The Dr. Will See You Now

This past Monday the PEP Board met with the New Superintendent of Plainfield - Dr. Steve Gallon III. At a very high-level we were able to identify some areas for further development and potential partnerships. As these initiatives become more defined I will certainly share with the community over time.

Our team (The PEP Board) found the new SI to be very upfront, directed in his approach and expectations and extremely committed to moving Plainfield schools forward and more to the point providing our children with educational opportunities through aggressive didactic development that will ultimately lead to scholastic successes for our children. This is truly a great takeaway from our meeting.

Additionally, PEP will have a single-source contact at the PPS; Dr. Garnell Bailey. The advantages of having a direct root to the table of negotiations will help effectuate PEP’s success and overall operating efficiencies. PEP has had the pleasure of working with Dr. Bailey in her capacity as the Interim SI and certainly looks forward to further solidification of this partnership, and successfully supporting parental involvement activities. This is just one more example of the win-win opportunities this new administration has mapped out to the benefit of Plainfield Public Schools and the community at large.

I look forward to reporting more positive outcomes over the coming school year as PEP partners with Dr. Bailey and her team to ensure we position parents to better support their children, the teachers, administrators and Plainfield Public Schools.

Be well!

*Tootles*

What Makes You Tick...

Parent Involvement Survey

Name/Phone and/or Email Address:

_______________________________________

Child or Children's School Affiliations & Grade(s):

_______________________________________

Please check any interests or hobbies you might be willing to share:

____ Woodworking____ Cooking____ Sewing____ Art

____ Drama____ Music____ Poetry____ Storytelling

____ Gardening____ Photography____ Martial arts

____ Dancing____ Gymnastics____ Fishing____ Travel

____ Science experiments____ Computers

____ Sports (Which ones?):

______________________________

Check any of the following activities that interest you:

____ Volunteering in a classroom

____ Coordinating volunteers for school functions

____ Tutoring a child or group of children

____ Assisting with field trips

____ Helping create a classroom newsletter

____ Donating requested materials

____ Training an academic team

____ Sharing information on your culture or language

____ Being a translator____ Discussing your occupation

____ Coaching an athletic team

____ Working on playground improvement

____ Participating in fundraising

____ Helping create a website or brochure

____ Serving on an advisory site council

____ Helping write grant proposals

____ Being an officer for a parent-teacher organization

____ Attending Board of Ed meetings

____ Representing the school to legislators

____ Connecting with community members, resources and/or services to further their commitment to quality schools

____ Other (please describe): ____________________________________

When are you available to participate?______________

What concerns do you have about your child or this school?

_________________________________________

What needs do you have? ____________________

Additional comments:

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Copy and Paste this form into a WORD document and email your completed survey to: rasrahmataz@comcast.net.

Go Figure...

Click on image to enlarge view...then hit your BACK ARROW key to return to the blog site.

Getting Parents Involved...

Since parent involvement relates positively to student achievement, parents are encouraged to participate in their children's education in a variety of ways both at home and in school. At home they are asked to read with their child, provide a quiet place for homework, supervise assignments, monitor television and internet use, and promote school attendance.

Parents differ greatly regarding their preferences, capabilities and time available; therefore, schools must offer a variety of ways parents can become involved. Helping parents feel they are valuable partners in their children's education takes time and effort, but the results will be better home-school cooperation and increased student success.

Educators should not assume that if parents or guardians are uninvolved, they are disinterested.
There are many reasons why parents do not become active in school life:

• Too little time/work schedule/single-parenthood
• Lack of resources/transportation/child care
• Language barrier/cultural isolation
• Social isolation/low educational level
• Not knowing how to contribute
• Feeling overwhelmed, intimidated or unwelcome

These barriers need to be considered and overcome if schools are to promote parent participation

Information Source For This Posting: Leah Davies, M.Ed., http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip22.html

TCBers -- Role Call!!

Click on the Image for a larger Read-Friendly view of this Bulletin...

Volunteer Job Opportunities - Help Wanted!

In response to one of the comments posted to our Blog, I want to provide some information on volunteer opportunities within the Plainfield Public Schools.

The biggest opportunity to volunteer at your school is through an active parent group (PTO/PTA/PATT etc.) If your school already has an active parent group then volunteer your time and join in, and if one doesn’t exist start one up.

