FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Hamden PTA Council will host a town-wide forum with Connecticut state legislators to discuss educational funding and tax reform, January 17, 2008, 7 PM in the Hamden Middle School cafeteria. The Hamden Middle School is located at 2623 Dixwell Ave, at Sanford Street.
State Representatives Brendan Sharkey, Peter Villano, Cameron Staples, Alfred Adinolfi and State Senators Martin Looney and Joseph Crisco will be in attendance. The forum will be moderated by past Hamden PTA Council Co-President, Joan Neckameyer.
“The Hamden PTA Council is hosting this forum because we want to ensure that our school system is adequately funded. Educational funding and property taxes are part of a three-dimensional puzzle of how to attract and keep Hamden residents, while providing the quality of education that current and prospective residents expect,” said Hamden PTA Council President, Marjorie Clark. “We need to have a conversation with our state representatives about how to find a sustainable solution to this puzzle.”
This forum is open to the general public and is in place of the regularly schedule Council meeting, which would have taken place on Thursday, January 3rd.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Hamden Holiday House Tour
If the mobs at the mall and all the icicle lights on your street aren't getting you in the holiday mood, try this.
The Hamden Chamber of Commerce has organized a fabulous Holiday House Tour. Not only is this a great way to get your holiday groove on, but all proceeds will benefit the Hamden Education Foundation.
The tour is sponsored by Calcagni Associates Real Estate and all the decorations are donated by Hamden businesses.
The tour is from 10am to 3 pm. The cost of a ticket is only $20.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased at:
Download Ticket Form
The Hamden Chamber of Commerce has organized a fabulous Holiday House Tour. Not only is this a great way to get your holiday groove on, but all proceeds will benefit the Hamden Education Foundation.
The tour is sponsored by Calcagni Associates Real Estate and all the decorations are donated by Hamden businesses.
The tour is from 10am to 3 pm. The cost of a ticket is only $20.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased at:
- Calcagni Associates Real Estate, 2620 Whitney Ave. 288-1821
- The Hamden Chamber of Commerce, 2969 Whitney Ave. 288-6431.
Download Ticket Form
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
That pretty much sums up the Hamden 2008 budget season.
We've barely passed the election and already we're talking budgets?
Even though the actual debate and passage of our Board of Ed and town budgets are months away, it's never too early to start letting parents/taxpayers know that their input is crucial to the process.
I attended the PTA meeting at Spring Glen this evening, and by chance, found that they had invited their BOE rep, John Keegan, and Town Council Education Chair, Jim Pascerella, to walk their group through the budgeting process and how and when the PTA could / should contribute.
Here's the timeline:
November - December - Principals, department heads, other develop and submit budget requests to Superintendent
January - Superintendent presents recommended budget to BOE
January - February -
a) Finance Committee deliberates/finalizes budget request
b) Public hearing on proposed budget
c) Board deliberates / approves final budget request
March - Board approved budget submitted to Mayor; budget becomes line item in Mayor's budget submitted to Town Council
April - May - Town Council deliberates and holds public hearings
May 15 - Deadline for Town Council to approve Mayor's budget
June - Council approved budget amount returns to BOE; BOE makes final adjustments
July - New budget year begins
How to contribute:
I would recommend attending at least one preliminary BOE general or finance meeting to get an idea of what plans the Superintendent has for our district and how we pay for those plans. If there are items/issues that you want to be sure are included, attend public sessions and/or contact the BOE representatives and let your voice be heard. I would expect Fran will want to make the rounds to PTAs or at least to the PTA Council as well.
When the budget has reached the Mayor's office, let him know how you feel about the budget.
Perhaps the most critical step is being part of the citizenry that stands in support of the BOE line of the town budget. Attend the public hearings that will be held in April and May. (more info at the bottom of this article).
Here's the rock:
At Tuesday's BOE meeting, the Board and the Teachers' Union tentatively agreed on contract that includes a 2% increase. That's just one of many unions (custodians, fire, police, administrative) that will have a contractual increase.
The utilities - electricity, fuel, telephone - will all be going up, as well as health insurance.
The budget has to rise, even if we don't spend on anything new.
Here's the hard place:
Where does that money come from? The voters sent a clear message to Mayor Henrici and the Town Council with their close win that balancing the budget on the backs of personal property owners is unacceptable.
Perhaps the rest of this legislative session will see our state lawmakers make progress with true tax reform that would change this imbalance. Write or call your reps and ask them.
In the meantime, the state budget passed in May 2007 covers expenditures through June 2009, so we're not likely to see any additional funds not already allocated to Hamden or our school system.
I don't know where the money comes from, but somewhere besides the taxpayers would be welcome.
However I am hopeful that the BOE will get the funding to at least maintain the status quo for the following reasons:
1. Fran Rabinowitz, our new superintendent, has dealt with budgets bigger than ours in harder times than ours. She has the wisdom and experience to make informed choices and recommendations that have the best interest of our children at heart.
2. Ed Sullivan, chair of the BOE Finance Committee, is a true fiscal conservative and has a mantra that I have heard other board members repeat:"If you put something, you have to take something out." He is a fair and compassionate man who does the right thing for the right reasons.
3. We have many Town Council members (and a Mayor) who understand the value of investing in our school system, especially Jim Pascerlla (a board member of the Hamden Education Foundation) and Al Gorman, a former teacher.
4. We have active and attentive PTAs who will educate and encourage their parents, students and school's staff to speak in support of a BOE budget that at least maintains the status quo.
Parent and student involvement is truly key. At the meeting tonight Jim Pascerella recounted last year's Town Council BOE budget public hearing. The Talented And Gifted program (TAG) was rumored to be on the chopping block. A large number of TAG students spoke on behalf of themselves, their friends and their program. They pleaded with the Council to not cut their program because of all the good that it brought to their lives and to the town. That civic action changed a few minds on the council and the current budget was ultimately passed, without cutting TAG.
Jim encouraged PTAs and the PTA Council to broaden the scope of the coming year's Town Council budget hearing speakers. If we could get at least six parent and child speakers from each school, and maybe 25 from the Middle and High School, telling the Council, in their own words, what they love best about their school, well...as Jim put it, "How can you say 'No' to a 12-year-old?"
I'll be posting dates, times and actions regarding the Hamden and BOE budgets at this location, so please subscribe to this blog or check back to get alerts.
Marjorie
We've barely passed the election and already we're talking budgets?
Even though the actual debate and passage of our Board of Ed and town budgets are months away, it's never too early to start letting parents/taxpayers know that their input is crucial to the process.
I attended the PTA meeting at Spring Glen this evening, and by chance, found that they had invited their BOE rep, John Keegan, and Town Council Education Chair, Jim Pascerella, to walk their group through the budgeting process and how and when the PTA could / should contribute.
