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author page: Jill Davidson

Jill Davidson lives in Providence with her husband Kevin Eberman and sons Elias (age 11), Leo (age 8), and Henry (age 5) who writes about education in Providence and beyond at http://providenceschools.blogspot.com. She is a past president of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization and is an active parent leader in the Providence Public Schools. Professionally, Jill is an independent education consultant and writer and Managing Director of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Some days, there’s not too much time left for more, but when there is, Jill loves to multitask with combinations of cooking, shopping locally, gardening, exercising, reading, hanging out with friends and family, and exploring Rhode Island.

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I Was There at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School (and perhaps at your school)

I Was There at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School (and perhaps at your school)

[ 0 ] 4.26.2012 |

I didn’t have the necessary magic ahead of deadline to do the project justice. I Was There is a great example of the ways learning happens inside and outside the classroom seamlessly for kids, of the ways that neighborhoods have valuable resources, of the way the school itself can and should be an essential resource for a neighborhood, and of the abilities of young people when they’re engaged and supported in the right ways.

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Plugged In – on technology integration

Plugged In – on technology integration

[ 0 ] 3.27.2012 |

Jill Davidson shares her thoughts on a subject that has been very much on my mind these days. We are a plugged-in family at home (with boundaries) and my sons attend a Providence Public Elementary School where funding is limited, curriculum is rigid, and creative solutions are needed. Because of the amazing teachers, helpful staff, dedicated parents, and community partnerships, my boys have had for the most part a wonderful school experience. Since teachers need adequate working technology for teaching and to facilitate communication between teachers and with parents and since not all kids attending public school have the same technology advantages at home (and that I believe integrating technology thoughtfully into our children’s lives is an essential part of their education), I have recently attended meetings to discuss how we can improve / bring technology into their elementary school. Thank you, Jill for starting this conversation online, explaining the complexities of this issue and sharing what is happening in Rhode Island. Jill’s article appears in her April 2012′s East Side Monthly column. Read the well-edited online version here and in the print publication.- Anisa

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Providence Teacher of the Year – nominate by February 10!

Providence Teacher of the Year – nominate by February 10!

[ 0 ] 2.6.2012 |

Providence Schools is restoring the practice of selecting a Teacher of the Year for the district, and is asking students, staff, families and the community to submit nominations for teachers who exemplify the best of the profession.
The nominee should possess the following characteristics:

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The Herd of the Elephant Mothers

The Herd of the Elephant Mothers

[ 1 ] 2.1.2012 |

For families with kids in transition from one phase of school to the next, midwinter is application and registration time. As families get down to the brass tacks of the school choice process, I am riveted by the conversations you’re having about what’s next educationally for your kids. Yes, I am listening to you three at the corner table at Seven Stars, huddled over coffee and obsessing about which kindergarten will be the best fit for your four year olds, wondering about the unknowns of public schools, the price tag of private schools, the lottery-driven gamble of charter schools, or the possibility of moving to a new town “for the schools.” I am shamelessly eavesdropping, and sometimes I will ask to join in, because I am fascinated with parents’ motivations about their educational choices that they make for and with their children.

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PPSD Kindergarten Registration for 2012! January 3-February 10, 2012

PPSD Kindergarten Registration for 2012! January 3-February 10, 2012

[ 0 ] 11.29.2011 |

Heads up to families looking at kindergarten: Providence Public Schools will be registering children for kindergarten and first grade from January 3 to February 10, 2012. The registration is done alphabetically; click here for a PDF of the schedule. You can visit the Providence Public Schools’ website’s registration section for details about registration requirements and assignment policies.

Please spend time during December to visit schools, both those in your neighborhood (remember, Providence has a neighborhood school enrollment policy for general education students) and those outside your neighborhood that interest you. Open Schools week is December 5 – 8th, as described on this PDF flier.

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