"So they calculated out 3.3 hours of lost instructional time for this? That is up from the 2 hour estimate. 700 kids X $13.60 per hour X 3.3 hours= $31,416 of overhead for this thing in this area. Per school. Our taxes at work. 1,000 kids is $44,880."

If Dr. Garza disagrees with the nature of this analysis, let her explain what's happening. Even at the lower hour figure, this is out of line..

Interesting, the Boosterthon web site doesn't talk about the company staff.

Who writes up these so-called character lessons?

Who comes out to the schools to teach?

Why does Boosterthon conceal the facts about itself, what is this company hiding?

Are you affiliated with any religious group?


No. The Boosterthon Fun Run is not associated or connected to any religious group. Our Fitness, Leadership, and Character curriculum is designed to be values-based so that it can be utilized in public, parochial, and non-parochial private schools.

Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from school time?

The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively impact students by enhancing and improving America’s schools. The average student spends about 1300 hours a year in school. The three parts of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about two hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that time is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days, spent on the fundraising component. That means that a school can accomplish most/all of its annual fundraising using .0004% of the school year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to the lasting benefits students receive from Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide new computers, sports equipment, art supplies, field trips, books, classroom resources and much more.

How do you come up with your character theme?

Glad you asked! Created under the new HeroSteps brand, our newest character theme, Rock’n Town Live, has taken over 12 months and thousands of hours to produce. And people like you helped. Last year, parents, teachers, and administrators from Boosterthon’s “Blue Group” helped create this theme—HeroSteps took their vision and made it come to life. With more resources and innovation poured into this parent-chosen theme than ever before, Rock’n Town Live is by far Boosterthon’s best theme yet.

boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Are you affiliated with any religious group?
>
>
> No. The Boosterthon Fun Run is not associated or
> connected to any religious group. Our Fitness,
> Leadership, and Character curriculum is designed
> to be values-based so that it can be utilized in
> public, parochial, and non-parochial private
> schools.


Sorry. Boosterthon is run by Chris Carneal, a seminary graduate and founder of the Change the World Foundation, clearly a Christian organization. There are also numerous anecdotal accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing their Bibles into classrooms.

The foundations of the "Fitness, Leadership and Character curriculum" such as it may be, are not disclosed.

boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from school
> time?
>
> The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively
> impact students by enhancing and improving
> America’s schools. The average student spends
> about 1300 hours a year in school. The three parts
> of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team
> huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about two
> hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that time
> is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That
> leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days,
> spent on the fundraising component. That means
> that a school can accomplish most/all of its
> annual fundraising using .0004% of the school
> year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to
> the lasting benefits students receive from
> Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide new
> computers, sports equipment, art supplies, field
> trips, books, classroom resources and much more.

They can say whatever they want. Boosterthon eats into instructional time.

Chamber of Secrets Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Interesting, the Boosterthon web site doesn't talk
> about the company staff.
>
> Who writes up these so-called character lessons?
>
> Who comes out to the schools to teach?
>
> Why does Boosterthon conceal the facts about
> itself, what is this company hiding?

http://www.boosterthon.com/2014/02/boosterthons-all-time-favorite-question-to-answer/

http://www.boosterthon.com/2013/08/boosterthon-parents-help-create-2014-15-character-theme-at-themestorm/

Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There are also numerous anecdotal
> accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing their
> Bibles into classrooms.

Anecdotal accounts. You got me there. I can assure there was nothing of the sort in the Boosterthon events at FCPS schools.

Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Sorry. Boosterthon is run by Chris Carneal, a
> seminary graduate and founder of the Change the
> World Foundation, clearly a Christian
> organization.

With no respect due - what the hell difference does that make?

Secondly, what evidence can you present that Change the World Foundation is "clearly a Christian organization?"

boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > There are also numerous anecdotal
> > accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing
> their
> > Bibles into classrooms.
>
> Anecdotal accounts. You got me there. I can
> assure there was nothing of the sort in the
> Boosterthon events at FCPS schools.

Now assure us that Boosterthon does not eat into instructional time.

Now provide peer reviewed articles demonstrating the superiority of the Boosterthon "lessons" over those already taught (and paid for) in FCPS.

Now assure us that a background check has been done on every Boosterthon employee given access to FCPS premises.

Now assure us that Boosterthon employees have the same level of qualification as FCPS teachers (degree from an accredited school).

Finally (for now), assure us that the fraternity ideology of "no means yes, yes means anal" has no place in Boosterthon.

boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Sorry. Boosterthon is run by Chris Carneal, a
> > seminary graduate and founder of the Change the
> > World Foundation, clearly a Christian
> > organization.
>
> With no respect due - what the hell difference
> does that make?
>
> Secondly, what evidence can you present that
> Change the World Foundation is "clearly a
> Christian organization?"

This is precisely the point.
You are okay to pay Boosterthon to teach kids about leadership and character and fitness at the expense of 48% on the dollar on the backs of your friends and family without telling them that is what their money is being used for?
Has anyone looked into Chris Carneal and CTW?
"Chris Carneal is the president and founder of the Change the World Foundation and Booster Enterprises. The Change the World Foundation was started in 2007 to expand the Kingdom by celebrating life, planting churches, and creating business. Chris is also the founder of several organizations including a group of six Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs known as the Wildfire Network and the Level 6 Leader organization."
This guy is doing great things. Do no get me wrong.
But it has not place in our public school arena.
This quote comes from the Association of Christian Schools International, here is a link to the original document.

https://www.acsi.org/LinkClick.aspx...

The link is dead but is in Internet archive.

If Boosterthon would be transparent, it is all but certain the religious components would be easy to find.

Paging Chris Carneal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> If Boosterthon would be transparent, it is all but
> certain the religious components would be easy to
> find.

OMG! Bring out the pitchforks and rope now!

Cutting and pasting crap from another forum dating back 5 years is hardly evidence.

Except truth.

Boosterthon makes claims it has trouble backing up.

Boosterthon hides a lot of things.

FCPS refuses to answer questions.

PTA/Os refuse to make contracts public.

Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There are also numerous anecdotal
> accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing their
> Bibles into classrooms.

For myself, if this is done in Christian schools, I don't have a problem with it.

Meanwhile, "Founded in 2002, Boosterthon has raised over $52,000,000 for schools nationwide, and has the distinct mission of hiring young Christian men to disciple and develop leadership skills that will ultimately change the world. Though not the church planter that he thought he would be after seminary, Carneal’s Change the World (CTW) Foundation has ministered to thousands in various kingdom initiatives.
http://www.wa.edu/pdf/PawPrint-2009-2010.pdf

Wait - hold up - just men?