Here's the timeline:
November - December - Principals, department heads, other develop and submit budget requests to Superintendent
January - Superintendent presents recommended budget to BOE
January - February -
a) Finance Committee deliberates/finalizes budget request
b) Public hearing on proposed budget
c) Board deliberates / approves final budget request
March - Board approved budget submitted to Mayor; budget becomes line item in Mayor's budget submitted to Town Council
April - May - Town Council deliberates and holds public hearings
May 15 - Deadline for Town Council to approve Mayor's budget
June - Council approved budget amount returns to BOE; BOE makes final adjustments
July - New budget year begins
How to contribute:
I would recommend attending at least one preliminary BOE general or finance meeting to get an idea of what plans the Superintendent has for our district and how we pay for those plans. If there are items/issues that you want to be sure are included, attend public sessions and/or contact the BOE representatives and let your voice be heard. I would expect Fran will want to make the rounds to PTAs or at least to the PTA Council as well.
When the budget has reached the Mayor's office, let him know how you feel about the budget.
Perhaps the most critical step is being part of the citizenry that stands in support of the BOE line of the town budget. Attend the public hearings that will be held in April and May. (more info at the bottom of this article).
Here's the rock:
At Tuesday's BOE meeting, the Board and the Teachers' Union tentatively agreed on contract that includes a 2% increase. That's just one of many unions (custodians, fire, police, administrative) that will have a contractual increase.
The utilities - electricity, fuel, telephone - will all be going up, as well as health insurance.
The budget has to rise, even if we don't spend on anything new.
Here's the hard place:
Where does that money come from? The voters sent a clear message to Mayor Henrici and the Town Council with their close win that balancing the budget on the backs of personal property owners is unacceptable.
Perhaps the rest of this legislative session will see our state lawmakers make progress with true tax reform that would change this imbalance. Write or call your reps and ask them.
In the meantime, the state budget passed in May 2007 covers expenditures through June 2009, so we're not likely to see any additional funds not already allocated to Hamden or our school system.
I don't know where the money comes from, but somewhere besides the taxpayers would be welcome.
However I am hopeful that the BOE will get the funding to at least maintain the status quo for the following reasons:
1. Fran Rabinowitz, our new superintendent, has dealt with budgets bigger than ours in harder times than ours. She has the wisdom and experience to make informed choices and recommendations that have the best interest of our children at heart.
2. Ed Sullivan, chair of the BOE Finance Committee, is a true fiscal conservative and has a mantra that I have heard other board members repeat:"If you put something, you have to take something out." He is a fair and compassionate man who does the right thing for the right reasons.
3. We have many Town Council members (and a Mayor) who understand the value of investing in our school system, especially Jim Pascerlla (a board member of the Hamden Education Foundation) and Al Gorman, a former teacher.
4. We have active and attentive PTAs who will educate and encourage their parents, students and school's staff to speak in support of a BOE budget that at least maintains the status quo.
Parent and student involvement is truly key. At the meeting tonight Jim Pascerella recounted last year's Town Council BOE budget public hearing. The Talented And Gifted program (TAG) was rumored to be on the chopping block. A large number of TAG students spoke on behalf of themselves, their friends and their program. They pleaded with the Council to not cut their program because of all the good that it brought to their lives and to the town. That civic action changed a few minds on the council and the current budget was ultimately passed, without cutting TAG.
Jim encouraged PTAs and the PTA Council to broaden the scope of the coming year's Town Council budget hearing speakers. If we could get at least six parent and child speakers from each school, and maybe 25 from the Middle and High School, telling the Council, in their own words, what they love best about their school, well...as Jim put it, "How can you say 'No' to a 12-year-old?"
I'll be posting dates, times and actions regarding the Hamden and BOE budgets at this location, so please subscribe to this blog or check back to get alerts.
Marjorie
Monday, November 12, 2007
Hamden's Wellness Policy
On November 8, 2007, Jeanne Cooper, Hamden Public School's Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, and Co-Chair of the Hamden Nutrition Council, presented the current wellness policy.
Under No Child Left Behind, starting in 2004, every state / school, was mandated to adopt a wellness policy that would keep our children healthy and active. In 2006, Ms. Cooper and representatives from each school (administrators and one teacher or staff member who was directly responsible for the children's health) and a number of health professionals, formed the Hamden Nutrition Council.
After a year of meeting and presenting options to the Board of Education, the current policy was adopted and fully implemented at the beginning of this year.
Nearly all of the parents present were concerned with the moderate tone of the policy's language, especially regarding recess. The policy states that (elementary) students should receive 20 minutes of recess, and teachers are "discouraged from denying students recess as a means of punishment or to make up work, and, in those instances when this is deemed necessary, provisions should be made fro the child to receive 20 minutes of physical activity for that day, if appropriate."
This year is about rolling out the policy, getting people used to change. Obtaining a more stringent policy will take time, much like the process that got smoking off of airlines and out of the workplace and restaurants.
Rather than speak on behalf of all our PTAs, we asked that those present return to their units, discuss it and come back to PTA Council with their school's opinion. At our next meeting we would possibly put forth a resolution to the Nutrition Council asking for stronger wording and enforcement of the recess requirement.
In addition, we have asked administrators and PTA units to choose a representative to join the Nutrition Council. It would only require two to three meetings per year, including a report back to the PTA Council.
Baby steps, but steps toward a better wellness policy none the less.
In the end, we were grateful to Jeanne for helping us to understand the wellness policy, and she was thankful for our candor.
In the meantime, we look to parents and extended families for help. We ask that you model healthy habits: use activities and non-food items as rewards, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, be active and play with your kids, drink lots of water and get a good night's rest. I sound like your mother, right?!
Be well,
Marjorie
Under No Child Left Behind, starting in 2004, every state / school, was mandated to adopt a wellness policy that would keep our children healthy and active. In 2006, Ms. Cooper and representatives from each school (administrators and one teacher or staff member who was directly responsible for the children's health) and a number of health professionals, formed the Hamden Nutrition Council.
After a year of meeting and presenting options to the Board of Education, the current policy was adopted and fully implemented at the beginning of this year.
Nearly all of the parents present were concerned with the moderate tone of the policy's language, especially regarding recess. The policy states that (elementary) students should receive 20 minutes of recess, and teachers are "discouraged from denying students recess as a means of punishment or to make up work, and, in those instances when this is deemed necessary, provisions should be made fro the child to receive 20 minutes of physical activity for that day, if appropriate."
This year is about rolling out the policy, getting people used to change. Obtaining a more stringent policy will take time, much like the process that got smoking off of airlines and out of the workplace and restaurants.
