RUNNING OVER TOWARD THE WORLD CUP

PLAYERS WANTED

Online Registration has been extended for Fall Intramural Soccer.

LYS is also having Walk-In Registrations on Wednesday, September 3rd, (5–7PM) and

Walk-In Registration & Open House on Sunday September 7th, (12–3PM).

Players born between 8/1/2000 and 9/1/2010 are eligible to play.

Teams that are organized by Wednesday September 3, 2014 will be scheduled for a

scrimmage on Sunday September 7th.

The first week of the season is Sunday September 14, 2014.

DON’T MISS OUT!

Register now at https://lynnyouthsoccer.demosphere-secure.com/_registration#welcome

RAMS TO BE A FAUX FOE

CLASSICAL'S athletic opponents this will face squads overseen by ACTING ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TIMOTHY PHELPS. What the HEY is he only going to pretend to lead the programs

OR.....

is this just a slick way of getting around the interview process?

THOSE PEOPLE SURE ARE SMART!

SILENCE OF THE SHEEP

Once again all the home school applications, and there were 9 of them involving 15 kids were all approved,no questions asked. Honestly the way I understand the law it pretty much has to be that way. However that has never stopped CHUCK before. It seems like almost every time recently he has had some question or the other.

On a couple occasions I believe he has been joined by other members. I even remember JOHN FORD worrying about students coming back and suing the committee for failing to provide them with a quality education. There has even been discussion on the ability to participate in after school activities.

One family in particular the BATISTA family has been subject to merciless scrutiny in the name of what I term as PERSECUTION for POLITICAL PROPAGANDA. Luckily LAURA had a LAWYER.

YOU'LL PROBABLY NEVER AGAIN SEE ME USE LUCKY AND LAWYER IN THE SAME SENTENCE.

POLICY PROBLEMS POINTED OUT - BABIES AND BATHWATER

Lori D'Amico Val Buchanan, who is Gordon's director of community engagement, is very involved in Lynn. To name a few, I believe she is on Harrington's school council, the board of Lynn Arts, the board of Operations Bootstrap, and the board of Family & Children Services of Greater Lynn. Will LPS be severing ties with all of these organizations? What about some others that Val may be affiliated with? What about the supporting organizations of these organizations? The community partners and other affiliates? The CEO of Catholic Charities also signed the letter to the president, yet to my knowledge, LPS has not even mentioned severing ties with them. Can LPS pick and choose who they want to sever ties with because of this letter, or are they leaving themselves open for legal action? What about supporting organizations, community partners and other affiliates of Catholic Charities? Also, the decision was for LPS to sever ties with Gordon College, its students and employees. However, the decision does not mean the city of Lynn will be severing ties with Gordon, its students and employees, correct? So many answered questions!!




             "TOLERANCE" DOESN'T PICK AND CHOOSE OR DOES IT?

UNNECESSARY DISRUPTION?

How long can HARRINGTON maintain its greatly improved status now that its leadership team has been reassigned? Principal DEB RUGGERIO takes her top of the list salary over to FORD to be replaced momentarily and temporarily by CHRISTINA COLELLA, who just steps in from a PROGRAM SPECIALIST/VICE PRINCIPAL position (I say momentarily because she looks to be DUE any day). So that means soon someone NEW will be in THAT position soon,

I am sure someone will tell me for sure, did COBBETT'S principal come from a PROGRAM SPECIALIST'S position at HARRINGTON or was it CONNERY? I always get those two jumbled up in my battered brain.

STABILITY MATTERS

NO RIGHT TO BE CIVIL

For this slippery slope we'll need a pair of SKIS.
Who's next? Just wait and SEE.

Too much TOLERANCE leads to INTOLERANCE, it's true.
Next time it could be ME or it could be YOU!

IN OTHER WORDS

We at the WATCH would like to welcome JOAN MARTINEAU to the position of DIRECTOR OF LANGUAGE SUPPORT. Given the diverse population of LPS this will be an almost overwhelming, yet CRUCIAL position, We wish her ALL THE BEST!

SIN CITY HISTORY

Kennedy: I’m not a racist

RICHARD NIXON once said.
"I am not a crook".
Still history required
We take a second look.

Maybe you are color blind
And it is really we'll see
That you just don't
Like their kind.

Look over here so
You won't see
All of the other problems
That happen to be.

My character don't
Be too quick to judge
Just because
Some figures I fudge.

IT AIN'T SO BECAUSE I SAY IT

Kennedy: I’m not a racist

I am not a racist, I just don't want your kind.
This discrimination is just a business decision I had in mind.

Real problems exist it's only fair
But it does matter answers come from where.

