Being an immigrant from WEST VIRGINIA I am uniquely qualified to deal with the UNACCOMPANIED MINERS problem, In HIGH SCHOOL I was selected to attend a NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION COAL CHEMISTRY camp with other students from ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Oops! Sorry it's minors, not miners.
Blame it on the cataracts!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
IT'S OFFICIAL, I MEAN IT'S IN THE PAPERS
Kennedy to make 'major announcement' April 24
I'm running. I had to start early, I'm slow. Have you seen me walk?
I'm running. I had to start early, I'm slow. Have you seen me walk?
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
CAMPAIGN ON THE CHEAP
I have heard all the war stories about the expense of a political campaign. Heck, even the FINANCIAL REPORTING REGS, book they gave me when I signed up says they expect you to spend $5000. For me to spend that much, I would have to take shelter in a shelter.....
SO....
I come up with a few corners I might cut. I mean it's hard to run a grass roots campaign when you can't afford the seed. So I thought I'd toss out a few ideas and see what kind of response I get.
1). HOMEMADE SIGNS - Saves me the expense of having to pay to have ones printed up that are boring because they all look the same and you'll probably leave out too long after the election anyway.Get creative - We can post example on a FACEBOOK page. GET CREATIVE! We can expand this concept by making placards for you car, that way you can just throw them out after it's all over. Who wants to have old sticker residue on the bumper of a $40,000 car?
2). FAST FOOD FUNDRAISERS - To keep cost contained we'll go DUTCH and being considerate of you, I'll make sure the DOLLAR menu is available. I got to love those FREE REFILLS and there's always plenty of parking available.
3). HOUSE PARTY - You can host an intimate meal that you prepare and I will not only enjoy it but I will even complement you on its preparation. Not only will I entertain and educate you on lessons learned about education but I will allow you to witness and marvel at my son's ability to eat you out of house and home. My opponents will try and deface this devouring by trying to claim that I am only trying to get a FREE meal, Well that may be a valid assumption, I mean I do got to stretch those food stamps, I mean, a guy can only eat so much RAMEN NOODLES and generic MAC and CHEESE.
Well it's going to be a LONG campaign and I'm sure that I;ll be abke to come up with many more measures over the course of this coarse political discourse,
SO....
I come up with a few corners I might cut. I mean it's hard to run a grass roots campaign when you can't afford the seed. So I thought I'd toss out a few ideas and see what kind of response I get.
1). HOMEMADE SIGNS - Saves me the expense of having to pay to have ones printed up that are boring because they all look the same and you'll probably leave out too long after the election anyway.Get creative - We can post example on a FACEBOOK page. GET CREATIVE! We can expand this concept by making placards for you car, that way you can just throw them out after it's all over. Who wants to have old sticker residue on the bumper of a $40,000 car?
2). FAST FOOD FUNDRAISERS - To keep cost contained we'll go DUTCH and being considerate of you, I'll make sure the DOLLAR menu is available. I got to love those FREE REFILLS and there's always plenty of parking available.
3). HOUSE PARTY - You can host an intimate meal that you prepare and I will not only enjoy it but I will even complement you on its preparation. Not only will I entertain and educate you on lessons learned about education but I will allow you to witness and marvel at my son's ability to eat you out of house and home. My opponents will try and deface this devouring by trying to claim that I am only trying to get a FREE meal, Well that may be a valid assumption, I mean I do got to stretch those food stamps, I mean, a guy can only eat so much RAMEN NOODLES and generic MAC and CHEESE.
Well it's going to be a LONG campaign and I'm sure that I;ll be abke to come up with many more measures over the course of this coarse political discourse,
PROGRAM AT PICKERING TO PUSH PREPARATION
Attn 8th Grade Parents
MCAS Science Prep
Mondays 2:30-3:30
Begins April 8th
3 years of Science review.
Questions, please contact the school. Thank you.
MCAS Science Prep
Mondays 2:30-3:30
Begins April 8th
3 years of Science review.
Questions, please contact the school. Thank you.
COBBETT AND MY CANDIDCY
I tried, I really did. I figured if I put a blond wig on maybe, just maybe my e mail to LPS would SLIP through. Hey it worked in the recent COBBETT SCHOOL CAPER.
BUT ALAS,NO!
Look at what happened
Denied again. You know this continued indefensible defense is not only OFFENSIVE, against me a defenseless POET....
WHO.....
is also now an OFFICIAL candidate for the LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE....
so....
this violation takes on a whole new dimension. So now that this practice has become impractical I expect to have this bogus ban banished otherwise I will instruct my team of lawyers to pull out their briefs and file in a single file a variety of motions that will put in motion a litany of litigation that you will find unbearable.
(Don't tell them I am bluffing a little bit, being a poor poet from WV, I can't even afford a TEAM of HORSES.)
Anyway, maybe someone out there that they find favor with could ascertain something that will surely entertain me.
With all of the remodeling and renovation scheduled for the summer will COBBETT see the construction of a new
GLOCK TOWER?
Surely they will go to any length (at least 9 mm) to insure the safety of the students and teachers and student-teachers from wig-wearing credit card divas who might be packing pistols in purses from another mother.
BUT ALAS,NO!
Look at what happened
This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification. Delivery to the following recipients failed. lathamc@lynnschools.org
Denied again. You know this continued indefensible defense is not only OFFENSIVE, against me a defenseless POET....
WHO.....
is also now an OFFICIAL candidate for the LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE....
so....
this violation takes on a whole new dimension. So now that this practice has become impractical I expect to have this bogus ban banished otherwise I will instruct my team of lawyers to pull out their briefs and file in a single file a variety of motions that will put in motion a litany of litigation that you will find unbearable.
(Don't tell them I am bluffing a little bit, being a poor poet from WV, I can't even afford a TEAM of HORSES.)
Anyway, maybe someone out there that they find favor with could ascertain something that will surely entertain me.
With all of the remodeling and renovation scheduled for the summer will COBBETT see the construction of a new
GLOCK TOWER?
