I have children attending HISD, specifically the performing arts schools in the district. The facilities themselves are some of the oldest there are in the district, and some of the worst maintained.
It is obvious that we as a society don't appreciate the arts (and smARTS) the way we used to because we let these gifted kids go to school in substandard facilities. I'm guessing a major problem lies in the fact that FOOTBALL programs are not what sustains these schools. In HSPVA's case, the school also doesn't belong to a neighborhood since the kids are bussed in from all over the district - they must audition and maintain grade standards every year to remain in the school. Yes, every year.
Below is a note from Mary Nesbitt of HISD Parent Visionaries:
Larry Marshall has stripped Bellaire High School, Grady Middle School, Sam Houston, and HSPVA from the facilities package and put the three remaining schools on the agenda for a vote this Thursday - all on his own. His actions are completely unprecedented and without regard for the wishes of the other board members who made a formal request to put forward the package of 7 schools. Mr. Marshall's actions are completely unprecedented and some question whether they are legal.
It is imperative that parents attend the meeting this Thursday morning. Parents may also speak before the board on any of these agenda items listed below. The actions taken by Mr. Marshall completely undermine the ability of any incoming superintendent - namely Dr. Grier, to make commitments or provide assurances to any community going forward. It also fundamentally undermines the professional recommendations of Dick Lindsey or the professional staff of HISD. It is also clear that Mr. Marshall can individually disregard board policy or precedent and do what he chooses.
I ask you to join us this Thursday and speak on behalf of the 4,000 plus students that will be stuck in inadequate, overcrowded, unsuitable classrooms.
The Meeting is held at
Houston Independent School District
4400 West 18th Street
Houston, Texas 77092-8501
Telephone: Information Center, 713-556-6005
AUGUST 27, 2009 -- 7:30 A.M.
CALL TO ORDER
FEDERAL MID-YEAR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
WORKSHOP ON DELOITTE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION STUDY
APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN BUDGET AND DESIGN ALLOWANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF LUCIAN L. LOCKHART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE LOCKHART/TURNER CONSOLIDATION
APPROVAL OF BUDGET INCREASE, DESIGN CONTRACT, DELIVERY METHOD, AND MANAGEMENT FOR PARTIAL REPLACEMENT AND RENOVATION OF EVAN E. WORTHING HIGH SCHOOL
APPROVAL OF A BUDGET FOR RENOVATION OF THE BELLFORT CAMPUS FOR AN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE PROCESS FOR SEARCH AND SELECTION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION UNDER SEC
I realize this may not pertain to everyone who reads TDH, but please pass the word. The kids are worth it, don't you think?
I'm guessing I'm still struggling with why it's so hard for them to offer art, music, PE everyday to kids today when it was part of my education way back when. We took some standardized tests, but that wasn't what it was all about. I think I came out knowing a few things and with critical thinking skills. (THAT has certainly fallen off the radar screen.)
Can't we just get a time machine and go back and look at that again and see how we can get back to some of the basics?
Not everything though ... no seventies fashion and no narrow minded thinking ... we have enough of that leftover already ... just sayin'.
Quite honestly, I think the love affair with football gives all sports a bad rap. Frankly, we shouldn't have to choose between sports, the arts, music, drama, and strong academics. We should have all of them because all of them contribute to a well-rounded education. I know my volleyball players were better off because of the competition.
As many stories as we could tell about the downfall of academics, I could tell about physical education. I remember having to run a mile and a half in regular PE. Now, if kids walk around the gym it is a huge accomplishment. We jam our PE classes with 50 and 60 kids and wonder why nothing gets done. There's a lot about public education that is bothersome right now.
If you think about it, it wasn't that long ago that people studied Greek, Latin, poetry, painting, music, literature. It was S.O.P. for them to speak more than one language.
They had a command of the written language, knew how to turn a phrase.
Now, if you can find someone who can spell without using spellcheck, it becomes a reason to celebrate.
It sucketh mightily.
It didn't pass in HSPVA's favor, by the way. Another nail in the coffin for arts and intellect in Houston. It figures.
For Whatever It's Worth:
I've read somewhere that investment in the arts really pays intellectual, technological and economic benefits. Which I presume is why part of the stimulus plan was an allotment for the arts...which, of course, many thought was a waste of money. Trust me, I'm no artiste, but I am a believer in following the positive leads that history hands us.
These kids are growing up unable to read with comprehension or unable to write a simple grammatically-correct sentence. Proper spelling? Ha! Forget that. They are so used to texting that they think "see you later" really IS "C U L8R".
Knowledge of arts or literature? Poetry? Geography? Do any of them know ANYTHING about that? How many of them need remedial basic English classes when they enter college?
This is the future of our country, people. Scary to contemplate.
Of course, if you read very many of the comments posted on the chron (and other newspaper) sites, you'll see they've probably been raised by parents who couldn't read or write either.
I can't come obviously, but I wish you and everyone else involved all the luck in the world. What is going on is indeed egregious and the love affair with football not only affects academics but the other athletic programs. I actually sat in a coach's meeting while some jackass explained why he as an assistant football coach should get a bigger stipend than me (the head volleyball coach).
don't get me started on the insane worship of texas high school ovalball....
I really wish people would look at the big picture.
There is an assault on our health, education, and safety...