Morgan Hill Charter II
Paige Cisweski, founder of Charter School Morgan Hill, has announced plans to open a second charter school in Morgan Hill. She has held several community meetings to share her vision and get public input for a second charter school.
On Wednesday, March 19, Charter School Morgan Hill partnered with a new organization, P.A.S.S (Parents Advocating for Student Success), headed by Armando Benavides. (Mr. Benavides was involved in the effort to bring Rocketship and Navigator to Morgan Hill.)
The meeting, attended by about 40 people, was an information gathering meeting. Community members were asked to give input for the vision of a new school. Some ideas that came from this meeting were: expanding to high school, extending the school day, providing more after school activities, a focus on technology, smaller class sizes in all grades, and providing tutoring in core subjects.
Morgan Hill Charter continues to have a long waiting list and community support. Remember that they are still in the exploratory stages of this second school. It is important that all of our schools continue to do the hard work of educating all children and closing the achievement gap. It is also imperative that we continue to interface with parents about our teaching, classes, programs, schools and district.
The Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers has been the force behind defending our schools and students against charter management organizations. Now we must be the force behind promoting our plans, programs, and achievements of our neighborhood schools.
LCAP Meetings
The District is now in the midst of sharing the LCAP plan with stakeholders and getting input on goals and activities. District staff and school administrators will be presenting the initial LCAP priorities and Three Year Plan in meetings throughout the district, including community meetings and staff meetings.
The first meeting was held at Los Paseos Elementary on Tuesday, March 18. There was a disappointing turnout at this meeting and we need to make sure this is not repeated. The Federation is asking you to help inform parents and community members about the next meetings.
This is our chance to show the community how we are going to close the achievement gap and improve education for all of our students. Thank you to all who have already helped publicize tonight’s meeting at El Toro (6 pm). We need everyone to help promote the final meeting to our parents and community:
April 11, 8:00 am @ San Martin-Gwinn
Please e-mail three Morgan Hill parents or community members and inform them about these meetings, and invite them to attend. E-mail us the names of the people you contact and you will be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. If you have a class website, you can also include the information there, and notify us be entered in the drawing.
Reminder: Teacher-of-the-Year Nominations Due April 15 at 4pm
This year, there are two separate categories of nominations and awards. And, we will be honoring multiple nominees in both categories.
Overall Teacher-of-the-Year
This is the traditional award that has been given every year, and is the selection of one teacher per district, to be honored at the county level in the fall.
Each site is invited to select one nominee (selection to be made by teachers at the site). Nomination forms are available at www.mhft.org.
STEM Teachers-of-the-Year
This is a new category, and districts may select multiple honorees. STEM nominees are to be selected by their principals. Principals may even nominate more than one STEM teacher. If you have recommendations for your principal, please suggest them to him/her right away. Nominations for STEM Teacher-of-the-Year must include both a nomination form from the principal AND an application form from the teacher. Both of these forms are also available at www.mhft.org.
Help Alum Rock Fight Rocketship!
Alum Rock School District is fighting to keep Rocketship out of their district. See this link:
There is a special meeting to consider a charter application in Alum Rock on April 10, at 5:30.
2930 Gay Avenue, San Jose
Let's turn out to support our neighbor public schools, teachers, and students in Alum Rock. As Reverend William Barber urged us at the CFT Convention, we have to be together to fight the might of Rocketship Charters. It is not necessary for any of us to speak at this meeting; we are just providing a show of support in the room.
Teachers at the Mic
Thank you to Christie Corbisiero for presenting on behalf of the Nordstrom staff last month. Next up:
April 15 – JAMM
April 29 – San Martin-Gwinn
If you are at these sites, please plan to attend to support those who are presenting. If you would like to help present, please contact your Building Rep. Your attendance sends an important message.
Cesar Chavez Movie
This is the first labor movement movie since Norma Rae, and the first ever to focus on a Latino labor leader. At a time when unions are under attack, we want to encourage everyone to go see this inspirational movie!