Snapshots

August 2009

"Yes for PV Students" is a political action committee formed to support passage of a Maintenance and Operations override this November.  Member Laurie Smith presented information to the group.  State law allows districts to exceed the state-imposed M&O budget limits by up to 10% if there is voter approval.  Passage of the M & O budget override will help decrease class sizes; provide instruction for technology, P.E., and fine arts; give additional assistance in reading, writing, and math; offer competitive salaries to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff; and promote a safe and healthy school environment.  Most Valley metro districts have overrides in place.   If the budget override doesn't pass, the District will be forced to cut more than $10.8 million from its operating budget over the next two years, negatively impacting class sizes, salaries, and programs.  Fact sheets will be available at school sites. More information also is available at the committee’s web site. United Parent Council supports passage.

Other News

• This year UPC’s Special Education Committee invites parents to watch for details of upcoming evening programs featuring presentations by SARC and Raising Special Kids.  The committee also hosts monthly parent-to-parent support gatherings the last Wednesday of the month at Einstein’s, 64th Street and Greenway, at 12:30 p.m.   Questions? Contact Chair Allison Cahill. 
  
• UPC supports parent group leaders by sponsoring the Leadership Ideas Networking Community or "LINC" where school parent leaders can come together, network, and share ideas.  LINC Chair, Jen Mozilo, announced the first event--  a parent group presidents’ exchange  to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16th from 6:30–8:00 p.m.  All parent group presidents are encouraged to attend this once-a-year opportunity.
• The district’s student information system will undergo an upgrade in February.  Julie Bacon will follow the transition closely and ensure parents know what to expect.
• Finally, plans for a new Long-Range Plan are underway and parent representatives have been chosen for the first stage of work. The LRP is the district’s five-year road map.  UPC will provide regular progress reports.

Program:  OPENING BELL 2009-2010

Featured Speaker: Dr. James Lee, PVUSD Superintendent

United Parent Council ends each meeting with an informational presentation.  This month, new superintendent Dr. Jim Lee addressed the group and answered questions in a program titled "Opening Bell 2009-10."  Dr. Lee introduced himself and his cabinet. Dr. Lee has been a teacher, principal, and district administrator.  He believes it’s important to nurture, engage, challenge, guide, empathize, and understand children.  With regard to adults (district employees and parents), it’s important to: engage, train/coach/mentor, challenge, empathize, and involve them.   He is asking administrators to study and discuss the book A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink.  It inspires a holistic approach to learning (right hemisphere thinking) favoring synthesis and big picture thinking, helping students to know about their world and what to do with information they possess.  This kind of knowledge will be necessary in the 21st Century.  Regarding plans to draw up a new Long Range Plan, Dr. Lee will utilize a shared decision-making format that is collaborative, inclusive, meaningful, and focused on student achievement.

September Program:  Grant Writing 101

Snapshot  Editor:  Renee Weiss