CEFPI members have a great opportunity to provide feedback to the show's producers each week and after today, we will be establishing a discussion community within our Members Connect system to allow free flow discussion about ideas and suggestions for the program. We will share those comments with NBC regularly. Hopefully, our association can make an impact on what School Pride chooses to cover in their future shows.
I noticed in the first two episodes that many of the same cosmetic improvements were emphasized. I am wondering how much mechanical and electrical and "behind the scenes" type work can be done within a week. Also wondering about permitting.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the show, and to kick it off I just want to say how exciting it is to have the support of CEFPI for the show. While I learned this summer at 7 schools across the country that there is no silver bullet to making sure every child in America gets a great education, the quality of facilities kids have plays an important role.
How closely has the School Pride team worked with Facilties/Planning/Maintenance staffs at these school districts? Was any of that done prior to the projects or behind the scenes? Have they been receptive and able to contribute information and ideas?
Julie posed a a good question about mechanical and electrical work. Will you be able to address her question regarding work that goes beyond cosmetic improvements?
@Julie we worked VERY closely with the Facilties/Planning/Maintenance staffs at these school districts. If you saw our first episode, in Compton, we actually featured the head of Facilities as part of the program. His name is Omar. Here's a video of me and him: http://bit.ly/dtb8bY
I have been wondering about students getting/needing parental permission and safety on the construction site, particularly for the young ones? Did any parents not want their children to participate?
@Irene the goal in doing this show is to be a woodpecker on the conscience of Americans. We want folks to know that in some of America's greatest cities, our schools are literally crumbling. But we also want them to know extraordinary things are happening in our schools, and it's because of dedicated parents, students, teachers and administrators. The message of this show is that when a community comes together around a school, amazing things are possible.
I hope that everyone reading this calls 10 friends (or more) tonight to tell them to tune into the show. We need your support to continue to recruit new viewers and spread our message about community and volunteerism!
@Irene I was shocked to see the conditions some of these schools were in! And I want our viewers to be shocked too, and affected so they will get engaged in their schools locally, and nationally through our website: http://nbc.com/myschoolpride
Have you heard of any schools that have now been inspired to try to tackle their buildings on their own, with community support?
In this school district, we have a long modernization queue with a set order and some of our middle schools have a wait as long as 76 years because we only have had 1 holding school for middle schools to go to while the building is under construction.
If a particular school wanted to try to jump ahead, that would present problems. Did that happen at any of these school districts?
If you want to get involved in any potential future School Pride activities as a volunteer, or as a company, visit http://nbc.com/myschoolpride or message us through http://facebook.com/nbcschoolpride or http://twitter.com/nbcschoolpride
Jacob; you may not remember me, I met you while you were working on the school in Detroit. As an aside, great show, great idea. The question that I have for you is; coming from your journalistic background were you surprised by what you saw in some of our nation’s schools? We are school administrators, planners, designers, suppliers and builders and I worry that we become desensitized to the challenges that we see every day and I would appreciate your perspective.
What initiatives is School Pride putting in place so that these new facilities are maintained over the years? Is there training or education, or access to funding that can be provided so they do not fall in disrepair again?
@Julie as a matter of fact this project started because of a community-supported makeover project, without TV cameras. I haven't heard directly from anyone who has started a new project because of our show, but I've received many tweets from folks who have said they are going to volunteer because of it.
@Irene all of our work is guaranteed by the builders & vendors. And indeed, there is training and education for new technology, etc. But we don't provide funding once we're gone. One of the great things we've seen is school districts allocate financial or human resources differently after we left.
Have you explored many green initiatives in these projects? Schools are all "going green" these days with green roofs, rain gardens, LEED certification, etc. The energy savings pay off in the future.
@Edwin, good to hear from you! I was definitely surprised, at every school, to see some of the things we saw. But I was even more surprised at the willingness of the communities to come together and volunteer with us. You saw it with your own eyes. Thousands of volunteers. Over 15,000 total this summer!
@Julie two schools received "teaching gardens" to emphasize the importance of eating healthy. But I don't have details on other green initiatives (which doesn't mean we didn't do any, you can e-mail me at jacobsoboroff-at-gmail-dot-com and I'll double check). But I have had several conversations with folks about implementing sustainable design in projects like this during our work this summer and since we've finished.
Waiting for Superman has brought some attention to our education system. As part of their initiatives, they demand World Class Standards. Do you believe school facilities should be some of those world class standards?
