Worthy of FULL PRINT!

I posed a question to the public the other day regarding how to motivate parental/teacher involvement and I received the following comment:

When I was in college, many leaders of student organizations spent a lot of time discussing the lack of participation of thier fellow students in their organizations, activities and events. They even held forums to discuss "student apathy". I found this extremely ironic given that I knew a lot of students that were interested in getting involved but didn't know where to start. They tried going to the meetings of the various organizations, nut were turned off by the "leaders" who spent the entire time talking at their members about all of the burdens put on them, as opposed to talking with them about the role each member could play in moving the groups agenda forward.

Many of us up and coming leaders recognized the underlying problem and sought out to correct it. Student apathy wasn't the problem. The problem was that the leadership was employing the wrong strategies for getting thier fellow students involved. They didn't need to hear endless complaining about apathy. They needed a plan for how to get more students involved. We set out to devise a plan. We identified the things that needed to get done (short term and long term). We then let students know about these concrete opportunities. They could choose between long term or short term assignments. We usually got reluctant volunteers to take on a "one shot deal" assignment, meaning it only took a few hours on one day and then you were done. Unless, of course, you caught the volunteering bug (which often happened) and you volunteered again.

We need to ease parents into involvement in a structured way. Everyone is not ready to lead a city wide organization. As for the teachers. They need some tender prodding from the parents of the children in thier classroom. The parents that are involved need to communicate to their children's teachers how important it is to them that the teacher come out to some of the PTO meetings and/or events. Parents can play a huge role in changing the attitude of a particular teacher. Some parents just need a little training on how to go about this effectively.

I believe that an organization like PEP could play a positive role in supporting the PTO's at the individual schools by providing training to parents on effective practices in school involvement.

I want to thank the person who took the time to submit this response. Your guidance is on point and I hope others --like yourself-- will take the opportunity to get involved with PEP whether it be in a leadership role or as a foot soldier.

I too agree and it is the impetus for my involvment in this organization -- "that an organization like PEP could play a positive role in supporting the PTO's at the individual schools by providing training to parents on effective practices in school involvement."

The Irony of IT all...

With all the local hubbub surrounding our local politics one can certainly see why Plainfield is where it is…

The chaos of our leadership: real or imagined -- is in direct proportion to the disenfranchisement felt by residents and students and vendors: both real and potential – and least we forget our neighboring cities who must just sit in front of their computer reading about our tumultuous mess and *STHs* at us --once again.

I pray that despite what we adults continue to show this city’s children – that THEY STILL BELIEVE they are Worthy, Self-Sufficient, and Capable of being and doing ALL THINGS righteous and profoundly beautiful.

Do we get that the very children we are raising through our schools will be [correction]in fact ARE the community that surrounds us! Do we get that if we don’t help them secure a future – we will all certainly be securing our personal artifacts!

Aaah-- as the saying goes – you reap what you sow…Plainfield are you ready for the REAPING!?!

The Learning Curve...

A few things I’ve learned since joining PEP:

• If you are about the business of uplifting and making things better -- you will most certainly be a target…
• Folk don’t look at your entire history – only the parts they don’t agree with…
• There are MORE people IN Plainfield than are FOR Plainfield!
• There really are NO EXCUSES for poor parenting…
• There really are No EXCUSES for poor teaching…
• There really are No EXCUSES for poor leadership…
• There really are No EXCUSES for poor community involvement and unity…
• The results of ANY of these things done poorly are Students who WILL NOT be able to!
• If you speak your mind you better be ready to hear from a bunch of ARSES…
• ‘Tis easier to complain, blame and own no part of fixing it….
• Solution seekers are a minority…Problem finders abound!
• Schools, Teachers and Parents all have the same focus but different, sometimes conflicting methodologies…
• No matter how old you get, how smart you are or how “well connected” you might be - -you will never be above the subject matter of GOSSIP, Innuendos and out and out lies!
• Everybody has an agenda …some are just poorly planned!
• Very few people actually do what they say, mean what they say or think about what they say…
• A true leader doesn’t need to shout it from the rooftops…
• You can never give up on what your heart has raised up!
• No regrets only PRAYER.
• A smile really does disarm your opponent/adversary!
• Kindness, forgiveness, fortitude and humility – the resultant of servitude…

Who Would Be So Honest...