Twisting of the truth is a fancy lawyer's trick.
The hypocrisy of it all only makes me sick.

Now keep my lawn mowed  and my drive-thru prices low
And tidy the place up just before you go.

GARDEN A GO

Well got some  GOOD NEWS today at our FRIDAY pot-luck in the HIGHLANDS COALITION INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN. We were joined today by OUTGOING FORD SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DR. CRANE and LSC MEMBER RICK STARBARD for lunch. DR. LATHAM was invited but due to other commitments could not make it (just as well, there wouldn't have been enough time to take down the copy of MY POEM that hangs on the side of the building).

Anyway word was sent that THE GARDEN will not be closed with the changing of the guard so to speak. On top of that our yearly HARVEST FAIR is a go if we just go through the standard building use procedure. That news sure was the perfect dessert for our meal.

MUSTANGS ARE MOVING ON

Thurgood Marshall Middle School - Lynn, MA

8 hrs · 

Hey Mustangs!
It's that time again! We are getting ready to return to classes.

Grade 6 starts on Wednesday, September 3, at 7:45.
Grades 7 and 8 start on Thursday, September 4 at 7:45.

You should have gotten a phone call with your Home Room assignment. If you didn't, you can call the office at 781-477-7360 to find out.

Enjoy the last few days of summer! See you next week!!

Like

GUILTY UNTIL

Last night was a perfect example of why I have the opinion of lawyers that I do. I guess it's not just because they are usually on the lower tiers of the intellectual pecking order.  Face it one loses every time a court case is heard.

Last night at the LSC meeting though they DRUG some kids with them. APPARENTLY JUDY was the only one of the lawyers that spoke last night that learned anything at the BAR. You see there is this little thing called DUE PROCESS. GORDON COLLEGE was convicted of a THOUGHT CRIME.

They got the BOOT last night because they asked a question. There was no evidence of a specific crime.

I WONDER IF LPS IS GONNA BLOCK THEIR E MAIL TOO?

GONE IN A FLASH

The High and Mighty have spoken
No one to be left, not even a token.

Out you will go
With this first stone I throw.

Devoid of guilt we must be
Or we are blind and can not see.

The real message we ultimately send
Intolerance always wins.

SLIGHT OUT OF HAND?

Last night's LSC meeting had the formal introduction of the interim  principals DEB RUGGERIO at FORD and MR. RIDLEY at MARSHALL. He was not at the meeting.

Also missing was the rest of the TRANSITION TEAM at FORD, in fact they weren't even mentioned. WHY WAS THAT? Well here they are:

A key member of the team will be Gale Thomas; Lynn Public Schools retired elementary teacher, elementary vice principal, curriculum and instruction teacher, part-time intervention teacher for the Harrington School during its Level 4 years, and current program coordinator for the Lynn Summer English Learning Academy (LYSELA) program.

Ms. Thomas is currently vice president of the Lynn Business Education Foundation, an executive board member for the Lynn Teachers Union, a member of the Cobbet School Improvement Council, a board member for the Wraparound Zone initiative, and the Lynn Teachers Union Professional Development Coordinator.

Ms. Ruggiero and Ms. Thomas will be ably assisted by retired teacher Alice Gunning.  Ms. Gunning was an elementary classroom teacher, past president of the Lynn Teachers Union, a past member of the state Frameworks Committee, a past acting principal for the Lynn Public Schools, and has assisted us in the past with the opening of the Washington STEM School. Both Ms. Thomas and Ms. Gunning have experience in assisting the district in school support.

I am sure this oversight had nothing to do with the EXTRA money being paid to these people while a malnourished budget was being RAMed through (I haven't forgot about the CLASSICAL inequity and the FAVORED SON).

CARRY ON CHUCK

Thank you LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE, you have given me so much to write about. If you haven't noticed my hit counter has went over 400,000 and the last 30 days have been the busiest in WATCH history.

I just want to point out after making such a PUBLIC display of outrage about refusing to vote for a budget that took away from the needs of the students, LSC MEMBER PATTI CAPANO turns around and makes the INITIAL motion for passage of this bill.

WHILE I AM AGAINST THIS BUDGET FOR A WHOLE LOT OF REASONS,I HAVE TO AT LEAST I HAVE TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE PEOPLE WHO WERE CONSISTENT.

Excuse me a minute while I throw up in my mouth, any times I have made jokes at the expense of CHUCK, I have to say last night he stood tall when it came to the FY 15 budget, well tall for him. It would be easy for e to say, "Well he knew passage was a foregone conclusion and he just slipped a 'no' vote in there in hopes I would start calling him CHARLIE THE CHAMPION" Maybe so, but he did stick to his guns unlike PATTI "CALL ME CHOKER" CAPANO.

