Who is Angie Forton? Part 1

Part 1

I thought I would type some of my thoughts and the positive effect I could have as a Kentwood School Board member.

Budget

Hard to think about education without thinking about budgets- especially in the past few years. This state has endured many hardships. My family has struggled with the same unemployment issues faced by many other families in my neighborhood and community. Worrying about finances makes it hard to focus on other important issues.

My point : Our district, like most other districts in the state, are going to face budget cuts. It is just a matter of how much. We need to stand together as involved parents and community members and start meaningful conversations about ways to do more with less. I feel the parents, administration, and educators need to draw on the experiences and knowledge we have to be successful. We need to understand and trust that the education, testing, and results are taking us in the right direction. If there are doubts, then those need to be voiced.

The Kentwood district had an increase in enrollment this current school year. This means houses in the neighborhood are starting to move, new families are starting to come into the district, and there will be fresh ideas to share. Kentwood is home to a population that represents over 60 countries and languages. This is a fantastic opportunity to draw on that wealth of knowledge and culture. No doubt that is also challenges. When we look at the budget -we cannot discount the needs of each child. For example: we need to ensure the arts programs have an equal seat at the budget table.

Together - the parents, educators, and administers need to work together, trust each other, and approve a sound budget that does not stunt the growth of our children's education and competitiveness. We have to prepare our kids for professions and fields that haven't even been invented yet.

Part II coming soon!

Pre Election Events

It is time to get the ball rolling! A couple upcoming events for you to get involved in the Kentwood Public School Board Election Election day is May 3rd. The public forum will be held at the Kentwood Public Administration building on Eastern on Thursday April 14th at 7pm. This is a chance for the public to get to know the candidates. A series of questions, important to parents and community members, will be asked of each candidate. WKTV filmed each candidate answering questions. The final cut should be available on the Chamber of Commerce website on or after April 4th. WKTV will also air the final video a couple times in April. Those dates haven't been confirmed yet. Visit this blog often for more events and details. Want to support my election campaign? Tell your family, friends, and Kentwood neighbors to come visit my blog. I would like to count on your support. Let me know and I will get you involved. I am printing yard signs soon so there will be plenty to do!

Another new picture- I couldn't create this hair if I tried!

2 boys and a green iguana! Thank you Rainforest!

Since it has been about a year since I have blogged- here is a couple new pictures of the brood!

Running for Kentwood School Board!

I am very excited to announce I am running for Kentwood School Board.

Election date is May 3, 2011.

I debated with myself about creating a new Blog for this adventure. I elected to stay with this blog because it is who I am- a mother of three boys- two currently in the Kentwood Public School system. I have a vested interest in the quality of their education, an obligation to participate in neighborhood events, and support my community. So far, I have received overwhelming support from parents, the school's my children have attended, and school administration. This adventure has only just begun so keep checking back for updates!

back...now 2010

Wow...been more than a year. Where has the time gone? I cannot even imagine how many parents have said that since the dawn of time. It still is as true....

We just celebrated William's 10th birthday. TEN! double digits! His birthday marks the end of summer and the start of school. William is going into 4th grade. Another marvel of life...advancement in school. I look back at his previous school pictures. Amazing. His favorite pasttime (minus of course video games) is drawing and creating comic books.

Zach is 8. He will be nine after the new year. He is blazing a trail to 3rd grade. We just met everyone's teacher last week. He is our dancer. Everything has to do with music.

He and his big brother spent a lot of time in the water this summer- at grandmas, in the backyard in the pool, sprinklers. And what a hot summer. Perfect weather for water!

Isaac, Mayor McCheese, is our dyamo. He will miss his entertainment when they go back to school. He is all toddler and all 2....mood swings, attitude and all kisses when he wants. He has such a winning smile, it is hard to stay mad after the peas & macNcheese flies through the air.

I'll back again sooner, I promise! :-)

mac and cheese heaven

don't get between this man and his mac!