Out of The Mouths of Babes!

In November of last year PEP held a community forum that had a broad spectrum of community folk ranging from assemblyman to a Plainfield High School student to serve as part of the panel. The overarching purpose of the forum was to begin dialog among the various stakeholders in an effort to generate ideas on how we can collaborate to revitalize our schools and our community. One of the follow-up initiatives that spawned from this forum was the concept of a student summit.

The young lady who served on the panel -- currently a senior at PHS -- had ask that PEP and the district work together to support a student-centered initiative. As part of PEP's 08-09 goals and objectives -- which includes partnering with the schools, students and community -- I would like to work with school administrators, parents and the community to pull this summit together.

As if we needed proof that our children are concerned about their lives, their community, their livelihood and their education here is a link to a student survey conducted by Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. This yearly assessment entitled “The State of Our Nation’s Youth” covers over 45 different topics ranging from the presidential election, immigration, career plans and on-line bullying to family-specific role models, adult vs. teen responsibilities, high school pressure and parental rules.

It is a hefty 60-page read, but noteworthy information can be gleaned from pages: 4 - “School”, 5-6 – “College, Careers, Pressure and Positive Influence”, 23-25 “School Reform and Future Preparedness”, 26-27 “Involvement In School”, 31, 37, 39-41 “Making Parents Proud, Role Models, and Self Image.

So – what do you say – Isn’t it time we give them the TIME to tell us what is on their minds?