Dear Parents,
We are living at the cusp of great changes in the way we communicate with one another as the instantaneous quality of communication, and the “never ending trail” of those communications, impact relationships through tools like Facebook and text messaging. Our adult generation is scrambling, at times, to keep up with the explosion, in form and function, of new technology. At its most basic level, these new communication tools are quickly changing the way people interact. The ability to upload to wikis, communicate with old friends, and videoconference across the globe, provides a remarkable educational opportunity, which is fraught with land mines for adolescents and young adults alike. Unfortunately, the social networking phenomenon and the headlining of social predators, and the graphic mistakes made by young people within these vehicles, clouds the popular understanding of the value of what is called Web 2.0 technology. Schools and families need to work together to teach our children to use technology well and appropriately.
The conversation at Montgomery School will begin in earnest on Tuesday, May 12th with a presentation by nationally acclaimed speaker, Katie Koestner. On Tuesday the 12th, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Montgomery School is hosting Ms. Koestner to talk with our families about the challenges of raising children in this digital world. In recognition for her work, Ms. Koestner has appeared on the cover of Time magazine and on the Today Show, as well as speaking and working as a consultant with the University of Pennsylvania, M.I.T., and many other universities and schools around the country. As parents we need to be aware of the world of technology in which our children are growing up. In this world, adults are digital immigrants, and our children are digital natives. As a result, we need to keep up with the technology in order to guide them in its safe use. I strongly urge all parents to attend this event. During the afternoon, Ms. Koestner will be talking with the Middle School students. The evening presentation, entitled “Cyber Smarts,” is free and open to the public, feel free to bring a friend. This event is open to parents only. It is not appropriate for children. Following the presentation resource materials will be available for sale.
I am also writing to tell you about an exciting program, which provides up to 90% Pennsylvania State tax credits to businesses and helps to fund Montgomery's financial aid program. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) awards PA businesses tax credits for supporting scholarships for Pennsylvania children. These tax credits are given in lieu of paying state franchise and business taxes. These monies instead can be given to Montgomery School. One local K-8 independent school has received nearly $200,000 this year from parents and other friends of their school who have participated in the EITC program.
There are millions of tax credit dollars available, and include LLC partnerships as well as “S” and “C” corporations. This year, Montgomery has received nearly $40,000 in donations from businesses owned by current parents as well as local banks that are eager to support our mission. One EITC partner with Montgomery is Madeira Oil Company, owned by current parent Perry Gresh. Perry concludes that participation is a “no brainer.” Join the many businesses that have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to directly benefit Montgomery School!
Enjoy this lovely month of May.
Sincerely,
Kevin R. Conklin, Head of School