Bits & Pieces...

Given the lull in adminstrative activities within PPSD and the HIGH LEVEL of activities with regard to Winter Concerts, Holiday Dances and Secret Santas throughout our schools -- I thought I'd take the next day or two or three just to share some of my favorite quotes/thoughts/expressions:

The following is excerpted from a magazine called Bits & Pieces -- to subscribe to or find out more about this publisher and publication log onto: http://www.motivateandinspire.com/

• It's never TOO LATE to be who you might have been. (G. Eliot)
• A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience. (O. W. Holmes)
• Don't cry because it's over -- smile because it happened. (Unknown)
• I would not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. (F. Willard)
• A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark. (Chinese Proverb)
• 3 Things in human life are important: The 1st is to be kind. The 2nd is to be kind. And the 3rd is to be kind. (H. James)

Enjoy your day!

A Little Levity

PEP Days of Wishes
On the 1st Day of Christmas -- PPSD
Brought to “We” --1 Parent Involvement Policy.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas – PPSD Brought to “We”
2 Grand in funding and yes just -- 1 Parental Involvement

Policy On the 3rd Day of Christmas – PPSD Brought to “We” 3

Elementary Honor Classes 2 Grand in funding and yes ooh yes

just – easily understood Parental Involvement Policy On the 4th day

of Christmas PPSD Brought to “We”4% more curriculum rigor....

across every Grade in our school community, 3 Elementary Honor

Classes, 2 Grand in funding and 1 Parental Involvement Policy.

On the 5th day of Christmas PPSD Brought To “We” 5 Core

District Goals 4% more rigor, 3 elementary honors classes

2 grand in funding and 1 parental involvement policy. On the

6th, 7th and 8th days of Christmas PPSD brought to “We”

Sports teams for the 2 new K-8 Facilities, 5-core

goals, 4% - more rigor, 3 elementary honors classes, 2

grand in funding & yes 1 parental involvement policy.

On the 9th day of Christmas PPSD Brought to “We”

9 – BOARD MEMBERS, 8, 7, 6 grade sport teams,

5 core goals, 4% more rigor, 3 honors classes 2 grand

in funding &1 Parental Involvement Policy. On the

10th day of Christmas PPSD Brought to “We” 10

Parent Workshops 9 Board Members, 8, 7, 6

grade sport teams, 5 district core goals, 4% more

rigor, 3 elementary honors, 2 grand in funding

& by now I'm sure you guessed it 1 parental

involvement policy. On the final days of

....Christmas PPSD Brought to “We” .....

14 Schools Achieving A. Y. P.!!!!!!
10–Well Planned Parent Workshops
9 – Present Board Members
8, 7, 6 grade sport teams
5 District Core Goals,
4% More Rigor!!!!!!!
3 Honors Courses,
2 Grand in funding
AND

A Parental Involvement POLICY!

New Internet Provider...New Email...New Troubles?!?

Hi All -- I've been out of commission given I've changed my internet provider. Please note the new email address at the top of this blog.

I'll chat with you all tomorrow.

Stay warm!

Ciao

Just ONE will Do!

Ok Folks…So you want change…and you think you are up to it? Well here’s an opportunity for you to test the waters! The BOE is looking for (1) Good Man or Woman! Are you IT?

And before anyone asks --- I “AIN’T” interested! Why? Let’s just say – I think there is a conflict of interest. I have never done well with process and procedures (a.k.a. Pomp and Circumstance) that “restricts” my ability to TELL it LIKE it IS! How IT is -- When it IS! There are legal requirements such servitude would stymie this GOD given gift of mine! And at the end of the day…I MUST always be able to say What needs to be said!

So, there you have it!

But -- I know there are those of you out there that have mastered the ability to bide your time and tongue…and have the eloquence, people-skills and political savvy to be an asset to the BOE, our students and our Community.

If you’ve ever wondered, thought you could, thought you wanted to, or are just curious about the people and the process of the BOE machine – I urge you to take up this opportunity to peer into the inner workings of this very intense and important civic duty.

HERE are the particulars:

Interested resident - submit the required paperwork no later than January 7, 2009.

Candidates must comply with the following requirements:

Complete a Plainfield Board of Education nominating petition

Provide the Plainfield Board of Education with a one (1) page letter of explanation why he/she wishes to be a member of the board within the above prescribed seven-day period; and

Be available for an interview with the Board within seven (7) days following submission of the completed Plainfield Board of Education petition.

All interviews shall be conducted during a public session meeting of the board.

Completed packet should be sent to:
Gary Ottmann, Business AdministratorPublic Schools of Plainfield
1200 Myrtle AvenuePlainfield, N.J. 07063
Tel. 908-731-4344

And the People Said...

YES Indeed!

TGIF : Thank GOD It's FRIDAY!!!

Gang Awareness Symposium

Gangs are a rising problem in the State of New Jersey and Plainfield is starting to see its fair share of the unwanted activity. Come and join the YWCA as they discuss street gangs.

Featuring: The Street Warriors of Newark

TONIGHT: 7pm – 10pm
YWCA
232 East Front Street
Plainfield

There will be guest speakers, entertainment and a special awards ceremony to honor some of Plainfield’s Youth.

Parents, Educators, Students and Plainfield Community:

It’s time to “TAKE CHARGE of our Community!”

Drop Out: Why? -- How WE can Change IT!

Why do kids drop out?

A 2005 survey of high school dropouts provided some very interesting insights into why kids drop out. The survey, conducted for the Gates Foundation, showed that of those who dropped out:

Almost half (47 percent) cited a lack of interest in class among the reasons for dropping out. They reported being bored and disengaged from high school. Incidentally, many who gave this reason also had higher grade-point averages and hung around with people who had dropped out.

Almost 70 percent said they were not motivated or inspired to work hard. Many of them felt that they could have graduated had more been demanded of them academically. Many had to drop out for personal reasons ranging from the need to get a job and help support the family to pregnancy.

What can be done to make high school more

challenging and meaningful?

Personalize learning! Enable students, teachers, and parents to develop a learning plan and graduation pathway that ensures each child graduates while meeting high standards.

Make it relevant! Show students the real world applications of their education through different lessons outside the school building. Learn about music in a music store or by doing an internship with a local musician or band.

Teach the importance of chemistry and photosynthesis by spending one day a week at a working farm. Just because it's learning doesn't mean it can't be fun!

Provide mentors and meaningful relationships! Research consistently demonstrates that kids do better in school and remain engaged if they have a good relationship with one adult in the building. These relationships include academics but go beyond if necessary to offer students assistance and insight into items outside the classroom.

Give teachers flexibility! Teachers need flexibility to work differently and freedom to design exciting and innovative lessons. They also need options to expand their own education. Empower and invigorate teachers with opportunities for new approaches and ideas so that they can ensure high academic achievement for all of their students.

ENOUGH SAID!

This information is a continuation and exact copy lift from the article cited in yesterday's post. For more information about this organization or to sign-up to received their newsletters, articles and info flashes - check out: http://www.wholechildeducation.org

The Simple Fact of the Matter Is...

From time to time I receive an eLetter,e-Article or other value-add information from The Association For Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) “Whole Child” initiative. I could not –NOT- share this poignant, honest and timely subject matter as articulated by ASCD with the Plainfield Community.

The following is an exact copy of their latest article. I urge you all – educators, parents, teachers, community members and business owners alike to read this informative communique. YOU will never be the same, think the same or continue to do the same…

PART I...

