The positives of the SDP (being a SIMBY)

Spring and summer were a chaotic time in the School District of Philadelphia (SDP).  Budget cuts from Harrisburg, testifying at both City Council and the School Reform Commission (SRC) kept parents, teachers and supporters very busy. Teacher layoffs and the resignation of Dr. Ackerman as Superintendent provided much anxiety prior to the start of the school year.

However, through the chaos, my resolve to stay in the district increased as I met amazing, smart and dedicated people adovocating for our city's public schools.  And if we don't, who will.  So in the age of NIMBY (Not in my backyard) or "moving to find a better backyard", I am a SIMBY. I will "stay in my backyard" and contribute to and advocate for my neighborhood schools.

 

Information:

Follow on Twitter: Newskag and ParentsUnitedPA

 

(Public Citizen's for Children and Youth) (http://www.pccy.org/)

 

The Notebook: http://www.thenotebook.org/

Parents United for Public Education: http://sites.google.com/site/parentsunitedphila/

Rally to Support Public Schools in NW Philadelphia:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/NWPhillyRally?id=224365017605379

http://educationvoterspa.blogspot.com/

 

 

Evening with the Arts

Wow did I see a great show last evening. Complete with an art show and music including strings, choir, concert band and bucket drums (my personal favorite). The children involved numbered more than 100 (almost a quarter of the school) and I am not including the wee sing group (our Kindergarten choir). The art and music instruction is exceptional. Ms. Fisher put on a spectacular art show.



The concert portion of the evening was wonderful. The children are talented and the music instruction is fabulous and includes Mr. Wesner (Strings), Mr. Franchetti (Concert Band), Mr. Kell (Choir), Mr. Leland (Select Voices and the JAM program) and Mr. Chuong (Bucket Drums).


What private school puts on this spectacular event you ask. Well it is our local neighborhood public school which is actually not very well funded but what a product. Thanks to the administration, faculty, staff, parents and the students.

So help support the future of OUR city. Come to the Rally for Education at the Trolley Car Diner on Sunday May 15th at 1:00 PM.

Parents go Positive

Message: Cooperation, cool heads and innovation can result in change.

Setting: Cold, snowy and dreary January

Problem: Indoor recess consisting of no outdoor time and movies (not an issue to some parents but a huge concern to others- beauty of a diverse community)
Resolution: Before the issue continued to escalate and became an insurmountable problem, parents came together and discussed the issue at a Home and School Association (HSA) board meeting. Three parents then met with administration. During the conversation the topic of bobcats coming in and removing snow from the playground (blacktop) was mentioned, at first the idea seemed unfeasible but the idea then developed and a tentative plan of action was made. The issues discussed in the meeting were then reported back to other parents and within hours resourceful first grade parent, Stephanie Mayes, had coordinated the rental of a bobcat. The next day first grade parent, David Mednick (within hours) cleared the playground of snow. Over the weekend there was a bit of a thaw so more parents armed with shovels moved the slush and snow piles that might result in ice buildup on the playground. Monday AM came and the kids had morning announcements outside and then outdoor recess for two days UNTIL…..the extremely cold weather returned.

The kids may still have indoor recess but we are well prepared for when the warmer weather arrives. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!

Kindergarten Tea February 3rd for Potential Jenks Families

J.S. Jenks Kindergarten Tea

J.S. Jenks Book Club

The Home and School Association at Jenks is reinvigorating some standing committees. One is the The Public Relations and Advocacy subcommittee headed by Jenk's First grade parent Haviva Goldman. Haviva has organized a book club to discuss books that address involving communities in public education. Please join us on December 13th.

J.S. Jenks has joined the community of "lawn signs"

Thanks to Adam Eyring for contacting the designer.
Thanks to Julia Reeb, Stephanie Mayes, Haviva Goldman and Vanessa Yingling for funding our inaugural signs.