Here's a pet peeve about fundraising for schools

It always warms my heart when I see children selling chocolate bars for a field trip, or when parents chase after you at the supermarket so they can get the 2 percent or something of your purchase for their school. Even though education is a right, we should not take it for granted, and in fundraising we become aware and make our children be aware of how costly it could be.

(Often I see these fundraisers as remainders that schools don't have enough to educate children: not enough music teachers, not enough funds for transportation for field trips. But that's another story)

Here's my peeve. It's usually the wealthiest among us, those of us who are blessed with wealthy friends and neighbors, who get to raise more money for schools when the schools are probably already doing well. The poorest among us, with no social connections, no healthy tax base, no affluent neighbors, who need more money for their schools and are probably least likely to raise funds by going door to door selling candy.

The problem is likely to be exacerbated in cyberspace. Low income families are less likely than affluent ones to be online. They are less likely to try to raise funds through YouChoose.net or Schoola.com, sites that specialize in channeling money for your favorite causes.

Call it a conflicted relationship. I understand the value of these sites (hence the plug), as I understand the value of fundrasing. But my heart aches when I think the activity likely has little impact in areas where it's most needed.

In a perfect world...

Your child's brain: Princeton neurobiologist in Carmel

This sounds exciting for parents, new and experienced:  as part of its Parent Lecture Series, the Carmel Public Library Foundation will host Princeton Professor Sam Wang, a neurobiologist and author of "Welcome to Your Child’s Brain: How the Mind Grows from Conception to College."

The presentation and signing will take place at 7 p.m.  November 13, 2012 at the Sunset Center, Carpenter Hall between 9th and Mission in Carmel.

Limited seating, so arrive early. Suggested donation: $10.

Proceeds benefit Carmel Public Library. For questions call (831) 624-2811. Or click here.

Salinas Union High Wins "Transformation Award"

Salinas Union High School District has been recognized as one of five educational institutions nationwide for implementing innovative online learning programs by K12, a private provider of curriculum and online education programs for students in kinder through high school.

Salinas Union High was recognized for its flexible time program that helps at-risk students complete their credits. Salinas Union High School District has a substantial high-risk student population, with 60 percent English Language Learners and 70 percent qualified for Title I funding.

According to K12, which only recognizes organizations that are using its programs, the district decided to implement a  district-wide credit recovery program after successful pilot in 2011. Their approach was to provide different options for students at each of the four comprehensive high schools and two alternative schools, where more than 25 percent of students are parents and can take advantage of onsite child care. The options ranged from before and after school classes, to in-class time, to a 4-hour block class for targeted at-risk students.

Salinas has implemented a unique sign-up process that requires students to meet with teachers and administrators during the first few weeks of the online program, to ensure they are engaged. This process has proven to dramatically increase completion rates. After one year, the district has seen excellent results, with 465 students successfully recovering credits.

I can't wait to go over to one of the sites and see up close how it's working.