Roy said... As an Architect and District Administrator serving in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Construction for the third largest school district in the state of Texas and 29th largest district in the nation, it was very refreshing to see the episode of School Pride last week about an old New Orleans school facility. This show clearly highlighted how school facilities have a significant impact to the success of students. The show highlighted a very old facility in desperate need of repairs and upgrades and the negative impact it had on the students and staff at the facility. As a Past President of the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI) worldwide organization, I have had the opportunity to see the poor conditions first hand of our public education facility infrastructure. This country is in great need of a reinvestment strategy and funding to improve the public school infrastructure to create a very effective, safe and quality learning environment so that all students can be successful in their learning careers. The show clearly displayed the positive impact that was made when some reinvestment was made into improving the building and learning environment for these students and staff. It was a major transformation for these students and could be the one difference and turning point in there lives that showed that people truly care about them and want them to be successful no matter what difficulties they have encountered. I am really looking forward to watching the next episode which has a clear focus on the brutal reality of our poor school infrastructure in this country and how we need to invest time and money to improving these facilities to transform our public education system in this country so every student can be career and college ready for their future success of themselves and this great nation. Thank you NBC for a job well done!!!
Jacob, I agree with you about standards including facilities and all of that being part of common sense. However, I believe there is a subset of the public for whom it is not common sense. I believe many of them think that four walls, a roof, some benches, some slates and a pot-bellied stove makes an adequate learning environment. Reaching out to them requires reminding them that their grandchildren need a safer, more supportive place to learn. Once motivated, I believe that subset of the public could be a powerful group of volunteer allies in improving their community schools.
@spcatherall we simply need more viewers. Friday nights on TV is a tough spot. But I know our message is something people love and it's extraordinarily important. Just need to get the word out!
I believe this has been a great beginning to a conversation that can continue during the episode tonight so keep your Smart Phones and laptops handy and comment during the show (tell your friends and colleagues to join in as well). We will be setting up a discussion section and inviting you all in that were here today to continue the conversation.
@spcatherall probably somewhere between the two. But I'd also argue there's a newsier element to it, too, particularly in the "beats" of the show when I am with the powers that be.
Shows like School Pride are pivotal in bringing national attention to the role our schools play as centers of their communities. There is a definite link between the physical environment and learning. Great schools instill pride and have the power to knit together entire communities. This story is a testament to the power our schools can play in shaping the lives of these students, their teachers, and their communities now and for generations to come. Bravo! Judith Hoskens Past President, CEFPI
I have watched the show and believe it provides a valuable service highlighting the poor physival condition of many of our schools. It also highlights that there are real, achievable solutions and the significatn positive impact a well functioning school has on not only the students but the community as well. It is a important conversation starter. It is programmed into my DVR.
The episode in the Compton (LA) School District was an amazing view inside the conditions that architects have known for years. I am the K-12 Sector Leader for the Santa Monica office of DLR Group and was encouraged to see a network approach this subject. The show gives the public a glimpse of the real conditions that staff and students must endure, while providing an uplifting story of community effort and pride.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI work as a school facilities planner for a K-12 public school district in Maryland and I'm a big fan of your show.
ReplyDeleteI have never watched the show but have always been curious! I will tune in tonight!
ReplyDeleteCEFPI members have a great opportunity to provide feedback to the show's producers each week and after today, we will be establishing a discussion community within our Members Connect system to allow free flow discussion about ideas and suggestions for the program. We will share those comments with NBC regularly. Hopefully, our association can make an impact on what School Pride chooses to cover in their future shows.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great show, and it really highlights the needs in our schools.
ReplyDeleteI noticed in the first two episodes that many of the same cosmetic improvements were emphasized. I am wondering how much mechanical and electrical and "behind the scenes" type work can be done within a week. Also wondering about permitting.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, it's Jacob! Thanks for doing this. Very exciting!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the show, and to kick it off I just want to say how exciting it is to have the support of CEFPI for the show. While I learned this summer at 7 schools across the country that there is no silver bullet to making sure every child in America gets a great education, the quality of facilities kids have plays an important role.
ReplyDeleteWhat was your original goal in doing this show? Do you feel you are achieving that goal?
ReplyDeleteHow closely has the School Pride team worked with Facilties/Planning/Maintenance staffs at these school districts? Was any of that done prior to the projects or behind the scenes? Have they been receptive and able to contribute information and ideas?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to watching tonight. I am excited to see the transformation of the school!
