Today's Letter to the Editor, Reporter Herald

To the Editor:

I’m thankful that the Thompson School Board denied Loveland Classical School’s charter application earlier this week. Our community shouldn’t use taxpayer money to fund another new school. Loveland already has 30 public schools, 1 charter school, and at least 4 private schools, not to mention the many homeschool associations and online options for families who still can’t find the right fit. I’m a parent who has researched my choices because I desperately want the best for my children too.

I want to take this opportunity to highlight a small school that is often overlooked, but which has been successfully educating Loveland’s children for over 50 years. This K-8 school has rigorous academics (our alumni are consistently at the top of their high school classes), small class sizes, excellent arts and technology programs, a growing athletic department (our alumni are competitive at the high school level), and a daily focus on character development and citizenship through service and witness to Christ. My oldest son started preschool at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School seven years ago and presently all 3 of my children attend and continue to thrive at St. John’s.

Catholic School isn’t a free ride. We rely heavily on parent involvement and volunteerism. From tutoring, to fundraising, to helping in the lunchroom (which is always homemade!), to serving on steering and planning committees, our families volunteer over 10,000 hours each year. Yes, Catholic School costs money too – there’s no getting around that point. Did you know that the majority of families who send their children to St. John’s aren’t financially wealthy? We all make sacrifices of our time, talent, and treasure because we understand that giving our children an education at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School isn’t about the cost – it’s about making an investment in their future.

So, I challenge parents who are dissatisfied with education. You have many choices already, many that aren’t all that different from what the new charter school desires to provide. Why not take another look at Catholic Schools?

Nichole Rottinghaus
Loveland, Colorado