Surely they will go to any length (at least 9 mm) to insure the safety of the students and teachers and student-teachers from wig-wearing credit card divas who might be packing pistols in purses from another mother.
IT DOESN'T ADD UP
This financial miscue came after our MAYOR publicly questioned the superintendent's fiscal acuity in a public performance evaluation, Months after her report card, our superintendent handed out double digit raises to SELECT principals, saving the biggest, a $25,000 one, for herself. All the while those at the front lines of our classroom battles saw a less than 3% raise. I guess this is how we support our troops.
STAN'S THE MAN
for
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
WATCH what happens!
Monday, April 1, 2013
LET UP ON LOCK DOWN - COBBETT COVER-UP CONTINUED
How come other schools weren't notified of this breech of security immediately so that proper precautions could have been immediately taken. I've talked to TEACHERS who were wigged out about this lapse. Instead of credit cards being carried away what if it would have been contraband carried in.
Instead of purses being rifled through, hand bags could have been hand guns and a catastrophe would have been automatic.
Our town could have easily been New Town.
Instead of purses being rifled through, hand bags could have been hand guns and a catastrophe would have been automatic.
Our town could have easily been New Town.
SUMMER LOVIN
Since FORD will be closed over the summer foe a little touch-up on the COVER-UP fo the AS-, I mean tile, it seems now the plan is to temporarily for the entire summer relocate the summer school to INGALLS. It is a bit of a walk for little legs but exercise is good for the body and soul. I overheard one parent express concern about the safety of her children crossing CHESTNUT STREET but the idea of a group walk was tossed about/
There is time to develop safety strategies before summer school starts. The FORD families should feel right at home since INGALLS has a garden too.
There is time to develop safety strategies before summer school starts. The FORD families should feel right at home since INGALLS has a garden too.
RATS RUN AMUCK
I was at a SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL meeting at FORD SCHOOL today and I learned of a recent rodent invasion. Our council was assured the city plans to rectify the situation and we must take them at their word.
BUT.....
although I don;t believe the little vermin are outfitted with GPS devices, it would seem to me based on photographs I have seen that the same people responsible for ticketing tax paying home owners are responsible themselves for promulgation of this particular problem. In an effort to save a few bucks, $70,000 of them if I remember properly, LPS was permitted to piggyback on the city's garbage collection contract.
WHILE....
this seemed like a savings on the surface, a sacrifice of a collection time of trash removal was required. The resulting infestation was a residual. So savings at what price? This is just one more example of the incestuous relationship between ISD and LPS.
BUT.....
although I don;t believe the little vermin are outfitted with GPS devices, it would seem to me based on photographs I have seen that the same people responsible for ticketing tax paying home owners are responsible themselves for promulgation of this particular problem. In an effort to save a few bucks, $70,000 of them if I remember properly, LPS was permitted to piggyback on the city's garbage collection contract.
WHILE....
this seemed like a savings on the surface, a sacrifice of a collection time of trash removal was required. The resulting infestation was a residual. So savings at what price? This is just one more example of the incestuous relationship between ISD and LPS.
SO IT STARTS.....
Today is APRIL 1ST, a symbolic day for the start of my campaign fir LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE that's because no longer can I stand by and let PARENTS, no all people of LYNN be played for fools, We need to learn to be "open" about all of the issues around educating our youth.
No matter what school our child goes to or even if we have no children in our education system, we are all PARENTS of the problems that persist. We need to face facts if we are ever going to move forward. The facts aren't all bad. We do a lot of things right, but we can do better. We must do better.
I plan to run a campaign that accentuates the positive but exposes, not accepts the negatives. Until a couple of weeks ago, I was sincerely adamant about not running. I felt that I could effect more change in the background. One of the people around my Boston Street office convinced me otherwise.
Although I do have a history of adapting to change, not all of it marital, the key in that ability is to be OPEN to all possibilities. We must objectively face the facts that we have so we can strive for the ones we want/
Right now, I'm going to need your signatures.
Let the campaign begin!
PICKERING PEOPLE SHEDDING CLOTHES FOR A CAUSE
Pickering Voices is sponsoring a clothing drive with Project 351! Students, please bring any new or gently used clothes: infant to adult. Drop off centers will be in room 109 and room 115. The drive will run from 4/1-4/10. !! Clean out your closets !!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
EXCUSES ANYONE?
I've been going to the LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE meetings for around three years now and I have noticed a troubling fact. It would seem there is an OVERWHELMING emphasis on congratulation rather than implementation.
There seems to be a readiness to make certificates and take photographs while ignoring questions of curriculum or application of specific programs for advancement of the education our student. Currently the administration tries to downplay the expectation for success by using our large population as justification for a lack of direction. It is true that we have a much larger diversification than the smaller more successful school districts, however at the same time we have a much, much larger budget.
It would seem that we spend a disproportionate amount of our budget for salaries of people that our students have a limited exposure to if they ever see at all. The majority of our resources should be committed to the classrooms where our kids are. How can we expect students to respect our teachers when clearly our administration does not. The expansion of supervision in the name of evaluation has given shallow camoflauge for the promotion of patronage. The result is a suppression of the educational inertia that leads to acade,ic achievement.
I;m STAN for SCHOOL COMMITTEE and I approved this message.
There seems to be a readiness to make certificates and take photographs while ignoring questions of curriculum or application of specific programs for advancement of the education our student. Currently the administration tries to downplay the expectation for success by using our large population as justification for a lack of direction. It is true that we have a much larger diversification than the smaller more successful school districts, however at the same time we have a much, much larger budget.
It would seem that we spend a disproportionate amount of our budget for salaries of people that our students have a limited exposure to if they ever see at all. The majority of our resources should be committed to the classrooms where our kids are. How can we expect students to respect our teachers when clearly our administration does not. The expansion of supervision in the name of evaluation has given shallow camoflauge for the promotion of patronage. The result is a suppression of the educational inertia that leads to acade,ic achievement.
