Letter to the Editor: Parent Supports Smyrna Academy of Excellence
The Cobb County School Board will vote at its meeting Thursday, June 28 whether to grant Smyrna Academy of Excellence a charter.
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Jill Meisler is a parent and volunteer for Smyrna Academy of Excellence. She shared a letter she sent to Cobb County School Board member Allison Bartlett asking her to vote to grant the school a charter at the board's June 28 meeting.
Dear Ms. Bartlett,
The day of the vote for or against the creation of the Smyrna Academy of Excellence is rapidly approaching. I wanted to let you hear from me one more time, with my personal story as to why I am so passionately supportive of the Smyrna Academy of Excellence. I am on the marketing development team for the school. Over the last 12 months I have, in addition to my job running a company of 70 people, volunteered countless hours toward helping to craft the mission of this school, to publicize its vision to the South Cobb Community, and to educate fellow parents in our community about what this school will bring to our corner of Cobb County. I have sacrificed too many already-scarce hours with my family, have lost much sleep, and have carved out an amazing amount of time that I didn’t know I could possibly find…just as have more than 80 other enthusiastic volunteers like me.
Why would I and the others do this? What is the motivation?
It’s simple. I love my community. I really love the Smyrna area, and I don’t want to move. But I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my children are in the educational setting that is appropriate for them. Not one that is designated for my neighborhood by geographical boundaries, but rather the school that best meets my children’s individual needs. I sent my children to the public school for which we are districted, with high hope that it would be a good fit for us. Around the beginning of her second year, my daughter began to dislike going to school. As early as first grade she would complain that the teacher was having to teach the same thing over and over and over, because a number of other kids in the class were just too disruptive, and it never got any better. She was bored. Conferences with the teacher and principal provided no support for our concerns, and we were frankly told “My daughter should learn to step back and let someone else win once in a while”.
Our once-enthusiastic learner became sullen and resentful of school, and after that year it became clear to us that this particular school was not going to be the best alternative for our child to flourish. So we moved her to private school. We evaluated a lot of options in that sector, sacrificed a lot financially, and finally found one that did seem to be a good fit for her. Not because it’s private, but because the policies, curriculum and school philosophy are a match for the environment in which she thrives.
There is no one-size-fits-all school solution. Many of our neighbors’ children are flourishing in our public Elementary school, and I say “Hooray” for them! Others are in various other arrangements, because they too felt that their children needed an alternative situation, and they could afford to make that happen. I don’t want any parent be limited to just two options: settle for a school that is chosen for you based on your house’s location, or pay upwards of $15,000 per year. There simply must be more alternatives, so that parents can examine all options and hopefully find that right fit for their own children. I believe deep in my heart that the Smyrna Academy of Excellence’s college-bound culture, the Learning Families, the year-round calendar, and the academic rigor are going to challenge my daughter and every student to be their very best.
A “no” vote for the Smyrna Academy of Excellence would be a vote against those parents who really want to seek out the most appropriate educational option for their children. Please don’t send that signal, and please do not lump SAE in with the other charter schools that have operated in the South Cobb area. We are community-governed, and there is a world of difference between a grassroots, community-fueled school, vs. one that is governed by a distant EMO. I know this first-hand, because I was very close to the development of both IAS and SAE. I felt the difference from the first day I became involved. SAE will be far, far different.
I am passionate, in case you hadn’t concluded that already. Please support the members of our community who have the drive, the passion, and most importantly the ability to support the Smyrna Academy of Excellence and play a role in bringing it to its greatest potential as a shining example of what public education can be.
Vote yes, Ms. Bartlett. Thank you very much.
Respectfully,
Jill Meiser
K. Davis
9:49 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Opening that new elementary school will be putting lipstick on a pig.
Michelle
10:31 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012
Shocking that you still seem to have such intelligent comments to share. Thank you for wisdom and ability to articulate your point in a manner that resembles the level of education you might have had. For the rest of us....we look forward to being a part of positive change and opportunity in our community. As for the children that will attend that school, it's nice to see that individuals like you set such a high standard and example of what we expect our children to be. Wow?!?!
Oscar G.
1:04 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Smyrna has 29 schools, from Pre K to 12th grade. Why is it even an issue that another one wants to open here? What's one more in the grand scheme of things?
As a parent, we get to decide what's best for our children. And if the author sincerely believes that this new facility is what's best for her kids, no one has the right to tell her otherwise.
I'm surprized to hear the Murphy's wanting another school. Smyrna Heights has the two highest rated elementary schools in the city, Teasley being one of them and King Springs being the other, which received a rating of 8 out of 10, based on their overall test scores. Something that schools in other cities rarely manage to accomplish.
