No Man (or Woman) is an Island...

Thanks to those of you who reached out to keep me encouraged...I do appreciate it! This however -- is not really about me...it is about the other 6,999 parents/caregivers in this community who have children in PPSD.

My daughter has been going to PPS since she was 3 1/2... she is smart, progressive, considerate, cooperative and well on her way to becoming a well rounded/grounded citizen and that's because I'm involved in a partnership with her school's administrator and her teachers!

There's no secret, no magic, no special ingredients -- it's as simple as being committed to being involved.

What we face are the "outside" perceptions of what "being educated by and in Plainfield Public Schools" mean. I can not change that on my own...

My prayer is that the Plainfield Community begins to realize its worth -- both instrinsic value and purpose!

Still Standing

Ephesians 6:13

...And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm.

Zero to None

After yesterday's abysmal showing at the PEP Meeting last night...this parent, community member, writer, advocate, purveyor of information for empowering parents -- is just plain tired!

I’m off to rethink this whole PEP thing. May haps the time has come for me to take my baby girl and I to “greener” pastures.

Be well - - Plainfield…be well.

PEP's Meeting Announcement

Don't FORGET!!!

MEETING TONIGHT

6:30 PM

Washington Community School

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

What's Hot -- ASCD Educating The Whole Child
-- Redefining "Well" Educated

Let's Celebrate Change -- Obama's Education Symposium Podcast

Parent Workshop REMINDER!!

PEP Co-Sponsorship:

Don't FORGET!

Tomorrow - 9:30 AM
Washington Community School

TOPICS Include:

• TEST PREPARATION:
  -LANGUAGE
  -MATHEMATICS
  -ESL
• SPECIAL EDUCATION
• PARENTS SUCCESS CENTER
• SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:
  “GETTING READY FOR KINDERGARTEN”
• BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS
• GANG VIOLENCE
• CHILD OBESITY

It's the WHOLE CHILD!

Sign the whole child petition to take a stand for policies and practices that ensure each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. When your state has reached its goal, WholeChildEducation.org will deliver the petition to your state board of education.

I'm on the record. Now, how about you? Read and sign the petition now.

WholeChildEducation.org and ASCD The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) calls on parents, educators, policymakers, and communities to join forces to ensure our children become productive, engaged citizens. Our children deserve an education that emphasizes academic rigor as well as the essential 21st-century skills of critical thinking and creativity.

At a time of rapid change and innovation, our education system is struggling to keep pace with this dynamic, digital world. Too often, young people are asked to learn 21st-century skills with 20th-century tools. Demands for a highly skilled and educated workforce are growing. The global marketplace is a reality. But the alarming fact is that we are still losing too many kids and wasting too much talent.

ASCD proposes a broader definition of achievement and accountability that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

The Learning Compact Redefined: A Call to Action, recommends a new compact with our young people. The Compact asks local, state, and national policymakers to ensure conditions that support comprehensive approaches to learning — for engaging the whole child.

It asks that communities look at the whole picture and make sure that:

• Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.
• Each student learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
• Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
• Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.
• Each graduate is challenged by a well-balanced curriculum and is prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment.
  

ASCD has launched this public engagement and advocacy campaign to encourage schools and communities to work together to ensure that each student has access to a challenging curriculum in a healthy and supportive climate.

Next...

Okay…so now that we are all flying high from yesterday’s event and energy– the question remains:

What are YOU going to do? Differently that is…

What do you want to see change in our schools?
AND What is your commitment to helping to see that the change is made?

What can WE do better?
AND How can YOU help US do it better?

What can YOU give that no one else can?

What’s your Gifts? What’s your Talent? What’s your Passion?

Are you fulfilling them? If not, Why not?

Now – what are YOU waiting for?

Out Being A Part of History

Today throughout the School District there were opportunities to experience history with our children as The Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States was broadcast for all the world to see.

I videotaped the reception at Cedarbrook School, but because of all the legal nuisances I can not post the video without permission from the parents and there were too many children to even begin this paperwork -- so one fine day at Cedarbrook I will make it available to the children to review their participation in history.

Suffice it to say -- this blogger was moved beyond words. To hear the children reciting the Lord's Prayer in unison, followed by appropriate and timely shouts and cheers as these here United States inducted the 1st African American President was -- just AWESOME.

I hope you all took the opportunity to make this a memorable moment.

Reflecting Forward...

As we reflect on this day in history let us be reminded that the opportunities to be GREAT are endless.

Make this a day to renew your commitment to yourself, to your children and to your community – you WILL without fail give the best of what you have to offer All the time, EVERY TIME!

We are at the precipice of a new era – our potential is limitless, our greatness is yet untapped – our future is at hand.

You are the leader YOU have been waiting for – now arise and take your place!

