Hi, I am Aarati and this is my last year in the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

Being a student at the Charter School is the best thing that has happened to me. It's so sad that

this is my last year at the CSE Skills Center. I am going to miss everyone and I want to thank

everyone who made my high school a positive experience.

Freshman year was probably the best year of my high school years. Everyone was so

helpful and welcoming when I first came to CSE Skills Center. I am thankful for having amazing

ESL classes, and wonderful ESL teachers. They work hard to make the class fun to help

nonnative speakers, which I am one of them, learn English in a fun and easy way.

At CSE all the teachers and the staff are always encouraging the students to try their

best and to never give up. We have amazing programs at CSE such as the workforce. The

workforce program is such an amazing thing to be in, which I was part of. Being in the

workforce shows the student how working in the real world is like. The great thing is the

students will get paid and gain credit at the same time, which I am really grateful for.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is amazing. We get to do a lot of things, students

that come to CSE will meet great caring teachers and staff, a small safe environment and

classes. Being at CSE has made me a better version of myself, more confident student and

person. I have a lot of goals to achieve and I am so glad that I made a great decision by studying

at the Skills Center.

I like the Charter School of Excellence because the friendly students and the helpful

teachers make it a great community and school in general. This school makes every day proud

for me and always gets fun.

The principal is doing a wonderful job on keeping the school clean, and organized. It's a

different experience and it’s a more professional and better help from previous schools that I

have been in. This school is very caring for my education and the teachers help me when I need

it, all the time. Even though I'm a freshman, this experience is very different and difficult

especially because of this pandemic makes the Charter School of Excellence standout in

comparison to my previous school and experience.

One of my favorite classes is Health, it's an extremely different class I've been into and

an interesting class to learn in. I've never had a Health class before and it's a different thing to

learn about as well as the notes we take. It’s sometimes complicated but I try my best to keep

up and do my best.

In conclusion, Charter School of Excellence is a great school overall. It's an organized

school with the kindest teachers and staff, and most importantly, students. My first year in the

Skills Center is a very great experience and the year went by very fast. This is a high school to

intend for a great experience and teachers determined to make your education the finest.

-A.A.N.

I actually have not attended the Charter School of Excellence very long, I was only there

for a month before schools were closed down so I am still relatively new, but while I was there

in that short period I did notice qualities and attributes of the school that made it stand out, at

least in my eyes. I like the culture and atmosphere of the school. I feel like everyone is friendly

and there is a zero tolerance for any bad behavior. I feel more cared about as a student.

Like I stated before, I feel like the teachers here truly care about my success and want to

help me. It is something I have seen in my little time there that I have rarely experienced in the

past. But I am very appreciative of it because I am now doing a lot better due to the teachers I

have met and had in class. I also feel as though there is a more variety of learning opportunities

at the Charter School of Excellence which is something I also like. Overall upon switching to this

school, my educational success has greatly improved which is something that I am very proud

of.

Previously I stated that the culture of the school is what makes it so unique and stand

out. I have experienced so much kindness from everyone since I have been here and it is very

touching for me. I have made so many friends here and it actually makes me enjoy going to

school. The teachers as well make me enjoy going to school because the way they teach makes

school fun.

Something I have noticed at the Charter School of Excellence is that the way the

students are taught is completely different from previous schools I have been at, but it is not a

bad thing it is actually interesting to me. I prefer how I am being taught now, I feel like I get

more one on one teaching which has greatly improved my education and grades. I have also

noticed the diversity, everyone is different and from different backgrounds and their own

learning pace which is completely different from what I am used to but I do not mind the

difference.

Overall, the Charter School of Excellence is a great school and has a great impact on the

success of students’ education.

-A.G.

Hey it's Alex and this is my testimonial letter, I would like to start by saying what I liked

about the charter school of excellence. I really appreciate the one-on-one in tutorials that the

teachers were able to give that was very helpful the four years I was at the skills center.

Especially when I was behind on work they made sure that it was possible for me to get it

turned in. The experience I had working with the teachers and staff that differs from my

previous school, is that it's a smaller school so that means less students so it's easier for the

teacher to recognize who you are and really get to know you which also means giving you more

attention. So if you need help with something they know even if you don't ask for it.

The educational experience I had at the charter school of excellence, the teachers there

had a different way of carrying out the lesson plan. For an example history class we’ll do our

work that has been assigned but half way through take a break then watch CNN news just so

we can stay engaged. Sometimes just listening to the teacher talk the whole class can be tiring,

so those little things like watching a ten minute CNN news recap of the subject can help. Also I

liked all the opportunities that they gave with the field trips to different colleges really helping

me figure out what I wanted to do after school. Like most recently going to Erie insurance and

talking to all the people there and their different careers. I appreciate all the advice that they

gave me, I also liked to see that they all came about it in different ways but still got the same

result so that taught me that there is always another way. Even the shadowing after the field

trip for some more one-on-one time, I really appreciated that and thanks to Mrs. Mogel for

that.

A favorite class that I had at the charter school of excellence, would be graphic design

class that took freshman year. The reason why this class was my favorite is because I’ve always

liked drawing my own cartoons or logos and I got more interested in it seeing a family member

doing the same thing but actually going and taking a class for it. So at this point I already kind of

knew I wanted to do something in this field, so coming to this school and taking this class just

made it easier for me to see that I really like doing this type of work and want to continue with

it. I will always appreciate the opportunities that the school that made me feel important gave

me. It's been a great experience for me at the charter school, where I feel like an important

member of a school family.

Hello my name is Amarosa and I am a 9th grade student at the Skills Center. For middle

school my parents sent me to The Maritime Center and I Honestly loved it. Well there were

some parts I didn't like but overall I liked it.

What I love about the charter school is that overall it's a positive learning environment.

Sometimes there is drama but that life we are young men and women and in our teenage

years. But before the drama escalates the teachers and administration help resolve it. They try

their best to keep the drama outside of school and make sure it doesn’t get brung to school.

My experience working with the teachers is very good. The teachers at Skills are more

understanding when it comes to how we feel. My old teachers were stricter on us then my

teachers now. The teacher helps us not only with our work but with our feelings because they

have been teenagers before so they know some of the struggles of being a teenager.

The charter school has made an impact on my learning experience. Well me only being

in the 9th grade I haven’t had a very big learning experience especially because of the pandemic

that has occurred. But so far I love it the teachers make it easy for us when we don’t

understand. They also make a way to make sure we enjoy and sometimes have fun with our

work.

Being in the charter school there weren’t a lot of differences from my previous schools.

The only thing that really stands out is the fact that the charter school of excellence doesn’t

tolerate bullying, fighting, or any drama at that. Like I said before they try to prevent negative

conflict. They also set goals for us I believe every semester.

Ms. Lincoln's class is one of my favorite classes. She is my favorite because she lets us

express how we feel and she's funny and has a bubbly personality. And with every assignment

she gives she makes it to where we’re going to enjoy it and have fun with it. Ms. Lincoln is

always positive but she keeps us in check when we get out of hand.

In conclusion the Skills Center is all around a good school. I hate school but the teachers

make it fun to go to. The Charter School of Excellence is my and many other students' safe

space. Without the teachers I’ve met I wouldn’t be nearly as smart as I am now going to any

other school.

I found myself discussing my high school options with my parents for weeks, if not

months on end, what school I might be going to. I only knew two schools outside of the cyber

school program I was currently partaking in, and I couldn’t say “I want to go here” with

confidence. Luckily for me, a teacher from my old school happened to inform me and my

parents of the Perseus House Charter School of Excellence, or CSE. I knew that it existed, but

was never aware of just how good the experience would be.

Throughout my life, I’ve mainly gone to charter schools, so this seemed like the perfect

place to go. Public schools get far too crowded for any student to receive individualized

attention. On the other hand, CSE has small enough classes and a decent amount of students

for teachers to be able to give each person the attention they deserve. I can vouch for this, as I

feel that in each of my classes, I have received help when it was needed and the teachers have

generally been kind and understanding.

Another addition to the Skills Center in particular that I see as important is their various

clubs and programs. When I was taking a tour of the school, I was told that it has a music

program of high quality, which played a part in my decision to attend CSE. While I haven’t been

particularly adamant on joining any of the clubs, I can confirm that the programs for music and

cooking are equally enjoyable as they are educational. The teachers and staff involved have

much knowledge of the activities they’re performing, and as stated before, are incredibly

pleasant to work with. This forms a welcoming environment where students can learn about

things they might be interested in doing outside of school in a casual manner.

Last, but not least, I believe CSE provides an optimal experience for everyone, regardless

of status or previous education. For one, I feel that schools rarely give people who receive low

income what they need to get by through the school year. As opposed to dismissing these

students and families, however, the Skills Center offers a variety of services for them. For

instance, lunches are offered for free, so long as a student has their student ID. Backpacks and

notebooks are provided to students who don’t have them. The school also specifically aims to

help students who had bad experiences with schooling prior to attending Perseus House. As

someone who has struggled academically, I feel that I can vouch for them doing a good job at

boosting students’ motivation and academic prowess.

Overall, I believe the Perseus House Charter School perfectly accomplishes every one of

its goals. It allows disadvantaged students to achieve a successful education and helps place

them on the path to a better adulthood. It provides many extracurricular programs to help

students channel their creative energy. The teachers are understanding and respectful, and

each student in the school is given the right amount of attention to help them succeed. For

these reasons, I can vouch for CSE being a fantastic school to attend.

-A.H.

Hi, my name is Andre. I am a freshman at the Skills Center. I initially chose the Skills Center

because my mom made me but I couldn't be more grateful for her making me attend skills.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skills Center, I also really like how it's a small,

quiet, and relaxing environment. I like the small environment because it helps me focus more

which a bigger environment couldn't help me with but made me struggle even more. I like how

it's relaxing so when I finish my work I can read a book and there's no kids running and

screaming in the hallways making disruptions.

My Favorite class is Ms. Osmack’s ELA class because that's where I met my future wife. I

like that class the most because Ms. Osmack keeps me informed about my missing assignments

and keeps in contact with my parents. I enjoy Ms. Osmack’s class because I love vocabulary

work and I think I have a good vocab.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with everything. I had a lack of motivation,

keep grades up, behavior and a whole lot of issues. I feel it was a problem because my former

school was a really big school so I couldn't concentrate for nothing and I would always want to

be fitting in with the wrong crowd. It's better at skills because there is no wrong crowd, only a

good crowd so by doing my work and doing good I'm fitting in which I like to do.

I feel Skills is the best environment for the way I like to learn in a small environment. I'm

looking forward to getting a diploma and graduating from skills in 3 more years. I would really

like them to get an actual gym where we could play basketball but I don't know if that will ever

happen.

Hello my name is Angel, I attend the Charter School of Excellence and I'm here to tell

you why this is one of the best schools in Erie PA. The Skills Center offers a unique high school

learning environment in the historic building on French Street. The Skills Center opened in

August 2010, and has gained a lot of popularity since then. The Skills Center has a lot of courses

that prepare students for their future lives and careers. These are reasons why I think of it as a

great school and why you should send your kids here.

I like how they give teens a future at a young age to teach us to become an adult and to

become a successful person in the world today. My experience working with the teachers and

staff at the school and the way it differs from my previous school are, the teacher’s at Skills

really will help and engage in the students learning and even take the time out for the student’s

needs. They are really outgoing and kind and this is why I love the teachers and think they are a

good fit for the school.

The impact that the Charter School of Excellence has had on my educational experience

is crazy. They changed my learning experience for the better in so many ways and helped me

get through a lot of work. I never knew a teacher could be so understanding and dedicated until

I came to this school. They also helped me learn so many new things that I never knew before,

or things that I never understood. Making this school another great resource and obtaining

knowledge which is necessary for the years to come. The Charter School of Excellence stands

out in comparison to my previous experience with my prior school because of the size of the

classes and how much the teachers really do their jobs. This is so much different compared to

the big schools that I previously attended. A big reason why the class size matters to me is

because the teachers can actually help you more hands on and you could really learn so much

more with this opportunity. This helped with my grades, GPA and so much more compared to

the grades I used to have at my old schools.

My favorite class that I have at the Charter School of Excellence is workforce because

this class is special and stands out. This stands out more than the others because they give kids

from all cultures and ages a better head start for jobs in the real world. It's not just a job but

they actually teach you how to utilize the time and the skill of working and getting this done.

It's designed to build work acquisition and help retention skills pertaining to our lives. You even

get a paycheck doing incredible work around the school while even maintaining credit in this

class.

Some other highlights and observations about the Charter School of Excellence I've seen is that

everyone that I know that attends the school know matter what race, color, sexuality, or even

where you come from, everyone is accepted. Or has or can get a great learning experience at

this amazing school. On top of that, they offer so many programs and things you can do, that

this school offers to all of us like, a CSE media group, breakfast with Santa, and even children’s

water festival at Penn state Behrend. There are many more events and programs we have here.

And the reasons why those programs are important to people is because it's a great way for

people to bond and connect from everywhere, making this so fun, that our school provides.

Another thing that I have never seen at this school is bullying. Bullying is a big thing that goes

down in today's society, our school banned this type of thing that happens. We even have a

website where you can get help or talk out your feelings to provide help for your child. There

are so many counselors that take big precautions on this problem and are willing to help.

In conclusion now you see what I'm talking about. Your kids would be a great fit at this

school! What they get offered and what they can accomplish here is wonderful. Being a CSE

student here is one of the greatest moves I made in my life. And it was so beneficial and to my

liking. And I have some goals in life but I know this school can help obtain and achieve them all.

I would say this school has definitely been one of my favorite schools I've been to. When

I was in 8th grade, the teachers had started looking for high schools to go to next year and all

the other schools that I've visited or even heard about from family members just didn't match

me. I didn't want to go to another school. I wanted to go to a school where mostly there were

not a lot of misbehaving kids and the only school in my opinion that was perfect was the

charter school of excellence! I would say i don't really have a favorite class because each class

was a different learning experience and I’m happy I took all of them. There are so many

activities you can do and look forward to. I didn't get to do much helping and participating in

my previous school, and I like to help others a lot. You can work there and participate in

different events or programs and I think it's a great school for anybody to go to. I am a senior

now and I'm really going to miss our school and teachers. Thank you and I hope all goes well in

the future for the charter school of excellence skill center. :)

-A.B.

What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is the diversity and the willingness the

teachers are going to do for the student. Plus my peers make every day of learning exciting.

Another thing I like about my school is the electives and how hard they would push students to

their limits in a positive way. Last but not least is the classroom sizes. While I'm at school I

don't feel like a number. What I mean by this is the teacher will know me by my name, not by a

student or a Cetera.

The experience I get from my school is different from my middle school. My middle

school was mainly of African Americans but at the Skills center there are a lot of other races and

in the ethnicities plus religion so you can learn from anybody and everybody while attending

my school. The relationships Skills Center is great. They all teach me a little something that I

won't forget. It can be from lessons or real-life experiences they have encountered. I have

never been a trouble-making kid. Showing my relationship with staff and teachers wouldn't be

a problem.

The Charter School of Excellence impacts my education in many ways it goes from math

to culinary cooking. And at times I didn’t feel motivated my teachers would find a way to make

it interesting is never a day I can say I didn't learn anything.

What makes my school standout is High School Charter and the size. What I mean by

this is I don't see a lot of charter schools that are high schools. And the size of our school is not

the biggest but we have big hearts. And I personally only attended one high school and that is

the Charter School of Excellence.

I don't have a favorite class because all my classes are unique but one of them is Mr.

Hoffman. This is one of my favorite classes because he has humor that isn't humoring you

wouldn't expect him to be the guy to tell jokes but he does. Another one is Mr. Cook when I

started that class I was very uneducated about food and the preparations but with time he

showed me. Ms.Szczechowski is another teacher that made her class different how she teaches

is very straightforward and no matter how hard you will struggle she'll try to make it so if you

can make sense of it is no giving up with her.

I appreciate everything this school have/had done for me I’m forever grateful.

–A.C.

Hi, I’m Aracelie. This is my first year in The Charter School of Excellent I started in the

10th grade here. My first day was a little scary. I didn’t know anybody when I walked in my first

class. I only knew two people that I knew since middle school. They welcomed me and even my

teacher Mrs. Osmak. She was my first period class every day. After the first week I felt

comfortable. They were all sweet and nice.

The classes were smaller than what I thought but it was better for me. Because before

coming to the school my classes were so crowded. The charter school taught me a lot I learned

how to use a camera and record people and ask questions without being shy took me out of my

shy comfort zone, I learn how to edit videos on the computer and learn how to put a

background for the video so it look like I’m outside or anywhere, learn how to cut things out in

graphic design.

I had a cooking class on how to cut onions right and learn what kind of knives to use and

how little the food should be one time I made cookies. They were so good. My favorite class

wasn’t none of the special classes. I loved one of my regular classes. My world history I love

learning about the past like what happened in World War II, like why they fought and who

started the fight and how many people they killed. They really teach you a lot in charter school.

My favorite part is when they show us the news. Want to know why? Because they

make my days they tell you what's been going on lately they make it fun to watch having

people sing tell you what you can do to help you pass etc. The most reason why I love this

school is the community meeting they will ask you how you feel, what are your goals, and who

can help you with that goal, I love it because some people will say today is sad day and then we

got friends and teachers and the principal trying to help you and be happy I know they was

there for me when I was feeling down one day.

I like the fact I picked Charter School of Excellent because it's very different from other

schools I've been to. They really teach me how to cook, piano, graphic design and more. The

school makes sure they take care of us and keep us safe. They really make sure what will

happen in the real world once we finish school so we can know what's going to happen later on

in life.

What do I like about the Charter School of Excellence? I like that the Charter School of

Excellence is a focused, calm, and welcoming environment for me and my peers. Its smaller size

only having around three hundred students allows for the teachers to be more concentrated on

the students who need any additional assistance. The school gives us the opportunity to have

work experience by being a part of the workforce which includes working in the kitchen or

maintaining the school. Also giving recognition to the students that try to do their best, is much

appreciated by all of us.

What impact has the charter school of excellence had on my education experience? It

made me start considering how to better manage my work time especially when I’m doing

college courses. Having an opportunity to participate in classes geared toward college has given

me insight in how different it will be, and what task I will be expected to perform. It also made

me better aware of, and how to improve tasks I do outside the school environment. This is very

important as well when you consider that school in general is to prepare you for the future in

the grand scheme of things.

What makes the charter school of excellence stand out from my other schools? In

general high school will be different due to it being your final experience to get you ready for

the wider world. However, I feel that the charter school of excellence stands out due to the

opportunities given to us in pursuit of our goals. This includes elective classes that can hone on

our skills or help us find brand new passions. Also being closer to colleges and other institutions

allows us to forge a path to a future career.

What are my favorite classes at the charter school of excellence and what makes them

unique? My favorite classes are social studies, literary arts, science, and my electives. Social

studies and literary arts, I'm very interested in what the subjects teach me about their

respective fields, and have very compelling teachers to not make the lesson feel tedious at all.

In science I love learning about not only the world, but the universe around us with a very

charismatic teacher. In my electives I get to be very creative with the programs and projects

that I’m given to complete.

In conclusion, what makes the charter school of excellence a very unique, and

worthwhile place to be schooled in? Gives us a great many opportunities to start a pursuit that

will gear us up for the future. Has a very welcoming, focused, and diverse work environment for

all to learn, and not letting you feel left behind by your teachers. Has many different groups to

mingle, and have fun when the work is all said and done. CSE in the end is a place where you

can reach your goal in the most efficient way as possible, but doesn't mean it won’t show you

any appreciation for all the hard work that you put in.

-A.T.

Hello, my name is Arpan and this is my four year in the Charter School of Excellence. I

have learned a lot of things in the skill center. It teaches me how to respect each other and be

kind to others and also I learn how to control anger so we don't get in fights.

All of my four year in the skill center I had a great time with the teacher and staff. The

student and teacher were close and it was fun being with the teacher even when they gave us

work. They would help students who don't get the problem and they would give us extra help.

Charter schools of excellence have work forces that help students experience work and

help us with money so we can save for college. I also have been in different high schools and

have experience at that school but the skill center is much better.

In conclusion, charter schools of excellence have taught me a lot of things that are going

to help me in the future. Skill centers have a lot of kind teachers and staff. That is willing to help

us even if they use their own time. Being in the skill center was the best decision I made and

being in this school is fun.

Hello, I am Binita and this is my last year in the Charter School of Excellence Skills

Center. Being a student at the Charter School was an amazing experience. I am thankful to be

part of CSE. I am going to miss everyone.

I still remember my freshman year, it was probably the best year of my life. When I first

came to CSE skills Center it was an amazing experience that i never got to have in other school. I

am thankful for having amazing ESL classes, and wonderful ESL teachers. They work hard to

make the class so fun to help nonnative speakers, which I am one of them, learn English in a fun

and easy way.

At CSE all the teachers and the staff are always encouraging the students to try their

best and to never give up. I have learned a lot of new things which I didn’t know. CSE we

needed. I am very much thankful to be part of CSE.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is amazing. Students that come to CSE will meet

amazing teachers, staff, be in a small safe environment and classes. Being at CSE has made me a

better, more confident student and person. I have a lot of goals to achieve and I am so glad that

I made a great decision by studying at the Skills Center.