I;m STAN for SCHOOL COMMITTEE and I approved this message.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
STARTING FORWARD, LEAVING BEHIND
PERSPECTIVE
That's what's going to set my candidacy for Lynn School Committee apart from the other candidate. I;m a parent, I'm a poet. Sometimes I see things differently but I am still the same.
Being educated in the sciences, I know the importance of STEM. I also know that no matter how sturdy the stem, if we want our education system to blossom, we need a strong network of roots, READING provides the roots, the FOUNDATION of learning.
Not to diminish the importance of mathematics, we need a new, fresh angle in our educational system. The current direction is not adding up to a product yielding positive results. We seem to be settling for less while at the same time paying more every year.Taxes go up as expectations go down. No longer the "best of the worst", we are taught to be satisfied with excuses.
It is time for a change, OUR time.
That's what's going to set my candidacy for Lynn School Committee apart from the other candidate. I;m a parent, I'm a poet. Sometimes I see things differently but I am still the same.
Being educated in the sciences, I know the importance of STEM. I also know that no matter how sturdy the stem, if we want our education system to blossom, we need a strong network of roots, READING provides the roots, the FOUNDATION of learning.
Not to diminish the importance of mathematics, we need a new, fresh angle in our educational system. The current direction is not adding up to a product yielding positive results. We seem to be settling for less while at the same time paying more every year.Taxes go up as expectations go down. No longer the "best of the worst", we are taught to be satisfied with excuses.
It is time for a change, OUR time.
Friday, March 29, 2013
UNCOVERING A ANOTHER COVER-UP?
Lynn woman accused of stealing from teachers
Even though it's HIGHLY LIKELY that several somebodies was aware that this story of not-so stealth stealing was out there but still decided that the school's security would best be served by cancelling scheduled meetings. Nothing makes an issue vanish like a good vacation. It's the old ostrich approach to security. No MONKEY SEE,MONKEY DO because well no one was there to see.
The ITEM has taken a different approach to to this larceny litany. They don't want to hear about it. THEY ARE NOT ACCEPTING COMMENTS ON THIS STORY.
WHY IS THAT?
Maybe because it's an ongoing investigation. Innocent until proven guilty and they don;t want to be responsible for recording someone else particularly passing judgement.
PECULIAR!
Even though it's HIGHLY LIKELY that several somebodies was aware that this story of not-so stealth stealing was out there but still decided that the school's security would best be served by cancelling scheduled meetings. Nothing makes an issue vanish like a good vacation. It's the old ostrich approach to security. No MONKEY SEE,MONKEY DO because well no one was there to see.
The ITEM has taken a different approach to to this larceny litany. They don't want to hear about it. THEY ARE NOT ACCEPTING COMMENTS ON THIS STORY.
WHY IS THAT?
Maybe because it's an ongoing investigation. Innocent until proven guilty and they don;t want to be responsible for recording someone else particularly passing judgement.
PECULIAR!
COBBETT SCHOOL CAPER SIGNALS SECURITY SNAFU'S
Lynn woman accused of stealing from teachers
Walk right in, sit right down, take your shoes off (don't put down your purse), and stay a while, What? You got places to go, shopping to do? Okay, hurry back we'll be waiting
.
Waiting is what we are good at. Look at the time lag between the incident and the reporting of it.
Despite meetings BEHIND CLOSED DOORS or maybe because of them security was compromised at one of our elementary schools. Mentioned measures to those ISD mercenaries may have prevented the approach that resulted in a broach if security. Luckily the loss led to fiscal one instead of one where blood was spilled, Those stains are harder to cover up.
Seems funny that my e mails can't even get through the LPS server but some one with a rap sheet long enough to encase a large administrator, a career criminal can carry off a larcenous bag of booty from picked purses.
Walk right in, sit right down, take your shoes off (don't put down your purse), and stay a while, What? You got places to go, shopping to do? Okay, hurry back we'll be waiting
.
Waiting is what we are good at. Look at the time lag between the incident and the reporting of it.
Despite meetings BEHIND CLOSED DOORS or maybe because of them security was compromised at one of our elementary schools. Mentioned measures to those ISD mercenaries may have prevented the approach that resulted in a broach if security. Luckily the loss led to fiscal one instead of one where blood was spilled, Those stains are harder to cover up.
Seems funny that my e mails can't even get through the LPS server but some one with a rap sheet long enough to encase a large administrator, a career criminal can carry off a larcenous bag of booty from picked purses.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
SOMETHING SMELLS FISHY AND IT AIN'T EVEN FRIDAY
Late news!
Excuse the religious humor. Now I told you this was going to happen after the last meeting in February. They cancelled the March 14 meeting because of some annual dinner or something at the request of JOHN FORD, I think,. (I am about to become a candidate so I can no longer editorialize) and it was rescheduled as a brief meeting to be held before the MASC training on MARCH 21.
I do believe the same JOHN FORD was complaining of a scheduling conflict with the MARCH 28 date due to HOLY THURSDAY. Hmm okay, the muttering in the hall was that at the brief 3/21 meeting they would cancel the 3/28 meeting.
Okay....the agenda came out for that meeting and no mention of any cancellation appeared. I thought that strange but figured since I had written a few posts about how irresponsible it was to effectively shut down school committee business for most of a month maybe I had shamed them into work.
As we have just learned, as usual I overestimate my ability to INFLUENCE.
GRANTED....HOLY THURSDAY is an important day to some and EASTER is the season for SACRIFICE.
But it is not enough of a holiday for us to cancel school for our kids why do the adults who are supposed to be in charge get a PASS? OVER what criteria are we basing this decision on? More importantly, doing it at such a late hour smacks of suspicious. Important Items were to be discussed at the Policy Sub-committee. The agenda had been posted as required by the open meeting law.
