Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Many Medford parents perceive significant differences among the elementary schools. Some are seen as stronger in areas like welcoming parental volunteerism in the classroom, offering different teaching styles, embracing diverse populations, supporting active PTOs and fostering a sense of community. To what extent do you think these differences exist, and to what extent do you believe they are a problem? What are 3 specific steps or programs you would support to enhance community and parental involvement at all the schools?

Attenazio: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

General ideas….schools and education is driven by personalities and the humans and staff at each school. This creates a school culture. School councils need to assess and look at their school cultures to determine how it might enhance parent involvement and be more welcoming. School based polls to families would be one way to collect data and see what the consumers are feeling about certain aspects of the school culture. This should be driven by the School Councils since they are closest to the specific environments.

Brady: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Parents are very important to the success of children in school. We need to encourage parents to help their children get a night’s sleep; eat healthy; and come to school prepared to learn. There are many ways for parents to participate in their schools. It is important that parents do not distract teachers and other students in their enthusiasm to help. Each school and principal has their own style. However, each school must allow parents to be active and helpful. Different parents may have perceptions on what makes for a welcoming environment. As a member of the School Committee I will initiate a forum to discuss this concern and set some guidance for our administrators.

Cugno: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

I do believe that the differences exist but that is common nature. Our teachers, administrators, parents and students are also human beings therefore, the difference do exist. As far as the academic component that is the same because it is mandated by Department of Education. As far as style again, the differences and experiences are brought to the for-front by the particular individuals. Now with all that said I believe having and being part of our Citywide PTO is very important. It is a PTO set up by parents, and teachers from all of the individual schools where they put their ideas together of what they feel is working or not working in their school and expand on those ideas. I do not want to clone our schools in being exactly the same because that is what makes this city so special which is the diversity you find everywhere, but I do believe that are schools should be welcoming to everyone. Three ideas that come to mind are; 1) The importance of participating in the Citywide PTO; 2) Expand the welcoming play date for the kindergarteners, from one to two days. The first day to get the parents, teachers, and students together for their particular school and the second day to incorporate the parents and students of all the schools to feel more welcomed throughout our school system; and 3) Incorporate the middle schools in an after school program to involve the vocational high school. Giving the middle school students the opportunity to take vocational courses such as culinary, or carpentry once a week for a certain amount of weeks at the vocational school. Exposing the middle school students to a different avenue of education, having them interact with their future classmates at the high school level and making their transition to the high school smoother. Also, allowing the gap of the high school and vocational school to become closer.

D'aveta: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Equality across all schools is of great import and no student should be asked to make do with less based solely upon the school he or she attends. However, this question requires a great deal more research than a parent or an interested and active community person can impart without an involved study of all three schools, including interviews of teachers, students, parents and administrators from each of the three schools. I am willing to devote the time to such an investigation as a school committee member to resolve issues of inequality and the perception or misperception that students from one school are receiving an inferior education or treatment not befitting the Medford Public School System.

DiGiantommaso: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

When the new schools were built, they each adopted a theme:

• McGlynn - Communications K-8
• Andrews - Environmental Technology
• Brooks - Creativity
• Roberts - Discovery

Kulik: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

I have opted to answer this question in combination with Question 3 as they are related. Please see the answer provided at Question 3.

O'Keefe: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Policies should be consistent across each school as central administration and principals incorporate guidelines for educational curriculum consistently throughout the city. If this is considered a problem that is impacting the educational experience for students or the moral of teachers and staff then as a school committee person, I would consider it important to address these perceived issues. Something that should be considered and reviewed is the cross-training of central administration and principals amongst the various schools so as to filter many of the best practices amongst the schools. Participation by parents and community involvement is generated by interest and time availability. People participate in what they believe is interesting to their children and beneficial as a whole to their values and life experiences. Three programs I will continue to support would be the Medford Family Network, the PTO's of Medford, and Medford Sports programs. I would do this through effective communications, resources, and collaboration with various civic groups in the community yet all groups and activities that need support and attention will receive my full attention as well.

Pompeo: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

In the absence of evidence, of parent’s perceptions of differences among elementary schools I do not believe that they are a problem. To enhance community and parental involvement I would see that Parents’ Nights were planned for 1.) student initiated programs 2.) after progress reports are issued to students.

Skerry: (Q11) Three Ideas to Enhance Community & Parental Involvement

Refer to question 3. Also: Each school may have its own style but parents must always be welcome as partners.

Volunteerism in classrooms is something that should not be seen as either negative or beneficial in every instance. There needs to be a balance between helping and interference.

There are many ways for parents to help the school and their children. Including:

• Participate in the Homefront Initiative. Make sure that your child gets a nights sleep, eats properly, comes to school regularly and is prepared.
• Communicate with your child’s teacher regarding the progress of your child.
• Participate in field trips and on special events at the school
• Help fundraise to support special events or to bolster the schools overall resources
• Help with other parents who may not be as available or may require special assistance.
• Serve as a guest resource to your child’s classroom when appropriate

  Parents play an important role in the education of children. They are also essential partners for schools. Each school should encourage responsible involvement of parent and provide meaningful opportunities for involvement.