My name is Brandon. I am a freshman at the Skills Center. I initially chose the Skills

Center because I do better in smaller classes, the Skills Center cares if I pass or fail, and there

are various electives the Skills Center has that other schools don't have those are some of the

reasons I initially chose the Skills Center.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skills Center, I also really like the opportunities

the Skills Center gives me. The Skills Center gives me an opportunity to work in the Work Force.

Work Force is where the school gives you tasks to do around the school for a paycheck. For

some people like me Work Force was my first job. This is why I chose to attend the Skills Center.

My favorite class or activity I like is Graphic Design. I like Graphic Design because I like

being creative. Another reason I like Graphic Design is because Graphic Design allows me to

Photoshop things and it also allows me to design anything that I desire. This is why my favorite

class or activity I like is Graphic Design.

Previous struggles I’ve had at my previous school, I had some trouble with the following.

At my previous school I’ve had struggles with maintaining good grades. I also had some

struggles at having good behavior, making friends, and staying out of trouble. It’s better at the

Skills Center because I have good grades, good behavior, I have friends, and I stay out of trouble

at the Skills Center. By doing this the Skills Center helps me by keeping me from misbehaving

and staying out of trouble by putting me in classes where this can't happen. The Skills Center

helps me keep my good grades up by helping me with my academic needs.

In conclusion this is why I chose to attend the Skills Center. This is why I’m looking

forward to the Skills Center in the future because the opportunities are endless.

My name Carlos and I will tell you about my experience at the Charter School of

Excellence. The CSE is a good school but it could use some improvements like Sports

Scholarships and I would like to see professional coaches come to some of the games. Besides

that point the CSE is a good school, what I like about it is many of the students and staff. I like

when someone new comes into the building most people introduce themselves and make them

feel safe and welcome.

At my previous schools I didn’t encounter any differences from any of the teachers

because at the end of the day they are there to help and they are always willing to help.

Anything I ever needed help with I would go to my teacher because there’s no question that

can be turned down because we are in school to learn new things or things you don’t know. I

would say there is one thing that is different and that is the population. There is not many

people going to this great school but I do recommend people to go and try out the CSE Skills

Center.

The CSE made a difference in part of my life because everything was clearly explained

and showed to me. I feel like I understood more things in CSE than in other schools. There is not

many teachers there but overall if I don’t understand something I know someone would go out

there way to help me or a student. I learned so much new things in CSE I think I have a great

future ahead of me. This goes for all the students who goes to CSE, I really hope that people go

to this school and make it out with a bright future.

CSE was built to help many people with their problems and there future. I have may

experience with the CSE system because I started when I was in 6th grade. I started at the

discovery center then I went to Skills my high school year. CSE also gave me an opportunity to

work out of school and still get my school work done.

In CSE I like a lot of my classes but I would have to say my favorite class is my Keystone

Algebra class. Every time I enter the classroom I always feel welcome and the teacher always

has lots of energy and always ready to teach. Sometimes when the lesson is over and we have

time at the end of the day we talk about some of our lives out of school. One thing I like is the

class itself because I am a math person so yeah I would say this is my favorite out of all.

--C.N.

My name is Carson and I go to the Skills Center of Excellence and this is why I think skills

will never go away. Skills have courses that I have never taken before they help you with real

life things, not all the same stuff every year. I feel like this is very important because a lot of kids

are not ready for the real life world and how to do certain things. This can help people in so

many ways outside of just school and in their job.

My experience with the teachers at skills compared to other schools go out of their way

to help you with what you don't understand. The teachers are more serious about their job.

They make sure you're paying attention and not disturbing the class. The teachers act like they

are there for you and to help. My old school would just let us do whatever we wanted and we

didn't get too much help from the teachers. I felt like they never told us enough or I didn't know

how to do it at skills they make sure you know what you're doing and keep you up to date.

The Charter School of Excellence has had a huge impact for helping my education. They

help you get a better prediction for the future and how to plan and be ready for when the time

comes. Help you see what else you're good at with other types of electives to take and there is

a big selection of choices. The classes help me with real job experiences like how to fill out a job

application and how to talk to the interviewer. How important your classes are and how this all

affects your future helps make me pay more attention and stay on task.

Skills Center stands out a lot compared to my old school. Everyone at skills seems like

they're working together, people are on the same page and everything’s good. My old school

everyone was all over the place. I had a ton of missed assignments and a lot of work not done.

They have more real in class work most of the school day were doing papers and reviewing. I

didn't like always being on a computer. It's easier to make mistakes.

My favorite class this year was Skills and Applications. It helped me a lot with my job.

How to talk to my manager or my coworker and to customers. Also it showed me to have the

right attitude for a job or important situations. It was a semester long class but it helped me a

lot and I paid a lot of attention in that class. It helped me pay more attention to my teachers

and parents. He said this helps you focus more on what is more important.

The best parts are how they help kids plan for the future. They have this tour of the

Edinboro campus. It shows us what it will be like and helps us get familiar. How the teachers

actually help explain things and they pay attention to the student. They are very open if you

have a problem you can talk to guidance and get it sorted out fast. This is why I think the

charter school is a good school and how it will stay open.

Hello, my name is Celia. I am a junior going to be a senior at the Charter School of

Excellence Skills Center. I have a lot of memories here at the Charter School of Excellence.

There are a lot of things that I like here at the Charter School of Excellence. I like the

teachers because they are very welcoming, the friends I’ve made during my high school

experience, the talent show, and Cool Beans. The talent show is such a great experience.

Everyone is so supportive of one another. Here at CSE we have Cool Beans that was just

remodeled. Cool Beans is run by the students, and has a lot of snacks, coffee, espresso

machines, hot cocoa, tea, water, and flavored water.

The experience I’ve had working at CSE with the teachers and staff from my previous

school is different. At CSE I have better communication with the teachers than before, they are

always willing to help you out when you really need it or when you just need to rant about

something, they also teach a way that I can better understand. The nice thing about these

teachers is that some of them will print out the notes for you, and teach you to be organized

with your notes. It’s not just the experience with the teachers and staff, it's also the impact of

your educational experience. CSE has a quiet environment for everyone. The quiet environment

makes you feel at home. It's such a welcoming place that you’ve never experienced before. The

quiet environment helps you focus and learn, especially technology. The smart boards are so

much easier to learn from than a white board or chalkboard.

In comparison from my previous school to the Charter School of Excellence that stands

out most to me is that it is very clean. We have a program at CSE that is called Workforce.

Workforce cleans all day, every block, and gets paid. It helps teenagers prepare and stay on task

so when they get a job outside of CSE they know how to clean. Another thing that stands out to

me is there are less students in most of my classes, and not a whole lot of bullying. At my

previous school there was a lot of bullying and I had around 23 kids in each of my class. At CSE

I’ve had probably around 10-20 in some of my classes, which help me stay focused and get

more one on one time with the teachers.

Out of all the classes and electives at CSE, my two favorite classes are Music Production,

and Media Arts. I grew up with music because both my parents were in a choir. In 2nd grade I

joined choir and I was happy. In 5th grade I stopped doing choir because I never wanted to go

to practice. Ms. Napolitan is such a good music teacher. She has taught me a lot about music

and how to create music. My second favorite class is Media Arts. I was camera shy, in fact I’ve

never been a camera person, when I took media arts I was camera shy. I had to find someone I

can interview and a lot of people are also camera shy. The most nerve wracking part of media

arts was the desk segment. I was very dry when I talked on camera and I looked so nervous.

Recording desk segments is hard because you read words off a projector that is on the wall.

Reading off a script that you wrote is hard. Mr. Fesmire is a really good teacher and I've learned

so much more of videos and how to write a script and edit the videos.

The overall experience at CSE is something I will never forget. I want to thank all the

teachers and staff that helped me feel successful in my lifetime. Without the teachers and staff,

I would not feel confident to move on with the knowledge I have gained.

My name is Chandra. Since 2016, I have been with the Charter School of Excellence Skills

Center. I’ve been so blessed to be part of the CSE family.

What I really like about Skills is how the teachers and staff genuinely care about all of

the students. I can definitely without a doubt say Skills has the best support system. The

teachers and staff want to see the students be successful and not only that they will really help

you out with anything you need to do to be successful. One of the many staff who has made a

profound impact in my life and has tremendously helped me out in so many ways is Mr.

McCullum. He taught me to be a strong woman and showed me that I have a lot of gifts to offer

to the world. Mr. McCullum was always so positive, kind, supportive, encouraging, and was like

a father figure to me.

I also really like that Skills is a very multicultural place. I have made endless amazing

friends from around the world. It gave me the opportunity to get to know them and embrace

the differences. It’s so amazing that no matter where you come from, what language you speak,

what religion you practice, we’re all one big family. We are all united together.

One of my most favorite classes I had at Skills would be Language Arts class with Mr.

Hoffman. I really appreciated Mr. Hoffman’s sense of humor. He made the class really fun. I can

honestly say I learned so much. I always looked forward to Language Arts class. Even when life

hit me hard, Mr. Hoffman always brightened my day and definitely made me smile and laugh. I

learned to work hard and put all the efforts I can give. It also helped me to always turn all of the

assignments on time. I will forever remember all of the fun memories I had in Language Arts

class.

One of my biggest accomplishments here at Skills would be being part of the National

Honor Society. It made me feel I’m doing the right thing and all of my hard work was

recognized. Which gave me the strength to keep working even harder. Also, I feel really glad to

be in top 1 of my class and maintaining above 4.00 GPA. It really shows how much hard work

and determination pays off at the end.

I’m graduating this year and it is a bittersweet feeling. Skills have been the best school I

have ever attended. I’m so proud to be able to spend my best four years at Skills. I will forever

hold onto this school. It has really helped me to see my own personal growth from freshman to

senior year now. I can honestly say I’ve matured and turned out to be a successful adult.

I’d like to say that my experience with the staff and teachers is different in a good way,

but it’s been the same for every school I’ve been to. There are no teachers or staff that I

genuinely dislike nor are their teachers that I love. I can find some liking to all teachers and staff

but nothing particularly better or worse than any other school. I’m not the kind of person to

dislike someone for doing a respectful job that requires some discipline and handing out

arduous work when need be. All that I could really say bluntly is that the teachers and staff are

nice and respectable.

The best thing that CSE has done for me is helping to improve my educational

experience. Before coming to CSE I was a very mediocre student. The most common grade I

would receive would be a C, but now I have grades reaching a B and higher. It’s difficult to

pinpoint specifically what caused this change in my view. Whatever the reason may be, I am

very grateful for CSE’s influence on my view of school and work.

There isn’t much that makes CSE stand out from any other schools I’ve attended. One

thing that I can say is that the teachers seem more caring about the students at CSE. I can’t give

any specific examples nor can I think of any moments when it is clear that the teachers at CSE

show that they care more about students. I say that teachers seem more caring because the

teachers at CSE show more enthusiasm and genuineness. For that, I can find appreciation for

the teachers of CSE.

Fitness became my favorite class shortly after I was brought into it. Fitness allowed me

to indulge in my passion for exercising. It gave me the time to reflect on the school day and also

gave me time to relax my mind. Unfortunately, I was removed from that class. Even though I no

longer have that class, it is still my favorite.

I believe that CSE is a good school. It isn’t a school that outshines every school that I

have experience with by an extreme degree, but it is a place that tries to show love and care. I

think that just about any student could find some sort of appreciation towards this school. I

haven’t attended a lot of different schools but CSE is the best of those that I have attended as a

student. CSE feels like another home to me and I am grateful for it.

-C.G.S.

Being at skills was better for me than any other school I was at. Other schools were

overcrowded. Skills was not overcrowded and too much like the other schools. Being over

crowded made it hard to focus. I could actually focus and do my work.

At skills the teachers were more helpful. The teachers helped me with my work when I

needed it. They sit through whatever u need help with until you I got it. I couldn't really do that

with other schools I was at. That's one of the things I liked about being at the charter school.

When I didn't get to finish my work I could finish it after school. If I need to make up

work I could come before or after school. And they would go over it with me if I still didn't get

it. That helped me a lot throughout my time there.

Overall the school was one of the best I went to. It was easier for me to focus and learn.

Most of the classes were fun to be in. The other kids there were cool to be around. As I said the

charter school was one of the best schools I went to. it was fit just for me.

-C.G.

Hello, my name is Coryne and I am a freshman at the Charter School Excellence Skills

Center. The reason why I chose the Charter School of Excellence is because I wanted to find a

small learning environment where every student is a person not a number. I rather be a big

fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond. I want a place where people know my

name and not my student ID number. This is one reason why I choose the Charter School of

Excellence Skills Center,

In addition to why I choose the Skills Center, I also really like that there are some art

classes usually schools just toss art to the side as if it doesn’t matter but this school takes it

into account. I always liked working with my hands so the art class that I am in is the perfect

fit for me. I really enjoy when we work with clay and create sculptures, when we had to

leave we were just starting to make coil pots which was going to be pretty fun. Usually at

schools they teach students things that they know the child will make a good career and

sometimes children like something like dancing, making music, or even playing an

instrument. The Skills Center gives everyone, even people with different interests, something

to do.

One class that I really enjoyed was an elective I took last semester. It was called

“Intro to Psychology”. The class was about looking into the human and seeing what happens

in different scenarios that causes the human brain to change. I do wish that there was a

second tier to the psychology class, but maybe it will be added next year. I think that being a

psychologist might be a possible career for me. I really enjoy it and there are so many things

that still need to be learned about the human brain and how it works. This is why I enjoyed

taking this psychology class because you never knew what was going to happen that next

class.

At my previous school, I struggled with a lot of things. Even though the class sizes

were smaller the teachers didn’t really care what we did. In my math class they put me in

Algebra 1 just because I had a high enough grade to do Algebra. The teacher basically just

threw the book down in front of us and said have at it and went to go teach the other kids.

The teachers at my old school didn’t really care if we had questions or didn’t understand a

concept, they just kept moving on with the lesson. At the Skills center the teachers are

willing enough to break down something that we don’t quite understand yet. That is what I

really like too because sometimes I don’t get certain things as easily as other people.

The Charter School Excellence provides a small safe learning environment for all

different people. I find the small classes very nice because it allows the teachers to work one

on one with the students so you are never lost with your work. They also prepare you for the

real world with some of the electives that help you learn about what you are going to learn.

Some of these electives are personal development, culinary, and workforce these are just a

few to name some. Also, the staff actually really care how the students feel which I do

appreciate. Something that I really look forward to is trying some news classes that I

normally wouldn’t do on my own.

What I liked about the charter school of excellence was it is easy to learn there. Also the

teachers will help you if you were struggling. The experience I had was much more different

from my previous school. My other school teachers wouldn’t push you to do better or even

help you. But, here teachers were much more different and reliable you could ask for advice or

help on anything.

The impact charter school of excellence had on my education experience has improved

me a lot not only educationally but as a person too. It also taught me how to me and prepared

me for harder educational things and look for a challenge instead of taking an easy way. The

charter school of excellence really helped me learn better because before i came to that school

I used to do the bare minimum at my old school. But, when I came here it was like I wanted to

learn or I put more focus and effort into my work.

The most favorite class I had at the skills center would be keystone biology or ancient

civilization. Because these are the type of things I like to learn about and the teachers in there

made it fun to learn about the topic that I liked. They made the class much more fun and easier

to learn. These classes were special to me because i was ready to learn more about the topics.

I don’t have any more comments about the charter school of excellence. But, it is a good

school to attend to if you’re looking for a bright future. They will help you with any problem to

get to your goal. This is my testimonial piece about the charter school of excellence. Overall I

had a good time here and wouldn’t regret at all.

-D.F.

My time at CSE was interesting to say the least. I met some new friends as well as keep

in touch with old ones. Yeah some friends I’ve stopped talking to but hey that’s how life goes.

I’ve came from schools where I couldn’t trust anyone. But when I got here, my perception

started to change.

The teachers are very dedicated to their job. Teachers I miss are Mr. Chambers and Mr.

Cassidy but Mr. Yudt made it pretty fun in his class. They made their classes very interesting to

learn in. Mrs. Szczechowski made math very easy to get. In all honesty, the teachers are the

best teachers I ever had.

I feel like that all this work that you give us was too much and difficult. I’m going to be

honest I almost failed some of my classes because how much work was given and how difficult

it was. There were times when I finished an assignment, I thought that it was going to be at

least an A or B, or even a C, but no it was either a D or F. There are also times where the work is

super simple and easy.

D.A.

Hello, my name is Daniyah. I am a senior at the skills center. I transferred to the Skills

Center from Leadership Center because they felt I would fit there better due to my academic

accomplishments at my other schools.

Besides the referral, the Skills center has given me a place to thrive in a more intimate

setting. I really liked that they were more focused on making sure their students understood

the material. They teach in small groups which makes learning material easier. They allow you

to learn at your own pace while keeping you on track.

My favorite classes were both of my language arts classes. I loved how engaged both my

teachers (Mr. Hoffman & Mrs. Osmak) were with students. They’d often challenge us while

making sure we grew mentally. In Hoffman’s class we were able to debate complex

conversations and were able to express ourselves with peers and adults. While in Osmak‘s class

she taught us with patience and understanding, allowing us to learn at a custom pace.

I’ve been to five high schools throughout my life. The amount of students and lack of

organization caused me to fall behind. I personally get overwhelmed very easily and that’s

exactly what I was. During this time, classes were filled to the max and it was hard to pick up on

material. Once I switched, the personal setting was far more comfortable.

My time here however was very interesting. I came in as an odd man out, but by the

end of my experience I’ve made relationships with many students and teachers. I’m glad that I

was able to get back on track and recognize I do better in a small setting. I do hope that CSE

only gets more opportunity to show off the talent the students possess there. Very thankful,

Class of 2020.

My name Is Darren and I am sophomore at the Skills Center. I like the Charter School of

Excellence by how caring the teachers and staff are when they help give more information

about assignments and subjects that I don’t understand.

The experiences I have with CSE differ from my previous school where I was going

before and after school started to get help with solving difficult assignments from the teachers

so that can help me use what I learn to solve the problems of the assignment.

The impact I got from the school is how the teachers and staff showed opportunities we

got from learning about businesses and jobs we are searching to find. They also show us how to

prepare for an interview, create a resume, and to write a thank you letter for the interviewer.

The environment in CSE stands out from my previous is that arguments can be resolved before

it escalates out of hand.

A favorite class that I can discuss is Civics and Government. We get to know about

what’s happening in our government both past and present. The other highlights I have is in

Language Arts two when we learned about genres in literature.

CSE helps me to be prepared for life out of School.

Hi, my name is Dashaira and I attend The Charter School of Excellence. Being at the

Charter School of Excellence you become a better version of yourself. The school has a home

feel to it plus they make sure you’re safe and comfortable. The school is a very diverse place

and they know it and show it, they hang up everyone’s flag, have a big cultural day, and they

are not treated better nor bad but equal.

I truly like the way CSE is, the teachers give some serious honesty which most of us

appreciate. The work is hard but yet they make that everyone is getting the help they need, if

not during class then definitely expect help after school. That something I enjoying because

with teachers teaching 20 something other kids it’s become kind hectic. Now the staff at our

school are really hard working, the great part of it all is it’s our very own CSE students that

attend the school. They work very hard to make sure the school is okay and cleaned.

The education in that school is way better than my previous school. They teach us a

different way to see what best fit is for us. They wanted us to have a better understanding of

our work which they help us achieve.

The school, CSE, stands out for good reasons for their amazing skills in helping us to

overreach our goals in life, in whatever situation. They help us with using actual real-life

experiences, to help us understand it better, and to know what’s to come in those situations.

They stand out more because of the diversity, kids from different backgrounds struggle with

going to schools with similar religions, race, and cultures. Lastly, they gave us happy memories

to take with us once we leave, whether its college or job we’ll have those memories.

CSE is way better than my previous school for so many good reasons but I’ll list some for

now. This school is way more organized and prepared for stuff then my other school. They

don’t criticize you just to prove a point, or to make you see what you did wrong but this school

listens to you. The teachers don’t favoritism in this school, they make everyone feel equal.

Lastly, they don’t tell other people business to other students for entertainment.

In the end CSE is an amazing school with great opportunities. They want you to be able

to be yourself but better. The School’s diversity is something that we weren’t used to seeing

and when attending there that all you can expect there. They help us achieve goals that we

never thought of being able to achieve ever. They make us feel comfortable in being able to

speak our minds, feel comfortable in our skin, and comfortable to be ourselves. This school has

been a major help versus my school last year. This place is more than a school it’s a home.

Hi, I am Denis. Being a student at the charter school was one of the most amazing

experience that I have ever experienced. I still remember my freshman year being afraid to fit

in and afraid to make friends but once I started all the staff welcomed me like if it didn’t matter

if I was new or not and I really thank all of the teachers for that I won’t forget all the help that

they all did.

At CSE I learned that you don’t have to act or be a certain way they all accept you for

who you are and that they don’t judge you for your race or color. One of the features that I

really love about the charter school is the small environments and the help that all the teachers

give to all of their students, also the electives are one of the best things about the skills center

music, desktop, kitchen, art, Spanish, science, fitness all of those classes taught me lots of new

skills I can implement into my daily life as I become a adult and make good decisions.

At the CSE all of the teachers and staff make sure to get to every student and make sure

that they are being helped and they always motivate you to do your best and just make you feel

good about yourself.

