Strengthening FHPS: Ideas for Our Amazing District
Support FHPS is about protecting the integrity of Forest Hills Public Schools from the nationally invented and locally implemented attacks on public education. We disagree with efforts to vilify educators and librarians and claims that we parents have lost our “rights” when it comes to our kids’ experiences in our local schools.
When we launched in 2021 (in response to the ridiculous attempt to recall our entire school board and dozens of others in Michigan), we established the mission to advocate for the Support, Safety and Success of all students.
We consider ourselves a reactive and proactive group. This means we sift through the noise to help defend Forest Hills Public Schools and our Board of Education from unwarranted manufactured attacks. We also recommend pro-FHPS and pro-public education candidates.
Our steadfast belief in FHPS doesn’t mean we’re complacent – we choose to pick our battles to prioritize locally relevant topics that are backed by data. Our executive committee and our many volunteers play active roles as academic and athletic boosters, room parents and PTO members. We want our district and kids to thrive.
Surveys Show Our Schools Give Us a Lot to Be Happy About
Like most American voters, we are pleased with our public school district and love our educators. A quick glance at recent surveys, polls and analyses paints a clear picture:
The education culture war is raging, but for most parents it’s background noise (NPR)
New poll shows voters prioritize school basics over culture wars (AFT)
Let’s listen to what parents, not politicians, really want from their public schools (The Hechinger Report)
Michigan voters want lawmakers to prioritize public schools (MEA)
Pandemic, politics loom over LGBTQ youth in Michigan (Axios)
Our Top Priorities for Forest Hills Public Schools Right Now
We appreciate that Forest Hills Public Schools offers groups like the PTO, the Parent Advisory Council and others, and we would love to continue seeing more of their recommendations adopted.
One year ago, we outlined suggested policy recommendations for the Board of Education. Some progress has been made on these topics. What’s presently on our minds echoes the findings of national and state-level data above:
Keeping educators’ voices and perspectives included in decision-making. From curriculum to staffing and para-professional needs, to choices about new construction and the layout of their classrooms, educators have front-line experience and decades of trial and error to offer. Too often today in most schools, these decisions leave out the relevant voices of experienced educators.
Taking stronger action to prevent violence and keep everyone inside of our school buildings safe – but follow the latest guidance on lockdown drills. Everytown finds that lockdown drills create more youth anxiety and depression than needed and recommends new guidance on how to help staff and students prepare.
Protecting marginalized students from censorship and bullying. For too long, diverse students in Forest Hills Public Schools have endured bullying by adults and peers in the form of public humiliation (ex: calling for books about their lives and cultures to be banned, insulting their personal art projects, attacking their GLI project about diversity, or censoring their mere existence as diverse and LGBTQ individuals). This harassment and bullying of minors at school board meetings or outside of school buildings should be condemned and banned. We also hold high expectations for the conduct and fan behavior at athletic events.
Preserving valued programs at Forest Hills Public Schools, such as the opt-in Global Learners Initiative.
Following the district’s book review policy as outlined. Encourage community members to follow the protocol and apply available options for their own families, such as placing content restriction notices with their media specialist.
Increasing communication on topics like transportation, staffing, district performance, etc.
Keeping property values high and maintaining the designation of a “destination district” aided by a well-functioning Board of Education and resulting operations.
Staying involved and in tune with the data helps illustrate where time is best spent to maximize impact. Some of this is likely also reflected in the district’s own Climate & Culture surveys. Support FHPS is eager to continue listening to what’s on the minds of voters and residents.
Whether you’re a parent or caretaker of a current student, an alumni, or a caring neighbor, you’re among a healthy crowd of positive advocates for Forest Hills Public Schools. Our Supporter Wall and stories about why we chose FHPS for our children grow by the day. Maintaining a focus on relevant topics is essential to district performance and the outcomes of our students.