California Montessori Project will be relocating to the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School located at 2635 Chestnut Hill Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826. School will be closed on Nov. 12th and 13th for the move and will resume on Monday, November 16th. SCUSD will provide bus transportation in the morning and the afternoon beginning Nov. 12th through the end of the school year.
Capitol Relocation Survey
Sacramento Press article about the move...
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Neighboring Folsom Cordova Unified to close schools
Last night at Mills Middle School, parents and community members came together to discuss school closures.
Six schools north of Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova, could shut down for good, although the focus was on three - Cordova Lane, Riverview and Williamson elementaries.
One parent suggested that homeowners in Rancho Cordova may fight back by filing a class action suit, an injunction or even a restraining order to prevent the district from closing schools.
Although often unsuccessful, school closures can lead to lawsuits. This summer in Seattle, parents filed litigation on behalf of schools targeted for closure in the poor/minority areas of the city.
In Hawaii, the state is facing two federal lawsuits that seek to block Furlough Fridays in public schools, one representing nine students with autism and the other on behalf of regular and special education students.
Closing neighborhood schools will eventually awaken the sleeping giant of parents, teachers, community activists and education advocates (if it hasn't already).
Regardless of the outcome, defending against the protracted litigation that will eventually follow these closures will drain school districts of precious time and resources.
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Six schools north of Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova, could shut down for good, although the focus was on three - Cordova Lane, Riverview and Williamson elementaries.
One parent suggested that homeowners in Rancho Cordova may fight back by filing a class action suit, an injunction or even a restraining order to prevent the district from closing schools.
Although often unsuccessful, school closures can lead to lawsuits. This summer in Seattle, parents filed litigation on behalf of schools targeted for closure in the poor/minority areas of the city.
In Hawaii, the state is facing two federal lawsuits that seek to block Furlough Fridays in public schools, one representing nine students with autism and the other on behalf of regular and special education students.
Closing neighborhood schools will eventually awaken the sleeping giant of parents, teachers, community activists and education advocates (if it hasn't already).
Regardless of the outcome, defending against the protracted litigation that will eventually follow these closures will drain school districts of precious time and resources.
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Sac Ballet comes to Hiram Johnson HS today to preview future school of the arts
Hiram Johnson High School dance students will learn what it takes to be a professional dancer and
the diversity of styles as the Sacramento Ballet Company completes a sample workout and performs in different dance genres for students in the schools’ dance studio located in the Johnson gymnasium.
The visit is scheduled for today from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the school, 6879 14th Ave.
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the diversity of styles as the Sacramento Ballet Company completes a sample workout and performs in different dance genres for students in the schools’ dance studio located in the Johnson gymnasium.
The visit is scheduled for today from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the school, 6879 14th Ave.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Let's really be bold
On the editorial pages of the Sacramento Bee recently, writers have touted the successes of local school districts that have acted "boldly" in turning around our failing schools.
The reconstitution of Jonas Salk Middle School is cited in one editorial as the brave action that San Juan Unified took to improve its test scores.
Another laughable puff piece in the series displays the Bee's continued insistence that Sacramento Charter High School has been transformed by the St. Hope Corporation into a successful school with glowing reviews.
Well, we won't go there at the moment...
Instead, let's offer up some real alternatives on how to improve schools that show deteriorating test scores -- if that truly is the measure of how we are failing to educate our children.
For instance, the concept of building Smart Education Systems aspires to promote and sustain high-quality student learning on a grass-roots level -- at the school, in the home and in the local community.
Examples of Smart Education Systems
Unlike the Bee suggests, we cannot close down schools and reestablish them again in leaner configurations. And we cannot solely abdicate our public responsibility to the corporate pressures of charter school reform and not expect to pay a high price for that surrender.
Another glaring omission in the Bee's editorial equation is the urgent need to involve parents as education advocates. The concept of Parent U-Turn is succeeding in The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Where is a similar implementation model for SCUSD?
