11/30/2011

Good Afternoon All:

On last night the Teaneck Board of Education held a special meeting regarding the impact that a Virtual Charter School would have on the Teaneck Public School System.   For those of you who were not able to attend, here's a quick synopsis (and I'm quoting Bd of Ed Member Margot Fischer) .

"As you are aware, this school would take as much as million out of the Teaneck School district's operating budget next year alone (and possibly more in subsequent years), threatening each and every one of the educational programs that those of us who have raised our children in these schools value.

It is critical that our parents be informed about this threat and take action urgently. The State Department of Education has given us only a few short weeks to respond to this proposal, as it makes its final decision before the winter holidays.

I cannot overemphasize how important it is that we meet ASAP and discuss ways in which our parents can help to make sure their children return to a healthy school district next September. I realize everyone is very busy but, if we do not act now, decisions will be made that cannot be reversed and that will affect the children of this community for years to come".

Although many of you no longer reside in Teaneck, your assistance is urgently needed.  Please take a moment to read the letter below.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last night at a Board of Education special public hearing at Teaneck High School, a packed house was brought up to date on both the status of the latest application for a Virtual Charter School based in Teaneck and its impact on district budgeting and planning as well as the status of current bills before the NJ state senate and assembly to amend charter school reform legislation giving districts local approval of charter schools as well as more direct control and accountability.  Below are two links to informative websites that include petitions and sample letters that can be written and sent (or emailed) to both our local legislators and the State Department of Education.

http://teaneckschools.org//site/Default.aspx?PageID=582    (additional information can be found here)

http://www.saveourschoolsnj.org/    

I urge you to help "spread the word" NOW, THIS MONTH.  If we wait, it will be too late, and the impact on our local school budget will be devastating under current state law -- as much as 25% of the school budget under mandated cap will have to be set aside for this latest state-imposed venture, affecting programs and services to both public and private school students in Teaneck. 

Forward this email to as many as you know, both in Teaneck as well as other cities and towns around the state, and let them know that we need their advocacy and support.  One of the major bills has been passed by the State Assembly, but the State Senate version is by no means assured passage at this point.  The Commissioner of Education and Governor Christie must also hear from NJ voters and constituents loud and clear! 

Thank you,

Barbara Ostroth

If this can happen to Teaneck, it can happen to any school district in the state of New Jersey.

Stay tuned......

Shelley Worrell

Mission Statement
The mission of the Teaneck High School Alumni Association Alumni Network for Teaneck Society Schools is to be an organization committed to the development of tomorrow's leaders today, to prepare our students to succeed in a global environment, and to advance the understanding of friendship and the value of a community environment that gives back to the town and its people. Further through this organization we intend to rebuild Teaneck’s moral character and live up to the vision set forth by the towns’ forefathers as the model town for a thriving multi-cultural, equally diverse community committed to equality for and in all..    

Vision
Teaneck High School Alumni Association Alumni Network for Teaneck Society Schools will be recognized nationally, by stakeholders and peers, for its excellence in diversity teaching, cross culture involvement, intellectual contributions, and programs that expand knowledge to promote the practice of community togetherness. We will be a benchmark program for community excellence in teaching social values that give back to the community. Teaneck High School Alumni AssociationThe Alumni Network for Teaneck SchoolsSociety will offer scholarships, to students who excel in deeds and commitment to working together effectively to strengthen our community and promote social and& economic growth.  Our vision is one of inclusion that will not be limited by Race, Color, Creed, Social Choice Orientation or Religion.

Shared Values
Consistent with the mission of Teaneck Comes Together, Teaneck Chamber of Commerce, the Teaneck Public High School System that helps builds in its students the capacity to reach beyond themselves and toward an engaged life in the dynamic global market, we commit to support these values:.


•    Breaking down social barriers in preparation for college - Teaneck High School Alumni Association/Alumni Network for Teaneck Schools  will bring together students from all the diverse cultural, ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds of Teaneck in a positive, nurturing, and safe environment to experience and participate together in many different activities, while learning about each other.

•    We value diversity, open-mindedness, and mutual respect and believing they are critical to the success of our programs.

•    Developing life skills - Teaneck High School Alumni Association Alumni Network for Teaneck Society Schools will provide students in grades 3 through 12 with challenging, intensive, community service opportunities, through which we teach and put into action life skills such as communication, leadership, commitment, teamwork, loyalty, goal-setting, and the value of putting forth your best effort.

•    Providing an outlet for creativity - Teaneck High School Alumni Association Alumni Network for Teaneck Schools society will empower students to discover, develop, and pursue their own interpersonal talents as a way to facilitate creativity, personal growth, and self-esteem while cultivating an appreciation of other cultures.

We consider our alumni as important partners and embracing value the involvement of multiple stakeholders in our learning environment.

•    Fostering good citizenship - Teaneck High School Alumni Association Alumni Network for Teaneck School society will provide students with opportunities to share their diverse backgrounds throughout our community while teaching the importance of "giving back.," in addition to As well, Teaneck High School Alumni Association and its support committees A.N.T.S. will teaching responsibility and will work to developing civic pride so that our students will proudly when representing Teaneck as they move on to college and occupational careers both nationally and internationally.

The Alumni Association will honor graduates who have "made their alma mater proud." At up coming reunions, the Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to members who have made special contributions to the success of Teaneck High School.

The Distinguished Faculty Award will be presented to teachers who taught at Teaneck High School past and present.

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