» Parent accuses Lynn teacher of snorting cocaine
This story will once again renew the call for random trug testing of teachers. I guess this is just another isolated incident, This story is ACTUALLY going to be NO story because nothing much can LEGALLY happen. No police report was taken because NOTHING happened LEGALLY whether or not it happened ACTUALLY. Remember the ENGLISH English teacher that actually was arrested for "allegedly" passing pot?
Before I go further I better issue this DISCLAIMER, I am not a lawyer (have I said that before?), I am a semi-professional VICTIM. I have had numerous jurisdictional jaunts in front of judges in a cross-section of the confused court system.
This is a HE SAID-SHE SAID scenario (excuse me if there is a gender gaffe). Even if there was a nasal no-no there is a question of policy of prohibition on what could be recreation that has resulted in a paid vacation. Even with the constitutional assumption of innocence, the suspension has guaranteed a conviction in the court of public perception.
Perhaps this accusation is personal, a vendetta with a vengeance "I'll teach you to FAIL my little angel". Too bad for teachers. So that's another profession that makes poetry look better suited for my persona
You know, it would be nice here if we could find out thr TRUTH. Good luck with that. A veil of confidentiality will blanket the entire mishap in the name of a "personnel matter." and what went up the nose will be blown away by the admission of the administration of the realization that it was all supposition.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
HOME SICK OR SICK OF HOME
Boy, I was agettin my dander up last night at that dad-gum HIGHLANDS COALITION meetin. LSC member DONNA COPPOLA asked the MAYOR if anything could be done about what seems to be a growing rash of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE arrest. This is a major concern because it directly affects the learning environment. Now I'm not talking about the kind of environment where the trees need ahuggin. No I;m atalkin about the mix, the milieu. (Sorry for usin one of those fancy, frenchy words but I thunk you'd thought I was more smarter).
"There's a real disconnect in the court system. Visitation and custody and all the family matters are handled in PROBATE court civil and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is handled in criminal court and one causes the odder."
Now I was about to get in to a long discussion about differin thresholds but I was startin to sound like a PHILADELPHI lawyer and I was a gettin a dizzy. I says I had me some experience in these here matters.
Now before I could preach and pontificate more that smart mouthed MAYOR needled my haystack, "That's because not everybody has been married four times."
They were all laughed at me. Can you imagine that? What was I gonna say? What should I do? Well I did what I could. I laughed and admitted I deserved it. DARN SMARTY PANTS, MAYOR. Isn't she one of them legal-like lawyer fellas? Them there skirts can be deceiving.
"There's a real disconnect in the court system. Visitation and custody and all the family matters are handled in PROBATE court civil and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is handled in criminal court and one causes the odder."
Now I was about to get in to a long discussion about differin thresholds but I was startin to sound like a PHILADELPHI lawyer and I was a gettin a dizzy. I says I had me some experience in these here matters.
Now before I could preach and pontificate more that smart mouthed MAYOR needled my haystack, "That's because not everybody has been married four times."
They were all laughed at me. Can you imagine that? What was I gonna say? What should I do? Well I did what I could. I laughed and admitted I deserved it. DARN SMARTY PANTS, MAYOR. Isn't she one of them legal-like lawyer fellas? Them there skirts can be deceiving.
LOOK OUT LATHAM IS LEADING
At the HIGHLANDS COALITION meeting last night, LSC member RICK STARBARD told me about Monday night's PAC meeting, In attendance was none other than DR. LATHAM and she came baring translation devices. Thank you DR. LATHAM, GOOD JOB. Now I won't have to come up with a silly poem..
STARBARD SPORTING NEW JEWELRY
Last night at the HIGHLANDS COALITION meeting LSC MEMBER RICK STARBARD showed me a nice looking blue wristband that he had gotten earlier in the evening at PICKERING. Not only did they have an OPEN HOUSE but they had a suicide prevention session by HAYLEY'S HOPE FOUNDATION.
DECORUM QUOROM
Last night in the middle of the HIGHLANDS COALITION meeting at the FORD SCHOOL a LSC meeting could have broken out. It didn't though, NO SCHOOL BUSINESS WAS DISCUSSED (for legal purposes I must post that disclaimer). Seems like not much school business is being discussed this month, publicly anyway. Along with MAYOR KENNEDY, DONNA COPPOLA, MARIA CARRASCO, and RICK STARBARD were there. From the LYNN CITY COUNCIL I saw BILLY TRAHANT and RICH COLLUCI.
You know what that means though......
SINCE....
nothingis being talked about I am going to have to make things up.That means it won't be easy for ______ so I won't be as easy on ______.
FILL IN THE BLANKS.
You know what that means though......
SINCE....
nothingis being talked about I am going to have to make things up.That means it won't be easy for ______ so I won't be as easy on ______.
FILL IN THE BLANKS.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
DANCE DETAILS
| Kevin Rittershaus | 4:43pm Mar 13 |
The "Never-gonna-happen" :) dance has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 28th. 5:30-8:00 pm. Pickering students only.
MAYOR MAKES GOOD NEWS
Coming straight from MAYOR KENNEDY'S mouth at a HIGHLANDS COALITION meeting tonight - FACTEAU-LEARY will be having an SRO in place. This is GOOD NEWS and we here at the WATCH would like to thank whoever is for this. Better to be proactive than reactive.
