Teacher, Parent, and Public Relations

Our student population is currently more than 25% school of choice district wide. School start times are staggered, with elementaries starting nearly an hour after the middle & high schools. We have a great deal of difficulty getting our parents to pick up their students promptly at the end of the day, and have a number of students tardy in the morning. I frequently hear that parents do not want to make two trips, so they drop off/pick up at the later time. Does anyone have an effective way to get parents to pick students up promptly? What has worked for you?

I am currently working with a company to develop and pilot a new program for teachers that would allow them to utilize student cell phones to aid in instruction. Our program would primarily use the phone's text messaging feature. Some functions of the program would include student surveys, quizzes and tests, real-time brainstorming, and picture and video galleries. It would be web-based so schools would simply pay a subscription fee and get a log-in. We are thinking about purchasing some pay-as-you-go cell phones for students to use who do not have text messaging service on their phones.

What do you see as the pros and cons of a program like this? I'm curious to get your feedback.

Students took the 3 WorkKeys components needed to qualify for a National Career Readiness Certificate as part of the MME. The results of those tests are now available. OEAA has provided schools with a 6 page PDF of instructions telling students how to log in and register so that they can receive a copy of their certificate, but we would like to send a cover letter to students and parents along with that PDF. Does anyone have a copy of such a letter that they would be willing to share?

We are doing some preliminary investigating and I could use some information from any of you who have the experience in implementing trimesters. Questions:
How long have you had it in place?
Do you see a positive correlation to academic achievement?
Has it cost you ($$-wise)and if yes, when (what year) did the cost increase become most apparent?
Have any of you who have gone to trimesters then gone back to semesters?
How has the community "bought in"?
Your overall experience in implementing: positive or negative AND how long did it take you to implement?

THANK YOU!!!!!!
Brooke Ballee
bballee@vanburenschools.net

Does anyone know where to find a copy of the Student Grade Appeal Law from 15-20 years ago?  Is it still valid??

I am looking for a tutoring or remedial program for students who are classified as homeless.  I found out today that Title 1 funds are available for this program and need to have something in place soon.  Any suggestions or resourses would be greatly appreciated.

I am interested in finding out how junior high and middle school handle tardies to school in particular first hour.  We have run into a few problems with first hour tardies since the parents are the ones brining the child to school late.  Any help would be greatly appreciated as we attempt to get a handle on a problem before it gets out of control.

What on-line homework sites do your teachers recommend?

Looking for the Job Descriptions AND Evaluation Tool...

Does anyone have or run such a program?

Debra Wightman dwightman@fremont.net