Supporting Montclair Schools & PTAs | Advocating for Students & Families
Congratulations to Onward Fernandez of Northeast Elementary for his work “Stop Bullying” and to Isabelle Hayes of Buzz Aldrin Middle School for her work “The Burden We Carry”. Each received an Award of Merit for Visual Art at the national level in the 2022-2023 Reflections art contest.
Good evening. My name is Tessie Thomas and I am the President of the Montclair Council of PTAs (PTAC) an elected body that represents and supports the whole community.
We start with wonderful news tonight about – Reflections! As you may recall PTAC conducted this program for the very first time in Montclair last year. This year’s theme was – “Show Your Voice” and there were six categories – visual arts, photography, music composition, literature, film production and dance choreography – in their respective age groups. I am thrilled to report that 13 of our 38 entries to the state have won state level awards for Reflections. Last year we had 2 entries that won at the state level. So we have gone from 2 to 13. Also, overall this year we had 170 entries as compared to last year when we had 56. Our fingers are crossed for these state level winners to potentially win at the national level. We are now jointly working with the MEA on the Reflections Celebrations scheduled for Thursday, May 4.
Switching topics, as you know, the Transition to Middle School was on Thursday, February 23 at Glenfield. We had more than 250 attendees and there was a panel of 18 students, staff and parents representing all the middle schools. A similar community conversation, Transition to Elementary Schools was held over Zoom on Thursday, March 9. All the Principals, PTA Presidents, Dr. Ponds and Dr. Harrison Crawford were on the panel. Both events were informative, and went well. We are getting positive feedback on the events. Thank you to everyone who was on the panel – parents and staff.
As you know PTAC at its core has been about working together to leverage what we have and create concrete deliverables that are more valued for all. PTAC and MFEE are cosponsoring a speaker event for SEPAC during Autism Acceptance month – details to follow. It’s always great when folks come up with new event ideas that lives this value of working together. A perfect example is the new STEM Fair being planned right now – In the fall three PTAs won grants from the National PTA. Instead of hosting three different STEM Fairs in the individual schools, the monies are now being pooled together and the Elementary School PTAs are hosting this district wide STEM Fair. This Fair is being targeted for all elementary students with middle and high school students volunteering and earning community service awards. This event is slated for April 30. Please be on the lookout for information on the event.
Switching over to the topic of what is going on with Renaissance. In the last few days, we at PTAC have received a lot of communications related to where we are. It is an understatement to say that the emotions are running high. Everyone seems to have strong opinions and feelings about the potential outcome. There is also a strong desire to hold folks accountable for the situation. We hope these emotions are driven by an acute concern for students, their well-being, and the impact this can have on them. We are not here to take sides, but we are here to urge everyone involved to keep the children front and center. Focusing on blame is likely to be unproductive at best and damaging at worst. We have said this in the past and we would like to remind everyone again – when adults mess up, children suffer. We are sure there are multiple considerations in this complex situation, we just ask all to think if any of those considerations are more important than the impact on the students and their future. We urge everyone involved to please take a step back, soften hard stances, be pragmatic, and reach a resolution that is best for the children of Renaissance. It is important to think about outcomes, but also to think about how we get there – community memories are long and a win may be rendered meaningless in short order if it not a win for the children at Renaissance.
Thank you!
In attendance: Tessie Thomas, Patty Gamcsik, Brian Fleischer, Andrew Gideon, Colleen Dougherty, Deborah Villarreal-Hadley, Courtney Redfern, June Raegner, Kathryn Fogliano, Najla Nazeemudeen, Reggie Valentine, Veronica Harris, Marco Pederson, Linda Kow, Kristin Wood-Werner, Marci Clark, Maelle Fontaneau, Mary Ann Vanco, Selma Avdicevic, Susan Gardner, Marco Pederson, Norrinda Hayat, Amy Uhlfelder, Sarah Spagnola Young, Holly Lehr-Hahn, Betty Shvetz, Ana Cristina dos Santos, Adeola Whitney, Mary Sue Youn, Jaime Bedrin, Diane Tehranian, Melissa Shrager, Patti Marin, Daniel Garcia-Pedro, Amira Williams, Anna Kondic
He is not speaking for the BOE. Mr. Gonzales briefly discussed the fact that the hybrid option has not gone forward because of opposition by the MEA. Approximately 75% of state schools have returned to in person instruction on a part time basis at least. Since litigation has been filed, it will be up to the courts to decide. He believes they will accelerate any decision. Mr. Gonzales expressed his personal frustration about the situation as a parent of young children, because he has concerns about the education and social-emotional learning of his children.
