Update: An anonymous source is claiming that Director Anabel Torres Matos has taken the opportunity to review this article and discussed it with the grade 9 students while in class at Inspiration Christian Academy.

The report indicated that she was quite angry and has asserted that the article is inaccurate. Sources say she is also actively seeking the identity of "The Insider" and has narrowed her search to parents of "students who have been removed from the school", specifically those whom she knows possess excellent English language skills.

Note: Mrs. Torres - The identity of "The Insider" it not important. What is important is that issues at the school, for the sake of the children trying to achieve an education there, are investigated and resolved.

If you feel that any elements of this article are inaccurate, I would invite you to submit your official statement for publication here either by posting a comment or sending an email to insider @ countrytoolbox.com.

Sources are claiming that as many as 15 students may have been removed from the school (by their parents) mid-term in the last few months, possibly indicating that ongoing issues are causing parents to remove their children. Exact issue for the parents removing their children is not yet known. Several of the departing students have enrolled at the Mayaguez based school from which Torres original left in order to start her own business/private school.

It has also been reported that some of the lower grades do not have a dedicated home room teacher, and that one of the more highly regarded teachers has not been given a homeroom this year. Instead she must rotate from class to class. Be advised that I am not sure if these claims are accurate yet.

Feedback from school administrators or parents is encouraged. Comments can be posted directly here.

I have received 3 different anonymous letters from very concerned parents, which raise significant new concerns. The letters collectively communicate shock, sadness, disappointment, anger, the need for answers, and major concern for the students.

All have requested full publication of their letters. I will review them in detail to determine whether or not publication of all or parts of each letter are suitable to raise awareness for the concerned, and to create an opportunity for major positive change.

To those who submitted the letters: I will ensure that your voice will be heard. Please remain patient as I determine the most effective manner in which to present them.

The community of Cabo Rojo cannot afford to see a private school fail; there are simply too many children searching for a good education. Yet, parents also cannot afford to keep students in a school that has identifiable issues, yet is apparently not taking (or effectively communicating) corrective action.

In my opinion, it is markedly apparent that many parents have major concerns, there are significant issues ongoing at the school, and there is certainly not an effective communication protocol in place to allow parents to have a voice in the education and well being of their children at ICA.

Once again, school administrators and parents are encouraged to provide feedback. We have yet to receive any official communication from Anabel Torres Matos or any representative member of the school administration.

hi,iam mother of a child in that school and im not shocked by this,i thought this would be a great school for my child,but i too am having problems with my childs education there my child has been having problems in a couplde subjects and the teachers would often tell me and i tried my best as parent to help my child the best i knew how at home,but she kept failing towards the end of the semester i find out by another parent that the teahers provide toutering after school for the children,the same teachers that told me several times my child was failing ....why didnt they tell me this in the BEGING IF THEY KNEW MY CHILD WAS FAILING!!! they act like they care so much for ur childs education but yet they did nothing to help her...there just there for a paycheck as many teachers are here in puerto rico...what gets me is that i pay 230 dollars a month and i could be paying nothing for the same kind of care at a public school...SAD

Hello. I have plans to relocate to Puerto Rico this year and thought this school would be a good place for my three children to go to. However, after reading all of the postings, I'm not so sure anymore. Are there other private (English) schools in the west area? Preferably Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, Lajas, Hormigueros? Since I am not familiar with Puerto Rico or the West area, I just don't want to make a mistake and have my children struggle academicaly. Thank you.

Hi newbe,

There are other options. Here is a link to some of the West Coast schools from superpagespr.com: http://tinyurl.com/dkbzn3

There are several other private schools with instructions in English.

You say that you are not familiar with Puerto Rico. I am not sure where you currently reside, but I can tell you that you will probably observe major differences in the school system, particularly if you now live in the mainland USA.

To be honest, my personal view of the education system in Puerto Rico is so poor, including experiences at this school, that I have strongly considered leaving this country to ensure that my children are able to obtain a solid education.

Hi star2003,

In "general", teachers are very underpaid in Puerto Rico. Likewise, you will find that many of those who are teaching at private schools are also under qualified. With many of these schools popping up, the administrators may even lack any real experience in their executive roles! Therefore, if the administration is inexperienced, it becomes a cascading top down failure... a potential disaster waiting to happen at the expense of these fertile young minds... our children!

I think the teachers usually have good intentions, but often lack experience, and have ineffective support/guidance/direction from the administration. Note: I am speaking "generally" about schools in Puerto Rico, not just ICA.

My instinctive feeling (i.e. opinion) is that if you could swap out the director at ICA, and place someone with 15+ years running a "successful" school in her place, you would have a completely different school.

So far, the only comments I seem to be getting are from people who have additional concerns or complaints about the school. Sadly, the administration has never sent me a statement of their position nor any info on what changes they have implemented. However, I am aware that Mrs. Torres has personally read this blog entry, and I am aware that perhaps hundreds of parents from the school have as well. I have not received anything I would consider positive, or anything sent from the admins in an attempt to find a solution.

This is what concerns me. My children have been removed from Inspiration Christian Academy. As with several other parents who have pulled out their kids, we had enough and felt that we owed it to our kids to attempt to find a better school for them.