The question I encounter time and time again is why don't parents and teachers get involved? And more to the point why do these parties seldmon work in concert with one another?

I've had some teachers (incognito of course) say it was because of me and my leadership at/of PEP. Oh if this were true -- I would step down POST HASTE.

Some parents have said other parents and teachers just don't care. I find that difficult to believe yet I do not have a sound argument against this position.

Others speculate it's the time and lack of appropriate notification. While "spare" time is certainly a challege for many and district notices of events are less than forthcoming in a timely manner -- invariably there are parents who find out and show up... even if just a few.

Instead of asking why not...let me ask you this, why do some parents and some teachers get involved?

I would love to hear from a few brave souls....

Will this question go into the world of unanswered obscurity like -- how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? One, Two, Three...please tell me!

or

Will the world never know...

The Writing on the Wall...Blog

The school year --as is my appointment to PEP --is wrapping up with the quickness. I am still awaiting some LONE-RANGERS aka Progressive PLAINFIELDERS to step up and lead the next phase of this educational frontier on behalf of parents...

The district is certainly making strides in developing a better educational experience for all, but we have a LONG way to go.

Our elementary school children have received the bulk of benefits resulting from the change strategy for this year with the introduction of the K-8 and K-6 school models.

Our middle and high schools are in dire straits and we all await the unveiling of a master plan for revitalizing the current "image" that precedes these entities.

The Obama academy has gained solid footing in this year and I pray that not only the name but the guiding principles and philosophies used to prepare these identified youth, not excuse them, but PREPARE them to succeed-- take on the dynamic, self-respecting, high achieving persona of its namesake.

All well that ends well!


*Tootles*

Whatz Up???!!!

Nothing much to report so far this week. I pulled a muscle in my neck and shoulder so I won't be getting about to the meetings this week while on this medication --driving is NOT an option.

Waiting on some info regarding the Superintendent's Apple Awards...but other than that just another day living in the district.

Make it a GREAT day!

Ciao for Now!!!

Ribbon On Finger...

Family Involvement Day

PHS Cafeteria & Field Area

9 AM - 3 PM

Come out and be a part of

This NEW tradition!!

Remember ...Those who can DO!

TGIF!!!

Today I have the pleasure and privilege of accompanying the Cedarbrook Panther Safety Patrols on their trip to Great Adventures A.K.A. Six Flags.


There's a Safety Patrol Convention of Sorts and our youngins are going to display their school pride and banner and enjoy some aerodynamic, too fast and too high -- for me --rides!

Kingda Ka -- Apparently this is all the RAGE!

Yeah--OK...I'll hold the jackets!--See ya when you land!!

So...here's to DOING something about parental involvement!

Ciao Bella!

Cease and Desist!!

Who would have thunk it! For the past year I've been guilty of reading and YES responding to that non-sense on NJForum. I thought I could help to clarify some of the misgivings and add facts where applicable, but it looks like 'most' on the forum don't want answers...they just want to criticize.

I actually thought it was beneficial to read that darn thing (you know keep your ear to the ground philosophy) to learn and understand what my community folk were thinking and how they were feeling. The problem is ‘most’ aren’t really talking about true feelings and even fewer offer suggestions for fixing what has gone awry.

It really is just a bunch of murmurers and complainers and we all know what the bible says about those folks. I wish the Star-Ledger would release a transcript of everything that has been written over the past year and group it by posters. I can guarantee you that there are about 5-8 regulars who have done nothing but point out issues, make accusations, question folks’ “agendas”, call names and all behind a veil of anonymity for fear of losing their job.

If these are district personnel I think the school should have legal counsel put out an inquiry to the Star Ledger and find out who these folks are because a lot of what they say can be categorized as character assassination ergo defamation, or better yet have the IT Dept follow the protocol cookie trail of all personnel that map to the IP address of the forum and tag who’s going on there, when, and how long. It won't take long to figure out who's doing the postings. They mean US no good and they should be stopped. If their information was productive and promoting cooperation (or anything positive for that matter) I would be behind them 100% but they in fact have zero integrity. No one should be allowed to continue the haranguing that this crew has been up to for the past year. To disagree is one thing but to just be a cacophonic war monger is disgraceful!

They can’t stop me though --- because they aren’t the reason why I do what I do.