At the CSE we have lots of opportunities to visit colleagues and events just so the

students have an idea of what it would be like to go to college. And by the end of the year they

have a field trip to Waldameer and all of the students can have fun with their fellow students

and friends.

The Skills center have some amazing programs such as the workforce which is an

amazing program because at the workforce it gives you an idea of how it would be to have a job

with responsibility’s and you also can get paid and one of the programs which is my favorite is

the hero program you basically have the opportunity to be a helper and help with medical staff

with medicine or feed the elderly.

This year I was involved with a lot of programs such as the Multicultural fair, breakfast

with Santa and I appeared a lot on the CSE student news which is one of the best things to start

of your Friday morning but with the opportunity to be on the student news it helped me to lose

my fear of the camera, I made a lot of new friends and had the opportunity to be close with

some of my teachers.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is wonderful. We have more opportunity to do

things that most schools can’t, every new student that will come to CSE will meet the best

teachers and staff’s, be in a well environment and have an amazing experience in the small

classes, being at the Skills center made me into a better and more responsible student and

person. I have got a lot of goals to achieve and I am so grateful that I made the decision by

studying at the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

Hi my name is Devaujeh. I am a sophomore at the Skills Center going into my junior year

next school year. I chose the Skills Center because I could stay focused more at this school and

be in an environment where teachers got time to help their students more. This school is great

with lovable and fun teachers to be around.

In addition to why I chose to attend the skills, I also really like the activities and events

that they have. The Skills Center makes the school feel safer, welcomed and still a fun learning

environment to be in.

One class/activity that I really like is English Language Arts. The reason why I like this

class is because it gives me a better understanding on how to write and having the right

grammar that can help me in life. I like how we learn about different types of writing and

reading on poetry.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with ELA, science and a little bit of social

studies. It was a problem because I was too distracted and I had a hard time understanding the

material and I never asked my teachers for help because I thought I could figure it out on my

own. It’s better at the Skills Center because teachers are more detail of the assignments that

we do and have time to help out their students if they are struggling in class. Working one on

one with teachers after school helps more too because you can have a better understanding of

it.

In conclusion, my experience at the Charter School of Excellence was wonderful and a

pleasure to be there. What I’m looking forward to my 11th and 12th grade year at the Skills

Center is to stay on top of my assignments and grades, because one slip up or one day of

missing school can ruin it.

Hi, my name is Dia’Natis, I am a freshman at the Skills Center. I initially chose the Skills

Center because I felt that I'd learn more in a smaller place because it has less distractions.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skills Center, I also really like it's a small

environment and the teachers are very helpful. I like that it's small because there are less

people and it's way more helpful for the students to get help faster and understand quicker.

Another point is that they are very organized.

One class that I really like is Language Arts 1. Language Arts 1is one of my favorite

classes because the teacher makes learning fun and she makes sure that the students

understand the task given before moving on. I also really like it because we are able to get off

task for a second and continue on without any problems and still understand what's given to us.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with understanding work that was given to

me. The teachers didn't explain the work too well. This was a problem because I had trouble

moving on because I wasn't understanding the work. On the other hand teachers at the skills

center are more patient and understanding.

In conclusion these are some reasons I think the Skills Center is an amazing school. The

skills center helped me expand my knowledge. In the future I am looking forward to graduating

from the Skills Center and expanding my knowledge even more.

Hi, my name is Dimitrius and this has been my 4th year at the Charter School of

Excellence Skills Center.

My time here has been an amazing opportunity for me to expand my skills, I have had

the chance to take my courses to help me through my daily life. At the charter school I have

learned what it takes to be able to work in a kitchen. I’ve learned those skills through our

Culinary Arts class that is operated by one of my favorite teachers Mr. Cook. He has shown me

all the skills and necessary skills that I need to know to be able to operate under pressure in a

kitchen environment. Now I work in a kitchen of my own making many of the dishes he showed

me how to make during class.

The teachers here at CSE, have taught the class of 2020 to never give up. They taught us

that under any circumstances we must continue to strive for greatness.

During my time at CSE, there were two teachers who have helped me get through the

years at the high school. Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Tetuan. They are both incredible teachers and

they were willing to help me get through tough times I have had in life. They both taught me to

be an amazing young man, and they have passed down their knowledge of Language arts, and

Biology/Anatomy down to me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

At CSE I have had the opportunity to be a part of the workforce program run by Mr.

Mastrian. He gave everyone the opportunity to get into the work environment before people

had an actual job.

At CSE there were so many amazing programs that you could sign up for during and

after school. There was a bowling club that is a program where we got to go bowling every

Friday at Green Garden Bowling Alley. We also had a program where we got to go work for the

Erie Seawolves.

This year I have been able to be a part of amazing things such as Anatomy, Psychology,

Media Arts, and many more amazing electives. In Anatomy we went to a lab, and we have

gotten the chance to study in an actual cadaver lab at Gannon University. It was an amazing

experience and something I would never forget.

Choosing CSE to be my high school was a great choice. Not only were they my teachers,

they became a part of my family. We are one big happy family and I’m pretty sure everyone at

CSE will say the same thing. I am truly sad that I am graduating this year but it will be an

amazing accomplishment of my life. Getting my High school diploma will mean so much to me.

Not only will I be getting my diploma, I will be getting it with my friends.

Thank you CSE

There are many things I like and enjoy about the CSE. Some of the things I enjoy other

people also enjoy and others other people don’t enjoy so much. The things I enjoy about CSE

isn’t just about what happens in class but what happens all through the school.

One of the major things I really like about this school is how small the classes are. This

makes it so much easier to focus and do your work in class without distractions. The fact that

you have a smaller class with fewer students makes it easier to get the entire class's attention

when you have a question and everyone can hear you, or when you’re presenting a project it’s

easier to have everyone's attention. Another thing about the smaller classes and school is that

it’s very easy to get to know close to everyone around the school and is an easy environment to

make friends.

At the other schools that I have attended, they were much larger schools with more

students and the classrooms had many more students in the rooms. This made it stressful on

the teachers with grading many assignments and having to teach a classroom with much

distraction. This could cause a lack of education or a lack of help because other children need it

more. But at the Charter School of Excellence the teachers and staff are more hands on with

the children and it just makes it a whole better learning environment. It also makes it easier to

get closer with teachers and staff if you ever need to talk to someone.

I enjoy all of my classes, sure I may like one more than the other like all other students

do even if they don’t admit it. My favorite teacher is hands down my English Language Arts

teacher. She makes learning really fun and helps us to her best ability when we need it. All

though she can be strict, that’s nothing new in our life so we can’t hold that against her. She

keeps her word most of the time especially when it comes to taking our phones.

These are the main reasons I enjoy this school. It’s a small and amazing learning place.

It’s very easy to get to know new people and to make new friends. I highly recommend this

school.

-D.W.

My experience at the charter school has been very fun. I've been there for 3 years now

and I can’t wait to finish my last year at the charter school. It’s been a long journey but I’m glad

I chose CSE as my high school. They push you in a good way to get your work done.

They also try their hardest to get you in the college you want.

My 3 years there have been somewhat stressful not going to lie. There’s been times I

wanted to give up. But Skills didn’t let me, they pushed me to the best of my ability. And I

couldn’t be anymore happy. I have a clearer head and I know now what I want to do in life.

Also the charter school is always on your side. They don’t assume they ask you and

allow you to get what you got to say out. And one of my favorite things about the charter

school is your opinion really does matter. They take everything into consideration. And that’s

why I am happy I chose the CSE skills center to be my high school.

-D.B

Hi my name is Dylan and I am a student at the Charter School of Excellence Skill Center. I

would like to get my high school diploma from the Charter School of Excellence because the

school has helped me a lot in the past years. What I like about the school is that they care about

the students and staff. I like the fact that there are small class sizes that allow me to have more

time with my teachers.

My experience with working with the teachers and staff at this school differ from the

ones at my old school. The teachers at the school that I am at now are hardworking, respectful,

caring and give respect to us as students as long as we do our work. They have helped me

before and after school to complete my assignments. And they have also given me good

guidance and try to keep me on task.

The Charter School of Excellence has had a huge impact on my educational experience.

When I was in public school I was getting bad grades. When I moved to the charter school in

middle school my grades improved and I made the honor roll. Now that I am in high school I

am maintaining good grades and taking fun classes.

What makes the Charter School of Excellence standout in comparison to the previous

schools is the attitude at my school. The charter school seems like it cares more than other

schools. It is helping me prepare for working and allowing me to take fun classes.

My Favorite class that I have had at the Charter School of Excellence is my graphic

design two class. What made it my favorite was because I was able to work with my friends in

the small class. Also I was able to design fun things that were in my imagination.

-D.M.

Education is the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction. My name is

Dymond. I am a sophomore, and I go to Skills Center. I chose education here because they offer

smaller class sizes, and many more college experiences.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skill Center, I also really enjoy the groups they

have. I am a part of the student government, art club, and talent search. Student government

allows me to be a part of some choices made in school. Art club allows me to take part in the

creative aspect of school. Talent search allows me to prepare after high school.

One class that I really like is Keystone Math. I like this class because it’s easy for me to

understand. Math is one of my best subjects, and I enjoy having a class that goes by fast. The

math teacher makes everything pretty easy to understand. I also enjoy the students that are in

my class. They are all pretty friendly, and easy to get along with.

At my previous school, I had trouble with fitting in. I never knew who I could talk to, and

didn’t know all my resources on ways to meet new people. It took me multiple years to feel

comfortable at my old school. At the charter schools that's different, I find it easier to talk to

people. It only took me a few months to start making friends, and feel comfortable because of

how much diversity there is.

In conclusion, I really enjoy learning and being at the charter schools. From their way of

teaching, to the actual students. In the future I hope to see more advancement in education at

the charter schools.

CSE helps students in need. They help students prepare for the real world. This is a

school which cares to make a difference and has a no bullying policy.

There are some kids that don’t have certain things, but CSE offers help to the students

and family. CSE tries to keep things as confidential as possible. The classes are not over

crowded with students. This allows students not to feel overwhelmed while trying to learn.

Teachers take time and read the test allowed. This helps the students understand the directions

better. When it's time to do the students' IEP they involve the student in setting their own goal.

This helps motivate the student. Being in learning support isn't always easy but CSE try to be

very supportive to the students' needs.

Some of the kids need extra help, the school offers before school help from 8am-845

am. After school help from 3pm -345pm. Lunch tutorial as well. If none of those times work

you can set up a tutoring session with your teacher. CSE put students in groups a lot of the

time. This helps build social skills and working together. Sometimes working in groups takes a

lot of the pressure off. Teachers also allow the students to email them about assignments.

CSE offers a work enforcement program. This is a job skill that will help prepare you for

life. This is offered for students with good attendance, grades, and behavior. It's hard for young

teens to find a job at their age. For most students this will be their first job. So it's a great

experience and opportunity. Working hours are during school hours. That makes things a lot

easier for a first start.

These are just a few great examples of how CSE helps their students prepare for the

future. If you are serious about your future CSE is here to help those who want to make a

difference. CSE has a lot to offer if you are willing to put in the work this is the school for you.

--D.K.

I have been with the Charter School of Excellence since 2013. I went to the Maritime

Center when it was on East Lake Road and before it became Discovery. I chose to attend

Maritime because of how often people would tell me it’s a way better learning environment

than others. The middle school teachers watched me through my awkward phase, they helped

me become ahead in high school with our dual enrollment classes. In 2016, I moved on from

Maritime and started to attend the Skills Center in the fall.

The best thing about Skills is how the teachers genuinely care about the students. One

of the many teachers who has impacted my life and helped out in many ways is Mrs.

Szczechowski. She has taught me math since sophomore year, and has always been there if I or

anyone else needs her. Another teacher who has impacted me and other students is Mr.

Fesmire; I take the Media Arts class where we make the school news every week. I’ve learned a

lot from being within these schools for the last seven years. I’ve matured, learned how to be a

responsible adult, I’ve made friends here, and have had a great experience here thus far.

Next year I will be a freshman in college and it will be bittersweet when I inevitably

graduate and leave the teachers and memories I’ve made here at the Skills Center behind. In

the fall I will be going on to college and because of our dual enrollment program I’ll be ahead

just like I was in middle school. Coming here wasn’t only a great decision, but something that

will resonate with me for the rest of my life.

-H.G.

My experience at CSE has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s just something about

the school that gives off a welcoming vibe to its students. I’ve enjoyed this so-called vibe for my

three years at CSE. As a junior moving on to be a senior, I’m glad I had chosen the Charter

School of Excellence as my high school.

The teachers add to this experience by being respectful towards me. I don’t feel

insignificant in my classes like I did before my freshman year. I don’t seem like another fish in

the big blue ocean to them. My voice and my problems matter to them and they'll be more

than glad to help me and further my education.

CSE has definitely had a helping hand in my education. By letting me learn in a small,

comfortable environment. These pleasant learning conditions, accompanied by the wonderful

teachers, not only aided my education, it pushed me forward. Before, I honestly had no desire

or motivation to learn. But now I truly do.

With CSE’s focus on diversity and the arts, it stands out from the rest. As a student who

wants to pursue and has a passion for the arts, I truly appreciate CSE for focusing on art

electives such as fine arts and music. Without diversity, CSE is nothing as our school is built on

believing in others and supporting them and their creativity. It’s the small things I value in this

school.

Despite being someone who favors many things instead of just one set thing, I’d have to

say my favorite class is Media Arts. This is the class that pushed me out of my shy shell in junior

year. I noticed I could show off my ideas and creativity in this class and through the student

news that our school broadcasts. Never have I ever imagined that I would make it on the same

thing I idolized back in freshman year. This class has set its place as my favorite class given the

experiences I had, the friends I’ve met, and the memories that I’ll never forget even after high

school.

So in short, the Charter School of Excellence is an excellent place for academics and

creativity. At least in my eyes.

-H.E.

Have you ever been to a school where they offer small class sizes, one-on-one time with the

teachers, and also help you get a job? Well the Charter school of Excellence has it all. At the

Charter School of Excellence you have a lot of opportunities to learn like AM or PM tutorial.

Also at this school if you are not getting something the teachers always make sure you

understand it before they move on to the next lesson. I believe that the Charter School of

Excellence is a wonderful school to go to because it has one-on-one time with the teachers, it

has great learning opportunities to get a job, and it has small class sizes for you to learn better

and stay on task.

The Charter School of Excellence has small class sizes for their students to stay focused

and to get more help from teachers. Most class sizes are less than 20 students and if you need

to have time to work on an assignment in a quieter space they will find a quieter space. The

teachers always check on you to see if you need help. Also small class sizes help you stay on the

topic so you don't get distracted. These are all reasons why I think smaller class sizes are a

benefit for students.

The Charter School of Excellence has great job opportunities for jobs. The school offers a

class where you learn what it is like to work after high school. The school offers summer job

opportunities for students and it also offers jobs during the school year. Also the school helps

you prepare for job interviews for students that are looking for a job. I think the job

opportunities at the Charter School of Excellence is a great way to prepare you for what it is like

after high school

The Charter School of Excellence has great ways to get one-on-one time with teachers. If

you have any questions that did not get answers in the class time you can go to the AM or Pm

tutorial. If you do not understand something you can ask the teachers and they will make sure

you understand it before they move on. You can talk to the teachers after class is over and

maybe go over the lesson more.

In conclusion the Charter School of Excellence is a wonderful school to go to. The

teachers are very helpful and easy to talk to. I have been going here for 3 years and I don´t

think there is any other school I would go to. I think more students should go to this school

because it has all these different opportunities for students. --H.P.

I am Jacob and this is my third year in the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

Being a student at CSE was an interesting experience that has happened to me. I remember

freshman year when I was quiet. I knew some people but it was a small group altogether, all the

teachers and staff were nice and helped me which I really appreciated and respected them for.

At CSE I learned that no matter what your culture is, what language you speak, what

country you came from, or what religion you practice, we are all the same and we are all

united.

I feel safe in the small environment at CSE. The small classes are great because I feel

that we are close to each other and really get to know one another. The kind teachers and the

variety of the elective classes such as: anatomy, technology in society, desktop publishing,

music, art, culinary art, practical kitchen, wellness and fitness, family and consumer science,

Spanish, personal development, skills and apps, graphic design, animation, media art, and

workforce allow the students to learn new skills to help them later in the real world.

At CSE all the teachers and the staff are always with the students, they are always there

when the students need help, and they always encourage the students to try their best and to

never give up. We have a lot of field trips to different colleges and universities which are fun

and enjoyable for all of us, especially seniors, so they would have an idea about what life is like

in college and to help them to see what college is the best for their future. Also, there are other

trips like going to Waldameer or to the beach so students will have fun during the school year.

At CSE we have amazing programs such as the workforce and the dual enrollment

program. I've been in both and enjoyed it a lot. The Workforce program is a great thing to be in,

which I am part of. Being in workforce shows the students how working in the real world will be

like. The great thing is the students will get paid and gain credit at the same time by being in

the workforce, which I am really thankful for so the student will not be behind in credit and be

paid for it too. The dual enrollment program is a great choice for students who plan to go to

college after high school, which gives them the opportunity to get college credit while they are

in high school and see what higher level education would be like.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is great. We get to do a lot of things that other

schools cannot do or provide for their students. Students that come to CSE will meet great

caring teachers and staff, be in a small safe environment and classes, be with wonderful

students, and have wonderful friends. Being at CSE has made me a more hard working student

and person. I have a lot of goals to achieve and I am so glad that I made a great decision by

studying at Skills Center.

I like the classes the school offers. Few classes that are mandatory interest me.

Compared to the optional ones, the mandatory classes don’t compare I guess clubs are cool

too, even though I haven’t joined any. To sum it all up I’d say the school is pretty average.

I’d say the experience is kind of unique. Out of all the schools I’ve been to, this school

has had the most involved teachers ever. The teachers I’ve had don’t just toss you work and say

a few. They highly suggest you come after school. And the fact that there is a massive project

that sums up a plan for after you’ve completed school, shows that they are involved. The plan is

forced on you just to make sure you have one and that it’s a good one. I’d say they’re pretty

decent people.

Music class was my favorite and always will be. Despite all that I still gave it my all and a

little extra. The fact that it was music class was enough. I was the boss- well my own boss. I

could make whatever I wasted with limitations and that was enough to make it my favorite.

Side note Ms. Burnett is my favorite teacher. The most unique and funniest one at CSE!

-J.M.

Hi, my name is Jamar. I am a sophomore at the skills center. I initially chose the Skills

Center because it is a good learning space for teachers to help students.

I enjoy the Skills Center because teachers have more time to help students. Like A.M.

Tutorial is a good time where the teacher can help you. And after school tutorials is another

reason. If a teacher has free time in the middle of the day you can ask for help during that time.

One class I really like is math because i'm really good at math. And it can help me in my

future life. Finesse is another activity I like because I like to exercise and work out. Finesse can

help me in the future if I want to play a sport. Another class I like is social studies because I like

to learn about history.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with ELA. It was hard because I really didn’t

try. And it's better here because I have more time to do work. And science is another class I

have trouble with. I had trouble in that class because I really didn’t get it that much.

This is why I chose to go to the Skills Center because it is a better learning space for

students. And I am looking forward to CSE to graduate and go to a good college.

Hello my name is Jayden. I’m in 10th grade going to the Charter School of Excellence

Center. I’ve been at charter school for 3 years; it has been a fun, and challenging time. I have

many friends who feel the same way. I really enjoyed CSE because kids of many nationalities

and backgrounds attending this school.

Since the first day at CSE my teachers have been very nice and have lots of patience.

They teach in a way that everyone understands.

Again I really enjoy being a student at CSE it provides a safe secure place for students

and it promotes success for everyone. I’ve learned a lot and look forward to my upcoming

school year.

To me I mean it's a normal school but I honestly like the teachers here and some of the

students, I found skills easy to find friends and get along with the teachers, though it was better

in freshman year when things were calm and not as hectic and my junior year so far.

I can definitely say its way better there's only some teachers I talk to but in general it's

better, some of you teachers do genuinely try and help us out a lot and take your time with us,

if we don't understand you try harder and another way shout out to Mrs. Osmak and

Mrs.Tetuan, like I said before there's more help like the teachers genuinely help out they don't

just come and go with school work.

How nice and welcoming everyone is, especially when it's back to school time everyone

is there then we have the cookies out for people, I like it most during this time because just

every teachers seems to chill and then the parents and teachers talk a lot which helps the

parents maybe feel better to see how caring some of you are.

One of my favorite classes is social studies. Mr.Yudt’s class has always been one of my

favorites just to the fact that I love history and also he's super chill and cool he lets us listening

to music when doing independent work.

--J.R.

I am Jonathan, a senior that has gone to the skills center for 4 years now. I can say that I

enjoyed the time I have spent at the charter school of excellence so far. The teachers are nice,

relatable and willing to help out whenever needed. The way that they communicate with what

they are trying to teach is not by just drilling in information. They actually take the time to make

the subjects interesting and easy to follow along with. This actually makes me eager to go to

most of my classes.

One of the subjects in school that has really changed the way I go about things is my art

class. All of the things I have been taught has helped me with many of my own personal art

pieces and other works I have done for my grad project. This class isn't the only one that I really

enjoy there are many other classes that are fun to be a part of like fitness and media arts. My

school has a lot of different things that one can be a part of and I am glad that I got the

opportunity to be a part of them.

