LIL' LORI GOT A PAGE FROM THE PARENT PLAYBOOK

Guidance on District and School Family Engagement and Required Policies 

The district may use this information to develop clear, concise district and school family engagement policies that meet local needs and are written in a language parents/guardians can understand. 

Each school and school district must implement the 14 activities listed in Section 1118(e) of the NCLB legislation to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement.  

For a listing of the fourteen activities required for effective involvement of parents, see http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg2.html#sec1118. 

District Wide Family Engagement Policy 

Each school district and every school within the district that receives Title I funds shall develop jointly with, agree on with, and distribute to, parents of participating children written family engagement policies at the district and school levels, respectively, that describe how the district and Title I served schools will: 

1. Involve parents in the joint development of the plan under section 1112, and the process of school review and improvement under section 1116. 
2. Provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance. 
3. Build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement. 
4. Coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies under this part with parental involvement strategies under other programs, such as the Head Start program, Reading First program, Early Reading First program, Even Start program, and state-run preschool programs. 
5. Conduct with parents an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools served under Title I, Part A. Identify obstacles to greater participation by parents in Title I activities. Use the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and revise the parental involvement policies if necessary. 
6. Involve parents in the activities of the schools served under Title I. Each school that receives Title I funds shall develop jointly with, and distribute to, parents of participating children a written parental involvement policy. This policy shall describe the means for carrying out the policy involvement requirements. Parents shall be notified of the policy in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand. Such policy shall be made available to the local community and updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school. 

Parent’s Right-to-Know 

At the beginning of each school year, a district that receives Title I funds shall notify the parents of each student attending Title I schools that the parents may request, and the district will provide in a timely manner, information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following: 

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. 
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived. 
• The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, including the field of discipline of the certification or degree. 
• Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.  

A school shall provide to each individual parent: 

• Information on the child’s level of achievement in each of the state academic assessments as required under Title I. 

• Timely notice that the child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet highly qualified requirements. 

For additional information regarding this requirement, see Section 1111(h)(6) of the NCLB legislation at http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg2.html#sec1111. 

..................Page Break..................School Family Engagement Policy 

Each school that receives Title I funds shall develop a written policy that includes: 

1. Convening an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to inform parents of their school’s participation in Title I and to explain the requirements and the right of parents to be involved. 
2. Offering a flexible number of meetings and may provide, with Title I funds: transportation; child care; or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement. 
3. Involving parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, implementation, and review of Title I programs, including input during the development and revision of the school/district parental involvement policy and any schoolwide program plan. If a school already has a process in place for involving parents in the joint planning and design of school programs, that process will suffice if it includes adequate representation of parents of participating children. 
4. Providing to parents of participating children: 

1. timely information about programs under Title I, Part A; 
2. a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; and 
3. if requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any suggestions as soon as practicably possible. 

School-Parent Compact 

As a component of the parental involvement policy, each school served under Title I shall develop jointly with parents a school-parent-student compact for all children served under Title I. The compact will outline how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement, and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the state’s high standards. The school-parent compact shall: 

1. Describe the school’s responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction, in a supportive and effective learning environment. Students served under Title I are expected to meet the state’s academic standards. Parents are responsible for supporting their child’s learning, such as: monitoring attendance, homework, and television viewing; volunteering in their child’s classroom; and participating in decisions relating to their child’s education. 
2. Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents on an ongoing basis through, at a minimum: 

1. parent-teacher conferences in elementary schools, at least annually, during which the compact shall be discussed as the compact relates to the individual child’s achievement; 
2. regular reports to parents on their child’s progress; and 
3. reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s classroom, and observation of classroom activities. 

For additional information regarding the parent involvement policy and the school-parent compact requirement see http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg2.html#sec1118. 

THE ITEM USED MY OWN WORDS YESTERDAY

Stanley Wotring Jr.

Life is full of challenges. We all face them every day. At the end of that day, we will be judged on how we overcome them, not by what they were. Education provides us with the tools to navigate the course that life places before us. My life experiences complete with a myriad of personal struggles has uniquely qualified me to face the demands and tasks ahead and help synthesize solutions.

Unfortunately Lynn faces many challenges ahead, we have a deteriorating infrastructure to our , increasing academic demands, and limited resources. While first appearing overwhelming, every challenge should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and success. Just because some of our school buildings date back to the 1800’s doesn’t mean the quality of our education can’t be from this century.

