Finally, a Positive Spin on Continuation Schools

* Melissa von Hallberg (“Uncommon Success,” June 18) is not only my peer as a continuation school student, but a person I idolize for giving the public a positive look at continuation school education. Reading about her fortifies my belief that the continuation schools are home to teens who will one day make a difference in the world. I hope that one day the continuation system will receive recognition as the haven where their dreams began.

I am completing my junior year at Aliso High School, a continuation in Reseda. The public should visit our school and see the collection of wonderful talents roaming the campus each day.

People both ignorant and educated have wrong ideas of continuation schools. People assume that the students are difficult and that the teachers receive extra money to deal with these “problem children.” Melissa von Hallberg does not fit this description, nor do the thousands of continuation school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

I just recently attended the annual Options Art Show, displaying the work of LAUSD continuation school students. I wandered the exhibit in awe of the amazing talents of these fellow students. For the first time, there were no judges. Works were displayed, and each artist was commended. Students in the continuation system need one another for support, so why should we be rivals in anything?

ALEXANDRA SEARS

Northridge