St. Paul E-Democracy Links http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/links.html _________________________________________
Today, I took my 5 year old daughter to the Parent Information Fair, about St. Paul Schools (this was my second trip, I also have a 4th grader) in search of a kindergarten. I was pleasantly surprised at the energy of the event. Just about every school from the district must have been represented, many of the local charter schools, and a scattering of privates schools. Also, other education related departments and organizations were there.
There was something encouraging about seeing so that so much education is going on in St. Paul. This is about as close as one can come, to seeing the spectrum of primary (and secondary) education in St. Paul all in one place.
I was a little surprised at the aggressiveness and enthusiasm of the "sales people" who were there to represent their schools. One could really see the "education marketplace" in action. I had school principles, teachers, and parent volunteers - literally stopping me in the aisle to pitch their school and "sell me" on their program. It was, I think, a good thing.
Also, I was impressed with the shuttle bus system that the district set up to shuttle folks from remote parking lots to the downtown St. Paul event. At least, I was impressed, until the ride home. A 30 + minute wait with scores of other impatient folks, who did not behave themselves as well as I would have hoped, when a school bus would finally show up. Then, with 75 - 100 people waiting, we would learn that the FULL SIZE bus that showed up could only take about 10 people, because it was handicap equipped.
Given that many of those enjoying the lengthy waits happen to work for the district, I suspect that the transportation folks will get a few complaints. Something to work on for next year!
Overall, I think it was a great event and something that some folks without kids might consider attending in future years, just to see up close what a diverse and dynamic education marketplace exists in St. Paul. Its definitely a useful tool for parents!
Now, to look through all the literature I collected and attend a handful of open houses. The joys of "choice" in education.........
Anyone else....?
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway Proud parent of a pre-K and 4th grade student [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430 =================================================
_____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul
Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/ _____________________________________________ For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
