The State Department of Education of NJ is planning to close Pleasantech Academy Charter School on June 29. According to the State, their justification for this upcoming action is due to poor student scores on state tests, high administrative staff turnover, failure to correctly complete state reports, and failure to meet requirements/use of technology along with the teaching curriculum. 

However, with all this going on the school is making drastic efforts in order to meet or even exceed the needs to stay open. Some measures were even taken, that were totally ignored. The school is planning to integrate the use of iPads and Smartboards for all classrooms. 

 My name is Illkya Acosta and as a graduate of Pleasantech Academy and now in 11th grade I can say for myself that PTA has helped shaped me. The small, individualised classes guarantee that each and every child is paid attention to and that no one will be shoved to the side. The people here, they really care. Many parents send their children here for those reasons and for many more reasons. But for me, a person who has seen the growth of this school since the beginning, to see it destroyed is just devastating to me. I attended this school from kindergarten to 8th grade and that tells a lot  my parents would've immediately pulled me out if there was something not to their liking. Pleasantech Academy Charter School is like a family away from home, and like a home there are struggles. With your support, whether as a parent, graduate of PTA, or even a previous teacher here, we need all the support we can get.

Just because I've graduated from this school and moved on to another school does not mean that this is not my business, because it is. This is where I grew up, where my little sister is growing up, so I should be concerned for her, and for all the students, parents, teachers, everyone.

The whole Pleasantech family, myself included would tremendously appreciate if you sign this online petition. Thank you.