Upon interviewing members of the local community, we collected a number of differing impressions, both negative and positive, in regards to both O’Farrell and Morse Schools. Overall, we received much more feedback in regards to O’Farrell than Morse. Thus, our report reflects this imbalance.
O’Farrell started as a regular traditional school, then evolved into a performing arts magnet school. Seven years ago, O’Farrell became what we know it as today, an innovative center for advanced academic studies. Because O’Farrell has gone through enormous changes of structure within the past two decades, these changes were reflected in the opinions of the interviewees. Some of the community members that we spoke to held negative memories of O’Farrell because of their unpleasant experiences here in the past. As a result of these past experiences, they do not want to send their children to a school that holds bad memories for themselves.
In general, people who were closely associated to the school today tended to have a positive impression of the school and described O’Farrell using words like: good, nice, clean, innovative,drug-free, gang-free, secure with a family-like atmosphere. Teachers at the school were described as being good, young and caring. Since the students are a reflection of the school, the students were described as having good attitudes, hard-working, motivated and college bound. Conversely, people who were not associated with the schools tended to have negative views. They used words like: gang infested, racial tension, rowdy, and violent.
The only commentary received regarding Morse High School is that it still has problems that need to be addressed. In addition, Morse is not heading in the same direction as O’Farrell.
Overall, we discovered that the community, teachers, and students were proud of the accomplishments at O’Farrell Middle School. The changes have had a positive effect on the community as a whole and have enhanced the outlook for a positive future. The goals and expectations of the students as well as the community are on the rise.