I am sorry, this LAST MINUTE maneuver smacks of skulduggery.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Excuse the religious humor. Now I told you this was going to happen after the last meeting in February. They cancelled the March 14 meeting because of some annual dinner or something at the request of JOHN FORD, I think,. (I am about to become a candidate so I can no longer editorialize) and it was rescheduled as a brief meeting to be held before the MASC training on MARCH 21.
I do believe the same JOHN FORD was complaining of a scheduling conflict with the MARCH 28 date due to HOLY THURSDAY. Hmm okay, the muttering in the hall was that at the brief 3/21 meeting they would cancel the 3/28 meeting.
Okay....the agenda came out for that meeting and no mention of any cancellation appeared. I thought that strange but figured since I had written a few posts about how irresponsible it was to effectively shut down school committee business for most of a month maybe I had shamed them into work.
As we have just learned, as usual I overestimate my ability to INFLUENCE.
GRANTED....HOLY THURSDAY is an important day to some and EASTER is the season for SACRIFICE.
But it is not enough of a holiday for us to cancel school for our kids why do the adults who are supposed to be in charge get a PASS? OVER what criteria are we basing this decision on? More importantly, doing it at such a late hour smacks of suspicious. Important Items were to be discussed at the Policy Sub-committee. The agenda had been posted as required by the open meeting law.
I am sorry, this LAST MINUTE maneuver smacks of skulduggery.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
PUMPED AT PICKERING
Why you might ask? Well after two failed attempts at scheduling, it finally looks like the PICKERING PEOPLE are going to get their EIGHTH GRADE dance.
Pickering Dance
Thursday Mar 28th
5:30-8:00
I guess I'll be dancing the SCHOOL COMMITTEE SHUFFLE.
Pickering Dance
Thursday Mar 28th
5:30-8:00
I guess I'll be dancing the SCHOOL COMMITTEE SHUFFLE.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
SOMETIMES THERE'S MORE THAN WHAT YOU EAT
What dies it say about education in Lynn when a post about my son eating pie get more hits in one day than either of my postings on ASBESTOS in our schools a day earlier?
MONEY MATTERS ON THE MENU
You know, I got so many questions about this campaigning stuff. It's like how come nobody ever has political fundraisers in places with DRIVE-THRU'S? It would make sense to me to have one there. After all, all of the politicians seem to be in a hurry to get to their other job or other event they're expected to be at. It seems like nobody has time to get down to the business of doing business.
IF I DID IT (OJ'S GOT NOTHING ON ME)
What would a RUN for the LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE look like and what would it look like for me?
I guess it would mean I would have to watch my mouth. Now that my namesake has proven to me that ones's mouth can be used in other ways.
Of course, I got NO money so it would have to be PERSONAL. That is not a BAD thing. Since I got NO job, being disabled and all, I would have PLENTY of time to devote to school business. Most of the other candidates HAVE jobs competing for their attention.
Me, I just have a volatile personal life but no surprises here. None that I haven't shared with lots of people. In fact, I am sure several are tired of hearing about it.
SO, I THINK I'VE PRETTY MUCH TALKED MYSELF INTO IT.
So the organizing begins.
I guess it would mean I would have to watch my mouth. Now that my namesake has proven to me that ones's mouth can be used in other ways.
Of course, I got NO money so it would have to be PERSONAL. That is not a BAD thing. Since I got NO job, being disabled and all, I would have PLENTY of time to devote to school business. Most of the other candidates HAVE jobs competing for their attention.
Me, I just have a volatile personal life but no surprises here. None that I haven't shared with lots of people. In fact, I am sure several are tired of hearing about it.
SO, I THINK I'VE PRETTY MUCH TALKED MYSELF INTO IT.
So the organizing begins.
STAND DOWN ON THE STAND-UP
At last Thursday's LSC meeting, committee member PATRICIA CAPANO made what some considered to be a light-hearted remark about the hiring of school nurse, DOUGLAS ROGERS, RN. She followed the announcement of his hiring with the following comment,
"MR. ROGER'S, WELCOME TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD."
REALLY? I MEAN REALLY?
We here at the WATCH are appalled at this glaring lack of professional standards of seriousity. We always try to maintain the highest ones possible.
I mean, making that comment without the aid of puppets and a toy train reflects poorly on LPS'S academic expectations.
"MR. ROGER'S, WELCOME TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD."
REALLY? I MEAN REALLY?
We here at the WATCH are appalled at this glaring lack of professional standards of seriousity. We always try to maintain the highest ones possible.
I mean, making that comment without the aid of puppets and a toy train reflects poorly on LPS'S academic expectations.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
ANOTHER WOTRING KNOWN FOR HIS MOUTH
I have to admit it was a creative and tasty way to learn.
A READ OF THE SCHOOLS
2013
"State of the Schools" Address | March 2013
We had to wait for what seemed a little late to hear about the state - of our schools. Have we been played for fools? Did DR. LATHAM bend any rules? The document is thick, so to read won't be quick. Problems, what's your pick? No longer first when it comes to the worst. For real change, we do thirst.
We had to wait for what seemed a little late to hear about the state - of our schools. Have we been played for fools? Did DR. LATHAM bend any rules? The document is thick, so to read won't be quick. Problems, what's your pick? No longer first when it comes to the worst. For real change, we do thirst.
A KEY DONATION
Even though NO names were given on where it came from(at least not on the agenda and I don't remember anyone saying), LINCOLN-THOMPSON was allowed to accept the generous donation of a WURLITZER piano with bench and that's the name of that tune.
Monday, March 25, 2013
SHOULD I PULL MY PAPERS?
You know, I've been thinking and I've found that's a dangerous thing. I guess now I am entertaining an entertaining possibility. What if I really did run for a LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE?
I've always maintained I couldn't. One, I am poor. Bumper stickers cost bucks!
Also I've been saying that as a member I am only one vote and the way it is now I have an influence on ALL of the votes through my writing. I mean I could still write but I couldn't keep making stuff up.
Would I have to wear a suit?
Now it would be easier to stay back and lob grenades but I don't hear enough chatter about change
I've always maintained I couldn't. One, I am poor. Bumper stickers cost bucks!