KICK YOUR SHOES OFF, STAY A SPELL. GO AHEAD AND GET ALL COMFY-LIKE

Could someone please tell me where I can get one of those CATHE CALENDERS? Magically she added at least a month to a timeline for actually replacing principals. If you listened closely to how long she said it took to develop a posting, post the position and conduct interviews, new principals could be hired before THANKSGIVING.

Although the DOC pretty clearly stated she hoped to have new people hired by the NEW YEAR, I also noticed in perhaps a flip remark, interim principal DEB RUGGERIO joked about not returning to her old school (HARRINGTON). My first wife used to say a graduate professors she had always used to say, "There are no jokes".

CONSISTENT INCONSISTENCIES

This article exposes some unflattering things/

An anti-immigration group’s imaginary scapegoats

A mayor’s tale of woe doesn’t quite add up.

WASHINGTONPOST.COM

GOOD-BYE GORDON

Well I've been on both sides of this issue and after hearing several impassioned and persuasive arguments tonight I've decided that's exactly where I want to be. There are NO winners here. Everybody loses. I'm used to that, I've spent hours upon hours in Probate Court.

The biggest losers are the kids. You see they lose the benefit of the partnership with the students and those same students lose the benefit of dealing with with Lynn and what we could teach them about acceptance of difference.

The biggest loss our kids received was in something they gained. That was in seeing how it's sometimes advantageous to play to the crowd.

POINTERS FROM THE POLICE

Lynn Police Department
5 hrs ·
ADVICE TO PARENTS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
A new school year is upon us and the Lynn Police Department would like to take this opportunity to advise parents and guardians to take the time to review personal safety with their children and teach them to obey all road safety rules:
• Use crosswalks especially those manned by crossing guards or equipped with pedestrian lights. Otherwise go to the nearest intersection in order to cross the street;
• Walk on the sidewalk;
• Observe the traffic;
• Make sure you are seen before crossing;
• Show your children how to look left, right and left again before walking across the street;
• Establish eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you;
• At intersections controlled by traffic lights, obey the pedestrian lights; if there are traffic lights only, you have the right of way at the green light;
• You could also teach them how to obey authority figures such as policemen, firefighters and school crossing guards.
For commuters, it would be advisable to allow for extra time when leaving for work in the morning. Many students will be walking to school, and drivers should anticipate the unexpected. Please consider the possibility that a young child may unexpectedly step out in front of your vehicle. This could help avoid an accident.
Officers from our Patrol Division will be increasing their visibility and proactive patrols in the areas of the schools. The following is a sampling of some of the traffic offenses officers will be targeting: speeding in school zones, illegal passing of school buses, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, and other violations which create safety concerns.
Additionally, parents dropping off and picking up children should avoid double parking and parking in crosswalks. This contributes to traffic gridlock and creates a dangerous situation for pedestrians. Officers will be enforcing these parking violations as well. When driving please anticipate the unexpected and be safe. We hope this information contributes to a safe school year.

TIMELY TIPS

Copied this off an old high school classmate. I did sit behind her, TERESA HARTMAN (WINANS was her name back then), in ALGEBRA II. Actually judging from my proclivity in math maybe I should have copied more. I've had no trouble adding wives though.

Good advice

Nemours

1. Know the teachers — and what they're looking for.
2. Set up a well-lit, homework-friendly area. Keep supplies — paper, pencils, glue, scissors — within reac...

See More

RIGHT ON RICK

I have been receiving many emails regarding tonight's agenda item about terminating our successful relationship with Gordon College because of the college president's position regarding sexual orientation bias. This is my response to those emails and position going into tonight's meeting if this is of concern to you. I am not putting this out there to begin discussion. I have a busy day at work and will not have time to respond to comments prior to tonight's meeting. REPLY: "Thank you for your email. While I appreciate your comments and I totally understand your concerns, I will tell you that if it all possible, I would like to explore alternatives to preserving our very successful relationship with the students of Gordon in a manner that separates them as individuals from the current opinion of the school president in regards to GLBT discrimination. I have given this much thought and have had discussions with folks on both sides of the issue. I also look forward to tonight's discussion as we meet and discuss this for the first time as a collective body. I do plan to add my own commentary and ideas to insure that we are not "throwing out the baby with the bathwater".

Many of our staff, elected officials, students and parents are practicing members of religious organizations such as the Catholic Church among others whose leadership may share the same beliefs as Gordon's president regardless of personal opinion. Gordon students work with LPS on a volunteer basis and no money changes hands. I am concerned that if we terminate the relationship with Gordon students yet continue to hire and elect individuals who are practicing members of organizations that at the top, harbor the same feelings towards sexual orientation as Gordon's, we may be creating a double standard, leading us down a slippery slope.

