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Thursday, February 28, 2013

NAVIGATORS HIT SEVERAL OUT OF THE PARK AT LSC MEETING TONIGHT

The General Manager, BILL TERLECKY,  of the NORTHSHORE NAVIGATORS hit several out of the park tonight at the LSC meeting tonight,

1). First there is the fact that the recent city bond won't pay for all of the proposed improvements to FRASER FIELD which is owned by the city. The NAVIGATORS are fronting about eight years of the lease payment so that the renovations can go forward, This amounts to about $50,000. LPS schools play several games on the facility.

2). Two players on the roster are from LYNN. The NAVIGATORS serve as learning laboratories for both college players and office interns.

3). DR. LATHAM  was excited about coordinating several school field trips for a scheduled day game in JUNE where all LPS students will be treated to a FREE game. POTENTIALLY this could be a gift of a few THOUSAND DOLLARS!'

4). There was an offer to give ALL STUDENTS of LPS season weekend family passes  for a weekend game totaling well over $100,000 value. 

TOMORROW;'S TRIBUTE = A TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH ABOUT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF READING

Tomorrow at 8:30 at the FORD SCHOOL, a dedication and celebration will be observed and happen and observed happening about two different events that have the same purpose.

Partially the party will be a celebration of DR. SUESS'S birthday. Maybe no other writer has started more people reading than him. The FACT that he is somewhat of a poet hasn't escaped me either.

Certain guests will have the opportunity to read to classes.

PLUS.....

it kind of works out well to give reflection on the recognition that a former LPS administration  official's , DR. MIRIAM MORSE, emphasis placed on reading that warranted the dedication in her honor that FORD'S library in the first place.

Speaking of place, did you know that FORD is the ONLY non-level 4 elementary school with a staffed LIBRARYin LYNN?

WHO WILL BE THERE?

I'll let you know after it tomorrow. You know I will be there, they are serving BREAKFAST!

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED, TIE OPTIONAL.

LIL' LORI KEEPS UP ON COSTS AND FINDS OUT ABOUT FUNDING

There was an IMPORTANT MEETING last night I couldn't go to. Thankfully I could count on LIL" LORI to let me know what I missed!


Here's a link to a video explaining the breakdown of Chapter 70 funding to local school districts. Worcester and Newton are used in the example given. Lynn's figures are actually $11,089 foundation, $2,709 local contribution, $8,380 Chapter 70 and I believe only $6 in additional local contribution. Unfortunately, the state distributes the Chapter 70 money to local districts that can then do pretty much whatever they want with these funds. I can tell you that in all the examples given during the presentation for uses of Chapter 70 funds, administrative raises was NOT among them. I've said it before......The problem with LPS is not necessarily a lack of funds, but rather the misuse and mishandling of funds once we receive them. The Governor's proposal was mentioned during the presentation. Unfortunately, even if the proposal passed and Lynn received more money from the state, I don't think we would see a significant improvement, if any, because of the way our current administration and school committee chooses to spend the funding we get.

http://www.massbudget.org/multimedia.php?ref=PcqrXFOmdwY#video

CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY


JOIN US 
FOR AN EVENING OUT
 
LYNN MUSEUM FUNDRAISER
at 
TIDES RESTAURANT 

Monday, March 11, 2013
 from 6 - 9 pm
Tides Restaurant & Pub
2B Wilson Road, Nahant, MA 01908
A portion of the proceeds from all guest sales will be 
graciously donated to Lynn Museum

THE SMELL OF SUCCESS DOESN'T ALWAYS SMELL

» Officials pleased with results of sweep at Lynn high schools


This surely encouraging news given the marijuana recently found at MARSHALL and the ENGLISH ENGLISH teacher being arrested and found.....uh, we are still waiting on reports of his exoneration or conviction. Some kind of resolution would be nice.

Thank goodness for today's good new. These random checks should play a key part in securuty. Wasn't SECURITY what they were talking about in that EXECUTIVE SESSION behind closed doors last time?

SECRET SURPRISE TO BE REVEALED TONIGHT!