Also I've been saying that as a member I am only one vote and the way it is now I have an influence on ALL of the votes through my writing. I mean I could still write but I couldn't keep making stuff up.
Would I have to wear a suit?
Now it would be easier to stay back and lob grenades but I don't hear enough chatter about change
WE'VE PICKED YOUR POISON
I am SOOOOOO dumb. Must be that WV ed-u-ma-cation. I couldn't figure out why MARSHALL gets to go first PICKERING is OLDER, probably in worse shape. Politically, the good people of WARD 1 would be far more likely to approve a bond for construction in this district. We vote in WARD 1.
But then I got to thinking on my way back from my BOSTON STREET office. The MARSHALL choice probably has little to do with the Latino population as I had previously pondered. No "pale is stale" here. Actually there may be a little sadism in LPS's altruism.
You see, MARSHALL probably had a similar tile situation as the one at the FORD fiasco. Since MSBA don't give no money for no environmental cleanup, the old MARSHALL will remain standing. So, so what. PICKERING probably has similar problems so it will remain standing also.
Come on, get with the program, you're losing me here.
Well with MARSHALL'S notorious flooding problems, here's the exception that provided the authority to jump seniority and the jurisdiction for their eviction. You see, every time it rains, MARSHALL is cooking up an ASBESTOS soup that splashes students and gets into ground water. So.....if we get the students in a shiny new school, the attention will be shifted and no one will be the wiser.
DON'T WORRY, YOUR SECRET IS SAFE WITH ME.
But then I got to thinking on my way back from my BOSTON STREET office. The MARSHALL choice probably has little to do with the Latino population as I had previously pondered. No "pale is stale" here. Actually there may be a little sadism in LPS's altruism.
You see, MARSHALL probably had a similar tile situation as the one at the FORD fiasco. Since MSBA don't give no money for no environmental cleanup, the old MARSHALL will remain standing. So, so what. PICKERING probably has similar problems so it will remain standing also.
Come on, get with the program, you're losing me here.
Well with MARSHALL'S notorious flooding problems, here's the exception that provided the authority to jump seniority and the jurisdiction for their eviction. You see, every time it rains, MARSHALL is cooking up an ASBESTOS soup that splashes students and gets into ground water. So.....if we get the students in a shiny new school, the attention will be shifted and no one will be the wiser.
DON'T WORRY, YOUR SECRET IS SAFE WITH ME.
COVERING THE ASBESTOS COVERUP
Ford School's new tiling tough enough'''
Why do we need such expensive tiling for FORD'S floor? Surely HOME DEPOT has a cheaper product. Maybe they should be clipping coupons down at COMMERCIAL STREET. Would it be cheaper if we got a less expensive tile that we had to remove the old tile? Because putting this new INDUSTRIAL TYPE tile is going to raise the floor-level necessitating that EVERY door be replaced or otherwise altered.
We all know our MAYOR is famous for pinching those pennies. Here though, it's the public that's getting pinched. Only unlike a real pinch, this one can can put you life in danger. More correctly, our kids lives.
ASBESTOS
By covering the old tiles in such a way, we can SEAL off the CONTAMINANTS.This is a widely accepted SAFE procedure. Of course often what we consider SAFE today, we find TOMMORROW causes CANCER. Either way, our fate will be sealed.
Now we have a LOT of old schools and I feel sure the FORD SCHOOL is NOT the only one with this problem. It is IMPORTANT to expose the exposure because of danger's domino effect.
I've been hearing of a lot of anal apertures puckering down at COMMERCIAL STREET because I've been calling attention to what I perceive to be facts. Maybe I'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first tine. Since I am still married to my FOURTH wife, there's been at least THREE previous mistakes.
So far, silence though.
Why do we need such expensive tiling for FORD'S floor? Surely HOME DEPOT has a cheaper product. Maybe they should be clipping coupons down at COMMERCIAL STREET. Would it be cheaper if we got a less expensive tile that we had to remove the old tile? Because putting this new INDUSTRIAL TYPE tile is going to raise the floor-level necessitating that EVERY door be replaced or otherwise altered.
We all know our MAYOR is famous for pinching those pennies. Here though, it's the public that's getting pinched. Only unlike a real pinch, this one can can put you life in danger. More correctly, our kids lives.
ASBESTOS
By covering the old tiles in such a way, we can SEAL off the CONTAMINANTS.This is a widely accepted SAFE procedure. Of course often what we consider SAFE today, we find TOMMORROW causes CANCER. Either way, our fate will be sealed.
Now we have a LOT of old schools and I feel sure the FORD SCHOOL is NOT the only one with this problem. It is IMPORTANT to expose the exposure because of danger's domino effect.
I've been hearing of a lot of anal apertures puckering down at COMMERCIAL STREET because I've been calling attention to what I perceive to be facts. Maybe I'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first tine. Since I am still married to my FOURTH wife, there's been at least THREE previous mistakes.
So far, silence though.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
APPRECIATION OF CULTURES REBORN AT ABORN
| |||||||||
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, REALLY, HERE'S THE DATE
| Community and Family Resource Fair (Alll children must be accompanied by an adult) JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN, BIRTH TO 14, AND THEIR FAMILIES Thursday, March 28, 2013 | 5:30 to 7:30 PM Foyer of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute | Marshall Wharf Building 90 Commercial Street, Lynn, MA 01905 DOWNLOAD OUR EVENT FLYER FOR ALL THE DETAILS! | |
CATCH THE WAVE
Not surprisingly, I love when things are convoluted. It just seems more poetic. What could be more convoluted than having the middle first? Sure you could have the first become the last but I heard that somewhere before. No it's best when the middle is where it's at because for some it's where it was. Do you follow me?