So from this day forth, I -- Renata A. Hernandez -- do solemnly swear to no longer respond to the NJForum’s negative postings. Anyone with any real concerns or suggestions can contact me through this Blog.

Peace!

Crabs in a Barrel!!!

Normally I don’t do this. I try to keep the information here of value to the public so that those who choose to become better informed about education have a resource. But --- I have to respond to the NJForum postings that have been occurring over the past few days. It’s been relatively quiet, but you see just like “crabs in a barrel” the need to pick apart an individual who see things differently and has the courage to speak about it, write about it and stand behind it…is so innate in our community.

The sad part is that the posters not only hide behind anonymity but have the gall to pronounce themselves either educators AKA teachers or worse parents! Now you would think with all the concern and writing they do on this forum you would see or even hear of them actively pursuing remediation and/or improvement in our schools and community. Not even!

One has gone so far as to suggest that my posting in reply to their posting is why parents don’t get involved with PEP. Well – here’s a newsflash for you…PEP is NOT the only way to get involved! But as I see it – this reasoning is just another excuse for parents to sit back on their buttocks and complain. Heck – it is easier to second guess everyone else who is trying to make a difference.

Parental involvement in this community SUCKED way before I took the helm of PEP. When it was lead by Mr. Graves folks complained about his style and before him they complained about that leadership. So it doesn’t matter who leads up the group – the point is that SOMEONE step up to the plate to encourage parental involvement.

Certainly folks talked about and crucified Jesus, my lord, and he performed VISIBLE miracles – so I knew coming into this that there would be naysayers and mischaracterization of me and my motives in my lowly human form. But -- just like I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – I am not AFRAID of what folks might say.

What I’m afraid of ------------ is that Plainfield will never reach its full potential because of people like those negative noise mongers on NJFORUM; they are so selfish and cowardly and only spew insults and ridicule folks as they hide behind their ridiculous tagnames. If their motives were genuine, they would be promoting unity and creating opportunities for joint ventures and a better education for all.

You would think with 13 kids, UD housing and only corn’s by-product to eat -- they would be more focused on the important things in life! (Sorry -- I couldn’t resist it!!)

A Public Channel By Any Means Necessary...???

If you’ve been to any public meetings over the past two years you have invariably heard a word or two (and not much more than words…!!!) about our Channel 74 Public Access Station. And –if you are at all interested in the progress of this activity – I’m willing to be that you are quite disenchanted.

It seems to have come, once again, full circle on the radar screen of those running, running and running. I went to a committee meeting about a year ago and the circular arguments and non-important issues that surfaced were nauseating to say the least.

How difficult is it really to get some regularly scheduled programming, a process and procedure for public submissions up and running???!!!

Have you all seen our local neighbors programming? There are children sponsored shows, community authored shows, and city government sponsored shows. It’s just simply EMBARRASHING we PLAINFIELDERS cannot come together to produce a fully functioning station!

I have said it before and I’ll say it again – our children are a reflection of the adult set in this community. If we can’t get our STUFF together how IN the world can/will they!

I’ve got some awesome ideas for community-based youth-centric programming and it’s time to get it going. We have a lot of youth programs; NHCC, GS of A, T2C, and BGCOA – that are a rich source of fodder for public programs.

Let’s get it together Plainfield!!!

Testing Continued NJASK 5th and 6th Graders

Ok Plainfield You know the routine...

• Plenty of REST
• A well-balanced Breakfast
• Get to school ON-TIME
• Coupled with some words of encourage and a hug & kiss for good measure!

Let's do our part to set our kids up for success.

Parents do your THING so that our BABIES can SHOW THEIR STUFF!

I don't believe in luck...so I say to All the children testing this week (my lovey dovey included) Do WELL...!

W/Love
PEP

Show Me the Moolah, Dinero, Dollares...

All this talk about budgets and stimulus packages -- here’s a few ideas on HOW we can and should spend OUR (parenthetically speaking--> ;-) to DSG) Money!!!

Professional Development:

And…

Creating PROGRAMS and a MINDSET that supports the following premise...
To succeed academically and thrive as individuals, all students must have access to:

• § Innovative, engaging, and rigorous coursework with the supports that build on the strengths of each learner and enable students to develop to their full potential.
• § Vital educational technology and relevant career and technical programs.
• § Highly effective teachers supported by ongoing professional development.
• § Additional resources for strengthening schools, families, and communities.

