Downing goes extra mile for students

May 12, 2008 11:16 pm

— I would like to take this time to thank Ron Downing for being the teacher that truly believes No Child Left Behind!
My son has been in Mr. Downing’s class of Career Academy for three years. If not for this opportunity I am not sure how some of these boys get through school; mine included. Each year they build a bigger house. Each year they are successful. With Mr. Downing’s patience, knowledge of life and work, this pays off for these boys that don’t fit your “normal” students. Meaning he goes the extra mile for all the students no one else has time for.
My son has a reading disability and this program allows him to be successful and has hopefully helped prepare him for life and the road ahead. My son is a senior this year, however, he will “not” graduate in May due to being “Left Behind” in other areas of education.
Mr. Downing is an asset to the OHS school system; too bad he doesn’t receive commission on the sale of these homes and the true worth he puts in for these children.
My hat’s off to Mr. Downing and my gratitude cannot be expressed in words when I see my son succeed and believe in himself.
Thank you Mr. Downing and God Bless you.
Michelle Church
Ottumwa