Perspective is the issue here, people.
For some, schools are the most important issue. For others, not so much.
But again, I say that one more school here isn't a catastrophe. In fact, I think it could be the exact opposite. A chance for more students to get the best education they can. And I see nothing wrong with that.
Michelle
8:20 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Oscar G., it might benefit you to re-read the article and responses.... SH has a wonderful school that unfortunately is closing after next year, but instead of "crying" over something we can not change, it's imperiative that we come together as a community to support and give this new school a chance...not only for the sake of our children, but for the success of our community as a whole. You are absolutely right that families deserve choices and the ability to vocalize those choices and it appears to me both "sides" have done so in a respectable manner with valid points for both. In regards to the success and turn around of both Teasley and King Springs, that happen because parents who otherwise would have moved or sent their kids to private got involved and expected more from the schools, which is exactly what can happen for the new school, if families will give it a chance. So for both schools, the children that will attend these schools, all the community support both schools need, may all efforts be done in a manner that benefits our children and community as a whole.
Oscar G.
8:39 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I don't hear anyone saying not to support the new mega school.
What I read is that there are some Smyrna parents that want another choice.
And I see nothing wrong with that. One size does not fit all. I've been a teacher and I know this to be true.
This whole "You care about your children, therefore you cannot take them somewhere else because it may have an impact on MY child" isn't working for me, BTW.
I have wonder how much of this hubbaballoo is really about the children, and not about property values?
Michelle
12:41 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I can assure you Oscar, that my priority is my child, who already is in our public school system. However, I have the ability to recognize that our schools and the success and reputation of those schools impact our community as a whole...the same community my children live...so the ultimate goal is to ensure that as parents, we provide a place that are children can succeed....both in and out of the school building. As for the SAE, I am not opposed to there being options and I recognize that not all families have choices of the better schools within our city, it just would be nice if the SAE school would open their doors a year earlier or later than the (planned) same year of the new smyrna elementary school. There are no secrets that we are faced with a few obstacles due to redistricting, but as a parent who has witnessed the power of numbers and the commitment that like minded families can have, public schools in our area can be successful and ultimately our community as whole can be successful too. (con't)
Michelle
12:43 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
(con't)
Regardless of what side of the fence a person stands on, the goal here is to not pit one against the other, but to treat both options with the respect and consideration they both deserve. As for being an educator, thank you for your work, however, I am a little surprised that you do not mention the notion that having involved parents who support the teachers, the administration and ultimately the children has proven to be a game changer. As we have referenced both Teasley and King Springs, both of these schools are excellent examples as to the ability of a school to turn around a negative reputation and quality of education when families get behind that school. I think for those of us that support the new school, we are only hoping to see the same outcome.
Different is Good
10:55 am on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Yes, there are excellent public schools in Smyrna - especially at the elementary level. But not every family has the option of attending Teasley or King Springs, it is the luck of the line drawing during redistricting. And what if the school isn't a good fit for your child - no options unless you can afford private and get accepted!
The Smyrna Academy of Excellence, despite the name, has a very large attendance zone which encompasses the parts of 7 zip codes; 30080, 30082, 30126, 30008, 30060, 30106 & 30339 here is the link to the map....
http://smyrnaacademyofexcellence.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/SAE-Primary-Attendance-Zone-4.6.2012.jpg.
As a proposed K-12 school it is important to look at all the schools in the area to be served. S. Cobb High School has a graduation rate of 56.3%, Campbell HS is 64.5%. As a community we should do better for our kids - a high school diploma doesn't get you far in this economy, not having one at all is crippling to a child's prospects. And while we look forward to the new facility for the Smyrna Elementary school, we need more than just new buildings. We need a new approach.
Charles Rowland
6:23 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
A Time to take Positive Action
I read with interest the positive and informative position that that Jill Meiser presented in support of the Smyrna Academy of Excellence, as well as the dissenting opinion titled “Call it like I see it
Ms. Meiser’s letter presents a positive case for SAE as a vehicle to more effectively develop our most precious resource, the minds of our young people in whom the future is vested.
There can be a reasonable argument about whether the existing schools can meet the need of the broad spectrum of students, but, as stated in the opposing view, “our best students keep going to private or other special schools such as this one” is a sure indicator that some needs are not being effectively met except through vehicles euch as SAE.
I do not believe the problem is that the best students choose to go to other schools. The issue is WHY the best students choose to go elsewhere. Until that issue is addressed and corrective action taken the issue cannot be resolved.
And while a new school might be appealing it does not address the fundamental problem.