Keep your computers tuned (I guessed I should update the terminology to LOGGED IN) to this BAT CHANNEL tonight aster tonight's LSC meeting for an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT that you will find find out only hear unless you hear it somewhere else.

Of course you could WATCH it on LynnCAM at 7 pm tonight or even come on down to the TIGER'S DEN at 90 COMMERCIAL STREET tonight at 7 to sit next to me at the LSC meeting. I do have to warn you though I do have my LUCKY SEAT and you can't sit there. Tonight though I am saving a seat next to me so you can't sit there either.

My MYSTERY FRIEND (yes I know it;s a mystery how I could even have a friend - Can I have a rim shot?) will be revealing SECRET SURPRISES.

DON'T WORRY, IT'S ALL GOOD!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

PICKERING PTO PLANS PICNIC AT THE DOG HOUSE



Pickering PTO will be sponsoring a fundraiser to be held at the Lazy Dog on Sunday, March 10th from 2pm - 8pm. Either dine in or take out and a percentage of the sales will be donated to Pickering Middle School.

The PTO will be having raffles that night, so we are looking for a few volunteers to help out in shifts. Please email us back if you can help out that night.

Also, if you have any donations that we can raffle that would be wonderful (gift certificates to local restaurants or any gift baskets)

ROTTEN TO THE CORE

Curriculum Questions, they have left me QUIZZLED (that's what I love about poetry - don't have a word? Just make it up!). Let me say right up front, I don't know what I am talking about, this curriculum stuff is complicated and well it's no wonder it seems to be in chaos to me.

Maybe not, maybe it's just me. Have I told you before that I am disabled? Anyway my DISABILITY does come from BRAIN DAMAGE. I know that explains a lot.

Here goes my understanding of the current SERIOUS SITUATION at hand. By the way, for the record, I would like to say "my hand is not disabled - my right one anyway". See we are about to be FORCED into the COMMON CORE STANDARDS such that everyone across the country is teaching the same thing.

Money was spent over the summer and development was developed. Teachers were tasked tactlessly with tedious template training on what to teach, the result of which to be transformed into temporary textbooks effectively.

The resulting effect on the affect on the tired teachers caused them to complain and grieve with a grievance of gargantuan implications. It seems they were given unreasonable, uncompensated homework of their own on how to teach on what must be taught.

After a designation of arbitration it was determined that the tasks were too much for the teachers to take. So now LPS must not only take another bite of the apple they must get a whole new apple. Even though they already PAID for the one they have to throw away.

IF ONLY.....

someone with recognition at the administration read and recognized my imperfections and omissions. Then they could come forth with the fruits of their fuitition. You know so we could compare, prunes and pears or apples and oranges.

THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TELL ME LIL' LORI

Remember tonight (2/27) the Mass Budget & Policy Center will present on the relationship between the quality of public schools and the taxes we pay in Massachusetts (taking a closer look at why some districts have more resources than others and what we can do about it).

Time: 6 - 8pm.
Location: 298 Union St. (IACA Office)

Food and childcare will be provided.

PARTNERSHIP PROFITS READING!


It's official - LVTI will be partnering with us on our Big Red Bookshelf Project! They will be building us the bookshelves as we expand our presence throughout the City. Stay tuned for updates/photos as the project continues!

PICKERING'S OWNERSHIP IN QUESTION

 Lynn Tech may go solar

The idea of LVTI going solar is exciting and no place would be more appropriate to start. It;s a TECH school for goodness sake.....

BUT, I am a little CONFUSED......

on one hand we are told...

Lynn Vocational Technical Institute could be the city's first solar-powered public building - See more at: http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2013/02/27/news/news04.txt#sthash.PiL6k4Du.dpuf


THEN we are told.......

Donovan said a solar panel installed in the 1990s on Pickering Middle School's roof generates power for the school. - See more at: http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2013/02/27/news/news04.txt#sthash.PiL6k4Du.dpuf.


Could this mean we are leasing PICKERING from say LYNNFIELD or MARBLEHEAD? Does that mean WARD 1 is an out of district placement? That would explain why our streets are treated better.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

SAVING SEWELL


Sewell-Anderson Elementary School
We will also be having some other fund raisers to help replace some supplies lost in the flood. There are calendars being sold that will give many chanCes for prizes. There will be a fundraiser next wednesday march 6th at Old Tyme Restaurant on Boston street. We could use all te help we can get!

