We've seen the tag line, "Peoria Public Schools, Where remarkable happens everyday". Many read it and just chuckle, because we figure it's just a tag line and of no consequence.
Perhaps it's time to rethink just what "remarkable" can mean for Peoria Public Schools, because on August 30th, the new Superintendent is going to be instructing her employees on how to tap into it...
ALL-DISTRICT STAFF EVENT
Monday, August 30, 2010
Peoria Civic Center • Exhibit Hall D
Starting at 8:00AM
(optional continental breakfast 6:30AM – 7:45AM in Exhibit Hall B)
PROGRAM
8:00AM
“Tapping into Remarkable”
Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent
9:00AM
Employee Group Meetings
10:00AM
Return to individual buildings for work day
10:30AM
Staff meetings begin at individual schools
I like the thought of the Superintendent getting employees amped up and giving them their marching orders. What a great way to start the year.
11 comments:
I totally agree. Let's hope this school year is the start of just what our children need.
Dr. Royster did this her first year--but she made a deal to get the Civic Center free. I'm not sure if the Civic Center is footing the bill this time. However, food will be expensive. I'm not sure taxpayers will be or should be that excited about feeding all the teachers an expensive breakfast. PHS teachers have not been allowed into their rooms to get ready for school because of construction. They and all teachers need the time to get their classrooms ready.
Sounds like a plan. I think with Dr. Lathan, she has already demonstrated with organizational moves (and terminations) that she means business. I would expect staff would be sitting up in the chairs, prepared to listen to what she has to say.
The spread at Dr. Royster's opening gathering was definitely elaborate. I remember the day well. That first day for all staff in the building though is important. So much to do regarding schedules, class lists, books, etc. I much preferred the school meeting with the superintendent's message broadcast in all buildings.
"Sitting in their chairs"--I think the first time with Dr. Royster we got chairs--the next time, I believe, it was a stand-up occasion in the foyer with no message. I am wondering if the public (taxpayers) perception of "overspending" will come to mind with this event.
So the Superintendent shouldn't hold a beginning of the year rally for all Staff?
How well was the message received when it was broadcast in the buildings? Did people pay attention, or did they make snide remarks as the broadcast went along?
Emerge, you did guess correctly. The only time that the message was broadcast to the schools was Dr. Strand's message. Jerry Stowell, Jim's brother, turned ours off at Manual (as a joke) but the principal was quite angry with Jerry. I was on Jerry's side because he did intend to turn it back on. These beginning of the year rallies were only held by Royster--never before and I don't think since. Teachers really have good reason to resent taking away preparation time in their rooms, etc.
I just received (Terry picked it up) the board packet for tonight's meeting. I assume they have a special one for the public. At least, I hope this isn't all the board sees ahead of time. Laura or Jim, can you enlighten us? Anyway the contract with the Civic Center and the contract with Centerplate for the food at the Civic Center do not have a price listed. I certainly hope the board knows ahead of time--so they can think about the cost before meeting time.
If the Civic Center is providing the space free, that's better--we just don't know. If not free, the meeting could be held at Richwoods. My guess is that food would be cheaper if provided by the school's food service vendor.
I admit that Dr. Royster's event was impressive. (and the district hadn't started running out of money yet). She held a one-on-one interview (on stage) with (I forget his name)local TV personality or maybe it was Day, who was then PR for 150. I was psyched--not sure about others. I still believe that public perception is important here--with a district spending millions of dollars to refurbish a very old school and millions spent on two state of the art new buildings, etc., maybe feeding teachers to listen to the new superintendent might not be that appealing. There are many other ways for Dr. Lathan to reach out to teachers. Frustrated, just what kind of marching orders do you expect her to deliver to this large audience?
I wonder if this 'rally' will be open to media coverage? I might be interested in covering it for CAPtions. After all, we're trying to see if Dr. Lathan 'wows' the teachers with her ideas to change District 150.
Dennis, I believe the press was invited to Dr. Royster's event--I would imagine the press would be welcome. However, don't consider this an invitation. HA!
First "rally" featured John Day interviewing Dr. Royster. I too had high hopes for the sup. after that one. The next year there was no formal meeting. You walked around, chatted with friends, and that was about it. We wondered why we were summoned to give up valuable time.
Emerge, I remember Strand, Griffith, and Garrett giving short broadcasts at the beginning of the year. They spotlighted new personnel in central administration, and the whole broadcast lasted about 10 minutes or so. I'd say it would depend on the principal who was running the faculty meeting. Every one I viewed featured a quiet faculty watching. The video was shown during the regular opening of school faculty meeting. Those were also the days when principals provided treats for everyone as they walked into the meeting.
Just got email from Stacey Shangraw, Dist. 150 PR director...it is a staff meeting,
so it is not open to the media. No more than 2 board members will be present at any one time.
Bummer, I would have loved to video Dr. Lathan's rallying speech.
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