Support Innovative High School Redesign

Did you know that every 29 seconds a student drops out of high school? That is 6-7,000 kids lost every school day, or 1.2 million kids lost every year. Among African-American and Hispanic students the graduation rate is about 55 percent, or roughly one of every two students.

What does life hold for the students who drop out?

Over their lifetime, a high school dropout will earn $260,000 less than someone who completes high school and $1 million less than someone who completes college.

Education means better health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, The U.S. death rate for those with fewer than 12 years of education is 2.5 times higher than the rate of those with 13 years of education or more.

A high school dropout is 3.5 times more likely than a high school graduate to be arrested.

What about the societal cost of dropouts?

A 5 percent increase in the number of male high school graduates would save the nation almost $5 billion in costs associated with incarceration. Dropouts from the class of 2004 will cost the nation more than $325 billion in lost productivity, taxes, and wages over their lifetime.

Stay Tuned Tomorrow for PART II...

Citation Notes: For more information about this organization or to sign-up to received their newsletters, articles and info flashes - check out: http://www.wholechildeducation.org

PPSD - Parent Survey

Parents -- the Plainfield Public School District is conducting a Parent Survey in cooperation and coordination of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). This event only happens every 7-10 years. Consider this a once in a life time opportunity to share your vision, your concerns and your ideas with regard to how our schools are doing and how they can improve!

I took the survey and it is VERY thorough; covering a range of topics and areas that parents have often commented are important to them. I urge you to please share this link with as MANY Parents as possible. Post it on your individual school sites, your PTO blogs, your community blogs etc... It is as important to our community as voting in this past election was to our country!

The link to the survey can be found at the "Bottom: Mid-center" of our District Home page which is provided here: http://www.plainfieldnjk12.org/index.htm

Pass it on!

Can "I" get a WHAT! WHAT!!

OK Ladies & Gentlemen – here are our last 10 “I’s” of Effective Parenting as authored by Principal Kafele.

I hope you have taken this opportunity to truly embrace and engrave these 50 “I” principles shared with you over the past two weeks in the hearts and minds of you and your children. Create some fancy plaques with graphics, personal family photos and frames and create a VISION Wall for your home. Let the sentiments of these adages reestablish, reaffirm and/or redirect the mindset of your family with regard to education in cooperation with parental involvement.

And finally – If we are ever going to position the Plainfield Educational System to be the conduit by which our children reach their maximum intellectual, social and civic potential – than YOU and I must begin to own our part in the SUCCESS STORY of Plainfield Public Schools.

Without further ado – your final 10 “I’s” of effective parenting:

41. I teach my children conflict resolution.

42. I teach my children coping and survival skills.

43. I monitor my children's media exposure.

44. I monitor who my children spend their time with.

45. I provide for my children while not depriving them of their needs.

46. I teach my children about good hygiene and grooming.

47. I monitor my children's attire and overall appearance and have a say in what they wear and how they wear it.

48. I talk to my children about respecting adults.

49. I talk to my children about proper relations with the opposite gender.

50. I talk to my sons about respecting, valuing, appreciating and getting along with other young men.

Can "I" Get A Witness?

A continuation of our list of positive parental affirmations as excerpted from Principal Kafele’s 50 “I's” For Effective Parenting; ...31-40…

31. I assist my children with determining a purpose in life.

32. I assist my children with understanding that they have an historical obligation to achieve.

33. I encourage my children to be determined to desire success from within.

34. I encourage my children to develop a vision for success.

35. I require that my children are goal-oriented.

36. I talk to my children about societal issues & problems as they relate to individual and community empowerment.

37. I talk to my children about expected and acceptable behavior both in and out of school.

38. I discipline my children appropriately.

39. I teach my children positive values.

40. I teach my children about household responsibilities.

3rd Times the CHARM!

As all other bloggers have noted and it's important enough to REPRINT here too:

Tonight - 7 PM @ Emerson School

LWV is Hosting a Community Forum

on School Funding ...Achievement Gaps...

Real or Imagined ?!?

Hope to see you All THERE!

All Those in FAVOR...Say "I"!

The following is a continuation of our list of positive parental affirmations as excerpted from Principal Kafele’s 50 “I's” For Effective Parenting.

Given the comments from an avid reader (and I DO appreciate my readers) I feel it necessary to make the following remarks. In totality I believe the information presented by Principal Kafele is both relevant and applicable to our community. What should be understood is that most history read in our classrooms/schools are non-specific to African or Latino Americans ergo the writer's admonishment to specifically address that historical gap of this student population.

It is fair to say that we all get a general history about America in terms of Caucasian Americans through school's traditional curriculum? The inclusion (callout) to these two ethnicities should be viewed as a call to consciousness for the parents of these social groups to "ensure" they expose their children and give them a solid understanding of "their" historical context/content in this land we call America.

So -- in that vain -- I ask all readers to do your internal edits as you deem appropriate, but do not ask of me to change a passage to read differently...but rather do as my avid reader friend has done...and share with me your offense/differing of opinion. Let's not avoid the conversation --At least we dialog whereby both will gain a different perspective/respect for the other -- even if --in the end we agree to disagree.

Now for your next 10 "I's" of Effective Parenting:
-------------------------------------------------------

21. I don’t ridicule and demean my children.

22. I refrain from negativity in my interactions with my children.

23. I take my children to African and Latino-centered educational programs and activities.

24. I expose my children to a wide variety of activities

25. I assist my children with their homework.

26. I review my children’s homework.

27. I require that my children study - even when they do not have homework.

28. I attend functions and meetings at my children's school.

29. I go to my children's school to meet and interact with teachers and administrators.

30. I encourage my children to believe in themselves.

The "I's" Have IT!!!

The following is a continuation of our list of positive parental affirmations as excerpted from Principal Kafele’s 50 “I's” For Effective Parenting

Discuss this list with your children, ask them what each means to them and share some examples so that they are clear what these adages mean to you. And don’t forget… ADD them to your VISION Wall so that these become a regular part of your life and your attitude as you interact with your children day-to-day.

...

11. I remind my children that they represent me at all times.

12. I spend quality time with my children

13. I communicate with my children regularly – both speaking and listening.

14. I have high expectations for my children, despite my own setbacks.

15. I constantly encourage my children to search for the genius and creativity that lies within them.

16. I constantly challenge my children to achieve excellence.

17. I hold my children accountable for achieving academic excellence.

18. I strive to motivate, educate and empower my children daily.

19. I do not accept mediocrity from my children.

20. I tell and show my children that I love them.

...

Community Outreach -- Your Giving Spirit...

Greetings Plainfield Family;

During our PEP meeting this past Monday it was shared with us that there is a young girl and her family who were displaced due to a fire that destroyed not only their home but all of their personal items.

As PEP is a community-minded organization I ask ALL of YOU to help this family regain some semblance of normalcy by donating needed items.

All Donated Items (this can include Gift cards as well) can be dropped off at:

Washington Community School

Darrow Avenue - In the front office.

The Little Girl (2nd Grader)

• Tops: Size 5-6
• Bottoms: Size 7-8
• Child’s Shoe Size: 11 ½
• Socks
• Under garments
• Toys, Games, Books, Puzzles etc..
  

Mother & Father

(We are still awaiting their clothing sizes)

However -- household items would be appreciated at this time:

• Dishes
• Towels
• Sheets
• Blankets
• Food Baskets
• Toiletries
  

Please provide this family with whatever your heart is lead to share with them. I’m sure your generosity will be appreciated.

Thank YOU!

