Sumac chopper a great auction gift

As a parent of two children at Sumac Elementary School, I am writing to thank Sumac's families and community for their important support of our little school. In particular, I would like to thank Sumac dad and local businessman, Vince de Falco of Picture City Cycles, for his extremely generous donation of a custombuilt chopper valued at $36,000 to our upcoming school auction.

Many people do not know it, but Sumac is the only Title I school in LVUSD. With 30 percent of the students in grades 2 to 5 designated as "socioeconomically disadvantaged" and 20 percent of students designated as "English learners," Sumac still earned a 9 out of 10 in statewide ranking and a 10 out of 10 when compared to schools with similar demographics in California. Because of the unique challenges that our elementary school faces compared to the other schools in LVUSD, we are especially proud of our outstanding academic achievements.

Sumac Elementary School is a place rich in learning. It is a place where children and families from different backgrounds come together comfortably to study, play and grow. Our wonderful principal, outstanding teachers and committed parents work hard together to overcome the challenges we face. Due to a significantly higher population of socioeconomically disadvantaged families, Sumac does not have the internal fundraising capabilities as other LVUSD schools.

We greatly appreciate and rely on all of the local families and businesses that hop on board and help "the little school that could" make it over the mountain to help the boys and girls on the other side. Thank you. Debby Pattiz Agoura Hills