It is my sincerest hope the issues I personally have with the school have been taken care of, so that it can move on in the future as a positive learning environment minus these blemishes from the early part of its inception. Keep in mind, as a new school, they are on a steep learning curve as well.

There are a lot of situations happening on that School. A lot of parents had taken their children from that school including me. Among the problems the school is having is that the school have been accused of Institutional abuse. But the person from "El Departamento de la Familia" that went to investigate, knew the husband of one of the teachers and didn't take any action. The Director of the school use to talk about parents that she didn't like in front of the teachers she also premeditates together with some of the teacher to take out of her school children when she doesn’t like the parents of those children. She also manipulates the children by telling them what to do. Among the comments made in front of the students:
1. I have people in my school that I want and if I don’t like someone I can take that student out of my school.

I don’t understand why she is asking parents to stop gossiping, when she is the first one who is always gossiping in front of other teachers and not giving a good example in front of students. She is neither an objective person nor professional.

In my experience she is this kind of person that once she charges the tuition payment, she does with parents and students what she wants. She mistreats both parents and students.

By the way, I met a parent who approached Mrs. Torres to ask about enrolling her daughter into Kindergarten, just outside of the school. The director reportedly said very quickly (non-verbatim, but to the effect of) "There is no room left" and then turned and began talking to a group of teachers or parents, discouraging any further conversation with a prospective "customer".

One might suggest this type of behavior was extremely rude. The parent was very offended and shocked at the treatment. It certainly created a lasting impression and a talking point for several weeks.

This parent also happens to be from a prominent family in Cabo Rojo, who are very well connected to the community. As a result, one act of rude behavior becomes a lasting negative point communicated about the school.

Regardless of whether the class was full or not, I would certainly have recommended treating the individual "politely" at the very least, and from a business standpoint, it would have been highly advisable to get her contact information.

This particularly parent has two small children, one in kindergarten, and one who will enter in 2 years. Due to their strong ties to the community, this family are very likely to be lifetime Cabo Rojo residents who will put both children into K-12 in the same local school, once they have settled in and made their decision. Let's do some math:

2 children
13 grade levels (K through 12)
11 months per year
Upfront Deposit (Estimate $500 / year average over 13 years into the future)
Monthly Fee (Estimate $250 / month average over 13 years into the future)

Deposit Fees: 2 * 13 * $500 = $13,000
Monthly Fees: 2 * 13 * 11 * $250 = $71,500
Total in Tuition Deposits + Monthly Fees: $84,500 (Approximation)

So this parent, who was dismissed so impolitely, was worth in the range of $84,500 to the school.

That does not even begin to factor in extra revenues that can be generated from sales of uniforms, books, productions, fund raising drives, lunch fees, snacks, etc.

If someone needed your attention for a few moments, in order to make an agreement to give you $84,500 would you pay attention and greet them with courtesy, or would you summarily dismiss them? Your answer may be a good indication of whether or not you belong in the business world.

The parent drove from Inspiration Christian Academy to the Young Ambassadors Academy. After spending a brief period meeting with the administrations, she enrolled her daughter and paid the deposit fee.

I never knew exactly for what the school has been accused. What I do know is that she has treated my children very bad, even psychologically.

I am very sorry to hear that you and (even more concerning) your children had a bad experience. You are welcome to provide examples, as well as suggestions on what improvements could/should be made.

May I ask: Which school did you transfer to, and how has your experience been there so far?

I would like to keep the information on the new school confidential. But I would like to share that my experience has been wonderful with the school I chose for my children. The way we have been treated by both the teachers and the office staff has been excellent.
One of my suggestions for improving Inspiration is to change the Director; she seems to have lots of problems with everyone, which suggests that she does not have the ability to manage a school.

I have 2 children and I have been in this school for a couple of years. I really don't understand why are the parents looking for the negative facts of it. Hey not every school in PR ( I can refere to the west area) are perfect. All of them have positve and negatives thing why dont you look up for the education that this school provides the students. I have many friends in other school in particular S.E.S.O hey my kids are very above them in all the material clases and "thats not one of the best school in the west area" the thing is that my kids are learning so much here.What those student are learning now my kids learn it last year. That school the "director" are the parents they have the control of what is happening in their and it is a disaster!!!!!,inside there are many much problems that in this school I assure you that!! Thanks God we have a director in school,trying to do her job and looking for the best in academy for her students,and I dont doubt that .
I highly recomend this school that's if you want your kids having a disciplne education and a excellence in academy.
other thing I read was the complaining in the road hey !!It has direct acces to the PR 100 and has 2 more access from another road!! What the problem with that? I think that parent wanted this school in the center of Mayaguez Mall will she or he be happy???
Don't look up for stupids thing, think in your child education.. This is one of the best academy in the west area. See up for yourselve......

It's nice to have a differing perspective on this school. Thank-you for your comments star. Some follow-up thoughts:

Are parents "looking for" the negative aspects of this school or just "observing" the obvious (in some cases)?

Regarding all schools not being perfect:

Absolutely - the school system in Puerto Rico is very weak, including the private schools.

