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Friday, February 10, 2012

DREWICZ DELIVERS DISASTER?

The plot thickens, Sources say that Representatives Steve Walsh and Lori Erlich were at Dreicwz today to what? Get a  breath of that of that FRESH ISD approved air. Erlich has a history of intervening in MOLDY schools. Anybody remember PICKERING?

Anyway and also, there are other interesting things going on or have gone on at the school with the second largest SPED population. There are heating ducts that have been closed for TEN years. WHY? And then there is the 4 teachers in the past that died from CANCER.

DOES ISD COVER THE SPREAD?

Last night while confetti was falling from the sky and kisses were exchanged in celebration of a well executed political coup, MOLD was still a growing problem at DREWICZ.

This morning ISD descended on the school like storm troopers. WHY if the air quality has been tested good? It turns out there may be other problems at the school. Stay tuned. The MOLD may not be the only thing they're are trying to cover up!

CALLED TO SERVE

FORD says the SC is supposed to support the SUPE.
Aren't I just a DUPE?

I thought his job was to serve each and every kid.
Not to serve the queen instead.

We deserve only the best,
not someone who is afraid of a test.

Come election time , his job will be on the line.
Of this vote, I will remind

NOW IT'S THE PARENT'S TURN

They heard from the people who were paid quite well to be there  so time to speak up. Believe me they want to hear from you.

Patricia Capano: 781-581-7235 Maria Carrasco: 781-599-7375 Donna Coppola: 781-593-4433 John Ford: 781-598-6156 Charlie Gallo: 781-592-9498 Rick Starbard: 781-599-7999

READY, SET, GO OFF TO THE POLITICAL SHOW

WALSH, PHELAN, or MCGEE,
whomever the candidate may be.

One thing I know,
JFK certainly must go.

Not only does she have no sense of fashion,
for our kids she has no PASSION.

To hold your signs, I may have to wait.
But my displeasure, I'm ready to state.

LEAVING LYNN IS IN

In the crowd last night but remaining quiet was DR. RICH COWDELL. principal at MARSHALL. Getting a new school, LATHAM guaranteed another three years. We all know he's got those political genes. Heck even though MARSHALL is a FAILING school I like him.

BUT WHAT DOES IT SAY WHEN....

he's applied for another job. Rumours are he'll get it. I would NEVER call him a rat, he's got to good a smile, but what do they say about jumping ship?

ONE-TERM WONDER

JUDY gets her jollies crying foul
when a vote doesn't go her way she has a cow.

A loser among lawyers she often does show.
Now she's out to ruin our schools, don't you know.

Most would agree she's a possessor of wit,
but evidently that doesn't preclude her being a hypocrite.

You may be short but you could have stood tall.
For siding with corruption you surely will fall.

JUDY GOES BLONDE

“If you have Tom Brady for three years and he’s doing a good job, you don’t just stand by and say ‘Tom, we’re going to see what else is out there,’ because if I’m Tom Brady, I’m looking for another job,” Kennedy said.
MAYBE THE MAYOR HAS A MEMORY PROBLEM. You see there are plenty of examples of GREAT QUARTERBACKS that were let go from there teams even though they had good lifetime statistics, HALL OF FAME STATISTICS. Take JOE MONTANNA, BRETT FAVRE, and probably soon PEYTON MANNING. None of them led a team that were so close to the bottom as LPS is.

Oh yeah, BRADY has LOST his last  two SUPERBOWLS.

IT AIN'T COMPLETLY OVER YET

Although a few BIG members of the senior administration are warming up their voices. Although a vote was taken and passed, 5 to 2 for the extension of the contract, no hard offer was finalized.

Both sides are going to have to agree on specifics, maybe just the EVALUATION TOOL. If both sides don't agree, then it becomes a question of whether there is a VALID contact. If a new one is not approved the old one will probably remain in place. It's something to argue about.

CHOOSE TO LOSE

GALLO sells out
when the crowd does shout
.
To hear you say,
"I'm just not that way".

But your eyes you close
to protect the status quo.

To not look for the best, you did choose,
so all the students of Lynn, did lose.

FAILING WE REMAIN,
ACCEPTANCE IS INSANE!

HYPOCRACY AND LUNACY, TWO SIDES OF SAME COIN

Missing from last night's choreography of chaos was any representative from the SPED Department. Since the COMMERCIAL STREET CRONIES don't share the same office space maybe they didn't get the MARCHING ORDERS. Without the memo, obviously they didn't have a ticket to the coronation.

As a person in the crowd said to me, "The only thing missing was the confetti". The staged celebration did have a convention feel to it.

In the Personnel subcommittee and then before the whole committee, Patty Capano lamented that even just posting the superintendent's position without discussing it prior to taking a vote was wrong and would set a bad precedent. Surely she is not that stupid, she was asking that a vote should be taken to take a vote.

The whole purpose of taking a vote was to open it up for discussion. She cried about the need for transparency but voted AGAINST bring it before the WHOLE committee to DISCUSS. Her definition of TRANSPARENCY is a little foggy.

Then at the HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY she led the charge to renew LATHAM'S contract without discussion. It was a DARK night for education last night.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

MARIA'S MISTAKE

I really need to get to sleep but first I just want to lay out who voted for what. I'll get in to more in-depth analysis and poetry in the morning.-

In the personnel subcommittee, DONNA COPPOLA and MARIA CARRASCO voted to post the position of the superintendent. PATRICIA CAPANO did not, so the measure passed 3-2.

Then DONNA made a motion to bring the posting before the WHOLE committee. She was joined by MARIA. For all her complaints about not having an opportunity to discuss the posting PATRICIA voted against bringing the matter before the whole committee where it could be discussed. HOW DO YOU SPELL HYPOCRISY?`

Once the motion for the posting was put before the whole committee, it went down to defeat with the MAYOR,CHARLIE GALLO, JOHN FORD joining PATRICIA CAPANO siding with the "We;re failing just fine the way we are crowd".

DONNA COPPOLA, RICK STARBARD, and MARIA CARRASCO unsuccessfully to open up the contract for competition.

While DONNA, RICK, and MARIA were licking their wounds. LATHAM had put on the agenda the renewal of her contract for three more years. Do you remember I told you she was a smart lady.

Although they were not ready to lay out the particulars of the contract, they voted on the TIME only. meaning a guaranteed three more years, details to be worked out later. MARIA broke ranks and voted for the extension. MARIA,what were you thinking?

You can't hardly use the excuse of a language barrier because THERE WAS NO LANGUAGE IN THE CONTRACT. It was a BLANK check. She topped the list of city employees in the last released statistics at $184,000. What will it be for the next three?