Personally, I am hopeful that this issue being brought to the surface will bring about dialogue within the Gordon community that will change the official stance of Gordon College regarding this issue. In my opinion, I believe that over time, most if not all Christian organizations will change their opinions regarding GLBT and welcome all as children of God. I am a member of a reconciling church that after a lot of discussion and turmoil within the upper leadership in the Methodist Church years ago, we as many other Methodist churches voted as individual churches to be open to all regardless of sexual orientation. I think in time, others will do the same."

Rick Starbard

GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

The public hearing Thursday night at 6 p.m. to give everyone a chance to voice opinion on the FY 15 budget and the net school spending underfunding - at the School Administration building on Bennett Street. www.lynnschools.org www.lynnschools.org

Chances are good you can talk until your blue in the face, the BUDGET is all set. The IMPORTANCE of speaking out is to AFFECT the decisions going forward.You need to let people know how UNHAPPY you are with the disparity in the school budgets .

I am sure there may be a valid reason why CLASSICAL appears to be getting shortchanged but we need to make the justify it. While they are at it maybe they will tell us where the money is coming from to pay for these SURPRISE TRANSITIONS.

At least at MARSHALL, the money is already budgeted fora principal and MR. RIDLEY is just stepping in. I guess the slap in the face to the two VICES was revenue neutral. Maybe at FORD the money budgeted for DR. CRANE is being split up among the THREE or FOUR TEAM MEMBERS plus the extra that PROGRAM SUPERVISOR gets while taking the helm at HARRINGTON. Hard to keep PACE with all the changes.

LOOK AT ME

The Mayor makes political hay
While firemen are turned away.
No worries, the election's not today.

Underfunded are our schools
But in politics there are these rules.
Use the backs of others for your stools.

DC is the perfect place
To become a national face
And start tomorrow's race.

TOUTING THOSE TIGERS!

Those IPSWICH boys were big (I think they are even in upper division) but the Tech boys more than held their own  in a sort of SIMULATED scrimmage today.There were bright spots on  both OFFENSE and DEFENSE.

I MAY BE A LITTLE BIASED BUT I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE A GOOD YEAR!

RAGE ON STAGE

Mayor Kennedy is in Washington DC this week attending Washington panel on immigrant youth

Local Impact of Illegal Border Surge cis.org Communities across America have been hard-pressed by the recent surge of illegal immigrants, especia...

I do question the objectivity and therefor the legitimacy of this panel.It has no one speaking about the other point of view. This is less of a case study than a PEP RALLY. While the MAYOR has made a few good points, as Mayor she needs to stay within LYNN'S borders.

HIGHLANDS CO. MEETING A GO!

Looking forward to THURSDAY'S meeting.
The TRANSITION TEAM we will be meeting.

Their plans we get to inspect.
The community we must protect.

In order to REPRESENT,
We must be PRESENT.

A positive step they are making
Respect with us they are a taking.

THANK GOD FOR TWO-A-DAYS

Nothing better than HIGH SCHOOL football to burn up excess energy that a LONG hot summer has about worn out my patience. These double sessions provide for both FREE TIME FOR ME NOW and a WORN-OUT CHILD when he returns.

I especially LOVE how summer reading is handle. My son rushed to get an assignment completed so he wouldn't be the one who caused his whole team to have to run, the penalty if even one failed to complete the task. Well he got his work done but guess what, there was more than one who didn't. So the PENALTY was assessed and I think it involved HILLS. That was good, it will get him in touch with the WV side of his heritage.

Besides getting the kids in shape it teaches them a valuable lesson:

WHATEVER YOU DO IN LIFE IT AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST YOURSELF.

MISSION STATEMENT

Some people call me call me a GENIUS
While others prefer the term PENIS.

It is TRUE some of my opinions do STINK
But my MISSION is to make you THINK.

My MESSAGE for you to KEEP
Whatever just, DON'T BE SHEEP!

HOW THE PROCESS IS SUPPOSED TO WORK

Lynn teacher makes leap to principal

Aug 26, 2014 | 3:00 am

GUESS THERE IS A LOT TO TALK ABOUT

August 28 | 6 PM | Public Hearing and 5th Special Meeting

A LOT of people seem to be talking about the  REAMING OF A RAM, I guess the first part of this meeting would be a good chance to express to express your feelings, you know DISAPPOINTMENT, OUTRAGE. I mean after all it's a CLASSICAL response to conditioning of the condition of ACCEPTANCE of DISPARITY and DISCRIMINATION. Just don't let only the DAWGS howl.