The 1st 10 "I's" of Parental Involvement

Last night I shared with the PEP meeting audience a narrative philosophy of Principal Baruti Kafele. Along with being a Principal, Mr. Kafele is also a national educational consultant and motivational speaker. He is currently the Principal of Newark Tech High School, and as with all good sharing sessions -- I learned something new from Board Member Pat Barksdale – this very same gentleman had been the Principal at Hubbard a few years back and was instrumental in not only engaging and uplifting our children, but also garnering the support of parents through a very effective and highly engaged PTO. That in and of itself SPEAKS VOLUMES!!!

As promised and shared with the group last evening, I agreed to reprint 10 of the 50 “I” statements for Effective Parenting as authored by Principal Kafele. Over the next few weeks I’ll add the other 40 “I’s” and will also share these adages with the PEP meeting participants in “bite size” pieces at our upcoming meetings.

So Parents – use this list to create a vision wall for your home, for your family, for yourself and for your children. Let these affirmations remind us and reenergize us when we become too weary or feel overburdened just what our purpose in this life is all about. Let these words inspire you to continue to fight the good fight until every child understands that they are the embodiment of excellence! Second to NONE!

1. I am a parent to my children.
2. I am my children’s first teacher.
3. I require my children to read books and newspapers daily.
4. I require my children to write daily.
5. I read to my children.
6. I require that my children read African and Latino-centered literature towards their life long study of their history.
7. I educate myself in order to educate my children about their history.
8. I teach my children about the struggle and their roles in the struggle.
9. I talk to my children about having pride in who they are as young African Americans and Latinos.
10. I conduct myself as a role model for my children – I lead by example.

Citation and for more information regarding Principal Kafele and his many contributions as well as on going work log onto: http://www.principalkafele.com/empowerment.htm

A Concerned Parent -- SPEAKS

Dear Readers the following letter was sent to my attention Sunday afternoon for posting on this blog. Please take a moment to read it, and if you are a member of the Cedarbrook family -- please take a moment to respond with your support. A sample letter can be found on the following website: District to remove teacher assistants from kindergarten classes

Although this information may be specific to Cedarbrook for "right now" the chances are great that this can be and will be felt district-wide...

Dear Parents and Guardians:

During the monthly PATT (Parents And Teachers Together) meeting, we learned some very disturbing news regarding staffing at our school. Currently, one teacher and one teacher assistant is assigned to each kindergarten class. Due to district wide budget cuts, teacher assistants will have to be shared between two classrooms. The kindergarten classes have grown significantly since last year.

The average class size is about twenty two whereas last year is was approximately sixteen. Our teachers are very dedicated and committed however it simply is not reasonable or practical for them or our children to work under such circumstances. Our children will lose the one on one instruction provided by the teacher assistants that is so desperately needed. If we want our children to continue to meet and exceed goals set by the state and flourish socially and emotionally, then we must insist that our classrooms are adequately staffed.

It is strongly suggested that you send a letter or email to our superintendant, Dr. Steve Gallon,III(sgallon3@plainfield.k12.nj.us) to express your concerns whether your child is in kindergarten or not. Also, please courtesy copy our principal, Frank Asante (fasante@plainfield.k12.nj.us) on any correspondence. You may also choose to use the attached sample letter. This decision impacts all of our children and we need to act now, not later.

Sincerely,
A Cedarbrook Concern Parent

On Your Mark---Get Set: Let's PEP IT UP!!!

A. G. E. N.D.A.

* PEP Partnering For Progress..…………………….…Alicia Jones, PEP V. President
- Gang Awareness Seminar Announcement
- Parent Survey

* Parents In Action……………………………………Vicky Hubbard, PEP V. President

----- Establishment of Committees ----
o Parental Involvement Policy
o Community Outreach
o Student Summit
o Parent Workshops
o Membership
o PR/Communications

* Open Discussion……………………………………Public Share Time
o Concerns & Ideas
§ What are they?
§ How can we partner to bring about this program, recommendation, or resolution?
§ How committed are YOU to making it happen?

I have the AUDACITY to HOPE ...

I see YOU there!

Calling All Plainfield Community MEMBERS!!!

Tomorrow Night is THE NIGHT!!!

This is the 1-single-only BOE Meeting Platform where YOU can express your concerns, offer your recommendations and set the record straight!

7 PM - Old Jefferson Elementary School Auditorium
Tomorrow NIGHT is YOURS -- Ladies and Gentlemen!

-- Don't Sit BACK and LET it HAPPEN!
-- Make it HAPPEN!
-- This is YOUR CITY, YOUR SCHOOLS, YOUR TAX $$$'s & OUR CHILDREN!

Do you have the AUDACITY to HOPE?....The COURAGE to be HEARD!!!
See You THERE!

The Gift of Introspection...

This week has certainly been a hodgepodge of events. We had the usual Tuesday BOE meeting, the new PHS Administrator's– Let’s talk about it seminar, Maxson’s PTO Mentoring workshop, a very public City Council meeting, various PTO meetings including our district’s new PTO President’s Club (that’s my name for it) and of course PEP’s very own Board meeting. Many of these events occurred simultaneously making it impossible for us multi-interests individuals to partake in the many exciting and informative conversations. Nevertheless – I trust learning and value was afforded to all who were able to attend these respective gatherings.

At this point we have been exposed to enough information, opining, conversations and disagreements such that we should all have something to share that will help our community grow!

Here we are three months into our school year and what gains have we had thus far? I pose this question to YOU -- my readers. Really – what have you seen or experienced that is going well or not so well? And don’t just complain about it – please. Tell me what you’ve done over the past 3 months to make a difference in the life of this city’s children. Tell us what has worked and what needs some work. I’m not looking for show-stoppers. I simply want to celebrate our successes and highlight opportunities for improvements with some “REAL” value-add recommendations for how we can leverage our time, talents and resources to the benefit our schools and ultimately our children.

So here’s your opportunity Plainfield to do some well needed introspection and share your learning, experiences, successes and opportunities for improvement.

I look forward to hearing from this very creative and verbal community I love so dearly.

Be well!

FYI

Introspection is the self-observation and reporting of conscious inner thoughts, desires and sensations. It is a conscious mental and usually purposive process relying on thinking, reasoning, and examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and, in more spiritual cases, one's soul.

Acuity & You | Perfect Together!

I want to THANK all of you who chimed in and shared your experience/knowledge with regard to the Aquity testing platform. As some have commented it is a very valuable tool that provides teachers with a real-time understanding and scoring matrix of the individual child’s strengths and weaknesses, but more to the point it enables teachers to gear curriculum specific to the needs of the individual child learner in preparation for both NJASK and future learning in general.

You can’t beat that with a baseball bat!

Maybe next time we will have better communication and staging of this test so that the children are not off for a week and them have to come back to a testing environment. Or, at the very least – they are sent home with study materials so that parents can allocate study time to ensure their children’s test scores are a better representation of their academic acumen – or lack thereof.

Ooh well – it IS what it IS!

Below for your information are links to a site that will provide you with an in depth overview of what Acuity is, how it can be utilized and what the benefits are to our children and our teachers.

http://www.acuityforschool.com/why-choose-acuity/index.php

http://www.acuityforschool.com/our-research/index.php

http://www.acuityforschool.com/why-choose-acuity/faq.php

Be well and have a great weekend.

Testing, Testing 1, 2, Huh?