CLEARING THE AIR OF CORRUPTION

Even though I have so much I want to say about the sham that was tonight, I am going to take a breather where quality is good. The same may not be able to be said at DREWICZ. Unconfirmed rumours report that the STATE may be stepping in as early as TOMORROW to investigate the MOLD MESS.

WHO KNEW WHAT and WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT? Aren't those always the standard questions these type of investigations ask? Looks like OUR HONORABLE MAYOR may be left holding the bag for sweeping the matter under the rug!

BULLY BRIGADE BOWLS OVER PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS

A terrible travesty occurred tonight. An imported crowd featuring a PRINCIPAL POSSE full of out-of-towners, mercenaries, and hired guns invaded the den of the TIGERS to wage war leaving our young as casualties.

There are reasons why their is a policy why no out of towners can speak at these meetings. They don't have a vested interest in the schools in LYNN. Sure they are employees but where do they send their kids? They don't have any skin in the game.

I pointed this out to ATTORNEY MIHOS in OPEN MIKE after PATRICIA CAPANO "suspended the rules" to allow for the slaughter of innocent school children. They look to the ADULTS to protect them inspire them to exemplify non-bullying behavior. Instead they are treated to a dictatorial oration of "This is MY playground and we are going to PLAY by MY RULES".

Tonight three lawyers sat at the head table yet NONE of them so much as whispered a question of ethics.  Their inaction only served to reinforce the tainted perception of the profession.

WHEN POETS ATTACK


Where do I begin? First let me say STEVE WALSH or TOM MCGEE, if you need a poet in your campaign for MAYOR then I'm your man. Actually anybody that wants to run against MADAME can employ me.

Imported audience
PLANT - ing season tonight
More sub comittee show

Add captionUnbelievable crowd for a subcommitte meeting

THROW,CHARLIE, THROW

Here is your chance to be a true player.
Don't let your vote be given for a favor.

Let reason, the chips to fall where they may.
If she's the best candidate, surely she stay.

Even in the NFL, they take a second look.
Throw the CHALLENGE FLAG to get us off the hook,

THE MAYOR'S NEW MUSICAL CAREER

OUR MOST HONORABLE MAYOR has a new record deal. She has publicly acknowledged not liking the culture of hiring practices in this city. Look at the way the recent DEPUTY was hired. Now she has the chance to OPEN the SUPERINTENDENT'S position up. We can get the BEST person, no matter who it is.

She doesn't have worry about any LAW DEPARTMENT not being able to carry her tune!

DOES THE MAYOR HAVE A CELLULITE PROBLEM?

Oops! I meant celluloid, like in film. I mean she is on camera questioning DR. LATHAM'S fiscal acumen during her very public evaluation. I got to get with the program, nowadays it's a DIGITAL DILEMMA. Thank you again LYNNCAM

Then there was that MEETING OF THE WHOLE. that our MOST HONORABLE MAYOR called to bring to light questionable spending practices, like the $800 a day pair of consultants or the $9000 a week camp thing.

No it looks to me like the MAYOR has little choice to vote for posting the SUPERINTENDENT'S position. WILL SHE BE FIRM TO HER FISCAL DIETARY REGIMEN OR WILL SHE GIGGLE?

The thing that makes WEIGHT WATCHERS work is the support you get from your fellow dieters. JUDY needs that support. Give her a call to show that you care or if you like you could drop her a note of encouragement at jkenndy@ci.lynn.ma.us. She really could use your help.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

MY INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL

 Well, maybe it's not my idea, it's really a conglomerate of a lot of people ideas and it's really not that innovative because other people are trying to implement at least parts of it. But it makes me feel smart to say I've got this idea.I know I'm not as smart as all these school people but you know what they say about faking it.

Okay, everybody wants a better education, a better school for their kids. We have overcrowding issues at our middle schools. Projections are that even with the increase in size granted by the MSBA the new MARSHALL is still going to be small. Then there are the students packed into BREED like sardines.

My solution (as it was mine or even original) is the establishment of a STEM based middle school right were the administration have their offices. I mean they are moving to BENNETT STREET didn't they say now. We have all those labs right next door at TECH and they could put EXCITEMENT into education. I mean they kind of already tried with the wildly successful CAMP EXPLORER last summer. If I am not mistaken (and you all know my track record) I think that was DR. WARRY'S baby.

Then there is all that WRAP-AROUND stuff. It's that new concept in education that says we got to be concern with all aspects of a kids life that affects his access to education. That new, old stuff has been going on at the FORD SCHOOL for twenty years.

So I am proposing we bring together all of these ideas, MARRY (it is a favorite word of mine) them if you will into a new innovative, INNOVATION MIDDLE SCHOOL at 90 Commercial Street. Here comes my one original contribution to the idea, we could call it CRANE'S ACADEMY.

I admit I might have stolen the name ACADEMY from PLATO or ARISTOTLE, one of those old, dead Greek guys but I don't think they will say anything. As for the CRANE'S part, maybe I was thinking of the beach up IPSWICH way. Yeah sure, that was it.

Anyway it was just a thought, a poor poet with his muse musing.

AS A FORMER VOLUNTEER LIBRARIAN, HOW COULD I NOT RE-POST THIS?


Another call for Children books. Centerboard is having a Book Fair, please contact Jan Plourde at jplourde@theCenterboard.org to arrange the drop off. We are committed to helping young children read at grade level by the third grade. We need your help. Please share with your friends.

POSTING PRESSURE

What harm can there be?
All we want to do is see.

A little competition is healthy for all.
Are you afraid you'll take a fall?

Are you sure who your friends will be?
Political winds are blowing for all to see.

Your fate rides on either KENNEDY or GALLO
The will of the people, who will follow?.

YOU HAD TO ASK


Well CLEO you asked and well I try my best to give you what you want, I know it's a sickness, I have but I am on the 4th step to recovery.

LYNN is the 5th largest school district and does have many different factors contributing to its poor academic standing. NO ONE PERSON CAN CONTROL ALL THOSE FACTORS. Each sub-group demands that its interest receive paramount importance. It's just not FEASIBLY PRACTICAL.

BUT....,

like I always say, :It's not just where we are at, but how we got there". We closed down schools, now we are overcrowded. We have an ever increasing influx of immigrants, but how are we doing on the cultural diversity of the administration? We have a drop-out problem, what are we actually getting for all the money we are spending?

You know in professional athletics, the coach doesn't play in the game but he is the first fired when the team loses. Why? It's not really about money, it's leadership.

THE TIGERS ARE KINGS IN THIS JUNGLE

TECH athletics continue to dominate. There's plenty to be proud of in TIGER (I mean TITLE) TOWN.