ReplyDeleteJulie posed a a good question about mechanical and electrical work. Will you be able to address her question regarding work that goes beyond cosmetic improvements?
ReplyDelete@Janell thanks for tuning in tonight. Tell all your friends. I answered Julie's question, above. Let me know if you have a follow-up.
ReplyDelete@Julie we worked VERY closely with the Facilties/Planning/Maintenance staffs at these school districts. If you saw our first episode, in Compton, we actually featured the head of Facilities as part of the program. His name is Omar. Here's a video of me and him: http://bit.ly/dtb8bY
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering about students getting/needing parental permission and safety on the construction site, particularly for the young ones? Did any parents not want their children to participate?
ReplyDelete@Irene the goal in doing this show is to be a woodpecker on the conscience of Americans. We want folks to know that in some of America's greatest cities, our schools are literally crumbling. But we also want them to know extraordinary things are happening in our schools, and it's because of dedicated parents, students, teachers and administrators. The message of this show is that when a community comes together around a school, amazing things are possible.
ReplyDeleteI hope that everyone reading this calls 10 friends (or more) tonight to tell them to tune into the show. We need your support to continue to recruit new viewers and spread our message about community and volunteerism!
ReplyDeleteJacob, our whole company will be watching.
ReplyDeleteI am curious, were you surprised to see how bad our schools are?
Have you visited any schools that you feel are examples of success - either in US or elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteBTW mosaicmakr09 is Sue Robertson and Don Gillmore for today :).
ReplyDeleteHow could a company get more involved with these projects or how would someone volunteer on the project?
ReplyDelete@Irene I was shocked to see the conditions some of these schools were in! And I want our viewers to be shocked too, and affected so they will get engaged in their schools locally, and nationally through our website: http://nbc.com/myschoolpride
ReplyDeleteHave you heard of any schools that have now been inspired to try to tackle their buildings on their own, with community support?
ReplyDeleteIn this school district, we have a long modernization queue with a set order and some of our middle schools have a wait as long as 76 years because we only have had 1 holding school for middle schools to go to while the building is under construction.
If a particular school wanted to try to jump ahead, that would present problems. Did that happen at any of these school districts?
If you want to get involved in any potential future School Pride activities as a volunteer, or as a company, visit http://nbc.com/myschoolpride or message us through http://facebook.com/nbcschoolpride or http://twitter.com/nbcschoolpride
ReplyDeleteJacob; you may not remember me, I met you while you were working on the school in Detroit. As an aside, great show, great idea. The question that I have for you is; coming from your journalistic background were you surprised by what you saw in some of our nation’s schools?
ReplyDeleteWe are school administrators, planners, designers, suppliers and builders and I worry that we become desensitized to the challenges that we see every day and I would appreciate your perspective.
What initiatives is School Pride putting in place so that these new facilities are maintained over the years? Is there training or education, or access to funding that can be provided so they do not fall in disrepair again?
ReplyDelete@Julie as a matter of fact this project started because of a community-supported makeover project, without TV cameras. I haven't heard directly from anyone who has started a new project because of our show, but I've received many tweets from folks who have said they are going to volunteer because of it.
ReplyDelete@Irene all of our work is guaranteed by the builders & vendors. And indeed, there is training and education for new technology, etc. But we don't provide funding once we're gone. One of the great things we've seen is school districts allocate financial or human resources differently after we left.
ReplyDeleteHave you explored many green initiatives in these projects? Schools are all "going green" these days with green roofs, rain gardens, LEED certification, etc. The energy savings pay off in the future.
ReplyDelete@Edwin, good to hear from you! I was definitely surprised, at every school, to see some of the things we saw. But I was even more surprised at the willingness of the communities to come together and volunteer with us. You saw it with your own eyes. Thousands of volunteers. Over 15,000 total this summer!
ReplyDelete@Julie two schools received "teaching gardens" to emphasize the importance of eating healthy. But I don't have details on other green initiatives (which doesn't mean we didn't do any, you can e-mail me at jacobsoboroff-at-gmail-dot-com and I'll double check). But I have had several conversations with folks about implementing sustainable design in projects like this during our work this summer and since we've finished.
ReplyDeleteWhat has moved you the most in the process?
ReplyDelete@Irene working with the 15,000 volunteers, hands down, moved me most in the process.