POOR LIL' LORI HAS BEEN MISLED

I hate to spoil LIL' LORI'S excitement on the arrival of the much maligned DISTRICT REPORT CARDS////

BUT.....

I believe that many of these reports will go unread because of the lack of translation.


It looks like LPS is finally distributing the state school and district report cards to parents. Remember, these were suppose to be distributed in October. I did not have a letter with the report I received. Did anyone else? The following link will show you a pretty nice sample letter the DESE has on their website that districts can use and customize.

http://www.doe.mass.edu/apa/accountability/reportcard/CoverLetter.pdf

PLAY ON THE WAY

Lights! Camera! Action!! Mark your calendars. Don't miss the exciting performance of the Little Mermaid! Costumes are done, scenery is made, voices are toned...we can't wait!! March 7th!
Lights!  Camera!  Action!!  Mark your calendars.  Don't miss the exciting performance of the Little Mermaid!  Costumes are done, scenery is made, voices are toned...we can't wait!!  March 7th!

MEETING AT MARSHALL


The next Marshall Middle School Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 2 at 9:30 AM. All meetings are open to the public. Please enter through the front door. We will be gathering at the Principal's Conference Room.

Agenda:

- Open Forum
- Approve Minutes of Last Meeting
- Review of PIM Team's recommendations of prioritizing of Title 1
expenditures
- Continue discussion on student dress code
- Scheduling of next meeting and agenda

Open forum is a time reserved for anyone who wishes to address the council.

See you there!

LYNN MUSEUM LEADING LITTLE LYNN LEARNERS


Next Tuesday, March 5th is our second Little Lynners program of the year. Bring your little ones to the Lynn Museum from 10-11am to listen to Dr. Seuss books read by friends of the museum and to participate in a fun craft that the whole family can enjoy! We ask that you please RSVP in advance as space is limited. All are welcome!

POETRY AND PASTA - PERFECT

Handmade pasta spices up lesson for Lynn students

Reading tastes taste better when covered with sauce. LIBRARIES are the kitchens of education where learning is on the menu.

SPECIAL ED SHUTDOWN

I have learned from some of my teacher friends (yes I do have SOME friends even if they are imaginary) that no NEW cases will be opened the rest of the year. Surprisingly this has little to do with SEQUESTRATION or any swan dives off any FISCAL CLIFFs. Actually this is an annual occurrence, though it may be a little early this year. Students needs are tied to a calender.

Maybe it is not illegal or even wrong but it just seems strange to me that some of these SIX FIGURE ADMINISTRATORS  get a three month working vacation before the final school bell rings for the year.

DIGITAL EXPOSURE

IMAGINARY SOURCES have confirmed  to only those of us here at the WATCH that filming of the REALITY show What NOT TO WHERE this summer for an ongoing expose on NAIL POLISH and OPEN TOed shoes. It seems the shiny COVERING can be used to cover up older, BEST TOes.

Monday, February 25, 2013

GIVE GREEN TO GO GREEN

Only three days are left to raise $2500  to be split bwtween FORD and INGALLS SCHOOL GARDENS. Go to the website to learn how your donations can give you rewards of trendy apparel and healthy classroom treats.

http:://www.indiegogo.com/fordschoolcommunitygarden/x/1866761

PICKERING PRINCIPAL PUT;S ON PROGRAM


Mr. Rittershaus One of my initiatives as new principal is to provide information to parents about issues regarding adolescents. On Monday, February 25, 2013 at 6:00pm in the Pickering Middle School auditorium we are going to have our first (of what I hope will be many) parent workshop. The topic of this workshop will focus on nutrition and middle schoolers. Jeanne Baranek will be giving a presentation on nutrition and its importance. A representative from Whole Foods will also be providing coupons and samples. After Ms. Baranek's talk, she will have a Q & A session. The workshop should last about an hour or so. A flyer will be passed out to the students next week. If you can attend, please let us know so that we can provide an approximate number of attendees to our presenters. We want to keep the audience to parents only. We hope to try out different workshops throughout the year.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