Attached photo is from Lakeland Christian School in Florida.
(EDIT to add: The words in the image might be hard to read. It says, "Brave Dave shares a biblical lesson with students during the daily in-class lesson time.")



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/16/2015 04:11PM by NewHorizon.
Attachments:

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > There are also numerous anecdotal
> > accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing
> their
> > Bibles into classrooms.
>
> For myself, if this is done in Christian schools,
> I don't have a problem with it. Attached photo is
> from Lakeland Christian School in Florida.
>
> Meanwhile, "Founded in 2002,
> Boosterthon has raised over $52,000,000 for
> schools nationwide, and has the distinct
> mission of hiring young Christian men to
> disciple and develop leadership skills that will
> ultimately change the world. Though not the church
> planter that he thought he would be after
> seminary, Carneal’s Change the World (CTW)
> Foundation has ministered to thousands in various
> kingdom initiatives.
> http://www.wa.edu/pdf/PawPrint-2009-2010.pdf
>
> Wait - hold up - just men?

Then they would need Christian and secular procedures. What steps would be in place to keep some zealot from bombarding secular students with Carneal's version of the Bible?

If nothing else, this catches Boosterthon IN THE LIE of not being affiliated with any religious organization. A truly secular organization would not be bringing in Bibles no matter what.

Once again - this is very instructive. Very easy to draw out the exact reason for the opposition to Boosterthon - anti-religious bigotry. Everything else is red herring. Doesn't matter what the public school program that Boosterthon operates consists of - the very fact that it was started by a more or less evangelical Christian is the real reason for the crusading against it.

Are the Boosterthon prizes transgender appropriate? You might be on to something here.....
Quick-somebody send Dr. Atwater and Dr. Zuluaga another letter.
No transgender approval = no Boosterthon?
It needs to be added to the list for the transgender consultant. Anybody know who that is?

If Boosterthon is just men, this gender thing could be a big deal. Bigger than anything Atwater or Zuluaga has ever seen!

Village People Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If Boosterthon is just men, this gender thing
> could be a big deal. Bigger than anything Atwater
> or Zuluaga has ever seen!


They will have to get some shemales in order to comply.

Thank you, School Board.

For any onlookers who missed this about who Booster partnered with for their Kenya and Guatemala summer missions:
http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/1687747/page-1.html#msg-1769280

... funded, in part, by both parochial and unwitting public school families participating in Boosterthons. But Booster's not affiliated with any religious group, so it's ok.

> ...anti-religious bigotry.

Is this where we counter-claim with anti-anti-religious bigotry? Or should we skip ahead and talk about ISIS again?

Most people could care less if Boosterthon is run by Christians, Buddhists or Mormons. But, when Boosterthon lies about its religious link, now that's a major problem.

Lying companies should be banned from doing business with the County. Let Angela Atwater "close" that one.

You are all batshit crazy. The one thing you forget is that Principals and teachers all see daily what Boosterthon does in the classroom. Do you all really think if the company was the way you say they are that they would be allowed back in a school? Surely you're all smart enough to have asked yourselves that question. Or maybe not and that's why the crazy banter continues.

Do you all really think if the company was the way you say they are that they would be allowed back in a school? >>>>>>>>>
::::::::::::::
YES.

456 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Do you all really think if the company was the way
> you say they are that they would be allowed back
> in a school? >>>>>>>>>
> ::::::::::::::
> YES.


By over 1000 schools? Or maybe, you're just on the wrong side of the argument

Boosterthon has a wonderful pitch. They'll do your fundraising, kids won't have to sell anything, and they'll do leadership and character training. Oh yes, there' some fine print, but who bothers to read it?

It is a scam.

How many people are Mormons, falling for idiocy like Joseph Smith translating with a rock in his hat, that Jesus and Satan are brothers, and that Middle Eastern refugees are the ancestors of the American Indians? That's a scam too.

Of course, given all of the conman consultants FCPS has hired, it shows you the Boosterthon people are just coming in where they are welcome.

Not a few schools have "fallen" for Applied Scholastics. Never heard of it? Brought to you by the Scientology people. I'm sure you've heard of them. You know, Tom Cruise, the galactic tyrant Zenu, exploding volcanos, all of that.

And yes, it targets schools with some measure of success.

The Barnum Effect Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon has a wonderful pitch. They'll do your
> fundraising, kids won't have to sell anything, and
> they'll do leadership and character training. Oh
> yes, there' some fine print, but who bothers to
> read it?
>
> It is a scam.
>
> How many people are Mormons, falling for idiocy
> like Joseph Smith translating with a rock in his
> hat, that Jesus and Satan are brothers, and that
> Middle Eastern refugees are the ancestors of the
> American Indians? That's a scam too.
>
> Of course, given all of the conman consultants
> FCPS has hired, it shows you the Boosterthon
> people are just coming in where they are welcome.
>
>
> Not a few schools have "fallen" for Applied
> Scholastics. Never heard of it? Brought to you by
> the Scientology people. I'm sure you've heard of
> them. You know, Tom Cruise, the galactic tyrant
> Zenu, exploding volcanos, all of that.
>
> And yes, it targets schools with some measure of
> success.

You're a complete idiot

Someone touched a raw nerve.

Someone pulled back the curtain and found a little man pulling some levers.

That someone is now being called all kinds of names. Why?

Because the truth is not always pretty. Boosterthon makes a lot of money by scamming the schools.

Marshall Brett Trapp, fifth year senior and lifelong Alpha Tau Omega supporter, can't refute the arguments, so the little band of thugs, college dropouts and graduates of dubious unaccredited schools, goes to work attacking those who question Chris Carneal.

Spirit of Free Inquiry Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> so the little band of thugs,
> college dropouts and graduates of dubious
> unaccredited schools, goes to work attacking those
> who question Chris Carneal.

By your own arguments I guess someone touched your raw nerve.

For some people, the raw nerve is their tax bill, knowing that hard earned money is getting wasted on scams like Boosterthon.

tax fraud alert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For some people, the raw nerve is their tax bill,
> knowing that hard earned money is getting wasted
> on scams like Boosterthon.


The taxes are already too damned high!!!
I may have to move out of the county, if this stuff keeps up ...

--Middle Income Earner -- Family of 4.

Now is the time to write to Bulova and your County supervisor and tell them you think taxes are too high. If they don't listen that is a clear sign to vote them all out in November. Then the ridiculous school system can just go and play with itself and pay Garza $30,000 for housing.