Tech Continues Its Reign Tigers Claim Lynn Swim Title

NO TALKING IN SCHOOL BUT THIS IS ABOUT SCHOOL



I CAN'T STAND IT. I'VE BEEN NICE TOO LONG! Ask any of my 3 ex-wives, I am not that NICE ( my current wife might say some good things if you don't bring up the cap on the toothpaste thing).

Where was the representation from LPS? I was there for ALL the speakers and only heard from CHARLIE GALLO from the LSC and he spoke more from personal experience and history than about the cataclysmic effects these proposed changes would have on the public school systems. I understand that RICK STARBARD and JOHN FORD participated as audience members taking the opportunity to educate themselves on the issue.

MISSING was DR. LATHAM or any of the COMMERCIAL STREET CROWD. The ramifications of these proposed changes will have multiple impacts, social, economic, and educational. We just heard how LPS is now mandated to be interested and involved in all matters that effect the student's ability to access education. That was the justification for hiring a new WRAP-AROUND person at 75K plus benefits a year, yet the administration was noticeably absent from the discussion on such important matters.

It goes without saying I urge you to contact ALL your elected officials on the impending devastation caused by these changes. HOWEVER, don't stop there. Contact DR. LATHAM and DEMAND to know why LPS failed to publicly proclaim the havoc these proposed changes would have on the student's of LPS.

IT MAY HAVE HAD A LICKING BUT THIS WATCH WILL KEEP TICKING

This news may come as a disappointing blow to some. It looks like the WATCH is going to stick around.
Although I won't be able to view the beautiful vegetation of the FORD garden much longer, it looks like an acceptable move will avoid relocation to the streets of LYNN.

SO....,

LPS BEWARE!

You will continue to be held accountable and when deserved, praised for your efforts regarding the education of our children.

LATHAM LET'S FLY, "LET'S OPEN LVTI"

I am not a one dimensional POET. After a meeting with delegates from the NEW LYNN COALITION yesterday to discuss the proposal to OCCUPY LVTI, DR. LATHAM wholeheartedly endorsed the concept.

True to her word, she was open to more community involvement in maximizing the usage of school facilities for more community participation. It was agreed that the NEW LYNN COALITION would present their POWERPOINT presentation to the whole LSC for their approval.

An intermediate appointment has already been set up with DR. LATHAM to hammer out more details. It is hoped to have a small pilot program up and running by MARCH.

JOHN FORD and CHARLIE GALLO from the LSCattended yesterday's meeting.

EXCUSE ME, MARSHALL HAS GAS!

Gas leak evacuates Marshall; Lynn school re-opens today

Possibly as a precursor to the EXPLOSIVE THURSDAY NIGHT MEETING of the LSC, MARSHALL once again demonstrated why we need a new school building.

SADLY, I think PICKERING needs a new building worse than MARSHALL but hey, I am glad we are getting one for now. That's a debate for another POET.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

GALLO GOES ALL THE WAY TO MBTA



I SCREWED UP. SURPRISE! Here I am trying to take this picture with my fancy I-phone and I end up shooting a video instead. It's not like I could yell "CHARLIE, come back,  come back I am an idiot and all thumbs. I HAVE SOME MEASURE OF SELF RESPECT. Besides with terms like  HD and digital, math rules here and I can't admit MATH ever trumps POETRY".

ANYWAY......,

I was at the MBTA WORKSHOP last night where the proposed changes to the MBTA schedules and fares were presented. Well over 100 people voiced their displeasure. Elected officials from a state senator, our state Representatives., and city councilmen and school committee members from around the area commented on their resistance to the devastation that these proposals would cause.

The LSC and LPS were only represented by CHARLIE GALLO. The effects of such MONUMENTAL changes that these proposals should have warranted more involvement from these entities. Thank God CHARLIE was there to REPRESENT.

Admittedly even though he spoke well, I don't think he expressed the WIDESPREAD effects that these proposed changes would have. Be that as it may, he was THERE.

LEGAL EAGLE GALLO TO PERCH WITH STUDENTS

Word of the street is there was a question of authority on whether or not the LYNN CITY COUNCIL ordinance recently passed would legally allow for the creation of a student school committee. Rather than waste time splitting legal hairs over what seems to be an overwhelmingly popular matter, new LSC member CHARLIE GALLO is rumoured to be planning on introducing a resolution allowing for the creation of just such a body.

The idea is to provide official cover allowing student - LSC interaction. This will show that the LSC takes their involvement seriously and gives them and it, the respect the whole matter deserves.

MAKE MADAME MAYOR MEDDLE IN THIS MESS

During SUPERINTENDENT LATHAM very public examination (I feel violated) our MOST HONORABLE MAYOR mentioned that she was less than pleased with the good doctor's fiduciary talents (roll the tape, THANK YOU LYNNCAM).

That sounds to me like the MAYOR has already publicly expressed her reservations about the frugal frivolities that have come out of the superintendent's office (how about slow motion on this replay). So this upcoming vote gives you a chance to put OUR MONEY where YOUR mouth is.

REMEMBER $800 A DAY CONSULTANTS!
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy
Lynn City Hall and Memorial Auditorium

Lynn, Massachusetts 01901
(781)-598-4000

GIVE GALLO GOOD ADVICE

Before this wine has had a chance to age or mature as we say in the biz, the bottle has been uncorked and Gallo is about to be judged. Will he in a blue ribbon for his steadfast care for our children's education or has his decision-making been tainted by the establishment?

Being a virgin in the LSC game, I'm sure he could use your help in deciding whether or not we want the best for our children. Give him a call to show him your support, (781) 592-9498.

BARGAIN HUNTERS


Latham’s contract topic of debate for Lynn school board

IT'S NOT FAIR. A poor, disabled poet just can't keep up. I mean we have CLEO on the ball. CHRIS STEVENS is starting to crank out good stories that don't need two eggs and a cup of flour.

Now a parent, LORI is getting into the mix. Today, she's hogging the my spotlight and over the weekend she stole my thunder about the disappearance of AYP. Can't a guy get a break? Well at least none of them are rhyming.

I am so upset. Okay, I'm going to collect myself for a moment. TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES. After your little self-directed conversation, you really should give a phone call to your LSC members. Our kids deserve the best. We want the best.

Maybe it's LATHAM and maybe PIGS CAN FLY (don't laugh I seen in a commercial for baked beans they can), but we need to do a little comparison shopping.

Anyway in case you lost any of your LSC members numbers, her they are again:

Patricia Capano: 781-581-7235 Maria Carrasco: 781-599-7375 Donna Coppola: 781-593-4433 John Ford: 781-598-6156 Charlie Gallo: 781-592-9498 Rick Starbard: 781-599-7999

Monday, February 6, 2012

PAC PUSHING TOWARD PEAK

Okay, we are not there yet. In fact, we are not even close. But with our NEW location at the FORD SCHOOL, I think we are moving in the right direction.

