I'm going to put my two cents in here. Starting this year, I will have 4 kids in SDOL. My oldest has consecutively been on Honor Roll. The other child is in 2nd grade, earned all A's and B's. We spend at least 2 hours doing homework. All summer they have been doing worksheets to keep them sharp. All of my children know they are going to do well in school, this is NOT an option. All of them know that they are going to go on to a college or trade program before leaving my clutches.

My oldest also participates in PFL, a wonderful program worth giving to. He just spent 5 weeks at Millersville University studying Latin, Chemistry, PRIDE, Math, Biology and Computers, along with many other topics. We attend classes for 3 hours each Saturday during the school year. It's a lot of work, and really worth it.

I only graduated from High School. My husband (a graduate of SDOL) has 3 years of college, but did not graduate. Two years ago we could barely feed ourselves, let alone 4 kids, but we toughed it out, no welfare here, just determination and tough work.... Today, we are much better off. Not rich by any means, but we get by, and are finally able to save a bit. An increasingly diminishing "bit", but it's better than nothing.

I see many students coming to school, and their parents can't even be bothered to get out of the car and walk them to the door. Last year on a field trip that I went on, there were kids that had never heard of a kiwi fruit!!!! Honestly!!!
I agree that many parents do NOT take responsiblity for preparing kids for school, or keeping them focused. I agree that low-income families do have higher drop-out rates. I agree there are great teachers, and some that are lacking.
Please don't lump all these kids in the same category simply because they go to SDOL.
My oldest has felt the stigma of going to a city school. He knows that he will be looked down upon at times.

I may have only gone to HS, but my sons are going to take advantage of each oppertunity given to them , and (knock on wood) will be contributing members of society. I just hate to see people condemn these kids just because the name of their school, or the budget of the school.

SDOL does not send PSSA scores home now. There was a tiny note on report cards last June. Most parents won't take the time to go to the school to find these scores out. I feel this is a mistake.
Thanks for listening!

I know teachers that are very book smart but lack common sence and some of these teachers where professors in college. Sort of makes one think that schools aren't what their cracked up to be, especially when their turning out, non-common thought thinking individuals that one day might become the next president, or law maker that doesn't have a clue.