There are definitely a lot of political undertones on here. Makes one wonder if a lot of this is coming from either the person running for election, or that persons supporters. Definitely a lot of effort to create controversy then point it back to the incumbents.

tax fraud alert Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For some people, the raw nerve is their tax bill,
> knowing that hard earned money is getting wasted
> on scams like Boosterthon.

Money isn't being wasted on Boosterthon, money is being RAISED by Boosterthon. Without fundraisers to pay for budget shortfalls, your taxes would definitely need to be raised!

Boosterthon costs us taxpayers money. They eat into instructional time. Maintenance and cleanup has to be done as a result of the Boosterthon speedway. School personnel have to assist with Boosterthon.

How many hours does a Boosterthon campaign run? Multiply that times the number of students, times $13.50 (cost of an instructional hour) and that's a starting point for the cost of Boosterthon.

sorry you've got it wrong Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boosterthon costs us taxpayers money. They eat
> into instructional time. Maintenance and cleanup
> has to be done as a result of the Boosterthon
> speedway. School personnel have to assist with
> Boosterthon.
>
> How many hours does a Boosterthon campaign run?
> Multiply that times the number of students, times
> $13.50 (cost of an instructional hour) and that's
> a starting point for the cost of Boosterthon.

Where are you getting your $13.50 per hour per student math from? Are you just repeating what someone else posted on here or is that information factually based?

Here's an answer from Boosterthons FAQ page that is a good explanation of the instructional time lost. Very little and Boosterthon definitely raises a lot more for schools that what it costs the school in lost time.

Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from school time?

The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively impact students by enhancing and improving America’s schools. The average student spends about 1300 hours a year in school. The three parts of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about two hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that time is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days, spent on the fundraising component. That means that a school can accomplish most/all of its annual fundraising using .0004% of the school year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to the lasting benefits students receive from Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide new computers, sports equipment, art supplies, field trips, books, classroom resources and much more.

Very little time lost Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sorry you've got it wrong Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Boosterthon costs us taxpayers money. They eat
> > into instructional time. Maintenance and
> cleanup
> > has to be done as a result of the Boosterthon
> > speedway. School personnel have to assist with
> > Boosterthon.
> >
> > How many hours does a Boosterthon campaign run?
> > Multiply that times the number of students,
> times
> > $13.50 (cost of an instructional hour) and
> that's
> > a starting point for the cost of Boosterthon.
>
> Where are you getting your $13.50 per hour per
> student math from? Are you just repeating what
> someone else posted on here or is that information
> factually based?
>
> Here's an answer from Boosterthons FAQ page that
> is a good explanation of the instructional time
> lost. Very little and Boosterthon definitely
> raises a lot more for schools that what it costs
> the school in lost time.
>
> Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from school
> time?
>
> The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively
> impact students by enhancing and improving
> America’s schools. The average student spends
> about 1300 hours a year in school. The three parts
> of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team
> huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about two
> hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that time
> is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That
> leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days,
> spent on the fundraising component. That means
> that a school can accomplish most/all of its
> annual fundraising using .0004% of the school
> year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to
> the lasting benefits students receive from
> Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide new
> computers, sports equipment, art supplies, field
> trips, books, classroom resources and much more.

Hi Brett, I guess they're not showing Animal House tonight?

How about a day by day breakdown of Boosterthon in some Fairfax schools? Let's see EXACTLY how much time it consumes (pep rally, classroom sessions, fun run, EVERYTHING). That will make a nice starting point.

Oh yes, while you are at it, provide the documentation on the "opt out" procedure for kids whose parents see through your and Carneal's amateur John Hagee imitation.

Quoting Boosterthon's website is yesterday's news.

Very little time lost Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sorry you've got it wrong Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Boosterthon costs us taxpayers money. They eat
> > into instructional time. Maintenance and
> cleanup
> > has to be done as a result of the Boosterthon
> > speedway. School personnel have to assist with
> > Boosterthon.
> >
> > How many hours does a Boosterthon campaign run?
> > Multiply that times the number of students,
> times
> > $13.50 (cost of an instructional hour) and
> that's
> > a starting point for the cost of Boosterthon.
>
> Where are you getting your $13.50 per hour per
> student math from? Are you just repeating what
> someone else posted on here or is that information
> factually based?
>
> Here's an answer from Boosterthons FAQ page that
> is a good explanation of the instructional time
> lost. Very little and Boosterthon definitely
> raises a lot more for schools that what it costs
> the school in lost time.
>
> Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from school
> time?
>
> The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively
> impact students by enhancing and improving
> America’s schools. The average student spends
> about 1300 hours a year in school. The three parts
> of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team
> huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about two
> hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that time
> is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That
> leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days,
> spent on the fundraising component. That means
> that a school can accomplish most/all of its
> annual fundraising using .0004% of the school
> year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to
> the lasting benefits students receive from
> Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide new
> computers, sports equipment, art supplies, field
> trips, books, classroom resources and much more.

If the fundraising portion takes a total of 30 minutes, and lets assume that the mystery number of $13.50 per hour per student is correct (which I highly doubt), then lets do some math:

The average school nationwide has 600 kids. 600 x $13.50 x .5 hours = $4050. The average school or PTA PROFITS $25,000 from Boosterthon, resulting in an average net profit to the school or PTA of about $20,950. Even if you want to include the character program and fun run as lost instructional time, and again lets assume that $13.50 math is correct, lets do the math: 600 x $13.50 x 2 hours = $16,200. That's a net profit to the school of $8800.

The larger a school is the more it raises, so your $13.50 math will not eclipse how much is raised.

No matter which way you cut it up, Boosterthon is NOT costing tax payers money

Let's say your math is correct, you admit to taking $16,200 of school funds. That's tax money. I don't want it used to support Boosterthon, as I question the content of the character lessons and am concerned about all of the secrecy. if a private school wants to indulge in such foolishness, let them. A public school, sorry, transparency is required, as is listening to the taxpayers.