It was learned tonight that child care will be available. It looks like we will have more translation services available at the school. Dr. Menino freed up some money so that snacks were available, coffee and cookies. I LOVE ME SOME COOKIES!

Joining DR. MENINO there tonight were RICK STARBARD, LSC member, JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN, and PARENT LIAISON, FRANCES MARTINEZ.

Tonight's meeting was about FINAL APPROVAL of the BY-LAWS and after a procedural spat over bringing up an item not on the posted agenda. DR. MENINO felt that her staying for the meeting was not a productive use of her time. CHAIRMAN DAVE ELLIS breathes ROBERT'S RULES and is a stickler for them.

In the words of my favorite urban philosopher, RODNEY KING, "Can't we all just get along?".

Anyway after DR, MENINO'S untimely departure, with JESSICA'S help, it was put on the agenda for the next business meeting to discuss ways to improve communication.

THE OTHER SUBJECT

It pains me to talk about this but if I want to be a responsible if not respected guerrilla journalist, I must. Okay, here goes. I want to talk about ..... MATH. Well, are you happy. We POETS feel the same about MATH as a VAMPIRE feels about LIGHT. I could explode from the exposure.

BUT ...,

this is my JOB. You know, the one that doesn't PAY.

Oh well, I can't avoid it any longer. FORD has a MATH TEAM. I just shiver when I think of that. I hear there are 15 of them signed up. The plan is to compete against other schools if they can get the LOGISTICS (a nice MATH word, I feel a little better) worked out.

All of this talk brings back memories (nightmares, really) of when I was a snot nosed high school punk competing in the MATH FIELD DAY'S. Since then I had an accident, been in a coma, and had some sense knocked into my head. THANK YOU!

ARE WE GETTING A NEW QUARTERBACK?

 
Cleo beat me too it. I feel like TOM BRADY and she's my ELI. It is an interesting agenda. Does it mean we are getting a new superintendent? Well let's just say DR. LATHAM doesn't need to pack her bags yet.  It looks like this may not be a direct commentary on her just a little window shopping. Don't clip those coupons just yet.
 
A couple of votes have to be taken first. The first one being in the personnel subcommittee so that the process of beginning the posting can be brought before the Whole committee and only then can the process of the posting can begin.
 
WHAT WILL DEFINITELY HOW EVERYONE IS GOING TO VOTE! I will definitely let you know.

AYP, NO MORE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Well this poet sure don't know. The rhetoric surrounding all the possible changes do sound interesting, but I'm afraid there are more questions than answers. Of course that's the way with any change. The only way you can have all the answers is to stay the same and well we didn't have all the answers (hence failing) and that's why we are changing, WAIT A MINUTE, I'M GETTING DIZZY WRITING THIS! It's kind of like a dog chasing its tail.

On the surface, this micro-accountability this new DART system, http://www.doe.mass.edu/apa/dart/, will provide could empower parents to demand more from their school systems but it should surprise no one who knows me, NUMBERS SCARE ME. I wake up in cold sweats when I dream of the number 3. Luckily, I was only around the number 2 for 5 months and I didn't even need a lawyer.

MOLD ON HOLD?

Lynn’s Drewicz School given a clean bill of health

THIS SEEMS LIKE GOOD NEWS!

I don't have any reason to doubt it.

UNLESS....,

you remember the ASBESTOS pictures I posted last summer and well this isn't the FIRST time there has been a mold issue at DREWICZ (or other schools for that matter). Come on these are old buildings, this problem is going to happen.

My BIGGEST issue was confusion round this issue.

WHO KNEW WHAT AND WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT?

If GRANDMA HADN"T HAD THE GOODS,
how long before this problem would have had a resolution?

FORD STUDENT'S DREAM BIG
LEADERS FORD STUDENT'S LOOK UP TO
FROM FORD'S
WALL OF FAME

WAIVER FEVER

Level 4 no more?
Who knows
which way it goes?
No one knows for sure.

Academics is an art,
and statistics are the way
that we have chosen to say
to have DART show the way.

PAINTED INSPIRATION AT FORD

POET PACKS THEM IN



FORD SCHOOL students were treated to a performance by esteemed POET JEFF NATHAN who entertained the audience with his funny rhymes and comedic recitation of original works. Active audience participation was encouraged and every one's attention was focused on the message.

WHAT WAS THAT MESSAGE? That words are powerful.

GAME CHANGER

We can't hit the benchmarks
so we remove it.

No longer held hostage to
a seemingly unattainable AYP.

So it's back to the start
with the introduction of DART.

http://www.doe.mass.edu/apa/dart/

CHOOSE WISELY, GRASSHOPPER

I would venture to said that the SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT is the most powerful single person in town. Think about it, that office controls around 50% of the city budget.

The city is mandated to give a certain percentage of revenue to LPS. Our city government only has control over the small excess it chooses to give. For the majority of the LPS budget our elected city officials are impotent when it comes to affecting that amount.

Most of the day to day expenditures never see the light of scrutiny. Most of the times our duly elected LSC members are left to rule on policies and comment on expenses after they have been generated and the bills have been paid.

Even once they have been exposed, there is little they can do about it. Take for example the MAYOR'S recent very public examination of LPS's fiscal atrocities, the revelation that LPS was paying $8000 a day each for two consultants who lived at the same address sparked outrage.

But, you know what? Nothing was done about it. WHY? Because nothing could be done about it. The news came to light at a "meeting of the whole" where no votes were taken. None could be taken. Ah yeah, we were all told that this pair of consultants had suspended their services when wind of this exposure was leaked.

But did you also hear it mentioned that if we didn't provide the services that these two consultants provided we were going to have to pay a ton of grant money back? I would guess that this "consulting" will find it's way back into the budget and no one will notice. GOD SAVE THE GRANT MONEY!

The GRANT money provides the potential for the greatest degree of abuse and it's out of the purview of local oversight. Yes, federal, state, or even foundations can be pretty stringent and at the same time they can be pretty lose at times. Accountants love this stuff. It's all just a shell game and we choose the shells.

Take the recent STATE MANDATED COMPLIANCE OFFICER. I would guess that what should have been a PENALTY to LPS probably turned out to be a benefit to a few selected people. Rumour has it that the person who got the FAT administrative job had been sequestered in the dungeons of COMMERCIAL STREET after tangling with the queen at her previous position at the ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. Because the GRANT funding her isolation was running out, it was opportune that this so-called penalty provided the perfect opportunity to have her return from seclusion paid for by state provided monies. This is all just a poet's speculation.

In order that the superintendent share the wealth with friends, a new DEPUTY position was not only created but the credentials were tailored just so a particular person would be privy to the position. I might be  wrong, but tell me how many candidates were interviewed for the position?