Parents as some of you (those with access to the internet at least) may know our children have been doing Acuity testing this week that will conclude tomorrow. Exactly which grades are involved – I do not know because I just found out today via my daughter (6th Grade) that they were testing. [According to my research it does appear this is a test geared towards grades 3-8; Algebra I preparedness for grades 6-12]

OK – so here’s the question(s) and please be honest – how many of you knew your child(ren) would be testing this week? And – how many of you understand what the Acuity (Assessment Management System) testing is all about?

This is a short post because right now – I’m just trying to wrap my brain around the pedagogical and communication style of this district. The children were off for a week... Return for a day and then go into testing the very next day. My child did not come home with any study materials for the week she was off --- did yours?

Parents I really need to hear from you. Please respond to the comments section of this post and tell me what you know about this testing.

Signed:
Curiouser and Curiouser

An Authentic Leader | Defined!

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to attend a conference on Leadership. The keynote speaker was a gentleman from Hades who shared with the attendees his struggles as a child that ultimately lead to his accomplishments as an adult and as a successful leader within one of the largest healthcare giants in the world. One of the more profound edicts he shared with the audience was his definition of a leader.

Being completely engrossed in this gentleman’s presentation I failed to take what one would consider “copious” notes, but here is the sum total of what he presented that explains the difference between an authentic leader and a disingenuous leader. An Authentic leader reaches out to the people of their organization and listens to what they have to say, but not as a consideration of their opinions, but rather as an invaluable aid to getting things done collectively. A disingenuous leader sets up a bureaucracy that makes it almost impossible for their people to reach out to them to share their concerns, dreams and opportunities. POWERFUL STUFF!

An authentic leader understands that the answers are among their constituents and leverages the skills, abilities and passion of their people to ensure they reach a united vision. A disingenuous leader posits and positions their own vision for personal gain and believes it is because of them that the vision exists and is achieved; they believe that the people “need” them more than they need the people. PROFOUND!!

Authentic leaders not only encapsulate the intellectual capacity to help their organization reach their vision, but they also have the emotional, social and civil intelligence to embrace the desires of their people to create the ultimate win-win – that being an inclusive (there's that word again) vision that considers all stakeholders as part of the success story. TAH DAH!!!

An Authentic Leader leaves a legacy that is respected, admired and benchmarked for years and years to come. They manifest their passion for people!

A New Wave of Evidence...

There is a growing body of work that not only provides statistically significant empirical data that supports the validity and necessity of school, parents and community partnerships, but the research also provides methodologies, examples and guidance on what works and most importantly what does not. It is this portion of the report that is most important, in my opinion, for the families and community members of Plainfield to understand. As shared by the CSA in his November address– he gets that parental involvement is critical to student achievement, however where we are faltering is in developing programs that include parents as part of the conversation for defining effective strategies and partnerships.

As I continue to read the more than 500 pages of information over the next few weeks I will share with you the highlights of the information gleaned from these bodies of work. I will also provide you with links to the reports and websites for your own perusal, use, edification and empowerment. After all -- this is what it is all about – Each one TEACH one! One parent, one teacher, one community at a time!

The following information is excerpt from an Annual Synthesis conducted in 2002 by the National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools, Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) entitled: A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family and Community Connections on Student Achievement. The body of this research provides evidence of the positive contributions that partnership programs can make to student achievement. Ultimately, this report is about the need and value of families to support the educational efforts of their children.

Parents with high involvement ratings, compared with those with low or median ratings tend to have children with higher grades and scores. The finding held across all family income levels and backgrounds. When the researchers looked at the combined effects of teacher support and high parent involvement on grade point averages (GPA) the median GPA was 2.5, however at any point along the spectrum where either teacher support or parental involvement support were low the average GPA was .7 and .6 respectively. What a remarkable drop! But the MOST IMPORTANT thing to note is that neither teachers nor parents who operate at a high level of involvement can have a positive impact on a child’s GPA if they function as individual entities. It is the collective cooperative partnership between these two groups that lead to the greatest positive impact on a student’s GPA.

Researchers than look at the student’s sense of belonging and high parental involvement on GPA, and even more astounding was the results reported. Students with both a high sense of belonging and high parental involvement achieved a GPA of 3.4. Where either of these factors was low the GPA dropped significantly to 1.8 (low student) and 1.0 (low parental). Again – the value of collective partnerships in this instance (student and parent) is undeniable.

So where do we go from here. The first thing we have to do, before we can hold anyone else accountable is to do our part. If you are a parent – Parent…if you are a teacher – Teach…if you are a community member – Commune...if you are a student - Study and if you are a school administrator or board member – begin listening to your constituents and inviting them to the table to help reform the PPSD. You CAN NOT do it ALONE and nor can WE!

As I said before, I do believe our CSA has the intellectual capacity to move this district where it should be, however the lack is in his ability to reach the very people he serves and those in service to him. Authentic Leadership builds relationships -- not as defined by any one individual but rather that is inclusive and confident enough to embrace all stakeholders.

Family-School Partnerships?

In researching or shall I say benchmarking other cities in this great US of A with regard to Family-School Partnerships I came across this awesome resource: The Parent Education Network (PEN). The opening statement in the "eyebrow" section (page 2) of their brochure captured me immediately and it reads: "Partnerships among schools, families and community groups are not a luxury -- they are a necessity!" How profound!

PEN is the State of Wyoming’s PIRC Center (Parent Information and Resource Center) a NCLB funded resource. Their Mission is to provide a means of communication, cooperation and education to parents and professionals who wish to serve and support children with and without disabilities. They aim to help families become more active in their children’s learning and education, and obtain better programs and services through advocacy, education and referral.

Additionally, here are some of their key tenets:

• Partnerships help build and sustain public support for schools. Schools that embrace the partnership idea enjoy higher levels of respect and trust in the community. Partnership schools tend to have better teacher morale and higher ratings of teachers by families.
• Partnership and student academic achievement are closely linked. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer and like school more. Research shows engaging families in children’s learning has a positive impact on student achievement.
• Families and the community can help schools overcome the challenges they face. A collaborative approach is needed to define the problems, discuss productive approaches and design and implement possible solutions.
• Teachers can benefit from parent and community partnerships. Involved families are more likely to understand the goals of the teacher and the school and to be supportive of proposed changes. Teachers who involve parents positively and consistently tend to rate families more positively.
  

Did you know Plainfield has a PIRC facility? Well we do. Tell me about it. Send me either a comment to this post or an email and provide your name, school affiliation and experiences with our PIRC facility. Tell me what it offers, tell me where it is, tell me if it even closely resembles the offerings and clarity of purpose that the PEN provides.

I went to our PIRC facility and it exudes possibilities, but like faith, possibilities without work is dead.

So Families – use your resources! It’s there – its paid for – now make it WORK!

The Year of PARADIGM Switches!

On every level there is evident a change with regard to how we think, how we teach, how we learn, how we partner, how we talk, walk or run and oh yes -- how we lead.

As a country, county, city and community we have been called to a greater consciousness not unlike those times during our most despicable historical events such as slavery, the holocaust, civil injustices, wars with no purpose, tyranny, terrorism (911), upheaval with no direction (WATTS, Newark, Plainfield Riots), unrest, mis-education, under utilization, and communal complacency.

It is time we all take our place in mending and redirecting what ails us! We can do this!!! Whether it is economic growth and stability, ending wars, or reforming the current educational system that plagues Abbott districts such as Plainfield – we CAN DO this!

No more excuses. No more games. No more time!

We are all uniquely gifted, perfectly designed and capable of doing our part in bringing our children, our schools, our community and our country to its full and God-given potential. Let’s be about the business at hand!

*Tootles*

Inside - Outside...Upside...Down?

