Hi Friends and Neighbors,
It has been many months since my last email blast, as I'm using Facebook most of the time. Join me there, please: http://www.facebook.com/rauterkus
1)
This week on WEDNESDAY at 10 am, there is a ribbon cutting at the brand new YMCA on Centre Ave in The Hill District. Let's check it out together.
I'm running (with the great help of the nonprofit, Neighborhood Learning Alliance) a five week Swim and Water Polo Camp as part of Pgh Public Schools' Summer Dreamers this summer. We'll swim at that Y and also at a Citiparks pool too. So, I'm looking for some employees, volunteers and equipment donations as well.
2)
If you have some used sports equipment you'd like to donate, such as balls, old trophies, medals, and even banners with one side available -- let me know. I can come over and take them off of your hands and re-leverage them with some of our efforts with the city kids this summer.
3)
This weekend I go to Harrisburg to volunteer with another YMCA program called, YOUTH & Government. About 400 well supervised kids from around the state take over both chambers of the state capital and even some court rooms and hold a MOCK government. It is a fun experience and so educational. I'm helping to lead the PRESS and REPORTERS. With that, some of our interactions could be with citizens and real media opportunities. If you'd like to help me in a virtual way with these tasks, perhaps being interviewed on a topic, ghost editing articles on a wiki, or following along as bills are debated and voted upon, let me know with an email. I'll invite you to our trusted wiki space. Mark@Rauterkus.com.
4)
A living hero of mine comes back to his home town, Pittsburgh, while I'm in Harrisburg on Friday at 7 pm at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Oakland. Ron Paul, candidate for President, is holding a town hall. If you can attend, do so -- regardless if you want the USA to keep bombing other nations around the world and increasing government debt by TRILLIONS. Understand this: Ron Paul can still win the nomination and be the R on the ballot in November. The mainstream media has been getting it wrong. Recently, insiders are aware that Ron Paul won the most delegates in Colorado.
5)
The Steel City Showdown, a bike race in downtown Pittsburgh across the Clemente & Warhol Bridges and with a start / finish line by PNC Park, is on Sunday, in two weeks. My sons ride and race and we'd love to see you come out to cheer on all the riders. Erik races twice: as a Junior (at 8:30 am) and Cat 4 (at 11:30 am). Volunteers are needed too. *
* Currently, we are seeking individuals to assist with registration, to act as course marshals, to help with early morning set-up, or to stick around for the afternoon clean-up. Each volunteer receives a t-shirt, and food will be provided; coffee and doughnuts in the morning, pizza in the afternoon. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail Ben Stephens or Maura Spillane at steelcityshowdownvolunteers@gmail.com.
Plus, from 3 to 4 pm, the Downtown bike course is OPEN for a FREE ride for anyone to enjoy. It is sorta nice to be able to spin around the bridges in a festive setting on a Sunday afternoon without traffic. So, we hope to see you there on Sunday, April 29.
Be safe this spring.
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Early Education Policy Forum to be in Pittsburgh on April 19
You Are Invited to Attend
PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATION POLICY FORUM
"Western PA Breakfast Series"
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Continental Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.
Program - 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Holiday Inn Pittsburgh University Center
(100 Lytton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children and
The Education Policy and Leadership Center
The Education Policy and Leadership Center
SUBJECT:
Why Investing in Early Education Matters,
Even in These Difficult Economic Times
Even in These Difficult Economic Times
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Cathy Lobaugh, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs, McKeesport School District
Tom Smith, Executive Director, Long Run Children's Learning Center
Donna Furnier, Superintendent, Jefferson-Morgan School District
Elizabeth (Betty) Lisowski, Executive Director, Riverview Children's Center
Patrick M. Graczyk, Assistant to the Superintendent, Highlands School District
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Share school district successes and challenges in supporting quality learning experiences. Hear from local school districts and early learning providers about how they have worked together to maintain early learning as an integral part of the school districts' overall goals. Learn how quality early learning can contribute positively to a community's economic success.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
While there is no registration fee, seating is limited and an RSVP is required.
RSVP on-line at
Please feel free to share this information with colleagues who may like to attend.
Olympic Trials on TV
We get to watch the USA Women's Water Polo team play on July 8, just before the start of Summer Dreamers Swim and Water Polo Camp. I think we should have some gatherings to get the kids together to watch as a group.
