Reply to What can parents do to improve ACPS?

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[quote=Anonymous]To 10:08

I certainly agree that there is a lot of good at ACPS, and appreciate that you point out your experience comes from someone who has also had exposure to other public and private schools.  Too many ACPS bashers on this board assume the supporters must just be too ignorant to know better!

However, as to your statement that
"multiple school board members aren't even on speaking terms with any of the PTA officers."

Huh?

I'm an active PTA officer and also a member of a School Board Advisory Committee, and I enjoy open and frequent communication with multiple members of the school board who have never expressed anything but willingness to speak with me.

I think the School Board is careful not to take PTA voice as the sole, ultimate gauge of "what parents think" because they know that active PTA members only represent a small portion of the community. This is not because PTAs don't active encourage wide and diverse membership, it's just the way things currently stand.

It's not that I agree with everything the School Board has said and/or done--far from it. However, I think you seem to have an openly hostile and adversarial approach in your dealings with the School Board, whereas I tend to approach them as fellow community members who like me are dedicating a huge amount of their time and efforts in the service of Alexandria kids. We should therefore meet, discuss, share views, and try to move forward together.

For OP, I agree with others that PTAs can certainly raise funds to help with innovative learning programs and materials for schools, and like the PPs can attest this does happen. I would only suggest that the parents of a PTA remember that the "T" stands for teacher, and when exploring these programs, they should actively seek input from teachers. The teachers at the individual school are best able to tell you if a program will work well, issues with implementation, and may be able to inform you of other programs you might not be aware of, programs that might be a better fit.

OP, you are clearly an involved, dedicated parent, and you will find many like-minded folks in the ACPS community. Good luck in your efforts![/quote]

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