Then of course is the whole question as to how, if at all, those lost instrucional hours are made up…

Y*A*W*N Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Very little time lost Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > sorry you've got it wrong Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Boosterthon costs us taxpayers money. They
> eat
> > > into instructional time. Maintenance and
> > cleanup
> > > has to be done as a result of the Boosterthon
> > > speedway. School personnel have to assist
> with
> > > Boosterthon.
> > >
> > > How many hours does a Boosterthon campaign
> run?
> > > Multiply that times the number of students,
> > times
> > > $13.50 (cost of an instructional hour) and
> > that's
> > > a starting point for the cost of Boosterthon.
> >
> > Where are you getting your $13.50 per hour per
> > student math from? Are you just repeating what
> > someone else posted on here or is that
> information
> > factually based?
> >
> > Here's an answer from Boosterthons FAQ page
> that
> > is a good explanation of the instructional time
> > lost. Very little and Boosterthon definitely
> > raises a lot more for schools that what it
> costs
> > the school in lost time.
> >
> > Does the Boosterthon Fun Run detract from
> school
> > time?
> >
> > The Boosterthon Fun Run exists to positively
> > impact students by enhancing and improving
> > America’s schools. The average student spends
> > about 1300 hours a year in school. The three
> parts
> > of the Boosterthon Fun Run—pep rally, team
> > huddle days, kickoff—combine to last about
> two
> > hours. Of that two hours, about 75% of that
> time
> > is spent emphasizing character or fitness. That
> > leaves about 30 minutes, stretched over 9 days,
> > spent on the fundraising component. That means
> > that a school can accomplish most/all of its
> > annual fundraising using .0004% of the school
> > year! This is a tiny amount of time compared to
> > the lasting benefits students receive from
> > Boosterthon Fun Run funds–funds that provide
> new
> > computers, sports equipment, art supplies,
> field
> > trips, books, classroom resources and much
> more.
>
> Hi Brett, I guess they're not showing Animal House
> tonight?
>
> How about a day by day breakdown of Boosterthon in
> some Fairfax schools? Let's see EXACTLY how much
> time it consumes (pep rally, classroom sessions,
> fun run, EVERYTHING). That will make a nice
> starting point.
>
> Oh yes, while you are at it, provide the
> documentation on the "opt out" procedure for kids
> whose parents see through your and Carneal's
> amateur John Hagee imitation.
>
> Quoting Boosterthon's website is yesterday's news.

I'm not Brett Trap. Or even work for Boosterthon. I'm a PTA member that has used Boosterthon for the last few years and have been following this rediculousness. From what I can tell there are a few people posting on here in defense of Boosterthon. You mention yesterdays news. The things that keep being reposted on here are 3 years ago news. That's what's getting old! Have your kids not graduated yet so you can move on to some other rediculous crusade?

Toga Toga Toga Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's say your math is correct, you admit to
> taking $16,200 of school funds. That's tax money.
> I don't want it used to support Boosterthon, as I
> question the content of the character lessons and
> am concerned about all of the secrecy. if a
> private school wants to indulge in such
> foolishness, let them. A public school, sorry,
> transparency is required, as is listening to the
> taxpayers.
>
> Then of course is the whole question as to how, if
> at all, those lost instrucional hours are made
> up…

My math is based on the assumption that your math of $13.50 per hour is correct, which I highly doubt that it is. Do you care to provide facts to back up the $13.50 math, or do you want to just keep repeating that just because someone else on FFU said it's $13.50 per hour per kid.

And I'm not "taking" anything. Unless somehow a PTA can write checks from school accounts.

Oh, so as a PTA member, you can tell us all about those "focus group" trips to Atlanta?

Oh, so as a PTA member, you can explain how the Boosterthon contract makes it possible for Boosterthon to have access to the schools, which the PTA does not control?

If you're not Brett Trapp, maybe you should meet him. He spent five years getting a degree in English, maybe he can help you with your spelling.

Finally, help us out, explain what's in Boosterthon's "lessons" that makes them so superior to what FCPS already has, and that includes the backgrounds of the Boosterthon people who developed them and who do the on campus teaching.

Toga Toga Toga Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's say your math is correct, you admit to
> taking $16,200 of school funds. That's tax money.
> I don't want it used to support Boosterthon, as I
> question the content of the character lessons and
> am concerned about all of the secrecy. if a
> private school wants to indulge in such
> foolishness, let them. A public school, sorry,
> transparency is required, as is listening to the
> taxpayers.
>
> Then of course is the whole question as to how, if
> at all, those lost instrucional hours are made
> up…

Taxpayers are listened to. But not a few rediculous people on a crusade against a school fundraiser.

Stone Mountain Postcard? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Oh, so as a PTA member, you can tell us all about
> those "focus group" trips to Atlanta?
>
> Oh, so as a PTA member, you can explain how the
> Boosterthon contract makes it possible for
> Boosterthon to have access to the schools, which
> the PTA does not control?
>
> If you're not Brett Trapp, maybe you should meet
> him. He spent five years getting a degree in
> English, maybe he can help you with your spelling.
>
>
> Finally, help us out, explain what's in
> Boosterthon's "lessons" that makes them so
> superior to what FCPS already has, and that
> includes the backgrounds of the Boosterthon people
> who developed them and who do the on campus
> teaching.

I must have hit a nerve if you're going to insult my spelling. Thanks for being my spell checker. I'm not even going to respond to you any further. You're rediculous, childish and just one of a few complainers that PTA's and schools deal with daily. Eventually your kids will graduate and you'll move on. Most parents support what we do and most parents love the Boosterthon program. Can't please everyone though.

http://febp.newamerica.net/k12/VA/5101260

Here is an example. If you hover over the amount spent per pupil for FCPS it will show you that you take the total amount of money they spend per year divided by the number of K-12 students to get the per pupil expenditure. These figures are a little stale but they were the first ones I found today. You then divide the amount by the 990 hours of instructional time per school year. It is around $13.60 or so. Close enough for perspective.

You pretty much summed it up. A handful of malcontents. Just like the crazy music lady.

Now I realize why kids can't take bathroom breaks. It costs the taxpayer too much money.

Answer these questions; otherwise, shut up.

Oh, so as a PTA member, you can tell us all about those "focus group" trips to Atlanta?

Oh, so as a PTA member, you can explain how the Boosterthon contract makes it possible for Boosterthon to have access to the schools, which the PTA does not control?

Finally, help us out, explain what's in Boosterthon's "lessons" that makes them so superior to what FCPS already has, and that includes the backgrounds of the Boosterthon people who developed them and who do the on campus teaching.

You probably think Eric Jensen, Flip Flippen and all of the self-proclaimed "experts" hired by FCPS are just wonderful, just like Boosterthon!

estimator Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://febp.newamerica.net/k12/VA/5101260
>
> Here is an example. If you hover over the amount
> spent per pupil for FCPS it will show you that you
> take the total amount of money they spend per year
> divided by the number of K-12 students to get the
> per pupil expenditure. These figures are a little
> stale but they were the first ones I found today.
> You then divide the amount by the 990 hours of
> instructional time per school year. It is around
> $13.60 or so. Close enough for perspective.

Thanks for posting that. On that website it also shows that only 46% of the money for schools comes from local taxes. The rest is state and federal. So MY tax dollars are helping to pay for your school to function too. You're welcome.

