|
|
|
Councilman Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News
June 2005
Scottsdale Parent Council Committed to Keeping Arcadia Schools Strong
Strong schools are crucial for any neighborhood. They bring pride to communities and push young people toward bright futures. As chair of the City Council Education Subcommittee, I am passionate about helping schools in Phoenix become centers of learning excellence. One of my priorities has been to increase partnerships between the city and our public schools. Good examples are improved after school programs and character-building wake-up clubs before school.
High quality community partnerships are critical for education success. I am always impressed when I find people actively involved in helping our schools. A great example of a community partnerships is the Scottsdale Parent Council (SPC). Our schools represent the heart and soul of Arcadia and active parents are key components of great schools.
“Every piece of research supports the idea that strong parental involvement is the number one predictor of children's success,” said Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Baracy. “The Scottsdale Parent Council helps other parents become involved in, and gain knowledge of, programs that can help their children. It is a strong community network.”
Some of those responsible for making the SPC's positive impact possible are outgoing SPC President Val Iverson and former presidents Suanne Rudley, Joan Agostinelli and Deborah Cookson, just to name a few.
When Iverson speaks about her experience with Arcadia schools, she uses words like “pride” and “community.” She and the other leaders have played a big role in encouraging pride in our schools and fostering a sense of community in and around them.
Representatives from Parent Teacher Organizations from all of the Scottsdale District's 33 schools make up the SPC. Their priorities include fostering communication between district staff, parents and the community, communicating with parents about education issues at schools and at the state Legislature, monitoring district services and being advocates for quality education. It is an organization that understands the diverse needs of parents and families and works to serve the community in all kinds of ways.
They're especially proud of their efforts to impact education Legislation.
“We have really worked hard the past two years or so to increase our presence at the state Legislature and focus on getting adequate funding for education,” said Iverson.
So why do our parents and educators think Arcadia schools are so successful?
“They have had an opportunity to build a history and become the center of the neighborhood and really build a community,” said Iverson.
“Arcadia schools are excelling because of strong parental involvement and the outstanding teaching staff led by our committed and passionate principals,” said Baracy.
Community, commitment, passion -- it's all there in the Arcadia schools.
We all can thank dedicated individuals who give their time to the SPC and PTOs. They know that their passion and commitment will make children and the whole community better.
To learn more about the Scottsdale Parent Council, visit
www.scottsdaleparentcouncil.org.
Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents Arcadia . If you have any questions about any issues, please feel free to call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/DISTRICT6.
Councilman Stanton is hosting an Arcadia Crime Prevention Summit from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Ingleside Middle School , 5402 E. Osborn Road . The Councilman and local police officers will discuss recent Arcadia crime trends, illicit residential development and other important community issues.
Last modified on
|
|
|
| | |
| Related
Links |
 |
|
|