THURSDAY NIGHT'S LSC AGENDA - 2/28/13

Fourth Regular Meeting

DOG FIGHT TO BENEFIT GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lynn English Girls Basketball "Lazy Dog Fundraiser"
March 24 at 2:00pm


  • Everyone Come out to Support the Lady Bulldogs.....March 24th 2013 2-8pm 2013 Back 2 Back NEC Champions... Come hang out with Good food and friends....
328A BroadwayLynn, Massachusetts 01904

PICKERING PTO HAS A DATE WITH THE DOG

Our first fundraiser for this year will be at "Lazy Dog" on Sunday, March 10, 2013. We are looking for donations for our raffle table. Thank you so much for all your help. We need volunteers for that day.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

SECRET MEETING, OUT IN THE OPEN?




Some would say I thrive on this kind of dirt. Something must be up, there has not been much chatter about it. After I write about stuff like this I feel dirty. I usually take a shower or at least wash my hands.

LSC member RICK STARBARD was going to fall on the sword for this. He wasn't sure if he needed to post the meeting or not, so he took blame and responsibility for the anemic posting. GOOD SOLDIER, RICK!.

The problem is he is getting stabbed in the back with the sword. See since it was posted like it was if there are any violations good ole RICK will take the fall.

Let's see how this started out and maybe later we'll find out how it comes to pass. Realizing the deplorable condition of our old schools, it makes sense to prioritize. RICK is trying to get a plan, a CAPITAL PLAN (do you hear that COUNCIL CANDIDATE RON MENDES?), to spend smart.

HOWEVER......

if LPS would have made a BIG production about this meeting, maybe just maybe, some impetus might get initiated for some inertia. In political terms that's called TRACTION

Oh well, OPPORTUNITY LOST!

Friday, February 22, 2013

YOU'LL PROBABLY MEETING WITHOUT ME

Somehow this meeting just kind of snuck in here, I guess I just been drinking the tea instead of reading the leaves, Maybe they just want me to drink the Kool-aid.


A School Building Opportunity Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 10am. The location is the Tracy Elementary School, 35 Walnut St.


GET YOUR SHAKE ON

I would to invite everybody to join me next Thursday night at 7 PM in the TIGER'S DEN on 90 COMMERCIAL STREET for the WORLD PREMIERE of the LSC's rendition of the HARLEM SHAKE.

LynnCAM will be filming the events and plans have been made to post the production on YOUTUBE. Revenue generated from advertising sales will be used to finance construction of the WOTRING WING of the new MARSHALL.

NO PROPERTY TAXES WILL BE RAISED FOR THIS PRODUCTION

SIZE MATTERS

It's all in the numbers and well we've got them. In fact, we've had them it just seems like they have been different at different times/

Well here's the latest, DR. LATHAM said at last THIRSDAY night's LSC meeting the lstesy census numbers say we've had an increase 0f 502 students over last year (That means over 400+ of them were ACCOMPANIED.).


"THAT'S A WHOLE SCHOOL."

Her words, not mine.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

LIL' LORI SAYS "INTERPRET THIS!"

It seems that frustration about the lack over direction about the interpretation over LPS'S procedure on policies or was that the policy on procedures has reached a culmination with the filing of a complaint with the DEPARTMENT OF SECONDARY AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.

It seems that LIL" LORI has been given a proper education on the necessity of providing copies of your complaint to all concerned parties thanks to the good folks at DESE.

I could have told her about those cumbersome necessary formalities, thanks to my decade plus long on-the-job training in Probate court. I don't think my graduation will ever come. I so need a party.


I'D LIKE TO HAVE A WORD WITH YOU, DR. LATHAM

Okay, but it better be a word in a language she can understand or anybody else can, It's not that they're lazy about language but they don't look at communication the same way they do....how do they say CUDDLING.

Both shouldn't require waiting 24 hours. Is that the policy or is that the procedure? Maybe we should ask the same BARBER that split the hairs on the OPEN MIKE policy or was that procedure?