I may be wrong, and I often am, but in the past four years I don't remember a SPECIAL MEETING so long to ACCEPT the budget. Guess has a lot to do with SUDDEN exit of TWO key principals and the TOTALLY DIFFERENT way old DEALING with it.

SPENDING PRIORITIES

The OVERCROWDING problem in LYNN has reached an epidemic. Even the MAYOR'S and CITY COUNCILMEN'S wallets are bursting at the seams. The SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S compensation package has also expanded.With the help of our STATE DELEGATION to the legislature, REP. FENNELL and SEN. MCGEE,  rule will come to our crowded home.

DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH, I HEAR WE GOT SPACE OPENING UP AT A FIRE STATION!

IN PRAISE OF A RAISE?

Lynn officials' pay raise yet to get final approval

Still waiting for HOME RULE
So taxpayers played for a fool.

Don't worry they'll come around
While FIRE STATIONS go BROWN.

The troubles not done yet
There's still school spending net.

How can it be
With no more CLT?

But salary will go up for the MAYOR,
Somehow just doesn't seem FAIR.

TOO LATE FOR THE BAIT

No one is safe, guess that was the MARSHALL plan.
WATCH who falls next and see where they land.

The bond did pass so now we're on the hook.
Ninety-two million last time I did look.

All for a state of the art school.
Looks like the taxpayers were played for a fool.

The leader you voted is now gone.
It will all come as soon as it's dawn.

TIGER TIME

At 3 pm this WED at MANNING FIELD the TECH TIGERS will take on IPSWICH for a a pre-season scrimmage. Not only is this a chance to toughen up those TIGERS but you'll have a chance to see the coaches model those stylish LYNN TECH FOOTBALL shirts.

Get a hold of the coach to order one for $8 and show your TIGER PRIDE!

His number is: 617 838-9326.

SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN

The reaming of a RAM
Is quite easy to do
Hold back support and BAM
He'll go down to Level 2.

That way the DOGS won't look so BAD
And maybe you'll see
So much for what "CLASSICAL" HAD
Cause they'll soon be Level 3.

Then without much of a shout
Their principal will soon be
A victim of falling numbers and be out.
And there for all to see

That once again
Madame BULLY did win!

REVOLT OF THE RAMS

Heather GonzalesAugust 22, 2014 at 11:23 AM

One can only hope that people will see this blog and start asking the question "WHY" because Classical is obviously powerless to help themselves. Is Latham trying to bully Constantino out? Why wasn't the school budget for the schools reviewed before the start of school year for equality? I am completely shock that these kinds of inappropriate budgeting got passed Donna Coppola and Maria Carrasco. They are usually strong advocates of fairness between for our schools. I hope someone can come to the rescue.

46ca32f2-2a1e-11e4-86e7-bb9a7a919978August 22, 2014 at 10:42 AM

If they went without so many less teachers and one less Vice Principal last year. I would have to agree. It will be interesting to see how being snub resources effect their achievement level. This seems to be Latham's way of bullying. How do you bully a principal, don't give them the resources equal to that of a high school with the same population. This forces them to work harder and look bad when testing results are published. The next question is why would you want to do this. Maybe if Principal Constantino looks bad she may hope that Principal Strangie will look good. Principal Constantino will have to sink pretty low but I suppose it is possible.

Robert RossAugust 22, 2014 at 11:01 AM

Interesting point! According to this year's budget, English High School has an extra building sub. There is significant more money in the textbook line, library material line, and school supply line. I feel bad for Classical. I am sure they are aware of the disparities but are powerless to do anything about it.

1. AnonymousAugust 23, 2014 at 3:17 PM

   It really does not matter. I do not think that the differences could account for an additional seven teachers if their populations are evenly matched. I just learned that Classical is at Level 1 and English at Level 3. What better way to help the "Favored Son" then to short change Classical in resources which could contribute higher class sizes and lower achievement. I to am surprised that certain members of the school committee allowed for a budget that does not balance resources between the schools. I thought that was why they reviewed the budget.
2. 
   AnonymousAugust 24, 2014 at 7:53 AM

   Yeah, I have to agree. You would think that members like Starbard, Ford and Gallo would have step up to the plate to at least advocate for equity between the two high schools. Maybe Gallo will read the blog and step up to the plate. He might earn a few votes. I am sure there are a lot of VOTING parents from Classical.

The PUBLIC HEARING on the FY 15 budget is this THURSDAY. It would be a GREAT opportunity to get your voices heard and ask the TOUGH questions.

