Instant Messages: 'Inside Room 206'

I am speaking on behalf of several supportive mothers and fathers of students that attend Donoghue. We think it is fabulous to have a charter school in our community with a very strong structured academic program developed by the University of Chicago. We also think it is fabulous to have our children surrounded with children "who look like them." You know, the guinea pigs you spoke about in your article. We are hurt that you would be so graphic to describe the living environment and behavioral issues of some of our children. We thought it was hurtful, degrading, and unnecessary, and the majority of the parents are offended!

You emphasized everything that is negative. But we subscribe to the premise that children can learn and succeed, no matter what the living environment may be. They just need someone to care about them, give them that mustard seed to believe that all things are possible, and we can just sit back and watch them blossom into beautiful, smart, respectful, successful, responsible adults.

It is our responsibility, as parents, to make sure our children shine, and we will do just that! We would like for you to print the abundance of positive things going on in Donoghue and what Donoghue is doing for this community (not just one paragraph but a three-part series). Write that our director visits classrooms daily, teaches subjects at times and knows EVERY student by their name. Write about the Parent Center that is filled with resources open for the community. Write about the parents that worked very hard to have six successful fund-raisers that raised over $5,000. Write about our partnership with the Urban League and 100 Black Men that dedicate their time and energy every Saturday to teach our young boys how to grow into men. Please give credit to our amazing teachers, who go beyond the call of duty to teach our children and parents!

As parents, we will not sit back and allow you to hurt our children, teachers, and community. We are proud parents that love our community and school. We may be poor financially but we are rich in so many other ways. We are a family, and we will not allow you to portray us into something other than that. This is not an experiment, it is a collective effort to educate our children, and we will succeed!

-- Robin Colbert, chair of Donoghue parent fund-raising committee

That was one of the best pieces of education reporting I have ever read. How refreshing it is to hear a detailed description of the ups and downs of a new school and its classrooms from the points of view of students, parents and teachers. These three stakeholders are the least heard voices in the efforts to improve schools, and your article provided a wonderful window into their diverse perspectives. Thanks for your hard work and illuminating reporting.

-- Brian Brady, executive director, Mikva Challenge

I just read your article in [Friday's] Sun Times, and although some points made in the article ring true, some opinions of some of the other parents I don't agree with. I'm a firm believer that although income can play some parts, it does not have to dictate your child's behavior. It's fundamentally true that every parent wants the "Best" for their child; however financially they may not be able to provide it, you can still nurture that desire to learn and want the best in that child. The mix of socioeconomics can have its advantages and disadvantages. I think it's up to the parents of Donoghue and the staff to make sure that everyone succeeds. I was impressed with some of the workshops and classes that Donoghue offers its parents and students.

I feel you should get a broader poll of how parents really feel. 'So far so good' is my thought. Just this week, I went to a parent and child workshop (free) and the topic was Conflict Resolution and Disciplining. The help is out there and I commend the staff.

--Monique, Donoghue parent

Excellent article in the Sun- Times. You have really captured the challenge of teaching in the inner city. Thank you very much. But one question -- you end the article [in part one], "It's up to Donoghue to give them a reason to stay." True -- the teacher plays a very important role, but suddenly the corporate establishment behind the Renaissance 2010 plan to privatize Chicago public schools is putting all the blame on the teachers for "failing schools." But there are many factors the teacher cannot control, as your article has pointed out (you're actually asking for a superhero to save these kids).

-- Jim,, Chicago Public School teacher

I really enjoyed your article. It is an admirable thing that U of C is doing, but the path is not an easy one. You did a good job showing the pros and cons of the situation.

-- Kris, South Shore