I am sorry this DOUBLE TALK translates into "We do what we want, SUCK IT UP PRINCESS".

THAT'S MY INTERPRETATION ANYWAY!

LIL' LORI GETS INTERPRETATION OF TRUTH ABOUT INTERPRETATION


I sent the following email to Dr. Latham and Maureen Horgan, the District Compliance Officer:

Good Afternoon Dr. Latham,

You have stated in the past, including at the last school committee meeting, that the district's policy regarding interpretation and translation services is that a 24 hour notice must be given by those requesting these services. However, I am unable to find that policy anywhere. Therefore, could you please tell me where I, and the parents who need and require these services, can find a copy of this policy?

Dr. Latham responded with the following:

"The Lynn Public Schools does not have a formal policy related to translation services. I never said that we do. We have procedures in place that are consistent with the law. You can review the procedures I described at the last School Committee meeting when the video is posted on our website."

Therefore, I sent the following response:

Thank you for your response. I was unable to find anything, even procedures that LPS has in place regarding these services. Where can I, and parents who need and require these services, find a copy of these procedures you have in place?

Needless to say, I never received another response. Most likely due to the fact that no such document exists. At least, none that I could find anywhere. Therefore, do these procedures really exist? Or do they only exist to Dr. Latham? I don't have an advanced degree like Dr. Latham, but I would think if a school district had procedures in place to help parents/guardians, those parents/guardians would have at least have access to those procedures so they are aware of their existence. Otherwise, what is the point of having said "procedures"?

PREVENTIVE MAINTENENCE

ASBESTOS, ASBESTOS everywhere
and all the tiles to replace.

All done to avoid future lawsuits
we won't have to face/

Still the damage, it has
already been done.

The contamination is not
just limited to just one.



LVTI TO GIVE OUTSIDE KIDS A TRY?




LSC member RICK STARBARD has been harping on this idea for quite some time, well sorta. You see RICK has always extolled the virtues of LVTI and how we ought to be marketing it to other school districts. His CAMPAIGN started I believe back before the timr when DR. LATHAM was all for DISMANTLING the machine shop. After taking a tour of some regional VOCATIONAL schools her opinion changed. The fact that TECH had that GATES FOUNDATION winner further solidified her decision about the value of a vocational education.

ANYWAY......

to make a long story short. The LSC formally agreed to take outside students......

BUT.....

only if there is room. Now mind you, LVTI is way below the capacity of its heyday, Theoretically we could turn this excellent facility into a MONEYMAKER for LPS.....

BUT.....

so far there is not the political will to invest in the commitment to hire the necessary personnel to make this PIPE (as long as we're talking about MACHINE SHOPS) DREAM a reality.

There are oter complications like SCHOOL CHOICE (that's a tangled web) and the fact that other school districts have contractual obligations to other vocational centers......

HOWEVER.....

the decision made to entertain the possibility of accepting placements from the outside was a step in the right direction, even if it was a stutter step,

IT WILL BE GOOD TO BE FINALLY ACCEPTING OUTSIDE PLACEMENTS INSTEAD OF SENDING STUDENTS TO OUTSIDE ONES.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

WHERE THE BUCK STOPS

For our students to be safe,
on ISD we must depend.
No security changes unless
MIKE DONOVAN is your friend.

The MAYOR controls the money
after all in the end.
It is not a matter of if
but only a matter of when.

To protect, we
wish she would choose.
Otherwise when it comes
to re-elect she may lose.


WHO'S AFRAID OF SCHOOL SECURITY?

Lynn schools to upgrade security

Let's look at this story through the eye of a poet, albeit a poor, disabled one.

Seems strange to me that a 56 minute long session behind closed doors. I told THOR that night was I thought strange, The topic on the agenda for the executive session was security, an allowable reason for the session. I know this because of all the meetings I attend.

I think some of the drama was created because the MAYOR didn't recite the standard disclaimer before the session started. Let me reiterate, SOME.

Now let's take a look at who was in the meeting, the MAYOR,  the rest of the LSC, the police - OFFICER FERRARI and CHIEF COPPINGER, LPS ADMINISTRATION, and ISD MIKE DONOVAN,.

