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.