Darn, there goes another typo. Really I was talking about linear progression. Since this operation is run on a second-hand shoestring, I have to make do without a copy editor.
So many questions, I wonder who's got answers? First off, who was rumored to be in line for the controversial position of a new Deputy Superintendent's position? No doubt, a mother can't be responsible for the actions of her adult son. BUT I wonder when her son's addiction problems started? Did who he was related to have any bearing on his hiring? What do you think? The fact that he was hired calls into question the wisdom and competence of those doing the hiring.
He has not been working at Ford very long. He was placed there as part of the cavalry to restore some semblance of order when "Coach K" was fired by the administration. This story was well documented by some of my previous blog entries.
If he was battling a drug addiction, not only why was he hired but was this position the "right fit" for him? Working in a "behavior class" is very stressful. Heck with him, what about the kids? They would not be in that class if they did not have difficulties of their own, but they have a RIGHT to a public education. The only "class" they need to be concerned with is where they get their education, not learning the different "classes" of narcotics.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Not Our Concern? Are You Serious? Drugs In Our Schools?
Okay, the Item wins on this story sort of. This "teacher's aide" was right next to me in the library. This incident happened why I was off doing court stuff. I had heard a lot of things but I was waiting for a few things to develop before I went with. I was playing "journalistic chicken" and I lost, so I am forced to turn a poet's eye on a already reported story. Reported but not developed but not developed.
Don't you wonder how Patti "Gotta Go" Capano and "GQ" Spirito are throwing the "personnel matter" blanket over this incident to smother it? I mean someone working for the school department taking drugs drugs while they're are working is everybody's concern. What do you say parents?
Lynn teacher's aide arrested on drug charges
Don't you wonder how Patti "Gotta Go" Capano and "GQ" Spirito are throwing the "personnel matter" blanket over this incident to smother it? I mean someone working for the school department taking drugs drugs while they're are working is everybody's concern. What do you say parents?
Lynn teacher's aide arrested on drug charges
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Who's Responsible For Our Schools?
School Committee members aren't the only people you should scrutinize before you cast your ballots for the candidates who will fight for the best education possible for our kids. Since around half the city budget goes for education, our city councilmen have a direct influence on Lynn's educational dollar.
When you factor in the added cost for policing vandalism, drugs, gangs, and other related malfeasance that result from the failures of our educational system, that percentage grows. Behavior has to be learned. It is up to us to decide what is taught.
If we hope to teach our kids that they are responsible for their actions then we must show them that we are responsible for ours. We must hold the value of education high and hold all of our elected officials to that value.
Everyone and everything matters. That is why we need not give the candidates for city council a "homework pass" when it comes to our children's education. We need to check their answers for Lynn's education. We can't afford anymore remedial learning.
When you factor in the added cost for policing vandalism, drugs, gangs, and other related malfeasance that result from the failures of our educational system, that percentage grows. Behavior has to be learned. It is up to us to decide what is taught.
If we hope to teach our kids that they are responsible for their actions then we must show them that we are responsible for ours. We must hold the value of education high and hold all of our elected officials to that value.
Everyone and everything matters. That is why we need not give the candidates for city council a "homework pass" when it comes to our children's education. We need to check their answers for Lynn's education. We can't afford anymore remedial learning.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What About STARs in Our Galaxy?
Program offers chance to become a STAR
I was at the LSC meeting when a presentation was given for this program, I believe a day or two around the time it was offered to Swampscott. The LSC were polite to the officer but I don't know of any action that was taken. Maybe there was something at Classical. If so why aren't our kids getting the publicity, if not then why didn't we jump at the chance for this program.
I was at the LSC meeting when a presentation was given for this program, I believe a day or two around the time it was offered to Swampscott. The LSC were polite to the officer but I don't know of any action that was taken. Maybe there was something at Classical. If so why aren't our kids getting the publicity, if not then why didn't we jump at the chance for this program.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Eating The Evidence
It was "teacher appreciation week" this week at Ford. Seeing as the library is right next to the teacher's lounge I got to sample a few of the more edible tokens of appreciation. I'm getting good at showing up at parties and places I don't really belong!
