Fall is in the air, school is well underway, and it's time once again for the PiE-sponsored middle school tours - which provide fifth grade parents with an up-close and personal view of goings-on at the three PAUSD middle schools.
While on tour, parents will see middle school core classes, electives, and other activities that take place during a typical middle school day. Parents are broken up into groups of about 15, accompanied by school principals and administrators. Current middle school parents may also be available to answer questions along the way.
Parents who took the tours last year were enthusiastic about their experiences in a post-tour survey conducted by PiE.
"The tour really put me at ease for my son's transition to middle school," said a parent who attended the Jordan tour. "I enjoyed being able to ask the principal questions directly and to hear her answers to others in the group."
"I left the tour feeling really great about my contribution to PiE. The teachers were grateful and we saw PiE funds at work in the classroom," said a parent who had attended the JLS tour.
"I really appreciated Carmen Giedt (the principal of Terman Middle School) making herself available for questions," said a Terman tour parent.
"It was helpful talking to a few of the teachers, such as the music teacher, who took the time to tell us a little about the music program - and to tell us how PiE money had benefited them," said a JLS tour parent.
"Sharon Ofek (last year's Assistant Principal at Jordan) made herself very accessible to us for any questions we had," said a Jordan tour parent. "That was the greatest part of it. I liked to see the 'technology' aspects of life at Jordan."
"For those of you who are wondering what these tours are about, it's a great way to see the learning environment in our middle schools and PiE's work in action," said Muneerah Merchant, executive director of PiE. "We thank the staff and administrators who take the time to provide these intimate tours. Every year they are well-received by the community."
If you're interested in attending a tour and haven't yet registered, please contact Muneerah Merchant at info@papie.org. When registering please name all attendees and the school you would like to tour. The tours are first-come first served and are for adults only. A detailed agenda will be sent to you with your confirmation.