And…

To achieve this systemic continuity, ASCD proposes:

• § School settings that are physically and emotionally safe for every student and adult.
• § Personalized learning opportunities that engage students in relevant curriculum and challenging educational plans leading to proficiency, achievement, and ultimately graduation.
• § Mentoring programs where every student is supported and encouraged by an adult mentor in the school building.
• § Flexible use of time enabling schools to develop alternative approaches to fulfilling graduation requirements, other than the Carnegie Unit, the traditional school year, and other antiquated conventions that inhibit 21st century learning.
• § Supporting business, community, and family engagement by providing incentives to businesses and community services that align with expanded student learning opportunities and innovative programs for earning credit.
• § Incentives for school-university partnerships to articulate and align curriculum between secondary to post-secondary education to increase college readiness.
• § Alternative opportunities for students who are not succeeding in traditional high school programs.
• § Enactment of the Secondary School Innovation Fund Act (formerly the GRADUATES Act) and the Graduation Promise Act.

This information was copied from: (http://www.ascd.org/public_policy/Legislative_Agenda/Legislative_Agenda.aspx#equitable-opps)

Testing...Testing -- NJASK!

Our children have been and will be testing over the next two weeks. Oddly enough these scores will mark the progress of education in the city for the current school year. Forget about the many talents they’ve displayed along the way in the band, or choir or reciting poetry – these scores are what will “rank” US against THEM. These scores and the subsequent rankings is what will draw (or not) future residents to this city.

We are where the rubber meets the road – so to speak.

As we wade through the testing of our children this week and next…make sure you send your child off each morning with a solid breakfast and an encouraging word or two. Let them know that the test--although very important -- could never really define who they are or how much they are worth, but it is a necessary and valuable tool to help us help them be ALL they can BE!

Don't Forget

New Members Sworn in TODAY!!!

PEPTalk -- The Next Phase!

This is probably one of the toughest postings I’ve had to write since beginning the journaling journey for PEPTalk. It’s been an AWESOME ride!!!

As a native resident, former student and involved parent my heart is heavy with this unavoidable eventuality. As God is the Author of MY destiny – I trust that where I am going will better position me to live life in fulfillment of His master plan and Glory. So with that said – I am confident that the best is yet to come!

I thank all of you who have supported PEP and me personally, and quite honestly I am thankful for those who did not support PEP or me – as these were lessons not lost but instead have and will continue to aid me on my road to self actualization. I pray you will continue to be engaged with the educational institution of this fair city as the CHILDREN NEED YOU!

Please continue to get involved and stay involved so that OUR CHILDREN learn the morals and values needed to lead a healthy and happy life. If they could go it alone then they would not be born but hatched… As the song goes – They NEED YOU to SURVIVE…and that is for their survival as well as your own. With the purest of intentions go forth…demand more, give amply and know you do not tarry in vain!

PEPTalk “The Blog” is the brainchild of yours truly and as such it will continue to exist – it of course will no longer be a part of the Parents Empowering Parents group/organization. Instead, I will publish daily diatribes from the perspective of a parent with a child in public school from whatever town my family and I reside in with the hope that you will be able to glean valuable insight into how other schools as well as other districts function. If nothing else you will discover those areas of deficiency that are universal as well as those areas within the Plainfield Public School system that can and should be revitalized. I hope you all will still continue to honor me with your readership, comments and contrary opinions.

Well All -- there's only 1 meeting left for PEP this year and that's the 8th Annual Superintendent's Apple Awards. This is a District sponsored event that is coordinated and hosted by PEP (or atleast has been since its inception). It is a day set aside to honor the hardwork and dedication our parent and community volunteers put in during the course of the school year.

I'm not clear where we stand exactly with this, but I will certainly let you all know more as soon as I can. My hope is that it will take place. Originally -- in the beginning of the year I agreed to fund the food for this event -- this of course was BEFORE the district decided not to provide PEP with any funding whatsoever this year -- so needless to say all copies, mailings, and food provided to date have come from my pocket. My budget for PEP is now exhausted. So, again -- I'll let you all know in the coming weeks if the SAA is a go!

Fondly – I remain,
Renata A. Hernandez
Parent, Partner, Present