APPETITE FOR LEARNING
I just have to point out what I think is a most delicious way to promote learning at PICKERING. My son has entered a pie-eating contest creatively coinciding with lessons pi. It all adds up to a number that puts its money where the student's mouth is.
PICKERING POISED TO PRANCE
Back for a third try,hopefully a warmer forecast will finally allow PICKERING to have their spring dance Thursday night.. I am a little worried though because twice before it had to be cancelled due to MASSIVE amounts of snowfall.
JUST A COINCIDENCE? Maybee somebody cast an evil weather spell.
Stop it. This is not NESOPOTAMIA.
JUST A COINCIDENCE? Maybee somebody cast an evil weather spell.
Stop it. This is not NESOPOTAMIA.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
IMMINENT INVASION?
The DEPARTMENT OF HOME SCHOOL SECURITY wants to warn the citizens of LYNN that THREE elementary schools have been discovered to be maintaining weapons of mass instruction HARRINGTON, CONNERY, and FORD SCHOOL all have fully staffed libraries.
The DEPARTMENT has issued a WARNING because DR. LATHAM has previously stated during a LSC meeting that she hopes to put the same services in all the LEVEL 3 schools that have been so successfully implemented in the LEVEL 4 schools, HARRINGTON and CONNERY. Remember Level 4 schools have fully staffed libraries so does that mean the other LEVEL 3 schools will join FORD?
The DEPARTMENT has issued a WARNING because DR. LATHAM has previously stated during a LSC meeting that she hopes to put the same services in all the LEVEL 3 schools that have been so successfully implemented in the LEVEL 4 schools, HARRINGTON and CONNERY. Remember Level 4 schools have fully staffed libraries so does that mean the other LEVEL 3 schools will join FORD?
Monday, March 11, 2013
College/Job Fair
As part of Celebrate Service National Volunteer Week April 21-27 2013 College Application Project, Inc. (C.A.E.P.) will conduct a College Fair at 270 Union St., Lynn , Ma 01902 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday April 23, 2013. As well C.A.E.P. will conduct a Job Fair on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:00am - 5:00pm and on Thursday, April 25, 2013 we at C.A.E.P. will participate in a voluntary service at Lynn Council on Aging on Silsbee St. Lynn, Ma 01902 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. We would like to cordially invite you to participate with us during National Volunteer Week. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at 781-581-0254. We also ask you to please R.S.V.P us by the beginning of March to let us know your status
Our mission statement at College Application Education Project, Inc. is to set up an institutional mechanism and a community structure whereby parents, middle and high school students of all cultures can receive direct college preparation. This training assists them with career development, college preparation, admission, financial application and GED classes. We as well provide SAT and MCAS preparation, and tutoring.
PICKERING'S PROMOTIONS
|
FIGHT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT
PAL is applying for a grant from CDC to help support the Friday Family Support Group and our activities. This will be our third application, hopefully third time will be the charm! WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Group members, families and friends are encouraged to attend the public hearing tomorrow night 6pm at the Lynn Housing Community Room 10 Church St.Please make every effort to attend, and yes bring the kids. It is a short hearing, I only have two minutes to present our case. See you there.
MSPCC/PAL Family Support Specialist
TRIAL BALLOONS ARE FALLING
Move right ahead.
Who cares if there's lead?
We'll cover the floor
So we;ll worry no more.
The danger they find
Is on a developing mind.
The situation is ripe
For media hype.
Safety is a must.
In you we have to trust.
In you our faith must rest.
Still I'd feel better if you test..
Who cares if there's lead?
We'll cover the floor
So we;ll worry no more.
The danger they find
Is on a developing mind.
The situation is ripe
For media hype.
Safety is a must.
In you we have to trust.
In you our faith must rest.
Still I'd feel better if you test..
OUCH! MAYBE THEY SHOULD HAVE HIRED LPS'S PR FIRM
Parental meddling, lack of leadership cited in turnover in Swampscott
Next maybe there will be a charge from someone of voter meddling in presidential elections Funny this story comes as LPS is supposedly embarking on what may be an unprecedented level of FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, heck we even have a team. Don't worry, nobody asked me to suit up..
Next maybe there will be a charge from someone of voter meddling in presidential elections Funny this story comes as LPS is supposedly embarking on what may be an unprecedented level of FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, heck we even have a team. Don't worry, nobody asked me to suit up..
Sunday, March 10, 2013
DISCIPLINE PUT ON THE BACKSIDE BURNER
http://connect-bridgeport.com/
If you read this piece too quickly, misconceptions of backwood policies of hillbillies are again reinforced. The key to classroom control is a corporal matter.
BUT...
If you put aside your preconceived stereotypes and self-aggrandizing tendencies and look at what the article is saying. You need magic dust to KEEP a classroom under control. Fortunately he provides the recipe.
It's a dash of parental involvement plus a strong dose of classroom leadership coming from an educator that is not handcuffed by micromanagement from above. Kids feel why bother listening to their teacher or principal because they are not the ones who write the disciplinary check.
The paddles are put away and they should be, not because of litigious legislation but we should take a page from MOUNTAINEER handbook about all being on the same page.
If you read this piece too quickly, misconceptions of backwood policies of hillbillies are again reinforced. The key to classroom control is a corporal matter.
BUT...
If you put aside your preconceived stereotypes and self-aggrandizing tendencies and look at what the article is saying. You need magic dust to KEEP a classroom under control. Fortunately he provides the recipe.
