Stop throwing mud at Manzanita

I've lived in this community for over 20 years. I've seen significant positive and negative changes in our community. Whatever the issue, I've always remained the silent majority, the silent minority, and sometimes just silent. I've justified my silence by telling myself that I'm raising five children.

Don't get me wrong, I've done my part of community volunteering. I just haven't spoken out, I haven't fought the fight, and I haven't stood up for what I felt was right.

Today that ends.

Change: Few like it but it's inevitable. Our district is changing, our community is changing, our lives are changing.

Some are better than others at accepting change. While I don't like the idea of my child's school closing- - or any school closing in our district- - I know whatever the outcome, my children are resilient. I know they will do well in whatever wonderful school they attend here in Conejo Valley Unified School District.

It's too bad others don't feel the same. With the threat of their neighborhood school closing, rather than working together to save all our schools, others spend their time making slanderous comments about Manzanita, my child's school.

I can't think of a better place for my child to go than Manzanita. It's true, my other children go to another school and they do well with the masses. They also enjoy the "extras" they get from parentfunded and communitysponsored programs.

However, my Manzanita child needed extra help and support. He has gotten that and more. I honestly believe our choice to send him to Manzanita over any other elementary school in Newbury Park was what was best for him. He's made academic strides, he has wonderful friends, he feels safe, and given the choice of schools, which he's had, he always chooses Manzanita.

As a parent, given the choice, I spend my time volunteering at Manzanita. I feel more appreciated and see more overall gratitude. The teachers are welcoming and warming. The environment is encouraging and accepting of all.

I believe we live in a great community with great schools, not just a great neighbor with one great school. API scores are not the "tell all."

Despite what others think, community perception isn't reality. I say rather then tear down another school with, in my opinion, misinformed and slanderous statements, we need to work together to make our district stronger.

Let's find a way to keep our schools open. Let's be informed. Let's look for alternatives. Let's cut the fat. Let's keep our district and schools strong and admired by others.

Let's stop the mudslinging and work together to toward a better CVUSD. Erin Chapple Newbury Park