The experiences and opportunities that I have gained while at the skills center have

shaped who I am today. There is a lot to say about how great it is to be a part of this school.

Unfortunately do to the recent pandemic I haven't been able to see most of my friends or my

favorite teachers. However the time that I have spent at school has made an impact on me.

I don't know how things might have been different if I didn't go to CSE, I am just glad that I did.

Hi I’m Joniel and this is my first year in the Charter School of Excellence.

Being a student at Charter School was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I'm thankful for all the CSE teachers for working hard and teaching us a lot of things we don’t

know about. This year I have been involved in a lot of things like health class. I will miss this

freshman year.

The Charter School of Excellence school system is amazing for anyone that cares for

their education. Not only does this school provide smaller, more safe classrooms then the

average school, but also provides solid opportunities for anyone willing to go to college. When

searching for a great overall school, the Charter School of Excellence shows up. And it shows up

for these reasons.

First, the college opportunities. Not only do you get the chance to visit a local Penn

State campus but you also get the chance to go to the college career fair. The college career fair

allows students to walk up to anyone with the career they are looking for. You may also get the

college’s number, address, and phone number to learn more about the career you want.

College opportunities are available for everyone at CSE and that is why I mention it.

Second, you get a safe learning environment. Not only do you get opportunities with

different careers, but you also get a safe learning environment. CSE provides smaller classrooms

with cameras, so if you get in a situation, CSE will know what's the problem and their

recommendations on how to fix the issue. If in a dangerous situation, CSE like most schools

provide on the spot police presence if anything happens. So if you care about your young family

member and their safety, take them to the CSE school system.

You also get teachers and staff that care about their students and how the school

operates. Nobody wants to take their children to a school that doesn't care about school

related issues. That's why you go to CSE, with staff members you have a connection with, that

care about your issues and your grades. For a bond with teachers, that’s why you choose CSE.

The CSE school system is the perfect school system for anyone that cares about where

to bring their future generation. If you care about security, learning, and college opportunities,

you go to the Charter School of Excellence.

--J.H.

To be honest I never liked school but coming to the CSE really showed me how school

was meant to be. I liked how diverse our school was. There were so many cultures and events

that were held to even show how great everybody's background was. I liked the teachers and

counselors and how they pushed me to get through and see the light in any situation.

I loved the teachers especially Ms. Tetuan, Mr. Chambers (when he still was at Skills

Center), Mr. Hoffman, Ms. Smock, Mr. Benzel, Principle Mastrian, Mr. Morris (when he still was

at Skills Center), and Ms. Mogel. They’ve all really made a huge impact in my life inside of

school and out. I had a bad experience with middle school. When I was struggling with my

schoolwork or my behavior they would just suspend me to keep me out of there. When I

arrived at the skills center my first thought was ‘This is just going to be another school that

doesn’t accept me” but i was wrong. This school has been so good to me they make sure I

wasn’t struggling with none of the wrong if I was having a bad day they would spend time with

me and see why I was. They had such great spirits that made school worth coming to.

This school stands out more than my previous one because they actually care for all the

students equally. They treat us as if we were one of their own children even the classes that

they offer are different. They set you up for the college or career you want to go too/do they

put you in contact with the right people to get you started and when I did my graduation

project I absolutely loved the experience I had and I wouldn’t have gotten that at any of my

other schools. You can really be yourself and be safe in that school. They make sure of it and if

you don’t feel that you can do those they take action immediately to fix it.

My all-time favorite class was biology and anatomy with Ms. Tetuan. If you don’t like

science I guarantee by the time you are done with her classes you will love it. Her classes really

open your eyes to the real things that science takes place in and even just learning about your

body and how it functions. Between learning about atoms to cutting animal lovers and testing

blood it’s just amazing. I love the hands on activities she does for us but let me tell you if slack

even the littlest she will get on you and that’s another reason I love her and those classes she

will never let you fail she pushes you to be the best you can and until the day you graduate she

won’t stop.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE was amazing. I got to experience so many things

that I’ve never gotten to do and maybe never will do. For the students coming to CSE I promise

that these will be the best 4 years of high school ever between the loving and caring teachers

and staff to the wonderful students. I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to be at the skills

center. These were a great 4 years thanks to everybody.

--K.E.

Hi my name is Kashawn and this is my first year of a Charter School of Excellence at Skills

Center and soon going to be my second year.

Being a student at Skills Center is like one of the best things that happened to me I can

remember all the new kids and teachers that went and how we all just get along and everything

but when I first got transfer I did not know anyone and I was getting help by my brothers to find

all my classes and teachers that I would have on A day and B day and I got help by the teacher

to which I appreciate it a lot and I would never forget that day.

At CSE I learned that no matter where you from or language that you speak we are all

the same and were welcomed and opened hands to CSE.

I love how students and teachers were all so helpful and funny and the class sizes did

not really matter because everyone was just getting close and finding new things out about

each other and the elective classes that we were given to learn about was mostly all hands on.

I am thankful for all the teachers and students we had. They were nice and generous

and were always open to give advice or what they think from their point of view to make me

understand better or to see it in a different way. Without CSE I wouldn't be the person who I

am today.

A CSE teacher was always there when students needed it and even when the student

says I give up and they encourage them to keep going and keep pushing.

At CSE there were tons and tons of colleges telling you what you want to be when you

grow up and giving us information about that college before we attend. Rather it's a good

college that suits you or not and things that you want to hear and how to achieve it but mostly

seniors need it. And at CSE students can have a workforce which gives us a chance to see how

the real world is and prepares us for it and we actually earn money for clocking in and clocking

out.

This year i had made a lot of friends and learn how to do things different like work and

understand things better in other people's perspective and how everything is working if you do

it this way instead of that way and all my friends helping me out and teachers always by my side

to watch me and support and achieve my goal.

In conclusion being a student at CSE is great we get to do a lot of things that other

schools can't do and students that will attend CSE will meet great caring people that would care

for their feature and show them how would they achieve it and being in a small classroom is a

lot helpful to learn different thing faster and being at CSE is the greatest thing that ever happen

it pushed me and helped me a lot with at home problems and solving ways to understand

myself better. And being a better me.

My name is Kaya and I am currently a sophomore at the Charter School of Excellence. I

have been attending for only one school year, but from my experience so far, I believe the Skills

Center is the best place for me to earn my high school education and prepare me for the future.

I initially chose the Skills Center because it has a smaller environment than most schools

which allows teachers and staff to focus more on each and every individual student.

As well as this, I like my school because it challenges me to work harder. When I need help with

homework or more time to catch up, the Skills Center offers extra help sessions before and

after school. The teachers are always available and happy to help.

One class that I really like is Workforce. Most schools don’t offer this course which is

what makes it special. This class helps improve skills that most jobs require, such as

communication and teamwork. I think getting used to being in a work environment is important

for when I get a real job in the future. Because of this class, I now have a better understanding

of what it is like. The things I liked most about this class was being in it with my friends, getting

to know new people, and of course, getting paid.

At my previous school, students were held to high expectations. This was a problem for

me because, even though I got decent grades, I struggled with working under a lot of pressure.

Because of this, I didn’t have much time to participate in extracurricular activities. At the Skills

Center everything is so much easier. The teachers are more respectable and understanding. I

get a reasonable amount of time to get my assignments done, that way I can balance school

and my life.

The Skills Center is a small school with a family atmosphere. Both the teachers and

students are very kind and helpful. I chose the Skills Center because it provides an environment

in which students are able to reach their full potential and work hard towards becoming

successful. My overall experience at the Skills Center was amazing. I am looking forward to

continue attending this school and creating memories. I am extremely happy with my decision

to pick the Skills Center as it is a great school I am proud to be a part of.

Hi, my name is Khagendra. I am a freshman at the Skills Center. I initially chose the

Skills Center because it was the closest high school from my house and I had easy

transportation via the bus. Although, now I have grown to love this school because of the

teachers and the administrators. CSE was a fun learning experience for me.

In addition to why I chose the Skills Center, I also really like the idea of being able to

explore various other things that you can choose to learn at the Skills Center. We get to choose

different elective classes which is a cool idea of letting the student decide what kind of things

they want to learn. My personal favorite elective was fitness, but I was only in that class for

about a week and then got moved out of it because of scheduling problems. I think this helps

them become more independent in life. They also learn to make decisions for themselves

although it may not be the right decision at times.

One class that I really like is my math class. I enjoy this class because of my friends there

and the teacher. Mrs. Szczechowski is a really fun teacher to work with. She teaches in a

matter that is very easy to understand and she doesn’t make the work unnecessarily hard. I

think math is a really fun subject to learn if you can understand the method that you need to

use.

At my previous school, I had a problem with focusing. It was a problem because I would

often stay up late and sleep in class, or at least try to. In the Skills Center, we are not allowed to

sleep in class and the teachers are paying attention to every student so they would always wake

us up. I had to make a habit of sleeping early so I wouldn’t sleep in class. As a result of this, I

got enough sleep every night and was able to focus very well.

I think the Skills Center can be the right environment to learn for many students. I love

the idea of being able to pick the subject that you enjoy learning about through the elective

classes. Math has always been my favorite subject so it was destined to be my favorite class

also and the teacher makes it even better. One of the main problems I had was focusing which

I overcame because of certain rules in the school. In conclusion, I think students would love to

be at the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

Hello my name is Kumari and this is going to be my last year in the charter school of an

excellent skill center. Being a student of the charter school of excellence feels best. I came to

the Skills Center because I heard lots of good things, how teachers are so helpful and how they

treated students. To be a student of CSE, the student has to have good behavior and good

grades.

When I came to CSE for the first time to sign up with my parents and friends I was so

scared. I thought they would never accept me and my friends but they did accept us. We were

so proud and happy because I and my friends always wanted to be a CSE student and finally our

dreams come true.

Also we were excited to see our old friends. I came to school on the first day in my first

block. I remember that the class room was so small but there were lots of students in one

room. I was happy because we all can be friend to each other. I saw my old friend there and

also I got to know my first block teacher's name. He is such a nice, loving, funny and helpful

teacher. He is so excited to learn Nepali culture and everything about Nepal. He is a very

different teacher so he is very friendly with very cultured kids and students.

Then I went to my second block. It was math. For me math is super hard in CSE school

because I learn and focus only to study hard but still I didn't get a lot of confidence with math

and still I pass math class because I try my best to pass and I did.

Also CSE has a workforce so students can learn and get to know how difficult it is for our

parents and how they have been suffering because they didn't go to school so we as a student

can learn and have a better future in life time and also go to college.

CSE has lots of cool things and a career fair that other schools don't have and we as

students are so proud to be a student of CSE.

Also we want to thank a teacher, guidance, and staff who helps and supports the

student what their culture is. The teacher and guidance see students as their kids and support

us to have a better future and also be successful in future. CSE always gives snacks on Friday to

students and also supports whose students are poor or something happens to them.

They have every class the student wants to take; they have an art, music, gym, designer

graphics, physiology, cooking and a lot of classes the student wants to have. If the student

doesn't want to have class then they can ask the guidance for help. They take care of the

student if the student has an F on grade and advise the student to get a good grade.

Every year the students have to take surveys to let them know if they are safe at school

or not and also have to watch videos of safety school in very blocked class. When students get

stressed about something or cry the teacher helps and talks to the student what happens and

to help. If we have dreams of becoming something, the guidance tells the student that they

have a scholarship or college or some kind of hero programs.

If a student fights or something the teacher and staff comes and stops the fight. In the

workforce the students have to clean and mop the floor and do restrooms and also serve food

in the cafeteria. This is their way to show students to learn and to know how hard work can be.

I always tell my cousin to choose CSE to go to high school because she will have a better

future and also she can learn lots of good things from CSE. My experience at school went very

well. Sometimes it is hard to get fast and learn words and homework but I always stay after

school for extra help and also go tutoring for help and it gets very excellent and great time by

time in my experience.

I am happy to choose and being proud of CSE students. I will always remember how

much fun we had on the field trip and how teachers helped and inspired students. How each

student is so friendly to each other? I will always remember in my heart and soul that I will

never forget what CSE and teachers have taught me this whole 4 years.

My most favorite class is Mrs. Luay class. Because she is very helpful and supportive. She

helped me a lots I really want to thank Mrs. Luay because she is very special to every Nepali

student and me because Mrs. Luay is the best teacher. I know sometimes she gets mad because

of us but she is a very kind and helpful teacher. She always reminds students to do their

homework on time but sometimes lots of students don't listen to her that's why she gets mad.

She really tries her best to be the best teacher and I really like her kind and helpfulness. I feel

like Mrs. Luay deserves a best teacher award.

Mrs. Luay has helped every student she doesn't care about their culture who they are or

from where they came from. I remember first time I saw her I was a freshman that time from

that time till senior she has helps and support me a lots I can't even believe that I have been

with her in same class 4 years and I don't know how time flies so fast. Sometimes I wish I could

go back and do my best to make you happy Mrs. Luay but don´t worry much I will try my best

and remember what you have taught me this whole 4 yeast to make my better future. Mrs.

Luay never hated her students. She always supports each and every student.

I remember when I was in freshman years, her classroom was in behinds art class when I

was in Mrs. Luay old class it was so small and like 6 or 9 students in Mrs., Luay class. At that

time it was so fun in Mrs., Luay old classroom. Mrs. Luay always teaches us new words, new

subjects and tries to explain what it means if we don't know then she shows us pictures of the

words' meaning. She is still the same one as the best teacher. But her classroom has been

changed and now it's a little big. She does the same. She shows us a picture to remember and

also tries to get our pronunciation right. I hoped she would stay the same and healthy/her

family healthy.

Mrs. Luay sometimes is so funny she always takes care of students as her children and

she calls herself a mom and it's kind of funny but still she is our mom who always remembers us

to do homework or if we have a quiz/test. Since this is my last year I will miss all teachers,

guidance and principal and also be stiff. I will never forget and always remember. All teachers

are my favorite. All teachers have done great jobs and I'm proud to be a student in each

teacher's classroom. They have been helping me and showing what I want to be in future. I

really want to thank each and every teacher and I am very grateful. Without teachers the

student can't learn anything and the student can't reach their dreams job/future. So this is why

I chose CSE because it is the very best school and very loving teacher who supports the student.

Hello, my name is Kyarra, my friends and family call me Kiki! I am currently a sophomore

at CSE. Up until the global pandemic I had straight A’s! I initially chose the Skills Center because

I didn't want to go to any other public school. However I never imagined that the Skills Center

would provide me with the tools to become a better and brighter student.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skills center, I also really enjoy the Workforce

Program that is offered to the students. It has given me an opportunity to earn money while

receiving my education. The program has taught me responsibilities, work ethic, and has given

me achievable goals.

One class that I really looked forward to was Ms. Lincoln’s Ancient Civilization class. She

engaged us in daily activities to keep the material fresh and fun. History can be extremely

boring however in Ms. Lincoln’s class history came alive. I also had several friends in the class,

which of course I enjoyed.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with A LOT of things. Such as getting good

grades, caring, seeking out positive social influences, and I felt out of place. My grades suffered

severely, and I fell behind. It was nearly impossible to catch up and pass the ninth grade.

Currently though, at CSE I have been given a second chance. I am not a straight A student and

enjoy my time spent at school. I have been given an opportunity to succeed.

Overall my time at CSE has been a positive life experience. I have exceeded even my

own expectations. I now enjoy going to school and learning. Workforce has given me

opportunities to learn and grow as a person. I look forward to the day I can walk across the

stage and receive my high school diploma.

My name is Kyle. I am a 9th student at the Charter School of Excellence. My experience

at this school is amazing. All the teachers and staff at the school are polite and they go out of

their ways to make sure all the kids have their needs met. The Charter School of Excellence has

a positive impact on me because they make me feel that my career choices are something

worth thinking about.

There are many teachers who have gone out of their ways to help and make me feel

welcomed at the school when I first started. The teachers are all great but let me mention a

few. Mrs. Napolitan, the music teacher, helped me when I needed to get extra work done, and

we knew each other when I was at my previous school. She is very kind and caring. Mrs.

Strickenberger is always there for me even in the toughest times. She even comes to my

meetings and she says to me that I have great potential. She encourages me to not give up on

my goals and careers. She is someone I can talk to when I feel mad or upset. Mr. Mastrian, the

school principal, always stood by my side even in the toughest times. He tells me to try my

hardest, keep asking questions, not give up, and leads me on the right path. Mrs. Jackson, my

Skill Building teacher, tells me I have strong morals and encourages me to live by my morals.

She makes sure my IEP is followed by all the teachers. Ms. Connor is always there for me and

she is someone I can talk to when I need someone to talk to. Mrs. Smock, my Science teacher,

helps me get my assignment done in tutorial. I just want the School District Officials to know

how great and polite the teachers are to the students.

Besides the teachers, there are other things I like about the school. The classroom sizes

aren’t too large. The smaller classes help me so I don’t get overwhelmed. I like to meet new

people and make new friends because the classrooms are smaller I can do that. The school has

a coffee shop that is opened in the morning so I can get snacks and coffee if I want to. Every

Friday, we have the CSE Student News. It keeps everyone up to date on what is happening

around the school and sometimes around the world. Teachers are available from 8:15-8:40AM

for morning tutorial and 3:00-3:30PM for afternoon tutorial. I can meet with the teachers when

I need help. With the help of some of my teachers, my LEXILE reading score went up 263 points

since September 2019.

The Charter School of Excellence has been very good at helping me with my education. I

made new friends and met some great teachers, who were very kind and caring. The Charter

School of Excellence has been very good at helping me with my education. I am learning and

improving. These are reasons I feel that the school should remain open.

Hi, my name is Lataysha and this was my first year in the Charter School of Excellence

Skills Center. I am a freshman at the skills center. I initially chose the skills center because it

seemed like a great school. It had many great opportunities for me and I actually just liked the

school.

Becoming a part of the Charter family is amazing, I got to meet so many new people I

never knew or even had the chance to meet.

In addition to choosing the Skills Center, I also really enjoy the teacher’s assistance in

class, the school work became a lot easier with the help of the teachers and other students. I

also really like the opportunities the school has. I like how the classes aren't big at all, the

classes are nice and somewhat easy and I like that.

One class I really enjoyed was Civics and government because our history is something

I’m very interested in, I want to know about the past and events that happened in it. I enjoy

learning about the events that have already happened. I mean other classes were good as well

but civics and government was and still is my favorite subject in the school.

At my old previous school, it was very hard for me to stay on track and concentrate on

my work, I lost focus on my work fast and it was difficult for me. It was also hard for me to stay

in school. I was always IN trouble for my actions. It was rare for me to be in school because my

actions got out of hand. My experience at skills was almost exactly like my previous experience

at my old school, but I stayed on task. I stayed out of trouble and I went to school and did my

work.

It was really easy for me to adapt to the school and the school’s setting. it was easy for

me to make new friends and meet new people.one thing I’m really looking forward to in my

future while attending the skills center is graduating even though its a while from now I want to

prove I could do it and make my mom proud I want my grandmother to look down on me and

see the strong and smart person I was meant to become as I walk across that stage with my

diploma.

In terms of education, CSE is probably the best school I've ever attended. Compared to

the previous schools that I’ve attended, I feel a lot comfortable being at school at CSE. The

atmosphere, the teachers and staff, and students are exceptional compared to my previous

schools.

The atmosphere at CSE is centered on caring for others, and there're many instances to

signify this, for instance, “The Community Meeting”, and the fact that there’s a psychologist at

school all really goes to show just how much you are cared for.

Another exceptional thing about CSE is how affectionate teachers are. The small

environment allows for the teachers and staff to spend more time listening to the issues of a

student, and present an appropriate solution, and apart from that, the school offers many

classes for many different interests, from art, to music, to graphics design, and beyond. The

small classes also allow students to gain a deep insight of a class topic. For instance, when I was

in middle school, I learned math but I didn’t necessarily understand deeply, deep insight of

mathematical topics is important to one’s success in math, but all this changed once I came to

CSE, and I realized just how much I loved math.

Students at CSE are also very comfortable to be around. One’s social status, or social

abilities don’t seem to affect the feedback they get from other students.

So in conclusion, CSE is an exceptional school. The level of affection that the teachers,

staff, and students present is unchallenged compared to many schools. And the quality of

education truly breaks the boundaries of many other schools.

-L.K.

Hi, my name is Laura and this is my last year in the Charter School of Excellence Skills

Center as I’m graduating this year. Being a student at the Charter School was the best thing that

has ever happened to me. I still remember my freshman year when I was so nervous because I

did not know anyone, but all the teachers and staff made me feel welcomed and helped me to

get adjusted to my new life which I really appreciated and will never forget.

One thing I truly love about the school is the small, safe environment, small classes sizes

that make it easier for everyone to focus and get the help they need making sure that no one

gets left out and I feel like it was a second family to me and it always will be. The teachers and

staff have made my experience all the more better from my freshman year when I was lost on

my first time of being new to high school. They all made me feel welcomed and helped to make

my experience worth it all. A few of my favorite elective classes the school offers are Digital

Audio Production, Animation, Graphic Design, Culinary Arts, and Fine Arts II along with many

more that help every student discover what they like and make it for students to make friends

with the others that enjoy the same things as you while being able to learn new skills and

experiences for the real world ahead.