It's a dash of parental involvement plus a strong dose of classroom leadership coming from an educator that is not handcuffed by micromanagement from above. Kids feel why bother listening to their teacher or principal because they are not the ones who write the disciplinary check.
The paddles are put away and they should be, not because of litigious legislation but we should take a page from MOUNTAINEER handbook about all being on the same page.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Take the Lynn Public School Parent Survey!
LPOBE has been working as part of the LPS's Family Engagement Team. The team wants to learn what parents experiences have been like in the schools so is implementing the following survey. Please take the survey in the language that is best for you! We will stop collecting surveys on March 28th.
Haitian Creole:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LPOBECreole
French:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LPOBEFrench
Spanish:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LPOBESpanish
English:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ LPOBEEnglish
Thursday, March 7, 2013
OLD SCHOOL RULES
Asbestos, asbestos we can't ignore
not when it's in the tiles under the floor.
Covering with new tiles in hopes to seal,
won't hide the fact the danger is real.
Saying the work's on the heaters may be a nice camouflage,
I only hope the threat of LAWSUITS is just a mirage.
Honestly I don't know what to do.
I'll say right now, I'm glad I'm not you.
not when it's in the tiles under the floor.
Covering with new tiles in hopes to seal,
won't hide the fact the danger is real.
Saying the work's on the heaters may be a nice camouflage,
I only hope the threat of LAWSUITS is just a mirage.
Honestly I don't know what to do.
I'll say right now, I'm glad I'm not you.
MARCH SADNESS
The Lynn School Committee is sort of taking their own SPRING BREAK in addition to the regularly scheduled ones. Seems the regularly scheduled March 14 meeting was cancelled, wait make that postponed. Seems like there might be a brief one the following Thursday to handle some Procedural stuff. I guess I keep you posted when they post it.
Part of the brief meeting will be to cancel the next meeting on March 28 because someone said it falls on HOLY THURSDAY. I'll take their word for it I'm too lazy to check my calender. Normally they all could move the meetings around to an alternate Thursday but their schedules are a little cramped now because of some training they decided to squeeze in some stuff from the state.
Don't get me wrong, I glad they are taking the time to educate themselvrs about education, I just think it is a SHAME we have to put the whole process in nuetral to do it. These are trying FISCAL times. and we need steady hands on the wheel not just aimless drifting.
Part of the brief meeting will be to cancel the next meeting on March 28 because someone said it falls on HOLY THURSDAY. I'll take their word for it I'm too lazy to check my calender. Normally they all could move the meetings around to an alternate Thursday but their schedules are a little cramped now because of some training they decided to squeeze in some stuff from the state.
Don't get me wrong, I glad they are taking the time to educate themselvrs about education, I just think it is a SHAME we have to put the whole process in nuetral to do it. These are trying FISCAL times. and we need steady hands on the wheel not just aimless drifting.
LIL' LORI DOESN'T ALWAYS TALK TRASH
There are positive things happening out there, LIL' LORI sings the praises of CLASSICAL'S CONSTANTINO:
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
PLAIN DEVOTION TO SELF-PROMOTION
Gallo’s Proposal for Fundraising Position Could Give Lynn Schools a Major Boost
I am sorry this article reads a lot like remarks espoused by the ATTORNEY GALLO at the LSC meeting. That begs the question, "Does The Journal write his speeches OR does CHUCK pound the typewriter for the paper?"
It is a good idea to beg for money, it's kind of like begging for votes. No wonder CHUCK came UP with it.
SECOND HELPINGS OF SCOOP
Sarah Jackson Named Coordinator of Private Partnerships for Lynn Schools
You know sometime your scoop is so good, you just have to go back for another taste. That is the case here. The Journal did a yeoman's job of fleshing out what I already told you. My staff is just too lazy to dig for details.
Good Time Charlie's was all over the creation of this position. I think I have uncovered that this idea was not a cover of another's idea. Way to go CHUCK!
I do CONFESS though "The DEVIL is in the DETAILS"
ROTATORY PICK'S PUB TO PROMOTE UNDERAGE STUDENTS
Lynn Rotary Honors Students
Gotcha! Here I go again with the cheesy title but at least I got you to look at what this fine civic organization is doing to single out these student stars!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
With FORD SCHOOL scheduled to be shut down for the summer who will step up to the plate? ABOUT 500 OF THEM.
Will there be a free-for-all finding a place for that federal food that is FREE FOR ALL kids under 18 for the summer? This program cost LPS nothing and feeds a lot of community kids.
By no means am I calling for a halt to these proposed renovations. The proposed construction will bring about a TOTAL TRANSFORMATION to their situation. They do call into question the administration of the administration and their evaluation of the currency required from the suddenly freed up funds from the free cash.
When it's all said and done, who's kidding who - it'll never be said, we will almost be getting a NEW school with NO help from the MSBA.
I should be happy and I am.
STILL....
I feel the need to EXPOSE the EXPOSURE presently presented. The reason for my ridiculously ridiculing riddles is to prevent any repetition of the reprehensible representations that have led to our reputation.
Will there be a free-for-all finding a place for that federal food that is FREE FOR ALL kids under 18 for the summer? This program cost LPS nothing and feeds a lot of community kids.
By no means am I calling for a halt to these proposed renovations. The proposed construction will bring about a TOTAL TRANSFORMATION to their situation. They do call into question the administration of the administration and their evaluation of the currency required from the suddenly freed up funds from the free cash.
