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
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