Grateful, Appreciative Parent Thanks Dallas Can! Staff
Greetings from a Proud DCA Parent!

As the high school graduation ceremony of my son, Jordan Mullendore, fast
approaches, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled in utmost
appreciation for all that the folks at Dallas Can! Academy in Oak Cliff have done for my son and for our family. While my job title at Southwest Airlines notes that I am a
"Writing Specialist,• I fear that mere words could never accurately describe my feelings toward some very special folks in your organization. However, my praise for them is just too good and strong, and it must be shared!

Finding Dallas Can! for Jordan, and getting the call that we were "next" on the
waiting list, back in January, 2005, was an answer to a prayer. Although his prior
academic career always reflected the journey of a good student with high grades, it
became apparent that shortly after he started in his local high school, that setting was not a place where Jordan needed to be. From his first day of class at Dallas Can!, Jordan felt welcomed and appreciated. He came home from school happy after having enjoyed his classes. By the end of the first nine weeks, Jordan had earned recognition as a Sparky's Kid, and he proudly brought home his new, Dell computer.

Jordan's advisors during his time at Dallas Can! included Cindy Perez, Darrellyn
Brown, Adrian Ashby, and Mr. Crosby. I've had the pleasure of meeting three out of
four of these terrific people, having only talked with Mr. Crosby on occasion by phone. As a former teacher and public school administrator, and as a parent, I've interacted with numerous counselors and advisors during the academic years of both my sons. Yet, these four professionals truly care about each and every one of their students, and it shows. They've shared our joys, our heartaches, and everything in between with me, Jordan's father, and especially Jordan during his time at Dallas Can! I thank the good Lord for each of them and their influential, caring guidance to my son. Please do whatever it takes to keep them happily on your staff because they each have such a precious gift in working with young people--a gift which I hope that they will always share. Thank you all for valuing Jordan and helping him through high school!

Another person whose praises I must sing is Ms. Wilson in the front office. I am
amazed at how well this friendly, efficient, professional lady keeps track of so many
happenings at one time! She has always been an ambassador of sweetness whenever I've visited the campus, and early on, she took the time to know whose mom I was. Seeing Ms. Wilson's smiling face always made me happy, and reassured me that Jordan was attending a school where he was valued and cared for. Thank you, Ms. Wilson, for your sweet, caring spirit!

One very special "star" shines brightest in our memory. Me. Rodney Milliner has
truly been Jordan's champion from the first day that he was Jordan's math teacher, and for each academic session ever since. He has believed in Jordan-always-even on those parental occasions when I was at my wit's end and doubting my parenting
abilities. He has been the voice of reason in many situations, and often the only voice that Jordan would actually hear and heed. Mr. Milliner made me feel like we were his family. He is understanding, tough when warranted, and reasonable. He has proven to be an incredible role model and leader in Jordan's life, and, here is where I'm at a loss for words to convey just how much he has meant to our family! Rodney Milliner is an awesomely gifted and talented young man, and we will always be grateful that God brought him into our lives. Thank you, Rodney Milliner, for making a difference in my son's life, and in mine, and for the blessing of you!

I have proudly told the story of my experience as a Dallas Can! Parent on
numerous occasions, and I will continue to seek opportunities to share about the best school experience anywhere. In fact, if there are future studies about expanding new Can! school into other states, I will be happy to write or share about our experience. Please convey our family's sincere gratitude to everyone at the Oak Cliff campus. Our lives are better for having shared time with you, and I pray that multiple blessings will be continually showered upon the whole Dallas Can! Family!


Best personal regards,

Julie Jordan-Mullendore