When it's all said and done, who's kidding who - it'll never be said, we will almost be getting a NEW school with NO help from the MSBA.
I should be happy and I am.
STILL....
I feel the need to EXPOSE the EXPOSURE presently presented. The reason for my ridiculously ridiculing riddles is to prevent any repetition of the reprehensible representations that have led to our reputation.
THE TRUTH ABOUT PLANTS AND POETRY
No one really knows
if the FORD SCHOOL garden will close.
Remodeling and renovation
will bring a new creation.
Who cares if kids get FAT?
Processed food is where it's at.
if the FORD SCHOOL garden will close.
Remodeling and renovation
will bring a new creation.
Who cares if kids get FAT?
Processed food is where it's at.
ACCORDING TO BOOTSTRAP, YOU CAN'T BEAT THE BENEFITS OF READING
Plenty of popcorn will be put out for little readers that read the right amount of minutes. Seuss will be sung on the City's stage but This Cat has Boots that are held up by Straps.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
THE OCCUPATION CONTINUES
I think we are really talking about a community center model versus a community school model but I don't want to split hairs. That class is next semester.
LPS PROMOTES PLAGERISM
Lynn parents surveyed on how to connect classrooms to home
Since it's not the season for summer reruns what other excuse could there be for what appears to be an outright copying of LPOBE's idea. Now mind you, it's a good idea and one worth copying. I am just a little uncomfortable for not giving them a little credit. Can you spell ATTRIBUTION?
Back where I went to school, they'd FLUNKED you for such a MISTAKE.
I forgot, our DISTRICT is already FLUNKING.
Since it's not the season for summer reruns what other excuse could there be for what appears to be an outright copying of LPOBE's idea. Now mind you, it's a good idea and one worth copying. I am just a little uncomfortable for not giving them a little credit. Can you spell ATTRIBUTION?
Back where I went to school, they'd FLUNKED you for such a MISTAKE.
I forgot, our DISTRICT is already FLUNKING.
Monday, March 4, 2013
REMODELING HISTORY
Buried in the garden are secrets
hidden contaminants with no regrets.
Asbestos in the tiles
could lead to civil trials.
The rising of the floors
will cause the need for many new doors.
The need for new heaters in every room
will spell the budget's doom.
With new windows they're moving ahead
cause through the old glass they see the lead.
In the raised beds outside the cabbage grows,
how much it'll all cost, nobody knows.
hidden contaminants with no regrets.
Asbestos in the tiles
could lead to civil trials.
The rising of the floors
will cause the need for many new doors.
The need for new heaters in every room
will spell the budget's doom.
With new windows they're moving ahead
cause through the old glass they see the lead.
In the raised beds outside the cabbage grows,
how much it'll all cost, nobody knows.
SONG SUNG TRUE BLUE
A while back, I'm not really exactly sure of the date since I don't book their travel plans. In fact they don't even provide me with a written itinerary. Most tourists go to NASHVILLE to visit the GRAND OLE OPRY. Yee Hah!
Well when the writing team of ROWE and WU went to the MUSIC CITY they weren't fiddling around. They went to study the school model to see about getting on the BANjo WAGON. They were there to try and WRAP their heads AROUND the services are served.
The results of that working vacation was the composition of sweet survey that was like a cover of a previously recorded on by LPOBE without giving any recognition or paying any royalties. You know a funny kind of coincidence? My son who spent three weeks in TENNESSEE last summer actually helped put together the LPOBE survey and that's the name of that tune.
Well when the writing team of ROWE and WU went to the MUSIC CITY they weren't fiddling around. They went to study the school model to see about getting on the BANjo WAGON. They were there to try and WRAP their heads AROUND the services are served.
The results of that working vacation was the composition of sweet survey that was like a cover of a previously recorded on by LPOBE without giving any recognition or paying any royalties. You know a funny kind of coincidence? My son who spent three weeks in TENNESSEE last summer actually helped put together the LPOBE survey and that's the name of that tune.
WRAP AROUND MY HEART
On a paid vacation to Tennessee
the purpose, to see what they could see.
On a mission were Warry and Wu
to find out how, they do what they do.
They came back with a survey they found.
LPOBE had one right here if they'd had just looked around.
The answers were right here all along
Still our troubles will make a sad country song.
SUMMER LESSONS
I beg your pardon
Fix up Ford and shut down the garden.
Replace those windows all covered with lead.
It's not only the asbestos that we dread.
For the summer, they'll close down the school..
If you think the garden will stay open, you're a fool,
Fix up Ford and shut down the garden.
Replace those windows all covered with lead.
It's not only the asbestos that we dread.
For the summer, they'll close down the school..
If you think the garden will stay open, you're a fool,
RAISE AWARENESS
I have been looking at this all wrong. We should be thanking DR. LATHAM for all of those raises, promotions, and position creations. Think about it for a minute, look at how much bigger our education budget shortfall would have been.
If we had actually increased the size of the raises then maybe our shortfall would have been shrunk. Wasting all that money on classrooms is too much work. No, padding one's pockets is so much simpler.
If we had actually increased the size of the raises then maybe our shortfall would have been shrunk. Wasting all that money on classrooms is too much work. No, padding one's pockets is so much simpler.
WILL THE FORD GARDEN BE SHUT DOWN FOR THE SUMMER?