Through the hard work and dedication of a group of parents and educators, a solution is being offered. I encourage all the board members to take positive action and approve the application for this school. Doing so will yield huge benefits for Smyrna students. Not doing so would be a terrible missed opportunity and an unfortunate outcome.
Michelle
12:52 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Charles Rowland
"I do not believe the problem is that the best students choose to go to other schools. The issue is WHY the best students choose to go elsewhere. Until that issue is addressed and corrective action taken the issue cannot be resolved.
And while a new school might be appealing it does not address the fundamental problem."
I think you make a valid point or introduce a thought provoking question, however, I think everyone knows the answer why, but in our society, no one will publicly say the answer to that question. But I can assure you, if you spend any time on the playground listening to parents discuss our schools, at pick-up and drop-off at your private pre-k schools and at the ball fields, dance studios or cul-de-sacs, you will get your answer...the real question is who will publicly state it and admit that is the reason they are electing for private or east and north cobb schools and now SAE.
The sad reality is everyone deserves the opportunity for a good education, whether everyone takes advantage of that or has the support system to encourage an education is a whole other story.
Jill Rowland Meiser
9:05 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
It is gratifying to see such passion and interest in our schools, as indicated by the comments left here regarding my letter to the Cobb County School Board. Parental and community involvement and passion is what we desperately need - keep it up!
All the focus and energy here so far has been about Elementary schools. Let no one lose sight of the massive problems we have in our middle and high schools. SAE's primary focus is a Culture of 100%, where nothing less than a 100% graduation rate is acceptable. Of the four high schools in the SAE primary attendance zone, the lowest 4-year graduation rate is 42%, and the highest is 65%. At best, 4 in 10 of our high school students are not successfully graduating, and at worst, 6 in 10 are not. SAE's founders believe that even one child not crossing the finish line is one too many, let alone the numbers that are tolerated at Campbell, South Cobb, Osborne and Pebblebrook.
SAE received a letter today from the Governer's Office of Student Achievement, recognizing SAE as the first and only applicant to receive both a charter school planning grant and an invitation to apply for implementation funding through the Governor's Innovation Fund. GOSA cited the support demonstrated by the school's partners and the community as "impressive and unlike any other application received by GOSA so far".
This school will raise the bar in our community, and competition breeds improvement. Thank you to all who have lent their support.
L. Davis
10:41 pm on Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Charles Rowland, Jill Rowland Meiser, and all others in support of SAE - I hope the school board has the sensibility to vote for the school. From everything I've read it seems you have more than the public schools to offer. My family includes educators and former educators. Public education has been in decline for a long time. Books have been written on the subject. SAE sounds like a solution to a failing system. I think what you are attempting to do is honorable and you have my complete support.
Inside-Out
12:01 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Sorry, I thought you were asking about the new elementary school. I have read too many aricles tonight. Again, sorry for the information.
MW
11:21 am on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'm a parent of an upcomping 4th grader and kindergartener and I am fortunate to be in the King Springs district. Smyrna has been a wonderful community for us, and I'd love to see the educational options improve for the city in general. I understand the concern about dilution, but the fact is that parents will move their chidren where they feel they will get the best education. In our family, we love King Springs as an elementary option, but have moved our oldest to a private school, because we aren't convinced that he would thrive in such a big public middle school. We considered moving to East Cobb, but chose to stay in Smyrna instead. I think we need to focus on improving all of Smyrna's schools as well as providing more options. I hope that the SAE charter is approved, and that the new elementary school is a great success. I don't believe that the two are mutually exclusive. The fact that so many people are engaged in the discussion on how to improve education in Smyrna is a good start.
C.J.
1:24 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Cobb County School District (CCSD) is dangerously underfunded. For several consecutive years, we’ve had teacher layoffs, reduced school years, and larger classes--all because of the falling revenues arising out of foreclosures and falling home prices. Nevertheless, precious few taxpayers have, god-forbid, asked their representatives to raise their property taxes to help restore lost CCSD revenues.
Most refuse to allow their school taxes to be raised, maintaining the aforementioned maladies. Then, many of these same people complain about the quality of our schools, while noting that the answer is not to “throw money at the problem.”
“Choice” is a red herring. In fact, the solution is to THROW MONEY AT THE PROBLEM. ( How’s that for politically incorrect?) After all, isn't that what people who send their kids to private school are doing?
CCSD needs more teachers--the best and the brightest. OUR kids (no, I don’t have any children) need smaller classes, more class hours in the day and more class days in the year. Finally, we need safe and clean facilities with up-to-date technology and materials...and healthy food.
Like it or not, these things cost money. We can continue to have among the worst education systems in the country…or we can awaken to the fact that our education system separates us from the world’s developing countries--and invest. The enormous returns from such investments, for all of us, are irrefutable.