We live in a democracy and if more people like the Boosterthon program than those that don't, then I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most people support the program and fundraiser and it's here to stay, no matter how loud you and a few people get. Majority wins!

everybodyhasacrusade Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You pretty much summed it up. A handful of
> malcontents. Just like the crazy music lady.


I follow the "crazy music lady" thread also and that "crazy music lady" is anything but crazy. I spent years with kids in Band and some of those parent groups and teachers are nuts. The changes were desperately needed.

To the PTA Bitch… Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Answer these questions; otherwise, shut up.
>
> Oh, so as a PTA member, you can tell us all about
> those "focus group" trips to Atlanta?
>
> Oh, so as a PTA member, you can explain how the
> Boosterthon contract makes it possible for
> Boosterthon to have access to the schools, which
> the PTA does not control?
>
> Finally, help us out, explain what's in
> Boosterthon's "lessons" that makes them so
> superior to what FCPS already has, and that
> includes the backgrounds of the Boosterthon people
> who developed them and who do the on campus
> teaching.
>
> You probably think Eric Jensen, Flip Flippen and
> all of the self-proclaimed "experts" hired by FCPS
> are just wonderful, just like Boosterthon!

Wow lol! I really struck a nerve! And you wonder why no one listens to your complaints. You're beyond childish

Where are the Boosterthon love/hate numbers?

The only way to know for sure, put it on the ballot as a referendum.

Of course, Boosterthon will go into full "the sky is falling" mode to keep access to the FCPS money pit.

Jess1 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> OP, panties in bunch? That being said, "raising
> $$$" in FFaX county schools? Here's a tip: cut the
> flippi'n staff/admin bloat & spread the millions
> around instead of having 7 year olds pimping
> sh***y wrapping paper...


Holy poo-poo!!! You just made me spit 7-up in some ladies hair!! You're hilarious.

Where are the numbers? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Where are the Boosterthon love/hate numbers?
>
> The only way to know for sure, put it on the
> ballot as a referendum.
>
> Of course, Boosterthon will go into full "the sky
> is falling" mode to keep access to the FCPS money
> pit.

The love/hate #'s? If that many people didn't like it, you wouldn't be complaining on here because Boosterthon wouldnt exist in FCPS. You're just one of a few complainers. That's it.

Yes, get the county to put a school fundraiser on the ballot. Good luck with that. WAY more important things going on in the county.

rilghewiu Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We live in a democracy and if more people like the
> Boosterthon program than those that don't, then
> I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most people
> support the program and fundraiser and it's here
> to stay, no matter how loud you and a few people
> get. Majority wins!


"The 'values' that the boosterthon cheerleaders taught my kids in their classroom activities involved how to get the next level toy. They even passed out the 'good' toys to play with before taking them back and telling them to 'go earn it'."

Kinda cruel to the kids, but it's ok - it's majority approved.

We live in a democracy and if more people like the Boosterthon program than those that don't, then I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most people support the program and fundraiser and it's here to stay, no matter how loud you and a few people get. Majority wins!
*****************************************************

Not necessarily. Somebody has to justify spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars trying to make money on Boosterthon. That is overhead. Plain and simple. This is a major point that nobody in a position of authority has answered.

everybodyhasacrusade Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You pretty much summed it up. A handful of
> malcontents. Just like the crazy music lady.


I follow the "crazy music lady" thread also and that "crazy music lady" is anything but crazy. I spent years with kids in Band and some of those parent groups and teachers are nuts. The changes were desperately needed.
<><><>

Agree with this.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> rilghewiu Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > We live in a democracy and if more people like
> the
> > Boosterthon program than those that don't, then
> > I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most
> people
> > support the program and fundraiser and it's
> here
> > to stay, no matter how loud you and a few
> people
> > get. Majority wins!
>
>
> "The 'values' that the boosterthon cheerleaders
> taught my kids in their classroom activities
> involved how to get the next level toy. They even
> passed out the 'good' toys to play with before
> taking them back and telling them to 'go earn
> it'."
>
> Kinda cruel to the kids, but it's ok - it's
> majority approved.

So you're taking one thing that one person said and you're stating it as if that's the accross the board consensus? That could have been one bad judgement call by a new team member. Again, if Boosterthon did stuff like that all the time do you really think schools would invite them back?

Common sense should rule here, but not if you're just pulling quotes to further your own agenda I guess.

For God's sake go pour a glass of wine and make dinner.

fdJgR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We live in a democracy and if more people like the
> Boosterthon program than those that don't, then
> I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most people
> support the program and fundraiser and it's here
> to stay, no matter how loud you and a few people
> get. Majority wins!
> **************************************************
> ***
>
> Not necessarily. Somebody has to justify spending
> tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars trying to
> make money on Boosterthon. That is overhead. Plain
> and simple. This is a major point that nobody in a
> position of authority has answered.

It's because your whole reasoning is rediculous. Kids don;t spend 100% of the day burried in textbooks. Plenty of other things go on during the school year. Those things are called "fun". It's ok for kids to have some fun every now and again. A program that builds character and encourages fitness is great for the kids.

The reason no one has answered to you is because it's a waste of their time to respond to you. They read your letters or whatever and they realize you're complaints are rediculous and that you aren't in the majority group. If they respond to your rediculousness you'll just get even more riled up and waste even more of their time. So they just ignore you and eventually you go away. They have better things to do.

Have some common sense Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> NewHorizon Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > rilghewiu Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > We live in a democracy and if more people
> like
> > the
> > > Boosterthon program than those that don't,
> then
> > > I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most
> > people
> > > support the program and fundraiser and it's
> > here
> > > to stay, no matter how loud you and a few
> > people
> > > get. Majority wins!
> >
> >
> > "The 'values' that the boosterthon cheerleaders
> > taught my kids in their classroom activities
> > involved how to get the next level toy. They
> even
> > passed out the 'good' toys to play with before
> > taking them back and telling them to 'go earn
> > it'."
> >
> > Kinda cruel to the kids, but it's ok - it's
> > majority approved.
>
> So you're taking one thing that one person said
> and you're stating it as if that's the accross the
> board consensus? That could have been one bad
> judgement call by a new team member. Again, if
> Boosterthon did stuff like that all the time do
> you really think schools would invite them back?
>
> Common sense should rule here, but not if you're
> just pulling quotes to further your own agenda I
> guess.

If common sense ruled, school board members, school administrators and PTA/PTO leaders would be responsive to questions. Instead, school board members do not respond, school administrators answer questions selectively, and PTA/PTO leaders refuse to disclose contracts.