Of course I'm talking about the efforts of the schools to communicate with the public, many of whom are parents. While the elementary school ABORN has begun to post brief synopses of some things on Facebook, seems mostly Basketball and snow days. When it comes to the high schools, LEHS appears sort of systematically random when it comes to putting things out there on Facebook. Still these infrequent forays are frequent compared to CLASSICAL'S pathetic posting prognostication,
So we come to the MIDDLE to lead the way. They don't all do it the same, no cookie cutter creativity. PICKERING'S principal KEVIN RITTERHAUS keeps in touch with frequent updates about everything using the phone's ALL-CALL program. He even told my son to get a good night's sleep before the MCAS. Okay it wasn't personal but it kind of felt that way if you have a little imagination and well I....uh....have been known to fabricate a few things.
At MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL, there is an ambitious Facebook campaign, (How does it feel PHELAN?) I talked with a teacher troubled by the titillation of transgressions perpetrated on potential breeches of confidentiality by the proliferation of posting of pictures of students in UNCOMPROMISING positions. However I swayed this educator away from the negativity dark side by pointing out that instead of being a pariah this was being done with a plethora of positivity. I have no way of knowing for sure if these pronouncements are being procured by MARSHALL principal DR, COWDELL ,....perhaps. Even if I knew I probably would remain silent, you never know the games people play when it comes to the blame game. What a shame!
Believe me, I've saved what many may consider the best for last. Normally best would equal first and while even though we may have come to the last but remember we are still in the middle. Confused? Maybe you need a sign and that's just what JULIE LOUF want to provide. Without bothering to break the LPS piggy bank, parents whose concerns were raised, raised monies through Bake sales (I really don't know if any cookies were sacrificed but I need a B to go with the flow), raffles, and any other way that pennies could be pinched to raise an astounding amount of $10,000 to procure a special sign that will show the world what's happening at BREED beautifully
.
Of course I'm talking about the efforts of the schools to communicate with the public, many of whom are parents. While the elementary school ABORN has begun to post brief synopses of some things on Facebook, seems mostly Basketball and snow days. When it comes to the high schools, LEHS appears sort of systematically random when it comes to putting things out there on Facebook. Still these infrequent forays are frequent compared to CLASSICAL'S pathetic posting prognostication,
So we come to the MIDDLE to lead the way. They don't all do it the same, no cookie cutter creativity. PICKERING'S principal KEVIN RITTERHAUS keeps in touch with frequent updates about everything using the phone's ALL-CALL program. He even told my son to get a good night's sleep before the MCAS. Okay it wasn't personal but it kind of felt that way if you have a little imagination and well I....uh....have been known to fabricate a few things.
At MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL, there is an ambitious Facebook campaign, (How does it feel PHELAN?) I talked with a teacher troubled by the titillation of transgressions perpetrated on potential breeches of confidentiality by the proliferation of posting of pictures of students in UNCOMPROMISING positions. However I swayed this educator away from the negativity dark side by pointing out that instead of being a pariah this was being done with a plethora of positivity. I have no way of knowing for sure if these pronouncements are being procured by MARSHALL principal DR, COWDELL ,....perhaps. Even if I knew I probably would remain silent, you never know the games people play when it comes to the blame game. What a shame!
Believe me, I've saved what many may consider the best for last. Normally best would equal first and while even though we may have come to the last but remember we are still in the middle. Confused? Maybe you need a sign and that's just what JULIE LOUF want to provide. Without bothering to break the LPS piggy bank, parents whose concerns were raised, raised monies through Bake sales (I really don't know if any cookies were sacrificed but I need a B to go with the flow), raffles, and any other way that pennies could be pinched to raise an astounding amount of $10,000 to procure a special sign that will show the world what's happening at BREED beautifully
.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
LYNN - LEADING OR LAGGING?
Almost a year ago, a petition from the public tried to procure the perfect personnel in this very same post. We wanted to insure we had the best person, not just to change for change's sake. The petition went ca-put. Instead of getting the best, we were left with DR. LATHAM. Now she may very well have been the BEST but we will never know. As unsettling as it may seem to some, we just settled for status quo.There seems to be a wave of change in the air and I think it's safe to say it's in places all scoring better than us. We even slipped a little from our perch at the pinnacle at the top of the bottom. You know we used to have the COMMISSIONER'S CUP as undisputed urban good, bad boy, hip-pity hop. Perhaps we started something, Lynn is known for being a +city of firsts", only now we are no longer first at being last.
LSC STARTING TO SUFFER FROM THE SEQUESTER FESTER
It was bound to start showing up. Is this a sign of things to come? Slowly LPS is starting to cinch its belt. The cutbacks are coming, in fact they are already here. Evidence of this showed up at Thursday night's LSC meeting. Missing from EVERYONE at the tables were the customary dishes of candy that usually rest in front of everyone at the table.
People were pretty choked up about this initial round of sacrifices. Luckily the pitchers of water remained. What next? Will we be reduced to only glasses of aqua (I decided to use the Spanish word to show that we all must bear the burden).
People were pretty choked up about this initial round of sacrifices. Luckily the pitchers of water remained. What next? Will we be reduced to only glasses of aqua (I decided to use the Spanish word to show that we all must bear the burden).
SNOW JOB ON SNOW DAYS
Snow days push school end date
How come there was not even any idle chatter about the evidently necessary and impending schedule alterations? I know we are somewhat hamstrung by the federal mandate to go 180 days by July 1 but how about let;s talk about some options. Instead it looks like we are going to be plowed over and have whatever shoveled down our throats. We need to openly look at the options and not be subject to the whims of a queen.
How come there was not even any idle chatter about the evidently necessary and impending schedule alterations? I know we are somewhat hamstrung by the federal mandate to go 180 days by July 1 but how about let;s talk about some options. Instead it looks like we are going to be plowed over and have whatever shoveled down our throats. We need to openly look at the options and not be subject to the whims of a queen.
TEENS TO TACKLE TECHNOLOGY
Lynn teens to spearhead technology project
Okay, this article shows one of many ways libraries can spark education. You MATH people, just think if this type of innovation (I know it's Lynn PUBLIC Library but...) was MULTIPLIED across all of our schools!