With all the proposed construction renovation scheduled for this and maybe next summer, the FORD SCHOOL will be shut down for the summer. No problem since last I checked the garden is on the outside and the work is on the inside, right?
Well with two floors of the school being replaced (well not replaced tiled over - Sealing over old asbestos' tile), that means all of the doors will have to be replaced because the old ones won't fit since the floors are going to higher.
Then there are the windows which are being talked about being replaced. I don't really think the construction people are going to want the locals wandering around the job site.
The past couple of years the FORD SCHOOL garden won MULTIPLE awards at the TOPSFIELD FAIR. There are also QUESTIONS OF CURRICULUM and how the students suffer with such a shutdown.
I AM NOT SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW BUT THAT'S WHY I AM ASKING.
Well with two floors of the school being replaced (well not replaced tiled over - Sealing over old asbestos' tile), that means all of the doors will have to be replaced because the old ones won't fit since the floors are going to higher.
Then there are the windows which are being talked about being replaced. I don't really think the construction people are going to want the locals wandering around the job site.
The past couple of years the FORD SCHOOL garden won MULTIPLE awards at the TOPSFIELD FAIR. There are also QUESTIONS OF CURRICULUM and how the students suffer with such a shutdown.
I AM NOT SMART ENOUGH TO KNOW BUT THAT'S WHY I AM ASKING.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A FRIEND INDEED
Lynn has $1.6M list of school fixes
Is this god of newsprint writing right and I am just reading it wrong or writing about a wrong that I'm reading right? Either way somebody is possibly breaking some laws whether financial or journalistic
Let's look at this:
State educators warned School Superintendent Catherine Latham last December that Lynn schools had fallen $1.6 million short of meeting the requirement.
.
This must have been about two months after that fateful night the SPED coffers were raided to create a new DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT and TWO NEW CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARIES and all those PERKS. That would not be the end of the fiscal mismanagement, no, no it wouldn't. First our Superintendent got a $25,000 raise and double digit raises for most of her princiPALS and promotions for others. You know, especially the ones who testified on the good doctor's behalf at the PUBLIC HEARING about whether we should post the superintendent's position for competitive bid to insure we had the best qualified person in that position.
Fear not DR. LATHAM, JUGGLING JUDY is flush with FREE CASH and will come to your rescue:
State educators warned School Superintendent Catherine Latham last December that Lynn schools had fallen $1.6 million short of meeting the requirement.
I guess the chorus of administration official can stop working on their rendition of "WORKING ON A CHAIN GANG" with CATHE in the lead, rocking the mike or pounding rocks whatever the case may be.
At the special LSC meeting going over DR. LATHAM'S evaluation. the MAYOR raised serious questions about her fiduciary decisions, still she voted to not open up the position for competitive selection. Now it looks like she has to part with some of that FREE CASH that she worked so hard to scrimp and save.
I WONDER IF SHE WOULD VOTE THE SAME WAY AGAIN?
Is this god of newsprint writing right and I am just reading it wrong or writing about a wrong that I'm reading right? Either way somebody is possibly breaking some laws whether financial or journalistic
Let's look at this:
State educators warned School Superintendent Catherine Latham last December that Lynn schools had fallen $1.6 million short of meeting the requirement.
.
This must have been about two months after that fateful night the SPED coffers were raided to create a new DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT and TWO NEW CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARIES and all those PERKS. That would not be the end of the fiscal mismanagement, no, no it wouldn't. First our Superintendent got a $25,000 raise and double digit raises for most of her princiPALS and promotions for others. You know, especially the ones who testified on the good doctor's behalf at the PUBLIC HEARING about whether we should post the superintendent's position for competitive bid to insure we had the best qualified person in that position.
Fear not DR. LATHAM, JUGGLING JUDY is flush with FREE CASH and will come to your rescue:
State educators warned School Superintendent Catherine Latham last December that Lynn schools had fallen $1.6 million short of meeting the requirement.
I guess the chorus of administration official can stop working on their rendition of "WORKING ON A CHAIN GANG" with CATHE in the lead, rocking the mike or pounding rocks whatever the case may be.
At the special LSC meeting going over DR. LATHAM'S evaluation. the MAYOR raised serious questions about her fiduciary decisions, still she voted to not open up the position for competitive selection. Now it looks like she has to part with some of that FREE CASH that she worked so hard to scrimp and save.
I WONDER IF SHE WOULD VOTE THE SAME WAY AGAIN?
HERE WE GO AGAIN
It's a good thing, really. I mean it. This is not just an inflammatory headline to get more hits. In the past I have been accused of practicing YELLOW JOURNALISM but either way there is a tie into this post. Bear with me a minute. You see no matter what the color, newspapers can be RECYCLED and RECYCLING is the FIFTH GRADE class project for MRS. WHELAN'S class that was presented before the LSC last Thursday night,
The POWERPOINT presentation had previously been presented to I believe both the MAYOR and DR. LATHAM, Speaking of previously, last year MRS. WHELAN's class won national recognition fir a presentation about IDLING. The entire class won a trip to DISNEYLAND in FLORIDA. I believe the ITEM only covered that story AFTER a television announced it in BOSTON. If I remember correctly WATCH readers were aware of the future award winning presentation a couple MONTHS earlier.
GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR AND THANK YOU ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK.