If you have not had a chance, please take a gander at the CSA’s November Address on the district's website. Of course of interest to this writer is our CSA’s statement with regard to parental involvement. More to the point -- his continued need to siphon out a call for and a concentration on parental involvement at the school level – as oppose to what?

PEP, has always and will always be made up of parents who have children in the district’s schools. We just donot exclude our community members because we understand and embrace the concept that it "takes a village". The issues, recommendations and causes our parents undertake are as a direct result of their experiences within their particular schools. PEP only serves to bring them all together to have one UNIFIED conversation about what’s going on in the individual schools. More specifically – we are there to share recommendations and success stories on how to implement effective conversations and/or strategies to meet those needs identified.

As a PTO, President – I am still trying to understand why I am exclusively “uninvited” to the table of meetings with all other PTO Presidents. What’s up with that?!?

I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with 5 of these PTO Presidents over the past few months and quite honestly I am a little concerned with the District’s positioning of PEP with these parents. Please allow me to speak for myself. Nothing I have said or have to say or will say – will do anything less than lead us to a better parental involvement structure in our District. That is the goal? Right?

An organization; Parents for Public Schools shared this profound thoughts with regard to public awareness for parent engagement:

“It truly dawned on me that school is not a place I am shipping my kids off to everyday. The school administrators and staff work for me. It’s a nice feeling of empowerment. It’s nice to know parents should not be outsider.” Helen Barnes (PLI Graduate)

Parents – do you feel like “INSIDERS”?

For more information about this organization: Parents for Public Schools (PPS) has created a statewide parent leadership and public action strategy to engage parents to develop and support policy and program changes from the local school district to state policymakers. Public School parents are everywhere—and we want their voices to be heard so that high-quality public education opportunities are available to all families and their children. http://www.parents4publicschools.com/Work_advocacy.htm

Also for an outstanding research project and report on A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement checkout: http://www.sedl.org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf

INCLUSION -- It's a RIGHT...Not A Favor!

When folks are regularly denied or ignored they feel that those who are doing the ignoring and issuing the denials are not honoring their right to participate fully. It is generally accepted that “inclusion” means inviting those who have been historically locked out, to come in. The problem with this premise is that it assumes that – someone has the “authority” to invite others or conversely someone has abused their authority by excluding others.

It is time WE all recognize one central truth about inclusion. We are ALL born IN! No one or nothing has the authority, right or privilege to invite others in! It is OUR civic responsibility to remove all barriers, which uphold exclusion and/or divisive constructs.

Inclusion is about recognizing our universal “oneness” and interdependence. We are “ONE” even though we are not the “SAME”.

Fighting for inclusion involves assuring that all support systems, processes, procedures and paradigms in no way hamper the involvement and full engagement of any one group or individual. Providing for and sustaining support systems of inclusion are a civic responsibility – not a favor!

Our society, our families, our community, and our schools will immediately improve when we honor this truth!

*Tootles*

For more information about INCLUSION log onto: Inclusion Network

Reference: Research for this post was retrieved from What is Inclusion? by Shafik Asante

Fun-Filled Ideas for PTOs

Most PTOs are moving FULL STEAM ahead with fundraisers for this school year, but we have to make sure we incorporate some fun-filled activities throughout the year for the students. Here are a few worthwhile (for FREE/Low cost) fun ideas from the PTO Today website.

Snack and Learn

To get parents involved in language arts assessment testing, School PTOs can invite parents to attend a workshop at school with their children. Each parent-and-child pair can be given the same section of the test to work on; when they were done, students are provided a snack before heading back to class. Parents stay behind for a wrap-up discussion and pizza.

It’s Just a Stinkin’ Game!

Family Game night – Sock Wars: PTO members collect as many socks as they can, knot each one into a ball, and lay them out in the middle of the gym. Parents, teachers, and kids use the balled-up socks for a fun variation on dodge ball.

Teacher Appreciation - Daily Affirmations

Throughout appreciation week, teachers, staff members, and administrators are given a small gift and note in their mailboxes each day from the PTO. Little bags of coffee that can say “Thanks a latte for all you do!” The custodians’ basket of treats can include animal crackers that say “This place would be a zoo without you.”

In Pursuit of Art

PTO’s spaghetti supper and art scavenger hunt. Student artwork is hung throughout the school. Parents and children follow clues prepared by the art teacher to find each piece.

Bringing PRIDE Back!!!

At a time where our schools, children and community are faced with the paradigm switch that often accompanies the installment of a new team with new rules (either written or implied), new ideals (either written or enforced) and new attitudes (either hidden or on full display) – we are the ones impacted the most because WE’VE been through the most!

Besides our children and their education – the next thing that suffers is School, Children and Community PRIDE! Yes – there are pockets of pride here and there and it is certainly not due to principals and teachers lack of creating visual pictorials of pride. I’ve gone to many of our schools and there is unquestionably an element of pride on display. But PRIDE has an air about it – it’s not just a visual art, but in fact it is a visceral need!

When I attended the Plainfield Schools there was an AIR of PRIDE that everyone partook in. At Cook Elementary – We created a slogan “It’s Cool To Be Smart”. Lead by our illustrious music teacher – Mr. Segall (currently teaching at Cedarbrook) we created a song (a Rap –our own brand of hip hop before Rap became Hip!) We were featured in the Courier News and our Superintendent stopped in to see our presentation! In the famous words of my 6th grade teacher Miss Roberts – we just couldn’t stop being so “gitty”!

At Maxson, under the leadership of Mr. Hobbie (our Principal) – we learned the art of discipline. Not meted out haphazardly, but with love and genuine respect.

In my final years of schooling at PHS – PRIDE was doled out in daily doses through teachers like Mrs. Harper, Mr. Pannone, Mrs. Corbett, Mr. Horn, Mrs. Jones, Ms. MacDonald, Mr. Cavalier, Mrs. Willard, Mrs. Watts, Mr. Rob (I’ll never get over you pouring that gatoraid on me – burrrr -- I owe YA!) – and a host of other teachers and administrators. On any given day you could find them in the hallways singing ditties of “Play that funky music”, “Go-BIG Red”, and “PLAINFIELD --- Plainfield --Let’s Go All the WAY!” intermingled with Shakespearean soliloquies, Pythagorean theorems, FOIL methodology, elimination dodge ball theory and the art of debate and negotiations. There was academic pride in our honor society, and school pride in our sports teams, in our teachers and in the students!

How do we get it back? 1 Parent, 1 Community Member, 1 Faculty, 1 Student, 1 Administrator, 1 Board Member, 1 Call to Consciousness at a time!

It’s cool to be smart in many ways…
because being SMART really pays.
Once you learn it………you’ll never forget………
That there’s 26 letters in the alphabet.
It’s cool, cool, cool – to be Smarrrrrrrrrrrt!

So ----- Goooooooooooooo BIG Redddddddd!….Gooooooooooooo BIG Reddddddddddd! I said Go, Go, Big Red, Go Go Big Red– I said Go, go Big Red………….Go, go Big Red. Gooooooooooooooo Big Red!

State of NJ: Parental Involvement Proclamation -- It's Official!

WHO KNEW?

October is the OFFICIAL Parental Involvement Month!

See For Yourself - Click on This Document:

There is also a WEALTH of information concerning: (click on any of the links below to view more specific information regarding these topics.)

• What is Parental Involvement
• Forms, Plegdes
• Ideas that Work
• Child Abuse Prevention
• And a host of other valueable resource -- Check it out
  

Another FINE Meeting!!!