U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND NBC SPORTS GROUP ANNOUNCE SCHEDULE FOR 2012 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS COVERAGE
A Record 67 1/2 Hours of Trials Coverage; 43 Hours on NBC Sports Network, 24 1/2 Hours on NBC
47 Hours of Live Trials Coverage Including 15 1/2 Hours on NBC in Primetime
Every Night of Swimming Trials Live in Primetime on NBC
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. and NEW YORK - April 4, 2012 - The United States Olympic Committee and the NBC Sports Group today announced the television schedule for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. A record 67 1/2 hours of event coverage - 43 on NBC Sports Network and 24 1/2 on NBC - will feature 10 sports, including live primetime coverage of trials for diving, swimming, gymnastics and track & field, as well as events for water polo and field hockey.
Trials coverage begins on Sunday, April 22, on NBC Sports Network with wrestling competition from Iowa City, Iowa, and concludes on Sunday, July 8, with the U.S Women's Water Polo Olympic Team taking on the Chinese Olympic Team.
The 67 1/2 hours of coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network marks the most ever for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, topping the 49 hours of trials coverage in 2008 and 40 1/2 hours in 2004. Additionally, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports will re-air a combined 117 hours of trials coverage (74 hours on NBC Sports Network and 43 hours on Universal Sports).
"We are thrilled to present a record number of hours of Olympic Trials on NBC and NBC Sports Network - which will serve as the home of Team USA during the London Games" said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. "Our extensive coverage gives fans a head start to follow the U.S. Olympians as they prepare for London 2012."
"Over the next 100 days, America's best athletes will compete for a place on the U.S. Olympic Team, providing fans of Olympic sport with inspiring performances and stories ahead of the London Games," said Scott Blackmun, chief executive officer, USOC. "NBC is a great partner to the Olympic Movement and NBC Sports Group's commitment to broadcasting the U.S. Olympic Team Trials will help build interest in the London 2012 Olympic Games while introducing Americans to the athletes who will represent the United States as members of the U.S. Olympic Team this summer."
Olympic Trials coverage highlights:
· 47 hours of LIVE trials coverage on NBC and NBC Sports Network including 15 1/2 on NBC in primetime;
· For the first time, every night of the swimming trials live in primetime on NBC;
· Sunday, July 1: four hours of live primetime track & field, swimming and gymnastics coverage on NBC.
2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and Exhibition Events - Television Schedule
Date Time Network Event
Sun., April 22 4-7 p.m. ET NBCSN Wrestling - Finals (next day coverage)
Mon., April 23 3-6 p.m. ET NBCSN Wrestling - Finals (next day coverage)
Sun., May 13 3-5 p.m. ET NBCSN Volleyball - Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament Final (next day coverage)
Sun., May 27 3-4:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Water Polo - USA Men vs. Hungary (live)
Tues., June 19 12-2 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving - Semifinals: Men's 10-meter (live)
Wed., June 20 10 p.m.-2 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving - Semifinals: Men's 3-meter (live); Women's 10-meter (live); Women's 3-meter (next day coverage)
Thurs., June 21 10 p.m.-12 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving - Synchro Finals: Women's 3-meter; Men's 10-meter (live)
Fri., June 22 9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field - Finals (live) 11 p.m.-12 a.m. ET NBCSN Diving - Synchro Finals: Men's 3-meter (live)
Sat., June 23 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Field Hockey - USA Women vs. Argentina (live) 4-6 p.m. ET NBC Diving: Men's 10-meter - Finals (live) 6-7:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Rowing (from June 11-14) and BMX (from June 16) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field - Finals (live)
Sun., June 24 3-6 p.m. ET NBC Diving: Men's 3-meter, Women's 10-meter, Women's 3-meter - Finals (live) 7-8 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field - Finals (live)
Mon., June 25 6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live) 9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field - Finals (live)
Tues., June 26 6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live)
Wed., June 27 7-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live)
Thurs., June 28 4:30-5:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 5:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Gymnastics - Men's Competition (live) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live) 9-11 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field - Finals (live)
Fri., June 29 4:30-6 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 6-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Track & Field - Finals (live) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live) 9-11 p.m. ET/PT NBC Gymnastics - Women's Competition (live)
Satur., June 30 4-6 p.m. ET NBC Gymnastics - Men's Final (live) 6:30-8 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live) 9-10 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field - Finals (live)
Sun., July 1 6-7 p.m. ET NBCSN Swimming - Qualifying Heats (same day coverage) 7-8 p.m. ET/PT NBC Track & Field - Finals (live) 8-9 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live) 9-11 p.m. ET/PT NBC Gymnastics - Women's Final (live)
Mon., July 2 8-8:30 p.m. ET/PT NBC Swimming - Finals (live)
Sun., July 8 6-7:30 p.m. ET NBCSN Water Polo - USA Women vs. China (live)
About the USOC
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.