Noticeably absent from the meeting was the hacker in a basement closet in a parking garage in CHINA who can open electronically secured locks using only an Internet connection.

One thing that is fundamentally wrong with what was going on is not who wasn't at the table but who was. MIKE DONOVAN, from ISD, was there, WHY?

Oh yeah, ISD is in charge of the CUSTODIANS. To be brutally honest, ISD plays a larger role than that, a much LARGER role. ISD controls everything to do with the physical stuff that goes on in and at the schools.
MIKE DONOVAN works for WHO?

Not LPS or DR. LATHAM.

No, it's the MAYOR. And there are questions about whether or not she even wants to even have anything to do with the school.

REALLY?

Well, it's all part of her job and it's a 120 million dollar job! That means she is at the head of a QUARTER-BILLION DOLLAR agency (if you wanna call city government an AGENCY or say a COMPANY)/

So while the MAYOR was BOSS of everybody at the table,

“There are small improvements to a small number of schools — some issues that need to be improved for a small amount of money,” Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said.


SO.....

that means......

YOU CAN'T BLAME LPS SECURITY SUFFERINGS on anybody but the MAYOR. You see, she not only controls the purse strings - it's her purse. Remember all that FREE CASH she is setting on.

That means the MAYOR is taking a CALCULATED RISK with SCHOOL SAFETY because LPS and the entire LSC are at her MERCY because ISD has veto power over any and all CAPITAL improvements.

It's not only "WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?"....

BUT.....

"WHO'S WALLET IS IT??.

LIL' LORI HAS BEEN LOOKING AGAIN


Found this 2010 report and thought it was quite informative. It is Lynn Public Schools Review of District Systems and Practices Addressing the Differentiated Needs of English Language Learners. It contains both positive things LPS has done, as well as areas that need improvement. Some of the highlighted issues include the issues we are still seeing and discussing today, almost 3 years later. I've included a few excerpts because these issue have been discussed recently:

Page 7: The superintendent’s goals are driving current improvement initiatives.

"When interviewed, the superintendent reported that a current district improvement plan (DIP) has not yet been created; the district’s most recent plan was developed in June 2008. In lieu of updating the DIP, the superintendent presented 10 goals for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 academic years."

"There is no indication of whether or how student performance data were used to develop these goals. The document reviewed by the team does not reference student assessment or subgroup
data or gaps in student performance. Nor does the document provide a data-based justification for changes in district practices, such as the decision to fully integrate ELL students in mainstream classrooms and gradually eliminate SEI classrooms."

"It is not clear how stakeholders – including staff, families, and district partners – were consulted in the process of developing the two-year goals."

Page 17-18: Student Support

"There is inconsistent support and outreach to promote the involvement of parents of ELL
students."

"One Spanish speaking parent reported that it was not clear how parents who are not fluent English speakers can collaborate or provide support to the school, stating, “Even if we want to help, we cannot.”

"In summary, the shortage of bilingual staff in schools limits the degree to which parents of ELL students receive linguistically-appropriate services and clear information regarding how to
effectively partner with the school and support their children’s academic success. Education initiatives to teach English and provide educational opportunities to the parents of ELL students
are concentrated in one school and, although well attended, are not widely available to parents throughout the district."

Page 19-22: Recommendations

"Gather input by all major stakeholders to inform the development of district goals and initiatives. Meaningful participation from a representative group of stakeholders – including
staff, families, and district partners – creates a broad base of support for district improvement initiatives."


Target recruitment efforts to increase the number of qualified bilingual staff members in district schools.

"Increase the number of bilingual staff in schools, ensuring that parents of ELL students receive linguistically-appropriate services and clear information regarding how to effectively partner with the school and support their children’s academic success."

Create a district parent support program and secure other funding sources to support parent literacy needs across schools.

"Create a district parent support program, providing the parents of ELL students with the opportunity to learn English and participate more fully in their children’s academic
programs."