Rather than speak on behalf of all our PTAs, we asked that those present return to their units, discuss it and come back to PTA Council with their school's opinion. At our next meeting we would possibly put forth a resolution to the Nutrition Council asking for stronger wording and enforcement of the recess requirement.
In addition, we have asked administrators and PTA units to choose a representative to join the Nutrition Council. It would only require two to three meetings per year, including a report back to the PTA Council.
Baby steps, but steps toward a better wellness policy none the less.
In the end, we were grateful to Jeanne for helping us to understand the wellness policy, and she was thankful for our candor.
In the meantime, we look to parents and extended families for help. We ask that you model healthy habits: use activities and non-food items as rewards, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, be active and play with your kids, drink lots of water and get a good night's rest. I sound like your mother, right?!
Be well,
Marjorie
Friday, November 9, 2007
"Minding the Gap" in the Classroom
Disclaimer - I'm not a professional educator, psychologist or nutritionist; I'm just a mom who would like to share what works for me.
"Mind the gap" is the polite message heard in the London subway system when boarding a train. It reminds people to be careful of the large gap between the platform and the train. I use it as a mantra to help me live in the present moment, reminding me to mind the gap between stimulus and response.
This "look before you leap" approach is critical to keeping order in my household (as well as other facets of my life). On a typical Saturday morning, my grade school kids are contentedly watching TV. Then, seemingly out of the blue, they start arguing: "Get OFF of me!", "I want to watch SPONGE BOB!", etc.
If I'm not minding the gap, I turn off the TV and send them each to their rooms to cool off. If I AM minding the gap, I turn of the TV and start asking questions; not "Who started it!!!," but "What would you like for breakfast?" , "Have you been to the potty yet?" or "Are you thirsty?"
From the moment they were born we have asked these questions, figured out what was wrong, and Voila!, our child stopped crying (usually). Nothing has changed except the child is older. Their physical state still affects their mood and needs to be evaluated before we take disciplinary action.
So how does this relate to school? Why do you think Hamden Public Schools are now offering breakfast in all schools? You can't concentrate or behave on an empty stomach, can you?
A few weeks back I was volunteering at my school and I overheard the teacher in the next classroom (we have open classrooms at West Woods) and was appalled at the way the teacher was handling a "problem" student. The child had not done his homework, was talking to his neighbor, getting things wrong, and within 30 minutes the child had four checks and a detention. BTW, this was a first or second grader. It was also 10:30 and the class hadn't had snack yet. I left with a knot in my stomach because of the accusatory tone the teacher took with the student. Its quite possible that the child in trouble has learning and behavioral issues. However, if she had minded "the gap" and spent a moment to think about what immediate physical need the child had, like that he was hungry, the downward spiral to detention could have been avoided.
Even though our children are able to make their own choices and do things themselves, they haven't learned to do a body scan, asking the questions that pertain to their physical and emotional well being. It's up to us, as parents and teachers, to continue to monitor all of their needs until we've taught them how to do it on their own.
I often think of Dr. John Gray's perspective from, "Children Are From Heaven." Children are not "bad," they misbehave to get attention. We should mind the gap and find out what they really need.
Peace,
Marjorie
"Mind the gap" is the polite message heard in the London subway system when boarding a train. It reminds people to be careful of the large gap between the platform and the train. I use it as a mantra to help me live in the present moment, reminding me to mind the gap between stimulus and response.
This "look before you leap" approach is critical to keeping order in my household (as well as other facets of my life). On a typical Saturday morning, my grade school kids are contentedly watching TV. Then, seemingly out of the blue, they start arguing: "Get OFF of me!", "I want to watch SPONGE BOB!", etc.
If I'm not minding the gap, I turn off the TV and send them each to their rooms to cool off. If I AM minding the gap, I turn of the TV and start asking questions; not "Who started it!!!," but "What would you like for breakfast?" , "Have you been to the potty yet?" or "Are you thirsty?"
From the moment they were born we have asked these questions, figured out what was wrong, and Voila!, our child stopped crying (usually). Nothing has changed except the child is older. Their physical state still affects their mood and needs to be evaluated before we take disciplinary action.
So how does this relate to school? Why do you think Hamden Public Schools are now offering breakfast in all schools? You can't concentrate or behave on an empty stomach, can you?
A few weeks back I was volunteering at my school and I overheard the teacher in the next classroom (we have open classrooms at West Woods) and was appalled at the way the teacher was handling a "problem" student. The child had not done his homework, was talking to his neighbor, getting things wrong, and within 30 minutes the child had four checks and a detention. BTW, this was a first or second grader. It was also 10:30 and the class hadn't had snack yet. I left with a knot in my stomach because of the accusatory tone the teacher took with the student. Its quite possible that the child in trouble has learning and behavioral issues. However, if she had minded "the gap" and spent a moment to think about what immediate physical need the child had, like that he was hungry, the downward spiral to detention could have been avoided.
Even though our children are able to make their own choices and do things themselves, they haven't learned to do a body scan, asking the questions that pertain to their physical and emotional well being. It's up to us, as parents and teachers, to continue to monitor all of their needs until we've taught them how to do it on their own.
I often think of Dr. John Gray's perspective from, "Children Are From Heaven." Children are not "bad," they misbehave to get attention. We should mind the gap and find out what they really need.
Peace,
Marjorie
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Let's Do Lunch...and RECESS...Healthy and Safe
The November Hamden PTA Council meeting (Thursday, November 8th at 7:00pm, in the Hamden Middle School Cafeteria) will feature a discussion of Hamden’s New Student Nutrition and Physical Activity (Wellness) Policy.
Our special guest will be Jeanne Cooper, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics for Hamden Public Schools and Chair of Hamden's Wellness Council. She will present Hamden's new SEVEN page comprehensive Student Wellness Policy and answer your questions. (Hamden's previous wellness plan was only one paragraph!)
"The Hamden Board of Education recognizes there is a clear link between our students' health and their ability to learn." (Jeanne Cooper & Cheryl Townsend, 2006/2007 Co-chairs of Hamden's Wellness Council)
The new policy was developed with input from educators, parents, and the medical and health care community and includes significant changes to:
We will also be discussing a related topic – lunch aides – to see if we can help HPS/BOE come up with a comprehensive solution to this important safety issue.
Representation from each school is imperative to getting a full perspective on what’s working and what is not. If you are a lunch aide, we encourage you to attend and share your first hand knowledge.
Our special guest will be Jeanne Cooper, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics for Hamden Public Schools and Chair of Hamden's Wellness Council. She will present Hamden's new SEVEN page comprehensive Student Wellness Policy and answer your questions. (Hamden's previous wellness plan was only one paragraph!)