We don't need no common sense! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have some common sense Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > NewHorizon Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > rilghewiu Wrote:
> > >
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> >
> > > -----
> > > > We live in a democracy and if more people
> > like
> > > the
> > > > Boosterthon program than those that don't,
> > then
> > > > I'm sorry but you're overruled. By far most
> > > people
> > > > support the program and fundraiser and it's
> > > here
> > > > to stay, no matter how loud you and a few
> > > people
> > > > get. Majority wins!
> > >
> > >
> > > "The 'values' that the boosterthon
> cheerleaders
> > > taught my kids in their classroom activities
> > > involved how to get the next level toy. They
> > even
> > > passed out the 'good' toys to play with
> before
> > > taking them back and telling them to 'go earn
> > > it'."
> > >
> > > Kinda cruel to the kids, but it's ok - it's
> > > majority approved.
> >
> > So you're taking one thing that one person said
> > and you're stating it as if that's the accross
> the
> > board consensus? That could have been one bad
> > judgement call by a new team member. Again, if
> > Boosterthon did stuff like that all the time do
> > you really think schools would invite them
> back?
> >
> > Common sense should rule here, but not if
> you're
> > just pulling quotes to further your own agenda
> I
> > guess.
>
> If common sense ruled, school board members,
> school administrators and PTA/PTO leaders would be
> responsive to questions. Instead, school board
> members do not respond, school administrators
> answer questions selectively, and PTA/PTO leaders
> refuse to disclose contracts.

The reason no one has answered to you is because it's a waste of their time to respond to you. They read your letters or whatever and they realize your complaints are rediculous and that you aren't in the majority group. If they respond to your rediculousness you'll just get even more riled up and waste even more of their time. So they just ignore you and eventually you go away. They have better things to do.

Isn't that what happened with National PTA? They responded to you and you just kept going with the rediculousness so they finally told you to go away? My point exactly.

Anyone with a great amount of time can read all 11 pages and see many examples of that on here. Someone responds to the rediculousness and it riles you all up and you just keep going and going with even more rediculousness. If they stop responding you all quiet down. Why would any of your PTA members, school board members etc respond to you? They already know about people like you and they've learned that if it's just a few complainers it's better not to respond.

Funny how things escalate.

I asked my PTO for a copy of the Boosterthon contract. They would not give it to me.

I asked the principal, who sent me to administration. Administration said it was a PTO issue.

I contacted my school board member, who eventually got me a very vague letter about changes in fundraising policy, no real answers. I followed up, got no response.

I contacted one of the at large members, who told me to go to my "regional" member on this issue. I responded and questioned that response, got no answer.

When I started out, I was curious. Now after all of the refusals I think something is messed up. Now I am an opponent of Boosterthon for just that reason.

my story Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I asked my PTO for a copy of the Boosterthon
> contract. They would not give it to me.

Anything in your PTO's bylaws about what gets disclosed to who?

my story Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Funny how things escalate.
>
> I asked my PTO for a copy of the Boosterthon
> contract. They would not give it to me.
>
> I asked the principal, who sent me to
> administration. Administration said it was a PTO
> issue.
>
> I contacted my school board member, who eventually
> got me a very vague letter about changes in
> fundraising policy, no real answers. I followed
> up, got no response.
>
> I contacted one of the at large members, who told
> me to go to my "regional" member on this issue. I
> responded and questioned that response, got no
> answer.
>
> When I started out, I was curious. Now after all
> of the refusals I think something is messed up.
> Now I am an opponent of Boosterthon for just that
> reason.


Yes, this is messed up. You have every reason to follow up on this.

The principal let a whole bunch of people in the front door of his/her school that he/she didn't know from Adam to mess with your kids (kids that they are supposed to be protecting) and then points the finger at a group of parent volunteers. And the school system has a contract with these people that he or she could not be bothered activating, so that was of no use. Tens and tens of thousands of dollars of instructional time is being used to support multiple similar situations. You should be able to see this contract and all associated documentation because this happened during the school day and used the children and staff.

And the Super and School Board are screwing with you, which is rude. And is nothing new.

And then they put out a new fundraising regulation that is a piece of s---. It was supposed to straighten this out but is just as messed up as the old one and is the result of months of work.

Yet in the middle of all this in the blink of an eye they are able shove through a policy allowing a confused person with male genitalia to share the bathroom with your daughter and will tell you that it is your problem if you have an issue with this.

You have every right to be upset and follow up on this. I for one commend you, although I think picking on Boosterthon is pointless. They are a fundraising company and they are doing what they were hired by a bunch of volunteers to do. Volunteers that are supposed to be under the supervision of the school system.

The school system retains the responsibility for anything they allow volunteers to do to the children. They don't like being told that, because they like to delegate their work to them and then run and hide when you expect them to act like responsible administrators making six figures.

Now you know why the doors to the offices in the Penthouse are locked.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> my story Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I asked my PTO for a copy of the Boosterthon
> > contract. They would not give it to me.
>
> Anything in your PTO's bylaws about what gets
> disclosed to who?


There are non-stock corporation laws that are supposed to help you get access to information like this but if they know you are ticked they will probably have a pompous volunteer lawyer send you a snarky letter taking away your rights. I know of a parent group that intentionally removed the transparency clause from their Bylaws so they could limit access to only the people who agreed with them.

This is why you want this stuff run through the school system. The Open Records Laws generally work pretty good. The threat of a $5,000 fine is an incentive.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+13.1-933

dfwetr Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+co
> d+13.1-933


The reason it is much easier to use the Open Records Laws is that you don't even have to give a reason for wanting to see what you are asking for. You just ask for it. Only problem is, Gatehouse likes to run and hide after you do this instead of talking about things like adults. But, you can get them to get over that with some work.

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+13.1-935

If they are really obnoxious you can get an attorney to get a court order on them to release information. I was quoted a minimum of $10,000 to do this.

You shouldn't be having to do this, because these should be public records since children and staff were involved. They still might be public records as the school system might be able to be held to be the custodian of the records as they are supposed to be running any funds involving students and staff and a school activity through the school internal accounts. That is their written policy in the Reg. 5810. They allowed the records to be processed by an outside organization which is acting as their agent. Very few people know how to navigate these waters, trust me.

They should not be doing things this way.

my story Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Funny how things escalate.
>
> I asked my PTO for a copy of the Boosterthon
> contract. They would not give it to me.
>
> I asked the principal, who sent me to
> administration. Administration said it was a PTO
> issue.
>
> I contacted my school board member, who eventually
> got me a very vague letter about changes in
> fundraising policy, no real answers. I followed
> up, got no response.
>
> I contacted one of the at large members, who told
> me to go to my "regional" member on this issue. I
> responded and questioned that response, got no
> answer.
>
> When I started out, I was curious. Now after all
> of the refusals I think something is messed up.
> Now I am an opponent of Boosterthon for just that
> reason.