"Consider securing private funding sources to support a district parent literacy program, prioritizing the use of individual school funds to directly support student learning."

http://www.doe.mass.edu/apa/review/district/reports/dnr/2010_0163.pdf

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

THE JOURNAL DISCOVERS LPS


Lynn Students Honored at PCSS Science Fair

February 19, 2013


In an edition packed with stories about LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, the JOURNAL is featuring someone other than ST.MARY'S.

I am sure their sudden interst in public education has nothing to do with my calling them to task after I came to their COVERAGE ON THAT COVER BOY CHARLIE GALLO'.
.

BRING OUT THE BROADCAST BABES


Harrington Students Pitch Questions to Red Sox Players



Some LPS students will try their talents to the small screen, The JOURNAL touts the talents of some local little ones.

GOOD NEWS COMES IN PAIRS FOR BULLDOG BASKETBALL


Although not normally known for their coverage of LPS, the LYNN JOURNAL scores this week!


2013 Northeastern Conference North Champions

February 19, 2013





Fred Hogan Named NEC Coach of the Year




WOULD YOU LOOK AT THIS?

Brockton High gets state’s top rating
www.enterprisenews.com


Last I heard BROCKTON was in one of those URBAN DISTRICTS we were supposed to be at the top of , I don't know, this looks pretty good for them.

I think maybe we ought to be STUDYING what they are doing. A NOVEL conceot STUDYING a SCHOOL in stead of SYUDYING in a SCHOOL!

THANK YOU LIL' LORI FOR THE HEADS UP!

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Why pre- tell am I raising all that ruckus about the ASBESTOS at FORD SCHOOL? Yeah it's a cancer causer but.....I'm surer the school is loaded with other contaminants, some natural (mold) and many man-made.

HOWEVER.....

I don't necessarily think that oft-targeted population is being targeted. I raise these issues to get you thinking, Our challenges must be brought to the forefront. We need to know about them to face them/

BELIEVE ME.....

this is not a problem isolated to one school. We have 25 or so other schools across the district with their own LEAD and ASBESTOS problems. We must address them for both our kids and their TEACHERS  health. SECURITY takes many forms.

Just because PAY starts with a "P" doesn't make administrators double digit raises a PRIORITY. These OLD school buildings, well, have been old for a while. It's not like the CURRENT COVER-UP CRISIS has snuck on us. Decisions were made and you see what was put first.

Even before her 25 THOUSAND DOLLAR raise, our SUPERINTENDENT was the HIGHEST paid city employee.

We have an ailing, failing district. Do you think paying more for what we already had still makes sense? We have helped make our own environment.

Monday, February 18, 2013

THERE'S SAFETY IN KNOWLEDGE

Don't count on me to stir up trouble just to increase my numbers. I've never thought of it. Really I haven't.

WELL.......

OKAY.....

MAYBE ONCE OR TWICE.

But this time I am asking you to educate yourself. Your kids health and your wallet depend on it.


www.asbestos.com/asbestos/schools.php

CADETS CAPTURE CROWNS

Lately ENGLISH HIGH has been posting a lot of good things on FACEBOOK and I try to share them on the WATCH'S page.....

BUT..... this is such good news I am going to do the extra effort to put it all the way up on my BLOG. I definitely like the way that some schools are opening up their COMMUNICATION and joining the rest of us in this century.......

English High JRotc Girls Northeast champs; Boys overall runner ups
Here are the results of the 2013 All Service Drill Team Championship for the Northeast Region from Colts Neck, NJ.

Armed Team (Boys) - Overall Runnerups

Jereme Harris Walker - Won the Commanders Cup for Best Armed Platoon Commander
Jamie Rosas - 3rd place in Individual Drill over 700 cadets particiapted
Armed Platoon - 1st Place Armed Inspection
Armed Platoon - 3rd Place Armed Regulation
Armed Platoon - 3rd Place Armed Exhibition

Unarmed Team (Girls) - Overall CHAMPIONS

Joanna Medina - 1st place in Individual Drill over 700 cadets participated
Cynthia Rendon & Karen Mejia - 1st Place Unarmed Dual Exhibition
Lisa Romero & Alece Ntamuhanga - 3rd Place Unarmed Dual Exhibition
Unarmed Platoon - 1st Place Unarmed Inspection
Unarmed Platoon - 1st Place Unarmed Regulation
Unarmed Platoon - 1st Place Unarmed Color Guard
Unarmed Platoon - 1st Place New Cadet
Unarmed Platoon - 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition

Congratulations! You have achieved these goals based on your hard work and dedication. The entire LEHS community is so proud of your accomplishments and the honor you bring to our high school. We thank you!