The POWERPOINT presentation had previously been presented to I believe both the MAYOR and DR. LATHAM, Speaking of previously, last year MRS. WHELAN's class won national recognition fir a presentation about IDLING. The entire class won a trip to DISNEYLAND in FLORIDA. I believe the ITEM only covered that story AFTER a television announced it in BOSTON. If I remember correctly WATCH readers were aware of the future award winning presentation a couple MONTHS earlier.
GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR AND THANK YOU ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK.
SIGNS OF SPRING
Baseball was a hot topic at last Thursday's LSC meeting. Not only was there the announcement of multiple gifts from the NORTH SHORE NAVIGATORS but the appointment of LVTI'S varsity baseball coach, HAROLD GERMAN. It was mentioned by HAROLD that he thought TECH had the first female Assistant Varsity coach in the city. Her name is DONNA MILLS.
PROFESSIONAL PLAN TO BE PUT FORTH
Maybe taking a page from the CHARTER SCHOOL playbook, LPS announced the hiring of SARAH JACKSON as COORDINATOR OF PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. The goal for this position is to access non-governmental funding sources for public education.
The key will be to convince these private sources that a better educated workforce benefits them personally and we are all part of the same community. We have to learn are way to solutions. Answers don't fall out of the sky by themselves.
DR. LATHAM was rightly excited by this appointment. SARAH seems to be extremely qualified.and focused. There seems to be a sense of the need for a strategic plan for seeking donations.
The key will be to convince these private sources that a better educated workforce benefits them personally and we are all part of the same community. We have to learn are way to solutions. Answers don't fall out of the sky by themselves.
DR. LATHAM was rightly excited by this appointment. SARAH seems to be extremely qualified.and focused. There seems to be a sense of the need for a strategic plan for seeking donations.
PICKERING PROMOTIONS
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This weeks events: •School Dance Thursday 3/7 5:30-8:00 -- Tix $5. Students only
•Lazy Dog Fundraiser Sunday 3/10 2:00-8:00 -- % of sales go to school. We are looking for volunteers to help run raffles at the restaurant. Contact Mary or Kim if you can help out |
Saturday, March 2, 2013
GETTING THE GOOD SIDE
You know, I think I've made it pretty clear my stance on the pluses of schools using Facebook. No one does it better than MARSHALL. I have been guilty of sharing most of them on my WATCH FB page. I'd put it straight on my blog because it would help my numbers but it is much easier to share than cut and paste. I strongly like the idea of putting out a positive message, your best foot forward so to speak.
PROBLEM THOUGH,
I mean it may become a slippery slope so to speak putting out kids pictures. I am sure everybody feels all safe with signed releases and all. You do have them, don't you? I'm going to keep sharing them anyway. I mean it's a good thing and well it's on you anyway.
The bigger problem for me is the inconsistency of policy in this area. Different people do it different ways and to different extents and some don't do it at all. This lack of leadership represents a missed opportunity to engage with parents and provide an easier access to a modern conduit of communication.
I remember a while back when COUNCILMAN PHELAN came to a LSC meeting accompanied by FOX 25 NEWS cameras in tow to preach the perversions of possibilities presented. Meetings were held, a policy was put out but practical plans were passed over.
PHELAN'S furor fizzled once the cameras stopped rolling and finally we were left with some vague policy that by being unclear no one has to ignore because it apparently doesn't call for anything/.
Fast forward to now that MARSHALL is disparately preparing for the potential passage of a proposed bond to finance the construction of a new school )with a WOTRING WING) so now it becomes palatable to plaster photos all over Facebook for political prostitution with a purpose.
PRICELESS
PROBLEM THOUGH,
I mean it may become a slippery slope so to speak putting out kids pictures. I am sure everybody feels all safe with signed releases and all. You do have them, don't you? I'm going to keep sharing them anyway. I mean it's a good thing and well it's on you anyway.
The bigger problem for me is the inconsistency of policy in this area. Different people do it different ways and to different extents and some don't do it at all. This lack of leadership represents a missed opportunity to engage with parents and provide an easier access to a modern conduit of communication.
I remember a while back when COUNCILMAN PHELAN came to a LSC meeting accompanied by FOX 25 NEWS cameras in tow to preach the perversions of possibilities presented. Meetings were held, a policy was put out but practical plans were passed over.
PHELAN'S furor fizzled once the cameras stopped rolling and finally we were left with some vague policy that by being unclear no one has to ignore because it apparently doesn't call for anything/.
Fast forward to now that MARSHALL is disparately preparing for the potential passage of a proposed bond to finance the construction of a new school )with a WOTRING WING) so now it becomes palatable to plaster photos all over Facebook for political prostitution with a purpose.
PRICELESS
POETRY PUT OUT PROVES POINT
Ford School marks Read Across America Day with library re-dedication
I have to give it to CHRIS STEVENS of the ITEM for a well written article written from a good journalistic slant that both reported and illustrated the importance and value of a library. Ford, as I have said before, is the ONLY non-level 4 elementary school to have a full-time librarian. My son's MIDDLE school, PICKERING doesn't even have a library, staffed or not. That being said, MARSHALL is the MIDDLE school that gets replaced FIRST. Chew on that one for a while.
In case this is your first time reading the WATCH, I've kind of made it a personal mission to push for the importance of LIBRARY'S and how CRITICAL I feel they are to EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. In the past I have felt I have been slamming my brain damaged head against a metaphorical stone wall. I know there are those of you out there that would have preferred it been a literal one.