Regarding your children's performance:

I am glad that your children are performing well. As you can see from the article, not all kids are performing as well. Consider the grade 3 students to whose parents the scanned "gossip" letter was sent.

Regarding parents overruling the director at SESO:

I would not advocate parents running a school. I DO advocate parents being concerned about their children's well being and taking action when an issue arises. For the record, a "strong", "well qualified", "effective" Director is exactly what we should desire as parents. I don't think that is the issue here (that is, parental interference).

I think the question raises here is whether or not this particular Director, Anabel Torres, meets that criteria.

Keep in mind that the shuffling of teaching staff as another possible indicator of issues.


Regarding the road:

The road is narrow and dangerous on the blind turn. I personally know of at least one collision (although relatively minor) that occurred within the first month of operations. However, the state of the roads in Puerto Rico are very poor in general. There are two other private Christian schools directly on the 100 including "Young Ambassadors Academy" (good access, but also dangerous due to high speed traffic, making it difficult to turn left across traffic), and the Christian Academy closer to Boqueron, with very safe access thanks to the lights.

Note to readers: When driving to Inspiration Christian Academy, be very careful driving past the pre-school just before the large down hill blind turn. The road is narrow, traffic moves faster than the road should support, and the pavement drops off into a deep ditch that could cause a major crash if cars fade too close to the edge.

Regarding recommendations:

I would have to personally disagree with you. Having "closely" evaluated only Inspiration Christian Academy and Young Ambassadors Academy thus far, I would NOT recommend Inspiration for any similar minded parents. This is my "opinion", and I encourage everyone to make their own decision. Young Ambassadors Academy, in my opinion, is a much better choice.

Okay, we can definitely say that the person that wrote the article is a "SUCK UP". I am an ex-employee and I can say for sure that the school has an "embracing" curriculum BUT it is not given how it should be. This is a curriculum for "English native speakers" although we have a lot of potential students here in Puerto Rico, it should be modified for our island. That's why we have so many students not doing their best. Add the fact that the school has "little" H.Q.T (High Qualified Teachers) meaning teachers that are prepared.
If I recall they have a few which are not even certified and some that did NOT even study Education. How can they teach, but hey it's not their fault, they applied for the job and because they knew "SOME" English...they were hired. Now the main problem to ALL of this is "Anabel", I think she forgot that she started as a teacher before she became the "Director". she has a lot of issues and needs to control them, as starters even though is a school she has to see it as her bussiness and that the parents are "THE CLIENTS". I know for sure that most parents that have taken their kids because she doesn't like parents that go to her for complaints. Since they (well actually her) don't reach a happy medium, they leave upset. ALL the letters above are correct, except the one from the "SUCK-UP MOM maybe EMPLOYEE"...

Hello. This is the first time that I am writing here. Thank You because this is an excellent opportunity to have my coice heard and to motivate any reader to also comment. I had no idea this site existed until last Sat, Feb 7,2009. that I overheard some parents talking after an Open House at Cabo Rojo Colegio San Agustin. To begin with I was shocked to even see any parents of students that belong to Cabo Rojo's Inspiration Christian Academy. I was able to identify at least 11 parents. two of which I know personaly because their children are in the same grade as my children. The other 9 parents I have seen dropping off or picking up their children at I.C.A. Just as myself these parents are in search of a new school because we are not pleased at I.C.A. I agree that this school is still a "baby" compared to other schools with more years of experience. But if a baby is not walking at 5 years of age, something is wrong. The normal development of a baby is that it crawls, but slowly and firmly he or she starts taking his or her first steps. Within a reasonable period of time this child is walking. I feel that I.C.A. is still crawling. Every year should be a step forward, a learning and growing experience. But it seems that after all these years the only step forward the school has taken has been the adquisition of the new building. But now waht? A new building is not the only thing a school needs to work bettter. There are many more improvements that need to be made. For example within The administration, school teachers, school-functioning,evaluation of students,problem-solving methods, etc. To me, I.C.A. seems to be "stuck" and is struggling to survive,but in general the focus has been lost.

I too am the parent of two children that have assisted I.C.A. for a couple of years now,almost since its beggings. I am the kind of parent that believes in having her children receive an education of excellence, no matter what the price. After all, this is all I can give my children so that they can have a successful future. I have noticed how in these past three years even the education my children are receiving at I.C.A. has been so poor compared to previous years.

My greatest dissappointment has been to learn that various of the teachers that have given class to my children are not certified teachers. Learning this I have taken of my time to visit the pertaining agencies to also find out that Mrs. Anabel Torres Matos, Director of Inspiration Christian Academy lied to me letting me believe that Inspiration Christian Academy is an "Accredited Institution" and showing me a frame with what I now understand is a really the License of Renovation authorizing the school to operate under the supervision of the General Council of Education of Puerto Rico. (Consejo General de Educacion de Puerto Rico)Just so that you know, a license and a certificate of accreditation are not by any means the same. As I was kindly informed, any institution must have a license by the General Council of Education of Puerto Rico to operate. But only those institutions that go through a rigorous and meticulousprocess of evaluation receive a certificate stating that the Institution is Accredited. I.C.A. has been granted the privilege of beginning its accreditation process NOW. The school has paid the initial fee to begin the process of evaluation. I was also informed, which I was unaware, that this process is worked in stages taking sometimes even up to 2 years to complete. And many schools have failed to meet the standards in which some have been given the chance to make the necessary improvements while others have been closed or shut-down. I also learned that the Renovation License of Inspiration Christian Academy, Inc. #A52-04 is only from grade levels Pk-8th grade, What about the ninth graders? They form the High-School, are the invisible?

