UPDATE FROM FRIENDS OF DENVER PARKS - APRIL 25, 2014

Newsletter from Renee Lewis - President
Friends of Denver Parks

Just wanted to take a moment to let folks know about a new Facebook page

Denver Alliance for Public Education



As you probably have noticed that the only way to get real news these days is through our community newspapers and neighbors. We are going back to the era of "Fence Talk" to find out what's really happening in the neighborhood. I think at this time in our history that it is important to form up groups such as the Denver Alliance for Public Education, so that everyone can get information beyond the polished campaigns designed to sell ideas that are for profit-making and not the welfare of school children.

The Hampden Heights North Park fiasco is a good example. The safety of this site for a school is absolutely unacceptable. Neighbors from the very beginning expressed concerns about the safety for the children in this plan. Now it appears that the Culture of Deceit continues as we have learned the contract for Rocky Mountain Prep School has likely been decided behind Tom Boasberg's closed doors without fair process. Are we surprised? Clearly this idea was designed for profit and not for the children. Seems there's a lot of that going around these days.



See story here.

You may have heard glowing tales about Common Core, Bill Gates and his donations, Charter Schools, Firing of teachers in mass, and much more. I recommend this Facebook page as it talks about what is really going on behind those closed doors. We are so fortunate to have community scrappers/activist who are ready and willing to stay informed and to work hard to advocate for our school children. Please join this Facebook page. It is important!!

One key component to the success of these neighborhood groups is your presence and support. Attend meetings, participate in the dialogue, let the leaders of these grass roots movements know that you won't leave them standing alone. Show that you are just as passionate about these issues and are willing to be fearless in the face of power. How can we change the status quo without your presence?

I have to admit that I didn't pay much attention to the school system in Denver before Friends of Denver Parks, but as I peeled back the layers of the onion and got my eyes opened, I am truly concerned for the teachers, the children and the forces that are acting upon them. I know there are enough of us, to make a difference to stop this steam roller mentality that refuses to acknowledge the community and rules as if by royal decree.

May 19, 2014 will be the start date of the Friends of Denver Parks trial. This event promises to be action packed. Attending the trial and showing your support for our attorney John Case will be meaningful for us. John Case will be facing off with the attorneys of the City and County of Denver, as well as the Denver Public Schools. One attorney against 6-8 attorneys, a true David and Goliath story. See you there.

Thank you to all who have supported Friends of Denver Parks and encouraged us through this long and arduous process to hold the City and County Denver accountable to the Denver City Charter. Just like regular citizens, governments are required to follow the law too! Are you surprised?

Renee Lewis -President
Friends of Denver Parks
http://www.friendsofdenverparks.com
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The opinions expressed are mine and may not reflect the opinions of other members of the Friends of Denver Parks Board.