We also have different kinds of field trips to different colleges and universities which is

so helpful for students, especially seniors like myself, to help give an idea about life in college

and to find which one they find the most suitable. Even the College Fair and Career Fair help to

discover some of the colleges we don’t get to visit and talk with some of the people to learn

about the college. As for the Career Fair you're able to learn of the different jobs around and

the careers offered around Erie and be able to know a few options if you are unsure of the path

you want to pursue after graduating. From experience I didn't know anything about colleges or

even much about other careers that are out there but from having these fairs and going I was

able to discover colleges for me and my career field in art that I’ve chosen. I think it’s one of the

best things CSE offers for those you are indecisive or just unsure of their path after High School.

This year I was able to be in a program that I’m thankful I got to do and that was dual

enrollment which is perfect for those who want to go to college because the course is being

able to take a college class from Edinboro University and lets you get a piece of what a college

class is really like but not only that it also gives you college credit along with experience. My

favorite part about the class was being able to learn how higher education classes look like and

how easy but also difficult the work can be.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is an amazing experience for anyone. We get to do

a lot of things that other schools don’t get to do or even provide for their students. Anyone that

comes to CSE will meet amazing caring teachers and staff who will always be there to help and

support you. Be able to learn at your own pace if need be and have easier hands on with

teachers with the small environment and classes around you. Being at CSE has made me a

better and more confident person. I have a lot of goals ahead of me to be achieved that I

wouldn’t have discovered if I didn’t come here to CSE and I am so glad that I made a great

choice by being a student at CSE Skills Center.

Hi, I am Luz and this is my first year at the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

Choosing this school for my high school years was the best choice I've ever done. Teachers and

staff really don't ever mind helping their students out in their needs. And the place the students

need and want first before anything else and that's one thing I like about this school.

When I first walked through those doors I was very much nervous because I was new to

all around me and was scared to not fit in. But here at CSE no matter your look, or where you

came from, you fit in and you're not looked at differently and I like that about CSE. Something

that stands out at CSE is that in all the classes there are small and the teachers are very much

like your friends and not much of your teachers. They love helping you out and helping you feel

like you fit in and belong. All the classes make them seem very much interesting and fun to

learn about. I don't like to sit in a class where all we do is read out of books and do work all day.

But at CSE they make it much funnier and easier.

At CSE they focus a lot on their students' next step after high school. Every year colleges

come to our school to tell us a little about them. Also students get to go on field trips to

different colleges to spend a day there and to learn lots of things about them and to see if

that'll be their next step. They really do put their students' priorities first which to me is

amazing.

My name is Makayla and I go to Charter School of Excellence where the teachers there

are nice, funny, and care about what you have to say. The first day I got in that school I got

nervous because I didn’t know the school like that. I was fine a couple days in and I started to

make friends. They are my friends because they are nice, funny, and care about your feelings if

they see you are sad then they will ask if you are ok.

When we were in school we would help each other out and talk while we were working

and we would take turns cleaning the table we would put everything away and someone would

wipe down the table but sometimes we would do it together. We were and are still close and I

think they are the most nice, caring, funny people you can have in your life. If we needed help

on a worksheet that I or one of them wasn’t here for then we would help them out. We would

always greet each other by saying hey, at the end of the day we would say bye and have a good

rest of your day then when we get home we text each other to see the others are doing.

When I first went to the Charter School I was scared because I thought they were going

to be mean or be really strict but they weren’t. The teachers were nice, caring, and if you

weren't feeling good they would send you to the nurse instead of you sitting in the classroom

until you vomit. The school was so welcoming and if I or my friends were lost because we didn’t

know where to go the teacher would help you instead of having you find it yourself. They would

help if you were confused and they even let you help decorate with them if you were done in

the class you were in. For example: when it was Christmas time and I was done with all my art

work and was waiting on everyone else helped decorate. We did a Dr.Seuss tree, and we also

painted it was so fun to help clean and decorate.

Why I’m learning my high school education at the Charter school Of Excellence. I choose

it because of small class settings and when I went there it was clean and the teachers were so

nice. I like it because the school is small which a lot of students can’t be in a classroom only a

certain amount of kids in a classroom at a time. I like that I’m learning my high school education

at Charter school. Everyone is so nice and helpful.

In conclusion, I chose Charter School because it is small and safe. The Charter school

was closer to my house as well. Charter school also has small class sizes which i love because I

don’t like a lot of kids in my classes. Charter school is cleaner and give more opportunities to

you and let you help decorate the school which is fun. The teachers even let you decorate their

rooms if they let you.

Hi I am Makaylee and this is was my first year at CSE Skills. Being a student at the

Charter School is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My freshman year was good

year besides this whole covid-19 which ruined the end of my first year. I had many friends but

in the end I lost most of them but I know my teachers will always be there for me when I need

them.

I love the safe, small environment at CSE. The small classes are great because I feel that

we are close to each other and really get to know one another. The lovely and kind teachers

and the variety of the elective classes such as: anatomy, technology in society, desktop

publishing, music, art, culinary art, practical kitchen, wellness and fitness, family and consumer

science, Spanish, personal development, skills and apps, graphic design, animation, media art,

workforce and more allow the students to learn new skills and have an amazing experience.

I am thankful for having the teachers that I had at CSE. They work hard to make the class

fun and not boring but this online schooling was the worst but my teachers were still there to

help me with my work.

At CSE all the teachers and the staff are always with the students, they are always there

when the students need help, and they always encourage the students to try their best and to

never give up.

At CSE we have amazing programs such as the workforce and the dual enrollment

program. The Workforce program is such an amazing thing to be in, which I am part of. Being in

workforce shows the students how working in the real world will be like. The great thing is the

students will get paid and gain credit at the same time by being in the workforce, which I am

really thankful for so the student will not be behind in credit and will have a great experience.

The dual enrollment program is a great choice for students who plan to go to college after high

school, which gives them the opportunity to get college credit while they are in high school and

see what higher level education would be like.

In conclusion, being a student at CSE is fantastic. We get to do a lot of things that

other schools cannot do or provide for their students. Students that come to CSE will meet

great caring teachers and staff, be in a small safe environment and classes, be with wonderful

students, and have wonderful friends. Being at CSE has made me a better, more confident

student and person. I have a lot of goals to achieve and I am so glad that I made a great

decision by studying at the Skills Center.

Overall throughout the whole school year I would say it was alright, the good and bad I

shall begin. During the 2 years of attending the skills center I would say I feel safe and more at

home at school. I'm proud to say I go to the Skills Center, I have made a lot of friends and family

here. If it wasn’t for me being enrolled here I wouldn’t have met these people.

Second I would say the staff here are very nice and helpful. If I ever have a hard time

completing a task I can depend on a teacher to help me through the obstacle. The staff here are

helping me transform into the man I know I can become. I would like to thank the staff for

guiding me and bettering me each year especially.

If I were to have a favorite class I probably would say it was writing comp here’s why. I

feel like I enjoyed that class a lot because it helped me improve and learn how to properly get

better at writing. Another reason I enjoyed that class is because every day we would learn

something new and it made the class really intriguing. My final reason I enjoyed this class is

because I had a lot of friends in that class and that’s what made me enjoy the class even more,

in conclusion this is my testimonial essay.

--M.E.

My name is Mariana and I am a student at the Charter School of Excellence. I believe

that this school is one of the best schools here in Erie, PA. I am definitely glad to have come to

this school for several reasons. First, coming here to the Charter School of Excellence has made

me a better person. Second, there are several police officers, which makes me feel more

secure. Overall, the staff is very welcoming and are always helpful.

Attending the Charter School of Excellence has made me a better person in several

different aspects. For example, I have been able to be even more responsible. Coming here has

taught me that once an assignment has a due date, you must turn it in that day in order to

receive full credit. This school has made me realize how flexible I am with time, by doing one

assignment after another in order to get them all turned in on time. CSE has also taught me

many things that I had no idea about. For example, I learned how important it is to control

one’s temper. If you don’t control it, there could be many awful consequences in that moment

and maybe even in later life. As I recently said, I am able to be a better person thanks to the

Charter School of Excellence.

Here, at the Charter School of Excellence, there are several police officers. Having police

officers in the building makes me feel more secure. This is something that my elementary

school didn’t have. I am able to not think too much about the possibilities of having an

emergency lockdown in our school. Normally, when you think about a police officer, you think

of a serious man that is always focused on only doing their duty. Here at the Charter School of

Excellence, you are able to have friendships with the police officers and talk peacefully with

them. The police officers aren’t just doing their job, they are also there to help us students with

anything we need help with. This is something else that I like about the Charter School of

Excellence.

Overall, the staff in the Charter School of Excellence is excellent. When I was a new

student here at the Charter School of Excellence, nobody judged me because of my appearance

or my nationality. Instead, they were all welcoming and helped me around the building. When

you need help with something, you can truly, without doubt, ask a staff member for help. They

are always glad to help you. I have never before experienced what it is like to form friendships

with teachers. The teachers here are people that you are able to trust and seek help from.

Overall, the Charter School of Excellence has helped me notice that teachers aren’t just

teachers, they can also be your friend.

As I said before, the Charter School of Excellence has helped me in many different

aspects. The Charter School of Excellence has helped me become a better person. It also makes

me feel more secure because there are several police officers in the building. Also, I am able to

create friendships with the staff. I believe that more students should come to this school

because it would be a great experience for them. They would be able to experience many

things that could only be experienced at the Charter School of Excellence.

The Charter School of Excellence is an amazing school for a learning opportunity. Just

think about your future and where you want to go. Or, where you want your child to go, while

reading this. The Charter School of Excellence has taught me many things that I need to know

for my future. And, I couldn’t be more thankful.

At the Charter School of Excellence, I love having my classmates to brighten my day. As

well as my teachers. I look forward to speaking to both of them each and every day. At this

school, the amount of activities we have is crazy! We have bowling on Fridays and the art club.

And, honestly probably a lot more that I don’t know about.. We also have a lot of opportunities.

Like, earning college credits, and being able to join the National Honors Society, like me!

Here at the Charter School, the teachers are an amazing help! I can’t even begin to

remember a time where they weren’t helpful. They have respect for all for their students. And,

talk to you like you’re an adult. And, for me. That’s everything I would want in a teacher.

They are really funny when teaching lessons. They make it to where you can learn so

much, but also have an amazing time. You can talk to them about anything, and what they say

to you back is so real and true. And, I know for me, it always makes me feel better. They never

fail to make you feel better. And, help even when it isn’t a school problem.

I think over all, this school has expanded my ability to learn. And, I am so satisfied with

my experience here. I have one year left and I’ve been here since freshman year. I never

doubted my choice at this school. So, if you’re thinking about a school. This is an undoubtable

choice!

-M.R.

Hi, my name is Mashael, and with honor, I will be one of CSE 2020 graduates. There are

many things I loved about CSE, which is why I decided since my freshman year that I want to

graduate from this school and not another school. Since freshman year, I have great, caring,

and loving teachers. I was able to see that they cared about me and my future. I always felt that

the administration and the teachers were my second family. Another thing I love about CSE is

the student news. It is so much fun watching the Friday morning news every week, in which we

hear the latest news in the school and enjoy the entertaining segments the media students

made. I love the small classrooms because it made me feel that I am closer to both my teachers

and my classmates. The small classrooms gave me the chance to get closer to my teachers and

have better communication with them, which helped with my learning.

Since freshman year, I always had a positive relationship with everyone. They were all

supportive and loving to me. They always encouraged me to work hard, try my best, and never

give up. The teachers always helped me with anything I needed, even if it was not related to

school. They tried their best to make sure that I am happy with whatever I am doing, and they

made sure that I am making the right decision for myself and my future. The teachers and the

administration always treated me with respect and made me feel that I am an important

person. They were so close to my heart. I never felt different because I spoke a different

language or practiced a different religion because they always told me that I am part of them. I

do not believe that I will feel the same in a different school that is why the first and the only

school I attended in Pennsylvania was CSE.

The education I received at CSE opened my eyes to see the world around me. CSE is very

diverse. Although all of us were from different countries and spoke different languages, we all

felt like a family and were close to each other. I will share everything I learned from my

experiences at CSE with others, so they learn something new from me. I will never forget the

diversity of the students in the school, and how united all of us were. We were a real big family.

The student news was a great thing to make connections between the school and the students.

The beautiful colorful holiday decorations we saw as soon as we entered the building was the

best thing to see at the beginning of the day. In every classroom, I had a new experience and an

unforgettable memory to remember.

I loved all my classes and never hated any of them. In every classroom, I met a new

teacher and new classmates. I went through a new enjoyable experience in every class I took.

One of the classes that I have a lot of memories in is the keystone biology class I took during my

sophomore year. I love science so much so in this class I learned a lot of things about science

and I did a lot of experiments, which I enjoyed my time doing. My teacher was one of the best

in the school, she was always by my side and always helped me when I needed help. This class

will always be in my memory, and I will never forget the moments I had in the class.

I have been part of many things at CSE, and I have learned valuable things. I am part of

the workforce program, and I learned how to treat people the same as my age fairly and how to

be responsible while working with them. I was part of the student news class, in which I learned

about teamwork and how to make the most of my time with others. Also, I am part of the

student government at the school, and I learned many things like teamwork, responsibility.

Everything I have been part of at CSE taught me something new and valuable that I can share

and teach others. CSE made me a new person with a lot of hope and goals. It made me always

think about different ways to become a better successful individual. It showed me that if I keep

working hard and try my best without giving up, I will get to what I want.

I like the diversity at the Charter School of Excellence as well as the nice staff member at

the school. The charter School of Excellence has a group of diverse students and staff members.

The students are all very different and passionate about many things. The staff members are

very passionate about their jobs and try their hardest to do their best every day.

My overall experience with the teachers and staff at the Charter School of Excellence

has been good. The teachers try their hardest to help students and make sure they understand

what’s being taught. They encourage students to seek help whenever it is needed. The rest of

the staff at The Charter School of Excellence are great. Overall, everyone at The Charter School

of Excellence is kind and respectful. Compared to some of the other schools I’ve been, this is

the best one so far. They have so many different electives to choose from and all of the staff is

kind.

The Charter School of Excellence has had a major impact on me due to it being one of

the best schools I’ve been to. The reasons range from the nice teachers and staff to the classes

they offer. For example, some of the classes teach you things you’ll need to use after high

school.

The staff has been so much kinder and has helped me more than those at other schools.

The Charter School of Excellence has a bigger variety in the classes you can take compared to

other schools that I’ve been to or visited.

One of my favorite classes that I’ve taken at the Charter School of Excellence has been

the art classes that are offered. The teacher (Burnett) has been one of the nicest and funniest

teachers I’ve met. Her classes have really helped me enjoy art more than I already did. She has

also helped me improve my art with the different techniques she’s shown us.

-N.P.M.

Hi, my name is Nahomi, it's my senior year in Charter School of Excellence Skills Center.

I want to talk about the great experiences and gratitude during the school year.

Being a student at the Charter school was the best thing for me. I was so happy to be in

that school. The staff and teachers are very polite and generous. They are very supportive and

kind to you. If you get behind on assignments, they help you catch up and keep going. They

make you feel like you're a family and work together. I like how the school was and the classes

we had in school.

At CSE, we had a lot of fun field trips. We went to different colleges and Universities. It

was helpful for us because we experienced a lot of things during the trip. We saw how the

college looked like and how the teachers were. There were other field trips as well, like going to

Waldameer, earth day, technical schools, bowling, and science field trips. We had a field trip for

job shadowing as well for the careers we were interested in.

Another thing I liked about CSE is that it is a small safe environment. I like the small class

because it's not too big and you get to know everyone. We feel safer and closer to one another.

I loved the elective classes as well. My favorite electives were Art, Culinary Arts, Spanish, Music,

and Social Studies. We got to learn new skills and lessons from those classes. They were

different classes than the other classes we had.

To sum up, being a student at CSE was great. We had a lot of opportunities and things

that other schools didn’t have. You would meet nice teachers and make good friends. Being at

CSE has made me a better, more confident student and hard working. I am glad that I choose to

study and learn at the Skills Center. I would never forget about the school and all the memories

I had in the school.

Hi my name is Naomi. I am a freshman at the Skills Center. I initially chose the Skills

Center because my parents liked the school. My mom was introduced to Skills by a friend, and

her friend's son was already a student here. She liked it because of the small environment and

how it's not as diverse as other schools. Personally I wouldn’t have chosen to go here but since

my mom thought it was best for me I gave it a try.

In addition to why I chose to attend the Skills Center, I also really like the uniqueness of

the school. One unique thing I like about Skills is the student news every friday. In all my years

of being in school I’ve never been to school where they have student news. I really enjoy

watching the news every friday and being informed about the upcoming events there. I feel it is

a fun way to learn and be aware about your school. Another thing I really like about Skills is the

ability to come in the morning for extra help. Especially I can’t make it after school sometimes

because I have to take the bus. I like how there is a morning option where I can come. It's easier

for me to come in the morning because my dad drives me to school but in the afternoon both

of my parents are at work so it's hard for me to be able to get home. The last reason why I think

Skills are unique is the classroom design. I have never been to a school where the classroom has

no walls or doors. It was very fascinating the way the classrooms were designed and how you

have to go to a whole other building to get to your other class. Those are ways I find the Skills

Center unique.

By far my favorite class is the psychology class. I like that class because I have always

been interested in psychology but I never got the chance to try it out. I was really happy when I

was put in that class. I like how we learn about human behavior and why we do the things we

do. I really enjoyed the scientific experiment activity. In that activity we went around with a

question we came up with and asked people to answer it. Then when we were done we

gathered up our data and made a chart about it. Another thing I like about that class is the

teacher, she is very nice. She is very attentive in class and she can tell you are having trouble

without you raising your hand. She is very understanding and makes sure she treats everyone

equally. She doesn’t make you feel like you're an outsider but she makes you feel like you have

room in her classroom to be yourself. That is what I enjoy about that class.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with paying attention. I would sit there and

laugh all day and just joke around with people around me. The teachers would be irritated by

me by the end of the year and I will always be in trouble with my parents because of my

behavior. It was just my behavior that was bad, not my grades. Ever since I came to Skills I think

my behavior has improved a lot. I believe that Skills changed that because ever since I came to

Skills I haven’t really been goofing off as much and my parents haven’t got any bad reports

about me from school. I feel that the people I hang out with now have changed me as a person,

but not for the worse. They changed me for the best. That is how Skills changed me this year.

I loved Skills this year. I might not have got to experience it fully but the time I was there

it was great. What I look forward to seeing at skills in the future is more academic and career

options. I was hoping there would be shop classes for business, medical, engineering, art,

music, and etc. I think it would be something that would boost your enrollment numbers. It will

be something that would look good for your school and it would be something that would make

kids really excited to come to your school. Those are my thoughts on how you could improve

your school.

Have you ever been worried about feeling safe at school? The Charter School of

Excellence always has an on duty Erie police officer during school hours.

Having a real police officer at school makes me feel extremely safe and comfortable. The

teachers at CSE also make me feel safe and give me lots of opportunities to learn. One way I

learn is through Media Arts class where we make the student news. The Charter School of

excellence is a great school because it has great staff and teachers, has lots of opportunities for

growth, and has plenty of security.

Most of the time whenever you need a pencil the teachers will give you one if you don’t

have one. The staff are very nice but you will have to give them the respect they give you and if

you don’t they won’t give you the respect you want. They always have supplies ready if you run

out or you don’t have any for example if you do not have a pen or if you do not have any tissues

they will have some same thing goes for pencils but if you do not have a water bottle then you

might have to find one.

The technology in society class is a good place for students to learn about the good/bad

parts of tech in society including cyber bullying, online shopping. And there really is not any

work and students can spend some time with their friends and after they finish their work they

can relax with their friends.

The Security guards are prepared for certain things including of a break in and there are

a lot of cameras and there are always guards walking around all areas of the schools and the

doors automatically lock. The front desk will unlock the front door whenever someone buzzes

in.

You should definitely tell your siblings that are a grade behind you because might be

able to see them.

--N.N

My personal experience from the Charter School of Excellence has been wonderful and

honestly amazing. I never thought I would make so many good friends and learn so much at the

same school and I will say that these have been some of my best years so far. My experience

with staff and teachers have been amazing. All the teachers are very kind and will help you

succeed with your education and will do so happily. My education has furthered beyond what I

thought I would ever learn and it is all thanks to the teachers at the Charter School of

Excellence.

The Charter School of Excellence has been so much better compared to my other

school experiences and the Charter School of Excellence did really improve my life and the

quality of my education. I have learned so much about what kind of person I am and what I like

to do. One of my favorite classes during my three years of high school is algebra 2. This is

mainly because of the teacher and how she taught the subject and ever since then she has been

one of my favorite teachers in the school.

My favorite school in my schooling career has been the best school I have ever been to.

It all is in the environment they set in the school and how the school is also set up. They have

open classrooms and relatively small class sizes which is a plus for me and they even have a

coffee shop for in the morning. The staff and teachers are very nice and actually care about

grades. My final comment about the school is that it is a very good school and has helped me

beyond I can describe.

-N.S.

What I like about the Charter school of excellence is that they embrace different

nationalities, religions, and languages. In CSE so far I have not seen any racism. Everybody

respects other races. The same thing with religions. I have never seen a school that doesn't

have a problem with other religions, or races. They also have a whole bunch of flags

representing the nationalities, and cultures of different students attending CSE.

