<p>I live in Vermont. I also feel the arts are valued in our school system. </p>
<p>Also, the state assessments for each student include writing portfolios and have for years. </p>
<p>Small class sizes is part of the philosophy or mission in our elem school. </p>
<p>I’m not touting our school system (though our elem school is top rate). Our middle school sucks and our HS is OK. Just commenting on some things you brought up and also mostly on the elem level. I was a teacher at our local elem school for a long time before I had kids. I volunteered there all the years they went, weekly in the classrooms, have subbed there ever since and my hubby was on the school board past when my kids attended. I only wish our MS and HS were like our elem school. :D</p>
<p>I’m wondering in these schools that eliminated birthday cupcakes, what they do at school events like open houses and plays and concerts when refreshments are served? Here parents donate baked items to be sold at intermission, etc. I have never heard, “no cupcakes or cookies allowed!”</p>