GETTING OUR LINES CROSSED

I am all for more education. Learning is a good thing and that's why I APPLAUD the entire LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE for getting involved in the DISTRICT GOVERNANCE SUPPORT PROJECT.

This means a trainer is going to come up and give them 5 or 6 sessions before they are finished with the whole program. In their eagerness to avail themselves of this knowledge, they are going to cram all of their sessions on alternate Thursday nights when there ism't a LSC meeting. I love their thirst for knowledge.

BUT......

to be honest here I do have one little concern, well it's about 120 million little concerns. You see there is talk about starting these sessions after March 1st and that means Thursday nights are going to be pretty tied up into MAY. On the surface that;s okay,. Make them earn that STIPEND,

The problem is you see that is right in the middle of BUDGET season and well I'm afraid that their schedules might get to cramped and they won't be able to pay the attention to the BUDGET process that it deserves.

Then in turn it will fall on me to scrutinize decisions that get made or just happen. Lines of poetry and lines on a balance sheets have been found to intersect on occasion. I don't like to get all perpendicular and everything.

FORD-WARNED IS FOREARMED

National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health


http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos

Sunday, February 17, 2013

FORD SCHOOL FLOOR FALLOUT

Let me say this right up front.,I ain't no engineer. In fact when you combine my eyesight with my lack of coordination (not just hand-eye, my eyes are even coordinated with each other), I can't even hammer a nail straight. Darn thing keeps bending.

This FORD SCHOOL floor thing is getting more and more INTERESTING. Remember I told you that they are doing a trial run on one room over FEB, break? They're working on it as we speak (I mean read. You that is, I'm writing), a little mock-up on the make-up as it were. Here's where it starts getting interesting.

It's no secret, it's ASBESTOS. The reason they are trying out this type of REMEDIATION . You see I think they plan to cap the problem off with new tiles and polyurethane or some type of sealant. Kind of like if we close our eyes it will go away. Now there are industrial hygienists that this will work and it will be safe. I liken it to taking the monster your kids tell you about that's in their room and forcing it to stay under their bed.

Don'y worry it's safe......

BUT......

didn't that when they put the ASBESTOS in in the first place. That's the funny thing about learning, you find out sometimes you were wrong, DEAD WRONG.

You see if we don't bury our head in the sand there is a couple of problems. You see near as I can tell this ASBESTOS laced tile was put down without subflooring so the CONCRETE is contaminated.....

SO....

unless that means it would have to be removed and that would cause a host of PROBLEMS. They make you have to have licenses and certificates for ASBESTOS removal. That alone would be expensive and do I need to remind you I don't believe any MSBA reimbursement can be forthcoming because I don;t think they cover environmental waste. Waste not, want not (you can want all you want).

AN ADVANTAGE.....

of this BURIAL approach is they won't have to shut down the ENTIRE SCHOOL for an ENTIRE YEAR while they fix the problem, Yeah I said it , an ENTIRE YEAR. You think we have crowded classrooms now.

Okay that would be unbearable, unacceptable so I guess this cover-up, make-up modification looks like what we are stuck with, I mean going with.

I have to admit this tile patchwork does kind of have an APPALACHIAN feel to it. It's just like quilting.'

What no one is saying is say for argument's sake say this test run over break goes great and we decide to pull the trigger on doing the first and second floors over the summer.

That means there are going to be workers all over that building and exposure to HAZARDOUS materials. Since I don't believe LPS has enough kiddie sized hazmat suits there won't be any summer school at that building.

WHOA....

I am kind of involved up there being in the HIGHLANDS COALITION and all that community stuff. Is there a plan to service that oft-neglected community. Or are they going to be stingy with the contingencies.

TRUTH BE TOLD, why don't they tell the truth.