Parent Groups are the main source of funding (through fund-raising activities) that help support extra-curricula activities that the children absolutely love. Following is a list of activities that my school has undertaken in the past. The initial costs are low and not only provide the children with fun things to do but can also serve as fundraisers by selling food, snacks or trinkets during the event.

All of these activities require parental volunteers.

• Movie Nights
• Themed Dances (e.g. Fall/Winter/Spring)
• Carnivals
• Pizza Parties
• Arts & Craft Night
• Family Game Night
  

Every school should have at a minimum a School Leadership Counsel (SLC). Reach out to your school’s administrator and ask how you can get involved.

Part of PEP's mission is to create opportunities for parents from all of our district schools to get together and share school fundraising and activity success stories as well as learn about new district programs and discuss public school issues. So -- come on out to a PEP meeting and learn, share and join the team!

Hey Plainfield Community – if you have some energy and ideas on how to get parents more involved, please send your comments and/or suggestions so that I can share with our community.

If You Could...

If you could implement one change in your school what would it be?

Now here’s the caveat – you can’t change the teachers or administrators. Now what would it be? You can’t control/mandate parental participation. Now what would it be? You have no additional money. Now what would it be?

At the heart of all these questions is one simple “For FREE” answer that we all are empowered to reach. That is… “I” will get involved. “I” will use my time, talents, resources and passion to help bring about the changes I desire in my school. “I” will make the difference that improves the condition of our schools and our community.

So, now I ask – How will YOU and I together help change the condition of Plainfield Public Schools and the community at large?

Raising The Consciousness of Plainfield

The Consciousness of Our Condition -- Phew...DEEP!

...Before we can move forward ... we must first be raised to the consciousness of our condition and acknowledge that we are standing still...

The following is one of my all time favorite thought provoking messages. Enjoy and I hope it awakens in each of you the courage to be all you can be.

Excerpt from: A Return to Love ~ by Marianne Williamson

Our GREATEST FEAR...

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God!

Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some, it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

PEPTalk's Prime Times

PEPTalk Posting Schedule

12 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Monday through Friday

(New Postings will occur during these days and times throughout the year.)

Note: Intermittent postings may occur during the weekend if there is critical newsworthy information that impacts our school system and directly or indirectly effects the education of Plainfield's children.

PEPTalk NEEDs YOU! If you would like to contribute an article to PEPTalk -- please submit your materials to rasrahmataz@comcast.net for consideration and inclusion in our Blog.

Thank You

What TIME do YOU have???

Just Something to Think About...

Second to NONE!!!

Now that’s what I’m talking about! So far I like what I’m hearing and I am extremely impressed with the level of detail and movement within the district Dr. Gallon has ushered in during his first weeks on the J.O.B. His 5 key SMART goals are on the mark and I especially like the community and family engagement piece. ;-)

Outside of my visceral first impressions and what I have heard the new Superintendent say, or read what he was purported to say -- I really can’t comment as so many, actually too many have, about how well he’ll serve this community, but I’m certainly going to do my part to help him pull it/us together!

Dr. Gallon -- PEP is certainly looking forward to working with you to help revitalize, reenergize and reengage the Plainfield Community!

Plainfield--- get ready, get set – It’s time for all of us to ACTIVELY engage this newly formed administration to ensure Plainfield Students are truly 2nd to NONE!

Full steam ahead!!!

The Defining Moment

Recently I was asked to post some information as to who we are and how Parents Empowering Parents -PEP functions. More specifically, how is PEP linked to the schools’ PTA and PTO organizations? Since first beginning with PEP I asked that very same question; so –here is how I understand it.

First let me explain what PEP is NOT. PEP is not a replacement of or for school based PTAs and PTO, but rather we are a resource for these organizations to both share information from the district and receive “ear-to-the-ground” input directly from parent organizations to help effect change where needed and provide guidance when required/requested. PEP is not politically affiliated nor does it support or represent any candidacy or office. PEP is not a problem-finder but rather a SOLUTION-Seeker.

Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) is a grassroots parent organization that was formed to empower Plainfield Parents. It functions as a feeder pool of information to parent organizations such as PTAs and PTOs. Our goal is to provide relevant district information that impacts the education of our children. We further aim to partner with the schools, PPS administration and BOE to help bring about the necessary changes, support PPS district initiatives and provide input as to what parents need to support the education of their children and how best to support and encourage the “key” element of educational success – PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.