Looking forward to great beginnings and a renewed spirit in our city and our schools – ordinary people doing extraordinary things!

Be Well!

What's Our Health Grade?

According to ASCD The Whole Child initiative we now know conclusively that physical and academic progress have a direct correlation. In 2005 California’s Department of Education summarized research that cited the following links between physical health and academic progress:

• Students have better grades and attendance when their health needs are met.
• Investments in children’s health needs promote learning over the school years and have profound effects on school readiness and early learning.
• Schools with available health services promote student achievement through lower absenteeism and dropout rates, as well as improved student attitudes about learning.
  

Here are some areas to think about to help you Grade PPSD's Health:

1. We have a school health advisory council with students, family, community, and business members.

2. Students are routinely screened for immunizations, vision, hearing, dental, and orthopedic concerns.

3. Physical education and health classes emphasize lifetime healthy behaviors.

4. Healthy food choices are available at school.

Check out: New Jersey Student Health Survey for a full report on how NEW JERSEY Schools are doing.

For more information about PPSD’s Healthy Child initiative – attend the upcoming workshop on January 24 and become part of the conversation as we explore: CHILD OBESITY

And then there were NINE...(9)...Niner!

PEP had to keep a little quiet about the interim appointment to the BOE because one of our very own Board Members (Alicia Jones) had applied for the position. Although I wanted her to get the assignment because – (a). I am a witness to her commitment to our children, (b). She is already maintaining an active role in our schools and community and c). She’s a friend…I’m glad she will still be a part of our PEP TEAM!

Now as for the appointee and even the others who applied…who are they? Where have they been? What have they done in our community? Where do they come from?

Am I a little concerned that I’m only hearing of these folks when there’s an opportunity for a “power” position? Just a little. Aren’t you?

I pray that Mr. Ruffin is more than just a power-broker-player. I pray that his true intentions are that of uplifting our educational system. I pray that these intentions are made obvious and in short order.

If you were one of the ones who applied or if you know them – please send me a little history about your/their activitism in our community – I’d like to get to know you/them. An election is just around the corner…perhaps you/they would make a fine candidate.

What Time is IT???

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

What's Hot -- ASCD Educating The Whole Child

-- Redefining "Well" Educated

What's Critical -- Channel 73 Programming Opportunities

Let's Celebrate Change -- Obama's Education Symposium Podcast

Can We -- Really?!?

My prayer is that this year we all take a good long honest look into the mirror and conduct some serious self-introspection. It’s time we own individually and collectively the responsibility for preparing our city’s children for the future.

Checkout this article:

Can We Really?

The Forum for Education and Democracy unveiled a campaign Tuesday to support young people and improve public schools through collective action. In addition to the 'Yes We Will' Web video paying homage to Obama's campaign slogan, "Yes, We Can," the campaign has set in motion a national petition drive asking signers to commit to working with President-elect Obama to honor the rights of each child to a 21st century education, equal access to high-quality education, well-supported teachers, and high-quality health care.

Watch the video, and sign the petition today!

What is your responsibility in all of this?

Grading the Graders...

In this month’s eNewsletter from ASCD The Whole Child there is some worthwhile information and resources for parents and community members who are trying to prepare their children for 21st century education.

In its opening paragraph it talks about President-elect Obama’s plan and potential impact on education and much in line with the question I posed to you all last week they asked “ What are we prepared to do to bring about the change we’re awaiting?”

What firm convictions have we made for improving our schools?

ASCD has provided the following tools to help US move things along:

Grade your school and community today, and then take action!

Hold a community conversation.

Pass the Whole Child Resolution in your community.

Contact your local, state, and federal representatives to let them know what is important to you.


What's your resolution for the whole child?

Come Celebrate!!!

Can You Just Imagine What If...

What if we started looking internally to produce the external desires of our heart? What if we realized…?

If Mom and Dad become GrandMa and Grand Pa and then later on Auntie C and Uncle D – then this lack of stability affects the self-worth and confidence of the child(ren).

If Johnnie or Jane is hungry and tired then they cannot focus on the lesson being taught.

If Teacher X is disenchanted, disenfranchised and overburdened by the continuous lack of adequate provisions to teach and constant negating of their education training through process and policies that leave them feeling powerlessness than just getting through the day is good enough.

If Homeowner/Business owner and Community Member Y -- does not make the connection that if we do not secure a sound education for the children of this city today -- we will most certainly be investing in security systems for our property tomorrow.

If Parents became as outrage about their children not putting their best foot forward, studying and making above average grades as they are with the cancellation of promenade, proms and the right to "bear" cell phones...JUST maybe...no ACTUALLY -- Plainfield will begin to change our educational system for the better.

