I’m writing this letter in support of the exceptional parenting program at Horizon Hills (HH) and in support of the vital Conejo Valley Adult School (CVAS).

On a personal level, I’ve seen the positive impact that HH has had on myself and on my children. On a professional level, I’ve seen how CVAS has helped many patients in my family medical practice improve their own economic situations by providing affordable classes like English as a second language and general equivalency diploma (GED) preparation.

The Conejo Valley Unified School District board must support the continued existence of these programs by not making more than a 30 percent cut of the ADA from the adult school for the 2010 school year.

My husband and I have been students of the parenting program since 2006. The opportunity to actively participate in our children’s early education in such a supportive, diverse and fun child-centered environment has been empowering.

Observing teachers and other parents modeling conflict resolution skills helps us practice positive conflict resolution on our parent participation days and at home.

Our children are encouraged to actively explore the rich indoor and outdoor environments in their own unique ways and according to their own levels of curiosity. At HH, there’s a strong sense of community.

We’ve made lasting friendships and have learned the importance of getting involved in our children’s education.

Just as it’s shortsighted to cut funding of preventive medicine programs, the same is true if CVUSD takes excess ADA from CVAS. When preventive medicine is cut, overall healthcare costs skyrocket as people use more high-cost emergency care.

If too much ADA is taken from CVAS, forcing it and HH to close, the eventual costs to our district will be higher.

The parenting program is the preventive medicine in local school. From it come better parents who are active participants in our elementary and high schools. Out of it come children excited about learning who grow up to become contributing members of our community.

CVUSD trustees: Please let us keep enough ADA to stay afloat!
Marisa Sportelli
Newbury Park