Embrace Common Core; let's go forward for better education.  Here's some interesting commentary on the subject:  http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/opinion/la-ed-comm...

Excellent story on school busing issues by Justin Murphy of the D&C:

Most city students don't attend neighborhood schools

There was an excellent article in RochesterSubway.com on the Vision Quest Community School initiative.  Be sure to read it and if you like what you read come to the Vision Quest presentation to Dr. Vargas, Monday, April 21st at 5:30pm at Central office to voice your support:   http://www.rochestersubway.com/topics/2014/04/vision-quest-communit...

-> Here is a brochure from The Rochester Business Alliance that concisely lays out where things stand in Rochester schools compared to NY State:

3-18RBACARBrochure - Final.pdf

The Vision Quest Community School alternative looks like the most worthwhile proposal for city that I have seen.  Hope it moves ahead and they are successful.

-On Vision Quest-

From D&C's Justin Murphy:  Rochester teachers propose SOTA-style elementary school:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/04/21/rochester...

New York State’s Extreme School Segregation

Inequality, Inaction and a Damaged Future

Be sure to check out:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/AQEMetro-Justice-Education-Committee...

A little something for perspective about the good old days...

I just saw this post from Thomas Stagliano in an MIT Alumni LinkedIn group:

How times have changed. Now parents won't let their kids walk alone to a park. In 1950 parents bought the Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab for the kids....

The good old days when science kits were Science Kits......

Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab (1950-1951) orau.org

The set came with four types of uranium ore, a beta-alpha source (Pb-210), a pure beta source (Ru-106), a gamma source (Zn-65?), a spinthariscope, a cloud chamber with its own short-lived alpha source (Po-210), an electroscope, a geiger counter, a...

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/12/27/rochester...

Usher in 2015 with a look back through the lens of Share My Lesson’s most popular lessons tied to news and events from 2014!

Here are some highlights:

• Racial profiling and stereotyping
• School dress codes spark controversy
• Will online classes replace classrooms?
• Events in Ferguson, Mo.
• Ebola outbreak in Africa
• Why a 'female' hurricane is more deadly than a 'male'
• The DREAM Act
• Commemorate César Chávez Day
• And so many more!

Share this popular collection with colleagues so everyone can stay ... on the latest events paired with lessons in 2015.

Happy New Year,

 Read more about Share My Lesson.

-> NY ed commissioner King’s successor must urge change

DAN DRMACICH, Guest Essayist in the D&C had a very interesting article in the Saturday January 10 paper on what is coming in Albany.  Read the article and as Dan recomends "vigorously lobby local Regents members Wade Norwood and T. Andrew Brown and the local legislators who helped select those Regents, including David Gantt, Joe Morelle, Harry Bronson and Gov. Cuomo."

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/opinion/guest-column/2015...

-> Here is an interesting article by Justin Murphy, D&C Staff writer 3:59 p.m. EST February 16, 2015

Rochester special-ed plan draws union ire

-> Here is an interesting NYTimes article Jim Bearden just sent me a link for:

Empathy, not Expulsion, for Preschoolers at Risk

Superintendent's Conference Day has changed to Friday, May 1. There is no school for students on May 1. Monday, April 27 is a regular day of school for all students.   https://www.facebook.com/RCSDNYS/photos/a.210332358995944.62460.110...

RCSD Students Compete in 19th Ward Spelling Bee

http://minorityreporter.net/students-compete-in-19th-ward-spelling-...

19WCA Spelling Bee Video

-> The Fifth Annual 19th Ward Spelling Bee, a competition involving students from Rochester schools 10, 16, 19, 29 and 44, was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 in the Hubbell Auditorium in Hutchison Hall at the University of Rochester, NY.  The Spelling Bee is sponsored by the 19th Ward community Association, the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity of the UR, Rochester Area Community Foundation, the University of Rochester, the Arnett Branch Library and th Rochester City School District.

Schools for sale

An interesting story by Tim Macaluso and Christine Fien

Controversial teacher evaluation method is on trial — literally — a...

An interesting article from The Washinton Post.

Thanks for that last article, John! Excellent. May she win!

Check out:

Community and Youth Programs

-> Here is an interesting D&C article on Dan Lowengard:  http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2016/01/01/lowengard...

Very positive, and I like what he's saying.  Hope he can accomplish something, as the time is now for some forward action.  Best wishes to him for a meaningful tenure.

->  What It Takes To Enhance African American Male Success In College.

