I worked at Elan School the final two years it was open. Never once did I see the so-called boxing ring. What I observed were students encouraging each other to finish their work for the school classes.

I taught computers, English and history, among other subjects. On Friday nights, there was a large study hall in each of the dorms/houses and staff members like myself took turns overseeing this activity.

I realize that, for many of those students, Elan was the final spot for their reintegration into society. Many did well and moved on. The whole school and its reputation should not be the victim of early failures.

The many successes of Elan students are diminished by the early negatives and I can understand that based on what many of the early students endured.

Peter Blake, Auburn