived two blocks from the school, and getting there early each day gave me, as a parent, a chance to become acquainted with the teachers.

She did well in school, my girl - her family was very happy for her and happy with me, too.

To this date I am still in touch with the Geronimo's clan's people.

Charter schools will always have my support, here, there and everywhere in this country. Bless all the folks who took it upon themselves to start all the children on the right foot for learning, and for their caring efforts to take on the so-called public school system.

Jean Przeniczny

Arlington Heights