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The local schools--who can improve them? — Brooklynian

The local schools--who can improve them?

emily
emily
edited November -1 in Prospect Heights
Disclaimers: I have no children and don't know much about the local schools other than that the one in Park Slope is good and the ones in PH probably less so. I am just curious!

In the discussion about the Supreme Court ruling on eminent doman, quig said:
quig wrote: As I said before:
Schools
Schools
Schools
What is going to happen (for the better) for ps9.

I know Ratner's cronies read this board. I haven't heard SQUAT about impoving the schools in PH. It will keep people in the neighborhood more than a stadium.
I am curious about what Ratner or other local figures could do to improve the schools, particularly since they are run, as I understand it, citywide.

On another board I frequent, someone talked about actions taken by parents in her old neighborhood to improve the schools. (N.B. the person who posted this isn't here to debate her observations, and I am not necessarily endorsing the idea by mentioning it!)
Someone on another board altogether wrote: How about improving the overall supply of good schools? I used to live in a neighborhood in the Bay Area that had recently gentrified and there were lots of white professionals with babies living in the area. The local elementary school had so-so test scores and was part of the infamous Oakland Unified School District. The parents of the babies and toddlers formed a community group and started attending the PTA meetings, contributing money to the school, volunteering, etc. They gained the trust of the principal and some of the current parents and began to play a role in choosing teachers and setting some of the disciplinary policies.
On one hand, this strikes me as potentially patronizing and annoying behavior. On the other hand, I think it's more productive than fleeing to the suburbs.

I have to agree with quig that schools are what will keep people in, or drive people out, of the neighorhood; and if huge residential towers are built, there are going to be a lot more PHers than ever before. Parental and community involvement are important, but what if the people who are getting involved don't, or don't yet, have kids in the schools?

Comments

  • emily
    emily
    BTW, here's a link to the group I mentioned above:

    Lower Rockridge Parents Group
  • stacey
    stacey
    Hey Emily - I have a son who is a 3rd grader at PS 9. He has been there since pre-K and he loves his school.

    I have seen this school improve greatly in the 4 years my son has been there. This is mostly because of dedicated teachers, paras, secretaries, parents, etc. There has always been parent involvement but it has been growing of the years.

    You asked a great question:

    I am curious about what Ratner or other local figures could do to improve the schools, particularly since they are run, as I understand it, citywide.

    Yes they are run citywide and receive money from the state and fed. govenrment. But average every day citizens as well as business owners and those who are well off can greatly help the NYC public schools in the following ways:

    Donating time or specialities to the school - an artist can run a once a week workshop - (since Music and Arts is the first thing that gets cut).
    The children have really benefited from donations and grants in this area, such as a great piano and violin program after school, we had a fantastic program that Mr. Obodaya (I know I am spelling it wrong - a well known dancer) ran this past semester in which the children got to perform their piece at BAM (it was fantastic). There has also been a great golf program and tennis program that has been offered free to the students.

    I understand that small businesses sometimes are only able to break even each month but we recently had a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant generate $500 in raffle sales!!

    Check the schools' doors to see when there is a cake sale, plant sale, etc. and come make a purchase.

    My husband will be running football league this winter and the proceeds will all benefit the school.

    Large corporations (such as Ratner) have the chance to do so much for schools such as providing more computers, helping to improve schoolyard equipment, providing mentoring programs, etc.

    Most of all - PLEASE, PLEASE try to pay attention to local politics when there is mention of cuts to school budgets. Write or call politicians and let your voice be heard! We usually have a great bunch of parents and teachers who rally on the steps of City Hall each time and so far we have been successul each time!

    If you want any more info or want to donate time or anything else to the school you can call the Parent Coordinator at PS 9. Her name is Ms. Jacobs.

    .
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