First world problems...

1. It is called the Star Wars program and replaces the old Basis Bucks from a couple of years ago. It is fun for kids and rewards good behavior but apparently annoys grumpy parents. Four points from Centaurus!

2. The donations are for the Annual Teachers Fund, and 100% of the money is giving directly to teachers as bonuses for top performance. Maybe it is bit gauche to list the top donors every couple of weeks but it is a good cause. If you are bothered by the limelight, throw in $50 and ask be listed as anonymous. Or perhaps you are bothered because you haven’t donated or others donated more than you?

ugh that donor recognition is super gross. I hope you provide that feedback to the school directly.

Just checked my Basis emails and I haven’t received any with “this week’s top donors.” When was this email sent and by whom?

Donor thing - ick

Houses - great! I grew up in a Commonwealth country and all schools had them. It's great for school spirit. We had regular inter-house athletics, quiz, debates and other competitions. Since everyone can't be on the school team, it gives many more kids a chance to participate in activities.

Anonymous wrote:Are their houses just their classes? Is there something else?

Same question

Anonymous wrote:#2 seems crass

#1 is very British. Not just HP tho. Every school there does it... I don't love the competition between houses, and head boy/girl and all that, but it is a real thing.

+1

The house thing is popular in many places including Nigeria (although it is a former English colony so it makes sense). I don’t think it’s cheesy.

Are their houses just their classes? Is there something else?

The donor thing is really gross. Disappointing.

Then houses is cheesy but I actually applaud them for looking for ways to create bonds among kids coming back to school this year. It's a tricky year and I think there's something to be said for making an effort to make this year feel "special" which the houses might do (assuming it's not overly competitive between houses and the kids are encouraged to collaborate and celebrate each other -- no points system, for instance).

The donor thing is gross. Just say a general thank you to everyone who gave money in the newsletter, and then send personal thank you notes to those who gave (no matter how little). No wonder they have money problems, this is fundraising 101 in a public setting.

My kids are really into the “houses.” I can’t relate myself but sense it’s helping to build school spirit.

You're giving ammo to the haters.

Houses are very very common in middle schools. My public middle school in upstate NY had houses (originally called teams)

Wow that's way tacky. Almost indicates financial problems.

#2 seems crass

#1 is very British. Not just HP tho. Every school there does it... I don't love the competition between houses, and head boy/girl and all that, but it is a real thing.

1. This year's new "houses" gimmick is just annoying. Someone likes Harry Potter too much.

2. I really hate how "this week's top donors" are now listed publicly in email communication. I know, I know... people have always talked about Basis' finances, but giving a shout out to those who donate the most (!!) each week is just crass in a public school environment.

Rant over.