First, let me say "I believe it is wrong to inflict suffering on any living creature" and "I…read morestrongly abhor any kind of animal abuse". I also believe anyone convicted of animal cruelty should pay for such a horrific crime, with prison being at the top of the list of possible consequences.
Second, I had a son at The Tenney School for 7 years and I would like to respond to the comment by Maya S, dated 11/9/2013, about The Tenney School.
1) "How can they let someone with a 1-3 owner-pet ratio who allows her dogs to suffer so much be trusted to run such a school?"
i) Should a person, or entity, be judged for an incident they had no knowledge of?
ii) Should the actions of one person determine the reputation of another, let alone an entire school?
iii) Should a person, or entity, be judged for an incident they have no ability to employ any kind of influence over?
Wouldn't we all feel more secure if the world were a more orderly, lawful and predictable place? Unfortunately, that's not the case and without knowing all of the circumstances, I hasten to guess the school, and everyone associated w/the school, most importantly the students, have also been hurt by this appalling act.
2) "The school's claim to superiority is their 1-2 teacher-student ratio."
There's an old saying that goes, "Things can go wrong all by themselves, but you have to work hard to make things go right." This statement applies doubly when it comes to having and maintaining a successful academic relationship between a school, the student and his family.
The Tenney School gave my son the environment and the tools he needed to be academically successful. The administration and teachers are dedicated to the student and push them to be their best. Failure is not an option for the teacher or the student. The students want to be there because they feel welcome and know the teachers care about them.
There was an expectation of my son to achieve his personal best; however it came in a way that encouraged learning, with an expectancy that he would excel and the support was provided to him making it possible.
Since every students' needs and abilities are different the school has teachers that understand this and their "1-2 teacher-student ratio" allowed the teachers to differ instruction in order to best help my son be successful. The teachers had a connection with my son that showed me they had a good understanding of him as an individual and taught him commendably. That's what makes them superior!
Throughout a student's school years, there is always a need to communicate with school: the teachers, administrators, and others concerned with a student's education. There are also times when the school needs to communicate with the parents. I can remember times when I'd frantically email one of my son's teachers with a question or problem and a short time later I'd get a call or email and have an answer. I was so fortunate to be able to have their help.
The Tenney School's guidance and knowledge was a major factor in my son's ability to excel, and I am truly thankful for their help and guidance over the years. I sincerely appreciate them for helping my son, during his years there; find his way through many of the difficult obstacles in life he came across.
I think my son would have written a letter similar to this however, he is busy in his second year of college. Thank you Tenney School for helping him get where he is today.