ReplyDeleteWaiting for Superman has brought some attention to our education system. As part of their initiatives, they demand World Class Standards. Do you believe school facilities should be some of those world class standards?
ReplyDelete@Irene it's just common sense that good school facilities should be part of standards. What is the alternative?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if you're in Los Angeles tune into NBC right now. I'm on The Nate Berkus Show this hour talking School Pride.
ReplyDeleteRoy said...
ReplyDeleteAs an Architect and District Administrator serving in the capacity of Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Construction for the third largest school district in the state of Texas and 29th largest district in the nation, it was very refreshing to see the episode of School Pride last week about an old New Orleans school facility. This show clearly highlighted how school facilities have a significant impact to the success of students. The show highlighted a very old facility in desperate need of repairs and upgrades and the negative impact it had on the students and staff at the facility. As a Past President of the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI) worldwide organization, I have had the opportunity to see the poor conditions first hand of our public education facility infrastructure. This country is in great need of a reinvestment strategy and funding to improve the public school infrastructure to create a very effective, safe and quality learning environment so that all students can be successful in their learning careers. The show clearly displayed the positive impact that was made when some reinvestment was made into improving the building and learning environment for these students and staff. It was a major transformation for these students and could be the one difference and turning point in there lives that showed that people truly care about them and want them to be successful no matter what difficulties they have encountered. I am really looking forward to watching the next episode which has a clear focus on the brutal reality of our poor school infrastructure in this country and how we need to invest time and money to improving these facilities to transform our public education system in this country so every student can be career and college ready for their future success of themselves and this great nation. Thank you NBC for a job well done!!!
What you saw in these schools! We are strong believers in the link between facilities and what your show is doing is excellent!
ReplyDeleteJacob, I agree with you about standards including facilities and all of that being part of common sense. However, I believe there is a subset of the public for whom it is not common sense. I believe many of them think that four walls, a roof, some benches, some slates and a pot-bellied stove makes an adequate learning environment. Reaching out to them requires reminding them that their grandchildren need a safer, more supportive place to learn. Once motivated, I believe that subset of the public could be a powerful group of volunteer allies in improving their community schools.
ReplyDelete@spcatherall motivation is the key!
ReplyDeleteFYI Jacob, "Roy" is Roy Spraig a past president of CEFPI who was unable to get on this afternoon, but if you have comment, we will get it back to him.
ReplyDelete@Roy thank you - your note is very meaningful to all of us on the School Pride team.
ReplyDeleteJacob, I'm curious to hear your assessment of why the show is threatened with "extinction".
ReplyDelete@spcatherall we simply need more viewers. Friday nights on TV is a tough spot. But I know our message is something people love and it's extraordinarily important. Just need to get the word out!
ReplyDeleteI believe this has been a great beginning to a conversation that can continue during the episode tonight so keep your Smart Phones and laptops handy and comment during the show (tell your friends and colleagues to join in as well). We will be setting up a discussion section and inviting you all in that were here today to continue the conversation.
ReplyDeleteHow were the schools selected for the show?
ReplyDeleteDo you think the show has been positioned as a "feel good/uplifting message" show or more as pure entertainment?
ReplyDelete@Irene The schools were picked simply based on need and the stories we heard from the communities.
ReplyDelete@spcatherall probably somewhere between the two. But I'd also argue there's a newsier element to it, too, particularly in the "beats" of the show when I am with the powers that be.
ReplyDeleteThe first two schools have been more urban...any rural schools coming?
ReplyDelete@Irene tonight we are in Kingston Springs, TN!
ReplyDeleteShows like School Pride are pivotal in bringing national attention to the role our schools play as centers of their communities. There is a definite link between the physical environment and learning. Great schools instill pride and have the power to knit together entire communities. This story is a testament to the power our schools can play in shaping the lives of these students, their teachers, and their communities now and for generations to come. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteJudith Hoskens
Past President, CEFPI
I have watched the show and believe it provides a valuable service highlighting the poor physival condition of many of our schools. It also highlights that there are real, achievable solutions and the significatn positive impact a well functioning school has on not only the students but the community as well. It is a important conversation starter. It is programmed into my DVR.
ReplyDeleteThe episode in the Compton (LA) School District was an amazing view inside the conditions that architects have known for years. I am the K-12 Sector Leader for the Santa Monica office of DLR Group and was encouraged to see a network approach this subject. The show gives the public a glimpse of the real conditions that staff and students must endure, while providing an uplifting story of community effort and pride.
ReplyDelete