Update on Mayor’s COVID Recovery Task Force – they are conducting a nonprofit committee survey. PTAs should complete the survey so that parents and caregiver needs are considered.
PTAC has communicated next steps for the establishment of a PTSA at the high school to Mr. Freeman. Awaiting a response.
It is time for all PTAs (and PTAC)to be appointing their nominating committees for elections in the spring
PTAC President discussed the ongoing conflict between the BOE and MEA.
Discussed PTAC Executive Board’s support for the Superintendent and reopening plan. Acknowledged that individuals may disagree but it is important for leaders to represent everyone if possible. Discussed the ”revolving door” of superintendents over the last eight years and how that has impacted any attempt to address the opportunity gap or achievement gap. Or make any other improvements in a lasting way.
Emotions are running high for all our PTAs. PTA volunteers are juggling commitments to their parents and their own families. At the last PTA Presidents meeting, there was a robust discussion of school reopening and there was no agreed-upon single position. A week later the lawsuit was filed.
PTA Presidents’ Reports
Bullock. The PTA is “staying calm and carrying on.” A recent FaceTime with the principal was very positively received. Family engagement events taking place like a Family Fundance via Zoom and a Valentine’s Day craft with an art teacher. The school equity committee recently suggested that RJ be used to address the disagreement between the district and MEA about school reopening.
Hillside. PTA has been asking parents “what do you need?” in this remote environment. Trying to support families in finding ways to promote socialization. Class parents are arranging liaisons through Whatsapp and arranging hangouts on playgrounds. Want to create social opportunities that are interest based.
Nishuane. Focused on community support and how they can help families. Offering weekly tech support. Holding regular online trivia nights– parent engagement and fundraising. ASE Explorer classes: 109 children already enrolled for Spring. Combination of teachers and outside vendors.
Bradford. Recent PTA events: storyteller and a virtual Bingo night. ASE enrollment is way up. Marco Vargas is interim principal, still recruiting new principal.
Edgemont. Principal search ongoing. Narrowed down to 3 candidates and parents are participating in the process. Planning IN PERSON ASE for April-June. Getting lots of inspiration from other PTAs. Other events planned: a STEAM fair, a quilting project.
Glenfield. Online trivia nights. Popcorn night raised $. Flower workshop planned for the spring. Glenfield is a Title I school– had a meeting with Dr. Morgan to discuss.
Buzz Aldrin. Online trivia nights. Monthly restaurant nights.
Renaissance. PTA working with administration to create a better hybrid schedule.
Communications Committee. MPSD101 in the final stages and will be launched shortly.
Community Building and Finance Committees. School Budget event will be happening in March. Collaborating with the district and there have been several delays but will happen.
Technology. A PTA president expressed concerns about possible hacking or phishing.
EAROG. Have not yet received requested information but expect to soon. Have been meeting regularly with Dr. Morgan and happy with that access. EAROG commenting on regulations in equity and anti-racism policies.
A member raised a possible equity issue– disparate treatment of children by the YMCA in the afterschool program at one school. Should YMCA receive equity and anti-racism training?
A member expressed concern about the “inflammatory rhetoric” of the MEA and how they are using social media. MEA has a PR machine which is very aggressive. It is hard to separate MEA positions from teachers. Very concerned about K-2 and the special education population of children. MEA unwilling to compromise, taking extreme positions. MEA is displaying no respect for parents or children.
A member expressed concern about lack of outdoor socal events for children at the elementary level. Some principals not supporting parents and PTAs in organizing. We should be pressuring the principals. Publishing the process of getting approval for events.
7. Adjournment
March 4, 2021, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Registration required via Zoom link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlcOmpqDIqHdVlzZN3HhlgSwq2pmjgvI2o
Do you have questions about the Montclair Public Schools Budget process? Come join us for a panel discussion featuring MPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, Business Administrator Emidio D’Andrea, Supervisor of Accounting Melissa Beattie, and former MPS Business Administrator and PTAC Vice President Brian Fleischer, that will look to answer the following questions and more: