The following Table updates the Essex Sunshine
Report originally published on September 21, 2012
The recent increase of interest
in the operation of our Essex County Public Schools is most welcome. ESO
believes and has urged greater participation in the education of our children
by parents (including grandparents and guardians) and by the citizens of Essex
County whose taxes pay for the public schools.
During the past 1 ½ years the
School Board and the Superintendent have asked for the community to partner
with the schools and to contact the Principals, the School Administration, and
the Board Members. Unfortunately,
ESO believes that only a small percentage of parents regularly attend School
Board Meetings, volunteer to assist in the classrooms, or participate in other
ways.
It’s also the opinion of ESO
that much of the recent interest has been misdirected that some “facts” have
been misrepresented or omitted, and the focus has been on administrative issues
rather than on the classroom education of our kids.
Getting and retaining well qualified
teachers is largely a pay and satisfaction issue. Disruptive students, Lack of necessary books, equipment,
and materials, Absenteeism, and Bullying all affect teacher retention and the
ability of our kids to concentrate on learning. Some of the solutions
require federal and state solutions with adequate funding. Essex County has limited funds for all education and
county essential services.
What ESO believes every parent,
grandparent, relative, pastor, and community member can do to help our children
achieve a better education:
1. Support and encouragement of all our
school children by parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. is one critical of
the most critical elements. Reading to and with students from the age of
1 thru grade 3 is one of the most precious gifts a child can receive. For
all students from pre-K thru their Senior High School year, an adult/adults
regularly talking about their school work and supervising homework will benefit
each child.
2. Help our boys and girls be successful
students and become strong capable adults by instilling an understanding to
guiding principles of faith (the Ten Commandants or other faith foundations).
3. Encourage the development of
self-discipline and respect for others.
4. Partner with ECPS by volunteering, by
attending school events, by attending School Board Meetings and, MOST
IMPORTANTLY, by encouraging every child to be an active learner.
John Clickener Publisher