On behalf of the PEP Board I want to thank all of the Parents, PTO Presidents and Community folk who attended our meeting last night.

It was an outstanding meeting full of insight, sharing, learning and most importantly providing us all with a high-level understanding of parental and student needs to effectuate the progression of our educational system. In addition, awareness was raised with regard to the need for family, community and the public to commit to the cause of Educational Excellence!

We are currently circulating a petition for a Parental Involvement Policy, and will follow-up with the formation of a committee of parents and community that will work to create this guidance document based on the New Jersey Department of Education – NCLB mandates and submit it to the Board of Education.

If you are interested in signing this petition and/or working on the committee please send me an email with your name, address and school affiliations and I will attach it to our petition. If you indicate you are interested in joining the committee a follow-up meeting notice will be forwarded to you with the pertinent information. (rasrahmataz@comcast.net)

We WILL move this district towards educational excellence – 1 Parent at a time!

Again – thank you all for your continued support!

One last thing, PEP shared with the community last night that the current District structure (paradigm) will no longer provide countenance for a (this) citywide PTO and therefore any funding previously afforded this organization through Title I funding is no longer available. As such – parent, former PEP VP, current PEP Program Advisor, as well as a parental and community advocate: Dr. Susan Phifer – offered to donate $200 towards food funding for our next few meetings. The PEP Board wishes to extend our sincere gratitude and a hearty THANK YOU for believing in the Vision and Mission of PEP!

Let’s PEP it UP!

Let's PEP it UP!

TONIGHT 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Washington Community School - Cafetorium

427 Darrow Avenue

Plainfield, NJ

A.G.E.N.D.A.

* State of the District -- A Parent's Perspective

* PEP Partnering For Progress
- Linking to the District's Core Goal: Family and Community Involvement

* Parental Involvement Policy
- What is it?
- Do we need it here in Plainfield?
- Next Steps

* Open Discussion
- The public is encourage to share their views, ideas, issues and solutions


Come share, learn and grow -- parents empowering parents... we will change the condition of education in our community 1 parent at a time!

Divine Intervention!

In doing my daily reading from “The Word for You Today” – this is a quarterly pamphlet that provides a Christian based view for “Strength and Guidance for Daily Living” -- It became all too lucent and indicative of the current climate here in good old Plainfield, NJ.

How fitting that the “Word” for today admonishes us to: “Watch out or You Will Be Destroyed by Each Other.” Galatians 5:15

Hello – this is certainly Plainfield Public Schools' state of the district.

Saturday, October 25, 2008: How to fight so everybody wins (1)

Healthy relationships aren’t conflict free; they’re conflict resolving. The problem is: we fight for victories instead of fighting for solutions. The result is: one wins, one loses, and the relationship suffers!

Here are some practical insights for fighting so that the relationship wins:

(1) Differences are inevitable, normal and potentially beneficial. They’re inevitable because relationships bring together very different people. They’re normal, because all relationships, including great ones, experience them. They’re potentially beneficial, because handled effectively relationships grow through them.

(2) Here are three conflict handling styles:


(a) The Avoid Style: These are the “don’t want to rock the boat” and “let sleeping dogs lie” people. They fear confrontation, so they bury their feelings, not realizing they’re buried alive and will rise again down the road. They go from clam-up, to build-up, to blow-up, inviting physical and emotional illness. Meanwhile offenses accumulate, unaddressed issues multiply, ad unfinished business erodes the relationship.


(b) The Attack Style: These are the “get them before they get you” people; ruthless fighters who refuse to give in, they inflict terminal wounds on each other. The Bible say; “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” Attack begets counterattack, both sides “dig in” and nothing gets resolved.


(c) The Approach Assert Style: These are the “no price is too high for a good relationship” people. They’re sensitive to the feelings of others; yet insist on dealing directly with important issues. They avoid blaming, confront the issue, not the individual, and invite others to partner with them in solving the problem and saving the relationship!

This excerpt is a direct lift from the September, October, November issue of The Word for You Today. Stop by a Bible-based Church and get your copy!!!

So – PEPers – which one are YOU?

What in the SAM HILL?!!?

Hello PEPers;

I've just spent the last 8 hours at Job Corp with a room full of Latino and African American young men who have either checked out or been discarded by our educational system. All of them are just looking for a way out/up! Thank GOD for options! Well that explains my late posting, but as promised I wanted to share with you my latest endeavor towards educational excellence.

OK -- so I've been lobbying for a Parental Involvement Policy for our district. I’ve had five parents ask about it/for it and me being the sixth – thought it to be a fair request…

Tuesday’s Board Meeting was dichotically challenging. There was an AWESOME presentation in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month. It was delightful to say the least. The children in their awesome array of colorful attire representing Spanish countries around the globe, danced, sang and cited poetry. There was a musical ensemble that filled the air with guitars, drums, a wind flute and other Hispanic cultural instruments for which I do not know the names. This was followed by a presentation of recognition for – I believe it was 5 or 6 – Plainfield students who achieved a PERFECT Score on the NJASK math test!

Folks – this IS what it is all about!!!

Then it happened –out of nowhere-- the sonic boom of a proclamation to the audience and I quote: “Don’t Talk to Me About Parental Involvement!”…wonder who that was meant for ;-).

Well how outrageous! What was so blatantly overridden/discarded/marginalized was the PERFECT opportunity to tout Parental Involvement. Here lay an opportunity for parents to hear from and network with the parents of those remarkable students to find out EXACTLY what they were doing with regard to education that enabled their children to achieve such outstanding results.

If no one else will say it – I will -- I know that it is BECAUSE OF THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT -- these children achieved such phenomenal results. If it were ONLY the schools – then every child that was in the classroom with those students would have achieved the same results. A time to celebrate the true value of teachers and parents working together and obtaining PERFECT results was squandered.

Say it ain’t so…

You cannot have it both ways! “Don’t talk to me about parental involvement…” or “I remain open and available to respond to and work with … as well as all parents and organizations promoting the well-being of the students and community of Plainfield.”

So which is it? So – what is it?

I approached the board tuesday night to request the creation of a PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT POLICY, which is a RECOMMENDATION, put forth by The New Jersey Department of Education - NCLB GUIDANCE DOCUMENT. This 80- page document spells out clearly and precisely what the provisions of NCLB are in terms of support, implementation and sustaining parental involvement.

I also gave them copies of New Providence and Westfield Parental Involvement Policies, as well as offered up the webpage for Westfield’s Citywide PTO group. Heck – if we can benchmark our football team against Westfield for the past 50+ years – we can certainly use them as a benchmark with regard to what true, authentic Parental Involvement and District Partnerships look like.

OK – so here’s the deal – Do you ALL even care if we have a parental involvement policy in this district? I will discontinue my efforts if you comment to this Blog saying “NO” we don’t care about or want a parental involvement policy. But hold on – one small caveat – I will only post your comments if you provide your “verifiable name and an email address”… And finally – if I get 2 people who say our district should have such a policy (and that doesn’t include me or the other 5 who have already asked) I will continue to pursue this until we get what we need to effectively participate in the education of our children.


P.S.: So that you all don’t think I went too lofty using New Providence and Westfield…Check out these two school sites: Newark and Camden <--They even have a District-wide Parent Group [fancy that].

The Art of Dialoging...

Over the past few months many have interpreted “my” differences with the District’s policies, processes and procedures or lack thereof as a pronouncement or denouncement of the CSA’s ability to do good work here in Plainfield. I trust very much that Dr. Gallon is “qualified” to do what needs to be done in our schools and I trust that the BOE will continue to ensure that the parents and community of Plainfield best interests are served.