All the information given above is true and is open so that the public can view. You can either visit www.cge.gobierno.pr or do as I did and contact one of the office administrators through the phone and coordinate an appointment. The day I visited I was Kindly helped and i was shown all these documents. They will answer any questions you have.

I took of my time because I did not want to make a wrong decision or judge anyone unfairly. I think that the fact of being lied to really made me think about if I was ready to satay another year. But, honestly, I am not going to risk it or risk the education and well being of my children. I don't even want to know waht someone in this position making such false statement can be capable of. Telling lies to parents to retain students in a school is a big NO-NO. There are even legal penalties for those institutions that make false of exaggerrated promotion to the institution, its staff,programs,levels, and services. And an institution can use the term "ACREDITADO POR EL CONSEJO" when it has received the Certificate by the General Council of Education of Puerto Rico. All of this according to the manual of the Process of Accreditation by the General Council of Education of Puerto Rico.

Chapter3-Legal Dispositions, Article 3:1 Section 3.1.1-3.1.2

As to Star. I am glad that for your children all is well at I.C.A. But we have to look at the global picture. A teacher will always have an outstanding student, but if more than half the class is failing,something is wrong. The teacher should evaluate his or her teaching skills. And bless your children because they seem to belong to the group of the exceptions. Those children we say practically learn on their own, no matter what. I have two children as well, but only one is the exception. The other needs a qualified teacher with patience and dedication to explain, assist and supervise through the lessons and schoolwork the role of the teacher, right! Here is where I have been able to compare and see that no doubt ABEKA

curriculum is excellent, but not just anyone can give the lessons. I agree with you 100% that in every school there will always be problems . But how these issues are dealt with is what makes the diffrence. And yes, the diffrence is noticeable. There is a major difference between I.C.A. and schools in the western area that have been around for many years, have an organized method of working, hiring certified and qualified administrators and teachers, etc. For the past few months I have visited various private schools in the Western area:

Cabo Rojo Christian Academy- Cabo Rojo
Young Ambassadors Academy- Cabo Rojo
Praise Christian Academy- Cabo Rojo
Colegio Presbiteriano Rehma- Hormigueros
Theopolis Christian Academy-Mayaguez
Colegio San Agustin-Cabo Rojo
Southwestern Educational Society (S.E.S.O.)-Mayaguez

and each one had its own particularity. But each had something in common. They were very professional,organized and had complete knowledge of their way of working. The people who received and attend me treated my husband and I with respect, very attentive to our needs, carefully explaining every detail. They were very pleasant answering all my questions and even showed me the certificates of preparation each teacher had.

About the comment made about parents "running the schools" I strongly differ. I think these schools try to involve parents and consider parents an important role in the education process. Parents should be allowed to colaborate, make suggestions state their opinions, hey even ask questions when in doubt. All of this, of course, with respect. Even in the Public School Systems of Puerto Rico there are parent organizations and no by any means do these parents "run the schools" They work as a team along with the School Director, teachers, and other faculty and staff members and everything and everyone in order. Unfortuneately, I.C.A. has failed to do this. On the contrary, we the parents, are kept as fas as possible. we have even been denied access to see or speak to our children's teachers.

Although this may seem personal I can gurantee that it is not. My main priority are my children and these things are just obvious. as a parent that pays for a higher education I expect to be treated well and most importantly that my children receive an education of excellence as I.C.A. promotes. I have been here too long, hoping for changes but as a smart parent I cannot continue to jepordize my children's education and well-being. I have visited the office to speak directly to Mrs. Anabel Torres but I know form past experiences that is not worth it.

Mrs. Anabel Torres should really evaluate herself carefully. She shoul be more open-minded and mature about things. First of all she is the school-director and teacher of some of the students. This role has to be taken seriously and she has to set a good example. And most importantly this school is a Christian Schoool and I believe the director is "CHRISTIAN" and the teachers as well. She should ask herself, Are these things Jesus Christ would do?...... I don't think so.

To you, readers, if you are a parent of a student at I.C.A. do your own research and I hope you make a wise-decision.

By the way, soes anyone know why our children have to pay $25.00 each for taking a test given by Middle States Association on Feb 12 and 13 2009? To my understanding the school is supposed to pay for tthat because it was a decision made by the school director, we weren't even consulted. And this money can be taken from one of the fee's we pay at the beginning of the schoolyear. I have a friend whose children are also in a Bilingual Private School in the western area and the parents did not have to pay.