The solutions are out there. We need to open our eyes and roll up our sleeves.
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The reconstitution of Jonas Salk Middle School is cited in one editorial as the brave action that San Juan Unified took to improve its test scores.
Another laughable puff piece in the series displays the Bee's continued insistence that Sacramento Charter High School has been transformed by the St. Hope Corporation into a successful school with glowing reviews.
Well, we won't go there at the moment...
Instead, let's offer up some real alternatives on how to improve schools that show deteriorating test scores -- if that truly is the measure of how we are failing to educate our children.
For instance, the concept of building Smart Education Systems aspires to promote and sustain high-quality student learning on a grass-roots level -- at the school, in the home and in the local community.
Examples of Smart Education Systems
Unlike the Bee suggests, we cannot close down schools and reestablish them again in leaner configurations. And we cannot solely abdicate our public responsibility to the corporate pressures of charter school reform and not expect to pay a high price for that surrender.
Another glaring omission in the Bee's editorial equation is the urgent need to involve parents as education advocates. The concept of Parent U-Turn is succeeding in The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Where is a similar implementation model for SCUSD?
The solutions are out there. We need to open our eyes and roll up our sleeves.
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Tom Barentson quits
Our friends over at the Big Education Ape reported Friday that Deputy Superintendent and CFO of SCUSD, Tom Barenton has resigned, effective October 15. Barentson has cited personal reasons for his departure.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Luther Burbank groundbreaking today
The $24.5 million Luther Burbank Regional Sports Complex will commence groundbreaking ceremonies today at 10:00 a.m., at 3500 Florin Road, Sacramento.
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Listening or lecturing?
This evening, SCUSD Superintendent Jonathan Raymond will visit the Pocket area as part of a continuing campaign of outreach to district stakeholders. Councilman Robbie Waters, Board President Ray Grimes and Raymond will partner to present the "listening and learning tour of the district" tonight at John F. Kennedy High School from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
An opinion piece in the Sacramento Bee yesterday urged local communities to assert a "count us in" approach by informing state legislators of the "barriers that need to be removed in order to achieve dramatic turnaround of the lowest performing schools." The feel-good ideas of reconstitution, transformation, and culture change are bandied about, yet the crux of the matter centers on a very ugly couple of words -- school closures.
Today, the Bee's editorial page is touting the "reconstitution" of Jonas Salk Middle School (San Juan Unified) as a dramatic fix to that particular school's problems of low API scores and chronic underperformance. The editorial, in no small way, credits the miraculous and swift turnaround to performance-based pay for teachers and a corporate partnership with Apple Computer, Inc.
Do teachers really want the performance-based pay incentive?
Do parents ultimately want corporations in their public school systems?
Given the recent pressure for Race to The Top federal funding, the local competition for economic resources, and the opinion trend on the Bee's editorial page, the question stakeholders really need to ask is:
Should we buy what you're selling?
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An opinion piece in the Sacramento Bee yesterday urged local communities to assert a "count us in" approach by informing state legislators of the "barriers that need to be removed in order to achieve dramatic turnaround of the lowest performing schools." The feel-good ideas of reconstitution, transformation, and culture change are bandied about, yet the crux of the matter centers on a very ugly couple of words -- school closures.
Today, the Bee's editorial page is touting the "reconstitution" of Jonas Salk Middle School (San Juan Unified) as a dramatic fix to that particular school's problems of low API scores and chronic underperformance. The editorial, in no small way, credits the miraculous and swift turnaround to performance-based pay for teachers and a corporate partnership with Apple Computer, Inc.
Do teachers really want the performance-based pay incentive?
Do parents ultimately want corporations in their public school systems?
Given the recent pressure for Race to The Top federal funding, the local competition for economic resources, and the opinion trend on the Bee's editorial page, the question stakeholders really need to ask is:
Should we buy what you're selling?
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
KJ's art initiative brings "Any Given Child" to SCUSD
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen Sacramento to pilot the Any Given Child program in SCUSD schools.
The initiative could reinvent arts education for schools struggling with budget cuts and fewer art teachers. The Kennedy Center will help identify the resources needed to create a tailor-made art curriculum for both the Twin Rivers School District and the Sacramento City Unified School District. The program will include teacher training and other resources, provided by the Kennedy Center at no cost.
Officials said they chose Sacramento out of a list of 27 cities in part because of the city's For Art's Sake initiative started by Mayor Kevin Johnson.
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The initiative could reinvent arts education for schools struggling with budget cuts and fewer art teachers. The Kennedy Center will help identify the resources needed to create a tailor-made art curriculum for both the Twin Rivers School District and the Sacramento City Unified School District. The program will include teacher training and other resources, provided by the Kennedy Center at no cost.
Officials said they chose Sacramento out of a list of 27 cities in part because of the city's For Art's Sake initiative started by Mayor Kevin Johnson.
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Friday, October 9, 2009
Matusi to host health care town hall at Sutter MS
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) will hold a town hall meeting tomorrow, October 10, at Sutter Middle School.
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Monday, October 5, 2009
Town hall meetings at SCUSD schools this week
The Sacramento Charter Review Committee is inviting the public to share comments about recommended changes to the city's charter. This week, the meetings will take place in local schools.
The schedule is as follows:
Tonight (Monday) Tahoe Park Elementary School, 3110 60th Street
Wednesday, Sam Brannan Middle School, 5301 Elmer Way
Thursday, Caleb Greenwood K-8, 5457 Carlson Drive
All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
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The schedule is as follows:
Tonight (Monday) Tahoe Park Elementary School, 3110 60th Street
Wednesday, Sam Brannan Middle School, 5301 Elmer Way
Thursday, Caleb Greenwood K-8, 5457 Carlson Drive
All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
No child left behind races to the top?
Last week's release of the AYP Progress report for SCUSD shows that many of the schools in our district are failing to adequately educate Sacramento children according to No Child Left Behind standards.
SCUSD schools in year 1 of program improvement status jumped from 3 in 2008-09 to 15 to 2009-10.
The statistics are troubling. Many of our local high schools are at risk of entering PI status next year.
In last week's Sacramento Bee, Superintendent Raymond describes the vicious cycle of program improvement:
In order to receive federal money, California must tie teacher performance to test results and legislators will soon meet in a special session to consider Governor Schwarzenegger's "Race To the Top" plan which would allow merit pay and more charter schools.
Consequently, the teachers' unions feel squeezed by former allies, including the president, seeing more of the same, tired rhetoric around test scores as opposed to real, educational reform.
And, by the way, is anyone asking the local teachers about reform? Is there any other profession in this country where salary is used as a punitive measure? Do we pay legislators on how many laws they pass?
It's long overdue to start listening to educators, teachers and parents.
It's hard to fathom that Education Secretary Arne Duncan (who has never taught in a classroom) has a better idea of reform for our district than say, Susan Miller.
Will you take Arnold Schwarzenneger's advice on how to enrich your kid's high school experience? Wouldn't your principal be just a bit more knowledgeable?
Let's ask Kevin Johnson to come into your child's elementary school class and give the teacher some pointers on how to race to the top...
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SCUSD schools in year 1 of program improvement status jumped from 3 in 2008-09 to 15 to 2009-10.
The statistics are troubling. Many of our local high schools are at risk of entering PI status next year.
In last week's Sacramento Bee, Superintendent Raymond describes the vicious cycle of program improvement:
"It's like the Hotel California, you check in but you never check out."What constitutes failure? STAR test results? Isn't it clearly obvious that NCLB has most educators focused on “teaching the test”?
