Communication is most definitely a two-way street. Public schools are accustomed to providing feedback to students, but in my opinion we can do a great deal more to solicit meaningful feedback from students and families. The options seem endless. There’s the full-blown survey, the scheduling of focus groups, or one-on-one interviews with a random sampling of children and parents to name just a few possibilities.
But perhaps the new year has me yearning for simplicity because I’m inclined to begin with one question: “Are we getting it right?” I saw this query printed on a sign in a wildly successful retail shop over December vacation. Underneath the sign, a stack of blank cards and an army of pencils stood ready to collect the thoughts of any customer with something to say. There was no suggestion that customers comment specifically on the shop’s inventory, the look or feel of the space, or the efficiency of the salespeople – but rather an open invitation to provide feedback on any aspect of the operation.
Consider this blog post our first “Are we getting it right?” sign. Use the “Leave a comment” button to submit your answer. We look forward to hearing what you all have to say about Stonington’s Public Schools. Knowing how students and families feel about our work will only help us to refine and improve.
Thank you in advance,
Leanne
As a parent new to SPS I have generally been pleasantly surprised by the High School. At first SHS seemed amazingly bureaucratic but if you can manage to contact admin/teachers 1-2-1 I’ve found them willing to try creative solutions to unusual problems.
Neil,
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I am glad that you’ve found SHS willing to think creatively. Direct communication is so important.
Leanne
As a parent of a Deans Mill student I was amazed at the caring and concern shows to the students. The teachers really care about each individual child and take the time to help each one as to their needs. This is a great school and a wonderful learning experience for the children.
Carol,
We are very happy to hear that you’ve been pleased with your experience.
With thanks,
Leanne
The teachers at SHS are devoted, passionate and highly motivated.You know, for them, this is much more than a job. So refreshing.Thank you !
Patty,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback!
Leanne
The majority of the staff and teachers at the high school are willing to help, but I do not understand why there is no regularly scheduled parent/teacher meetings at the high school level. Stonington is the only system that I know of that does not do this. I have had e-mail conversations with many teachers, but it is considered odd if you want to sit face to face with a teacher to talk about your child.Is this built into the teachers’ contracts that they don’t participate, or is it something SHS has just never done?
Theresa
Theresa,
Thank you so much for your comment. SHS does not host formal parent conferences but you are absolutely encouraged to request face-to-face conversations with teachers whenever you like. If scheduling this type of meeting has been problematic, please do not hesitate to reach out the the high school administration who will be most happy to assist.
My best,
Leanne
Why are events at Pawcatuck middle school and mystic middle different as well as the curriculum
Roland,
Thanks so much for your question. Over the years we have worked to bring more consistency to the middle level experience. The curriculum is dictated by the district and so it is the same from building to building. What varies is the teachers’ approach to helping the students they are assigned to learn the content. We encourage teachers to give serious consideration to the needs of students in classrooms and to plan instructional activities accordingly. If there are specific activities or classroom experiences that you would urge us to make more consistent please let me know.
Leanne
SPS has done a great job w/both our children. They always help us w/their individual needs and make the necessary changes to ensure our children’s success in school. We have also had great experiences with SPS therapists and our children feel comfortable with the therapists and genuinely enjoy working with them. From Pre-K to 5th grade we have had many positive experiences and look forward to many years at SPS.
Shella,
Thanks so much for the very positive feedback! Please continue to let us know how we are doing.
Leanne
Potential revenues:
When money is tight, just wonder if we could:
1) – Hang some corporate or sponsor banners in the football field, baseball diamond, and soccer field. depending on size, each banner potentially could provide a few hundred dollars to the school annually. the school should also provide some vital statistics to these sponsors (i.e. # of spectators watching sporting events annually, etc) to help sell these banner spots.
2) – The exterior of a school bus is another good place to generate potential revenue, especially when school budget continues to face constraints. I noticed that both Foxwood and Mohegan Sun buses use every single space to advertise on each bus. Can the school board consider such advertising to help alleviate budget constraints when needed? some potential sponsors could be “tropicana orange juice” (ad revenue with a theme to promote healthy drinks instead of drinking soda), “Apple iPad” (ad revenue with a theme to promote the use of technology in school), etc.
Terry
Terry,
Thanks so much for your input. We continue to look for vehicles for revenue generation. Our investigation into sponsorship panels led us to our new scoreboard. Unfortunately, state law prohibits any kinds of advertising on school buses. We welcome your ideas.
Leanne
My children are both generally happy at their schools, but I find it odd that the middle school dances combine Pawcatuck & Mystic Middle schools. My child routinely complains that the students from both schools don’t hang out together at the dances (&, in fact, stay on opposite sides of the room generally) and that she feels less able to be herself in a room half full of strangers. I realize they will all be together at the high school, but “mingling” at the dance isn’t the way to get them to be friendly. We’re new to the area, so perhaps it’s more pronounced to her, but she feels like she’s going to a dance with a school full of kids she’s never seen- which is true. I think the dances should be separate. As it is now, it just seems forced and awkward.
Overall academically though, I think the classes are fine. I wish there were a gifted program for students who excel and test on a gifted level, but my understanding is that is not in the cards.
Elle,
Thank you so much for making the time to participate in this conversation. I will most certainly forward your feedback to our middle schools for discussion.
Many thanks,
Leanne
As a parent and sub in SPS I think it would be advatageous for both student and sub if there were a picture to go with a name, especially middle school. I have witnessed kids giving a wrong name to other subs as a joke and how would you know the difference if you can’t put a face with a name. I have worked in other states where they would always have an attendace sheet with the Life Touch pictures taken at the start of the year and names underneath.
Ginna,
Thank you so much for your comment. We will discuss your suggestion as we work to improve our supports for substitutes.
With appreciation,
Leanne
I wish there were more willingness to differentiate across the board at the elementary school level. Students who can read in Kindergarten are brushed off and made to do the same work as students who do not yet know the alphabet. I understand that the role of public school is to ensure that all students get from point A to point B, but as I see it, students who begin the year at “A and three quarters” are just taken for granted. Is it too much to ask that all children be given work at their ability level? I am finding that in subsequent grades, some teachers differentiate their instruction quite well while others continue to consider the ablest students essentially “ignorable.” It’s frustrating, and worrisome, to have Kindergarteners complaining that school isn’t engaging.
Kate,
Thank you so much for your feedback. It is very helpful to have the perspective of parents as we work to improve our services for all children.
With gratitude,
Leanne