By demanding accountability and transparency, I hope to refocus the allocation of those limited resources such that more emphasis is placed on the classrooms and direct services to the students. Updates are needed to many of our textbooks and in some cases we don’t have enough We can’t expect to fix tomorrow’s problems with yesterday’s tools.

Outside money should not taint one’s judgment. Since I refuse to take any donations for my campaign and lacking personal wealth, I hope to show what can be accomplished through hard work, passion, and dedication.. I will bring that same work ethic to office, I look forward to getting the opportunity to show what hard work can accomplish.

BUT WE ALREADY PASSED THE BOND

An Education Blog shared a link.

Landowners on new Marshall site may go to court to stall construction

www.itemlive.com

LYNN — An attorney representing three Brookline Street landowners slated to lose their land and homes to the Marshall Middle School project said he is weighing a decision to file a court challenge potentially delaying the school’s construction.

I COULD HAVE TAUGHT GUERILLA CAMPAIGNING

Once again I have been IGNORED. Don't you think it is a little SUSPICIOUS that not ALL the candidates had EQUAL access to the LPS political science students? According to today's ITEM story about POLITICAL BOOT CAMP, the following candidates got some EXTRA help. Now I'm no big city lawyer but I bet there are some ETHICAL violations by LPS.

Carrasco, School Committee members Rick Starbard, Patricia Capano, John Ford, Charlie Gallo and Donna Coppola; committee candidate Lorraine Gately;

Well, I guess they knew I didn't have any signs to hold.

DON'T LOOK NOW IT'S GOING TO GET UGLY BEFORE IT'S OVER

will focus on the process used by the city to develop the project, not the city’s right to take his clients’ land.

Want to bet Pete Caron's e mail comes into play? You know the one I published about taking the site solved a POLITICAL PROBLEM of preventing the possibility of them trying to sneak a Section 8 apartment complex?

Let me refresh your memory:

LYNN SCHOOL WATCH: CORRUPTION WITH CLASS

Aug 10, 2013

POETRY TREAT, NO TRICK

PICKERING PEEPS PUT UP PLENTY

Pickering was the top youth fundraising team again this year!

pickeringschool.org

Thank you to all the Pickering students who participated in the My Brother’s Table Walk. Outstanding job representing Pickering through your community efforts.

FROM THE ITEM - INSPIRING READING

LYNN — They had all recently read his book, so the students rushed in excitement to get their pictures taken with the author after his inspirational presentation at Lynn Classical High School Tuesday morning.

The book was “Eleven Seconds.” The speaker was Travis Roy.

In 1995, Roy suffered a paralyzing neck injury in his first college hockey game at Boston University. Eleven seconds into the game, Roy collided with the boards and cracked vertebrae, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Roy graduated from the Boston University College of Communication in 2000, despite his injury. Now 38, Roy has been in a wheelchair for the past 18 years and travels around the country sharing his story.

“Sometimes challenges choose us,” said Roy in his presentation about how his dreams and plans to be a professional hockey player were drastically changed.

Lynn Classical Principal Gene Constantino said all Classical high school students were required to read Roy’s book earlier this year. After hearing how moved students were by the book, Constantino and history teacher David Poland, who first suggested the book, arranged for Roy to visit.

“Travis Roy’s book was very inspirational to me… It comforted me in my own problems and showed me that I need to keep on trying,” said Morvyn Belice, a senior at Lynn Classical who was thrilled to see Roy in person.

In his presentation, Roy explained to students the difficulties of his disability and his fight to stay positive.

“A positive attitude will take you farther in life than anything else,” said Roy to students after talking about his struggle to realize the many opportunities for him despite his physical limitations.

Roy also told students that his disability has not changed him much, nor has it changed his major goals. He may not be able to play professional hockey, but he is happy and successful, and that is all he ever wanted.

“I think it’s very touching,” said Amanda Enquist, a senior at Lynn Classical. Enquist is familiar to the challenges of disability. Cerebral palsy leaves Enquist struggling to walk, but her strong will keeps her moving. With the help of walking aids, Enquist walked to the podium in the gymnasium to introduce Roy before his presentation.

“There was an abnormal energy that was fun to be a part of today,” said Roy about the overwhelmingly positive response he received from students.

At the end of his presentation, Roy had student helpers bring microphones around the gymnasium so that students could ask questions. Raised hands filled the gym as students begged for their chance to speak.

According to Constantino, Roy’s book received more student interest than any other previous required readings.

Said Constantino after the crowds of students reluctantly left the gym, “It was one of the best assemblies we’ve ever had.”