All of this to keep the superintendent happy. You see in so many ways our kids are held hostage to the whims of the superintendent and the ransom is their future. As parents, no sacrifice is to great for the welfare of our children. As such the superintendent, any superintendent holds a metaphorical gun to our heads. Study hard and nobody gets hurt! Don't you want to have confidence in the person who has their finger on the trigger? WE MUST HAVE THE BEST PERSON POSSIBLE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AT THAT POSITION.

REMEMBER THE RECORD

Our esteemed superintendent's contract is coming up for renewal. We need to be viligent in our duties and make sure we have the best person for the job. A little comparison shopping never hurts anyone. Maybe someone will find some coupons and we can get a discount.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

LYNN'S LEADERS IN HISTORY

FROM: THE HIGHLANDS WATCH

The HIGHLANDS COALITION will repeat their wildly successful event where community members took turns reciting a speech by LYNN's own, former slave and abolitionist leader FREDRICK DOUGLASS on July 3rd at HIGHROCK PARK this year again on July 3rd.

BUT....,

if you can't wait or don't want to wait that long to pay homage to one of LYNN'S LEADERS from the past, you can attend this event, timed in conjunction with BLACK HISTORY month:
Frederick Douglass & the Lynn Abolitionists
Local Scholar, Julia Green will speak about Frederick Douglass & the Lynn Abolitionists Thursday, February 16, 7-8:30pm

PUTTING IT IN PRINT

The FORD SCHOOL has already put out two issues of a student run newspaper. I HAVE HAD NO PART IN THIS. All of the credit goes to MS, MITZ and the STUDENTS involved. It's great to see kids that age to appreciate the POWER of the PRESS.

LESSONS FOR LIVING

Tomorrow I get to go again to a SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL MEETING at the FORD SCHOOL. I've missed a couple of meetings because of that work thing. It will be great to work on positive steps toward progress.

I'm pretty sure some ed reform law mandated the establishment of these councils and I would guess that EVERY school has them. I would encourage everyone to check them out. We all need to be involved in some capacity in our children's education whether it's the PTO or the BAND BOOSTERS.

AS PARENTS, WE ARE THE GREATEST TEACHERS, WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR KID TO LEARN?

A POST-SUPERBOWL PARTY PERHAPS?

I am so excited I want to do my own touchdown poetry pirouette, a metaphor montage.

Tomorrow at the FORD SCHOOL a POET will be center stage celebrating the language of comedy and childhood. JEFF NATHAN will treat power that the rhythm of words can have. It would be great if ALL students at EVERY school.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW, LPS?

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LIFE LESSONS OR ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS SET

Remember way back to December 8, 2011, there was an LSC meeting when they first heard all of this SPED CIRCUIT BREAKER money would be coming available? Back then the proposed that one of the NEW positions they would be adding was a LIFE SKILLS teacher at BREED.

Well at least that would have been DIRECT SERVICES and SPECIAL NEEDS. Seems to me that would be a good investment of the excess. Now I don't have all the numbers in front of me, nor do I really want them.

BUT...,

I don't see how causing an overcrowding at COMMERCIAL STREET (which is supposed to be at BENNETT STREET) does anything to relieve any at BREED. The sheer fact they were contemplating adding a teacher in DEC. indicates there must have been some population problems.

Was there a mass exodus of students? A turnaround in trends, perhaps? I did not here any public explanation for this lack of action or change in direction. Am I entitled to one? Not really, I'm nobody special. I tell who is: "The parents of those BREED students who are being done a disservice just so some COMMERCIAL STREET CRONIES can pilfer particular pennies from premium programs".

DETAILED ANALYNALTICS REAL TIMELY

Teasing is my art
as we all wait for DART.

Results we will soon be shown
so progress will be known.


When the ship of state has finally sailed
only then will all be unveiled.

LEADERS AND LOSERS

Here I was sitting watching the news yesterday (Oh no, I've become my father). It was the Dylan Ratigan Show on MSNBC (well I haven't completely turned into my father, he watches FOX).

Anyway he was talking about the value and importance of a leader,a good leader. The example he gave wasn't political it just illustrated the difference one person , the right person can make.

That person was JIM HARBAUGH, the coach of the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS. He was able to take basically to take the same personnel from last year's losing team and transformed them into a winning team. The BIG difference between this year's team and last was HIM, the man in charge.

LPS has a chance coming up to PICK someone to lead LPS the next three years. It could be DR. LATHAM but I ask you what's her record?

PAC TO BE ARMED WITH DART TO POINT TO PROBLEMS

ARSENAL TO BE DATA DRIVEN

PAC TO GET PUNCH

There's power in numbers. That's why PAC has MOVED to the FORD SCHOOL to have it's meetings (next one:Mon. Feb. 6 at 7pm).

It is simply because we believe more parents will be able to attend our meetings. You have to speak up before your voice is heard.

Friday, February 3, 2012

GOOD WRITERS JOURNAL EVERYDAY

SO....,

I did take a suggestion and try to contact the LYNN JOURNAL and see if they would be interested in featuring a column by this POET. I sent an e mail early this afternoon to JOSH the editor. Now I am not asking anyone to send a letter of support to editor@lynnjournal.com, but I will tell you that creatively the idea is attractive to me.

PARENTS TAKE AIM, GET READY TO BE ARMED WITH DART

TARGET: ACCOUNTABILITY

MUSIC TO MY EARS

I must have struck a chord with the citizens of LYNN. I can't go anywhere without someone talking to me about my BLOG. I may not be able to carry a tune but my writing must be singing out loud. It's not so much that I march to a different drummer, it's just I don't march to their drummer.

MOVING VIOLATION?

Does anybody remember BENNETT STREET? You know, the old FORD ANNEX? There has been talk of moving all of the offices at COMMERCIAL STREET down there and bring down the SPED department to join them. This consolidation would free up the building currently housing SPED to be sold giving LPS a nice one-time infusion of cash. Studies have been done and paid for.

Our MOST HONORABLE MAYOR has combed through the budget looking for waste and extravagant expenditures. Why haven't we seen more progress on this budgetary avenue? I hear that some don't like the new street address.

FUTURE WATCH


If you really think about this article PAC may be growing in the future. Ugh! I can't say "growing" without thinking of the MOLD that was growing behind the wall at DREWICZ.
 
rsvpada.blogspot.com

PAC PARENTS PEAK INTEREST?

PAC is PREPARED to move. Starting Monday February 6, PAC will start meeting at the FORD SCHOOL at 7 pm.  The meetings are always the first and third Monday's of  the months that school is in session. Come on down and get involved, together our voices will be heard.

