Wednesday, February 17, 2010

FW: Several opportunities to take action to improve our schools!

February 17, 2010
A+ Schools eBlast
In This Issue
Sign our Community Agenda for Empowering Effective Teachers!
School Works Meeting
Education News
Quick Links

A+ Schools Program Info

A+ SCHOOLS RELEASES BOARD WATCH REPORT CARD
 
Yesterday A+ Schools issued its second report card for the 2009-2010 school year, giving the Pittsburgh Public School Board an overall grade of B-.  Grades in five key areas - ranging from a C to a B+ - were based on observations from volunteers that attend Education, Agenda Review and Legislative school board meetings.
 
So far, 81 volunteers have completed the required Board Watch training session. The most recent report card was based on reports on six meetings submitted by 31 volunteers. About seven volunteers attended each meeting. No volunteer evaluated more than two meetings during the grading period.
 
The Pittsburgh School Board earned a C in focus and mission (down from a B-) and a B- in conduct (down from a B) while maintaining grades in three other areas: a C+ in role clarity, a B- in competency and a B+ for transparency - the highest grade on the report card.
To find out more, visit our website.
 
You can take action to contribute to improved school board governance by:
 
1.     Writing a letter or testifying at a public hearing in support of Board Watch recommendations.  Click Here to learn more.
 
2.     Becoming a Board Watch volunteer (City of Pittsburgh residents only), contact A+ Schools at 412-697-1298 or via e-mail at 
rjenkins@aplusschools.org.  You can also access the volunteer application online.
 
 
NEWS STORIES
teach logo

SIGN ON TO THE COMMUNITY AGENDA FOR EMPOWERING EFFECTIVE TEACHING
 
To read the agenda in its entirety, please visit our website.  Please support this effort and sign on TODAY!
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SECOND
SCHOOL WORKS COMMUNITY MEETING!!

school works vertical 
 
RSVP here and join us to hear the results of School Works and talk about how we can take action!
 
Thursday, March 11, 2010 
 5:30PM-8:00PM
Langley High School
2940 Sheraden Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15204
Sheraden (West End)
 
NEW IN 2010
Join us on March 11th and you will have the opportunity to use our handheld polling devices and vote on what YOU think is most important for students.  Results can be shared instantaneously!
 
Meals and childcare will be provided!
 
Register at least 24 hours in advance by calling (412) 697-1298 x105 or visiting our WEBSITE.
 
Join us and show your support for public education in Pittsburgh.

ALL ARE WELCOME!
WE NEED A FEW VOLUNTEERS!
 
We need volunteers to help us make some phone calls in preparation for our March 11th community meeting. 
 
Can spare an hour or two to come into A+ Schools' new office to makes some phone calls?
 
We need volunteers for these dates:
 
  • March 3, 2010 
  • March 5, 2010
  • March 8-10, 2010
Please contact Carey Harris at charris@aplusschools.org to schedule a time!
DON'T FORGET TO UPDATE OUR CONTACT INFO! 
 
You can now reach A+ Schools at:
 
1901 Centre Avenue
Suite 302A
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 697-1298
(412) 697-1516 (f)

Education News

 
 
 
 
LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
-February 17, 2010: PA students to have path to early graduation, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
The Patriot News 
 
-February 12, 2010: Some kids admit they miss going to school--really, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
-February 10, 2010: Increases planned for public schools under Rendell budget plan, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
 
NATIONAL NEWS
-February 17, 2010: California districts push teacher pay cuts during contract negotiations, KPBS-San Diego State University
 
 
 
-February 17, 2010: State will try history do-over, (North Carolina) NewsObserver.com
 

Community News/Events

 DISTRICT 2 PITTSBURGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS MEETING

WHEN: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 6:00PM-7:30PM
 
WHERE: Pittsburgh Westwood K-8, 508 Shadyhill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
 
WHAT: The Pittsburgh Public Schools have released a proposed plan that might impact the schools in District 2.  The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to express their suggestions and to obtain information relating to schools in our area.  How ill possible changes impact you, your children, the community, etc...?
 
WHO: School Board Members Floyd "Skip" McCrea and Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Theresa Smith will host the meeting
 
Please plan on attending this worthwhile meeting to make sure your concerns and answers are addressed!
 
For further information, please contact the Office of Councilwoman Theresa Smith at 412-255-8963.
 FREE Tax Preparation for Pittsburgh Public Schools Families Earning up to $57,000!
Spread the word!
 
Every Saturday in February free personal income tax help is available to all Pittsburgh Public School District families with household incomes of up to $57,000 through a special service being offered by the United Way of Allegheny County, The Pittsburgh Promise, NEED, and the Pittsburgh Public Schools.  

Households with college-bound seniors can also receive help completing the FAFSA application (Free Application for Student Financial Aid).

Reservations are required. 

Interested families should schedule an appointment as soon as possible with the United Way HelpLine at (412) 255-1155.


Taxpayers can choose to attend any one of the two remaining citywide locations:
  • Saturday, February 20 at Obama 6-12 at the Reizenstein Facility
  • Saturday, February 27 at Pittsburgh Carrick High School
Additional information is also available at www.eitcpgh.org under "Pittsburgh Public Schools Tax/FAFSA workshops in February".

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