PEP’s main outlet of support comes by way of developing parent-focused workshops through the SSFS administration, monthly information sharing meetings, mitigating parent concerns and district goals, conducting community forums, meeting with various PPS administration to create synergistic initiatives and providing avenues for recognizing individuals who display profound and outstanding parental involvement i.e. Superintendent Apple Awards.

What is most important to remember, however, is that PEP can only be effective with the support of a fully engaged community. We take pride in partnering with all our community stakeholders to ensure that each child reaches his or her maximum potential, but without parents, teachers, school administrators and the community PEP would not be able to maintain and/or effectuate the changes needed to move our school district forward.

And finally, PEP is about transparency, partnering and hard work! Our passion is to create and secure a competitively sound, world-class educational system for the children of Plainfield Public Schools.

"Tell me and I will forget: Show me and I may remember; However, Involve me and I will understand."

So let’s PEP it UP!

Back-to-School Night : Wish list

Greetings PEP Family,

A few weeks ago I posted a request for input with regard to developing a more effective, better coordinated Back-to-School Night program for our District. Very few stakeholders have provided input to date.

We really need to understand what would make the Back-to-School Night experience more relevant to you and your child’s needs. Here are a few recommendations we recieved:

• Stagger the dates so that parents with children at different schools can attend all programs
• Include Code of Conduct booklets as well as a brief review of District rules and regulations
• Include a handbook for parents of children with special needs including pertinent contact information, program scope, resource availability and FAQs
• Provide parents with a contact sheet including emails and direct dial numbers for the school Principal, Vice Principal, Nurse and Head Secretary as well as the Superintendent and lead Administrative Officers i.e. Security
• Provide a one-pager of after school activities, sports team, organizations and aftercare options including lead contacts, dates and forms
• Provide information on parent involvement organizations such as SLCs, PEP, PTOs, etc… including lead contact names, telephone numbers and email addresses.
• Provide all documentation in both English and Spanish
• Open the floor for a brief Q&A for parents to ask questions during the general assembly
  

These are just a few of the ideas shared with PEP over the course of this year, but I’m sure there are some we've missed. Please take a moment to send me your wish list with regard to what a successful Back-to-School Night will like for you and your family. You can respond to the comments section for this post, or email me at rasrahmataz@comcast.net.

I look forward to sharing your ideas and working with the PPS administrators in this endeavor.

*Tootles*

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well, well…well! There have been a lot of new developments going on in the PPS district! The one of most interest to me of course is the PPS PR person -- Eric Jones. Delightful gentleman for sure and I’m truly looking forward to working with and through him to create greater synergy and partnerships between parents, the BOE, the community and OUR schools!

I would like to put an appeal out there to the parents of Plainfield. Let us not get bogged down into who put whom where and why, but rather let us embrace these newly appointed people and their positions and hold them accountable for moving this district forward in the capacity in which each has been assigned.

We have a lot of work to do and we need to stay focused on what is important. It is too easy for us to get sidetrack in the politics of what is occurring, but we have to remain steadfast in our goal to IMPROVE the QUALITY of EDUCATION for the CHILDREN. Nothing else matters! Really!

Hard work that is rightfully sought will prevail! We can not afford to waste our time and talents on trying to ‘expose’ those with less than honorable intentions – they will oust themselves. Let us stay focused, united and committed to building a better Plainfield Public School System – the rest is gravy!

*Tootles*

Gone Fishing....not really.

Hello everyone -- I'm leaving for a week long vacation and my family has forbid me to bring anything that looks like work. So, with that said -- I'll check back in with you all on Monday - 7/16/08.

Thank you kindly for your readership and patience...

Now we are off!

They are WATCHING US!

They are watching us…
What are WE showing them?

Are WE teaching them the Art of Diplomacy?
...The Heart of Humanity?
...The language of Integrity?

Are WE speaking words of encouragement?
...Of empowerment?
...Wise Counsel for their youthful development?

They are watching us…
What are YOU showing them?

Are YOU sharing your lessons of humility?
...The sins of your vanity?
...The value of Social and Community Responsibility?

What we see is what we beget…the reflection of these children are the mirrored images of the ADULT set.
...Don’t forget – they are WATCHING US!

If we don’t -- then who will------------Help…
...Fulfill theirs dreams?
...Still their screams?
...Instill hope?
...Teach them how to cope without dope…or…. Drink……or Smoke?

What are WE showing them?