What I have disagreed with is the machinations of district policy and practices that have hampered parental involvement in “my” experience. Clearly, we have come to see that PEP is not the conduit by which the district wishes to receive such disagreements. In so far as the expectations of the District is that school PTOs provide this vehicle of report -- it is certainly a conclusion that PEP ultimately agrees with and will support in that we have never set out to be a brokerage firm of complaints from parents and/or the community. If the objective from all parties is to get parents involved in the schools and lives of students to create a better school system and that objective is met – then that mission is accomplished most assuredly.

It is just too simplistic to categorize “my” disagreements with the District as a matter of dissension or haranging. It is dialogue in its natural and truest form.

Dialogue is about what we value and how we define it. It is about discovering what our true values are, about looking beyond the superficial and automatic answers to our questions. Dialogue is about expanding our capacity for attention, awareness and learning with and from each other. It is about exploring the frontiers of what it means to be human, in relationship to each other and our world. – (Glenna Gerard, 1995)

Dialogue is a foundational communication process leading directly to personal and organizational transformation. It assists in creating environments of high trust and openness, with reflective and generative capacities. One might think of dialogue as a revolutionary approach in the development of the following organizational disciplines: continuous learning, diversity, conflict exploration, decision making and problem solving, leadership, self-managing teams, organizational planning and alignment, and culture change. – (Linda Ellinor , 1996)

Dialogue moves beyond any one individual's understanding, to make explicit the implicit and build collective meaning and community. The result is often a deeper level of understanding and new insight.

A most important aspect of Dialogue is that it creates a community-based culture of cooperation and shared leadership. It moves groups from the dependency, competition and exclusion often found in hierarchical cultures to increased collaboration, partnership and inclusion. – (The Dialogue Group)

It’s not personal. It’s parenting, advocating and dialoging.

To the extent that the nexus behind PEP’s existence is that ultimately we empower parents with the knowledge, information and support needed to navigate through the school district and make the best choice for their children’s education -- our purpose remains unchanged – in fact – intact.

Partners in Progress

Hello PEPers;

Sorry to post so late today. As I shared in a previous posting the PEP Board had a meeting with the Administrative Services Office (ASO)-- Community Relations Department today so that kept me busy. I know I said I was going to post about "inclusion" as it relates to building partnerships and then I was going to post (actually wrote it up this morning) my experience at last night's BOE meeting.

But -- after a very productive meeting, suffice it to say --I'll save my experience for later in the week. I will still post it, but as a matter of and in the spirit of good citizenship I thought I'd simply send you all a quick note to let you know that the meeting went well and that PEP is certainly looking forward to bringing about some solid, well-executed value-add student/parental/family and community activities over the next couple of months in partnership with the District's ASO -- Community Relations team.

We are a partnership in progress as we work to meet the needs of our students and parental communities for the betterment of PPSD.

Enjoy this typical October day!

Do Well and Be Well!

*Tootles*

The Art of Negotiating Partnerships

As PEP moves forward with trying to create partnerships within the district, specifically with the Community Relations Department, this writer felt it necessary to share her ideas/ideals on brokering effective partnerships.

According to an article written by Jack Pearpoint & Marsha Forest many parents, consumers, citizens feel that today’s partnerships mask the old ‘control’ games. Specifically, Pearpoint and Forest posit: “They feel that the “professionals” (those holding the power) really mean, come to our meeting, our service, our organization – an agree with our rules, our plan, our solution – whether you like it or not.” They conclude that “partnerships” often evoke suspicion and with this backdrop how can it be received any other way.

Here’s how! Let’s define partnerships – what does it mean, what would it look like, should a partnership be pursued? Partnerships as defined by The American Heritage College Dictionary, 3rd Edition – 3. The relationship of individuals or groups marked by mutual cooperation and responsibility. In addition to the mutual cooperation between individuals and groups there must also be inclusiveness and effective negotiations so that the end result is a partnership resulting in a win-win proposition.

As PEP continues to struggle for full recognition as a citywide PTO advocating for parents, students and the community for a better educational system – we will undoubtedly need to remain flexible yet steadfast as we attempt to create new dialogue for partnerships where people actually talk WITH each other. I’ll share this final thought by authors Pearpoint and Forest -- “ Diverse groups can reach common goals when they embrace partnership.”

Tomorrow – I’ll write more about - Inclusion – its place within a partnership.

Have Your Say!

To all you Bloggers, Forum Posters and Inquisitive Community Folks, the opportunity to address your questions is HERE!

The Plainfield BOE Business Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night and this is the opportune time for you to get some well deserved answers to your many, many questions and concerns.

7 PM - Administrative Building

(the old Jefferson School)

1200 Myrtle Avenue

Plainfield, NJ

If you are serious about changing the direction of our school system -- Don’t miss it!

Hope to see you all there!

It's TIME to PEP It UP!!!

Mark Your Calendars!!!

6 Weeks to the DATE!

What has PEP been up to for the past 6 weeks since school has begun?

Well, besides trying to navigate through district processes; which you all have been reading about over the past few days, and for which I must add – we have reached an amicable arrangement with the District and space has been provided.

Here’s how we net out to date:

1. We have formed our New Board


2. Garnered the support of two Community Advisors & Honorary Board Member


3. Held our first General Body Meeting


4. Conducted our 1st Official Board Meeting


5. Redesigned Our Organization’s Brochure (click on images below for a printable version)


6. Made PEP presentations to:
   Evergreen’s PTO
   Hubbard’s PTO
   Clinton’s PTO (scheduled this evening)


7. Sent an Invitation to our District's Community Relations Office for a Meeting of the Minds


8. Drafting Our team goals for 08-09

What’s next:

• Meet with the District Community Relations Office to work on a plan for joint initiatives to promote family/community involvement
• Submit an Application for 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization status
• Prepare for Our next General Body meeting scheduled for OCTOBER 27, 2008
• Continue our efforts to give PEP presentations at the remaining schools in the district

We are off and running and I’ll keep you posted on our progress!

Important Dates to Remember In October:

October 21, 2008 – Board of Education Business Meeting 7 PM Old Jefferson Elementary School

October 27, 2008 – PEP General Body Meeting 6:30 –8:30 PM Washington Community School Cafetorium

Hope to see you there!!!

Filling in the GAPS!!!

Needs ....................A FEW more Good PEOPLE!!!

We are currently looking to fill TWO(2) Board Positions
and obtain a Legal Advisor

Recording Secretary: Must be a diligent quality conscious individual and copious note taker. Able to meet deadlines, communicate effectively and keep the team on track. If this sounds like you --- Then we would love to welcome you to the PEP Family.

Treasurer: An individual with a working knowledge of GAAPs as well as meticulous with numbers, facts and figures. As the individual will have the responsibility of managing the day-to-day financials of the organization, it is imperative that the individual is comfortable with creating spreadsheets, reports and other accounting-related activities. If this sounds like you – Then we would love to welcome you to the PEP Family.

Board Advisor (Legal): We are looking for a community lawyer who would be willing to work (pro-bono of course) in providing the Board with the guidance both necessary and required within a non-profit structure. If you have 15-20 volunteer community hours for the 4Q08-2Q09 – PEP would love to have you support the family.

If you are interested in helping us “fill in the gaps” please email me a short paragraph outlining your qualificiations t0: rasrahmataz@comcast.net

Black and Blue, but Still Standing!

