Escalon to Close

I am a teacher at Escalon Center in Altadena. Our campus serves a population of students who have been labeled severely emotionally disturbed and/or unmanageable by the school district. Many of our students come from abusive homes and impoverished communities. These children have been dismissed from public schools for a variety of reasons; since 1959, Escalon has been there to provide a place for these forgotten students.

In addition to academic services, Escalon provides counseling, social programs and community outreach programs, so that our students have the best chance possible for happy, successful lives.

In June, Escalon will be forced to close its doors forever, due to overwhelming financial difficulties. I believe this to be a monumental tragedy. In addition to a number of dedicated staff members now facing the prospect of unemployment, over 80 students who have worked very hard to be a part of something and better themselves will be forced to start over, learn to trust all over again, or be left with nothing and nowhere to go.

LeANN SLOUGH

Escalon Center, Altadena