Rats, Monkeys, And Business As Usual
Now some people think I tend to be a little less than objective. I've heard that I favor certain LSC members. I don't know whatever filled your head with such delusions. Take LSC ember Donna Coppola for example, now Ive known Donna for over 12 years. We even worked together, but during the "Great Rat Controversy" we were on different sides of the "fence". I strongly contended that gardens do not attract rats.
That was however when it was a "six foot" fence. Now after somewhat clandestine meetings between Buildings and Grounds subcommittee chairman JOHN FORD. LPD Officer Ferrari,and some school administration officials that a "four foot" would be sufficient if no better.
Because when the "agreement" for fence was publically reached it was to be six feet but when FORD and his posse met, they unilaterally decided the shorter fence would be sufficient. In fact it would be better due to camera angles and fields covered. The addition of 4 cameras gave even better coverage.
Do these changes actually provide for better solutions. Probably, but that's not the point. MAYOR KENNEDY, JOHN FORD, AND THE REST OF THE LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE gave their word on a garden "retrofit" to appease the abutters led by MRS. PULEO.
A six ft. fence is not going to keep the rats out any better than a four ft. fence. You won't find many vermin trying to scale the fence. They will just go under it. The added four cameras will make it easier to identify the guilty rats but it is the "monkey business" of not honoring publicly negotiated agreements that makes me wonder if a violation of some law has occurred. Was a "crime" committed? The police WERE involved. I forgot, they don't like getting into CIVIL matters. Don't I know it, remember four wives?
That was however when it was a "six foot" fence. Now after somewhat clandestine meetings between Buildings and Grounds subcommittee chairman JOHN FORD. LPD Officer Ferrari,and some school administration officials that a "four foot" would be sufficient if no better.
Because when the "agreement" for fence was publically reached it was to be six feet but when FORD and his posse met, they unilaterally decided the shorter fence would be sufficient. In fact it would be better due to camera angles and fields covered. The addition of 4 cameras gave even better coverage.
Do these changes actually provide for better solutions. Probably, but that's not the point. MAYOR KENNEDY, JOHN FORD, AND THE REST OF THE LYNN SCHOOL COMMITTEE gave their word on a garden "retrofit" to appease the abutters led by MRS. PULEO.
A six ft. fence is not going to keep the rats out any better than a four ft. fence. You won't find many vermin trying to scale the fence. They will just go under it. The added four cameras will make it easier to identify the guilty rats but it is the "monkey business" of not honoring publicly negotiated agreements that makes me wonder if a violation of some law has occurred. Was a "crime" committed? The police WERE involved. I forgot, they don't like getting into CIVIL matters. Don't I know it, remember four wives?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Politics And Poetry
It amazes me how many new friends I have been getting. "Lynn, Lynn, City Of Friends". I know they all share my literary passions. I mean last Sunday Councilman Rich Collucci's dog gave up his seat in the truck so that Rich could give me a ride home. Councillor-At-Large candidate Clay Walsh has sent me two comp tickets for his fundraiser at May 11 from 6 -8 pm at the Turbine Wine Bar. Seems there is a sudden interest in poetry. Tis the season.
For Whom The Bell Tolls
NO THIS IS NOT ANOTHER LIBRARY PLEA!
I have to give it to the ITEM they are keeping time with education in Lynn. Learning is not all about reciting numbers and preparing for the MCAS. Recognizing all of the hard work accomplished makes for a better student all around!
Lynn students provide symphony of sound
I have to give it to the ITEM they are keeping time with education in Lynn. Learning is not all about reciting numbers and preparing for the MCAS. Recognizing all of the hard work accomplished makes for a better student all around!