PARADE ON PARADE

Aborn Elementary School

Halloween Parade will take place on Thursday between 1 and 1:15. Please send your child's costume to school. They can not wear them in school until the parade. No weapons or masks that obstruct view please. Safety is our main concern.

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PUBLIC CHARTERS?

An Education Blog

Massachusetts allows for two types of in-district, autonomous types of public schools: Innovation Schools and Horace Mann Charter Schools. There are currently 10 Horace Mann Charters and 47 Innovation Schools in Massachusetts.

Does anyone know what the difference is between these two?

Unlike ·  · Share · 22 · 7 hours ago near Boston · 

• You and Lisa Ellen like this.
• 

  An Education Blog http://www.mass.gov/...

  7 hours ago · Like
• 

  An Education Bloghttp://www.doe.mass.edu/charter/factsheet.pdf

  7 hours ago · Like
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  PUBLICCHARTERS?

DOES THE ITEM WATCH THE WATCH?

Didn't we at the WATCH tell you a couple weeks ago that this would be coming. Thanks again to the ITEM for fleshing out an old story for me!

Like ·  · about an hour ago · 

PAC PROGRAM PREVIEW

Lynn Special Education Department
►LYNN PAC◄
Parent Advisory Council – Lynn Public Schools Special Education

November 2013 MEETING

Monday November 4th, 2013 Time: 6:00 PM

Featuring: The Movement of Imperfection

Come join us for this entertaining presentation which explores the humorous, heartwarming side of raising an imperfect child in a world pre-occupied with perfection
.
Location: Lynn Tech Annex 90 Commercial St. Room 1059 Lynn MA

If you need an interpreter please contact
Frances Martinez at 781-477-7220 Ext. 3336 we will try our best to accommodate your need
.
Si usted necesita un intérprete por favor de contactar a
Frances Martinez 781-477-7220 Extensión 3336 trataremos todo lo posible de acomodar su necesidad
.
Parent Liaison – Enlace de los Padres: Frances Martinez

email: martinezf@lynnschools.org
100 Bennett Street. Lynn MA 01905 Tel: 781-477-7220 Ext. 3336

Lisa Bishop “PAC” Chairman – Presidente del Consejo
Email: friendsoflynnpac@yahoo.com www.lynnpac.com

El Concejo de Padres “PAC” se reunirá el primer Lunes de cada mes en el
Cuando las Escuelas están canceladas por emergencia de nieves, la reunión por igual será cancelada.

The Lynn Parent Advisory Council “PAC” meets every 1st Monday of the month at the
When school is cancelled for snow emergency, the meeting is likewise cancelled.

MARSHALL TO MAKE MATH FIRST WITH FIRST-IN-MATH!

Thurgood Marshall Middle School - Lynn, MA

OK Mustangs!! It is time for EVERYONE to get on the First in Math train! Let's go! We want everyone to reach 3000 and the purple dot section of this graph! We can do it! Remember, just 15 minutes a day should do it!

Like ·  · Share · 81 · 18 hours ago · Edited · 

A BORN BANDITS

L  Aborn Elementary School

Mr. Eddy decided to have some fun with the Duck Dynasty beard app. —Red Sox Nation of 5th Graders with Beards (27 photos)

BIO NOTES FROM ITEM

Again, I was listed last. Just sayin, the alphabet has never been my friend.

Name: Stanley H. Wotring Jr.

Age: 51

Occupation: Retired on disability

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia Wesleyan College, minor in chemistry

Family: Married to Doreen, two children from a previous marriage, Trippy, a freshman at LVTI and Asiah, a freshman at Lynn English High School, and four stepchildren, George, Kristen, James and Courtney.

The greatest problem I see in education is apathy for learning both with the student and parent. We must instill excitement in the learning process. We must harness the new technology to engage the student and increase his achievement level. Innovations in communication can allow a more active participation from parents whereby they can realize their critical importance.

WHICH PLACE FOR SHELTER?

You know I been a thinking, someone said to me need to come to come up with a better security strategy than SHELTER-IN-PLACE,"we are sitting ducks".

That is true. No one would tell the fish, "Hey head on over to that barrel over there".

UNLESS.....

you were the fisherman.

I guess some people are worried about some ducks having arms instead of wings.

ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO TAKE A DIP IN THE CAR POOL?

I have an idea.  Let's take the money we pay for cars for these top administration people and re-purpose it for something that will have s little more direct impact on our kids. I honestly don't know exactly how many people get these leased perks but let's look at what I do know.

