Cut off the grapevine

It sounds like too many rumors are heading down the grapevine, and not enough of it is truth. How do you know what is the truth?

I find it interesting that most emails (such as the mass email sent out recently) or reply to all emails. Start with many parents saying that they have been very happy with their child(s) teacher and education at Excelsior, BUT they are not happy with this or that.

I am afraid that there are some frustrations that run so deep, that people on either side of the argument may not be able to move on. If that is the case, how will Excelsior move on? Is it productive for people to act out of control, or rude to those that feel differently then they do?

It all sounds too political to me. Is that what everyone wants? Usually politics are on either side of the fence, and often one side can not see the other sides point of view. Instead political opposites are always at war opposing and finding ways to disparage the other.

I will continue to hope that any adult associated with Excelsior Academy will remember to act like an adult and show respect for others in every encounter.

For Your Information

From comments it would be a good idea to talk a little about how Excelsior got started, for that matter how any Charter School can get started. It started with Ann Gubler researching Charters and what was needed to get a Charter School started. She then held a meeting asking parents if they would like to help her in this endeavor. Parents were excited at the prospect of a School that was going to go above and beyond the typical schools and that they could be involved.

To start a Charter School first a letter needed to be sent to the state Charter school board telling them that Tooele parents intended to apply to start a charter school. Board members needed to be chosen and sent in with the intent to apply form to show who would be getting this school organized. These Board members came from volunteers. The volunteers submitted resumes that were read in front of all of the parents that were interested in making this school possible. It was decided that any willing individual would be accepted. Committees were set up under the direction of board members.

The next step was filling out the Charter School application, which would become the Charter around a 200 page paper answering questions about the school and what the individuals setting it up wanted to accomplish. Thousands of hours were put in by board members and other volunteers alike. Meetings attended, countless trainings. The Charter application was then submitted and was graded by the Utah State Charter School Board. It passed the first round along with other schools, then was sent back to the local volunteer board to fix the suggestions given by the state. This was done and then it was resubmitted. The State Charter School Board then approved Excelsior Academy's Charter.

More countless hours were volunteered making the School come to be.

Also -

This blog is a place to talk to other parents, not to replace the communication policy set up by the Official Excelsior Academy. It is important to follow the policies and procedures set up by the school, and that we as parents continue to communicate appropriately.

That being said feel free to speak your mind.

Parents lets hear it...

What are your thoughts on the board meeting? Many parents are unable to attend board meetings, although they would really like to, so maybe those parents who attended can fill us in.

I just want to say I for one have been very happy with how my child has been doing at Excelsior, I have also been very happy with my child's teacher.

I have many great things to say about the school, but sometimes I am not happy and I think it is okay for parents to ask questions and talk to one another as parents.

So lets hear it.

I miss Mr. Nix, that is not to say that I am unhappy with the new administration but it is different, he really made the school.

What is on your mind?