Moms Leading the Charge for Change

[Sasha at Parenting.com]

Have you ever joined (or led?) the charge to get something changed at your school or in your school district? What was the issue, and what was the outcome?

We’d love to hear your story -- and it could be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine!

[Hipstudio]

Wow, thanks for putting this Mom Congress article in the recent April '09 Parenting Magazine. I am a big proponet of moms making a big difference in the lives of their children. Due to my divorce 2 years ago I learned a LOT about parenting and how children can get involved with exposure to adult content and not know where to turn. I saw this sad story happen to my ex husband and his childlike curiosity became an enslaving sex addicition that ultimately ended our marriage relationship. The sex talk was never given by his parents he frowned upon sharing his early exposure to adult material with his parents. It is a vicious cycle that I want to see stopped. As parents we need to be able to talk openly and freely about adult topics with our children. Although my baby is only 2 years old I plan to have "the talk" with her in gradeschool so she knows she can talk to Mom about these adult issues. I want to get actively involved with PTA to make sure that parents are aware of the dangers of pornography and internet safety.

I want to warn my daughter about internet safety and the dangers of search engines / dangers of pornographic material / and always knowing what my child is doing on a computer at my home [getting a filter system]. I just am passionate about this topic and wanted to share my experiences.

[cana]

The internet just likes the real world, today’s society, which indispensably has bad sides. The easy access to information from different countries is also at the root of parental and community concerns about children’s exposure to inappropriate materials and experiences. Real-world threats like hate speech, harassment, and stalking exist in cyberspace. Particularly pornography and sexual predators—issues can pose hazards to our children most.
Please read more on "Tips for Guiding Kids on Internet Surfing"
http://www.parents-and-kids.com/blog/en/2008/05/tips-for-guiding-kids-on-internet-surfing/

[kregan]

Like many moms, I had to work but didn't want to send my children off to a preschool or elementary school. I felt a driving need to be around them and to be an influential person in their daily school life. I was very opinioned about what an ideal school is and had a vision of a school based on my philosophy. I took this vision and became one of the founding members of a K-8 public charter school in Nevada (the first K-8 charter in the state). I was already a licensed teacher and took 21 credit hours during the summer to complete my administration credential and become the youngest principal in the state of Nevada (at 30 years old). My vision has been the driving force in developing the our program serving the North Valleys of Reno. Ten years later, I'm still the Executive Director of a successful certified preschool and public charter school. My children (I have 8 including my 2 step children) all have the benefit of attending my school from birth through 8th grade. Somedays I'm so busy with being an administrator I don't even see my children. But, I do have a huge sense of security knowing they are down the hall happy, healthy, and learning based on a philosophy that I developed. I believe the early years are the learning years that are the foundation for life, I am blessed to serve my own children while serving others!

My school and I were even featured in a local magazine recently (including photos of my family) that celebrated our successful 10 years of learning!

[ccapozzoli]

As an educator of 20 years and a mom of 3 great Elem. School kids, I am always looking for ways to help and assist in our small rural school district. I try not to be that "nagging" parent and try to be proactive. A year ago we had a library full of old tattered and torn books that were copyrighted even before I was born... 1967... yikes. I could not just stand by and have this when I knew that my children loved reading and getting books from the library. The condition of these old books were completely unacceptable to me. Books were torn, stained, taped 2 and 3 times over... just a mess. I waited for a little while thinking that it was just a few books in the school's library. It took me about 4 months to address the issue with the superintendent. I went in with a book that fell out of the binding and asked if he knew where the book came from. He didn't know and when I told him he was quite surprised, so he acted. I told him that I would not just complain, but be proactive for my children and all of the others that were faced with the same thing. My son and I organized a book drive. His classmates and teacher helped collect and organize books over a few weeks. People made $ contributions as well. It was amazing! We collected over 1,000 books and a few hundred dollars to purchase more. My son was so excited and proud that he had accomplished this for his school. Now every year the school has a book drive. We started something simple that grew into an annual event. It was so easy to do and parents and students enjoyed and appreciated it. After a few years, I can honestly say that I am not finished working for my children. I have now be voted on as a new School Board Director and I look forward to making more positive change for our school so that our children can find success in whatever they do. Parents really do hold a wealth of power. We need to be proactive and band together to fight for what's needed in today's classrooms. If Public Education doesn't change with the ever growing trends in society, we will only cause our children to suffer. I for one will not allow that to happen. I love being a Public Educator, but see a need for serious reform efforts at all levels and I devote time and energy in building awareness through training and conferences to convince others that effective educational technology practices and initiatives are critical to student success and achievement in today's schools. We must provide our children with the best 21st Century education that they deserve!

[mebrumit]

I have been volunteering at my son's school since he was in kindergarten (he is in 2nd this year). Last year, I was asked to serve on the parental involvement committee, which was great. This year, not only was I asked to serve on the same committee, I was also elected to the School Council. This will give me a chance to make a real difference in not only my son's life, but also in the other children's lives as well. Also, it truly does make school better for the child when a parent or grandparent is involved in their education. It also gives me the opportunity to get to know my child's teachers as well as the teachers he may have over the next few years. It is truly an honor for me to help out at his school.

[BRoxMum]

I haven't helped to exact change, yet. I volunteer at my son's public elementary school 3 full days a week. This gives me the chance to witness many classrooms and chat with teachers during their lunch breaks.
All the teachers (down-low) back up my observations. What they are doing is not working here in Florida. They are getting a good education, but it could be so much better. I've sat down and had lengthy talks with the Principal and Asst. Principal about my concerns. I've discovered that no change will occur on a local level.
I am doing all I can to sponge up knowledge of the system because I have the desire to make change all the while realizing my son may never benefit.