So I guess it is about time..........

I introduce you all to Oscar :) But before I do I want to make a few notes:

1. Sorry I did not post last week and am late this week - Cami has been working every night on a business proposal, requiring full use of the computer hence the lack of blogs. As for the business proposal, you will all have to wait to know more about that - sorry, but Cami will fill you in soon. It is worthy of its own blog and he will do such a better job explaining it.

2. It is the last week of the semester!!!! And there are 3 things I want to highlight about that:
A)We are so excited for a much needed vacation (which we get to spend with Cami's family in Japan!), but there is still a lot of work to be done in the next three days.
B) End of the semester at DC Academy often means loss of staff, and this time is no exception. We are losing 3 teachers and our secretary. Leaving Mr. and Mrs. Potter. That's right, we will be the only returning staff :) God has already filled 2 (maybe 3) of those positions, but we have been functioning spent this entire semester being short staffed. We can function if those positions get filled, but it would be nice to be fully staffed (again, another topic worthy of its own blog).
C) We tried a new algebra track this semester and I am proud to report that is was an astounding success!! I taught a regular Algebra 1A class, while Cami taught a class that teaches the same material, but is paced to take the entire school year (it contains a lot of review as well). In years past very few students ever passed Algebra, close to 30%. This semester, we are looking at a success rate of nearly 90%. Needless to say, we are very pleased.

And finally Oscar

He was born in El Salvador, but his family moved to South Central Los Angeles when he was still in grade school. For those of you who don't know, South Central is one of the worst parts of LA, completely overrun by gang activity. A lot changed for Oscar at age 14. In addition to starting his high school career at Crenshaw High (known worldwide for its gang activity and failure in the classroom), his mother lost her battle with cancer. While grieving the loss of his mother, he was also fearing for his own life every time he entered the school building. Although he was able to lay low in the 'hood, many dangers faced him at school. He is small and way too trusting. One day, out of fear for his life, he took a knife to school which not only got him in trouble with the administration, but also caused several gangs to start pressuring to claim a side. For the sake of protection, Oscar picked a side and joined the gang that occupied the blocks closest to his house.

At age 17, after failing to complete any high school credits and getting kicked out by his dad because he had been running missions for the gang, Oscar found himself homeless and in the office of his school counselor. She happened to be an old colleague of our boss Robert and recommended DC Teen Discipleship. Both Oscar and his dad agreed it was the best choice and Oscar was in the program within a few days, despite a 3 month waiting list.

That is when we met Oscar.......

To be continued (it was getting really long, but I will post soon I promise)