Letters from parents!

Several letters received as a result of the press article on racism:
I am deeply troubled by the comments made at the School Board Meeting (as reported in the Grand Rapids Press). I am troubled because if this is what the board members think, then they are out of touch with reality. If they are this out of touch GRPS needs new board members.
As a parent of children in two School Districts (Both Kentwood and GRPS), I have a unique perspective on the school systems.
The reason that I choose to send one of my children to Kentwood has absolutely nothing to do with the way that the kids in GRPS look-or their minority status.
The reason that I choose to send my kids to the schools that they attend has to do with the programs that they offer, and an evaluation of what will they provide for my child. -Much like college evaluation and selection.
I live in Grand Rapids and I own a beautiful home in a great neighborhood. We are not poor, single parenting, or drug addicted. We are hard working middle class, productive, minority parents who want the best for our kids. I believe that there are many other parents that live in Grand Rapids, and the GRPS district that could say the same thing about themselves.
When you evaluate the programs at Kentwood and GRPS you find them to be completly different.
My opinion is that Kentwood emanates the blue ribbon status that they have earned. One of my children wants to be a part of that, and wants the education that they offer. She attends the 9 th grade Freshman Campus.
On the other hand, GRPS, specifically, Alger Middle School where my son attends is becoming a better school. The building is "state of the art". Technology is present in every classroom. You can see the effort being made by the staff to really gain control and turn things around. They have laid out to the parents solid, achievable goals to bring learning level up to a higher standard. I believe that the Principals of that school are engaged and committed to providing quality education.
Where GRPS- Alger Middle school lacks is in parent/teacher communication and in parent involvement.
For example, there is little communication between teachers and parents at Alger. Parents have to work very hard to get information. This year, I reached out to the teachers at GRPS-Alger Middle by email. I received 2 very complete, professional responses, One 3 word response, and 3 of the teachers failed to respond. To my knowledge, there are no blogs, and on online gradebook has been in the works for a long time, but has yet to materialize.
In contrast, I have never sent an email to Kentwood and have received 25 emails from teachers and coaches. 25 long, informational packed emails. Emails that were not specific to my child, but information to keep me informed about what is going on. In addition to the emails, some of the teachers' blog information to inform parents (and remind students) of homework and projects, and finally there is an online gradebook.
At Kentwood, because there is better communication, and there is more parent involvement. I know what is going on, and the parents e-mail each other. I know when to be involved. I believe that communication and parent involvement go hand in hand.
If I could could offer advise to GRPS it would have nothing to do with race. My advice would be to use technology to communicate to your parents, get them involved, tell them at least once a week what you are doing, and your parents will get involved. Once your parents get involved I believe that impact will be astonishing, and then you will have parents that want to attend your schools. Parents will be beating down your doors just as they are beating down the doors of Kentwood, Grandville and Hudsonville.
So in conclusion, I choose to send one of my children to another district because they are capable of providing what she needs and wants – and for no other reason.

Another letter:Letter to the Editor – Grand Rapids Press
September 20, 2007


Dr. Taylor and the GRPS Board refuse to acknowledge that there are no good choices for education in this district – particularly at the high school level. Parents don’t want to leave, but are forced to try due to the lack of adequate options here.

Families do not transfer their students when their resident district is providing quality education. Dr. Taylor acknowledges almost 1000 transfer requests this year. Many more were made but never forwarded to GRPS because of its standing order to deny them. Still more parents thought that Section 6 transfers no longer existed and never applied.

GRPS has no fewer resources to educate students than surrounding districts. GRPS educators are no less skilled or dedicated than other teachers. GRPS facilities are no less viable and GRPS students are no less intelligent than others.

The focus must be on CHANGE – not avoidance, blame, whining, sarcasm, or cries of racism. The parents that are voicing their concerns are the same ones that would likely dig in and help create that change. GRPS should welcome their passion and turn it into action.

Families want the best education for their children and currently GRPS does not provide that. Parents consider other options and encounter roadblocks. Holding families against their will and better judgment is not the answer. GRPS should work mightily toward providing the kind of education parents are requiring, and until that is accomplished get out of the way so that it can be obtained elsewhere.


Another letter:
I was totally appalled by the statement Mrs. Arnie Smithalexander made about parents that live in Grand Rapids and choose to send their kids to other school districts through 'schools of choice'. She said "It's blatant racism" that parents would choose other districts and not GRPS since the district is 75% African-American. Such a statement is totally ludicrous. She's making a blanket statement on those who wish to send their children to schools outside the district. I believe her statement is racist in and of itself.

I have a few questions for Mrs. Smithalexander:

1: Of the parents that are using 'schools of choice' and are of African extraction, are you saying they're racist toward their own race?

2: I'm of European heritage. You wouldn't know it by looking at me or my children, but I happen to have nearly 40 blood relatives that to one degree or another are of African heritage. Are you saying if I were to choose 'schools of choice' that I'm racist against some of my own family members?

3: With your utterly crazy statement and assumption, is it any wonder that those who want to send their children to other school districts choose that option? You're a school board member, and you're making statements like that!?! Mrs. Smithalexander, you are exhibit one in my book on why we shouldn't send our kids to the GRPS! You've made our point!
Another letter:

This is in response to (like us or leave us....GR board tells parents 9/18) I am a grand rapids resident and I take offense at Arnie Smith-Alexanders comment that our request to be released from GRPS is racially motivated. I attended the meeting with Dr. Taylor and his cabinet on 9/11 and though race was mentioned, it was however not the reason any of us want to leave GRPS. It is solely based on the fact that the schools are failing our children, ALL children. As a parent I won't accept and education that is poor or moderate. I want excellence out of our schools regardless of color or economic stature. Yes we have some choices, though choice can be limited based on ability to move and economic conditions. I know I don't want to leave Grand Rapids, I love my town and look forward to raising my kids here. I reiterate what I said at the meeting, improve the schools and I'll come back, otherwise release those who want to leave and get to work making GRPS something we want to come back to.