Thank you to Imagine School and its staff

Iam heartbroken about the events that have happened since January 2018. I have read and listened to many people write and talk about Imagine School, many of whom have never stepped foot on our campus. I have heard teachers around the Valley belittle and criticize our Imagine teachers and staff, while also watching a dedicated Imagine leadership team work hours, days and months trying to keep the family together and united.

Upon hearing of the closure of Imagine School at Imperial Valley, I feel the need to send a letter of gratitude to the Imagine School family that we will always cherish.

When our oldest was 3 years old, I went to the Imagine School office and asked to place her on a waiting list. We knew that a bilingual education, founded on strong pillars of character, were what we wanted for our children.

In 2012, we started our journey that would last for six full school years.

We have two children who have excelled in their classes; they have scored the highest scores on ALL state and school exams, and they have learned what it means to be kind, respectful, hard-working students.

Most importantly, they have learned to read, write, speak and understand Spanish, a language that will serve them well in their careers, families and travels.

We owe their successes to the powerful Imagine School staff. Ms. Harrington, Mr. Delgado, Ms. Guzman, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Vasquez, Ms. Americano and Ms. Moreno, thank you for every time you created innovative lessons, every time you went the extra mile to challenge our daughters and every time you contacted us with good news.

Ms. Nancy Perez, you will never fully understand the powerful impression you leave on our family and our daughters’ education. You are truly an amazing teacher. To the leadership staff, Dr. Jiminez, Mr. Chavez, Mr. Estrada, Ms. Leal, Mr. Valenzuela, Mr. Villalon, and Mr. Ramirez … you are a POWERFUL team, and I hope you find a new home full of appreciation and support.

To the rest of the faculty, especially the classified staff, thank you for greeting our children every day by name with smiles and hugs. Thank you for feeding our children three free meals a day and taking care of them until late afternoon while we worked.

Thank you for showing our children what it means to be compassionate adults who love to work with children. To my PTO buddies and other ISIV parents, I am a better mother, leader and friend because of everything you have taught me.

We have found new schools for our daughters, and fortunately they are thriving and enjoying their new chapter in education with their amazing new teachers.

Even so, the Munguia family owes a great debt to Imagine School at Imperial Valley for six powerful years of education. You helped our family create friendships that never would have happened without your school, and we thank you for every ounce of energy you dedicated to our students.

Thank you to ISIV for taking a risk and bringing bilingual education to the Imperial Valley when so many districts will not.

Keep your heads up and know that you made a powerful difference in the lives of hundreds of students who studied in your school.