If you know anything, write back and let me know.

firsttimer,iam a parent there and was also at the colegio san agustin this past saturday and i agree with everything u have said, iam in full shock of Mrs.Anabel Torres....i also cant believe we cant speak to our childrens teachers,or even visit the classrooms,when i even try to talk to one of the teachers he acted scared,nervous,and a bit airheaded then the great and wonderful director came over, something is going on in that womans head ,shes got to know its wrong and why are we putting up with it !!

star2003:

What do you mean that you "cant speak to our childrens teachers"?

Is there some official rule in place?

For the record, when my children were in the school I know of no special rule that prevented parent's from access to the teachers.

I have a question for ALL Parents:

In your opinion, what changes would you require in order for Inspiration Christian Academy to continue to be an acceptable educational institution for your children?

I thank God that many parents have realized the truth. Ms. Torres manipulates all teachers. Even teachers who are afraid of losing their jobs if they do not do what she says. When I had my children there I experienced the same situation. Every decision that was to take had to be through Anabel. Any teacher can't make a decision in her/his classroom if is not consulted with her. She even threatens students.
Another question, Why the few good teachers that she had in her school are gone, including the one that started the school with her. And please don't give any cheap lies telling that she has gone because she was going to take care of her grandaughter, because ALL who were there know the truth. All these situations demonstrates that the school is out of control and that someone is having serious mental problems, that are affecting our children.
I recommend to parents, to assess the possibility of changing their children from that school. And again is not the curriculum, is the way the Director is managing the business.

From the comments posted here, in my opinion, there is strong consensus that several parents are displeased with their experience with the school and/or Director. This may very well be confirmation of issues that need to be corrected at the school.

I would really like to hear now some suggestions from parents on how to actually improve the school, including strategies for correcting the issues that have been put forth.

Here, everyone has an equal voice. Please submit your solutions. Perhaps you may even collaborate in creating a list of requests for changes that can be presented to the administration.

Entiendo que la mayoría de nosotros los padres que tenemos matriculado a nuestros niños en esta academia, el conocimiento del ingles es básico.Podemos ofrecer algunas alternativas a la situación pero...?pueden estas estar redactadas en español? Gracias

Translation:

"I understand that the parents who have their kids in this academy mostly understand basic English. We can offer some alternatives to the situation, but...can we write them in Spanish? Thanks."

You are welcome to communicate in Spanish. What is most important is that both parents and administrators are able to communicate most effectively.

Who I am is not really important. Let's just say that I am someone who is well aware of the delicate situation Inspiration Christian Academy is going through during this time.

This entire situation is unbelievable and so embarrassing. A school operating with a "school principal" whom in reality is only a Certified Elementary School Teacher and more than half of it's teachers not even being certified by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.

The worst part of it all is that many parents already know this information and are doing absolutely nothing about it. In my opinion, the only ones responsible for allowing this to happen are the parents. I'm sorry, but the only reason this person has gone so far is because the parents have permitted it.

I have to admit that the strangest things happen here in Puerto Rico. This is the only country where a person thinks he/she has the authority to give himself/herself a professional title.

Let me explain myself.......

Being the owner of an institution does not automatically make you a school principal. This person should know that you have to go through an academic procedure, take some courses at an Accredited University, then take a Competencies test ( Revalida) and approve them all. To be a school director, besides having your Certification as a Teacher, you must also have a Master's or Doctor's Degree in School Supervision and Administration.

School directors are the educational leaders in each and every school of our island, be it public or private. For this reason a process of professional and personal development is ESSENTIAL to do an efficient job.

The school principal, as an organizational leader MUST have the knowledge, skills, and attributes to understand and improve the organization, implement operational plans, manage financial resources, and apply decentralized management processes and procedures. Without the ability of being a qualified administrator, he/she will be unable to do tasks of other dimensions as well.

It is unquestionable..... the problem here is "THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR" She obviously does not have the preparation needed for this function.

Luckily, I understand that this school has oficially begun its Accreditation Process and very soon a team of Qualified Members of The General Council of Education of Puerto Rico will begin the evaluation process and will be notifying the school of all of the aspects it has to change. Very risky and daring too.

But before this happens I would like to offer some solutions for this school to continue open.
This is my point of view, my personal opinion:

1. The person that is calling herself "School Principal" thus signing official documents as "THE
Director" should be removed from this position until fulfillment of all the Educational
requirements made by the Department of Education. A highly qualified and Certified School
Principal with previous experience should be hired.

Note:
This person will continue to be the owner of the institution, but not the director. Meaning that she can NOT interfere with how the school is being operated and it is not up to her to make any decisions involving the operational plans and management procedures of I.C.A.

2. If this person wishes she may continue working as a teacher in the school. She is a
Certified Elementary Teacher.

3. I would only leave the teachers that are qualified and Certified by The Department of
Education and place them correctly according to their specialty and grade level. All
teachers must be fully Bilingual, dominating the English Language perfectly (spoken and
written) All teachers have to be Certified, including Physical Education, Computer, Art,
Music, even the School Librarian must be certified.

The rest of the "Provisional Teachers" I would encourage to complete their degree in
Education or to initiate it, if they still haven't done so.

