Open World Learning Community

Independent School District 625

640 Humboldt Avenue • Saint Paul, MN 55107

Telephone: (651) 293-8670 • Fax: (651) 293-5308 • www.spps.org

To Whom It May Concern:

As an English teacher at Open World Learning Community, it is my pleasure to recommend

Jaime Upton to the college of her choice. Jaime is a talented and well-rounded young woman
with particularly strong written and verbal communication skills.

Jaime has demonstrated considerable acumen for the written word in my AP Literature class.
In the most recent scored discussion focusing on two short stories, her insights and use of
textual evidence were among the strongest in the class. She is consistently active in classroom
discussions, and clearly knows how to close read a text. When it comes to analytical writing,
she has demonstrated that she knows how to construct a compelling thesis, utilizes sound
paragraph structure, and cites the text effectively. When you combine her control of the
language with her capacity to read complex texts, you have a student equipped to be successful
in a highly rigorous English class.

In addition to being a strong student, Jaime is also someone I count on for leadership in my
advisory group. The group is a mix of sixth through twelfth grade students, and Jaime rises to
the occasion of setting the tone for younger students. She is patient with those less mature
than her, but also active in helping me keep the group on track during activities.

Beyond the classroom, Jaime also happens to be an outstanding actor. I have seen her play
major roles across several school plays the last few years, and she always exudes confidence on
stage. This winter she played the part of Macbeth in the school’s production. She worked hard
to learn the play as we studied it in class, then put in hours at rehearsal, and the final result was
impressive. She was able to deliver Shakespearean language on stage in such a way that the
audience could better understand their meaning. She is also part of the school’s jazz choir.

Jaime sometimes makes things look easy, but as her advisor I know that she has worked hard to
earn her grades and nurture her talents. She is engaged in her schoolwork, and still finds time
to be active in theater and music. I look forward to seeing what Jaime can accomplish during
the next phase of her life.

Sincerely,
Leo Bickelhaupt