At the last LSC, PAC board member SHAWN TARASUIK personally invited all the LSC members to come to our meetings so we can all work together. I guess, we will see how important they think parents are.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

THE COST OF SUCCESS, LPS STYLE

School Department Should be Cutting High Paid Positions

I was looking at this story from last week. They must be reading my blog and you know what they can't add either or maybe they maybe they just forgot like I am prone to do sometimes.

I mean they added up DR. LATHAM'S and SUE ROWE'S cost and ball parked at around
$400,000. Nice field.

But the LPS line-up has a few other heavy hitters in the line-up. There is DR. WARRY, the OTHER deputy at about $130,000 with another Confidential Secretary ($350 a month + 50K/year) and we need to add another 100K for SUE ROWE'S replacement (you wouldn't want to have a vacancy would you?), so that's roughly another $300,000.

SO....,

that's $400,000 + $300,000 = the 16th lowest out of 297 school districts in the STATE when they do the testing that they do. You would think with those kind of salaries, we would have a better team.

AN OPPORTUNITY LOST

Where Was the Mayor, As Usual?

Here I am looking at the LYNN JOURNAL'S website to see if I could find an address to see if they could use a poet and lo and behold I found this story.

Catchy story but it did kind of miss a couple of GOOD points. Being in a FAILING school district, the CHAIRMAN of the SCHOOL COMMITTEE should have been there to break bread with the MA SECRETARY of EDUCATION. Were there any LSC people there? What about DR. LATHAM or either of the TWO deputies? I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE BUT I DIDN'T GET THE MEMO. I am not on the email chain.

NOT TO MENTION....

there is talk about opening that NEW INNOVATION SCHOOL and some of us have QUESTIONS. It would have been perfect time to BRIEFLY mention that we could possibly, maybe, well okay definitely, be asking for an exemption to a REDISTRICTING RESTRICTION.

Maybe there is none, I'm getting old and maybe I heard wrong. Then again, I'm a POET and well, we like to make things up. But you know, I've been saying this stuff for a while and nobody has said I;m WRONG.

WHAT YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU CAN'T CHECK THAT DIAL?

Sadly, time is close to running out on the WATCH.  Becoming poor has finally caught up with me and my jokes about the homeless shelter having "Internet access" maybe something I find out VERY soon.

Between mounting personal problems and deteriorating physical condition the WATCH may soon have to stop. I wouldn't be surprised to see a little COMMERCIAL STREET CHIP IN for a going away present.

DO YOU KNOW THEY SHOCK THAT PA GROUNDHOG TO COME OUT OF HIS HOLE?

Today being GROUNDHOG DAY, it seems appropriate to wonder if DR. LATHAM will see her shadow soon, meaning three more years of educational winter? Her contract comes up for renewal soon but we got to let her know I think 60 days in advance if we are not planning to renew it, I thought it was a 90 day notice we had to give but I've been told it's only 60. Honestly though, the legal department did not run the contract by me for my opinion.

The LEARNING NOR'EASTER we have been suffering under has relegated us to the 16th lowest performing district out of 297 districts in the state. This is not my weather report but the states. Here is an excerpt from a letter from DOE detailing  this claim:

State law requires that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education annually identify school districts that are among the lowest-performing 10 percent based on a combination of the district’s English language arts proficiency index and mathematics proficiency index for the two prior years. We do this because state law creates an exception for such districts to exceed the standard cap on the amount they could normally contribute to charter school tuition. Details are in the state regulations on charter schools here: http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr1.html?section=all.
In 2011 the lowest 10 percent based on combined ELA and math proficiency indices totaled 30 out of 297 districts. Lynn was the 16th lowest performing district using this measure. Charter schools and regional vocational schools are also considered districts in Massachusetts, but we exclude them from this calculation.

Just like those weather forecasts that allow you to Zone in the radar for your particular location, I got a link that allows you to sift through all the clutter and hone in on LYNN'S PERFORMANCE:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/performance_level.aspx?linkid=32&orgcode=01630000&orgtypecode=5

Call your LSC members and tell them you'd like to see our educational spring "around the corner" and you don't want to see no shadow.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

WE ARE NOT ALONE, BUT.. - A POET'S PERSPECTIVE..

Overcrowding is a statewide problem. No doubt about it. Cleo outlined the problem that all of Massachusetts faces like the TRUE scholar that she is"


She quite accurately pointed outs LPS's attempt at a solution.


"The Lynn Public School District increased from 13,547 students in 2010-11 to 13,731 in 2011-12. This has resulted in a proposal for the opening an innovation school at the elementary level (Washington) to help lower class sizes at a few of the most populated schools which are mostly those that house the lower grades."


PROBLEM !

Not with Cleo's assessment, no it's right on the money.

No you see, I seem to remember them talking before both redesign plans were completed several discussions where the topic was the fact that you couldn't redistrict the kids out of the LEVEL 4 schools. I remember DR. LATHAM assuring everyone that we COULD in extreme cases, She was flying solo on that opinion. Not necessarily wrong, just alone.
As much as it PAINS me to say this but ASSUME she was right and exceptions were made in EXTREME cases.

BUT....,

as CLEO so eloquently pointed out, OVERCROWDING is a STATEWIDE problem. Extreme just became average. How confident is everyone now?

POETRY PREMIER



As you can see, I am not much of a photographer either. But I was so excited when I saw this I couldn't contain myself. A program of poetry is pronounced.  Young kids to be entertained by the power of poetry. Even though poetry is my passion, I was perplexed I didn't know about this presentation.

                                              JEFF NATHAN
                                              FORD SCHOOL
                                              FEBRUARY 6, 2012

KNOWLEDGE HAS ITS COSTS

Here is a GREAT story about a GREAT program: More Great Know Atoms Science

BUT....,

not only does the program only exist in a few cllasses, there are serious questions about this Mcscience in a box sustainability when GE and foundation funding dry up. There are sustainability questions.

RACE TO NOWHERE

Wrap your head around
the Wrap-Around.

Paying a $75,000 fee
for what others do free.

It becomes duplication
without explanation.

No money for a book
and after two we're on the hook.

GIVE IN NOW, GRANDMA'S GOT THE GUNS

I warned you, she's packing for bears or in this case stinky little spores. So now let's see those test resuts! I told you so, here look:    

  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2886901703941.2132149.1602134425&type=1&l=07ef362afe

Now about those test results. This could get UGLY!

PAYING FOR OUR FUTURE

There seems to be a lot of talk about costs in education, particularly SPED. PRIVATIZATION is a consideration. It seems like we are going in opposite directions. The ones who are paid the least want more while the ones who are paid the most want to give everyone else less.

However this problem is not localized to one department, one area. It's the law of the jungle. A little respect doesn't cost money though and it gets better results. Results are something that is lacking.

DON'T MESS WITH GRANDMA!