4. I would hire a highly qualified, certified and experienced Secretary.

5. I would hire a qualified and certified School Social Worker and a Guidance Counselor.

6. I would organize a School Council to be part of the decision making process, working side
by side with the school principal.

7. I would organize a Parent- Teacher Association (P.T.A.)

8. I would hire another Certified School Director for the Secondary Level (7th-12th) grade.

9. I would hire Certified Teachers as well to offer tutoring to those students that need help
academically. ( I would NOT give other students in the school this responsibility, even less,
charge a fee for this service.)

10. I would organize different activities involving the entire community.

11. I would organize various educational field trips thus motivating parents to join and be part
of this experience.

12. I would modify the curriculum taking in consideration many factors without excluding any
child because of their individual needs. Implementing the "No Child Left Behind Act"

Do you want more solutions? I can go on you know.

The truth of the matter is that it would be a shame that this school be closed. I don't think that is what the parents really want. They just want to see positive and firm changes.( And I am not talking about changes every two weeks.) What they are asking for is more than just. I think it's time to stop acting selfish and ignorant and start thinking about those children, their education, and their future.

But if you don't see any changes... Why do you stay?

Now speaking directly to the parents.....

Before your child is accepted in any institution, your child has to fulfill some requirements. In the same manner, the parents should make sure that the institution they are contemplating or have selected for their child meets some basic requirements. Something as simple as making sure that the school principal and all of its teachers are certified by the Department of Education.

The Certificates of the Teachers do not necessarily have to be visible, but upon the request of, should be presented immediately. The teacher's certificates are official documents and must be kept in the teacher's file in the school office at all times.If by any chance you are denied this right or are given excuses...this indicates that something is wrong. If this should occur, simply leave... DO NOT enroll your child and notify the Department of Education of the incident immediately. This should be done at every school in general, not just at I.C.A.

I am just so glad at this moment that I have no children in this school. And believe me, I would not tolerate this. But it is up to you to decide, not me. Just don't complain later on.

Someone asked about some tests given by Middle States Association. I found this really strange because to my understanding this is an Accrediting Organization from the United States. But what I do know for sure is that it is not mandatory. In other words, your child should not be forced to take this test. And if you, as a parent, do not want your child to take the test, you cannot be obligated. Oh, and you don't have to pay the $25.00 charge.

Someone else wrote about not being allowed to speak to your child's teachers.

This is atrocious. There is no rule that denies access to the parent from entering the school building. I have a copy of I.C.A.'s Student Manual and there is no rule listed that forbids parents from speaking to the school principal or any teacher.

An example: The teachers have a schedule and they arrive at 7:30 a.m. at school. Classes do not begin till 8am. If a parent needs to speak to a teacher, he or she may go inside the classroom at this time and do so. At 8am, though, parents should not be inside the classroom because this interferes with the learning process and affects all of the students. Something parents already know. But a parent may go to the office at any time and if the school principal is unable to attend the parent, she has to give the parent an appointment for as soon as possible and at some time has to receive you.

I understand that there are safety and security measurements but there is no law that forbids the entrance of parents to a school building. So if you want to go at Lunch time when the children are not in regular class, you can do so. If you have any doubts, I strongly advise you to visit The Department of Education Office located at The Government Center Building (El Centro Gubernamental de Cabo Rojo) Don't be fooled, this is no different because it is a private school, it still operates under the norms put by The Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Bottom line, Rights are Rights and that is what I am pointing at.

So don't be afraid to stand up for your rights!!!

Good Luck to you all

If I am allowed , I can personally translate this letter to Spanish.

I think that you have contributed some very insightful information... very solution oriented. If you do not mind translating it into Spanish, then I think it would be extremely valuable for parents who are more comfortable reading in their native language.

I may take an opportunity to provide you with more feedback during the next couple days, as I do have concerns that this may not be the only school with some of the issues you have presented, and I am not fully certain of the feasibility of putting in place all recommendations. If the standards were applied strictly to all of the schools in the area, it's possible the community might have a crisis on their hands.

Quien soy, realmente no es importante. Solo vamos a decir que soy una persona que esta bien enterada de la situacion delicada que esta atravesando Inspiration Christian Academy durante estos tiempos.

Toda esta situacion is increible y vergonzosa. Una escuela operando con "Una Directora" que en realidad solo es una maestra elemental certificada y mas de la mitad de sus maestros no tienen la Certificacion del Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico.

Lo peor de todo es que muchos de los padres ya estan enterados y hacen absolutamente nada al respecto. Me disculpan, pero en mi opinion, los unicos responsables por permitir que esto suceda son los padres. La unica razon por la cual las cosas han llegado tan lejos es porque lo han permitido.

Debo admitir que en Puerto Rico ocurren las cosas mas extra*as. Este es el unico pais donde una persona entiende que tiene la autoridad de nombrarse y darse un titulo profesional.

Les explico.......

Ser el propietario o due*no de una institucion no te hace automaticamente el director escolar de la misma. Esta persona debe tener conocimiento de que para ser un director escolar tiene que pasar por un proceso academico, tomar unos cursos especializados en una universidad Accreditada, tomar un Examen de Revalida y finalmente haber pasado y aprobado lo antes mencionado. Para ser Director Escolar, ademas de tener un Certificado de Maestro en su Especialidad, tambien debe tener una Maestria o Doctorado en Supervision y Administracion Escolar.

