News Channel 3 in Memphis is reporting that Shelby County Schools is cutting the PreK programs out of 40 schools next year. “They’re closing schools and it looks like they’re taking them out of communities where they need to be,” said Mary Shipp, a neighborhood activist. When asked about the cuts, SCS Superintendent Dorsey Hopson said, “Our board and administration have to make some tough decisions we’re sensitive to people’s particular needs but we also have to think about how whatever decision we make fits within the great theme of things." This comes as little surprise to one pre-school teacher in Shelby County who sent us the following:
The Pre-K classes at my school received NOTHING from SCS this year. We were supposed to get $500 in August but we are still pleading for supplies -- construction paper, glue, crayons, tape, etc. We have ALWAYS gotten this funding before classes started. This year, we were overlooked. Other classes got their supplies but we did NOT. Months and months of emails getting NO RESPONSES from our "superiors" or "directors." We were told LAST WEEK to ask yet another person in central office about our supplies. After FOUR emails, NOTHING. No reply. This is what is the matter with Shelby County Schools. NO ONE in central office will take responsibility for the kids or admit there is a problem and try to rectify it. We were also supposed to get discretionary funds but those were denied by the school financial secretary. Meanwhile, the teachers and assistants are buying supplies out of our pockets. This becomes costly with 20 students who use lots of paper EVERY DAY. But I'll do it for my kids.
Without adequate supplies and cuts in Pre-K programs, is anyone surprised that over 60% of SCS third graders are not proficient in reading? At the January school board meeting, Superintendent Dorsey Hopson told the board. ”We’re serious about improving student achievement and we want to hear from the board, community, principals, teachers – all of the stakeholders.”
Among other important things, Pre-K teaches children to listen. Maybe there should be Pre-K for adults too...
The Pre-K classes at my school received NOTHING from SCS this year. We were supposed to get $500 in August but we are still pleading for supplies -- construction paper, glue, crayons, tape, etc. We have ALWAYS gotten this funding before classes started. This year, we were overlooked. Other classes got their supplies but we did NOT. Months and months of emails getting NO RESPONSES from our "superiors" or "directors." We were told LAST WEEK to ask yet another person in central office about our supplies. After FOUR emails, NOTHING. No reply. This is what is the matter with Shelby County Schools. NO ONE in central office will take responsibility for the kids or admit there is a problem and try to rectify it. We were also supposed to get discretionary funds but those were denied by the school financial secretary. Meanwhile, the teachers and assistants are buying supplies out of our pockets. This becomes costly with 20 students who use lots of paper EVERY DAY. But I'll do it for my kids.
Without adequate supplies and cuts in Pre-K programs, is anyone surprised that over 60% of SCS third graders are not proficient in reading? At the January school board meeting, Superintendent Dorsey Hopson told the board. ”We’re serious about improving student achievement and we want to hear from the board, community, principals, teachers – all of the stakeholders.”
Among other important things, Pre-K teaches children to listen. Maybe there should be Pre-K for adults too...
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