Rumor Mill-4867
Published September 1, 2011
The purpose of this section is to answer any questions parents, teachers or community members might have regarding the school district and to set the record straight in regards to any rumors that might be circulating. If you have a question or have heard a rumor that you would like for us to address, simply SEND US your questions and we will respond to them in upcoming issues of IN FOCUS. Below are some of the questions we received since our last newsletter.
My daughter just started at Centennial after being in Franklin Special School District schools until now. So far, I've received letters from teachers asking for more than $75 in fees for basic classes such as science and PE. This has never happened before. What's the deal?
The Williamson County Board of Education adopts a fee schedule for academic classes and extra-curricular activities each May. Academic class fees are optional. Fees collected may be used to purchase additional classroom instructional materials and supplies. Your child’s teacher can tell you how the fees collected will be used. You may also select the following links to view fees for MIDDLE and HIGH schools.
Participating in school athletics is a very positive experience teaching time management, teamwork, school spirit and cooperation. All four of my children have participated in school sports during their years in WCS. This year the fee to participate in sports has nearly doubled. Where is this $100 fee dispersed? At one time the paper stated the fee was to go up but a student athlete would only have to pay one fee per year. Now it seems any sport with officials would require the $100 fee for each sport. I would like to know where my money is being spent. It is very expensive to buy the equipment needed that is provided by the family plus the expense of transportation to these events...now this large fee. Is this really necessary?
For the most part, fees for participation in extra-curricular activities did increase this year after lengthy discussions with coaches and sponsors. Extra-curricular programs are not funded by tax dollars and are dependent upon fees and fundraising. Your child’s coach/sponsor or your school’s bookkeeper could explain how the money raised is being spent since each team/group has unique needs. You may also select the following links to view approved fees for MIDDLE and HIGH schools.
All I am hearing this year so far from teachers and staff at school is, “We have new math books to better reflect what they are tested on in TCAP. We aren’t focusing on that subject as much because it’s not covered on TCAP. We need to make sure they know how to answer tricky questions because that is how the questions on TCAP are.” I am disgusted by this. Since when did educating our children become teaching them only how to take a test in order for teachers, administrators and systems to get more money?
The adoption of our new math textbooks is in support of teaching a more rigorous math curriculum at every grade level. Success for students, at every level, will require teachers to help students become thinkers not just knowledge reproducers. Teachers want to ensure students have the skills necessary to be problem solvers with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Assessments, aligned with rigor, will challenge students to do more than give an answer. The new assessments will challenge students to think and to justify their answers.
All core content is assessed on TCAP; no subject is left out (including a fifth grade Writing Assessment). Teachers are being asked to integrate content areas, when and where possible, to ensure relevancy for our students which research says makes for more meaningful learning. Our goal is curriculum mastery (proficiency or better) for every student, in every content area.
We are all aware of the benefits of fresh air, exercise and a healthy diet. I've read that the schools have even improved their menus and we all know our" children are our future".....SO....can someone explain to me WHY middle schoolers don't have recess and only 25 minutes for lunch? The 25 minutes for lunch is only if you bring a lunch, if not you hope you make it through the line and get five minutes to eat. Wonder why so many kids have anger and discipline problems?
While recess is not offered at the middle school level, each school offers physical education. Many of our schools offer opportunities throughout the school day for students to exercise such as walking during focus time and during and after lunch. In addition, a wide variety of extra-curricular sports offerings are available at each middle school. Regarding lunch, each school has its own lunch schedule. Cafeteria managers from each of the middle schools have reported that even the last student who goes through the lunch line will have at least 15 minutes to enjoy his meal.