There was talk tonight of forcing another public hearing over a school committee vote. A vote that didn't take into consideration what is BEST developmentally for our most fragile kids. A plan put forward where the backs of five year olds bear the brunt of the business otherwise known as kiddie crowd control. \
Seems like some parents are circulating a petition of protest pining that parents voices be given a chance to permeate and percolate with the politicians who passed the ill advised proclamation establishing a new warehouse in an old warehouse. All it needs is a little remodeling of the remodeling.
Now the princiPAL of TRACY gave an eloquent delivery of a dissertation on the need for space/ I agree we have BIG space needs, I just don't think we should be asking our littlest people to step up to the plate when they still need a booster seat.
Pattye Griffin appeared to be a concerned principal who was acting in what she believed was the best interest of her students, staff and school. She came to the meeting with some of her teachers who showed their support for her. Dr. Latham smiled as Pattye was warmly welcomed to the microphone and she was even allowed to speak and give her opinion for more than the 3 minutes typically allowed. What I found interesting about this, was I remember back on November 8, 2012, when Claire Crane came to the meeting with parent members of her school council, she was not given the same courtesy. In fact, she was called derogatory names and insulted by John Ford. He called her a disgrace and said she should be fired. He said something about her making a mockery out of the proceedings. Patti Capano even scolded her in front of everyone. If I am not mistaken, I believe the issue brought up then was the same issue brought up tonight...overcrowding! I think it was made perfectly clear tonight just how much respect and support you get by this administration, if of course you support whatever it is Dr. Latham says, does and supports. Likewise, it was made perfectly clear at the November 8, 2012 meeting just how little respect and support you will receive if you don't!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly Lori and thank you for being the one to say this. No one said a word about Ms. Griffin bringing support, but when Dr. Crane did so, that was a completely different story. I didn't realize that I could have spoken for 3 minutes (until I got there) but I'm glad I didn't know. I was nervous enough!
ReplyDeleteI am in complete agreement that something needs to be done but NOT with some of our youngest students. It's a plan that if it needs to be done, needs extensive planning (Not just a few months) and all the details need to be in place before putting it into practice. Not "We'll figure out the details soon"
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and for me becoming a mother and having school age children now, has brought the seriousness of the school space/condition situation to my priority list. My daughters' future is in my hands right now and it's up to me to make sure that I do everything in my power to ensure that they can HAVE a future. So while I have never been a "political" person, I find myself now, standing up in front of the school committee, walking up to strangers asking for help with a petition and thinking of what is still to come and what I can do about it. This is not only for my children but for all elementary school children. As cliched as it sounds, they are the future of this city, and the way they are treated now, will directly affect them when THEY are the leaders someday.
If I have gone off subject here, I apologize, I'm still finding my voice and the best way to express myself most effectively!
You give the super too much credit, a few months planning was condensed into a few hours. That's the time between the time the PLAN was presented to the involved principals and the school committee.
DeleteThe way this subject is being handled seems to be the way all other important issues are by the so-called leadership. The LAST thing thought about when arriving at a solution is how well it will meet the needs of city residents. Its all ego driven by overpaid, overstuffed, and underworked admini-
ReplyDeletestrators, none of which are held accountable. Another exam-ple why Lynn's revival will always come up short. Potential never realized.
As usual a lot of bitching, but no offer of solutions from any one of you. So typical!!
ReplyDeleteAnother anonymous post, so typical!
DeleteI have plenty of ideas, the immediate idea is to move the 5th graders and NOT the kindergarten children. Ford did this very successfully in the past and I can't think of nay reasons why it can't be done again.The fifth graders are getting ready to move on to new schools already and by combining them with two other schools gives them a head start on making this big transition. Fifth grade students already know how to get on and off a bus safely and orderly, and will be much better prepared in the event of an emergency. Therefore, there will be less time taken up going back and forth in the morning and more actual teaching time will be available. They will still be able to participate in after school activities at their neighborhood school as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for you anonymous, I don't see you offering any solutions either, or support for this ridiculous and ill-conceived idea.