Why are you an opponent of Boosterthon? None of those issues sound like a Boosterthon issue. They sound like a PTA/school/admin issue

Re: Boosterthon at White Oaks - Sickening
Posted by: Cnevueibec ()
Date: May 14, 2015 11:16PM


Why are you an opponent of Boosterthon? None of those issues sound like a Boosterthon issue. They sound like a PTA/school/admin issue>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Exactly. +1000.

This is why they are completely revamping the music class funding protocols. When parents refuse to release details about money issues involving other parents and children you have a huge problem. "I will tell you what I think you need to know" is a very, very dangerous game.

Sever all connections with the PTO that refused to show you a contract. If you want to give your school money give it to them directly and ask to see what was done with it. You can also specify what you want done with it and asked to be shown a receipt.

If this is at all accurate, then Boosterthon is a big problem. They pretty much take over the school and have way too much interaction with the kids!
Attachments:

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/9HEVQA6A5705/$file/P1530.pdf


The school system is responsible for the administration of the schools and management of the instructional program. This cannot be delegated away. Volunteers only assist the staff. Etc.

If the principal allowed these people to deal with the kids, particularly during the school day, they created a huge problem for themselves. They need to grow up and assume their responsibilities instead of trying to transfer them to the parent volunteers.

I gotta tell you I don't understand this obsession with trying to eliminate any parent-volunteer-booster involvement with schools. That's crazy. I would prefer more parents involved not fewer. People don't trust boosters or volunteers and all they do is bash admin/staff. But yet they want the same admin/staff to have more involvement. Makes no sense. Most schools encourage parents to be involved in volunteering.

I guess we should eliminate parent volunteers from chaperoning school field trips. Only trained government bureaucrats can chaperone. In fact, field trips cost the schools ridiculous amounts of money. Why not eliminate field trips entirely? That should be my new raison d'etre - find a way to prove that field trips violate regulations and spend the next year of my life arguing for their elimination. I'm sure it will be easy to create a stink and furor about how field trips are managed.

Boosterthon is not a field trip. It is a questionable fundraising program.

But, hey, FCPS can probably figure out how to mismanage a field trip and pay too much for it as well.

I don't think anybody wants to eliminate volunteers. But when school staff turn things over to volunteers that they are supposed to be responsible for you get into trouble. Particularly when they start allowing volunteers to manage what are public funds and money taken from families and funds generated using children in a non-public bank account. You end up in shooting contests about records accessibility.

Parents can volunteer for field trips. But, the staff are in charge. It is a liability issue. Generally most costs are paid for by the children going on the trip. There isn't any need to cancel field trips. They need to work on some protocols, but those can be fixed.

Boosterthon-Nasty Stuff! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If this is at all accurate, then Boosterthon is a
> big problem. They pretty much take over the school
> and have way too much interaction with the kids!

That sounds like an awesome, positive experience!! I'll bet the kids love it and so does the staff. I think you're looking at it the wrong way.

whatiswrongwithpeople Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I gotta tell you I don't understand this obsession
> with trying to eliminate any
> parent-volunteer-booster involvement with schools.
> That's crazy. I would prefer more parents
> involved not fewer. People don't trust boosters
> or volunteers and all they do is bash admin/staff.
> But yet they want the same admin/staff to have
> more involvement. Makes no sense. Most schools
> encourage parents to be involved in volunteering.
>
>
> I guess we should eliminate parent volunteers from
> chaperoning school field trips. Only trained
> government bureaucrats can chaperone. In fact,
> field trips cost the schools ridiculous amounts of
> money. Why not eliminate field trips entirely?
> That should be my new raison d'etre - find a way
> to prove that field trips violate regulations and
> spend the next year of my life arguing for their
> elimination. I'm sure it will be easy to create a
> stink and furor about how field trips are managed.

Bingo! You could rile up enough "controversy" over field trips and make it your personal crusade. Replace "Boosterthon" with "field trips" on this message board and you already have your arguments.

Who are these "parents" that are chaperoning my kids!? Have they been background checked? How do I know they're not preaching the bible to my kids? What are the FCPS regulations on these field trips? They waste instructional time. $13.blah blah per hour per kid. Are they going on field trips to frat houses? I heard one of the parents was in a frat that put fire shit bags on porches. Those parents only have English degrees. They took the kids to a museum?? Does that museum staff hold teaching degrees?? Who are these people?? And on and on and on right? lol

This is just one of the many threads complaining about this or that that FCPS does or doesn't do. I've never seen so many people complaining in my life about a school system. So what are you hoping for? Replace all the current people then all will be rosy? I highly doubt it. You'll all find something you don't like that they're doing then grab the pitchforks and head to Fairfax Underground to complain anonymously on the internet. You're all a bunch of pussies. If you don't like what the PTA at your school is doing, join the PTA and change it. If you don't like what the school board is doing, run for election and change it. If you don't like your school having to do typical fundraisers, volunteer and run a check writing campaign. Unless you're actually going to do something other than bitch and complain, SHUT THE FUCK UP! People are tired of listening to you.

There is not much you can do, as a private person, if FCPS wants to spend money to send a hundred people to Orlando.

There is not much you can do, as a private person, if FCPS wants to spend money to handle Marie Lemmon's lawsuit for her.

There is not much you can do, as a private person, if FCPS wants to give Karen Garza a housing allowance, a driver, and security team.

It is hard enough to find these things out when school board and administrators don't respond.

So about all you can do is complain. The elections are coming up and I for one intend to vote against every single one of them in office. I hope the new crop takes out Garza.

So about all you can do is complain. The elections are coming up and I for one intend to vote against every single one of them in office. I hope the new crop takes out Garza.>>You have to have somebody else running in order to do this. Any word yet? This is a big job.

Who are these "parents" that are chaperoning my kids!? Have they been background checked?>>>>>Probably not, or minimally at best. They even go on overnights with the kids. Some school systems require a thorough background check for overnights.

What are the FCPS regulations on these field trips? They waste instructional time.>>>Field trips are designed to support the instructional program. There is a fee charged to cover expenses incurred. If the field trip is part of the curriculum, things are done differently.

Are they going on field trips to frat houses?>>>No.