This school is a lot better than my old school. From experience students and teachers

were racist, and not very accepting towards different religions. Most teachers in CSE are nice.

Unlike my other school most teachers were very rude, and had no patience. In CSE I have seen

that everyone gets attention. In my other school only the bad kids got attention, and the good

kids were ignored most of the time. Those are some good differences between my old school,

and CSE.

The charter school of excellence has impacted my learning experience because most

teachers are very good at explaining what is to be done. It was a lot easier than I expected.

Teachers don't overload me with work, and I feel that the teachers I have are very good at their

job. CSE stands out to me more than other schools because there aren't too many kids. As well

as all the accepted ethnicities, and religions.

My favorite classes were my honor classes. I liked my teachers, and I had most of my

friends in that class. I also enjoyed those classes because they were the fullest classes I had. I

also really liked my homeroom class which was environment and ecology. The work there

wasn't hard, and even though I had only 1 friend I enjoyed the teacher I had. She was very kind,

and helpful.

Some highlights of CSE that I really enjoy are the different cultures. That is probably my

favorite highlight. Some other highlights of CSE that I enjoy are the kind teachers. Most of the

CSE teachers are very kind, and helpful when it comes to school work. Those are all things that I

enjoy about CSE.

-P.R.

Hi, my name is Pravesh. I have been with the charter school since sixth grade. I am

currently a sophomore at the Skills Center. I initially chose the Skills Center because it’s a safe,

small learning environment.

In addition to what I chose to attend the skills center, I also really like that the teachers

are so friendly and approachable whenever you need them. Moreover, I like that the teachers

are very respectful to the students and are very optimistic. They work very hard to ensure that

we students get the best learning environment. This pandemic is also proof that the teachers

are working twice as hard and tirelessly, waking up early so that the students have the things

they need to learn. They make sure that we get our work done. If there are students that have

trouble with anything they will reach out and provide help.

Furthermore, there are many classes I like and I am always eager to go to them every

day. Even during the coronavirus pandemic I am overjoyed when I receive work, I don’t call

them work, instead I call them learning opportunities that will help me out now and in the

future. My favorite classes are music, art, social studies, and the workforce. I like other classes

too but these are personally my favorite classes. I really like music class mainly because I am

always fascinated with music. I always do my best in that class so that I can get better and

better and learn more about music. I really like the music teacher because she is inspiring and

is always happy. She always helps with any little problem with professionalism and kindness.

She is exemplary. She is very positive and uplifts the whole class. It's a joy being in that class

with a teacher who knows so much about music and I am very privileged enough to be there to

imbibe the musical lessons. She makes many sonorous music and many compositions. I also

really like the social studies teacher. He shows decorum and I see him as an asset to learn more

about history. History is something I cherish because it helps us to see our strengths and

weaknesses and to not to repeat those mistakes and work hard to make the world truly a

better place. The social studies teacher shows a placid attitude which helps us students to feel

at ease and helps us learn new things without any complications. He also shows integrity,

whenever we ask questions, he answers those questions without any bias and only tries to tell

us the truth. He can never misconstrue any of our questions.

Next, at my previous school I struggled to keep my grades good which was from 1st

grade to 5th grade. When I went to the charter school which was the middle school called

maritime back then, the teachers helped me greatly to understand things I didn’t understand. I

greatly improved and had many good grades ever since. The charter school also greatly

motivated me to work hard and whenever I worked hard I could see the fruit of that hard work,

through grades. I was sophomoric and brash back then but the Charter School of Excellence

has helped me be humble.

Moreover, I like the charter school of excellence, it has been like a second home for me.

It has truly shaped me into a fine young man. I hope everyone can experience this school. For it

is like a mother who takes care of you, like you are an emaciated child who lacks integrity, she

feeds you with copious amounts of unfeigned love and care. She discerns her children from the

rest of the world, for she is an ingenious mother. I hope she will never be decrepit, for those

who deride her may great calamity be fallen over him for she is not apprehensive about her

future but for she is worried sick about her children's future. Oh such school deserves

vociferous amounts of encouragement. Squalid and somber are those who grow animosity

towards it. May such a mother be commended? May even the most turbulent of storms never

even so much as make her flinch? For she may be a martinet but I can clearly discern what is

best for my own neck. She is being corrosive by the governments of this world but I wish that

she will be still in existence in thousands of years to come. She is no mere renegade is she? No!

She protects her babies during chaos. May she be blessed?

Finally, The Charter School of Excellence is a place I love to go to and a school I adore

and cherish.

--P.K.

I am Ram and this is my last year at Charter School of Excellence Skills Center. I have

been in CSE for around 5 years now. I went to Maritime Center which is now Discovery Center. I

went there from 7th grade and graduated from there and went straight to the Skills Center. I

still remember my freshman year at Skills Center. I was so scared because I had no friends. As

time passed, I made lots of friends.

I really like being at CSE because it is a very diverse place. Everyone is very nice to each

other. People are willing to help each other all the time. Teachers treat every student equally.

They are willing to help the students all the time. I like CSE because of the people that go to

CSE, all the teachers and students and how well they treat each other.

I have not been to any other high school but I can definitely say that being at CSE is way

better than any other school. I believe the students at CSE get more time to spend with their

teacher and work on things that they don't understand. Most of the schools are very crowded

and populated but our school (CSE) is not overly populated or crowded. It is a very small school

with a small number of students which gives our teachers more time to spend with students

alone.

CSE has had a great impact on my educational experience. The teachers helped me a lot

that got me through lots of hard work. They always encourage me to do my best. They provide

us with help early in the morning and after school. Even the teacher has a great impact on our

education, because of how well they treated us, how much they helped us, and we all

successfully passed the classes.

CSE is a very small and diverse school. Other schools have thousands of students while

our school only has a few hundred. Our school recruits students who are intelligent, well

behaved and someone who keeps up good grades along with attendance. Back then, even I was

in line to be recruited in the CSE.

My favorite class at CSE was the ELD class with Mrs. Willis. That class was very special to

me because of how nice caring she was. She has helped me a lot. Lots of my friends were also in

that class with me, that’s the other reason why I love that class. I loved her class the most and I

love her a lot too. She is my favorite teacher. I will always remember her and all the teachers in

the school. They’re all very nice and caring.

I loved being at CSE. For me, CSE is the best school. It’s really sad that I’m graduating

this year and I can't go back to the school. I want to thank every and each teacher in the school

for everything they have done for us and I also want them to know that I will miss them all.

Hello, my name is Rayna. I am a sophomore at the Skills Center. I chose to attend the

Skills center because it is a smaller school with a better education.

I also chose to attend Skills because they care. At Skills the teachers care about your

education. They always try their hardest to make sure that you understand what is being taught

to you. They want every student to try their hardest and do their best to be on the right path to

graduate on time and to be successful in the future.

Another thing I really enjoy about Skills is the field trips and after school events. For

example they offer 2 different amazing opportunities to students to go to Edinboro on a field

trip for Pi day and Stem day. It’s a fun and educational experience for students. And events like

Breakfast with Santa and the Talent show. They are fun things to do with friends and family.

At my previous school I had trouble with getting the help and attention I needed. I got

bad grades because the class sizes were way too big and I was always distracted and couldn’t

focus. I didn’t get the attention I needed because there were so many students. The teachers

couldn't really give one student at a time the attention they needed.

In conclusion Skills is a great school to attend to because you get the proper help and

education you need in life to be successful. They have fun and educational field trips and

events. I am looking forward to finishing my high school education at Skills because I believe

with the help of our amazing teachers and staff I will be successful and be a graduate of the

year 2022. In the beginning I wasn’t going to go to skills but at the end of every day, I am very

glad I did.

Hi, my name is Ricardo I am a student of Charter School of Excellence. I have been 3

years in this school involving happy memories and stressful ones. Being a student here will

make you feel welcomed and it offers you a lot of help. Being to a new school is always a bit

more stressful if English is your second language. Teachers and staff are always open to help so

that made it less stressful.

A good program that this school haves is ESL that helped me a lot. That program is for

people that are learning English it helps you learn from the basics to more advance in different

levels. It’s rewarding seeing how much is possible working hard to learn a new language that

was difficult for me at the beginning but with help of the staff and teacher that was possible. I

was nervous about not making friends because of the language barrier but here in Charter

School of Excellence you have a great diversity of people of different ethnicity that can be

welcoming. That made it a bit easy to gain friends that speak Spanish which I am closer to, but I

also made friends that are Americans, Muslim and other nationalities.

Something I liked about is the activities that they make to involve students and the

community. Those activities could range from inviting the community into events the school

made like Christmas to inviting people to share with us while we host it with a lot of help from

teachers gaining money to help the school. Another thing I liked is that the school makes a lot

of field trips, for us to get involved with the community, some involving going to colleges or to

simply going to gain some experience from being invited in some of the places we had the

opportunity. Joining Charter School of Excellence was a great decision thanks for their programs

and because of the staff. I would miss this school and have happy memories of this school.

Hi my name is Shania, I am a freshman at the skills center I initially chose skills because

it had good classes and programs. It was also something my brother told me about because he

had so much fun here. I enjoyed all the people here and the teachers then I heard that they

have a workforce so I was surprised and glad to come to this school. I love how much the school

strives for us to have good curriculum classes as well. Also how they celebrate holidays and

treat students like they are important.

In addition to why I chose to attend the skills center, I’m really liked how the teachers

would interact with me in school if I was ever confused or irritated at school work. I like how

the teachers could be funny and still be able to get things done and use stuff in today's society

to communicate with us. I liked how they had classes to teach us about our anger and how to

control them. It was fun being in those classes and not just core classes all day.

My favorite class is my civics and government class because I like to talk about politics

and history and how our government has evolved with our government. Also, that you can

create stuff in this class to feel like you were in that time when you learned about it. An activity

class I like is music and art because in both of the classes I get to share my unique mind and

express it. When I'm done in those classes a lot of times I feel satisfied that I finished the

impossible because I used to think I didn't know how to draw. Well I found out through art that

I know how to draw now and make music that I thought I couldn’t do when I’m the one that

played the piano and produced my own song.

In my previous school I struggled with studying, math, and science because in 4th grade

through 6th grade I really didn’t understand it and it was hard for me to do my math. I really

wasn’t getting the facts down like I wasn't flying through them. Science I just really struggled

with and studying I had no effort for it. But ever since I went to 7th and 8th grade I was getting

the hang of it. But now that i am in high school they have helped me realize how important it is

to really study and they showed me how to understand math, science, and studying.

Lastly my whole entire meaning of this report is that I enjoyed my time in this school. I

learned a lot about being independent and thinking hard about a lot of real life choices. In the

next school year I really would like to do physical science and learn more history and

psychology. For math I'm hoping to be in keystone or whatever classes I'm supposed to be as a

sophomore. I am hoping that I get into the workforce next year as well so I can get a job. Also

I’m hoping to see all my teachers that taught me a lot this year next school year.

Going to school was never my favorite pastime. Every morning on school days, only

groans and sighs would come out of my mouth. I dreaded thoughts related to school since I

didn't care much for it. When the time came to choose a high school, I knew the Charter School

of Excellence Skills Center wouldn't leave me with regrets. I was intrigued the moment I heard

about their programs, the small and secure classes, and the kind teachers from the other

students. I'm happy to get my education in a place where anyone can express themselves

without being judged or ridiculed.

CSE offers an assortment of classes and programs. For one thing, students can choose

from a variety of elective classes such as Digital Piano Lab, Media Arts 1 & 2, Web Technology,

Fitness, Graphic Design, Animation, Skills and Apps, Personal Development, and many others.

Not to mention, the Workforce Development “class” allows students to earn credits while

gaining the necessary skills for the workforce. Not to mention, you get paid as well. Dual

enrollment classes are also offered to juniors and seniors to earn credits from local universities

and colleges. CSE is in partnership with programs such as Upward Bound and Talent Search.

These programs help students when it comes to SAT and ACT prep, career exploration, tutoring

services, dual enrollment opportunities, fee waivers for post-secondary applications, and other

helpful services. CSE is home to various classes and programs many can be relieved to know

and receive.

School safety is always a big issue due to school shootings and dropouts. Every student

deserves the right to grow up and learn in a secure environment. At CSE, the security of the

students is one of its biggest priorities. They are known to prize themselves for such a feat.

Highly trained police officers are stationed inside the school to protect the students from either

outside threats or other students. Additional surveillance and security through cameras are

installed in every classroom as well. CSE also has the “Safe2Say “app where the students are

allowed to report issues they might have or hear about anonymously and securely. Aside from

security, the Skills Center is appreciated for its small classes. The classes and the ratio from the

students to the teacher are compact, allowing the two to build a closer relationship with each

other. CSE believes in a safe, small learning environment where students can receive their

education while knowing they are out of harm’s way.

There is a famous Chinese proverb, “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by

yourself.” What does this mean? It's simple; teachers can guide you to your path but it is you

who has to decide to go forward. At CSE, the staff and teachers believe in building good

relationships with the students. They make sure the students are always learning and

succeeding in their classes. They make sure the kids are doing well physically, mentally, and

emotionally. They can accomplish this because A.M. (8:15 to 8:35) and P.M. (3:00 to 3:30)

tutorials are always available, except on Tuesdays for meetings. During this time, students can

talk to the teachers or ask for help with their work. Students also have their emails which can

be used to email teachers about issues and problems they might be having at any time.

Responses from the teachers are fairly quick. On top (of that), teachers at CSE are very flexible

with work. If issues are preventing a student from completing their work, teachers can push

back due dates for assignments as long as you talk to them about it. (It must be reasonable,

however.) Studying at the Charter School of Excellence Skills Center, it wouldn’t be rare to find

highly qualified staff members. The reality of the fact is common. CSE presents outstanding

teachers and staff who are there for their students and their education.

Passing judgment and ridicule isn’t part of CSE philosophy. They don’t support such

negative behavior and etiquette. Rather, they encourage individuality and uniqueness coming

from different backgrounds and families. You are allowed to be who you want to be and

express yourself through your ideas and beliefs while getting your education.

Before coming to CSE, I used to be very self-conscious about my background and beliefs.

I didn’t think I had the right to think about certain things because they didn’t fit in. It was very

hard explaining to others why I thought a certain thing and acted the way I did. To them, it was

strange. So when the time came to choose a high school, I knew I had to choose the Skills

Center. Ever since 6th grade, I have been with the CSE district and knew I couldn’t leave my 2nd

family behind. I’m currently a sophomore in Skills, about to be a junior in the fall, and couldn’t

be happier to receive my education here.

I always encourage students to attend CSE. It would be wasteful to miss the

opportunities to make long-term friends who support and love you for you, meet kind and

wonderful teachers, and get your education somewhere else. It would be a waste to hide the

real you, in another school, when you can be “you” at CSE.

Hi, my name is Skye. I am a senior at the Skills Center class of 2020. I chose the Skills

Center because I knew I would get a better education attending this school. This school was the

right school for me because it was small and being in small classrooms you will get a better

understanding of what you are learning.

While attending the skills center my main priority was to get an education but also i

enjoyed the environment such staff, and students etc. The staff at the skills center is absolutely

amazing! I appreciate every last one of them. They have so much care and respect for the

students and other staff no matter what the situation was. Even though they were teachers

they were like family, they cared for my education and even if you wanted to give up or knew

you couldn’t do it anymore they pushed you to go harder. From walking into freshman year the

upperclassmen were very welcoming. Over the past four years I gained a lot of new friends. The

students at the skills center are respectful and kind. They are very helpful and they never

wanted to see each other fail. I appreciate every last one of the staff and students for being

there for me.

I really enjoyed all of my assigned classes but I loved the CPR class. I enjoyed CPR

training because I already knew CPR from my previous job. The class was fun and it was a great

experience. I also learned some methods that I didn’t know about. Also my other favorite class

was art because I am very creative and I usually don’t show off or ever think about that part of

my talent. When I got into art class I was so happy because I knew I had the opportunity to

show off my creativity.

At my previous school, I had some trouble with paying attention and following the rules.

It was terrible because I was young and all of my friends were in the same classes as me, it was

very distracting. I didn’t follow all the rules because I was around students who were always in

trouble and it got me into trouble. Skills center is better because I matured a lot over the years

from attending. If I went to a different school who knows where I would be at now.

I would like to thank all the staff for helping me become who I am today. I hope to carry

everything I've learned and put it to use for the future. I will be graduating this year, but I would

love for them to add more elective classes, something like “black studies” or bring back “family

consumer science” . I appreciate the journey at the skills center and I will forever be grateful for

the education that I received.

Hello, my name is Sujan, I'm a freshman at the skills center charter school of excellence.

I initially chose the skills center because my parents thought it could be a better learning

environment for me and as well as my brother. In contrast to moving to skills, I have had better

school experience than my other school. In the skills center, there are programs like the

workforce where you get to work at school and make money as well as learn new skills. The

skills center is a fun learning experience and I hope to enjoy it till my senior year.

In addition to why I chose to attend the skills center, I also like my new friends and a

new teacher. The teachers in skills are very caring and supportive. They enjoy helping the

students learn and grow. And the students in the skills are nice too. They are very supportive. I

think the skills center has one of the best learning environments because of how caring and

supportive they are.

One class activity that I like is the workforce class where you get to work as a student to

earn money and gain new experiences. I like this class because it gives you an idea of how it

feels to work and earn money. So when you get older it would be easier to understand.

Because in the workforce class we have managers telling what we should be doing and how it's

done. Having managers gives you an understanding of a real job and if you have a problem you

could go talk to the boss. Working in the workforce gives you an idea of a real job and how you

should behave.

At my previous schools, I struggled with making new friends because I used to be shy

rather than talking to them. But those kids were mean and bullied me because I couldn't speak

English at the time. But now since I'm at skills they students here are very kind and supportive.

And some kids spoke the same language here so it was easier to make new friends. The skills

center is a very supportive environment for kids of any culture to learn in.

In conclusion, I think the skills center is a safe learning environment. In the skills center,

there are very kind and supportive teachers and students. One of my favorite classes is the

workforce where you get to work and earn money. I used to struggle with making friends but

with skills, I met people and made new friends. In conclusion, the skills center is a safe learning

environment for any new learner to enjoy.

What I like the most about CSE is that the school has diversity, teachers are very

supportive and helpful, and it's easy to get along with the classmates. The experience I gained

working with the teachers and staff at CSE has been life changing.

The previous school I was at wasn’t a very good school because there was a lot of

bullying, and only few teachers were helpful and supportive. But all CSE teachers are very

supportive and helpful. I have learned a lot at CSE. The educational experience I gained in CSE

is fantastic because in 4 years I have learned so much and it's not just about the class subjects,

but the school has also helped me to pursue which career I want to achieve. CSE stands out in

comparison to my previous school.

The previous school I was at, the teachers did not really make sure what students

learned. But here at CSE teachers always make sure students learn something and the teachers

help students to apply what they learn. The best class I ever had at CSE was world history,

because I love to learn about history and current events. This class was so special for me

because every day I learned something new, and the teacher was amazing. He teaches so well.

But the sad thing is he no longer teaches at CSE.

Overall, CSE is a very good school because this school has very good classes and good

teachers who are always there when students need help. The school has diversity. Students

from all around the world are in CSE and the majority of the students are nice and respect

everyone.

-S.P

What I like about CSE is the teachers because a lot of them help us a lot with stuff that

we sometimes do not understand. I love most of the school subjects and extra credit

opportunities. The administrator and the school director and the principle because of course,

without them we wouldn't have a school. Last but not least, classmates and the atmosphere of

school in general because we need them for the environment to learn.

It's way different in the school because you actually have teachers to help you in a

smaller environment instead of them struggling with like 10 students.

The impact that this school had on me has definitely boosted me up. I came to CSE in my

sophomore year and I did way better than I did my freshman year at my previous school

because of the less distraction. My junior year in CSE was even better, i almost had an honor

card just like last year, but school isn't done yet so I’m going to keep working hard to get that

better grade.

It stands out more because they want to actually help students pass with a passing

grade and get a job in their potential future. They want us to actually succeed in life, that's why

they have that class about skills and apps, because you're going to actually need those things.

I have two favorite classes. I love the art class and the History class Miss Lincoln teaches.

The reason why I loved that art class is because I didn't know I could really draw, but that class

definitely showed my inner talent. And history class, I love to learn about the past and I like to

try and figure why most things from the past happened, plus Miss Lincoln makes it more

interesting with her different ways of teaching.

This school is an overall Great school, and I'm sure other students in the future will love its

unique ways also. Like I said in the beginning, it's a great environment to be in, the teachers

teach well on most levels and they want you to pass.

-S.W.

Have you ever wanted to go to a school with reasonable ways to attend there? The

teachers and staff are very nice. Charter School of Excellence is a good school to attend because

of the nice staff and teachers, the news every Friday that holds important information and the

time of the classes and schedule.

The teachers and staff at CSE are very nice and they are helpful. When I needed help

they assisted me. When I had a question about something and/ or didn’t get it they would

break it down so I could understand. When I asked where anything was they politely told me.

These teachers are helpful.

The news every Friday is fun and holds information. Every Friday I look forward to the

news because it’s fun to watch. If I ever need information on something, they tell us. The news

gives us a little break in the morning. The news is fun and important.

The time in classes and schedule is reasonable. I feel like the time in the classes is

reasonable, gives us enough time to work. I like my schedule, lunch isn't too early, or too late.