From way back when we had the battle over the need for an ADDITIONAL Deputy Superintendent, it was brought out that each Deputy in addition to the Superintendent gets a $4oo a month car lease, each Deputy gets one as well.

I don't claim to be good at math but by my figuring, those three alone account for $1200 a month, $14,000 a year/ That money could go for at least a token raise for substitute teachers or pay for a couple ESL classes of fund the Enrichment program at LVTI so the NEW LYNN COALITION doesn't have to subsidize those exorbitant tuition costs. \

I am sure we are contractually obligated to pay for these until their contracts run out but that behs the question, "Why were they included in the first place?"/

BAND OF BIG BROTHERS

I heard about this a while back but I've been too busy to look into it more. Overheard someone talking about how ISD might be using the SECURITY CAMERAS to spy on custodians. You know to make sure they are working. I am not confident that is true but as creepy as it sounds, I'm pretty sure it's legal.

In this day and age you better expect BIG BROTHER to be watching. Normally though, I would think this sibling would have their own network. When someone is paying your salary, I think sacrifice certain levels of privacy. You better keep your clothes on.

ALTHOUGH....

an argument might be made that since supposedly some ISD eyes were looking through security cameras meany to keep everyone safe. How come they have access to that network? I would have thought only trained, sworn peace officers would have  access to that network,

WHEN THE WATCH WASN'T WATCHING

http://lynnwikileaks.blogspot.com/2013/10/school-committee-candidate-entices.html

I apologize, I have been walking the streets, literally, so I never bothered to comment on this sketchy campaign practice. I really don't know if it's legal or illegal. It does leave a bad taste in my mouth.It's funny that the candidate was quoted in the ITEM bragging about beating me by 300 votes in the PRIMARY. Well at least I don't have to bribe any to carry my one sign. That is if you don't count treating myself to coffee at the office.

PICKERING PEOPLE TO SEE WHY CLASSICAL IS LEVEL 1

Lynn Classical would like to cordially invite Pickering 8th grade students and parents to our Night of Excellence on November 14th starting at 6 p.m. This is an event for parents and students to come tour the building and celebrate with us the excellent work and talents of our currents students, as well as, seeing what Classical has to offer you and your family. Starting at 6:00, come and tour displays and classrooms and meet students and teachers. At 7:00 join us in the auditorium for information about academics, extra-curricular activities, MCAS information (including our Level 1 status) and a variety of student performances. Come and celebrate with the Classical Family, we hope to see you there!

LET'S TALK

LynnHappens.com shared a link.

27 minutes ago near Lynn

http://lynnhappens.com/?p=9315

LPOBE Meeting at Marshall Discusses Communication, 10-23-13 | Lynn Happens

lynnhappens.com

FOLLOW MY SIGN

I am excited about tomorrow. I can hardly wait. It will be the OFFICIAL unveiling of my SIGN 3.0. First my son, A.K.A. SW3, drew the original masterpiece. Then my wife outlined the letters with a much wider black border so the words started to STAND OUT.

Now wife has now emboldened inside the lines with a bright orange marker. My sign has got POP!

You know what that means. My phone will soon be ringing with a call from the LYNN MUSEUM requesting my SIGN 3.0 as a historical artifact symbolizing how a successful political campaign can be waged where ideals can trump cash.

WHY IS THE WATCH WEAK NOW?

Let me tell you I apologize for my lack of attention to the WATCH lately. I am sorry I've been kind of tied up with this campaign thing. In some ways, I almost regret even running because it has meant I had to play nice. Well at least I have tried......sometimes.

Win, lose, or draw, my campaign will have made a difference though. The reaction from the threat of even the possibility of my election has helped to frame a newer collegiality (Reading all those religious books helped build my vocabulary).

Guess what? Word on the street and you know me and my sign, we been pounding it is that someody better get to worrying. I gots my eye on a better seat to watch the committee meetings.

Just in case I am just blowing smoke.and I actually lose, I have been working on an exit strategy to save face. You see I've decided that if for some strange reason I lose (Heaven forbid) it will be a sign that I am supposed to go back and finish my autobiography.

So you see, I can't lose

SPIN is the only FOUR letter word I plan to use.

PICKERING PROMOTES PROGRAM

Pickering Middle School has begun the First in Math program. This is an exciting interactive online learning tool that will help students their basic math skills and help guide them to mastery. We encourage all students to participate.
http://pickeringschool.org/