NOT THAT YOU'LL GET ANY ANSWERS, MIND YOU!

LORI - You like numbers and you like CLASSICAL -sounds like a marriage made in heaven to me.

LIGHTS OUT FOR NIGHT?

Ford Elementary School Transition Plan

Dr. Claire Crane will be retiring on September 1, 2014, after a long and extraordinary career with the Lynn Public Schools.  Allowing for a 30 day posting and successive interviews would put a new principal in place weeks after Dr. Crane retires and would make the opening of school difficult and inefficient. The superintendent has assigned a team to work closely with her to provide for a smooth opening.   CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE PLAN DETAILS.

You know a song that was popular during the time I first started dating my FIRST wife was JOHN COUGAR'S (he later added MELLENCAMP) "AIN'T EVEN DONE WITH THE NIGHT". But I wonder if that song could be played anymore at FORD SCHOOL. I have a feeling they're done.

They have been running a NIGHT SCHOOL where they had ESL and GED classes for 20+ years.
Around 350 community members are served. How's that for WRAP-AROUND? Gotta wonder though if this pricey TRANSITION TEAM is going to keep up this COMMUNITY TRADITION?

NO BOOKS COOKING ON THIS GRILL

Just at a cookout that US REPRESENTATIVE JOHN TIERNEY was at (So was LSC members MARIA CARRASCO - it was her food - and CHARLIE GALLO) and I personally thanked him for his recent letter regarding the funding that was available for LPS around the UNACCOMPANIED MINOR mess that quickly morphed into ALL things IMMIGRANT. I did tell him how I thought it was funny how people questioned the legitimacy of his numbers YET provided none of their own.Maybe that was he got his numbers from the state and weren't actually made up like I've been known to do,

YOU'VE KNOWN I DO BECAUSE I TELL YOU WHEN I DO.NO SHAME TO MY GAME.

NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS?

Another question just hit me (I am sure there are plenty of people fantasizing about that). Who is going to replace DR. COWDELL on the MARSHALL BUILDING COMMITTEE? Is MR. RIDLEY going to automatically assume that role? If so for how long, if not will they leave the spot open or will they be taking applications?

I mean I do have some time available in my schedule and who better to supervise the building of a WOTRING WING than a WOTRING?

$92 MILLION is some serious CHEESE and we can't have the RATS run a muck.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

Ridley to take helm at Marshall

I like JAMES RIDLEY, I do. In fact I might even agree he's the BEST man for the job despite the fact he was replaced by a woman at TECH who some would say cleaned up his mess. It is a much different world now, devoted to delusions of data driven data directions. Notice I said DIFFERENT not BETTER.

I have heard it was a SAFE political choice meant to appease the OUTRAGED public, full of thirsty savages calling for blood. It might work if the power goes out and I can't get to INTERNET access. Cause you see, it's nothing PERSONAL, it's about PROCESS (a favorite BUZZ WORD used by LSC member PATTI CAPANO)

The fact that DR. LATHAM, both arbitrarily and unilaterally, choose different selection processes for different principals, neither of which complied with recently passed policy in my mind SMACKS of discrimination.

If someone needs it, I got some numbers you can call.

WAITING FOR THE TIGERS TO ATTACK

Today I got to watch (as in see) the LYNN TECH TIGERS take on two teams in a mock scrimmage at MANNING FIELD this AM. I guess that is what you call it. Everybody ran plays against each other. The other two teams  were GEORGETOWN and SALEM. I know I am not impartial but honestly I thought TECH looked the best out of all of them.

Since both opponents were in higher divisions than TECH I am excited.

THIS TIME IT'S A GOOD THING TO SAY"LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"

Oh yeah, give COACH RUNNER a call about ordering some stylish T-shirts. You'll display your TIGER PRIDE and help out the team's fundraising efforts. His number is: 617 838-9326

YOU DON'T SAY,REALLY!

Answer my letters if you dare
So our notes we can compare.

You know I'll print it for all to see.
No need to be afraid of me!

What could there be to fear?
Don't worry it'll ALL be right here.

Yeah on FULL display on the WATCH
So be careful your words not to botch!

REPEATING HISTORY?

I believe that the LYNN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION in a recent ruling kind of sided with the HIGHLANDS COALITION that voting should return to the FORD SCHOOL. Though despite an excellent videotaped presentation p on by NOW HICO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WENDY JOESPH that any collusion or gerrymandering was put on that the people of the HIGHLANDS had a right to have their voices heard in their own community. It was a long hard fought victory for social justice.

