Kent Gardens French-Fried Immersion Program

McLean Mama attended last night’s PTA meeting in the Kent Garden’s Library.  The usual administrivia was reviewed such as PTA programing, budgets, and opportunities to volunteer.  McLean Mama was astonished to learn the annual operating budget for the PTA hovers around $110, 000 to $120,000.  That’s right – the PTA budget is in the six-figures!  I’m still scrapping my jaw off of the floor. 

The PTA uses these resources to pay for buses and drivers for fieldtrips, the school’s science and technology programs, support for kids who do not meet the milestones for the SOLs, afterschool programs, summer camps, and to support teachers who purchase supplies for their classrooms.  Last night was another reminder of the incredible financial and emotional commitment the Kent Gardens Elementary School community has for its children.  (McLean Mama has not had ample time to dig into the budget – but I will!)

Of note, a question was asked about the now infamous French Immersion program wait list.  In a word McLean Mama was right – it was a good old fashion mess - grande erreur par excellence.  The wait list for the French Immersion program was kept in a folder with messy notations, multiple copies, and the clarity of Inspector Clouseau trying to solve a crime. 

The assistant principal, Madam Piers McGrath, admittedly had the task of untangling the mess foisted upon her after the le plus rapide departure of the previous principal – Dr. Hooker.  She informed the gathering she believes she corrected the list in a fair manner and letters will be sent out shortly to the parents of students who are waiting to hear if they will eventually make it into the program. Of note, the second graders’ last chance to get into the program is mid-November.

What Madam McGrath didn’t offer last night was sound transparency as to how the list will be managed fairly in the future.  She noted because of privacy the list cannot be placed on the Blackboard for all eyes to see – even if the list just includes a student’s identification number.  Fair enough – however McLean Mama believes that a single keeper of the list equates to a single point of failure.  In four to six weeks the incoming Principal will and should come up with a clear solution to this continuing challenge.

Now, you may say, “Vous vous plaignez toujours!”  But I will respond with, “Je ne peux pas vivre comme ça!”  As they say in Paris, “C'est une pagaille totale, iet ça me tape sur les nerfs!”

How would you organize and manage the French Immersion Program wait list at Kent Gardens Elementary School?