Due to parent demand, Centennial closing

by L.T., 6th grade

Centennial is now just three years old, but parents have had enough. CCPA will be closing next year at the request of parents.

“The parent community has spoken,” said Aspire CEO Dan Shively, “and spoken and spoken.”

The decision to close Centennial did not come suddenly as decision makers have mulled the school’s fate for the last several months. Concerned about the education of their sons and daughters, parents have continued to voice complaints about detentions and school lunches.

Trouble began early. The year started poorly for Centennial when the school only improved a disappointing seventy eight points on last year’s CST. The final nail in the coffin was Centennial winning an EPIC award, given to only twenty one schools in the entire United States whose students show outstanding growth.

“This school is the best school in Huntington Park. Our children are learning more than ever. It is a safe, rigorous learning environment,” exclaimed Claudia Dorovich, a seventh grade parent, at a recent meeting, “so, obviously, it needs to close NOW!”

Parents cited the quality of food and the shoe policy as the major reasons for closing the school.

“As parents, we need to focus on what will really help our kids and prepare them for the future,” stated Melisa Samayoa, parent of 8th grader Dylan Sanchez. “My son can’t wear whatever shoes he wants, so I’m changing him to Gage.”