"The Hamden Board of Education recognizes there is a clear link between our students' health and their ability to learn." (Jeanne Cooper & Cheryl Townsend, 2006/2007 Co-chairs of Hamden's Wellness Council)
The new policy was developed with input from educators, parents, and the medical and health care community and includes significant changes to:
- School Meals
- Nutrition Education
- Physical Education
- Recess
- Extracurricular Activities
- School Vending Machines
- School Fund-Raisers
- School Functions
- Classroom Celebrations & Rewards (Yes, we’re talking cupcakes!)
We will also be discussing a related topic – lunch aides – to see if we can help HPS/BOE come up with a comprehensive solution to this important safety issue.
Representation from each school is imperative to getting a full perspective on what’s working and what is not. If you are a lunch aide, we encourage you to attend and share your first hand knowledge.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Open Space Forum Reminder
Tuesday, October 16, 7 – 8:15 PM
Open Space Forum, Thornton Wilder Auditorium @ Miller Library
Participation of Democratic incumbent Craig Henrici and Republican challenger Ron Gambardella. Sponsors include Hamden Land Conservation Trust, League of Women Voters of Hamden, Hamden PTA Council, Watershed Fund, Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association, Dunbar Hill Civic Association, Ray Andrewsen of radio station WQUN will moderate.
More info about Hamden Land Conservation Trust
Open Space Forum, Thornton Wilder Auditorium @ Miller Library
Participation of Democratic incumbent Craig Henrici and Republican challenger Ron Gambardella. Sponsors include Hamden Land Conservation Trust, League of Women Voters of Hamden, Hamden PTA Council, Watershed Fund, Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association, Dunbar Hill Civic Association, Ray Andrewsen of radio station WQUN will moderate.
More info about Hamden Land Conservation Trust
Friday, October 12, 2007
Hamden PTA Survey - Revisited
October 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A recent survey of all Hamden elementary school PTAs and the middle school PTA revealed the incredible value that our PTAs bring to our school system.
Bringing families together to have fun is a core focus of our PTAs. They sponsor “family fun” events that are either free to families or charge an admission that is just enough to cover expenses. The following is a sampling of family events that will be held in the coming year by a variety of schools:
All PTAs hold fundraisers to pay for the free programs they offer to families and cultural enrichment programs for students. Hamden has recently adopted guidelines to encourage healthy lifestyles and encourages PTAs to raise money with non-food items. It turns out that wrapping paper, something we all can use that won’t tip the scale, is one of the best fundraisers for our PTAs.
Hamden PTAs work in concert with their administrators and teachers to bring curriculum enhancements to their schools. This help comes in the form of art nights and workshops, school-wide assemblies with guest teachers and performers, and visiting authors and scientific demonstrations in classrooms. Many PTAs also subsidize field trips outside their school, whether it’s a trip to the Eli Whitney Museum, a local apple orchard, a day at Holiday Hill, or a trip to Ellis Island.
NONE of the above activities could be accomplished without the dedication and support of our students’ families, both nuclear and extended. Every hour or dollar you contribute to your neighborhood PTA is appreciated and necessary. “Many hands make light work” has never been a truer sentiment when it comes to running a PTA and all the programs and services they provide.
We invite all Hamden residents, but especially parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles, to contact their student's school PTA through the school's main office (see list below) and find out where you can lend a hand. Even if it’s only an hour helping kids pick out books at the book fair, or flipping pancakes next to your kid at Applebee’s, your involvement is critical to student success.
We also extend a BIG “Thank You!!!!” to all the Hamden PTA presidents and your committees for all that you do to make Hamden schools such a great asset to our town.
Hamden PTA Council Executive Board:
Hamden PTA Council Representatives:
Bear Path School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A recent survey of all Hamden elementary school PTAs and the middle school PTA revealed the incredible value that our PTAs bring to our school system.
Bringing families together to have fun is a core focus of our PTAs. They sponsor “family fun” events that are either free to families or charge an admission that is just enough to cover expenses. The following is a sampling of family events that will be held in the coming year by a variety of schools:
- Welcome Back Picnics
- Ice Cream Socials - for incoming kindergarten students and their families
- Holiday Parties – Harvest Hoedown, Halloween, Valentine’s Day
- Themed Dinners & Seasonal Picnics
- Talent Shows
- School Photos
- Craft Fairs
- Sporting Events - Cutter’s Baseball Game
- Applebee's Breakfasts - students and parents are the hosts, servers and cooks
- Father/ Daughter Dances
- Family Bowling Nights
- Book Fairs
- Game Nights
- Art Showcases
- International Fairs
- Field Days
- Newsletters
- Student Handbooks/ Directories
- Yearbooks
All PTAs hold fundraisers to pay for the free programs they offer to families and cultural enrichment programs for students. Hamden has recently adopted guidelines to encourage healthy lifestyles and encourages PTAs to raise money with non-food items. It turns out that wrapping paper, something we all can use that won’t tip the scale, is one of the best fundraisers for our PTAs.
Hamden PTAs work in concert with their administrators and teachers to bring curriculum enhancements to their schools. This help comes in the form of art nights and workshops, school-wide assemblies with guest teachers and performers, and visiting authors and scientific demonstrations in classrooms. Many PTAs also subsidize field trips outside their school, whether it’s a trip to the Eli Whitney Museum, a local apple orchard, a day at Holiday Hill, or a trip to Ellis Island.
NONE of the above activities could be accomplished without the dedication and support of our students’ families, both nuclear and extended. Every hour or dollar you contribute to your neighborhood PTA is appreciated and necessary. “Many hands make light work” has never been a truer sentiment when it comes to running a PTA and all the programs and services they provide.
We invite all Hamden residents, but especially parents, grand parents, aunts and uncles, to contact their student's school PTA through the school's main office (see list below) and find out where you can lend a hand. Even if it’s only an hour helping kids pick out books at the book fair, or flipping pancakes next to your kid at Applebee’s, your involvement is critical to student success.
We also extend a BIG “Thank You!!!!” to all the Hamden PTA presidents and your committees for all that you do to make Hamden schools such a great asset to our town.
