In 1976 had just started teaching at Central Junior High. I had 6 classes of 9th graders who read on a 3rd grade level. Luckily, i met Ivan who was teaching at Hillcrest High School in an alternative program. Later that year he contacted me and because he had received a grant to start Valley High School. He changed my life! There were three teachers and Ivan who spent the whole summer meeting together to creat a school that would serve alternative kids. I have spent my whole career working with alternative kids and I always knew that if i considered what Ivan would do or say, it would be the best choice for my alternative student. I even did my dissertation on the impact of alternative schools on student sucess. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you taught me and for all the wonderful experiences you exposed me to. All my love to you. Laurie Brussow, PhD