About NBC Olympics
A division of the NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal's Olympic coverage. It is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history.
Having produced every summer Olympic Games since Seoul in 1988 and every Olympic Winter Games since Salt Lake City in 2002, the networks of NBCUniversal are synonymous with the Games in the United States. In 2011, NBCUniversal acquired the U.S. media rights on all platforms to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, and the 2020 Olympic Games. At the conclusion of the 2020 Games, NBCUniversal will have presented 17 total Olympic Games and 11 consecutive, the most for a U.S. media company in both categories.
NBC has won an unprecedented 91 Emmy Awards for its Olympics coverage, as well as a prestigious Peabody Award for its presentation of the Beijing Opening Ceremony in 2008, which USA Today said was "the best overall Olympic experience ever provided by a U.S. network."
In addition to its unsurpassed heritage and award-winning production, NBCUniversal is known for aggregating large Olympic audiences, as nine of the top 11 most-watched U.S. television events of all time are Olympic Games presented across the networks of NBCUniversal. The Beijing Olympic Games rank No. 1 with 215 million viewers.
Read more at http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/04/04/us-olympic-committee-and-nbc-sports-group-announce-schedule-for-2012-us-olympic-team-trials-coverage-988104/20120404nbc01/#dQzGhOEeMRQUJCr3.99
Fwd: Invite to Screening at United Nations in NYC
Subject: Invite to Screening at United Nations in NYC
We have really exciting news! This Earth Day, April 22nd, as part of our
Worldwide Global Screening event, we will show the One Day on Earth feature
film in the UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- and you're invited. Ladies
and Gentlemen of the One Day on Earth community. . . WE DID IT.
This is a huge honor and we can't wait to fill the room with our supporters.
If you can make it to the UN in New York City for this special viewing,
please RSVP via the link below. Space is limited and the seats are free.
This is the flagship event of over 200 screenings happening in 160+
countries on Sunday, April 22nd. Please visit our homepage for more info on
the other amazing screenings happening worldwide on Earth Day.
UNITED NATIONS SCREENING RSVP:
http://www.onedayonearth.org/generalassembly
Cheers!
Kyle, Brandon, and the One Day on Earth Team
Please be sure to friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onedayonearth
And, follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/onedayonearth
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Fwd: [ACA Google Group] Riding two abreast
FYI.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chris Mayhew
I've now been pulled over twice in South Park (the park) for riding
two abreast. Both Allegheny County Sherrifs cited the new 4 foot
passing rule as grounds for pulling me over. I didn't listen to the
full explanation. Setting aside what you think I should have done or
what the law actually states, it's clear that this is how they are
going to enforce the law for the time being, at least in South Park,
but perhaps North Park as well (same cops). And, having a copy of the
law on you won't matter. I in fact did today. To quote the cop " I
don't care what you have.". Apparently the fine is $110.
Good luck out there.
--
Chris Mayhew
www.jbvcoaching.com
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chris Mayhew
I've now been pulled over twice in South Park (the park) for riding
two abreast. Both Allegheny County Sherrifs cited the new 4 foot
passing rule as grounds for pulling me over. I didn't listen to the
full explanation. Setting aside what you think I should have done or
what the law actually states, it's clear that this is how they are
going to enforce the law for the time being, at least in South Park,
but perhaps North Park as well (same cops). And, having a copy of the
law on you won't matter. I in fact did today. To quote the cop " I
don't care what you have.". Apparently the fine is $110.
Good luck out there.
--
Chris Mayhew
www.jbvcoaching.com
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Heavyweights
Heavyweights In Ron Pauls Corner Help Change The MSM Story!
