Berendo Jr. High
I was touched by Linda Blandford’s profile of Berendo Junior High School (“Cooking Up Miracles in a Clean Pot,” Commentary, May 15). This talented writer has shared a part of our urban reality that too few of us ever get to know.
Berendo, like many schools in our district, is quietly providing hope and opportunity to the sons and daughters of recent immigrants. The fact is that in spite of enormous challenges our schools are filled with truly dedicated and talented people committed to serving all the children of Los Angeles. “Beautiful Berendo” is but one shining example. Unfortunately, the media’s preoccupation with gang violence and other social ills has cast an undeserved stigma over too many “inner-city” public schools.
On behalf of all our schools and their students, I commend The Times for providing Linda Blandford with this invaluable platform.
MARK SLAVKIN
Member, Los Angeles Unified School
District Board of Education
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