Okay, this article shows one of many ways libraries can spark education. You MATH people, just think if this type of innovation (I know it's Lynn PUBLIC Library but...) was MULTIPLIED across all of our schools!
Friday, March 22, 2013
LPS ADMINISTRATORS TO TAKE PAY CUT?
LYNN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION has put in a request to renegotiate their contract.. The letter has been filed. Even though I never actually saw the letter, I feel pretty sure since some PRETTY BIG raise were given to some people (not mentioning any names) took DOUBLE digit increases out of excess CIRCUIT BREAKER CASH that the rest of the administrators are probably willing to take a pay cut to put it back.
SAYING THINGS UNSAID
All of the chatter around concerns about confidential leaks of information means to me, perhaps there is some prudence to my poetry. Rest assured, I do not always have to outsource to sources. The most damaging details are in plain view. It;s all in how you see things.
Yesterday's science fiction is often today's science. Lessons should be learned about creativity's importance in the business of education. It pays dividends. You can worship the STEM all you want but READING is the root,
Yesterday's science fiction is often today's science. Lessons should be learned about creativity's importance in the business of education. It pays dividends. You can worship the STEM all you want but READING is the root,
I WAS A WITNESS WITHOUT PROTECTION
Hopefully the cameras were rolling, I don't think LynnCAM was live. If not, maybe I'll just make some stuff up, maybe not. Poetry is my garlic against the vampires of education, the Breaking Dawn of my Twilight. Last night after the LSC meeting there was a MASC(Mass. Association of School Committees) training workshop. Things were said which I was a witness to , well it was troubling..
One of the things that was detailed was the distracted driving of the Mayor who is responsible for steering the ship of schools. Tales of texting while managing meetings may explain consistent inconsistencies concerning concerns of fiscal mismanagement. Claims of the Mayor constantly checking her watch during meetings may indicate she thinks she has somewhere to go. Honestly Mayor, with elections coming up you might.
There were also complaints about the chair, who is the Mayor, not limiting the discussions. That way it would seem that we wouldn't have to worry so much about answers because the questions couldn't be asked. Perhaps those questions are asked and answered in previous discussions between the Superintendent and certain LSC members just prior to the regularly scheduled meetings. A practice, most irregular if not ILLEGAL,
In case there was no recording of the workshop, this has all been a dream. Hopefully you will all wake up at the ballot box.
One of the things that was detailed was the distracted driving of the Mayor who is responsible for steering the ship of schools. Tales of texting while managing meetings may explain consistent inconsistencies concerning concerns of fiscal mismanagement. Claims of the Mayor constantly checking her watch during meetings may indicate she thinks she has somewhere to go. Honestly Mayor, with elections coming up you might.
There were also complaints about the chair, who is the Mayor, not limiting the discussions. That way it would seem that we wouldn't have to worry so much about answers because the questions couldn't be asked. Perhaps those questions are asked and answered in previous discussions between the Superintendent and certain LSC members just prior to the regularly scheduled meetings. A practice, most irregular if not ILLEGAL,
In case there was no recording of the workshop, this has all been a dream. Hopefully you will all wake up at the ballot box.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
MAYOR TO BE EXPELLED?
Surely she has an excuse for her absence from tonight's LSC meeting. It;s her job to be there. I mean half of the city;s budget is the school and education permeates ALL parts of the city. Does this mean she will be returning part of her salary since she seems to shy away selectively.
POETRY CAN BE BETTER THAN TELEPATHY
Fears of confidentiality breeches
whenever poetry broaches
matters that matter.
The public needs to know
where they really plan to go
in what directions directly.
My perspective
provides my directive
for reading what is really right.
No need for revealing
or stealing secrets that
are kept behind closed doors.
Don't hate. appreciate.
I see what I see,
you control what it be.
whenever poetry broaches
matters that matter.
The public needs to know
where they really plan to go
in what directions directly.
My perspective
provides my directive
for reading what is really right.
No need for revealing
or stealing secrets that
are kept behind closed doors.
Don't hate. appreciate.
I see what I see,
you control what it be.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
PICKERING PERSON PICKED TO PATICIPATE
Here's your chance to help out. It's so easy to concentrate on our deteriorating buildings and playing the same old political games but here we have an opportunity to directly help shape our future. DON;T MISS THIS CHANCE!
http://www.gofundme.com/2ane8o
Alex has been nominated to participate in the 2013 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.!!! This is a unique leadership program for exceptional middle school students. Alex was selected because of his scholastic merit, maturity and strength of character to represent Pickering Middle School. He is a LEADER in his school and community. Those of you who know Alex, know all of these things to be true. I am asking for help to pay for this trip. He's done all the hard work...we just have to pull together and raise some money for this exceptional young man. Please, let's make this happen...he deserves it!! Let's show him hard work and dedication pays off....anything helps!!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
LIL' LORI LETS ME KNOW
Thanks for keeping me in mind. It has gotten a little confusing with all these cancellations. Funny though, mumbling and mutterings among people in the know who should know have led me to believe unless I have been deceived In a funny sort of way I would be relieved since I have been complaining about all of this refraining of the LSC from abstaining from their elected duties.
WHO'S ON YOUR TOILET?
You know me, I am always objective and never opinionated. I guess that's why my good friend Juan passed this along to me. The jokes on him though because I am not going to give an opinion ger, no PORCELAIN PONTIFICATIONS.
What I will say is that we need to have some open discussions. I am not prepared to dress down any ones civil rights about dressing up. Still this is a topic that will make a lot of parents flush with anger.
Massachusetts Bathroom Bill
What I will say is that we need to have some open discussions. I am not prepared to dress down any ones civil rights about dressing up. Still this is a topic that will make a lot of parents flush with anger.