You know I'm in PAC with Shawn Tarasuik. He is soon to be retiring from the military, there is his HUGE size, and that haircut. All yeah, did I mention his NAVY SEAL connection?

All of that being said, who really intimidates me is his MOTHER. She is all over this MOLD issue at DREWICZ like white on rice. With a background in insurance claims adjusting (now that's scary), she is carefully developing a strategy to hold school officials accountable for the safety and welfare of not only her grandchild but all of the students and teachers at DREWICZ.

With mounds of research providing tactical support and photographs providing additional intelligence, she is methodically waging a campaign of caring. Questions about response time loom large in LPS reaction to this issue. "What did they know and when did they know it." are questions that will remain after the air quality test results are given, when they are given.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

HERE WE GO!

Now it's time to see if the BIG MO can be turned into the NEW LYNN COALITION'S MOJO. Excitement is building. JEFF HAYWARD of the UNITED WAY is now coming to meet with the NEW LYNN COALITION on February 6 (a day after the PATRIOTS win the SUPER BOWL) which is a day BEFORE the coalition meets with DR. LATHAM. Looks like the planets are all lining up right.

RAISING STUDENTS

Tonight was a perfect demonstration of the power of a COMMUNITY SCHOOL. At the FORD SCHOOL tonight an empty classroom was transformed into a learning laboratory demonstrating the potential that our schools to have a maximum impact on its neighbors.

Parents became students and the lesson learned is learning never stops.

thehighlandswatch.blogspot.com
 
This could also be a lesson that ALL students should learn.

The North Shore Labor Council’s 11th Annual Education Conference



Building A Movement for Worker and Community Power
In the face of extreme wealth inequality, how can community and labor work together to build a strong public sector? We will discuss how we can build a movement for both

effective collective bargaining and services for our communities.
Saturday, February 25, 2012

Registration at 9:30a.m, Program runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

St. Stephen's Memorial Episcopal Church at 74 South Common Street in Lynn

Lunch, Childcare, & Translation Provided

Welcome by: Steve Tolman, MA AFL-CIO President

Moderated by: Jeff Crosby, NSLC President

Morning Panel:

Maria Carrasco, Lynn School Committee

Jay Chambers, Iron Workers 7 & Occupy Boston

Jen Springer, MA AFL-CIO Executive VP

Workshop Information, Full Agenda & Registration Form on Reverse

The North Shore Labor Council is a coalition of 50 local unions representing over 18,000 members. We are dedicated to promoting solidarity between North Shore unions & fighting for a better life for all working people on the North Shore.

Learn more: www.nslaborcouncil.org or find us on Facebook.

In the face of extreme wealth inequality, how can community and labor work together to build a strong public sector? We will discuss how we can build a movement for both

effective collective bargaining and services for our communities.

The North Shore Labor Council’s 11th Annual Education Conference:

Building A Movement for Worker and Community Power

REGISTRATION FORM

$10 Registration Fee

To register please call Aliza at 781-595-2538 or email northshorelaborcouncil@gmail.com

Registration Deadline: February 22nd. Childcare provided.

Name_______________________________________ Union/Organization__________________________

Address_____________________________________ City_____________________ State_________

Phone________________________________ Email__________________________________________

Workshops (PICK ONE)

□Racial Wealth Divide □ I will need childcare for ____ children

□Reframing the Debate □ $10 registration fee is enclosed.

□Fair Taxes

Payable/Mail to: North Shore Labor Council, 112 Exchange St. Lynn, MA 01901

Fax to: 781-595-8770 Web: www.nslaborcouncil.org

WORKSHOPS

Income Inequality & the Racial Wealth Divide (BILINGUAL)

This workshop will explore our current economic inequality and critically examine the way in which race

impacts the distribution of resources and privileges. It will focus on the role of government policies, and will begin to develop strategies, campaigns and actions that will help create greater economic equality and racial economic justice.

Reframing the Debate on Public Sector Workers

Public sector workers, and their unions, have increasingly been the focus of anger and outrage. In this work-shop we’ll explore media coverage of the public sector and public sector workers, examine framing as a tool for countering negative attitudes in the context of building a movement, and practice crafting specific

messages for targeted audiences.

Fair Taxes for Public Education & Public Services (BILINGUAL)

Why are teachers being laid off and class sizes growing when millionaires are paying less in taxes than the people who work for them? This workshop will explore how to organize for fair and sustainable revenue sources to support essential public services, defend public sector collective bargaining rights, and create a better future for all workers.

AGENDA

9:30 - 10:00 Coffee & Registration

10:00 - 11:30 Welcome & Panel (see front)

11:30 - 12:00 Lunch

12:00 - 1:45 Workshops

1:45 - 2:00 Conference Wrap Up

SWEEPING IT UNDER THE RUG!

This Facebook post from Grandma Tarasuik clearly shows that the mold matter is more of a matter than has been made of it. Why hasn't LPS been more forthcoming?

Maybe it's because the problem is more widespread than first presented and they are afraid of a domino effect of disaster. A room in FORD was closed down earlier this year because of mold. It was reopened rather quickly byt recently it has begun snowing possible chips of lead paint from the ceiling in the gym which doubles as a CAFETERIA.

I know all of our buildings are old and all need more renovation than we can afford...

BUT....,

there is that $200,000 we just spent on a new DEPUTY and it looks like we will be getting back $720,000 from our feasability deposit. That could buy a bottle or two of disinfectant.

PRIORITIES PEOPLE!

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone. However, the following individuals are at a higher risk of negative health effects than others; • infants • children • elderly • adverse compromised patients • pregnant women • individuals with existing respiratory conditions.

When high amounts airborne toxic mold spores are inhaled deep into the lungs they can enter the bloodstream and affect the immu...Continue Reading
· · · 3 hours ago ·
    • Lynne Barber Tarasuik That's so horrible. It is a School Dept that should have the Health of All children at hand. Not when an adult complains. Then does that mean the Health Dept gets direction from the School Dept?
      about an hour ago ·
    • Doreen Shore Reynolds Lynne I have no idea.
      27 minutes ago ·
  •  

JANUARY SURPRISE - GONNA MAKE IT RAIN UP IN HERE

Remember the NON-REIMBURSABLE $750,000 the CITY OF LYNN had to come up with to pay for the FEASIBILITY STUDY for the much anticipated new construction for the replacement of MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL?  At least that was said at last week's LSC meeting.

It turns out that we will get the standard 80-20 reimbursement schedule after all....

SO....,

where is that that $735,000 going to go? Call me crazy, but wouldn't it be nice if we put that money back in SPED to develop programs so we could take care of our own so we wouldn't have to subsidize MARBLEHEAD?