Ladies and Gentlemen -- this concludes this transcript, although this does not conclude the experience. Suffice it to say, the PEP Board members met last night and have decided that we will use this as all experiences should be used -- to learn from it and move forward.

So, in conclusion...

PEP will continue to make inroads with the District to pursue opportunities for partnering under the umbrella of Family and Community engagement.

We look forward to working in partnership with our schools' PTOs, our community, our local businesses, and of course OUR Parents -- as we focus on initiatives that will ultimately bring the educational rigor and soundness we seek for our schools to fruition!

Be well!

And Thwarted Some More...

Continued from yesterday -- this is the same original reply -- just part II -- I told you all it was Lengthy.. As a reminder...comments in "Black" are from the District...Comments in "Blue" are from PEP.
-----------------
From: Dr. Gallon III

However, please allow me to shed light on this matter. I have previously met with Ms. Hernandez and members of PEP to ascertain an understanding of the parental structure in Plainfield upon my arrival in July. They were the first and only parental group that I met with. After the meeting, it was requested that a follow-up meeting with PEP be held with PTO presidents. After I was not invited and/or made aware of whether a meeting had taken place or not, staff, consistent with Goal 5 of the 20092012 District Strategic Plan, was directed to work with principals to ensure that each school had an active, functioning PTO.

Respectfully, let it be understood that PEP reached out to Dr. Bailey, our last CSA contact, and as a matter of decency and order made a request that PEP by way of Dr. Bailey would be added to Dr. Gallon’s calendar so that the relationship that had been forged and supported by the last three CSA administration would continue. (See email attachment)

The Email Attachments Read as follows:

From:

"Hernandez, Renata [OBIUS]"
To:"Garnell Bailey (E-mail)"
Cc:"Michelle Curry (workemail) (E-mail)" "RAHernandez(Alt)" < "Renata A. Hernandez" , "Shonte B. Simmons""Susan Phifer (E-mail)" "Susan Phifer (E-mail)"
Subject:PEP Executive Board and SI Monthly Meeting: PIP: Partners in Progress
Date:Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:41:13 -0400

Hi Garnell -- I just want to confirm we are on your calendar for Wednesday 5/7 at 5:30 in conjunction with our Monthly partnership meetings -- furthermore referred to as PIP (Partners In Progress).

As a result of the PEP Election following are the new PEP Board Executives:
President : Renata A. Hernandez
Co-Vice President : Dr. Susan Phifer
Co-Vice President : Michelle Curry
Recording Secretary : Shonte B. Simmons
Honorary Board Member : George Rivera

Additionally, here are the 2008-2009 G&Os for PEP (Note: those areas in Red will require direct partnership with the SI and/or BOE to successfully complete, and accordingly will be the topics for discussion during our 5/7 PIP mtg.)

2008-2009 Goals & Objectives
* * Partner w/Principals (BOE) on Back-to-School Night Agenda
* * Help to establish a Parent Group at Every School
* * Help to ensure that there is a Functional SLC at Every School
* * Establish 1 Major Business Supporter
* * Establish 1 Major Clergy Supporter
* * Create a PEP/SSFS Portfolio (handouts)
* * Serve on the Steering Committee/Board of PIRC initiative

And Finally -- we would like to discuss the transition plan/introduction of PEP to the incoming SI in hopes of garnering your support in sustaining and nurturing this valuable partnership. (emphasis added)

As always, I appreciate your time and consideration of the matters herein.

Fondly,
R E N A T A A. H E R N A N D E Z, MBA
*******End of Email*******

Continuation of Response…

Nevertheless, PEP did meet with Dr. Gallon, around-July 28th; at that time PEP shared with the CSA that OUR goal was to have functioning SLCs and PTOs at each and every school throughout the district. He shared that it was a necessary and value-add goal and then said conclusively – he even had Dr. Bailey called into the room during this meeting – and he directed her and the members of the PEP Board to work together going forward and that ALL responsibilities with regard to PEP and parental involvement in general would now fall under Dr. Bailey.

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Part III to be continued on tomorrow...

and Thwarted...

Note: The following is the reply from Dr. Gallon III to my letter I posted yesterday, followed by my opening and reply to each of his points -- both communiques transpired on 10/7…but because of the lengthiness I inserted my reply to the gentleman’s reply within one document that was then emailed to the entire distribution as noted previously but with the addition of the following persons as added by the CSA.: "Ottmann, Gary" , "Kemp, Angela", "Brown, Gloria J." , "Rios-Saunders, Dorinda"

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From: "Hernandez, Renata "
To: "Gallon, Steve" , "Davis, Rose"

cc: As Noted
Date: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 6:03:06 PM

First I give Honor and Thanks to Jehovah MOST HIGH by way of his son Jesus
Christ who has prepared me most securely for this privilege, this petition, and
this position. AMEN

Attached please find the letter of response to Dr. Gallon III as well as
supporting documentation as referenced in the attachment.

Good Evening,
Renata
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October 7, 2008

So that there is no confusion as to the intent and purpose of this letter, please let it be recorded as a formal complaint of this public to the Plainfield Board of Education and PPS District et.al. And that further, this document represents the communiqué as provided by Dr. S. Gallon III (CSA/District-noted in Black font) and the responses (noted in blue font) are that of the petitioner (furthermore noted as PEP).

Please note Ms. Hernandez is correct in her reference to Policy 1330. However, there is currently no evidence of an application on file for review or approval with Buildings & Grounds, pursuant to established procedures. Ms. Denise Slicker is the contact and has the required
documentation for pick-up and completion.

In so much as this petitioner was not privy to this process for PTOs, and as PEP is a PTO, there is no precedence for having PTOs obtain such approval. If this PTO is being required to pursue access to community facilities that is neither aligned with ordinary process or practices by which all other PTOs in this District function, then I call into question the legitimacy and legality of said requirement.

As for the definition of outside groups, I would defer to those listed under letters A-E of same Policy 1330.

Before we proceed first let us all get an understanding of what “outside” means Dr. Gallon, PPSD, BOE and the public as Policy 1330 does not make mention of the specific word “outsider” as put forth by the exclusionary term used by the District to deny access to PEP on at least two occasion thus far.

If PEP is to be considered an “outside” group than all other PTOs, PTAs or derivatives thereof, must be considered and held to the same standards, processes and procedures as noted in BOE Policy 1330; otherwise it could be interpreted that there is prejudice with regard to decisions being made with regard to requests put forth by PEP for bona fide use of District facilities as support by A). The definition of a PTO; and B). BOE Policy 1330; Section A. Class I (Top Priority) in its entirety.

As I cannot speak to past practices, I am grateful to reference to said Policy 1330 in addressing the use of facilities issue.

Pursuant to Policy 1312 and the request of the BOE to take up the matter as requested, I again would request that Policy 1312 be complied with. The policy clearly stipulates that the chief school administrator shall develop procedures to investigate and solve problems promptly, and provide accurate factual information in answers to inquiries. To date, I have received no inquiry or request regarding the matter being raised by Ms. Hernandez. This process is also reflected in state statutes.

In so much that this petitioner met with said CSA (as noted in the CSA’s response) and was directed to conduct ALL business through the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, specifically Dr. Garnell Bailey, going forward, it would stand to reason that in effect Dr. Gallon removed himself from any communication that would be forthcoming and by Proxy delegation extended his authority to the District representative in his employ and by which PEP was unable to reach satisfactory adjustment and therefore does request the hearing of this matter by the members of the Board of Education.

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To Be Continued...