Hamden PTA Council Executive Board:
President, Marjorie Clark
Vice President, Mary Clough
Treasurer, Melissa Stasiak
Secretary, Karen Leeper
Corresponding Secretary, Cheri Brooks
Hamden PTA Council Representatives:
Bear Path School
Co-President Cathy CroweChurch St. School
Co-President, Jennifer McGarry
Council Rep, Mike Alissi
President, Cindy CardoDunbar Hill School
Co-President, Kim TreloarHelen St. School
Co-President, Karen Alexander
Council Rep, A.J. Scheetz
President, Colleen MackayRidge Hill
Co-Presidents, Terri and Lou LettieroShepherd Glen
Co-President, Tamara BoemmelsSpring Glen
Co-President, Stephanie Bezerra
Council Rep, Karen Leeper
President, Michelle HumbleWest Woods
Council Rep, Patti Klaje
Co-President, Eileen VitaWintergreen
Co-President, Cheryl Cartier
Council Rep, Cheri Brooks
President, Sue MurphyMiddle School
Council Rep, Shanta Smith
President, Jackie Downing
Council Rep, Kathy Muolo
"No School Board Left Standing"
When Howard Dean was running for President in 2003, he used this phrase to describe No Child Left Behind. It's double-speak for legislation that will undermine a public service that can only be "fixed" by contracting the service to a private company.
The intent behind the law - holding schools accountable and measuring student progress - is admirable and we've been doing it for decades. Remember the IOWA test? However, what happens to a school and its district if it doesn't meet the ever-rising criteria of "proficient," is basically "do a better job or else!" Instead of rewarding schools that improve year to year, they are threatened with "sanctions." Nurturing parents have long known that you get more flies with sugar than with vinegar; NCLB needs to be rewritten to include positive reinforcement techniques.
NCLB has been law since 2002 and Hamden is finally feeling the impact of this incredibly unfair and destructive law.
Here's the good news: since September 24, 2007, Hamden’s new Superintendent of Schools, Fran Rabinowitz, has been to every school, some more than once. At the October PTA Council meeting (October 11) she reported how impressed she was with the excellent teaching and administration in our schools. There is always room for improvement, but she reassured all present that we are not, as a district, or even as individual schools, “failing.” Hamden parents and teachers should not panic because Helen Street, Dunbar Hill and Spring Glen have been identified as “not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)” under the No Child Left Behind law (NCLB).
Here's the bad news: NCLB stipulates that if one subgroup in a school (black, Hispanic, white, disabled, English-as-a second-language or free/reduced lunch) is found to not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks for two years, then the school is put on the “in need of improvement” list.
The graduated “sanctions” outlined in NCLB (busing the poorest and lowest performing students to “better” schools, a.k.a. Open Choice, tutoring students after school but not allowing the school’s teachers to do the tutoring, replacing teachers and finally, restructuring the whole school administration) are the opposite of what needs to be done to help children improve.
Unfortunately Hamden Public Schools have no choice but to comply or lose all of their Federal funding – two million dollars plus – to our district. Superintendent Rabinowitz and her staff will be giving great thought and analysis to where Open Choice students should go. Options will be based upon space available at designated schools. In addition, Superintendent Rabinowitz has offered to speak to any individual or group on the topic of NCLB and it’s implications to our school system. (Please contact her office to schedule a visit at 407-2090).
So what’s to be done?
Since 1985 Connecticut educators and superintendents have asked our State Department of Education to institute a “growth model” to chart student progress and teacher effectiveness. A growth model compares fourth graders to fifth graders, rather than this year’s fourth graders to last year’s fourth graders.
It is unlikely that anything about NCLB will change prior to the election of a new President, so here’s what we can do in the meantime:
1. Contact your state and Federal legislators and ask them to adopt a growth model that will accurately and fairly measure our students’ and schools’ true Adequate Yearly Progress and
2. Stay calm and give your children and their teachers as much support as you can. Visit www.pta.org for some great ideas.
The intent behind the law - holding schools accountable and measuring student progress - is admirable and we've been doing it for decades. Remember the IOWA test? However, what happens to a school and its district if it doesn't meet the ever-rising criteria of "proficient," is basically "do a better job or else!" Instead of rewarding schools that improve year to year, they are threatened with "sanctions." Nurturing parents have long known that you get more flies with sugar than with vinegar; NCLB needs to be rewritten to include positive reinforcement techniques.
NCLB has been law since 2002 and Hamden is finally feeling the impact of this incredibly unfair and destructive law.
Here's the good news: since September 24, 2007, Hamden’s new Superintendent of Schools, Fran Rabinowitz, has been to every school, some more than once. At the October PTA Council meeting (October 11) she reported how impressed she was with the excellent teaching and administration in our schools. There is always room for improvement, but she reassured all present that we are not, as a district, or even as individual schools, “failing.” Hamden parents and teachers should not panic because Helen Street, Dunbar Hill and Spring Glen have been identified as “not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)” under the No Child Left Behind law (NCLB).
Here's the bad news: NCLB stipulates that if one subgroup in a school (black, Hispanic, white, disabled, English-as-a second-language or free/reduced lunch) is found to not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks for two years, then the school is put on the “in need of improvement” list.
The graduated “sanctions” outlined in NCLB (busing the poorest and lowest performing students to “better” schools, a.k.a. Open Choice, tutoring students after school but not allowing the school’s teachers to do the tutoring, replacing teachers and finally, restructuring the whole school administration) are the opposite of what needs to be done to help children improve.
Unfortunately Hamden Public Schools have no choice but to comply or lose all of their Federal funding – two million dollars plus – to our district. Superintendent Rabinowitz and her staff will be giving great thought and analysis to where Open Choice students should go. Options will be based upon space available at designated schools. In addition, Superintendent Rabinowitz has offered to speak to any individual or group on the topic of NCLB and it’s implications to our school system. (Please contact her office to schedule a visit at 407-2090).
So what’s to be done?
Since 1985 Connecticut educators and superintendents have asked our State Department of Education to institute a “growth model” to chart student progress and teacher effectiveness. A growth model compares fourth graders to fifth graders, rather than this year’s fourth graders to last year’s fourth graders.
It is unlikely that anything about NCLB will change prior to the election of a new President, so here’s what we can do in the meantime:
1. Contact your state and Federal legislators and ask them to adopt a growth model that will accurately and fairly measure our students’ and schools’ true Adequate Yearly Progress and
2. Stay calm and give your children and their teachers as much support as you can. Visit www.pta.org for some great ideas.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
October PTA Council Meeting at Helen Street School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Hamden PTA Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 11 at 7 PM at Helen Street School in the Media Center. Helen Street School is located at 285 Helen St. Hamden, CT 06514.
The mission of the Hamden PTA Council is to be an advocate for all of Hamden’s school PTAs, making sure that all students receive the same high quality education. The Hamden PTA Council invites all Helen Street parents, teachers, staff, neighbors and alum to attend and share their ideas on how to achieve excellence in their school. This meeting is also open to the general public.
A recent survey of Hamden’s PTAs confirms the positive effect on a student’s learning experience when parents participate in school activities. “I’m hoping that this gathering will provide Helen Street PTA the opportunity to engage the parental involvement necessary to keep their group, and therefore their school and students, thriving,” said Hamden PTA Council President, Marjorie Clark.