My classes aren’t bad either. After all, I kind of liked CSE, it wasn’t too bad.

Charter school of Excellence has nice teachers, fun news on Fridays, and reasonable

time periods in classes. I'm going to miss my teachers because I may not go to Skills any more.

More students should come to CSE because it’s a nice welcoming school where you don't have

to worry about being alone, people there are very nice and helpful.

--T.S.

Hi, I am a first year student at the charter school of excellence. I chose this school as my

High School because it's the right school for me. A Lot of the classes do not have a lot of people

which is good for me because it helps me focus on the teachers while they are teaching and the

teachers are good at explaining things.

The school does not have a toxic environment. The teachers are really nice and they will

take the extra time to help out with work that is needed to be helped with.

And the other staff and counselors are very helpful and understanding to problems.

They will give you time and let you take breaks when you need to also they are really nice.

Also there are really good programs that can help you get a job later in life and a job at the

school so you can earn money.

Lastly the school gives you a lot more freedom than any other school I have been to and

I like to have my own freedom at school. And another thing is the staff and teachers are really

cool.

That's why I chose this as my High school.

-T.R.

Hello my name is Trayquan this was my first year at Charter School of Excellence. This

was my first year in high school and I had a good freshman year here. When I first came here I

was unsure but the teachers and just the overall environment made me feel welcome. When

you first walk in there are flags from different places and this just made me feel more

welcomed, because the school really does not discriminate.

The teachers here are very helpful and they try their best to help you achieve the best

for you. I have learned so much that I have not been taught yet. And they helped me when i did

not understand what was going on. And all the staff really helped when I had or needed to talk

about an issue outside of school.

There was also a lot of classes you can take in this school. This was very helpful because

now I have a bunch of different varieties to choose from. I am very interested in cooking classes

and the workforce jobs, although I am not in I plan to do it this year. Workforce is like a real job

it meets certain requirements and I feel like it would help in the future.

As you can see this is a very good school and I’m glad I did come here. The teachers and

just the school overall was really good I had a good freshman year.

Hi, my name is Trinity, l'm from Charter School of Excellence. Some things l like about

my school are my classes that I have, the Cool Beans coffee shop, and breakfast sandwiches

were good. My experience with the teachers is that some of the teachers I had worked with

were mostly good and I get along with them. Plus they are helpful but in my past schools they

didn't really help with your work.

The experience l had with the school was good and when you need help the teachers

are always there to listen plus the teachers do extra help in the morning and after school .The

school stands out because of the things we do like being on the news plus the activities we do

so parents puts their kids in CSE to get them out of trouble.

My favorite class that l enjoyed the most is science, l liked because you learn new

things, try different things get to know what certain stuff is that you never knew and about to

do when l was at home and doing experiments l would make a mess in my science class there

would be fun activities to do like games and problem solving. The highlight in our school was us

doing back sales, things to earn money, we did donations, we pied teachers in the face plus we

saved up the money.

I'm earning my education at Charter School of Excellence because I have good grades

and because I work hard. What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is the teachers and

staff. I have a way better work experience with my teachers at this school than my previous

school. Charter School of Excellence impacted my education because I learn new things every

day and they help me get prepared for the outside world.

What makes this school outstanding is the teachers, the education, and the dress code.

My favorite class at this school is math because I like math and the teacher makes math class

fun. Another way math class is fun because the teacher uses real world problems to help me

understand the math problem. I hate doing word problems but the teacher makes the word

problems fun and explain way better then how the question is trying to explain it.

One last thing that you should know about this school is that this school is a great school

and has the best education. Without CSE I wouldn't be doing hard math problems in my head

and answer without the teachers and the school. I thought high school would be hard but CSE

changed my mindset and helped me better myself for the real world.

-T.W.

Hi, my name is Yahaira and this is my 3rd year at the charter school of excellences Skills

center. Being a student at the CSE is one of the best things that has happened to me. I

remember walking through those doors being nervous because I didn’t know anyone and I

didn’t know if anyone would want to be my friend but the teachers where so kind and made me

feel special.

At the Skills center I learned no matter your race or cultural background or what

language you speak everyone is treated equally. I really like how small are the classes and how

easy it is to be able to focus in class because all of the teachers are able to get to every student

who needs help if needed.

I am very thankful for having the opportunity to be in the ESL classes and for having

some amazing ESL teachers. They work very hard to make the class very interesting and fun and

they really make anyone who really doesn’t know the language to feel welcomed.

At the CSE all of the staff and teachers are always with students making sure that there

doing well in their classes and helping them with any of these questions they make sure that

you are being motivated to keep going and not to give up.

At the Charter School of Excellence we have lots and lots of field trips to different

colleges and universities which are very helpful and make you’re really think about which the

right college is for you and which one has the things just right for you. And they also make you

ready for the future.

CSE has one of the best programs such as the workforce, dual enrollment program. The

workforce shows you how to get ready to have a job and to be responsible with your

responsibility it shows you how to work hard to do be very respectful and flexible. Also the

students get paid for the hard work that they put in.

This year I have been involved with the opportunity to be able to be a part of the

multicultural fair and the breakfast with Santa and it was so much fun being able to the apart of

that with so many wonderful people and to be able to see such positivity and happiness was

just great. This year I had the opportunity to learn so much new things which I will be using in

my day to day life after high school.

In conclusion, being a CSE student is one of the best things that has happened to me and

I am so blessed that I made the decision to come to the Charter School of Excellence. I have so

much goals to achieve and I know I will with the help of the skills I gained this school year.

Thank you so much for having me a part of the CSE

Hi, my name is Zyriah and this will be my third year at CSE so that means I’ll be a junior this

year! Being a student at the Charter School of Excellence has been the best decision I’ve ever

made for my education. When I came here for the first time, I was very shy and nervous of how

the students would think of me but then students would come up to me and start talking to

me. The students here are very inviting and nice.

The classes we have are fun and very easy and if you want a challenge, they could make it

that way too. I personally love psychology and LA because psychology is all about learning

about the mind and how people think. Also Ms. Polacci is so funny and makes things so much

fun. LA is also a fun class because Mrs. Osmak makes funny jokes but some of them can be

corny but I still love how she is always so patient with her students.

At CSE it doesn’t matter where you came from or what culture background you came from

because you will always be treated the same and make you feel safe. The students here at CSE

are from all over the world and you get to have a multicultural party at school and learn about

their cultures and eat what they eat in their country.

At you CSE you can also express yourself by what clothes you wear but as long as it is

school appropriate. And I think that’s a good thing to do because some people express

themselves with how they dress or through their hair and dye their hair into unique styles. I

express myself with my clothes and I’m so happy that they allow you to always be yourself.

In conclusion, CSE is overall a great school and trying your best is what they always want

so you can have a great outcome and to never give up. Even when they discipline you, they are

only trying to get you into the right path and to help you graduate and move you into college

and to have a successful life.

Name: Kevannah

What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is that we’re a family so everyone

knows everyone. Another thing I like about the Charter School of Excellence is that it’s small so

the teachers have more time to focus on their students individually. The last thing that I like

about the Charter School of Excellence is that all of the staff are very helpful and

understanding.

The teachers and staff at this school have more time for their students than I have experienced

with all the other schools I have been to. They also encourage their students to participate

more. Lastly they help their students figure out what they want for their future.

One of the impacts that the Charter School of Excellence has had on me is that the

teachers really care about students and their grades. The second thing is that it gives students

that did not have a good educational experience a way to thrive. Lastly, everyone in the school

is always somehow available to help you with your educational experience. Since the Charter

School of Excellence is so small and there aren’t many students, teachers can help each student

individually.

One way that the Charter School of Excellence stands out from the other schools that I

have been to is how supportive the teachers and staff are. Another thing that stands out from

the other schools that I have been to is the time and effort that the teachers and other staff

members put in to help us not just now in school but they also prepare us for colleges. The last

thing is the fun activities that they plan for us.

One of my favorite classes at the Charter School of Excellence was my biology class. The

reason why my favorite class was biology is because even though I came in the middle of the

school year I still was able to understand everything that Ms. Williard taught before I got there.

Another reason why this was my favorite class is because of how helpful and supportive Ms.

Williard was. She would always find someone to help any of her students when they’re stuck.

Name: Jada

I like that I can do classes at my own pace; besides having to meet certain deadlines and

turn in notes, my work is at my own pace. I don't have to struggle to keep up with other

students. It’s refreshing. The experience that I’ve had at this school differs immensely from my

other experiences.

Before coming to Leadership, I attended a couple other schools. This school has a very

different change of pace. One of my previous schools wasn’t very hands on; they handed the

work to the students and sent them off to fend for themselves. Leadership on the other hand is

very different; though there's a lot of instances where we have to go off on our own where we

don't have someone over our shoulder 25/8, we often have someone we can ask for help,

whether it be our teacher, Ms. Larson, or someone else.

The Charter School of Excellence hasn’t had a chance to leave too much of an impact. I

was only in school for maybe about 2 months before we had to do everything at home. I’m

hoping that will change next year. This school is a very different experience than any other

schools I’ve attended. Mainly because of the online classes and the smaller size of the school.

My favorite class at Charter School of Excellence was hands down ELA. It was a class I

was ahead in, and I had a really good understanding of all the material. The only other thing I

could say about Charter School besides what has already been said, is that the school is not a

negative thing! Everyone assumes that if you go to Leadership and not Skills it’s a horrible thing

and it’s not. Leadership is very useful and helpful for the kids who need it to be.

Name: Alexa

I like that it is online and at your own pace, so you don’t have to work at the same speed

as someone else. I also like all the fun activities we do each year. It’s different than other

schools because when you miss a day at a normal school you wouldn’t be able to still do work

from home, and at Leadership, Edgenuity allows you to make it up still.

It has helped me work ten times harder, being that I went through a few things that

made me believe that dropping out was best. The staff helped me so much by encouraging me

that I could do it and make it work. Whatever I need, they try their best to accommodate. If I

were at any other school I don’t think I would have come so far!

It has way fewer people than other schools, which makes it easier to get the help you

need. My favorite class would have to be English, because for me it’s the easiest and I can

actually participate in answering questions because I enjoy what I’m learning about. If you’re a

student that’s like me, who doesn’t like big crowds, then this school is excellent for you!

Name: DeMaisah

What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is some of the staff actually. I like how

patient they can be and understanding. I like the fun days they try to have, and I like the

“Student of the Month” and Phoenix badges, too. They make me not want to get in trouble.

I would say my experience with teachers at this school would be way better than my

previous school. I like how these teachers care to listen instead of automatically labeling me as

a bad kid. I like how they do not force me to tell them if I am okay instead of diagnosing me

with these things I'm already aware of having.

I realized that I did take school for granted now that I have to stay at home. I actually

miss it. My experience here makes me not want to go to any other school. I like learning on the

computer. I love moving at my own pace. I met some people who only want the best for me

and for me to be better. I like my schedule. It’s very simple.

My favorite Charter School of Excellence classes would be Ms. Osmak’s, Mr. Scott’s, and

my labs with Mr. Morris. I learned a lot in my ELA classes. Mr. Morris’s labs are like a period I

get caught up in and stuff. I really liked my psychology class with Mr. Yudt. I learned so much

and it actually made me want to look into it.

Another highlight would be “Pi Day.” I’m never there for it, but the staff seems to enjoy

it with the students. Student government makes school fun, too. I love spirit week, too! I think

my all-time favorite would be when we have holidays at school.

Name: Nima

I like CSE’s teachers and faculty. One of the best things about CSE is that the teachers

want the student to pass and they’ll do anything. They are all helpful. At my previous school, I

did get the help I needed and the staff there were pretty kind along with the teacher but being

here was a better environment for me. In Leadership, I got better and more help from the

teacher and they were willing to help.

It has helped me get better with my English and communication. It made me improve in

my history knowledge too. CSE has made me better in a lot of things I was weak in. It is small

and easy to adapt in CSE. Everyone is nice and helpful at CSE. The best thing about CSE is it's

very safe.

My favorite class is Language Arts. This class is pretty easy even if I have some problems

and Mr. Scott is also an amazing teacher and very helpful. The Charter School is an excellent

school. I met pretty amazing people and the teachers are very helpful. Spending my four years

in CSE was the best experiment for me. I won't ever forget CSE.

Name: Matthew

I like the relationships the teachers build with the students. They are friendly and kind,

and talk to you as another person or peer, not someone who is below them. In other schools

you often see teachers that talk down to students and think two pieces of paper make them

superior and this is something you don't see at CSE. I like the teaching environment that CSE

provides.

The connection between the teachers and the students seems much more valued. The

teachers actually care about the students’ well-being and not just how much work they get

done.

The teachers are a lot more open minded than what you would find in a basic public school. The

environment there is what stands out most to me. The environment is caring and friendly. That

environment there is not one you see in most schools.

My favorite class was definitely English with Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott is the coolest teacher

I've met, and he's nice. English has always been one of my favorite classes. I can't really give

much of an input since I have only been attending for about a month. I noticed it's a relaxed

environment. I have also noticed the school is fun.

Name: Alanna

What I like about our school is that I can be myself and relate to others. It's very easy to

meet new people and become close with them. I also enjoy that we have control over the work

and we can work at our pace. It's nice to be able to not worry about overworking yourself with

homework and classwork. I had an interesting experience with them all. Students do the best

they can and work hard. The teachers are not hard on you like others and it makes everything

less stressful. I definitely enjoy this school more than others.

The school helped me become more social which is a big help for my learning. I also

enjoyed my science classes because we would do educational experiments often that helped

me understand a subject better. The school also helps by letting me work at my own pace and

learning step by step. I have been to all different kinds of schools and what stands out here is

the people in it. I met some great people that helped me get out of my shell. It's nice to find

people like me.

My favorite class was science. I enjoyed science because of the way we took notes and

did our work and I really liked that we did experiments too. The experiments always helped me

understand the subject we were learning better. The class was different from all my other ones.

The people are the highlight of the school for me. I met great people and had a good time. I can

relate to most of them and it's nice.

Name: Cheliya

I enjoy the small class sizes at the Leadership Center. Having a quiet and simple learning

environment makes it easy for students to focus and learn the material being taught. The

teachers are very flexible and understand that each student’s learning style is different. The

staff at school almost make me feel at home because they talk to the students personally and

do their best to make learning fun.

Being at the Charter School impacted my educational experience in many ways. Using

technology and working on Edgenuity everyday taught me discipline and time management. In

comparison to my previous school, the Charter School of Excellence stood out to me because of

the effort the staff makes to build a relationship with each student and their families.

My favorite class at the Charter School of Excellence was Skills and Applications. I

enjoyed this class because I learned a lot of things that will be applicable after high school, in

the workplace, or life in general. Another notable thing at the Charter School is that they

reward students often. Whether it’s for good grades, perfect attendance, or simply being a nice

person, the staff gives everyone recognition and encourages every student to keep doing their

best.

Name: Kayla

I like that the teachers and staff are very strict (in a good way) about students'

education. I like that they take school safety very seriously, so I felt very safe attending school

every day. I like that we have a student government class. That class was very fun and a lot of

students engaged in doing the activities we did. There are many ways of working with teachers

and staff. One example of how it's different from my previous school I've gone to is that I can

get more help and guidance through my work. I can also access the teachers from home, and

that's what makes it so much easier.

You get to experience a lot during your 4 years of high school like a lot of colleges come

to the school and we get to talk to all of them and know what they are all about. We all enjoy

all of the school activities pertaining to schoolwork; for example, for science class we go on field

trips and learn about the environment and explore a lot.

Name: Shanice

I like the Charter School of Excellence because it just feels like an environment you want

to be around or in. The students may have their not-so-good moments, but they're all nice

people to be around. The staff is just as amazing. The teachers and staff at Leadership are so

welcoming and friendly. They make sure you understand everything and if you´re going through

something and you want to talk about it, they´re there for you.

I´ve never felt more comfortable at a skill until I got into Leadership. The impact the

Charter School of Excellence has had on my educational experience is a good one. The way the

work is set up, it helps me work at my own pace instead of going along with everybody else and

not understanding a thing.

My experience at Charter School of Excellence is way better than any other school I´ve

been to. You can walk into the front doors and just know you can go to school and be yourself

and not have to worry. All the students are nice, the work is easy for the most part, and the

staff is amazing.

Name: Antionique

It’s a good working environment. There are fewer problems than other schools. They

explain things more and are more up front with the class information. The program they have

called the Phoenix program is fun. Also the programs they have help me to be great in my

future.

It’s a small work space, even though it could get a bit difficult for the kids that are used to other

schools, and used to getting taught 24/7 in person instead of on a laptop. You'll get the hang of

things; it's very easy.

Leadership stands out because we use laptops more than we do paperwork, but it's

exactly the same work as on paper, but instead it’s on a laptop. They have a class that helps you

and shows you how to get a good job and more. The staff help when necessary. They answer

any questions if the students are having any difficulties.

Name: Meaira

It’s such a small school that almost everyone becomes family. Everyone talks to one

another at some point in time. I like meeting new people and conversing with them. Not to

mention everyone always comes to me for advice. Some kids even call me “Mama MieMie.” I

say this because I really liked the close knit relationships I made at Leadership with my peers.

Sometimes they just need someone to care and I feel this school is definitely the place. It was

more of a one-on-one relationship with the teachers and staff at CSE. I feel that is really

needed, especially in the area we have grown up in. A lot of us don't get all the attention we

need at home which gives us a sense of security.

CSE did a lot for me as far as academics go. Unlike normal high school experiences,

I felt this one gave me a lot more independence. I felt this way because it is very fast-paced, but

still allows you to work diligently and efficiently. You learn how to think on your own, prepare

by yourself, and learn more about time management. What really made CSE stand out to me

was the support we had. We had many resources as well. I think in order to really be motivated

you need a good support system and CSE gives you that. With all the things us young inner city

kids don’t have, we need the extra helping hand. Some kids may not understand or be used to

people caring, but they will benefit greatly in the end.

My favorite class was Mrs. Boyd's classes. They were educational but fun at the same

time. The room was comfortable and everyone got along. All in all, I would highly recommend

this school. I often don't feel children utilize the tools this school gives us. However, I’d like to

thank everyone that helped me along my journey and looked out for me along the way. I was

given so much leniency in a stricter manner, which was exactly what I needed to make it

through. Everything that CSE has done for me is tremendously appreciated.

Name: Arianna

What I like about going to the Charter School of Excellence Leadership Center is what

follows. I like that we have a good support system, because if we need help, it’s always there. I

also love the fact that we do online classes so we are able to catch up whenever we can and we

do it throughout the year. Last but not least, the staff are helpful and warm to talk to and help

with work.

My previous school was not hard and very easy to function with teachers. Teachers

would help in many ways that they could and were thoughtful. The handful of teachers that

stood out is Mrs. Milano, Ms. Panko, and Ms. Prischak. They were always there and helpful.

The staff were always doing things to help us get out and enjoy ourselves while learning. My

middle school years were fun and exciting with a lot to do and a lot happening. My middle

school years were undeniably an experience of both confusion and fun. But in the long run, I

should be a better person, so the staff and teachers were great. But at this school, they have

same feeling; the feeling of a need to grow up and to be happy and move on.

I love my English language Class at Leadership now. It is fun and I love writing. Since I

was young I loved writing and it helps me figure out bigger problems or sometimes even helps

me escape. So my favorite class is Language Arts and I’m happy I’m good at it, so that’s the

class I love. My teachers are what make it one hundred percent helpful and it helps with the

bonds I had made with everyone, especially now.

Name: Shymarion

I like the kids at the school. I like the help they give. I like the work; it’s easy. The

Edgenuity work and the lab are great. Do you want to have the best school year of your life?

Come to Leadership where the teachers respect you and want to see you grow up right. The

school will help you with anything! I liked my time at Leadership. The work was easy to do and

the teachers were a lot of help.

Name: Nicol

One thing I like about the Charter School of Excellence (Leadership) is talking to the

teachers. So whenever I have a problem at school or at home, I could go up to any teacher and

talk to them and receive the help/encouragement I will need. The experience was almost the

same, but at Leadership the teachers and staff show lots and lots more support.

The Charter School of Excellence has had an educational impact on me by letting me

know about the college opportunities I could have. There’s a lot more technology and

opportunities there also. One of my favorite classes is my ELA class because I have received lots

and lots of help throughout this short school year.

Name: Avarion

What I like about Leadership is that they care for each person like they are family. They

also do not want to see failure from anyone and they will help you get your grades up. Another

reason I like Leadership is because it’s small and not big and crowded like the other

schools. They believe we can all accomplish our dreams and go big. That’s what I like about

Leadership.

What is different is that the teachers at other schools have 30 kids in a class and it's

hard to answer each kid's question. At Leadership there aren't a lot of kids in a class, so the

teacher can get to everyone. So each school is different from others; they all are not the same

staff. There are nice or mean teachers and the same as staff so it depends on how you act at

schools.

At Leadership they want to see each kid educated and successful in life. So what I’m

saying is, they care about our education as much as we do or should. Everyone should love the

Leadership education program, because they see the future in us.

The thing that makes my school stand out is our staff and how much they care. Our

school is different from others because they want to see success from everyone. At other

schools, they want see you pass, not succeed.

Name: Leandre

One thing I like about Leadership is the environment. Another one is the teachers; they

are so helpful. Lastly is how we work in class.

