SIMPLE WAYS to HELP the OAKLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
This article came to OaklandNews as an email from a truly remarkable man who goes by the nickname "Weedman". If you drive along Park Blvd in the Glenview neighborhood and see the gorgeous plantings, and one man taking care of them ñ thatís the good and great Weedman at work. He sent his email out as a request for help for Glenview, Frick and Brewer Schools. Why stop there? ALL of the flatlands and slantlands schools can use the items on this list.
This is another OaklandNews comment: If youíre a wealthy person or business, please adopt a flatlands school and give the material directly to the teachers. Please do NOT give material to Second Street headquarters. Donít just send a checkótalk to individual teachers in their classrooms and listen to their wish lists ñget a grip on how bad it is and how easy it is to make an enormous difference.
"Re: Urban Schools/ Teachers and such:
For several years I have been doing some volunteer work at public schools near my residence in the Glenview. It has been a hugely satisfying experience. Sometimes I think that the one real connection for all of us the in the U.S. is the public school system - for better or for worse. I want to help sustain it and improve it in some small way.
While working with principals and teachers I started learning about the real world of teachers. They spend a whole lot of their own money. Unlike private enterprise there is a problem in obtaining tools of the trade, so to speak. Things like desks, bookcases, cubbies, three ring binders and hole punchers. Paper of all kinds, especially art paper and the stuff you tack the art paper on. In trays and out trays. Staplers and staples, the list goes on and on. The schools usually have a teachersí room, but all amenities come out of teachers pockets.
Bond issue monies and school district funds may rebuild or maintain the schools, but there is a severe fall off when funding gets down to the pencil and paper level.
I want to help. I attach a wish list sent to me by teachers. Letters of thanks and of valuation (if desired) can or will be sent by the Principal of the receiving school.
WISH LIST
Self Inking Date Stamps and "Discard" Stamps
Bookshelves
Paper towels
Planters and pots for small plants
Colored pencils
Colored paper -- 8 1/2 by 11 and all sizes
Lined paper for composition and notes
Art design materials - of all kinds
Children
Weedman's observations were simple, honest and a fact. And this problem not only exists in Oakland but throughout the nation, especially in urban areas. And also applied to the public school system I have worked for the past five years.
It has always been my belief that lack of funding is just part of the problems in today's public schools.
However, the critical and over-looked problem is that much of the fault rests with school administrators, politicians and apathy on the part of those far from the reminders of how these children are being left behind.
Bureaucracy is another culprit in public education classsrooms. Lots of politics and egotistical certificated administrators. Another cause is that our leaders have "myopic" vision and lack innovative ideas and strategies to address these problems.
Why don't we have the decision-makers conform to a report card system to explain their actions?
Sooner if not later, for better or for worse,the undereducation of our public school children will be settled. The question is...will it be better for the children?
Posted by: Rena Justis on October 3, 2002 04:28 PMDennis Chaconas should step down. He has done some good things but it is time for fresh ideas. The board should go along with him.
Posted by: Carl Fischer on February 9, 2003 03:09 PM*This discussion has been closed. No more comments may be added.*