Massachusetts Bathroom Bill
RANDOM SECRETS
For all the talk about KIPP'S precious lottery system guaranteeing everybody get a fair shot at the American Dream, why then did they do the drawing in secret and not publish the results? Why didn't the lucky lottery winners know right away of their life changing luck? Seems I remember old news reports of a public event where the "fair" drawing took place under public eyes, Tears of joy were mixed with shed sorrow. I seem to even remember my old BFF tailgating for the big day.(Okay, no condiments were actually used for the preparation for this post).
The standard rule in something like this is to throw a cover of confidentiality over where you don't want people to look. This practice is not a charter school coup but they are FAST learners.
Tell me I'm wrong, please/
The standard rule in something like this is to throw a cover of confidentiality over where you don't want people to look. This practice is not a charter school coup but they are FAST learners.
Tell me I'm wrong, please/
LIL' LORI SHOWS WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY
DR. LATHAM has made great strides in this area.....
BUT.....
we have to keep the pressure on to keep LYNN on track. There is a lot of talk about unaccompanied minors and illegals. But that is all it is, just talk, and that;s all it will ever be useless chatter. Until other elected officials address the core problems we are left with the responsibility for educating these KIDS so we got to do it right,
BUT.....
we have to keep the pressure on to keep LYNN on track. There is a lot of talk about unaccompanied minors and illegals. But that is all it is, just talk, and that;s all it will ever be useless chatter. Until other elected officials address the core problems we are left with the responsibility for educating these KIDS so we got to do it right,
Monday, March 18, 2013
TESTING TUNES
Today at FORD'S MCAS rally a new rap was debuted at #1 on the Highlands Charts!
MCAS Rap (To the tune: Teach Me How to Dougie)
They be like, “Yo Ford”
“Can you teach me how to study?”
You know why?
The MCAS is coming
All you need is a pencil in your hand
Then you, you, and you can do the best you can
Gotta get a good rest
Yeah, the night before
And when you get here eat your breakfast like never before
If you do it, I know you’ll be ready for the test
And all you gotta do is show up (and do your best)
Now don’t forget to be smart with your time
Darken in the bubbles and don’t go out the lines
And if you don’t understand a certain question
Think long and hard and reread the directions
Now are you ready? (Yeah)
I think you’re ready!
You’re gonna rep for your school – so heavy
Robert Ford is the best school around
And when results come in we’ll show whose best in town
The MCAS is coming (X2)
The M, MCAS is coming
Everybody study (X2)
Every, everybody study
Everybody study ‘cause the MCAS is coming
You better study!
RALLY FOR RESULTS
Today I was with David Gass of the HIGHLANDS COALITION for a meeting at the FORD SCHOOL where I got to witness an MCAS rally. Music, dancing, and applause provided for an eruption of positive energy that will encourage students to do their best. It's good to see a PEP RALLY for academic achievement.
I know FORD SCHOOL is not the only one that does this sort of thing.....
BUT.....
that's where I was. Students, all students, need a release from the exorbitant amount of pressure placed on them by all this high stakes testing.
I know FORD SCHOOL is not the only one that does this sort of thing.....
BUT.....
that's where I was. Students, all students, need a release from the exorbitant amount of pressure placed on them by all this high stakes testing.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
THE NEXT NEW DANCE CRAZE - THE CHARTER SCHOOL CHOKE
KIPP off to successful start in defense of title
You know I first just shared this story without comment on the WATCH'S FACEBOOK page without any comment. I mean hey, it;s good to give a shout out for the kids, any kids. Then one of my peeps commented raising the question about why charter schools have a special league.
Good question and it got me thinking about a few things. You would think that since they vigorously maintain that they are PUBLIC schools they wouldn't have a PRIVATE league.
JUST SAYIN'
UPLOAD YOUR VIDEOS TO YOUTUBE NOW!
You know I first just shared this story without comment on the WATCH'S FACEBOOK page without any comment. I mean hey, it;s good to give a shout out for the kids, any kids. Then one of my peeps commented raising the question about why charter schools have a special league.
Good question and it got me thinking about a few things. You would think that since they vigorously maintain that they are PUBLIC schools they wouldn't have a PRIVATE league.
JUST SAYIN'
UPLOAD YOUR VIDEOS TO YOUTUBE NOW!
BEE-AUTIFUL!
Marblehead student wins Item spelling bee for fourth straight time
So what does a MARBLEHEAD winner if a contest have to do with LYNN SCHOOLS? Well let me tell you, the competition was held at BREED.And I've got to give kudos to the ITEM for sponsoring this event. Healthy competition is what energizes education.
So what does a MARBLEHEAD winner if a contest have to do with LYNN SCHOOLS? Well let me tell you, the competition was held at BREED.And I've got to give kudos to the ITEM for sponsoring this event. Healthy competition is what energizes education.
Friday, March 15, 2013
THE CREDIT IS ADDING UP
Let me tell you about something exciting that's happening with some of our students. It's called FIRST IN MATH. Certain grades (I forget exactly which ones) from 5 schools, FORD, COBBETT, LYNN WOODS, SHOEMAKER (Ithink) and....(there goes my memory again, forgive me I'm old) are enrolled in this program.
Anyway the kids log on to the computer, complete math problems thereby enter into a competition that provides them with a ranking against their classmates, other schools in Lynn involved in the program and other schools across the country
I don't know the intricacies of the scoring but the students seem more than up to the challenge of flexing their mental muscles. This type of controlled competition can cause cravings for MATH. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine. I know the world needs better MATH people. POETRY doesn't pay and I can attest to that,
Credit for obtaining and retaining this FIRST IN MATH program goes to none other than the lovely DR. LATHAM.
Anyway the kids log on to the computer, complete math problems thereby enter into a competition that provides them with a ranking against their classmates, other schools in Lynn involved in the program and other schools across the country
I don't know the intricacies of the scoring but the students seem more than up to the challenge of flexing their mental muscles. This type of controlled competition can cause cravings for MATH. The thought of it sends shivers down my spine. I know the world needs better MATH people. POETRY doesn't pay and I can attest to that,
Credit for obtaining and retaining this FIRST IN MATH program goes to none other than the lovely DR. LATHAM.
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