A Call for Civic Discourse

By Brent Farrand

January 5, 2010 - The Newark Public Schools will host a critical "Community Conversation" on Thursday, January 7th from 5:30pm to 8pm at Science Park High School. This event will begin a community-wide discussion of the forward and collaborative course which needs to be chartered for our school system.

Thurssday's conversation will focus on four areas:

• Raising our high school graduation requirements
• Revising our promotion and retention policies
• Establishing uniform grading policies
• Reforming our attendance policies

JUDL Coaches: as coaching professionalism we seek to cultivate civic discourse and rational decision making. As such we have a crucial role to play in Wednesday's "Community Conversation" and Mr. Leon, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, wishes to directly invite each one of you.

My message is that as teachers of ethical and persuasive speech each one of us has both a unique responsibility and a unique opportunity in Wednesday's convocation. Please join in as an active participant.