If you don't like what the PTA at your school is doing, join the PTA and change it. If you don't like what the school board is doing, run for election and change it. >>>>>Good points. However, there are a lot of ingrained bad practices with the parent groups that are hard to charge. Plus, some of the problems stem from poorly managed school policies. People who try to effect what are actually positive changes with parent groups are often ignored, bullied, outvoted, etc. That is what happened with the music class parent group situation. The School Board defies logic many times. They just turn everything over to the school personnel, which they are supposed to do, but then the school personnel ignore requests from parents for information. This should all start with good quality school regulations that are enforced. Everything will then fall into place from those. If policies are not current, not adequately clear, and not enforced, you have total mayhem. Which is rampant right now.

You'll all find something you don't like that they're doing then grab the pitchforks and head to Fairfax Underground to complain anonymously on the internet. >>>>FFU can actually be a good place to share information. I agree that there is some fruitless griping, but if people can share ideas and information, it can be very helpful. You can get a lot more exposure than going to a meeting of a small group of people.

It is hard enough to find these things out when school board and administrators don't respond.>>>>>Yes, there is no excuse for this rude behavior.

^^^ Nice post, VoR.
Successful collaboration requires transparency which - I think there's no disagreement - has been lacking.

NewHorizon Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ^^^ Nice post, VoR.
> Successful collaboration requires transparency
> which - I think there's no disagreement - has been
> lacking.


I think this thread has been an interesting collaborative effort. The sharing of contracts, theories, regulatory analysis, perspective, has presented and analyzed some important issues. I don't know what all everybody has been doing, but I do sense that putting all the heads together gave some people some very constructive ideas.

Education is power. People who are ignorant become victims all too easily.

One of the most dangerous things to say is "we have always done things this way" without thinking through what you have been doing and making sure that the basis for continuing doing things that way is supported.

VoR Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One of the most dangerous things to say is "we
> have always done things this way" without thinking
> through what you have been doing and making sure
> that the basis for continuing doing things that
> way is supported.


FCPS has "always done things this way" because it is in the interest of certain companies for things not to change. Cases in point, Boosterthon and Jensen Education. You don't have to be any good, you just have to know how to get FCPS to hand you a sole source contract.

"It is hard enough to find these things out when school board and administrators don't respond.>>>>>Yes, there is no excuse for this rude behavior."


*******Have you tried Twitter? Maybe they will respond to that, since they don't respond to anything else it seems. Sad.

Keene Mill ES has both Boosterthon and a whole week of anti-bullying activities.

Why the duplication and overlap?

Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Are you affiliated with any religious group?
> >
> >
> > No. The Boosterthon Fun Run is not associated
> or
> > connected to any religious group. Our Fitness,
> > Leadership, and Character curriculum is
> designed
> > to be values-based so that it can be utilized
> in
> > public, parochial, and non-parochial private
> > schools.
>
>
> Sorry. Boosterthon is run by Chris Carneal, a
> seminary graduate and founder of the Change the
> World Foundation, clearly a Christian
> organization. There are also numerous anecdotal
> accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing their
> Bibles into classrooms.

They definitely have a religious bent to them. We had one boosterthon "team member" yell something about evolution then angrily pointed her finger at the kid's science teacher and shouted "teach the controversy!" Needless to say she was asked not to return.

Duplication of Effort Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Keene Mill ES has both Boosterthon and a whole
> week of anti-bullying activities.
>
> Why the duplication and overlap?


Ironic that they teathe children all this anti-bullying and respect stuff and then they treat the parents like crap.

+=+=+ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Duplication of Effort Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Keene Mill ES has both Boosterthon and a whole
> > week of anti-bullying activities.
> >
> > Why the duplication and overlap?
>
>
> Ironic that they teathe children all this
> anti-bullying and respect stuff and then they
> treat the parents like crap.

Teathe=teach in autocorrect

+=+=+ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Duplication of Effort Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Keene Mill ES has both Boosterthon and a whole
> > week of anti-bullying activities.
> >
> > Why the duplication and overlap?
>
>
> Ironic that they teathe children all this
> anti-bullying and respect stuff and then they
> treat the parents like crap.

It's also ironic that children are taught that they can't always have their way yet the adults on here act like spoiled whiny 5 year olds.

I don't think wanting to see a contract, not wanting to waste taxpayer funded class hours on fundraisers, and not wanting children subjected to psychologically questionable sales tactics during their educational time is acting spoiled or whiny. Granted, some of the posters here are a little strange, but the serious ones have some very valid points.

it's faith based Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Exposer of Boosterthon LIES Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > boosterthon FAQ Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Are you affiliated with any religious group?
> > >
> > >
> > > No. The Boosterthon Fun Run is not associated
> > or
> > > connected to any religious group. Our
> Fitness,
> > > Leadership, and Character curriculum is
> > designed
> > > to be values-based so that it can be utilized
> > in
> > > public, parochial, and non-parochial private
> > > schools.
> >
> >
> > Sorry. Boosterthon is run by Chris Carneal, a
> > seminary graduate and founder of the Change the
> > World Foundation, clearly a Christian
> > organization. There are also numerous anecdotal
> > accounts of Boosterthon employees bringing
> their
> > Bibles into classrooms.
>
> They definitely have a religious bent to them.
> We had one boosterthon "team member" yell
> something about evolution then angrily pointed
> her finger at the kid's science teacher and
> shouted "teach the controversy!" Needless to say
> she was asked not to return.

Oh wow, what school was this? If it had been my kid, that would have been shouted from the rooftops. If the principal did not remove Boosterthon immediately (screw the contract), that principal would be looking for a new job.

It is not the role of Boosterthon to redo the curriculum. I have an idea that's what's happening.

The FCPS-Booster contract gets re-upped for another year and gets a few changes.

http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read.php?2,1687747,1869388,page=2#msg-1869388

Why is tax money being spent to work on this contract when it is not clear it is even being used?

FCPS needs to plug the loophole that lets the PTA/PTOs out there do their own contract.

Full transparency is a must when it comes to Boosterthon. If that can't happen, Boosterthon needs to be sent packing.

Professor Wastefinder Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why is tax money being spent to work on this
> contract when it is not clear it is even being
> used?
>
> FCPS needs to plug the loophole that lets the
> PTA/PTOs out there do their own contract.
>
> Full transparency is a must when it comes to
> Boosterthon. If that can't happen, Boosterthon
> needs to be sent packing.

If they get the fundraising regulation cleaned up so that any fundraiser involving students is school-sponsored (and that means REALLY school-sponsored) then everything-contracts, money, accounting data- will be with the school system and transparent to all. That will close the loophole. Right now the fundraising draft is very ambiguous. Somebody needs to get firm. They either sponsor something or they don't. And if they do, it is the whole nine yards.