Contacts:
www.HamdenPTA.org
Marjorie Clark, Hamden PTA Council President
288-6831, marjorie@littlefishstudios.com
Colleen Mackay, Helen Street School PTA President
288-9264, mackay94@aol.com
Lynette Kelleher, Helen Street School Principal
285 Helen Street, Hamden CT, 06514 407-2030, LKelleher@hamden.org
The Hamden PTA Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 11 at 7 PM at Helen Street School in the Media Center. Helen Street School is located at 285 Helen St. Hamden, CT 06514.
The mission of the Hamden PTA Council is to be an advocate for all of Hamden’s school PTAs, making sure that all students receive the same high quality education. The Hamden PTA Council invites all Helen Street parents, teachers, staff, neighbors and alum to attend and share their ideas on how to achieve excellence in their school. This meeting is also open to the general public.
A recent survey of Hamden’s PTAs confirms the positive effect on a student’s learning experience when parents participate in school activities. “I’m hoping that this gathering will provide Helen Street PTA the opportunity to engage the parental involvement necessary to keep their group, and therefore their school and students, thriving,” said Hamden PTA Council President, Marjorie Clark.
Contacts:
www.HamdenPTA.org
Marjorie Clark, Hamden PTA Council President
288-6831, marjorie@littlefishstudios.com
Colleen Mackay, Helen Street School PTA President
288-9264, mackay94@aol.com
Lynette Kelleher, Helen Street School Principal
285 Helen Street, Hamden CT, 06514 407-2030, LKelleher@hamden.org
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Hamden PTA Survey
I haven't received all of the surveys from all the Hamden School PTAs, but my preliminary review tells me this: a school and students success is strongly related to parent participation in school activities, i.e., the strength and vitality of its PTA.
Well, duh!
I've always believed that you get out what you put in, but I now have some hard evidence that this is true.
In addition to the size and activity of a PTA unit, here are the other elements that are critical to a school's success:
- A good to excellent relationship between the school's administration, teachers and staff with the PTA.
- Integration of cultural arts and enrichments programs and field trips with curriculum.
It stands to reason that the PTAs that are thriving, with good participation and event turnout, are the ones where the principals, teachers and staff work in concert to let kids learn in a fun, active and exciting ways.
I've come to the conclusion that student success is not as strongly related to how much money you spend per student, but how much time and effort. Sometimes that equals money, but more often it translates to caring; not doing things right, but doing the right thing.
In light of this discovery, the Hamden PTA Council will hold its next monthly meeting, Thursday, October 11, 7 PM, at Helen Street School. Their PTA needs guidance and support and we're going to get the whole town out, or at least the entire PTA Council, to give it to them. We'll be doing our regular business and continue the discussion of the PTA survey findings with our new Superintendent, Fran Rabinowitz. I hope to see you there.
Once I have received all of the school PTA surveys, I will publish a formal report. The list of things PTAs do for schools will impress you and hopefully make you want to join the group that plays such an important role in your children's education.
Well, duh!
I've always believed that you get out what you put in, but I now have some hard evidence that this is true.
In addition to the size and activity of a PTA unit, here are the other elements that are critical to a school's success:
- A good to excellent relationship between the school's administration, teachers and staff with the PTA.
- Integration of cultural arts and enrichments programs and field trips with curriculum.
It stands to reason that the PTAs that are thriving, with good participation and event turnout, are the ones where the principals, teachers and staff work in concert to let kids learn in a fun, active and exciting ways.
I've come to the conclusion that student success is not as strongly related to how much money you spend per student, but how much time and effort. Sometimes that equals money, but more often it translates to caring; not doing things right, but doing the right thing.
In light of this discovery, the Hamden PTA Council will hold its next monthly meeting, Thursday, October 11, 7 PM, at Helen Street School. Their PTA needs guidance and support and we're going to get the whole town out, or at least the entire PTA Council, to give it to them. We'll be doing our regular business and continue the discussion of the PTA survey findings with our new Superintendent, Fran Rabinowitz. I hope to see you there.
Once I have received all of the school PTA surveys, I will publish a formal report. The list of things PTAs do for schools will impress you and hopefully make you want to join the group that plays such an important role in your children's education.
It's Happened...You've Become Your Mother
Some things we can control, but others are genetically implanted, or washed into our brain and there's no way around it. This is for all the parents who give their best every day.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Getting on the Same Page with Student Expectations
I went to my children's open house where I received a pamphlet for each of their grades (1st & 4th). They outlined all of the subjects to be covered in each curriculum and the expectations of what the students would learn. It was as if my request instantly manifested the material. (That happens to me alot.)
If you haven't yet received these pamphlets, please follow up with your school administrator, or the HPS Central Office (407-2000/www.hamden.org).
I feel that Dr. Bonner and her staff did an excellent job on these pamphlets and they satisfied my general curiosity. However, they don't address the specifics of each classroom.
Rather than a school or district-wide handbooks, wouldn't it be great if teachers could send home a flyer per semester, outlining what's coming up, like a syllabus? Some teachers already do this, but it should be mandatory. In fact, they probably have it all typed up but just need to share it.
Last year my daughter's kindergarten teacher (thank you Mrs. Whalen) sent home a monthly flyer outlining what they were working on and special events and requests. Not only could I plan my time for her school work/visits, I could begin teaching her how to plan her time to get the assignments done on time as well.
The agendas that kids first get in third grade are somewhat helpful in keeping on top of homework, but you need to rely on the child to take good notes about what the assignments are and when they're due. It's a skill the kids need to learn, but a little backup would be nice, even at the high school level.
It all comes back to communication, this time between parent and teacher. A simple outline, with perhaps a brief description of a teacher's philosophy and/or methodology, would go a long way to helping parents to help their children succeed.
BTW - Information about an individual school's staff, procedures and policies, should be included in a school handbook and student directory, which is typically produced by the school PTA. The school calendar has district wide contact and policy information. Both should be available from your school secretary.
If you haven't yet received these pamphlets, please follow up with your school administrator, or the HPS Central Office (407-2000/www.hamden.org).
I feel that Dr. Bonner and her staff did an excellent job on these pamphlets and they satisfied my general curiosity. However, they don't address the specifics of each classroom.
Rather than a school or district-wide handbooks, wouldn't it be great if teachers could send home a flyer per semester, outlining what's coming up, like a syllabus? Some teachers already do this, but it should be mandatory. In fact, they probably have it all typed up but just need to share it.
Last year my daughter's kindergarten teacher (thank you Mrs. Whalen) sent home a monthly flyer outlining what they were working on and special events and requests. Not only could I plan my time for her school work/visits, I could begin teaching her how to plan her time to get the assignments done on time as well.
