"Every Student Succeeds Act" ("ESSA")

Anonymous wrote:

"Re:Today's PG editorial http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2016/12/05/Getting-to-work-The-Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-holds-promise/stories/201612310058

" The ESSA replaces the No Child Left Behind Act, the deficiencies of which included the unrealistic _ and unmet _ goal of 100 percent proficiency in reading and math by 2014."

The standard we hold for our children should always be 100 percent " proficiency ".
The culture we set for our children should always be one of high expectations.
To lower our aspirations for our children fails them on every level.

If we fail to meet the highest of standards, expectations, aspirations_____ then we try harder."

Why was the superintendent elected secretary of the school board?

Anonymous wrote:

"Perhaps someone on this blog can answer my question. The Pittsburgh school Board recently had an election for officers. Regina Holley was elected President and Sylvia Wilson took Vice President. My question is why was Anthony Hamlet elected Secretary when he is not an elected member of the school board? How can Hamlet perform his duties as Secretary when the discussion turns to questions of his job performance. I believe this is a conflict of interest and a mishandling of the roles on the elected school board. Surely an elected school board member could have been chosen for this sensitive position. "

A+ Report to the Community

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/11/22/Pittsburgh-schools-get-mixed-marks-in-A-Schools-report-card/stories/201611220035

We are still here!

Anonymous wrote:

"(new topic) We miss you PURE REFORM-- are you okay? "


Thank you- still here!  Just a little lull in the action.

Several months into a new school year with a new superintendent, how are things going?  

Appointments to PPS leadership team

Anonymous wrote:

"New Post:"Hamlet appointee has resume,will travel."
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/10/28/Hamlet-works-to-fill-out-his-leadership-team-for-Pittsburgh-Public-Schools/stories/201610210084

What is missing is the length, depth and breadth of experience and commitment that culminates in success. Why are we not seeking out and recruiting such individuals ? "

Learn to swim! Participate in fun water games!

Now is your chance for you and/or your children to learn to swim, have fun, train, get exercise and/or learn  new sports- all for FREE!

From Mark Rauterkus:

"Saturday Swim School activities are on the Northside at Oliver High School, 2323 Brighton Road, 15212. 

Enter the swim pool area of Oliver High School from the door by the gym past the loading dock. Easy parking in the lot. 

9 am = Triathletes & Varsity Swimmers (especially adults & high school ages)

10 am = Disk-based, aquatic games, cross-training, (think easy water polo and fun) for high school and adult participants. 

11:30 - NOON = Swim Lesson for All   Middle school students should arrive.

Noon to 1 pm = Middle School aquatic games with mentors welcome too.

1 pm to 1:45 pm is Underwater Hockey for Rookies, Adults, and Varsity Swimmers. (No Underwater Hockey this weekend, 10/15/2016, as the Pittsburgh team is traveling to an out of town tournament.) 

No fees. No transportation. No web site yet, but it is coming. 

This is a labor of love as a proof of concept to display how quality programs among citizens can and should occur at our schools in out-of-school time.

Join in. 

I'm interested in establishing a sustainable programto bridge engagement for kids throughout the winter who have experienced SUMMER DREAMERS with us in the past. But, there is plenty of room for more students and families. Plus, we'll be training lifeguards and swim instructors for future summer program expansion. 

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FYI: No Saturday Swim School on Halloween weekend (as I'm going to a college parents weekend) nor on Thanksgiving weekend. 

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Feel free to pass along the invite and call, text or email me if you have any questions. "

If you have questions you can email Mark at mark.rauterkus@gmail.com .

Changes at U Prep

Anonymous wrote:

"

New Post:A renewed focus on UPrep by outside groups( http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/10/03/At-City-of-Pittsburgh-school-district-s-University-Prep-task-force-aimed-at-addressing-violence-set-to-disband/stories/201609290064 ).

Interesting that Dr. Hamlet is not referenced in the article.

Notably, Burley Consultants will provide direct consultation, professional development and mediation training. Has Mr. Burley "locked arms" with Rich Milner, who over the summer hosted a professional development session for U Prep teachers?

In what way are the PSSA's incorporated into this professional development?

Are these outside groups mentioned in the article working together as one?

Is Mr.Horne guiding and leading the culture shift?"