Posted by: "geckoontheceiling" geckoontheceiling@yahoo.com geckoontheceiling
Fri Apr 6, 2012 1:37 pm (PDT)
These speakers are familiar with the language used by the target audience and can relay Dr. Paul's message to them better than he could himself. Any help YOU could give me in promoting these speakers to new media, talk radio and the MSM would be hugely appreciated. Feel free to share my contact information with producers, editors, reporters and show hosts, and I'll line em' up!zakrevolution@yahoo.com 206-501-9221
There are 3 key coalition groups that we need to win over the GOP - and when we do it will be a Ronslide from there on out!
1. National Defense (Represented by Veterans For Ron Paul 2012)
Colonel Doug Macgregor (ret) is a decorated combat veteran, the author of four books, a PhD, and a spokesman of the Veterans for Ron Paul 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Adam Kokesh, http://www.adamvstheman.com/ veteran and co-founder of Veterans for Ron Paul 2012 is also available for interviews representing this coalition. http://www.facebook.com/#!/
Michael Scheuer, former head of the CIA's Bin Laden unithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M
2. Bible (Represented by Christians For Ron Paul) Pastor Brian Jacobs of the Metroplex Family Church http://metroplexfamilychurch.c
Minister Derrick Grayson, (aka TMOT) is also a spokesman of Christians For Ron Paul and has been making hard hitting and entertaining videos in support of Ron Paul.http://www.youtube.com/user/tm
Dr. Walter Block http://www.walterblock.com/ is a founding member of Jews for Ron Paul http://www.facebook.com/
3. 2nd Amendment (Represented by Gun Owners For Ron Paul) Gary Marbut is the President of the Montana Shooting Sports Associationhttp://www.mtssa.org/ and is also spokesman of Gun Owners For Ron Paul 2012. http://www.facebook.com/
To liberal, independent and libertarian media I've been promoting Robin Koerner. Robin is the founder and editor of watchingamerica.com, also writes at the Huffington Post and has started the "Blue Republican" movement of Democrats and Independents supporting Ron Paul. You can read his article that started it all here - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
The facebook group and website that has grown from this article can be found here - http://www.facebook.com/
And last but definitely not least I've been promoting Jun Dam to libertarian media. Jun is the founder of Grassroots for Liberty SuperPAC, is also behind http://rp2012.org/ (check out their petition drive!) has set up a phone for Ron Paul from home program, has hosted contests, and helped get supporters to Iowa.http://www.youtube.com/user/rp
Even if you don't have personal media connections, just sending out emails/faxes and making phone calls is a huge help!
To Victory! Ron Paul 2012!
In Liberty, Zak Carter
http://cvrp2012.com/
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Educational read on school reform and politics
Hired Guns on Astroturf:
How to Buy and Sell School Reform
For Barkan’s other writing on the self-proclaimed “education reform movement,” click here, here, and here.
If you want to change government policy, change the politicians who make it. The implications of this truism have now taken hold in the market-modeled “education reform movement.” As a result, the private funders and nonprofit groups that run the movement have overhauled their strategy. They’ve gone political as never before—like the National Rifle Association or Big Pharma or (ed reformers emphasize) the teachers’ unions.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Fw: COUNCILMAN LAVELLE INTRODUCES CIVIC ARENA PARKING TAX RESOLUTION
I say, get 90 or 100 percent of the new tax for Hill District redevelopment.
Good for Mr. Lavelle.
Good for Mr. Lavelle.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
From: City Council District 6 - DISTRICT 6 NEWS <no-reply@apps.pittsburghpa.gov>
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2012 15:24:00 -0400 (EDT)
To: Subscribers<no-reply@apps.pittsburghpa.gov>
ReplyTo: no-reply@apps.pittsburghpa.gov
Subject: COUNCILMAN LAVELLE INTRODUCES CIVIC ARENA PARKING TAX RESOLUTION
 | ||||
| ||||
© 2012 City of Pittsburgh | City Council District 6 |  |  Having trouble seeing this message? Click here to view it in your browser. If you would like to unsubscribe from DISTRICT 6 NEWS, please click here. |
Fwd: The end of bees, thanks to Bayer's chemical?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Corinne Ball, Change.org
EPA: Ban the pesticide that's threatening American bees with extinction
Sign Susan's Petition
Here's the buzz: American honey bees are disappearing at an alarming rate and the government knows why.
Scientists say a pesticide called clothianidin, made by chemical giant Bayer, is strongly linked to the rapid decline in bee populations. When exposed to the chemical, bees get lost: they are literally unable to find their way home back to the hive and drop dead from exhaustion.