Another thing that is different about my teachers at my old school, is that they didn’t

help me with my work how they do at Leadership. Leadership has impacted me by giving me a

new light to look to. Another thing is that it has let me know that there is always someone

there helping me. It also impacted me by changing my perspective on how I see the world. It

has helped me figure out how I want to be remembered when I grow up.

My favorite class is Mr. Hammond’s English class. This is my favorite class because the

environment is so positive. One highlight of this school is that it is small so it’s easy to move

around.

How is your school? Does it use computers, or have teachers that will actually help you?

If not and you want that, just come to Leadership; I promise this is the school for you!

I honestly don't know how Leadership is doing during quarantine, but it's positive

because I like to do work online. I would honestly say that Leadership is a very good school

overall; most of the time there are good vibes.

Name: Isha

One thing I like about our school is that it’s a small environment. And I really can’t say

much because I really didn’t get to experience it. I only was there for two days but I loved it.

Mainly because my cousin was going there and some of my close friends. But I truly still love

the school and I can’t wait to come back. It’s not like public schools and it’s a smaller

environment with less kids and its way chill and less drama.

Ximena

The Charter School of Excellence stands out in comparison to my previous experience

because we do Edge instead of listening to the teacher talk all day. We can just do most of our

work on the computer instead of handwriting everything. I don’t get bored as easily at school

anymore.

My favorite class at the Charter School of Excellence was my English class because it

wasn’t hard. The work we do there is easy to do. It’s an easy class to pass. The Charter School

of Excellence has great and understanding staff. One impact the Charter School of Excellence

had on education was how I learn things. It also helped me be more interactive with school

work. Those are two educational impacts it has had on me. The teachers still help us with

whatever we don't understand. It’s a great school; the staff is very understanding. I love it

there.

Name: Dashia

Well I don’t exactly know how to answer this question because my experience at different

schools has been about the same. I felt my previous school over-prepared me for high school

so it's just too easy, but it made me a great independent worker. It stands out to me because

my last school was very big. Also it had over 500 students so it could be a little hectic. But I love

that here we can work independently a lot.

I love all my classes in its own way. I feel it's not fair to just pick a favorite class. All the

classes are special because they help me gain knowledge in a fun way. Independents come to

Leadership; you get to experience how to work by yourself so you don’t have teachers down

your back on how you should do things here. You get the space to work independently to finish

faster. I would say if you would like to work independently and not in huge crowds, it's highly

recommended.

Name: Robert

How was your last school? I hope that you like and know how to work on computers,

because start your engines and get ready for Edgenuity! I feel like we don't really learn much at

most schools, but I learned a lot from Leadership about life and that every day is not promised.

It also taught me a lot about life in general. Like, just because you’re having a bad day, don't

take it out on everyone.

I like the smaller classrooms because a lot of kids can’t work in big classroom size, so

that’s one thing parents are going to look for if they want they kid to come to us. It also has

different and smaller lunchrooms.

Language Arts was my favorite class because the conversations we had were funny and

educational sometimes, and I really liked how we all used to talk about our outside of school

problems. No other class was like that, but Language Arts class and the bell ringers were

sometimes interesting and funny. What made it so special was the teacher and the class.

I like that the school always asks us every couple of months about our time at Leadership

and that shows it's a school that cares. I also love the Phoenix program they do for the kids

with good grades. What would be good about returning is we will be back in school learning

from all of the teachers!

Name: Giselle

Do you like working on computers? Do you want teachers who will listen to you when you

need help on assignments? If so, Leadership has it all and we are ready for you to join us!

I have learned so much from the Charter School of Excellence. They let the students work

at their own pace. Whenever we need help, the teachers are always there. Leadership stood

out because my cousin used to go there. She would tell me about how great the staff is and

how easy the classes are. I finally convinced my mom to let me apply and it worked. Now I’m

done with all my Edge for ninth grade and working on tenth grade classes.

My favorite class was Language Arts. It was my favorite because Mr. Hammond would

always help us when we needed it. He used to make sure we understood the assignments and

help us when we needed it.

Overall, Leadership is a great school. The staff is great and really helpful when you need

it. Teachers in the building are very caring and always make sure their students are okay. The

teachers will sit there and explain the assignment over and over just so you can understand it.

Name: Mariam

Leadership had quite an impact on my learning experience, because it is very different

compared to other schools that I have been to. Unlike the other schools I have been to,

Leadership has a different way of teaching its students. We do our school work on

computers/laptops, but also have classwork assigned to us before or after. This learning style

isn’t very new to me, but the website that we do our work on, Edgenuity, is new to me. When

it comes to the impact of my learning experience, I’m used to it now and enjoy doing my work

on there.

I just wish school was back open because I miss being there and also miss the

environment around me. Home is not really somewhere that I like doing schoolwork, because it

doesn’t have the same people and it's not easy doing work when your cozy/comfy on your bed.

I love the diversity of students and how teachers want their students to learn, pass and

graduate onto higher levels of their lives, and become highly successful. My experience at

other schools are very similar to the experience I’ve had at Leadership, because it’s like I start

out shy and I don’t know who to fit in with, or how to fit in with anyone, and I have to make

new friends and figure out which classes I was going to enjoy learning in, or what teacher I was

going to enjoy teaching me in whatever class. At first it’s very confusing, then by the next week

or so I get the hang of it and then I start making friends and fitting in and getting used to the

school. Then learning becomes easier for me because I become more open.

Middle School Testimonials

Babbin

I like my friends and teachers and the basketball hoop. The school is a better learning

environment especially gym class because it’s physical.

Jeremiah

I like that all of the staff are respectful even when the students are not listening. The teachers

are not mean to us and we get to learn new thing every day. We have our own locker at the

Discovery Center. I love science. The 8th grade science teacher at the Discovery center is so nice

and there are after school programs that we can sign up for.

Kaleah

I like my teachers and friends at CSE. My experience was good at my other schools but I like this

one better because the teachers understand better. In math, we learned the same thing I

learned last year but a harder way to do it. I learned something new every day and the teacher

helped me with doing stuff. I liked the new stuff each day and the teacher, and I think it matters

on what the teachers teach us. But how the teacher acts, like if they let us have free time or

watch a movie about what we are learning, or if they give us candy, makes us want to come

back even more then if a teacher had us doing boring work all day.

Justin

I like my teacher and gym the most. The school is way better than other’s I have been to. Its

made my life better. The kids are nicer and so are the teachers. Gym is fun and it’s a good

school.

Anjali

I like my teachers, they helped me with my IEP more than any other school and I have gotten all

A's for the first time at CSE. The teachers and staff are all welcoming and I have special

relationships with them all. I like Pre-Skills and Applications because we do the student news

and helps us learn about jobs we might like it also prepares us for the future. I like all the fun

activities such as game night, talent search program, multicultural event etc. I also really enjoy

after school activities such as cheerleading, book club, choir, etc.

Mshari

It was a great experience; I got closer to the teachers as time went by. I felt that they are my

second family. I learned a lot, I felt that I am getting the education that I always needed to

become a successful student. It is totally a different place with determined teacher and staff

that make sure every student gets the best education to become successful in the future. All of

my classes were my favorite, because I have a special memory in every class. There is nothing

bad I can say. It's the best place to go to that feels like home with great teachers.

Ashis

Charter School is really fun and exciting. I like the teachers at Charter School of Excellence. It

felt much easier here than before I came. I learned new things and I know better things than

before. GYM class is my favorite because it is fun and you can play different sports.

Tori

The people here are nice and caring they will help you with everything and anything if you ask.

They work with me one on one if I need help with anything. They help me to be confident with

my schoolwork and myself. The staff that they are so caring and you can talk to them about

anything. All of the teachers are nice but my favorite is Mrs. Swantek because is so nice and

caring.

Clifford

It's better than my last school by a long shot and I was only there for a week or two. The staff

are very kind and compassionate people. They pay more attention to the students at CSE. Food,

friends, teachers, gym class is the best. One of the main things I like about this school is that

there are smaller classrooms, which means the teachers focus is on a smaller group. Gym class

is my favorite because we get to play fun new games.

Andres

This school different because the staff is nicer than other schools. They teach students in way

that I can understand them, so I have learned a lot. Science is my favorite. What makes this

class special is that we get to do fun experiments, like the owl pellets. You kind of have a little

more liberty here. I recommend students to try our school to see how they like it.

Lania

At Discovery we have fun and we don’t have to wear uniform. Mrs. Milano is my favorite

teacher, she is sweet and she is very funny. Our school is fun and you will enjoy it.

Jayden

The impact that CSE had on me, was the help that they gave me whenever I was struggling in

anyone of my subjects, so that I would be ready for the 9th grade. Its a fun school they have

nice teachers, good lunches, and a good basketball team. They get me involve with the

classroom projects, so that I can understand, better than my old school did. The classrooms are

smaller so that you can stay focus, and you don't have to were uniforms. Gym, Math, Science,

Read 180, History are my favorite classes because we learned a lot of information from all those

classes.

Robeltito

I've learned allot of new things since I've been at the charter School of Excellence. I like my

friends and some of the teachers.

Hunter

I love that school, the teachers’ help more and they make sure I want to learn. The math the

teacher helps me a lot and Mr. McCullum helped when I was being bullied.

Asmita

What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is that I like all of the teachers they are very

supportive and nice! There are many opportunities for students who really want to learn!

Discovery is different from other schools because before I didn't get much of the work but ever

since I came to Discovery I have been doing really good and getting along with teachers before

they didn't help as much the other school now this school has helped me a lot! The impact for

the educational experience for Discovery is that I have learned a lot more then I have in any

other schools! I have learned many things before that I did not get which I get now! What

makes Charter different from other? Well there is many thing, for example it a very positive

place we don't get into fights that much! We all get along as well. My favorite class is my

Language Arts III, Grade 8, Period 3B, Mrs. Milano. Why because, she is such an amazing

teachers she helps me a lot! Everyone else is so funny it’s such a fun and amazing class room

the positive and all the hard working in that class is so special! Nothing but kindness is in our

school the Charter School of Excellence! Such an amazing years I had! I will always remember it!

These 3 years were one of the best years of my life.

Yahireliz

I like that this school has less people. The teachers at my previous school didn't help but here

its really fun.

Rayna

What I like about the Charter School of Excellence is having good teachers and having small

class sizes. I like to have small class sizes because the teachers can have more time with

students if they need help. The experience working with the teachers and staff were good. I

comment with teachers and they comment with me right back. The impact that the Charter

School of Excellence has had on my educational experience was having good teachers that

would always help me with my work if I ask for help. What makes the Charter School of

Excellence standout in comparison to my previous experience is that the principles do not

tolerate bad behavior. My favorite class that I have at the Charter school of Excellence is Pre-

Skills and Applications class. I like the Pre-Skills and Applications class because every other

Friday my class could do the student news and I really enjoyed it. My comment about the

Charter School of Excellence is to all of the teachers, staff, and principles, keep on doing what

you are doing because you are great at it!

Logan

I like the secluded location. I would have to say my favorite class so far would have to be my 4A

science class.

Uma

This school is the best. I like my all classes and I will miss all the teachers and my all friends. I

got lots of experience from my all the teachers and friend. This school it works for me because

when I came here I learned new things and can practice and keep going on things that helps

me. I got to know new stuff and practice a lot of reading.

Jaliyah

I had a good experience because the teachers and staff are funny and they all have there own

personalities and they are understanding. I like that I sometimes get help and I have friends and

family that go there. It had a good impact on my education because I got better at things. I liked

Mrs. Parker class because there was only a little bit of kids in that class and it was fun and she

was like a hands on teacher if we needed help she gave it to us and she like explained

everything good and understanding. And I like how there was only a little kids in that class so it

was less annoying and hard to get things done. I also like the like events we have like game day

and stuff and the field and stuff we go on.

Abdikadir

I had lots of fun at that school with all the adventures and things I had. The school helped me

out a lot and helped me improve on things I really needed help on.

Lee'Ona

I like the food and I learned a lot. We have smaller class sizes. Its a good school.

Alonso

At my old school I learned a lot of things but because of the amount of students and

interruptions I did miss out on some education. At CSE there isn't much interruption compared

to my old school. I learn more and remember things I learned easier. There were many students

at my old school so it would be kind of hard to get help from the teachers. At CSE there isn't

that much students which makes it easier to get help from the teachers. The detentions are

also less time compared to my old school because I remember days when some kids would get

two hour detentions at lunch. Math has always been my favorite subject but I don't really know

why. I guess the reason why I like math so much is because I get to use numbers to solve

problems and I like using numbers to solve problems. I also like math because there is more

peace and quiet. Over the 3 years that I have been at the Charter School of Excellence I've

noticed that they do not allow the disrespect of teachers, staff, or students.

Gaurab

This school is smaller than other schools with crowded hallways and packed people on the

stairs. We can dress down everyday, and the teachers are nice. They also the help out a lot. My

grades have been good since I came to Discovery.

Gage

I like everything about this school.

Cameron

It is in one word SPECTACULAR. I used to get only C's now only B's and A's. I like the diversity of

students and how nice the teachers are. The smaller classes made it easier since I wasn't

cramped in a small room with 30 something other kids making it extremely loud making it hard

to focus. I'm able to focus now due a lot less noise. In science and ELA we did a lot of fun things

like imitate tsunami and reading. I love to read. It is extremely clean , teachers are very helpful

and the food is good.

Ariyah

This school stands out because the teachers in this school actually care about your grade and

education. I like some teachers but not all. My favorite class was Mrs. Kyser and Mrs. Swantek. I

like that it’s a safe environment. My experience has been pretty good. It has made a big impact

in my educational experience.

Dillan

The school is the best school I have ever been to. They work is more challenging but all the

teachers are nicer. They help you with your work. Before all I had was F’s now I’m getting A’s

and B’s. I like Science because the class is hands on and it had one of my favorite teachers.

Naiyara

I like the education. I get more help here then my other school. In all my classes I've gotten

better and I've improved my grades because my grades weren't good until I came to this school.

My favorite is Robotics and stem because of all the projects we do.

Hossaen

There's good people here. They are a little more kind than the previous school I was in and they

gave me a good education that helped me a lot. I liked Digital piano the best. It may be hard to

master the notes, but the teacher comes and aids you in any way possible. Its fun getting to

make our own music.

Juelwel

The school is a great school. My favorite class is Science and Gym class. I like doing the

experiments and in gym class I like being active. I like the work and stuff we do. The teachers

help at CSE. At my old school they did nothing. My grades are better here because my old

school really didn't help.

Justin

they help you if you need help in school

The teachers here make sure you do the work right and help you if you need help. They gave

me the determination to do good in school. We all work together, teachers and students.

Aya

the teachers

I like that the math teacher let me understand the math. There are good teachers here and I

was able to understand what is the teacher is teaching. They work with me very well, it’s a good

school :)

Zainab

I like everything about the school. I had more homework at my other school and I met different

people and I learned different things from last year. I like that the 6 grade was easy for me and

science because its fun and easy.

Kzjia

The school made me want to work hard, be smart. They teach a lot of cool things and they are

helpful.

Braxton

I like the small environment. The teachers are more focused on teaching and helping students

then at other schools. It made the learning process easier and more effective. I liked all of my

classes because the teachers are nice.

Ajla

Charter School of Excellence is a great school that I love going to. I also love how we don't have

uniforms. It has good protection and diversity. The teachers are nicer this year, but my previous

teachers didn't give out detentions as much. It's made me learn about different things like

grammar and it also teaches me about things I wasn't taught. It's a fun school with teachers I

like, and it teaches me well.

Amarie

I like that we get to wear dress down. The teachers help me more and when I need them their

always there. I get to learn new thing and discover new things and I was able to meet new

friends and got to experiences new thing. All the teachers are very helpful and hard working

and they make it easier to learn.

Nooralhad

The teachers here care about us. They help and work hard which makes it stand out from any

other school. My favorite class is Mr. Schoonover’s. He is a good teacher and helps me with my

work math. Ms. Campbell is my favorite teacher and she helps me with the homework. I love all

the teachers. They help us with the work and give us energy to do the homework.

Brennon

I like that it has a lot of diverse students who all are caring and will help you if you need it. The

teachers at this school are a lot nicer and more hands on with you. It has helped me focus more

on school and get good grades.

Lazarus

I like everything and they try to help everybody.

DeAisah

CSE offers real help and some teachers are really helpful. My principals at CSE are fair

sometimes and better than all my previous principals. My favorite class would have to be Mrs.

Swantek , she’s cooler than my other teachers. Mrs. Swantek actually helps me and explains the

problem to help me understand the work.

Alex

Its a great school. They help you, its clean, and they don’t tolerate bad behavior. You have a

lot of chances to do the work. The teachers are great, they help you learn and lead us to be the

best. CSE has made me want to switch up and do the right thing. I learned to stop messing

around. My favorite class is Ms. Campbell’s. She is one of the best teachers out there. She is fun

but when its time to work she pushes you to the best of your ability.

Alea

I like that it doesn’t have that many kids in the classes and I can actually pay attention. The

teachers always helped out when I needed it. Most of the teachers are nicer and you can talk to

them about anything. My history class always had fun things to.

Monty

They go above and beyond to help bring up my grades.

Janiliz

I like that aren’t that many people

Yahir

I like the staff and the friends I have from here. It's helped me a lot and they have rules. It is a

good place to start your middle school career.

Layla

I like that we get the have fun events, go on field trips, not have to wear school clothes, have

after school programs, and have auctions. The teachers listen to your needs. It helped me grow

in my education. Math this class is special because it helps you learn that you need math in life.

It helped me advance and it made my math skills stronger. We also get awards for being on

honor roll or having good attendance.

Tyrin

I liked my friends there. It is definitely an academic and I enjoyed the learning experiences.

Amaya

I liked the food.

Silash

I use to ask for help from the teacher a lot but now I do not have to ask as much. They helped

me learn.

The school is good if you want to learn.

Adrienne

I like everything about CSE. My favorite classes are my 3A and 4A classes because they are fun

and challenging. Everyone makes sure that you are happy and learning.

Taymaa

I like how teachers are nice to the students, they are different from those teachers at my old

school. Its also a very good education. The school is very nice and everyone in the school is

respectful to others.

Bella

I like the information the teachers teach you. They also talk with you and let you engage in

activities.

They do lots of activities and you get to meet lots of people.

Arielle

I like that we don't have to wear uniforms and some teachers are nice. They have more

conversations and I have more things in common with them. I also get more help and my

friends can help me too.

My favorite class is Ms. Panko's because I was with mostly all eighth graders. I have many

friends and all my best friends are there. We play a lot of games and we laugh a lot and it’s

really funny

Michael

I like the teachers because they are helpful and good peers. They are a lot nicer more helpful

than at my other schools. You have to pay attention and get your work done, but things are

much easier. It’s just a good school

Riham

The Charter School is a very wonderful place that teaches students hard work, excellence, and

determination. I think that the previous school I went to had pretty good teachers and staff, but

I think the Charter School of Excellence is way better. But I wish it was a little bit bigger. They

have good teachers and staff and that they teach very well. All of the students are nice and we

don’t have to wear school clothes. THe school gave me better experiences in learning and

understanding my subjects. My Favorite class is Science because my teacher, Mrs. Kyser, is very

nice and she makes sure that everyone is on task and understands what she is talking about.

Tresean

I like everything. I had lots of friends and there are less people in a class.

Jada

The teachers and staff helped me a lot when I needed it. I like that it has different food options.

I been getting good grades ever since I came here.

Sajad

All the teachers help you through life and they are very kind. The school has all cultures in it so

we can explore different beliefs. The students are very kind, the staff are very kind and loving.

They work hard to make us better students. The teachers makes it very easy to learn and

practice new things.

My favorite class from last year was math because Mrs. Rodland was a very sweet and loving

person. She was full of joy and the students felt her energy every morning. The lunch ladies are

also the best. They serve use best foods and are VERY kind, joyful, happy, and they love the

students.

Roshawn

I like the better opportunities. I’m smarter now because there better assignments. Mrs. Milano

is my favorite teacher, she nice.

Tripton

I like that the kid are nice. The teachers work with me and it brought my grades up. The halls

are nice and so is the bathroom.

Deaisa

Its a great school. There are smaller classes and more classes. My favorite class was Mrs. Kyser

science class. The class was special to me because you get to do fun stuff and science

experience.

Niveana

We have better teachers that know their stuff. There are a lot more activities/events in the

school. When we were in school the teachers explain the work in the way we understand and

I've learned a lot from the teachers. Gym class is my favorite because we had the time to take a

break and have a little fun before going back to work.

Emma

CSE has made it so when I wake up in the morning I actually want to go to school and learn.

The staff are more caring, they actually care about the students, and they are more hands-on

when they teach lessons. I like that each student is treated equally. The staff at CSE are more

hands on with the students. In Mrs. Mannarelli’s I can work at my own pace instead of waiting

for the rest of the class. There are some math games in our books that we do with a partner,

and we don't have to ask multiple classmates for help before we go to the teacher. There are so

many different after school activities to choose from and they are free and open to any and all

students at CSE.

John

CSE has awesome teachers that are all nice. English language arts is my favorite class because

the teacher is the best and the books are really great.

Dalton

Teachers are nice.

Jazmere

I like everything about Charter School of Excellence. I think it is a great school.