A huge thank you to everyone that completed the National PTA School of Excellence survey! The 297 families that completed the survey highlighted what we as a community are doing well and what we can improve on. Though a few of the questions did not pertain to KSE, due to our current demographics, significant insight was captured from the last two open-ended questions which allowed for personalized comment.

Overall, families feel that King Springs provide great academic enrichment, opportunity, and support. As well, the families overwhelmingly feel that there are ample opportunities to be involved with the school through volunteering with the PTA and in the classrooms. In addition, parents feel that they can go to the administration with concerns and their needs will be addressed.

Communication was a central theme that was highlighted in the responses. Although overall communication between parents, teachers, administration, and the PTA is effective, some parents are feeling overwhelmed. For efficiency, the PTA sends out one emailed newsletter on Thursday of each week. As well, all PTA information (calendar, event payment links, etc.) is posted to the website http://www.myvlink.org/ksepta/ which parents can peruse at their leisure. Communication with administration is facilitated by Dr. Szwec’s monthly open office hours and her “State of the School Address” which will be happening live (and via broadcast) on January 9, 2018 at 6:30pm.

King Springs is a diverse community and it was noted that we as a community need to make sure that all students can participate in school activities. Throughout the year PTA puts on numerous events that bring us together as a community, celebrate the achievements of our students, and raise money for the school. For events, PTA has established a 1:3 ratio. For every 1 fundraising event held (Sweetheart Dance, Mother & Son Date Night, etc.), 3 non-fundraising events are held (STEM night, Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Field Day, Staff Appreciation Week, Read Across America, Red Ribbon Week, etc.).  Movie Night and Fall Festival are also free to attend, with supplemental fundraising concessions and activities to help offset the cost of putting on the event. 

A final frequently noted comment was regarding our facilities/space. Our school population has well outgrown the single King Springs building on Reed Road. As such, we now have two separate campuses, K-1 and 2-5. In March of 2017, the citizens of Cobb County voted for the continuance of the Ed-SPLOST or Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales tax to fund much needed capital project in the school system. A rebuild of the KSE is slated for the near future and, already, an architect has been chosen and hired to begin initial planning. 

The survey and complete results were provided to the KSE Leadership Team. During the spring semester the survey will be sent out again to reassess if we are meeting our community’s needs. In order to retain the National PTA School of Excellence designation, we need every family (and more families) to take the second survey.  Please look for it in Spring.

We all know that KSE is a great school, where our children are being taught and nurtured. It is always beneficial to take time to reflect and evaluate. This survey gives us a good starting point for moving towards making KSE even greater!

If you're interested in seeing the full results, please click here. (Question #21, Question #22)