Pencader Moves Forward - Important Notes for Parents

-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Quimby
Subject: Next Week

Dear Pencader Families;

 

The events of last week have left everyone with many questions about what the future holds for our students and families.  I wanted to take some time to clarify the upcoming schedule as there are some important events taking place next week. Everyone is still trying to cope with the news and while there is a temptation to want to do things to show our displeasure, we all need to make sure they are directed at the people who made the decision and not things that disrupt the regular business of the school. 

 

First, there will be representatives from charter schools and school districts available in the Pencader gym at 6PM on Tuesday evening to meet with families and discuss options and procedures for their respective districts/schools.  At this time, I do not have a specific list of which schools/districts will be in attendance.  I should have more information on Monday, but I have not received conformation from the state about that.  In addition, I do not have confirmation about whether or not anyone from the Department of Education will be in attendance.  I'm sure there has been information put out in the media, but I only know what was given to me via my conversation with John Carwell on Friday.  I will be speaking with him again tomorrow afternoon to finalize the details.

 

Second, our monthly school board meeting will be held at 6PM on Thursday evening in the cafeteria.  At that time we will be discussing what options are available to the students and families in terms of challenging or contesting the decision.  We are not able to meet sooner, as FOIA regulations require meetings of public boards to be properly noticed.  I know that Mr. McIntosh is not ready to throw in the towel, but please come to the meeting on Thursday and be part of the discussion.

 

 

I know that all of our families, while potentially willing to keep the fight going, are also making plans for their students for next year.  Tomorrow, the guidance staff and I will be meeting with each grade individually over the course of the morning, to explain what happened last week, answer questions, and talk about what students will need to do over the coming months.  Each grade is going to have different priorities, and so the message will be tailored to their particular needs.

 

We want to make sure we can satisfy all requests in a timely fashion, but please remember that our staff is still working with students each and every day.  Please note the following:  ALL TRANSCRIPT OR RECORD REQUESTS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING OR VIA EMAIL.  PLEASE SPECIFICALLY INDICATE WHAT TYPE OF RECORD YOU ARE REQUESTING AND WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE SENT.  PLEASE ALLOW THE SCHOOL STAFF TO HAVE AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO COMPLETE YOUR REQUEST.  WE WILL HAVE A FORM TO HAND OUT STUDENTS AND POSTED ON THE WEBSITE THAT PARENTS MAY USE TO MAKE SUCH A REQUEST. Starting next week, parents will be able to print report cards and unofficial transcripts from the Home Access Center.

 

In addition, beginning this week, both guidance counselors will have weekly office hours to meet with students and families.  Mrs. Tooles will be available to meet with 9th and 10th graders and their families on Wednesdays from 8AM-12PM  and 1:30-3:30PM.  Mr. Heller will be available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-6PM  to meet with 11th and 12th graders and their families.  These times are for students (and their parents) who would like to discuss their transcripts, progress towards graduation, courses for next year, or information about the college application process. DO NOT make an appointment to just get a transcript.  Follow the procedure outlines above. Please call Mrs. Delle Donne in the main office if you wish to schedule an appointment.

 

Dr Elliott, our school psychologist, will be on campus tomorrow, and we will be working to have other counselors available over the course of the week.  The next couple of days will be tough on everyone.  We all want to see the school year progress as normal, as anything less would only vindicate the decision to close us down.  More information will be sent out about events later this week once we receive confirmation from DOE.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Steve