Editor:

New Administration. New Vision. New Attitude. With just two weeks into the new school year, Deer Valley High School is currently going through a metamorphosis under the guidance and leadership of co-principals Scott Bergerhouse and Clarence Isadore.

During a recent visit to the campus, I could see and feel the excitement on the faces of the teachers as they begin the 2007-08 school year. What a difference a year makes!

During the first week of school I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Scott and Clarence about the changes they are making on campus to improve student safety, and I was immediately struck by their dedication and determination to restore pride and respect to a school that does not deserve its unfortunate reputation.

Plans are currently underway to make Deer Valley the premier high school in Contra Costa County. Within the next few weeks, all Deer Valley students and faculty will be required to wear ID cards on a lanyard around their necks to eliminate the possibility of non-students lurking around the campus; all gates entering the school will be closed at 9 a.m.; the student dress code will be strictly monitored and enforced; all school administrators will now attend Friday night football games in Wolverine Stadium. Additionally, the entrance gate to the stadium will be locked one hour after the game starts. Moreover, in response to past issues in Deer Valley Plaza and the police incident that occurred earlier this year, Mr. Bergerhouse and Mr. Isadore will be utilizing a golf cart to supervise student movement and respond quickly to any disturbance in the plaza, Gas City and other areas in and around the high school.

At the conclusion of our meeting, I walked away assured that everything that can be done is being done to make Deer Valley the best high school campus in East County, but it’s important to remember that these gentlemen and their staff cannot do this alone. They need the help and support of the community.

With this in mind, United Citizens for Better Neighborhoods is spearheading an effort to provide parent volunteers to help monitor Friday night football home games at Wolverine Stadium. If anyone is interested in assisting us in this endeavor, please contact us at ucbn@ucbn.us for more details.

Deer Valley is an outstanding school with excellent teachers and a great student body and they deserve the very best, so let’s work together to help restore Wolverine Pride!

Gary Gilbert

Antioch