The one-size-fits-all approach to the law doesn’t reflect or support the incredibly varied needs and strengths of the schools ...Enter President Obama's Race to the Top, part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
In order to receive federal money, California must tie teacher performance to test results and legislators will soon meet in a special session to consider Governor Schwarzenegger's "Race To the Top" plan which would allow merit pay and more charter schools.
Consequently, the teachers' unions feel squeezed by former allies, including the president, seeing more of the same, tired rhetoric around test scores as opposed to real, educational reform.
And, by the way, is anyone asking the local teachers about reform? Is there any other profession in this country where salary is used as a punitive measure? Do we pay legislators on how many laws they pass?
It's long overdue to start listening to educators, teachers and parents.
It's hard to fathom that Education Secretary Arne Duncan (who has never taught in a classroom) has a better idea of reform for our district than say, Susan Miller.
Will you take Arnold Schwarzenneger's advice on how to enrich your kid's high school experience? Wouldn't your principal be just a bit more knowledgeable?
Let's ask Kevin Johnson to come into your child's elementary school class and give the teacher some pointers on how to race to the top...
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Strong mayor initiative dissected
At tonight's city council meeting, City Attorney Eileen Teichert will present her report titled, "Strong Mayor Initiative Legal Issues and Options."
Read it here.
Excerpt from page 17:
The Strong Mayor Initiative (SMI) provides for mayoral appointment and removal power over almost all City employees. This includes those employees who participate in City administrative hearing procedures that may grant or divest individuals of certain property rights as with land use and code enforcement decisions. Exercise by the Mayor of his tri-part voting, veto and voting not to override the veto power with respect to appeals of any matters decided by his appointees may give rise to significant due process concerns.
Read it here.
Excerpt from page 17:
The Strong Mayor Initiative (SMI) provides for mayoral appointment and removal power over almost all City employees. This includes those employees who participate in City administrative hearing procedures that may grant or divest individuals of certain property rights as with land use and code enforcement decisions. Exercise by the Mayor of his tri-part voting, veto and voting not to override the veto power with respect to appeals of any matters decided by his appointees may give rise to significant due process concerns.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Local AFL-CIO mobilizes against Johnson
The Sacramento Central Labor Council has put out a call for a strong show of support at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
Text:
URGENT MOBILIZATION!
STOP THE POLITICAL VENDETTA AGAINST THE AFL-CIO SUPPORTER ON THE LAW AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE!
Tuesday, September 15th @ 6 PM
*This should be one of the first items on the agenda*
Sacramento City Council Meeting
City Hall
915 I Street, Sacramento
On Tuesday, September 8th, Mayor Kevin Johnson removed Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy as chair of the City’s Law and Legislation Committee. Sheedy has been an outspoken advocate for workers issues on and off the city council. Councilmember Sheedy raised questions reflecting the concerns of Labor regarding the potential corruption in the strong mayor proposal advocated by the group Sacramentans for Accountable Government.
The city council will meet Tuesday, September 15th, to vote on implementation of the mayor’s recommendation of removing Sheedy. It is critical that allies of working families show council members they must vote against the implementation of this political vendetta!
Text:
URGENT MOBILIZATION!
STOP THE POLITICAL VENDETTA AGAINST THE AFL-CIO SUPPORTER ON THE LAW AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE!
Tuesday, September 15th @ 6 PM
*This should be one of the first items on the agenda*
Sacramento City Council Meeting
City Hall
915 I Street, Sacramento
On Tuesday, September 8th, Mayor Kevin Johnson removed Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy as chair of the City’s Law and Legislation Committee. Sheedy has been an outspoken advocate for workers issues on and off the city council. Councilmember Sheedy raised questions reflecting the concerns of Labor regarding the potential corruption in the strong mayor proposal advocated by the group Sacramentans for Accountable Government.
The city council will meet Tuesday, September 15th, to vote on implementation of the mayor’s recommendation of removing Sheedy. It is critical that allies of working families show council members they must vote against the implementation of this political vendetta!
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