Let us all commit to showing the children of Plainfield what “I Love You” looks like..........because.......... they are WATCHING Us!

Signers Wanted - Part II

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Another academic year has come to a close and we have experienced a wealth of challenging academic and social reform and changes, but through it all we have maintained our resolve to provide our children with a structured quality education that is engaging, competitive and in preparation for future successes!

Many of you may not be familiar with Parents Empowering Parents, its mission, vision and governing philosophy; PEP is a Parent driven organization that works with parents, parent organizations, school management teams, and the community to provide leadership, training and support for parental involvement initiatives throughout the Plainfield School District. As the newly elected President for PEP I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to The Power of ‘C’. No -- it’s not a vitamin, but IT IS good for you!

The Power of “C” is about reclaiming our Commitment [to our schools and our children], Communication [open, honest, meaningful, consistent, timely], and Collaboration [Schools, Parents and Community]. PEP is currently establishing a Cooperative of fully engaged and empowered individuals committed to holding themselves, their schools and their community accountable for preparing our children to be competitive and successful members of this global landscape.

PEP will engage in a citywide recruitment campaign based on the tenets of The Power of ‘C and aimed toward parental involvement. We need parents/guardians to join this collaborative effort to reignite our passion and parental involvement inside and outside of the classroom. It is my sincere hope that you will join us in embracing and affirming our commitment, communication and collaborative efforts to ensure a safe and nurturing school environment conducive to learning and academic excellence. Let’s WORK TOGETHER – to establish, maintain, and enhance our Commitment, Communication and Collaboration!

Yours in Education and Success
PEP Executive Board

The Beginning | PEP's Declaration of COOPERATION!...Signers WANTED!!!

In November of 2007 PEP held a community forum with various stakeholders representing all levels, perspectives and disciplines within Plainfield. Our esteemed panelists – in alphabetical order were – Anna Belin-Pyles (PSS-SSFS), Bishop G. Benbow of Christian Fellowship Gospel Church, Rashid Burney, Councilman 3rd Ward, Christopher Estevez, BOE, Alisa France, PHS Junior, Jerry Green, NJ Assemblyman, Kathy Lee, Plainfield Parent, Adrian Mapp, Councilman, D. Moye, PSS Security, and Vickey Sheppard, BOE.

In addition to this panel there was a community represented panel who moderated the 30+ questions collected from New Horizons College Club student members, parents and the community. The forum panel was probably one of the most diverse panels to be a part of a community forum in years, and although nearly every stakeholdership in Plainfield was represented we did miss attendance and participation from our business community and only hope that they will take us up on our next offer to be a part of the team to help move the Plainfield School System forward.

There were approximately 48 people in attendance not including the panel, and although not nearly a statistically significant number in terms of the parent/student ratio here in Plainfield; it certainly was an improvement in attendance as compared to previously held community forums by other organizations.

The Results : Having our Say!!!

Student’s Perspective

• Support from parents, teachers, administrators, and schools Resources
• Promote our students
• Provide students with a stage to practice life skills
• Mentorships with the leadership in Plainfield
• Partnership with schools and government
  

Parent’s Perspective

• Higher Expectations
• A Rigorous and Competitive Curriculum
• Greater scope of recreation programs to include applied science and math components
• Greater Collaboration and Cooperation with teachers administrators

Board of Ed, City Council, Clergy Perspectives

• Model Behaviors we expect from our children
• Increase student participation in afterschool programs
• Greater and Consistent Parent Involvement
• Better Communication
• Making everyone a part of the solution
• Using State facilities i.e. The Armory to serve as community youth space
• For churches to open their doors for afterschool programs
• Adopting schools to address spiritual and/or social needs of students

What’s Next…?

To try to take on this list with any level of commitment and expectation for getting it all done is a daunting task to say the least, but if we all left that forum with the purpose the meeting was intended we know it will take our COLLECTIVE effort to make any leeway.

As a result of this forum PEP has put together a few community activities in hopes of bringing about some of these recommendations. Specifically, we have purposed in cooperation with the current acting superintendent (and hopefully will transition this initiative with the NEW Superintendent) to ensure all schools have active, viable and compliant SLCs in place, and to redesign Back-to-School nights so that they serve as valid, valuable information portals to parents and teachers. In addition we've partnered in hosting the Superintendent’s Parent Social and will continue to encourage more parent friendly activities such as this. We are also working with SSFS to design a student summit for our middle schools to take place in 2009.

