Sad setback for Campus Magnet schools
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Our hearts go out to the families and students affected by the violence that took the life of a 13-year-old freshman at the Humanities and the Arts High School in Cambria Heights. According to The New York Times, young Kevin Miller was on his way to a McDonald’s restaurant after school on Friday when “shooting erupted during a fight between two students” from the nearby school. A 16-year-old has been arrested and charged with his murder.
Humanities and the Arts is one of four small schools in a school building now known as Campus Magnet. It was founded after the large and troubled Andrew Jackson High School was closed in the mid-1990s due to a long history of poor performance and violence. During the 2006-2007 school year, the entire campus was designated as an “impact” school, a city designation for a dangerous school that requires extra security guards; the building apparently came off the list a year later.
On Insideschools’ most recent visit to Humanities and the Arts last November, we found that student achievement was up and the building had benefited from a reorganization, which gave each school its own area for classrooms and separate times for lunch and gym. This tragedy, although it took place off school grounds, is a sad setback for the challenged building.
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As someone who lives in the area, I must say when September rolls around I get quite upset. I hear the noise and the cursing. I see the students sitting on neighnorhood reseidents cars and littering. Its disgusting. I know it is not everyone but the ones who do those things make it bad for everyone. Will never purchase a home near a public high school again.
My heart goes out the the young mans family. Its a sad day when you can’t even send your child to school without worrying. That school has metal detectors. Someone must have allowed him to store the gun somewhere close
Comment by sm — October 6, 2009 @ 9:17 am
i knew kevin miller and he never suppose to deserve he was a popular guy with a great personality….why is it the innocent people die first more than the bad oness…i knew how he was with his little brother, they were so happy playing and laughing together. his smile i can’t get it out my mind..his mom Donna is the greatest woman you can ever met. but also i go to this school and i’m a freshman just like he was…THIS NEEDS TO STOP!!!!! my parents are gonna try to change the policy for cellphones but other than that i will always have him in my heart…PEACE..LOVE..RESPECT
KATHY M…(A FRIEND)
Comment by km — October 6, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs.Donna Hood through employment.I would like to give my deepest sympathy to her and her family.May God be with you through this difficult time in your life.Godbless.
Comment by Sabrina G. — October 6, 2009 @ 6:41 pm