Finally I think I may have made a dent in the masonry You will notice the following quote from LSC member CHARLIE GALLO:
He said early literacy is critical to a child's future educational career, and he believes that as a School Committee member he should support it however he can. - See more at: http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2013/03/02/news/news03.txt#sthash.t1mbjX9g.dpuf
Also at the last school committee meeting DR. LATHAM committed to replicating the services that have been given to all the LEVEL 4 schools to the LEVEL 3 schools. I do what to point out that both LEVEL 4 schools have a fully staffed library that has been central to their turn around plans. Could there be a change in the winds blowing from COMMERCIAL STREET?
.
I have to give it to CHRIS STEVENS of the ITEM for a well written article written from a good journalistic slant that both reported and illustrated the importance and value of a library. Ford, as I have said before, is the ONLY non-level 4 elementary school to have a full-time librarian. My son's MIDDLE school, PICKERING doesn't even have a library, staffed or not. That being said, MARSHALL is the MIDDLE school that gets replaced FIRST. Chew on that one for a while.
In case this is your first time reading the WATCH, I've kind of made it a personal mission to push for the importance of LIBRARY'S and how CRITICAL I feel they are to EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. In the past I have felt I have been slamming my brain damaged head against a metaphorical stone wall. I know there are those of you out there that would have preferred it been a literal one.
Finally I think I may have made a dent in the masonry You will notice the following quote from LSC member CHARLIE GALLO:
He said early literacy is critical to a child's future educational career, and he believes that as a School Committee member he should support it however he can. - See more at: http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2013/03/02/news/news03.txt#sthash.t1mbjX9g.dpuf
Also at the last school committee meeting DR. LATHAM committed to replicating the services that have been given to all the LEVEL 4 schools to the LEVEL 3 schools. I do what to point out that both LEVEL 4 schools have a fully staffed library that has been central to their turn around plans. Could there be a change in the winds blowing from COMMERCIAL STREET?
.
Friday, March 1, 2013
YOU DON'T SAY, SO THEY SAY
Thank you, DR. LATHAM and the LSC! By not putting tings on line or making hard copies available of key documents, I get to exercise my creative muscles and imagine things. You have to agree, despite my deteriorating physical condition, I have grown as a writer. The traffic to the WATCH sure has. Remember back at that first meeting where I handed everybody a flyer announcing the start of my BLOG. Back in the day, I got dizzy whenever my numbers reached double digits/ TIMES HAVE CHANGED.
BUT....
without a copy of the proposed DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN, I have to rely on my hearing and imagination. Let me say I don't hear things as well as I used to and have I said I have BRAIN DAMAGE before? I can;t remember you see I read where it affects the memory.
ANYWAY....
I thought I heard where there's no mention of the PAC and its role. Curious, seeing as how the PAC is mandated by federal legislation. Even more curious because I was under the impression that the PAC was supposed to be chummy.
I was at the first meeting of the new PAC. Present were I think, 5 LSC members, DR. WARY,Director of Curriculum and Instruction Director KIM POWERS and (I think) HONG NET. It was like a LOVE FEST!
SO....
it was kind of surprising they weren't even deserving of a mention in a GOAL in the PLAN.
SO I HEARD or I think.
BUT....
without a copy of the proposed DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN, I have to rely on my hearing and imagination. Let me say I don't hear things as well as I used to and have I said I have BRAIN DAMAGE before? I can;t remember you see I read where it affects the memory.
ANYWAY....
I thought I heard where there's no mention of the PAC and its role. Curious, seeing as how the PAC is mandated by federal legislation. Even more curious because I was under the impression that the PAC was supposed to be chummy.
I was at the first meeting of the new PAC. Present were I think, 5 LSC members, DR. WARY,Director of Curriculum and Instruction Director KIM POWERS and (I think) HONG NET. It was like a LOVE FEST!
SO....
it was kind of surprising they weren't even deserving of a mention in a GOAL in the PLAN.
SO I HEARD or I think.
TRUST ME
How many times has that phrase been uttered in heated moments? How many unwanted babies are the product of that disclaimer?
Still that was DR. LATHAM'S underlying response to questions about the accountability and practicallity of her extensively vague submission for a DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
I may be wrong but it seemed to me that LSC member DONNA COPPOLA was concerned about how DOCTOR LATHAM plans to actually pay for the general and lofty goals she put forward. Since none of that stuff is made available to me or any other outsider I must rely on my perceptions about any deception.
DR. LATHAM did promise to add some budget line items to the report. If done it would provide a transparency you could see through.
Like former PRESIDENT REAGAN said:: "TRUST BUT VERIFY"
HELP THE WATCH FIND DR. LATHAM
Something must have happened to her, surely. I mean lots of important people were there and she wasn't. By there, I mean today at the FORD SCHOOL at the DR. SUESS thing and the library re-dedication
How appropriate this library was named after a CHAMPION reading teacher and LPS administrator, DR, MIRIAM MORSE. She had stressed the importance of reading and its value to a good education.
LSC members DONNA COPPOLA, MARIA CARRASCO, RICK STARBARD, and CHARLIE GALLO were there. REP. BOB FENNELL was there (remember the importance of CHAP 70 money, DOC. and the MAYOR who was also absent.) Both the LYNN POLICE and FIRE DEPARTMENTS were represented by uniformed officers. Several other local dignitaries were there and me too, You can read about it in the ITEM TOMORROW or whenever they get around to it.