And if, our Elected Officials/Educational Administrators/District Personnel will begin to create the type of culture that authors respect, dignity, transparency and cooperation among all citizens (not just the chosen few) -- then perhaps the benefit of tapping the resources, talents and the passion of this community they serve will result in An Educational System 2nd to None!!!

What if…that was our goal?

Education -- Obama's Focus for Re-engineering the Economy

President-Elect Obama gave a state of the economy address less than an hour ago and one of his two key focuses will be on – guess what – EDUCATION!

PEP and community members of like-mindedness have been onto this for some time now! PEP’s reputation has gone through a permutation of accusations and feelings that range from mutual respect, suspicion/ulterior motives, negativity, self-servitude, and philanthropy. But -- no matter what the opinions of the opine’rs have been – PEP has always had its center of gravity rooted in the cause of improving the education of our children in this city. Whether you’ve agreed with some of the tactics or not…the end really does justify the means.

I have been spending my time as President of this organization trying to instill, install and advance the empowerment of parents and community in cooperation with our school district to bring about the much needed change in not just the content and rigor of the education in this city but the overall context of how education is viewed in our city.

Yes – we all know of the legal obligations a parent and government is under to make sure children go to school, but if Plainfield’s past and current academic rankings hasn’t proven anything else – it should be clear to all members of society that just having a kid in the classroom doesn’t effectuate the learning that will enable him or her to be a contributing member of society.
Plainfield is at a very exciting juncture in our quest for educational excellence in that we have the opportunity to bring together all the many and varying moving parts of this community in such a way that we can provide the perfect example of what “working together” looks like and most important what tangible and measurable results can be obtained.

The key here and although rather corny -- but quite appropriate – is UNITY!

Hey Plainfield we are up to bat…what position will you play?

A Diamond in the Rough...!?!

You know people have said a lot of things about the NJ.Com Plainfield forum hosted by the Star-Ledger. You know-- the one that “nobody” claims to read, but mention one or two stories from it and miraculously folks around you can start filling in the details before you can finish your anecdotal version.

The postings never cease to amaze me with its numerous inimical write-ups, jeremiads and yes some sprinkles of truth (the good, the bad & the UGLY) as well as our own homegrown Plainfield-style enlightenment.

I read it EVERYDAY. I keep telling folks…if you wanna know what the people think, how they feel, what “misinformation” is out there…go to the grapevine. The grapevine has been a source of relevant information for centuries and has been credited with winning and avoiding many wars. Just because it is now electronic, traceable, printable and in your face -- doesn’t make it invalid.

Admittedly the threads (that's the official name for them) can sometimes leave me disgusted; but too sometimes I’m thoroughly entertained and sometimes I’m moved to compassion, but through all the ebb and flow of emotions – I always feel (most of the time anyway) that it is well worth the bother.

Today -- is no exception. BigRedBird (any ideas who that might be???) posted a very interesting piece; a callout to conflating our talents, skills and know how to address The Forgotten Middle.

To all you non-subscribers to the NJForum click on the above link. The information in this report is alarming, insightful and full of opportunities for “WE” the community, parents, educators, politicians etc…to dig in and TURN our educational system around!

So today's question is: Are You In?

Jeremiad | Arise Take Your Place!

Now more than ever and how fitting given the New Year and the promise of bigger and better things – that we – as parents and as a community resolve to become an active and consistent contributor to the uplifting and rebuilding of the educational system of our city.

Why? It’s not because the CSA is doing a bad job, or that teachers aren’t teaching, or that Board members aren’t protecting the educational interests of this city’s children. On contraire! All of these folks are doing “the” job…but the question is are they doing a “GREAT” job.

Who are we and how can we question their effectiveness if on average parental support and involvement at any given school for any given occasion is less than 20% on average?

If any of these other entities were performing at 20% or below we’d be shouting from the rooftops – “OFF with THEIR Heads!”

Yet “WE” as the only union representatives (a D. Myers’ analogy) for our children repeatedly show ourselves underrepresented, disengaged and apathetic to the point of being pathetic; and thereby rendering our power as parents and a community ineffective at nearly every opportunity to integrate into a unified solution to the educational and social ills that plague our city.

The real question is: What are YOU going to do different this Year for our Children and our City’s Schools?

Things "R" Looking Up, uP, UP!

Good Day Plainfielders;

Happy New Year!

2009 -- The Year for ENSURING No Child is LEFT BEHIND!

As PEP continues to make strides in creating programming and activities that help educate our parents and community-folk so that they can with all confidence and effectiveness advocate for the SOUND, COMPETITIVE education of this city’s children; we are pleased to announce our partnership with the District in hosting a series of parental workshops.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend these worthwhile workshops. Here are the program flyer links:

In English

In Spanish