I just found out today that our school social worker is getting her hours cut to less than part time and our principal is bringing in 2 paraprofessionals to assist the social worker to do her job. Both paraprofessionals only have a high school diploma. Our social worker has a master's degree and is very important in our school. Since there has been a budget cut for the upcoming school year, what sense does it make to hire 2 more people? This whole situation is spiraling out of control.

We already passed out flyers to parents and we started a petition. The faculty are shocked and disgusted about the whole situation.

Maybe putting together (that dreaded word) committee to research music grants and science grants to keep those programs in place-- as posted above music have been proven in 100's of studies to improve other areas of curriclum, self esteem and social skills -- it is one program that shouldnt be cut and is usually the first to go for some unbeknownst reason to those with common sense

mommy - you might ask your principal to consider the studies that show that music actually HELPS in the academic side of things. music is absolutely the one thing they shoudl NOT cut, if in fact getting great test scores is their goal.

I went to a meeting last night where our beloved superintendent spoke. He informed us that all schools must cut their budget by 6%, and that he is leaving it up to each principal to make cuts that they see fit in their own schools. Our current principal feels that our music program isn't necessary.

Our music teacher is loved by all. He puts together a chorus and they do 2 shows a year in our auditorium. These children have to audition to become part of the chorus. They absolutely love performing for their families, and they are going to be crushed when they find out that they can't perform anymore. Our children also play their instruments at this program, and now they won't be able to do that either. Our auditorium is filled to capacity for the 2 shows, and lots of parents have to stand. It's 2 times a year that we all look forward to.

Our music teacher teaches all grade levels in our school (K-5). However, not every grade will get the chance to be exposed to music in the upcoming school year because music will only be taught 2 or 3 days per week.

Another concern we have is that our children will still be tested in science on the PSSA exam. How can they be tested when they won't even be learning science in the upcoming school year?

Many parents are pulling their children from our school. Our school is now getting a negative reputation, and that is quite unfortunate. Thank you all so much for your input.

we got our district test scores/API results today. funny how the 'parent involvement' schools like charter schools and other (all public) have higher scores than non parent involvemtn schools in the same demographic areas.

A great proportion of the misery that wanders, in hideous forms, around the world, is allowed to rise from the negligence of parents. Mary Wollstonecraft

Unfortuntately like being involved in our govtmental process (less than 40% vote but 90% whine or disprove) we are the minority (and not silent thankfully) when it comes to education and bettering/enhancing our nations education, schools and parental involvement- it could be solved -- better pay, better accountability, better curriclum if more got their collective heads outta their -- you know.

Sometimes throwing $$$ at the problem is akin to tossing it in the firepit