Nov. 8, 2011: RSD Makes Changes to Better Engage Parents, Students
11/8/2011 12:00:00 AM
Interpretation services now available for Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking parents.
Today, the Recovery School District (RSD) follows through on plans outlined in Commitment 8 of What Will It Take? by announcing a streamlined communications system for parents, the availability of Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation/translation services, and schedules for ongoing parent and student discussions. These services will make it easier for parents and students to get information, get issues resolved, and give the district feedback.
“We believe putting children first involves working alongside community,” said RSD Superintendent John White. “Our decisions will be better for having heard and considered the viewpoints of our parents, students, educators, and community members.”
To respond to parents and resolve their issues faster, the RSD has launched a new phone system. By calling either the local (504-373-6200) or toll-free telephone number (1-877-343-4773), parents will have direct access to the RSD Parent-Family Resource Centers, where trained staff will provide assistance or direct parents to the appropriate division. In addition, telephone interpretation for Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking parents is now available.
To increase communication with parents and seek their input, the district has scheduled meetings at various locations around the city over the next few months. The first meeting (Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Household of Faith Church in New Orleans East) focuses on the new RSD Public School Enrollment System, scheduled to launch in spring 2012.
Another round of parent meetings, in partnership with the RSD Parent Task Force, will begin in January with topics to be announced. The schedule is as follows:
· Thursday, Jan. 5 – Sarah T. Reed High School, 5316 Michoud Blvd. · Thursday, Feb. 2 – Edgar P. Harney Elementary, 2503 Willow St. · Thursday, March 8 – Murray Henderson Elementary, 2701 Lawrence St. · Thursday, April 5 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School, 1617 Caffin Ave. · Thursday, May 3 – Joseph Craig Elementary, 1423 St. Philip St. · Thursday, June 7 – Harmony Oaks Community Center, 3320 Clara St.
The RSD will continue student engagement this fall by seeking student input regarding the new enrollment system, with help from the Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association (VAYLA) and the group Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools (Rethink). The two youth organizations will convene a focus group of 14 to 20 students to provide constructive feedback on the new system.
In the spring, the RSD Student Task force will begin a multi-step process in partnership with VAYLA and Rethink to produce a Student’s Guide to Schools, which would inform students about school choice.
This parent-student engagement plan follows the RSD’s September release of What Will it Take? In the report, the RSD made 12 commitments to ensure that every student in New Orleans is on track to graduate from college or to attain a professional career.
Read What Will It Take? on the RSD Web site at www.rsdla.net.