Los directores escolares son los lideres educativos en cada una de las escuelas de nuestra isla, sea publica o privada. Por esta razon el proceso de desarollo profesional y personal es ESENCIAL para poder hacer un trabajo eficiente.

Un director escolar como lider de una organizacion DEBE tener el conocimiento, destrezas y los atributos para entender y mejorar la organizacion, implementar planes operativos, manejar los recursos financieros y aplicar procesos y procedimientos decentralizados de manejo. Si la persona no tiene la habilidad o cualidades que se requieren para ser un buen administrador no podra realizar tareas en otras dimensiones.

Esto es incuestionable...... La base del problema aqui es "LA DIRECTORA ESCOLAR". No tiene la preparacion para cumplir con las obligaciones de esta funcion.

Afortunadamente, tengo entendido que la escuela ha iniciado un proceso oficial de Accreditacion donde un Equipo Especializado de El Consejo General De Educacion de Puerto Rico iniciara prontamente el proceso de evaluacion de la Institucion en todos los aspectos.
Planta Fisica, Preparacion de todo el personal, Documentos Oficiales de todo el personal docente y estudiantes, Estabilidad Financiera, entrevistas al personal docente, estudiantes, padres y a miembros de la comunidad, etc. Luego de haber culminado el proceso se le notificara a la institucion de todos los aspectos a cambiar y mejorar. ALGO atrevido y riesgoso a la vez.

Pero antes de que esto suceda yo quisiera ofrecer algunas soluciones para que la escuela pueda permanecer abierta.
Este es mi punto de vista, mi opinion personal:

1. La persona que se ha nombrado "Director Escolar" por ende firmando documentos
oficiales como Director, debe ser removido hasta cumplir con los requisitos que exige el
Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico. Nombraria a un Director Escolar certificado por
el DEPR con experiencia previa.

Nota:
Esta persona continua siendo propietario de el local, de la institucion unicamente. Lo que
significa que no puede interferir con las funciones del director mucho menos tomar
decisiones en cuanto a procedimientos operacionales y de manejo en I.C.A.

2. Si esta persona asi lo desea puede continuar laborando en la institucion en funcion de
Maestra Elemental, ya que si esta Certificada como Maestra Elemental por el DEPR.

3. Solo dejaria laborando en la institucion a aquellos maestros Certificados por el DEPR
ubicandolos correctamente segun su especialidad y nivel. Todos los maestros deben ser
completamente bilingues, dominando el ingles a la perfeccion ( de manera verbal y escrita)
Todo el personal docente tiene que estar certificado incluyendo maestros de Educacion
Fisica, Computadoras, Bellas Artes, Musica, hasta la bibliotecaria, en el caso de que haya
una.

Con respecto a "Los Maestros Provisionales", les motivaria a que terminaran su preparacion en Educacion y si aun no han iniciado este proceso, que lo hagan.

4. Nombraria a una Secretaria altamente cualificada y Certificada.

5. Nombraria a un Trabajador Social Escolar Certificado y un Consejero Escolar Certificado.

6. Organizaria una Junta Directiva Escolar formando parte en todo el proceso de toma de
decisiones, trabajando mano a mano con el Director Escolar.

7. Organizaria una Junta de Padres.

8. Nombraria, ademas, a otro Director Escolar para el Nivel Secundario de la Institucion.
(del grado 7 hasta el 12)

9. Tambien contraria a Mastros Certificados para ofrecer tutorias a aquellos estudiantes que
lo necesiten. ( Jamas le daria esta responsabilidad a otros estudiantes de la institucion y
mucho menos cobrarle al padre por este servicio.)

10. Realizaria diversas actividades involucrando a toda la comunidad.

11. Haria varias excursiones educativas para todos los grupos durante el a*o escolar
motivando a los padres a que se unan y sean parte de estas experiencias.

12. Modificaria el Curriculo tomando muchos factores en consideracion ( los cuales no voy a
mencionar ahora) pero sin excluir a ningun estudiante por sus necesidades individuales.
Implementar the " NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT" Ningun Ni*o Dejado Atras.

Quieren mas soluciones. Saben... puedo continuar.

La verdad del asunto es que seria lamentable que esta institucion tenga que ser cerrada. No creo que es lo que los Padres quieren el realidad. Solo quieren ver cambios positivos y firmes. (Y no me estoy refiriendo a que hayan cambios cada dos semanas.) Lo que estan pidiendo los padres es mas que justo. Es tiempo de dejar de ser egoista e ignorante, no es un ataque contra esta persona o su institucion, se trata de unas exigencias que tienen que ser cumplidas. Es tiempo de pensar en los estudiantes, en su educacion y en su futuro.

Pero si aun no ves los cambios...... Porque permaneces?

