Smart Schools
12 top tips for a strong school membership drive this fall
The 2009-10 school year promises to be a bleak one on the financial front, which presents a powerful challenge to parent groups as they organize their fundraising pledge drive.
Schools everywhere - and no more so than here in California - will have to live with smaller budgets, larger class sizes and fewer supplies. The [...]
California kids to governor: No more cuts; give us some Dough-Re-Mi
Angry about the prospect of more drastic cuts to California’s already thin education budget? Then you will appreciate this music video featuring some very talented elementary school students from the South Pasadena Unified School District.
It begins with the voice of a broadcaster saying: “And in Sacramento, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled the latest round of [...]
You know you’re a diehard parent volunteer when…
Thank goodness for dedicated parent volunteers! Our kids and their schools need them now more than ever. To mark the end of the school year, here is something I wrote for parents who give their time and talents to their children’s schools.
By Ruth McKinnie Braun
You know you’re a diehard parent volunteer when you know [...]
How to read standardized test scores for your child’s school
The California Department of Education just released the 2008 Academic Performance Index scores for schools throughout the state. These scores let parents know how students at their child’s school are performing academically, and the scores shed an important light on how your school compares to similar schools.
You can find numbers for your child’s school in [...]
End-of-the-year class parties that kids, teachers and parents will love
Planning an end-of-the-year class party but short on ideas? Here are some fresh ones from Such A Smart Mom and some of her party-planning pals.
Keep it simple
It’s tempting to knock yourself out for a class party, especially ones that mark a milestone, such as the end of kindergarten. Remember, it pays to keep it simple. [...]
Great end-of-the-year gift ideas that teachers are sure to love
Looking for some great ideas for an end-of-the-year gift for your teacher?
Here are some smart gift ideas from Such A Smart Mom with a little help from her friends.
A gift sure to please
Gift cards are fast, easy favorites and for good reason. Whether you’re organizing a group gift or giving your teacher a thank [...]
Middle school sports: A great way to keep kids active and engaged
Middle school is a make it or break it time to keep kids interested in school. What better way to grab them than through sports?
In the world of middle school athletics, the gold standard can be found on the playing fields and in the gyms and pools of Coronado.
Not only does this jewel of a [...]
Volunteers help struggling readers catch up to their classmates
Sometimes all it takes for a young, struggling reader to become a successful reader is a reading buddy, a patient adult who listens to her read.
That’s exactly what Marilyn Schmeling and hundreds of other volunteers do through Everyone A Reader, a terrific volunteer program that trains them in just three hours to work with young [...]
Tips for the perfect dinner and auction fundraiser for your school
Thinking about hosting a dinner and auction for your child’s school or bringing an existing event to the next level? Here are some great tips to help you put on a successful event that will raise much-needed money, build community and give parents a well-deserved night out.
These Ten Tips for a Terrific Dinner and Auction [...]
Great, affordable ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
Looking for some great ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week that won’t break the bank? Here are some from moms who spend a lot of time volunteering at their children’s school and know teachers deserve a special thanks for all they do.
A homemade dinner with friends
What better way to show a teacher how much you care [...]
