|
2 |
|
When teachers and parents are on the “same page,” they can engage in more individual and concrete discussions around student progress and develop realistic goals and plans of action that are linked to student achievement. Some of the impact on parents is as follows: Improved communication with teachers Increased education skills Improved attitude toward school and school personnel Higher degree of commitment to helping their child improve Increased trust
We know that there is no “one size fits all” answer to partnerships, but we believe that by making this curriculum available to parents and school personnel, we will be promoting best practice among our parents and schools.
To learn more about participating in a Family-School-Community Partnership training, please contact Lesli Girard at the Families Together Topeka Center.
|
|
TABOR Submitted by Susan Arnold, Topeka Center
2005 HCR (House Concurrent Resolution) 5015 is an amendment to the Kansas constitution, which if voter approved, would establish limits to the growth of state and local revenues or expenditures to a highly restrictive formula – the annual change in population plus inflation. This amendment proposal is called TABOR, and it stands for ‘Taxpayers' Bill of Rights’.
In general, TABOR proposals impose spending limits on state government that increase each year based on the rate of inflation and population growth. Revenues that come in over the limit must be refunded to taxpayers.
Voter approval and spending limits are key factors to understand in TABOR. In effect, any efforts to raise the cap or increase taxes must be voted on by the public. Supporters say it is a good way to ensure government stays small and accountable to the people. Opponents say it removes discretion from state lawmakers and could jeopardize public services, such as education and social services.
TABOR deserves your attention to take an informed stance on the issue. You can see the developments, study the information available, and consider the effects of such a proposal for you, your family, your community and state by reviewing the positions at: Americans for Prosperity (www.afpks.org) or 785-354-4AFP, Coalition for a Prosperous Kansas (www.tabortruth.org), and Kansas Action for Children (www.kac.org) or 785-232-0550. |
|
Connie Zienkewicz receives a donation from Enterprise Rent-a-Car Foundation representative, Stephanie Warren |
|
A Note From the Director’s Desk…
Dear Parents and Appointed Advocates:
December 5-9 is the 5th Annual National Inclusive Schools Week!! Families Together invites you to visit www.inclusiveschools.org for a FREE celebration kit.
To kick off this celebration, Families Together, Inc. is hosting "Our Combined Voices," a statewide Inclusion Conference in Wichita on December 3. We hope that you have gotten information about registration and will plan to join with other parents and professionals to celebrate ways that all students can learn together. If you still need more information, go to the Families Together, Inc. website (www.familiestogetherinc.org) or call the Wichita Center (1-800-815-6364 statewide or in Wichita 945-7747).
A big thanks to all of the private financial contributors to Families Together, Inc. We also have great government partners in the Federal Department of Education, the Kansas agencies: Department of Education, Department of Health and Environment, Developmental Disability Council, Social and Rehabilitation Services. Other contributors to the services we provide are: the Western Kansas Foundation, Payless Shoes and Quick Trip Wichita Regional Office.
The staff at Families Together, Inc. wishes each of you and your families a joyful celebration of the holidays!
|