UN-WRAPING THE RACE

Question here, what have we really got out of the RACE TO THE TOP GRANT so far? I mean so far we have gotten JILL IEARDI'S position (I can't remember whether it's 90-some thousand or six figures and I'm too lazy to look. It's a lot anyway) and soon a $75,000 WRAP-AROUND PROGRAM SPECIALIST.

We are prohibited by terms of the grant from doing much in the way of DIRECT SERVICES.In around about way it does provide for some capital improvements. I can't argue the fact that the intentions behind the act were good and we all know there is some paving going on.

THOUGHTS, ANYONE?

Tight Budgets Put Some Superintendents on Part-Time Status

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/01/19parttime_ep.h31.html?tkn=XVWF9msexqaGg%2BleeTVIVBCiwwBPPU8ckThU&cmp=ENE-EU-NEWS2

It seems that LPS may be doing this but not in a good way. At both of the LSC meetings since we officially crowned SUE ROWE our newest DEPUTY (come to think of it she should wear a sash), only one of the two, PAID deputies has been in attendance. No talk of any reduction in compensation though.

THE FUTURE'S NOT YOURS, YOU SEE

The people, they are a talkin.
With FUTURE'S they may be a walkin.

It's not really clear,
exactly why they are hear.

"Only here to survey" is what the Super's tryin.
But most of us? Well we are not buyin.

Para's, therapists and OTs?
Just you wait and see!

LEARNING LASTS A LIFETIME

The Highlands Watch: FORD AT THE FRONT WHERE IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN

IT'S NOT YOUR MAMA'S GYM CLASS

 We learned at the last LSC meeting that through the CREDIT RECOVERY SYSTEM you can actually get a PE credit online. It makes sense I guess. I mean emergency rooms across America are full of Wii victims, although I don't think the GAME SYSTEM is part of the plan.

HEY, AT LEAST YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HAVING CLEAN SWEAT CLOTHES!

HERE IS WHY WE MUST OCCUPY LVTI

Lynn group seeks fed funds to develop green jobs

This story shows why it is CRUCIAL that OCCUPY LVTI be a success. EDUCATION is the key to our recovery and LPS can and should play a vital role in that process. Learning is a life long process and with adults you won't have to worry about decorating for the prom.

GIVING OUR KIDS A SPORTING CHANCE

A new policy was passed allowing for participating in a team sport to count as the equivalent as one semester of phys. ed. Since MA state law says every student must have one semester per year this eases some pressure on our kids and allows our student-athletes to become students.

There was a little concern if this policy would pass muster. The fear was that one day some seniors would fine that they couldn't graduate because they hadn't met the physical education requirements. They were assured however that other districts were doing it. I guess it's probably alright, I just hope there are no bridges nearby.

Monday, January 30, 2012

FORD TO FURTHER FOOD PRODUCTION WITH THE FOOD PROJECT

thehighlandswatch.blogspot.com

FINALLY, WE ARE UNITED ON OUR WAY TO LVTI

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? February 7th appears to be the day DR. LATHAM gets to view a POWERPOINT PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT.

To make it an extra special day, JEFF HAYWARD of the UNITED WAY is coming to town to study the plan and see how it fits with what they are trying to do.

IT'S GOING TO BE A GOOD DAY!

HEY, THIS COULD BE SAUCY!

Here is a GOOD chance to fill your stomach's for a cause.

 Nothing better than PASTA WITH A PURPOSE.
www.eventbrite.com




YOUR FUTURE BEGINS TODAY

From what everybody is saying, while they are allowed to talk, the Future's survey starts today. What will this really accomplish other than serve to intimidate the proletariat (Woo! I sound all philosophical-like)?

Everybody knows what needs to be done. To me this is all about service delivery and who is delivering the service and for how much. Call it what it is. This study is try and build up statistical justification to avoid abiding by a previously negotiated contract.

REAL SAVINGS CAN BE HAD BY REALIGNING AND REDUCING THE PEOPLE AT THE TOP! That's my MANIFESTO and I'm sticking to it!

BULLDOG BASH BLASTED BECAUSE BENEFITS ARE BOUNTIFUL

Well okay, maybe I misled you a little but I am poor and do not get paid for this so I got to get my jollies where I can. I'm a poet and I have a license, a creative license. The GREAT work in putting together this drop-in center at ENGLISH is a regular Saturday night gig for all teens.

I want to know why I didn't know about it? I mean I go to all the LSC meetings and I do not recall it ever being mentioned. The people who banned my e mails complain that I never write anything positive that they do. Then, give me something POSITIVE to write about. Have these people make a presentation.

I bet they could bring you a lot better results with just part of that 75 K plus we are going to be on the hook for when the RACE TO THE TOP GRANT RUNS OUT.

(W)RAP SONGS AREN'T THE ONLY PLACE YOU HEAR OATHS

"I Pledge Allegiance to the ...." Well at least on Mondays or so I've been told. I hear that a recitation of the pledge takes place every MONDAY but only on MONDAYS at BREED.

Sorry, that makes no sense to me. I mean I guess there is the constitutionality question. The Supreme Court over the years has put on some crazy restrictions. But that can;t be it because if that were true then how could we ever say it? (like on Monday)

The PLEDGE gives us something to rally around, come together. It's sort of like a school fight song but only for our whole country. With a lot of our students coming from other countries, it is important in common. My melting pot of ex-wives had me in common.

At every LSC meeting we salute the flag and say the pledge. I wonder though sometimes, if we are swearing allegiance to the giver of GRANTS.

TAKEN FOR GRANT(ED)

Our hands are tied,
around are wrists are wrapped.

We must spend or lose,
so to create a position we choose.

So plans must be made,
outside services to find.

Covered by grants for now,
After 2014, don't know how.

CIRCUIT BREAKER ROULETTE

I got that Circuit Breaker syndrome,
new Deputy, she's found a new home.

Three hundred fifty for her car,
plenty of benies for the new star,

From where you say?
Don't worry SPED will pay.

The more kids out we send,
the more we have to spend.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

BARRY'S BOYS BANG IT OUT BIG TIME

BARRY MCCAUL'S auto body shop continues to collect credit for their touching and patriotic work on the FALLEN HERO PROJECT.www.projectfallenhero.com. A regional publication, NEW ENGLAND AUTO BODY has brought further accolades for this important and worthy project.

IMAGINE RAMS ON A ROOFTOP

INGALLS' PRINCIPAL POWERS composed a carefully crafted composition of gratitude for the abundance of Christmas cheer showered on her students by the CLASSICAL community. It just another science experiment that proves RAMS can be ELVES too.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAVINGS

Due to an ENERGY EFFICIENCY audit and subsequent lighting changes, MICHAEL DONOVAN of ISD, LINCOLN-THOMPSON SCHOOL  will have $260 a month of extra capital after capitalizing on improvements in technology.