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resolving concerns
The HSA explicitly does not have purview in matters of curricula or educational programming. The events that we organize are typically aimed at achieving our key goals of fundraising, providing volunteer labor, advocacy, or community building and are typically not centered around any one group.
Our commitment is to work on behalf of all families. The HSA is not involved in resolving issues for individual families or children. We can absolutely provide you information on how to get the support and/or resolution you need, but we will not get involved with the school on your behalf. Here is a guide to the best steps to take to get individual concerns resolved. We would ask that parents please be patient as staff and teachers are extremely busy. If you don’t get a timely resolution, try again, before moving to the next step.
Ms Rivers is our wonderful secretary in the front office and is also always extremely helpful in answering questions and addressing concerns (drivers2@philasd.org).
Please note, that the FACE liaison for Houston (listed on the FACE website) unfortunately had to leave and we don’t have a replacement as yet.
Step 1: Talk to the teacher
Step 3: Reach out to the School District
Step 4: Connect with Principal Hall
For broader matters of school policy and climate, you can attend School Advisory Council (SAC) meetings or reach out to PBIS parent liaison Alyssa Schatz (goodinaly@gmail.com)
How does the HSA differ from the SAC?
One question we get asked a lot is "what's the difference between the HSA and the SAC?
There are a number of differences:
- While the HSA is a parent-led organization, the SAC can involve all of a school's stakeholders (e.g. the principal, school staff, and students)
- SAC meetings are typically focused around policies and issues impacting the school and involve strategizing and brainstorming solutions
- The SAC is overseen by the School District of Philadelphia, while the HSA is not (although we are governed by the Home and School Council, which has an office space at the School District's central office)
- The SAC is not typically a fundraising body and can only fundraise through the school's student activity fund
While you often find HSA board members present at SAC meetings, we don't run the SAC or lead these meetings
Find out more here.
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