Susan Mariner uses her backyard garden to grow extra fruits and veggies for her family and teach her children where their food comes from -- and in the past few years, she's seen the decline in bees firsthand.
When Susan heard about the recent studies linking this specific chemical to the widespread death of the bees who pollinate our food, she started a petition on Change.org to get the chemical banned. Click here to sign Susan's petition asking the Environmental Protection Agency to ban these bee-killing pesticides ASAP.
One-third of the U.S. food supply relies on honey bees. Without bees to pollinate crops, many essential (and favorite) foods are at risk, including apples, squash, tomatoes, strawberries, almonds, and even chocolate.
Several countries, including Germany and France, have already banned clothianidin. And after the bans, bee populations began to rise again.
But in the U.S., clothianidin is used on millions of acres of crops and American beekeepers report losses of up to 90% of their bees. Many worry that their hives won't survive another season. Sign Susan's petition urging the EPA to save the bees and immediately end the harmful pesticide's use.
Thanks for being a change-maker,
- Corinne and the Change.org team
--
--
Ta.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
School news and request letter from parents of Phillips and South Side
Also, for Phillips parents and incoming parents for next year, there's a letter circulating for parents to sign (I believe that there are close to 100 signatures already) to Deputy Superintendent Rudiak asking that with the budget cuts that the district make three commitments to Phillips. One is to fund a Spanish teacher position out of district funds rather than the individual school budget just as the Post-Gazette reported this week that the District already agreed to do at Colfax, which is a Spanish magnet just like Phillips. A second is that the district will agree to stick to its practice of funding an additional paraprofessional position for grades where enrollment hits the maximum numbers out of additional district funds rather than out of the existing Phillips budget. The third is that with the elimination of two teaching positions and the hiring of a FTE to cover some classrooms, that Phillips be able to hire one of the displaced teachers who already knows the school and students.
Below is a copy of the letter in case you and/or your spouse/significant other wish to sign on and send, or there are parents collecting signature before and after school. I'll have a copy of the letter with me at POPS. Parents of students entering school next year are welcome to sign, too. It's authored by Michele Margittai and Carey Harris (related by marriage to POPS Peter Margittai and John Werling).
Scott
Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 PSCC / PTO / Guardians
c/o 1901 Sarah Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
March 30, 2012
Dr. Barbara Rudiak
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 South Bellefield Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Dear Dr. Rudiak –
We are writing, on behalf of 315 Pittsburgh Phillips K-5 students, regarding the changes to occur in the 2012/13 school year at Pittsburgh Phillips K-5.
As you know, the parents/guardians of Phillips students have actively collaborated for many years with the school’s administration to create and sustain an excellent school environment. This family engagement has resulted in many successes at the school including:
• an engaged PSCC that meets with school administration about various school issues.
• an active PTO that provides financial and other support for student enrichment activities.
• excellent attendance by families at school’s events in support of the students’ work (e.g., Fiesta de la Paz, Are You Smarter than a 3rd/4th Grader?)
Not only have these efforts helped Phillips K-5 to be recognized locally as an excellent public school, but its family engagement efforts have also been recognized nationally, by PTO Today.
As a result of the recent budget cuts, Phillips is entering a critical time of challenges and transitions. Families again are asking, “What can we do?” Through the PSCC, families have already met several times with our school’s principal. Based on these discussions, we are writing to request clarity from the district, regarding several issues of concern:
· Principal Transition: We are looking forward to working with the new principal who will be appointed to lead Phillips – particular in addressing changes that will occur regarding the budget cuts. When will the new principal be available to start working with us and what will his/her availability be for meetings in May through August?
· Class Size: We are concerned about the kindergarten class sizes, and want to provide those classrooms with the maximum amount of support. Our current understanding is that a paraprofessional will be provided to support a kindergarten classroom if that class size reaches or exceeds the maximum allowed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. These additional staff members would be provided at the district’s expense, and not out of Phillips’ site-based budget. We would like to confirm with the district that this understanding is correct.
· FTE /ITL2: Phillips will lose at least two classroom teachers for the 2012/13 school year. We understand that district and building seniority will determine which teachers must leave. We request that the FTE, who will be assigned to Phillips to supplement the schedule of the ITL2, be offered to one of the teachers whose current position will be eliminated or who will be bumped due to district transitions. . Our current teachers are part of the culture and understand the expectations of Phillips. As such, they are in the best position to work effectively with our students, staff, and families. An assigned FTE who is new to Phillips, would only exacerbate an already challenging year.