The agendas that kids first get in third grade are somewhat helpful in keeping on top of homework, but you need to rely on the child to take good notes about what the assignments are and when they're due. It's a skill the kids need to learn, but a little backup would be nice, even at the high school level.
It all comes back to communication, this time between parent and teacher. A simple outline, with perhaps a brief description of a teacher's philosophy and/or methodology, would go a long way to helping parents to help their children succeed.
BTW - Information about an individual school's staff, procedures and policies, should be included in a school handbook and student directory, which is typically produced by the school PTA. The school calendar has district wide contact and policy information. Both should be available from your school secretary.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Celebrate Hamden Family Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Town of Hamden Celebrates Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children
Mayor Craig B. Henrici has issued a proclamation designating the fourth Monday in September, September 24, 2007 as Family Day- A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children.
Family Day is a national movement that encourages parents to frequently eat dinner with their kids and be actively involved in their children's lives and reminds parents that what their kids really want at the dinner table is THEM!
To help put a spotlight on Family Day, The Hamden Community Services Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau is presenting An Evening of Food, Art & Fun on Monday, September 24, 2007 in The Keefe Community Center gym, 5:30 - 7 PM.
The evening will start with a light dinner followed by a family home décor project – the creation of decoupage plates. Instruction will be facilitated by P.L.A.C.E. Art Studios and Artist Lisa Keith.
This event is free and made possible by funding through PACK (Parents and Communities for Kids) which is supported by a partnership of the Wallace Foundation, The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven and The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.
As an added incentive for families to eat together the following Hamden restaurants have generously offered various discounts and specials on Monday, September 24, 2007 – just mention “Family Day”:
Family Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday of September. The Town of Hamden encourages all residents to celebrate Family Day by eating dinner together with your family on Monday, September 24, 2007 and every day.
Participate in the PACK event at The Keefe Community Center, eat dinner at one of the participating Hamden restaurants that are offering discounts or specials or enjoy a home cooked meal together as a family. More importantly, talk with your kids. During dinner, turn off the TV and let your answering machine record incoming calls. Involve the entire family in planning and cooking meals. If your schedules make it impossible to eat dinner together, try having breakfast together.
For additional information about Family Day and the current research and statistics on frequent family dinners together, please visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org or call the Hamden Youth Services Bureau at 777-2610.
The Town of Hamden Celebrates Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children
Mayor Craig B. Henrici has issued a proclamation designating the fourth Monday in September, September 24, 2007 as Family Day- A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children.
Family Day is a national movement that encourages parents to frequently eat dinner with their kids and be actively involved in their children's lives and reminds parents that what their kids really want at the dinner table is THEM!
To help put a spotlight on Family Day, The Hamden Community Services Department and Hamden Youth Services Bureau is presenting An Evening of Food, Art & Fun on Monday, September 24, 2007 in The Keefe Community Center gym, 5:30 - 7 PM.
The evening will start with a light dinner followed by a family home décor project – the creation of decoupage plates. Instruction will be facilitated by P.L.A.C.E. Art Studios and Artist Lisa Keith.
This event is free and made possible by funding through PACK (Parents and Communities for Kids) which is supported by a partnership of the Wallace Foundation, The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven and The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.
As an added incentive for families to eat together the following Hamden restaurants have generously offered various discounts and specials on Monday, September 24, 2007 – just mention “Family Day”:
Applebee's - 2400 Dixwell Avenue, 10% discountThe more often children and teens eat dinner with their families the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University created Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children in 2001.
Eli's Brick Oven Pizza -2402 Whitney Avenue and Eli's on Whitney- 50% discount and free soda and ice cream for children under twelve
Paul and Eddy's – 1630 Whitney Avenue, 10% discount
Sorrento's – 244 Skiff Street, 20%discount
The Playwright – 1232 Whitney Avenue, 15% discount
Three Brothers Diner – 1030 Dixwell Avenue, 10% discount
Family Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday of September. The Town of Hamden encourages all residents to celebrate Family Day by eating dinner together with your family on Monday, September 24, 2007 and every day.
Participate in the PACK event at The Keefe Community Center, eat dinner at one of the participating Hamden restaurants that are offering discounts or specials or enjoy a home cooked meal together as a family. More importantly, talk with your kids. During dinner, turn off the TV and let your answering machine record incoming calls. Involve the entire family in planning and cooking meals. If your schedules make it impossible to eat dinner together, try having breakfast together.
For additional information about Family Day and the current research and statistics on frequent family dinners together, please visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org or call the Hamden Youth Services Bureau at 777-2610.
###
Hamden Youth Services Bureau 11 Pine Street Hamden, CT 06514
(203) 777-2610 Fax (203) 562-3498
CONTACT: Susan Rubino
E-MAIL: srubino@hamden.com
Hamden Youth Services Bureau 11 Pine Street Hamden, CT 06514
(203) 777-2610 Fax (203) 562-3498
CONTACT: Susan Rubino
E-MAIL: srubino@hamden.com
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Off and Running
A few weeks back the Hamden Board of Education invited everyone to come meet their top choice for Superintendent of Hamden Public Schools, Fran Rabinowitz. Wow. She is such a warm and articulate lady, a true professional who, as requested to be written in her contract, will be reviewed by all of her staff. Transparency and full communication are words that will mark her tenure as superintendent.
Another thing we can expect from Fran is results; she also requested that there be a $10,000 bonus paid only if there is "longitudinal growth." That is, if our kids are improving, then she gets a prize. I like the carrot approach much better than the stick.
She had such an impact on me, that before I knew it, I had volunteered to be the new Hamden PTA Council President. I see this as an incredible opportunity to use my skills, connections and passion about the education of our children to their full potential, since there is such a willing listener in the Central Office.
Some goals I have for the PTA Council to achieve in the next year:
1. Create a district-wide PTA Web network. Fortunately for us, the Hamden Public School system has recently renovated their web site and made a place for each school PTA. The logistics of who has access and how things are posted is still in the process. This is a HUGE step in opening up communication with parents and community, and will be further enhanced when PTAs and HPS will be able to send newsletters and notices via email.
2. Increase volunteer-ism (not necessarily PTA membership) by 10%. It's a widely accepted fact that when a child's parents are involved with school activities, the child does better in school. On top of that, parents can lead by example the importance of giving time to worthy causes. I'm encouraging PTAs to break down program and event responsibilities into smaller tasks and blocks of time to make volunteering more feasible.