Here is a great Hélène Biandudi Hofer interview with MCC President Anne Kress, MCC student Marcus Blythers, and MCC Alum and Vice President of Advancement for the Rochester Area Community Foundation and VP of Rochester City Council, Dana Miller:

http://yourblackeducation.com/what-it-takes-to-enhance-african-amer...

-> Check D&C article: Dan Lowengard steps down as RCSD superintendent after stroke

-> The Buffalo News - Battled-tested as educator, Cimusz is lured by new city: Rochester

This article does a nice job of giving Linda Cimusz's background.

-> Citizen Action of New York - Stand Up for Kids Campaign Will Confront Child Poverty w/  Progressive Birth-to-College Agenda

From Brittaney M. Wells:

Are you looking for a fun filled activity for your kids this February break? 

Send them to Biz Kid$ Camp!  Biz Kid$ is a fun, interactive camp that teaches kids ages 13 to 18 how to start their own business. For more information, please see the attachments to this email, or visit www.cityofrochester.gov/bizkids or call (585) 428 -7371, thank you!

The RCSD Board has chosen a search firm to find the next superintendent.

Justin Murphy's D&C articles gives the details:  RCSD picks superintendent search firm

-> Here's a podcast of John (Boutet) in an interview on Rochester Free Radio's The Broken Spear Vision 31 talking about the necessity of restoring neighborhood schools.  Please feel free to express your own thoughts on the subject here.

-> Here is a great idea on how to get exercise in class!

Healthi Headlines - May 2016.eml

Be sure to check out Justin Murphy's November 4, 2016 D&C article Rochester reshuffling public school buildings again .  Some of these changes may impact our elementary schools in the future.  After 16 is renovated it will be School 10's turn.  Where those School 10 students move for swing space will be an issue.  There is also the question of where our 19th Ward elementary students will go for junior high.  If Wilson Magnet now becomes 7-12 does that mean it becomes our destination of choice for 7 and 8?  We need to stay on top of what the district is doing and make sure if makes sense for our students.

More uncertainty ahead:  Erica Bryant: Trump's plans for the RCSD

BETSY DEVOS>  In case the goings-on in Washington have you upset about what the perils are for education, here it is put to music:  https://www.facebook.com/baldpianoguy/videos/1627517420887971/

This is the time for us to get involved with our schools and safeguard them.  Come to the January 25th SWCC Education Committee Meeting at the Arnett Library to learn about the change in design plan for School 16.  We meet on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm.

http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/rochester-school-di...

Here is a great piece on Superintendent Barbara Deane-Williams by Tim Macaluso of City Newspaper.  From what we have seen this is an accurate assessment.

Best news I have seen on City School situation in 10 years.  Congratulations, Barbara, and I hope you have great success!

Very good article about new school superintendent, from D&C:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2017/05/04/barbara-d...

Here is a great video about two school districts: https://vimeo.com/223637669

->    Good article by Justin Murphy on Path Forward options:

RCSD considers placement changes as part of 'Path Forward'

The demographic study of the city is an important piece of information to look at the best way forward.

You can also check this link:

Pathways/Response for Student Assignment in the RCSD

Second Draft 01-22-2018

Good news for opting students out of State Tests:  http://www.fairtest.org/why-you-can-boycott-testing-without-fear

Check out Black Girls Matter Report.

-> Natalie Sheppard RCSD commissioner made a very passionate presentation at the March 29th School Board meeting.  It is worth listening to.

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/videos/news/2018/03/29/school-...

-> 14611 & 14619 Census Data to calculate school age population.  Here is some data John Laing pulled together.

Schoolagepopulationin14611and14619.pdf

Check out this news on School 29: RCSD School No. 29 celebrates inclusion, Scroll down for all 6 parts

RCSD board rejects Connected Communities plan to adopt School 33 as a community school

Here are a couple of interesting articles from the D&C:

• From Justin Murphy we have:  Rochester schools: Educator calls for total reset of the way the district operates
• Guest Essayist Dan Drmacich:  Tough questions must be asked, answered to truly transform the RCSD

I should also note that while many of the Districts problems are of its own making or from the poverty and social issues it faces, many also come from State and Federal mandates and regulations which in some cases hurt effective teaching, are disruptive to schools in the District and hurt our neighborhoods.

Terry Dade has been chosen as our next Superintendent: https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/rochester/terry-dade-will-be...

Extraction of Community Schools and Busing issues from Lovely Warren's Rochester 2034 Draft: Rochester 2034 - Community Schools - Busing.pdf

I extracted this 76KB pdf out of the huge 244,191KB Rochester 2034 draft.  She has incorporated most everything we have been fighting for in this draft regarding neighborhood/community schools and local busing!