Although in all honesty it was a HOLLOW victory. The LYNN CITY COUNCIL has not voted to act on that recommendation. So here we go again. A special team of outside EDUCATIONAL MERCENARIES have been put in place to TELL the community what is best for them.

I DON'T BELIEVE LYNN'S OWN FREDRICK DOUGLASS ARGUED FOR A "TRANSITION TEAM" TO END SLAVERY!

ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER

How com these two schools are going through different processes to replace a principal both of which "left" on VERY short notice? Hmm.....

Ford Elementary School Transition Plan

Dr. Claire Crane will be retiring on September 1, 2014, after a long and extraordinary career with the Lynn Public Schools.  Allowing for a 30 day posting and successive interviews would put a new principal in place weeks after Dr. Crane retires and would make the opening of school difficult and inefficient. The superintendent has assigned a team to work closely with her to provide for a smooth opening.   CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE PLAN DETAILS.

Marshall Middle School Transition Plan

Due to the recent resignation of Dr. Richard Cowdell from his position as principal of Marshall Middle School, Superintendent Catherine Latham is pleased to announce that James Ridley, retired educator and former principal of both Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LV TI) and the Breed Middle School has accepted the position as interim principal at Marshall Middle School effective immediately.  CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE PLAN DETAILS. At FORD we have a TRANSITION team in name only.. What part of TRANSITION does a totally new, outside TEAM play....? UNLESS.... it's really a DEMOLITION team tearing apart all the things DR. CRANE has built. Then at MARSHALL you have a TEAM of ONE guy pulled out of retirement and EXCUSE ME(in the past he has personally told me he was a WATCH fan) FOR SAYING THIS but some people are saying got pushed out of LVTI because of poor MCAS scores. Anyway I think it is a SLAP in the face to the TWO current VICE-PRINCIPALS whose job it is to step in when the principal is away. They KNOW the kids and it would be least disruptive to the students to try anf steady this rocking boat. These kids are at a DIFFICULT age and I think it is PREPOSTEROUS to expect someone who has been away for a while to step in. The only STEPS will probably mis-steps. ON TOP OF THAT, WHERE IS ALL THIS MONEY COMING FROM TO SUPPLEMENT THESE RETIRED PENSION CHECKS? One thing they do have in COMMON is that NEITHER follow the selection process put forth by the VOTE of the LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE!

HIGH STAKES THROUGH THE HEART

VISIT THE MARSHALL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PAGE


This post is just to REMIND everybody what a BIG DEAL DR. COWDELL'S resignation is. He played a MAJOR role here. Certain people's tactics put 92 MILLION DOLLARS at risk!

BEST LESSONS IN LIFE ARE FREE

I had a parent's meeting at LTVI for my son's football team. COACH RUNNER said some pretty encouraging words that illustrate the importance of sports done right. You see COACH laid out the priorities:

          1. Everybody is a student first - each kid is a student first. they even monitor them with weekly                           progress reports. Even with baseball TECH did the same with my son in the spring.

         2. They stress strong character - on game day everybody has to wear a tie.

         3.Then they are FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

Since LPS has a NO-FEE athletic policy, pretty sweet deal!

"D" - THE LETTER OF THE DAY - DIFFERENT VS DISCRIMINATION

So if it is as I hear, that former LVTI (and you know I'm partial to TECH) principal JIM RIDLEY is going to be the interim principal at MARSHALL what does that say about the decision to have a WHOLE TRANSITION TEAM at FORD?

Looks like SOMEBODY is getting SPECIAL treatment or at least DIFFERENT.

THE MORE THINGS, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME.

LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICES AND THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAS ONE TO MAKE SOON

Cowdell: Exit was a hard choice

SOMEONE QUICK, CALL 911 I CAN'T BREATHE! YOU SEE I AM LAUGHING SO HARD I CAN'T SWALLOW ANYTHING THAT INCLUDES THIS STORY.

I am sure parts of it are true. No doubt this decision weighed heavy on DR. COWDELL'S  mind. He is too good a man. The question you should be asking is "What drove him to the point a choice had to me made?"

Sure HEALTH reasons have to play a factor, STRESS is the silent killer.

EXCEPT IN THIS CASE, I DON'T BELIEVE SHE WAS TOO SILENT?

FAVORED SON

A Reader says......
SAVE CLASSICAL AS WELL

I called today and ask for the enrollment numbers. Both schools have about 1600, yet faculty have not been equalized. It is too much to examine all stuff. Let's make it easy. Let's just look at the basic topics of Math, English, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language based on the 2015 budget. 