As the song goes “we are all in this together”. Whether we rise to the top or sink-- we will invariably get there together – maybe not all at once but eventually and collectively we will pass or fail as community.

We've Got HIGH HOPES!

Have you ever noticed how an ant colony pulls together to cross a great expanse of earth to get their community to higher and safer more fertile ground? They know intuitively that they can’t do it alone. No matter how big or small they are – they know that they only have six limbs and it won’t get them over that great divide.

Through an artful use of communicative taps and vibrations that rival some of the great communicators of our time like Martin Luther King, JFK and the most recent Barack Obama, the ant leader empowers each of the soldiers in this well orchestrated collaborative coop to use their skills to the maximum benefit of the community. Some bring food; others bring the makings for shelter, while others still link their fine microscopic hairs to each other’s limbs as they build one to another -- a bridge. The bridge is strong enough to carry 100 times the colonies weight. You will find no blame here either should one ant’s limb give way because there are four others supporting that one forming a rotation that any army officer would be proud to be a part of. These are no fair-weather friends! No -- this is a community committed to the success and survival of each and every one!

Plainfield family – This is “The Power of C”: Communication, Collaboration and Commitment in all its Glory! As a community the time has come for us to realize that where we are now is not indicative of where we can be, and it is certainly not a proclamation as to where we ought to be. We have all tried to do it our way, mostly for the right reason and not all of it in vain. We’ve tried it alone, in segments, in groups and in parties – now let’s try it as A COMMUNITY.

It’s time for us to get back to basics and start injecting some HIGH HOPES into our children, our schools and our community!

Define, Design -- Implement!

O.K. --Plainfield Parents-- I’m offering you an opportunity to share your ideas on what would make an AWESOME Back-to-School night experience. PEP has been in conversation with the last two Interim Superintendents to design a parent-friendly, parent-focused Back-to-School night. We are planning to meet with the NEW Super over the summer to make it happen.

So, here’s your chance! Email me (rasrahmataz@comcast.net) or post your comments/suggestions/ideas here in this forum.

Here is a few things to think about before you put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) –

1. Don’t ask for anything more than what you yourself would be willing to do – because you may need to assist your school in fulfilling your request
2. Be practical
3. Provide a reason why your suggestion is needed…what’s the benefit?
4. Keep it SIMPLE and RELEVANT
5. Think outside the box
6. And remember…you have not – if you ask not!

Looking forward to receiving your input!

P.S.: If your school already offers and AWESOME Back-to-School night experience write in and tell us what they do…Each One Teach One!

Tootles*

The Long Awaited Debut...

It's been a long time coming and something I've been pondering for a few months -- joining the league of community BLOGGERS. Journaling -- which is essentially what blogging is all about-- requires serious commitment and quite honestly I have too many partially started journals to say I am an official journaler...now turned blogger. But with that said -- I will give it the old college-try. Please be patient with this blog and me as I find my writing groove over the next few weeks and months to identify the best time of day to provide consistent write-ups. Just know -- my intentions will always be to help keep parents and community stakeholders aware, involved and engaged in the educational system of our fair city.

As the President of PEP I have committed to reaching out to the community at large beyond what has traditionally been done to really give parents (and all community stakeholders for that matter) an opportunity to not only get involved but stay involved! The purpose of this blogger's blog is to discuss, share and provide ideas on how to PARTNER optimally so that the children of Plainfield reach their full potential.

I will remain open to honest and well-intentioned debates, but I will not kowtow or apologize for unpopular opinions expressed. That's what is key to remember when reading this blog (or any blog) it is the writer's prerogative "O-pinion" protected by the 1st amendment and no more valid then your own ideas on the very same matter...it is not shall we say the 'gospel'. I will not engage in personal attacks--meaning singling out any one individual-- nor will I allow such comments to be posted on this blog. That is counter-productive to the purposes and intent of this blogger's blog. I will however boldly call out the activities/actions (or lack thereof) of entities directly involved in and responsible for the soundness of our school system, our children and this community with regard to fundamentally flawed practices that neither benefit nor provide for a competitively rigorous education.

Okay -- well with that said...let's get BLOGGOLICIOUS...P.S.: much like the word "blog" I am all about creating my own vocabulary to express my views -- so get out your pens, take note and put away your Thorndyke Barnhardt, Funk & Wagnalls -- because chances are you won't find them in there...yet anyway.