· Spanish Teacher: We noted in the Monday, March 26th Pittsburgh Post Gazette article that the District is providing a Spanish teacher to Colfax to continue that school’s Spanish program. Will the district provide the same resource to Phillips, if needed, to ensure that all of our students receive Spanish instruction at least periods per week?
Dr. Rudiak, thank you, in advance, for your time spent providing us with answers to these important questions. Our PSCC meets again on April 17th. It would be extremely helpful to receive a response prior to that meeting.
We look forward to working with you and your colleagues.
Sincerely,
Pittsburgh Phillips PSCC
Parent Representative
Cc: Dr. Jeannine French
Pittsburgh Phillips Students’ Parents / Guardians:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Spring break: Spain or Oakmont on a bike
If you can not get to Spain to ride your bike next week, we have the next best thing. Go to Cycling Fusion for some free rides, if you are up for the challenge.
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We want to get our Pittsburgh kids swimming and playing water polo soon -- before we do Summer Dreamers again
Hi Friends in Pittsburgh,
Last year our staff of 12 and about 150 middle school students had a wonderful time swimming and playing water polo. I loved coaching and teaching swimming to PPS students with Summer Dreamers at Peabody High Schools' pool. We had five great weeks. Now the challenge is to get that going again, this spring and summer, for campers and even some beyond the specific Summer Dreamers program.
You are invited to attend any of the THREE informational meetings in the community in April, at different times and places, to talk about the changes for the 2012 Summer Dreamers Swim and Water Polo Camp -- and to give details for getting the kids into the water in April, May and June -- before the start of the official program July 9, 2012.
We are NOT at Peabody in the summer of 2012, but the venue shifts to UPREP and The Hill District.
Swim and Water Polo Camp is held in conjunction with PPS Summer Dreamers, 2012 with
Neighborhood Learning Alliance
5429 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: (412) 363 - 1910
We want you swimming and playing water polo again, real soon!
New players are welcome too.
Informational meetings for parents, guardians and others with an interest in the program are going to be held with Coach Mark Rauterkus,
Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412-298-
At 7 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, 412 441-9833
https://sites.google.com/a/
At 6 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Homewood-Brushton YMCA
7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208-1477, 412 243-2900
https://sites.google.com/a/
At 8 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Hill House
1860 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412 281-8482
https://sites.google.com/a/
Our Swim and Water Polo Camp has proven to be a fun-filled option for students in PPS.
Thanks for the consideration. Feel free to forward this email or send me any additions or changes to the list.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
Last year our staff of 12 and about 150 middle school students had a wonderful time swimming and playing water polo. I loved coaching and teaching swimming to PPS students with Summer Dreamers at Peabody High Schools' pool. We had five great weeks. Now the challenge is to get that going again, this spring and summer, for campers and even some beyond the specific Summer Dreamers program.
You are invited to attend any of the THREE informational meetings in the community in April, at different times and places, to talk about the changes for the 2012 Summer Dreamers Swim and Water Polo Camp -- and to give details for getting the kids into the water in April, May and June -- before the start of the official program July 9, 2012.
We are NOT at Peabody in the summer of 2012, but the venue shifts to UPREP and The Hill District.
Swim and Water Polo Camp is held in conjunction with PPS Summer Dreamers, 2012 with
Neighborhood Learning Alliance
5429 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: (412) 363 - 1910
We want you swimming and playing water polo again, real soon!
New players are welcome too.
Informational meetings for parents, guardians and others with an interest in the program are going to be held with Coach Mark Rauterkus,
Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412-298-
At 7 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Bloomfield Garfield Corporation
5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, 412 441-9833
https://sites.google.com/a/
At 6 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Homewood-Brushton YMCA
7140 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208-1477, 412 243-2900
https://sites.google.com/a/
At 8 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Pittsburgh CONNECTS, Hill House
1860 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412 281-8482
https://sites.google.com/a/
Our Swim and Water Polo Camp has proven to be a fun-filled option for students in PPS.
Thanks for the consideration. Feel free to forward this email or send me any additions or changes to the list.
Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach with Neighborhood Learning Alliance
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell
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