Hablando directamente a los Padres

Antes de que su hijo/hija es aceptado en cualquier institucion, el mismo debe cumplir con unos requisitos. De igual manera, un padre debe asgurarse de que la institucion que esta contemplando o ha selecionado para que su hijo/hija reciba su educacion academica ademas de otros valores cumpla con algunos requisitos basicos. Algo tan sencillo como asegurarse de que la Administracion Escolar y el Personal Docente este Certificado por el Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico.

El Certificado de un Maestro deberia, pero no necesariamente tiene que estar visible, pero al ser solicitado deberia ser presentado inmediatamente. Estos certificados son documentos oficiales y TIENEN que estar en el expediente de cada maestro laborando en la Institucion en el momento y estos dentro del planter escolar, preferiblemente en la Oficina Administrativa.
Si por alguna razon algun Director Escolar se niega a mostrarle un Certificado de un Maestro, esta violando un derecho que usted tiene como padre. Si le ofrece muchas excusas y finalmente no le muestra el Certificado.... Usted se despide educadamente y no matricule a su hijo/ hija en esta institucion. Y simplemente notifique al Departamento de Educacion sobre el incidente. Esto debe ser hecho en todas las escuelas en general, no solo en I.C.A.

Me siento tan aliviada en este momento de que mis hijos no estan en esta escuela. Y creanme que yo no podria tolerar todo esto. Pero finalmente, a usted es a quien le toca decidir, no a mi. Solo le pido que no se queje luego.

Alguien pregunto sobre unas pruebas que serian administradas por Middle States Association.
Me estuvo tan raro ya que es una Agencia de Accreditacion de los Estados Unidos. Lo que si les puedo asegurar es que estas pruebas No eran mandatorias, obligatorias. El estudiante que no quisiera tomarla, no estaba obligado a tomarla. Si el padre no deseaba que su hijo/hija tomara la Prueba, el Director Escolar no podia obligarlo. Ah.... tampoco tenian que pagar los $25.00.
Esto muestra claramente una falla administrativa. Se debio haber hecho una reunion de padres antes de tomar esta decision, informarle el motivo, proposito, beneficios, consecuencias, costo, procedimientos, reglas en fin un sin numero de asuntos sumamente importantes. Se hace de forma verbal y tambien escrita. El padre debe ser orientado claramente.

Otra persona comento sobre "No poder hablar con Los Maestros de su Hijo"

Esto es una atrocidad. No existe ninguna regla que impida que un Padre pueda entrar al plantel escolar para hablar con el o la maestra de su hijo/hija. Tengo una copia del Manual de Estudiantes de I.C.A. y no encuentro ninguna regla escrita que me impida hablar con el director escolar o con el personal docente.

Un ejemplo:
Las maestras tienen un horario y deben estar en la escuela a las 7:30am. Las clases no comienzan hasta las 8am. Si yo necesito hablar con un maestro, durante este tiempo yo puedo entrar al salon y dialogar con el maestro. Eso si, ya a las 8am el padre no debe estar dentro del salon ya que su presencia puede interrumpir las labores del maestro y la ense*anza de todos los estudiantes puede ser afectada. Creo que esto es algo que ya los padres saben. Sin embargo, un padre puede visitar la oficina durante cualquier momento del dia (Horario de la Escuela) y pedir hablar con el Director Escolar. Si al momento, el Director no esta presente o simplemente no puede, se le hace una cita para ... lo mas pronto posible y su deber es recibirte y atenderte. De igual modo se hacen citas para que el padre pueda comunicarse con el maestro de ser necesario.

Yo entiendo que hay unas medidas de seguridad que deben ser tomadas pero no hay ley alguna que impida que un padre pueda entrar a un plantel escolar para hablar con el Director o con algun maestro. De no haber sucedido algun incidente violento anteriormente entre las partes antes mencionadas y que haya una orden, no se lo puede impedir. Asi que si durante la hora de almuerzo usted quiere ir a la escuela cuando los estudiantes no estan en clase regular, puede hacerlo. Si tiene alguna duda con respecto a esto, le aconsejo que pase por las oficinas del Departamento de Educacion ubicadas en el Centro Gubernamental de Cabo Rojo.
No se dejen enga*ar, no importa que esta institucion sea privada, de todos modos opera bajo las normas del Departamento de Educacion de Puerto Rico.

Punto final... Derechos son Derechos y esto es lo que quiero se*alar.

No tenga temor de defender sus derechos!!!!!

Buena Suerte a todos.

Quisiera decir que es una labor fuerte la de un Director Escolar pero conozco de muchas instituciones prestigiosas que han logrado aumentar el aprovechamiento academico de los estudiantes y transformar su escuela. Pero para que esto pueda ocurrir, lo cual SI, ES POSIBLE, es indispensable que los directores de escuela pasen por un proceso de desarollo profesional y personal. La preparacion de administradores escolares es fundamental en estos tiempos. Es un trabajo intelectual, y requiere que los administradores profundicen en los propositos culturales, intelectuales, sociales y politicos de la Educacion. Es cierto que existen escuelas tanto en el Sistema Publico como en las Privadas que TIENEN que mejorar. Pero para eso estamos todos en esta comunidad para trabajar juntos para que nuestras escuelas mejoren. Y por ende nuestros hijos tengan un hermoso futuro.