Volume 16 September 28, 2009
With the first days of school under our belts, it’s time to start thinking about the rest of the year. Have you joined your school’s parent organization? Often I meet parents who talk about PTA and PTOs as if those are “other” people. But particularly in the city schools, there are no “other” people — there is only us! Don’t be intimidated because it might seem like parent leaders at your school have all been there and already know each other. I am willing to bet that they are dying for more help and involvement. It is only because of parents that many programs survive at our schools. Please consider being a part of the parent group at your school. You don’t have to have huge amounts of time to give. Anything you can do will make a difference for our kids.
If you are involved with your parent group, please come to the forum and share what you’re up to so other schools and groups can benefit! Let’s take advantage of this network to share ideas and experiences.
From our latest posts …
On the new 7th grade at World of Inquiry:
“I have a 7th grader at WOIS. Things are going great. He went on his first field study just three days into the school year and in the second week he went to Mt. Hope Cemetery to study “weathering”. They were trying to discover why some of the tombstones had eroded and others hadn’t. At least that is how he explained it to me. I think this is fantastic. It’s not just sitting at a desk, reading from a text book and listening to lectures.
My child is very excited about attending this school. This is the best example of how well this school is run. The teachers are motivating and interesting.The administrators and truly welcoming and helpful , the student seem happy to be at school and the parents that I have met are super friendly.
My child is taking Spanish(so cool because all of my other children have only been able to take Latin) and he is in Band. He has gotten used wearing his uniform and he has been awake every morning on time, dressed and happy about going to school. For me, that is the best part.“
On RCSD services for students with disabilities:
“Hello! I work at the Learning Disabilities Association and have worked with the RCSD and city youth and parents for many years. I’m interested in your thoughts about services and supports for students with disabilities in the RCSD.
What has been your experience?
What is the district doing well?
Where do they struggle?
How responsive is the district to your thoughts/feedback/input into your child’s educational program? Are they a good, respectful partner?
For parents of teens: how well is the district meeting it’s resonsibility to provide transition planning and services for your child?
How much do you know about education law and your rights as a parent?
What can providers such as LDA do to help you be a stronger advocate?
What can providers such as LDA do to help the district get better outcomes for youth with disabilities?
Lots of questions! I’m interested in your thoughts and experiences!”
On bus orientation for kindergartners:
I am planning on tackling this one for next fall. I hope to get with the right people in the district and set up a bus orientation for kindergartners next summer. After my experience this year, I don’t want anyone to go through what my son did because of bus anxiety. Any one interested or have suggestions?
On RIT offering a full tuition scholarships to city school students:
Rochester Institute of Technology announced today it is offering a full-ride to Rochester City School graduates admitted as full-time freshman beginning in fall 2010. This scholarship program is for those graduates who meet eligibility requirements.
RIT President Bill Destler said, “This is an opportunity for city students to have aspirations of attending a world-class university. It also is an initiative for RIT to attract the best and brightest from the area’s largest school district.”
“This is fantastic opportunity for our students and a phenomenal show of support by RIT for the college-going culture we are developing among our students,” said Rochester Superintendent of Schools Jean-Claude Brizard. “This scholarship program reinforces our message that college is an attainable goal for each of our students. We’re saying that we, as a community, believe in them. It’s now up to them to do the work that will put this generous opportunity within their reach.”
Tuition for full-time undergraduates at RIT is currently $28,866.
Plus … more on busing, new school food, Rochester Surround Care, how to decide if your kids are sick, … and more!
Question of the Week:
How is the new school start schedule working out?
How is the split (early and late) elementary school start schedule working out for you and your family?Have you adjusted to early — or late — mornings? Is the bus coming on time? What do you think in general?
Come join the conversation. Feel free to answer previous questions of the week, too!
From our calendar:
Tuesday, Sept. 29 - RCSD “Reach-Out” – Families needing assistance with school services such as registering their children for pre-K, completing a college application, and everything in between can get it from the experts from the Rochester City School District during a special evening event.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at East High School, 1801 East Main Street, in the commons area.
Wednesday, Sept. 30 - Free RPO Concert at School of the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 - “Pre-K @ College” at Nazareth College for four-year-olds (and parents) from any UPK program, either in the district or run by a community-based organization.
How to use the forum: Did you know you can edit your own posts? Once you are logged in, there will be a “Modify” link in orange at the top right of your post that you can use to edit your posts. You can find that and other useful information (like how to post in the first place!) in the FAQ.
Final Thoughts
It’s raining and it’s cold, so it must truly be fall. I hope everyone is working out the bugs with buses and lunches and everything else parents have to deal with. Stay well, enjoy the dry days, and spread the word about Flower City Parents! (Have I mentioned our snazzy new logo? Please let us know if you’d be willing to take flyers to a school or community event.)
Thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Hilary Appelman, Elizabeth Bakari, Lori Bryce
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