Approximate Students:Classical-1600 ENGLISH 1600 

As per the budget page:

English Teachers Classical - 11 English Teachers at English 13 +2 Teachers

Math Teachers Classical 11 Math Teachers English 13 +2 Teachers

Social Studies Teachers Classical 12 

Social Studies Teachers English 13 +1 Teacher

Foreign Language Teachers Classical 10 

Foreign Language Teachers English 12 +2 Teachers

In the basic topics alone ENGLISH has PLUS 7 TEACHERS. 

English and Classical have just about the same number of students BUT Classical has SEVEN LESS teachers in the common topics alone. Class sizes must be through the roof. English High School has a budget of over $500,000 greater than Classical for the same amount of students. 

Does Classical have the resources to support 1600 students not if you compare it to English's resources?

Why are they really being short staffed in the most essential areas? 

This shows massive inequalities in English over Classical which could have a dramatic effect in achievement. We will have to wait for the scores. 

I would have to assume that Latham is friends with Principal Strangie. You do not usually rail road your friends. 

With these inequalities, how long will Principal Constantino last before he feels pressured to quit or retire?

Maybe Latham is trying to run Constantino out as well?

Now all of this is occurring BEFORE the MCAS is released. Although CLASSICAL had climbed from a Level 3 to a Level 1 thanks to the teacher's hard work and GENE'S leadership HOWEVER that status is hard to maintain without proper support!

ANOTHER LETTER. WHO WILL ANSWER?

jcerulli@lynnma.gov  patti7761@hotmail.com  DonnaCoppola@mail.com  mariacarras2003@yahoo.com

john.e.ford@state.ma.us

 CharlieNGallo@gmail.com  rstarbard@comcast.net  iarrobinot@lynnschools.org


Dear Lynn School Committee members,

 I am deeply troubled by the recent direction the Lynn Public Schools has taken. The recent turnover of key staff threatens the viability of the entire system.With the impending construction of a 92 million dollar school we can ill afford unsteady leadership.

Since the superintendent's contract will soon once again be up for renewal, in the strongest words possible I recommend you post the position to get the best possible candidate, whomever he or she might be. Thank you,as always if you should choose to respond I will post your response in it's entirety.

Sincerely,

Stan Wotring

WONDER WHAT WILL COME UP?

An Education Blog via Lynn Teachers Union

20 mins · 

The Reclaim Our Schools Coalition is meeting tonight at 7pm. The location is 112 Exchange St.

Reclaim Our Schools Coalition

ITEMLIVE.COM

SHARED RESULTS

CRANE and COWDELL
Sitting at their desk
Looking out for the kids
Just doing what they thought best.

Then along comes a bully,
"You're not like the rest!"
"So I'll make your life so hard,
you'll never pass the test!"

In the end you will plainly see
It's the kids who will ultimately lose.
All the while
school committee members snooze.

Because of a choice
They did plainly choose
Therefore in part responsible
For the making of this bad news.

WORDS TO LEAVE BY

The BULLY principle
Too much for the principal
Just not quite invincible,
Consequently the inevitable!

"YOU'RE (I MEAN I'M) OUTTA HERE!

Uncertainty looms in wake of Marshall principal’s resignation

My opinion, for what it is worth and some people think that's a lot (okay, it's mostly me), the PRESSURES talked about below did not come from the proposed NEW CONSTRUCTION.

School Committee members Donna Coppola and Rick Starbard questioned if “pressures” related to overseeing Marshall — an aging school in the middle of the city — played a role in Cowdell’s leaving.

I mean I was prepared to give him a lot of leeway supervising the construction of the WOTRING WING. Heck SALEM PROBATE COURT had to temporarily relocate while they refurbish the old court house with my statue. The pigeons were brutal posing for that. Rich had to know that while I had serious questions about the location and the fact that I think we can not AFFORD to build our way out of our problem, I always support the kids and as stated PREVIOUSLY I have immense respect for DR. COWDELL, he's a "certified" UMPIRE for crying out loud. He is not going to intentionally BALK.

He seemed excited about the new building project and any health problems probably aren't new. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that would be a valid reason, I have a HEALTH problem too.

You see I got this feeling in my GUT that there is more to the story.

TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE

Lori D'Amico‎Stanley Wotring

August 19 at 11:03am · 

I have not talked to anyone at LPS about plans for spending past years Title III funds, but 15I did speak to someone at the DESE and I was told the deadlines for claiming and using FY13 and FY14 grant funds have not passed yet, nor has the application deadline for FY 15 grants. Perhaps Congressman Tierney should have included this information in his letter.

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  Ron Mendes He did.... Did you read his letter? He specifically mentioned the 13 & 14 monies not claimed... Honestly, the City is leaving grant funding at the table and you criticize Congressman Tierney for that