concerns the need to be address by the school district

[Ashley Sanders-Jackson]

Greetings,

My name is Ashley Sanders-Jackson.  My son was at Mountain Elementary prior to being removed and sent to Ponderosa Montessori.  We would like to be able to send him back to the public schools, but have some concerns about the system.  First, the school does not have a welcoming environment for all students. The school district needs to address why the middle school football team missed a game (I have been given to understand it was because of racist slurs) and consider this a larger issue related to inclusion and diversity.  Briefly, if there is a culture of racism it needs to be addressed immediately at all levels, including a public apology and discussion about race and equity.

Second, there seems to be a heavy reliance on computerized programs for education.  There is a move toward Parallel Universe, which includes videos as part of a teaching tool, is evidence of this.  There is significant scientific evidence in the fields of Computer Mediated Communication and Communication more generally that learning is more effective, particularly for young learners, when it can take place between two human beings in person.  There is significant information that is conveyed nonverbally and through vocal cues that can be otherwise lost.  Further, many students who are Dyslexic or have difficulty learning reading also have underlying attention issues.  Screen time does not improve learning of executive skills and may also reduce resources allocated to information processing.  It also appears that some students will be asked to stay after school twice a week in order to receive this program. This puts the most at-risk students, many of whom need to move their bodies, at greater risk by extending sitting and the school day.  This policy raises significant concerns by increasing the burden on an already at risk group.

Best,

Ashley Sanders-Jackson

267-515-2523