Maybe DR. LATHAM will show up by then. I hope she is alright/ .
How appropriate this library was named after a CHAMPION reading teacher and LPS administrator, DR, MIRIAM MORSE. She had stressed the importance of reading and its value to a good education.
LSC members DONNA COPPOLA, MARIA CARRASCO, RICK STARBARD, and CHARLIE GALLO were there. REP. BOB FENNELL was there (remember the importance of CHAP 70 money, DOC. and the MAYOR who was also absent.) Both the LYNN POLICE and FIRE DEPARTMENTS were represented by uniformed officers. Several other local dignitaries were there and me too, You can read about it in the ITEM TOMORROW or whenever they get around to it.
Maybe DR. LATHAM will show up by then. I hope she is alright/ .
Neighborhood Meeting
Meet with Mayor Kennedy and Councilor Trahant. This is an election year.
Bring your concerns, such as:
- more summer jobs for youth.
- restoring voting at the Ford School.
Voting is Power.
Help design the community garden and play equipment at Cook St. Park . Help install play equipment at Henry Ave. Park.
Wednesday March 13
7:00 PM Ford School
Miguel 781-599-6435
DOES THE ITEM PRACTICE DISCRIMINATION BY OMISSION?
Newcomers, vets prep for Lynn's fall elections
You tell me. Trying to focus on some of the changing political winds the ITEM pointed out a couple of historic developments -
The last two city elections made local political history with Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy being elected the first woman mayor in 2009 and Cambodian-American Councilor at large Hong Net winning election.
Thanks for the political history lesson. Thanks, really......
BUT.....
don't you think somewhere in the article you maybe, just maybe you should have mentioned LSC MEMBER MARIA CARRASCO?
She is the only and I think the first Latino elected official in the city.
I would hope this lapse in journalistic judgement was a honest oversight and not part of some larger scheme to influence the elections.
SURELY NOT.
This is not the first time such an honest mistake has been made with MARIA. Just last year during an assembly at CLASSICAL celebrating LATIN achievement in the city. A latin FIREFIGHTER and POLICEMAN addressed the audience while MARIA sat in the crowd unrecognized and unnoticed.
You tell me. Trying to focus on some of the changing political winds the ITEM pointed out a couple of historic developments -
The last two city elections made local political history with Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy being elected the first woman mayor in 2009 and Cambodian-American Councilor at large Hong Net winning election.
Thanks for the political history lesson. Thanks, really......
BUT.....
don't you think somewhere in the article you maybe, just maybe you should have mentioned LSC MEMBER MARIA CARRASCO?
She is the only and I think the first Latino elected official in the city.
I would hope this lapse in journalistic judgement was a honest oversight and not part of some larger scheme to influence the elections.
SURELY NOT.
This is not the first time such an honest mistake has been made with MARIA. Just last year during an assembly at CLASSICAL celebrating LATIN achievement in the city. A latin FIREFIGHTER and POLICEMAN addressed the audience while MARIA sat in the crowd unrecognized and unnoticed.
DONATION RECOGNITION
I forgot to mention the NORTHSHORE NAVIGATORS also DONATE a couple of baseball books to the FORD SCHOOL library. One for the younger kids about T-ball and one by author MIKE LUPICA for the older kids.
NAVIGATORS SCORE WITH SUESS IN SCHOOL
After being serenaded to by around 100 Kindergarten students with a rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SUESS (It was so cute, they all made little CAT IN THE HAT masks), I got to join BILL TERLECKY of the NORTHSHORE NAVIGATORS as he read a couple of DR. SUESS books to a fifth grade class.
I;ll be HONEST (some of you may find that harder to believe than others), I thought he was going to bomb. I worried that the reading material wasn't really AGE APPROPRIATE. HARD TO BELIEVE but I was wrong/ That was because BILL was so animated and pointed to all the hidden life lessons.
WHAT A TEACHING MOMENT!
I;ll be HONEST (some of you may find that harder to believe than others), I thought he was going to bomb. I worried that the reading material wasn't really AGE APPROPRIATE. HARD TO BELIEVE but I was wrong/ That was because BILL was so animated and pointed to all the hidden life lessons.
WHAT A TEACHING MOMENT!
HERE IT IS?
You know I've been asking WHERE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE FORD FLOORS ARE COMING FROM. The CITY is paying for it.
ONLY.....
they don't tell you straight up. They talk about replacing the HEATING SYSTEM. Seems like there are layers to this cover-up.
FIRST.....
we aren't told exactly where all the money is being spent. A little truth serves as a good distraction. I am sure money will be spent on the heating system.....
BUT....
the FLOORS are being replaced too.
ALSO...
let's hear about the fact new tiles are being put over old tiles. All of this while the schools are closed. This will help to limit exposure to ASBESTOS for the kids.
THIS MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM.....
BUT....
I think the truth should be EXPOSED.
ONLY.....
they don't tell you straight up. They talk about replacing the HEATING SYSTEM. Seems like there are layers to this cover-up.
FIRST.....
we aren't told exactly where all the money is being spent. A little truth serves as a good distraction. I am sure money will be spent on the heating system.....
BUT....
the FLOORS are being replaced too.
ALSO...
let's hear about the fact new tiles are being put over old tiles. All of this while the schools are closed. This will help to limit exposure to ASBESTOS for the kids.
THIS MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM.....
BUT....
I think the truth should be EXPOSED.
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