3. Empower all parents, but especially PTA executive officers, to express their opinions by writing letters to the editor. I've already distributed tips and contacts to promote their events and good deeds through press releases. I have asked the Board of Education / Superintendent's office for a bit more autonomy for school administrators in approving said press releases, and have been assured that it will be forthcoming.
4. I'd like to see the town recycling program extended to the school system. Not only is it the environmentally responsible thing to do, but the garbage tipping fees are significantly reduced.
It was a shock to me last year when I learned that schools didn't even recycle white paper! That was remedied with one call to the Mayor's office and we now have paper and cardboard picked up at the schools. I have spoken to Mark Albanese, Facilities Director for HPS, about including glass and plastic into the program. He said we have to negotiate separated trash pick up into the contract of Hamden's sanitation contractor. Adam Sendroff of the BOE Operations Committee was in total agreement and has put the recycling issue on the agenda for the next Operations meeting. I spoke to the Mayor via email and he also was in agreement. So I guess we just have to get the contract amended. I doubt we'll see the recycling program expanded this year, but I think I've set some wheels in motion.
5. I'd like to see the music departments get the instruments they need. The BOE, Superintendent Rabinowitz and the Hamden Education Foundation (a private group that funds Hamden public schools) are all aware of this shortcoming in our music programs. I intend to have the Council hook up with the parent group that has formed around the musicians at the Hamden High School, to perhaps help them with an instrument donation drive or some kind of fundraiser.
At the BOE meeting last night, John Keegan of the Operations Committee brought a motion to the floor to allow advertising on the football field, to benefit the football team. The motion was approved with the caveat that this was a pilot program. That's all well and good, but what about some of the money going to the band that plays at those games! And the cheerleaders! I think revenues raised by selling ad space should go into a general fund for that school (because you know others will follow if the BOE continues to allow it).
I hope you will join me at our next Hamden PTA Council Meeting, Thursday, October 11, 7 PM at the Hamden Middle School Cafeteria.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
September 25, Hamden Education Fund Alumni Awards Dinner,
Laurel View Gardens
For more information contact them at (203) 288-3195
October 16, Open Space Forum – 7 – 8:15 PM
Thornton Wilder Auditorium
Participation of Democratic incumbent Craig Henrici
and Republican challenger Ron Gambardella.
Sponsors include Hamden Land Conservation Trust,
League of Women Voters of Hamden, Hamden PTA Council,
Watershed Fund, Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association,
Dunbar Hill Civic Association, Ray Andrewsen of radio station WQUN will moderate.
More info about Hamden Land Conservation Trust: http://www.hlct.org
October 23, , BOE and Council At-Large Candidate Debate , 7 – 9 PM
Hamden High School, Rm. C107, Sponsored by League of Women Voters
Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns about the Hamden schools. The Hamden PTA Council is a resource for you, and we're here to serve.
Peace,
Marjorie
Another thing we can expect from Fran is results; she also requested that there be a $10,000 bonus paid only if there is "longitudinal growth." That is, if our kids are improving, then she gets a prize. I like the carrot approach much better than the stick.
She had such an impact on me, that before I knew it, I had volunteered to be the new Hamden PTA Council President. I see this as an incredible opportunity to use my skills, connections and passion about the education of our children to their full potential, since there is such a willing listener in the Central Office.
Some goals I have for the PTA Council to achieve in the next year:
1. Create a district-wide PTA Web network. Fortunately for us, the Hamden Public School system has recently renovated their web site and made a place for each school PTA. The logistics of who has access and how things are posted is still in the process. This is a HUGE step in opening up communication with parents and community, and will be further enhanced when PTAs and HPS will be able to send newsletters and notices via email.
2. Increase volunteer-ism (not necessarily PTA membership) by 10%. It's a widely accepted fact that when a child's parents are involved with school activities, the child does better in school. On top of that, parents can lead by example the importance of giving time to worthy causes. I'm encouraging PTAs to break down program and event responsibilities into smaller tasks and blocks of time to make volunteering more feasible.
3. Empower all parents, but especially PTA executive officers, to express their opinions by writing letters to the editor. I've already distributed tips and contacts to promote their events and good deeds through press releases. I have asked the Board of Education / Superintendent's office for a bit more autonomy for school administrators in approving said press releases, and have been assured that it will be forthcoming.
4. I'd like to see the town recycling program extended to the school system. Not only is it the environmentally responsible thing to do, but the garbage tipping fees are significantly reduced.
It was a shock to me last year when I learned that schools didn't even recycle white paper! That was remedied with one call to the Mayor's office and we now have paper and cardboard picked up at the schools. I have spoken to Mark Albanese, Facilities Director for HPS, about including glass and plastic into the program. He said we have to negotiate separated trash pick up into the contract of Hamden's sanitation contractor. Adam Sendroff of the BOE Operations Committee was in total agreement and has put the recycling issue on the agenda for the next Operations meeting. I spoke to the Mayor via email and he also was in agreement. So I guess we just have to get the contract amended. I doubt we'll see the recycling program expanded this year, but I think I've set some wheels in motion.
5. I'd like to see the music departments get the instruments they need. The BOE, Superintendent Rabinowitz and the Hamden Education Foundation (a private group that funds Hamden public schools) are all aware of this shortcoming in our music programs. I intend to have the Council hook up with the parent group that has formed around the musicians at the Hamden High School, to perhaps help them with an instrument donation drive or some kind of fundraiser.
At the BOE meeting last night, John Keegan of the Operations Committee brought a motion to the floor to allow advertising on the football field, to benefit the football team. The motion was approved with the caveat that this was a pilot program. That's all well and good, but what about some of the money going to the band that plays at those games! And the cheerleaders! I think revenues raised by selling ad space should go into a general fund for that school (because you know others will follow if the BOE continues to allow it).
I hope you will join me at our next Hamden PTA Council Meeting, Thursday, October 11, 7 PM at the Hamden Middle School Cafeteria.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
September 25, Hamden Education Fund Alumni Awards Dinner,
Laurel View Gardens
For more information contact them at (203) 288-3195
October 16, Open Space Forum – 7 – 8:15 PM
Thornton Wilder Auditorium
Participation of Democratic incumbent Craig Henrici
and Republican challenger Ron Gambardella.
Sponsors include Hamden Land Conservation Trust,
League of Women Voters of Hamden, Hamden PTA Council,
Watershed Fund, Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association,
Dunbar Hill Civic Association, Ray Andrewsen of radio station WQUN will moderate.
More info about Hamden Land Conservation Trust: http://www.hlct.org
October 23, , BOE and Council At-Large Candidate Debate , 7 – 9 PM
Hamden High School, Rm. C107, Sponsored by League of Women Voters
Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns about the Hamden schools. The Hamden PTA Council is a resource for you, and we're here to serve.
Peace,
Marjorie
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