Lynn students provide symphony of sound
Ford's Garden of Verse
To prove to all of you Stanley HATERS out there that I am a legitimate if poor poet, I invite you to tour the "International Garden" at Ford School. Among the vegetables you will find a plaque with one of my original if not classic poems painted on. If you need help finding it, DAVID GASS is there a lot talking about obesity, voting, and other such social issues. Anny other Highland's Coalition member there can fill you in. In the interest of full disclosure, I must inform you that I am Secretary of HICO. I really don't know why I am, I guess I just have "nice" legs.
Thank You Lynn School Committee!
I have a medical appointment in Boston late this afternoon and I just found out that tonight's scheduled meeting of the LSC had been cancelled yesterday. Phew! I don't remember telling anyone that I had this appointment coming up but you know those school people are smart people, doctors and lawyers and such. I wondered why the agenda hadn't been posted like it's supposed to in order to comply with the "Open Meeting" law. Our school people are not ever law breakers!
I feel special even if I am not very pretty. To think all the important educational business came to a halt just because I couldn't go to the meeting. I hear JOHN FORD couldn't have made the meeting either, but they wouldn't have cancelled the meeting for him because even with his absence they would have had a quorum. Business could have went on as usual. Maybe not. Judging from the way the voting went last week, maybe his vote was needed for MONKEY BUSINESS. Still, I would rather think it was cancelled for me. CAN'T A POET GET A LITTLE RESPECT?
I feel special even if I am not very pretty. To think all the important educational business came to a halt just because I couldn't go to the meeting. I hear JOHN FORD couldn't have made the meeting either, but they wouldn't have cancelled the meeting for him because even with his absence they would have had a quorum. Business could have went on as usual. Maybe not. Judging from the way the voting went last week, maybe his vote was needed for MONKEY BUSINESS. Still, I would rather think it was cancelled for me. CAN'T A POET GET A LITTLE RESPECT?
Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Do Their Share!
The Lynn Public School Band will be having a car wash to raise funds. Saturday, May 7th from 9 am until 2 pm at 581 Boston Street, LPS Band students will be putting some elbow grease in action! They'll be music in the air and soap bubbles on your car!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
No Altered States
Ab avid "Watch" follower asked for and got from Dr. Latham a transcript of a State Of The Schools speech given at a school committee meeting earlier this year. I was at that meeting and the information was given in he superintendent's report. I remember it was a long meeting and attorney Mihos almost falling asleep.
The written transcript was not readily available then. When a concerned citizen asked Dr. Latham after last Sunday's State Of The City address why Mayor Kennedy did not mention more about the schools. A valid question. To her credit Dr. Latham then provided this person with a written transcript of her earlier remarks. That person then forwarded it to me and several other people. I have not had time yet to pour through the speech. I will.
It has been my contention and I have made it known during "open mike" at the LSC meeting that all such documents and communications should be put on-line. That way, pesky bloggers like the one "GQ" Spirito and Madame Mayor refereed to can't accuse them of hiding anything.
The written transcript was not readily available then. When a concerned citizen asked Dr. Latham after last Sunday's State Of The City address why Mayor Kennedy did not mention more about the schools. A valid question. To her credit Dr. Latham then provided this person with a written transcript of her earlier remarks. That person then forwarded it to me and several other people. I have not had time yet to pour through the speech. I will.
It has been my contention and I have made it known during "open mike" at the LSC meeting that all such documents and communications should be put on-line. That way, pesky bloggers like the one "GQ" Spirito and Madame Mayor refereed to can't accuse them of hiding anything.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Went To PAC And Stayed For The Show
Thank You Lynn Public Schools, I can't make this stuff up. Don't you think it's funny in a sad sort of way, that why a presentation was put on by CSA, whose services are only available to people on mass health, we had around $400,00 in annual salary sitting at the head table where Queen Cathie was holding court. I'm not including the PARENT LIAISON making who know's what for how long.
Don't forget the PARENT LIAISON sat with the SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. What was her JOB TITLE again?
Don't forget the PARENT LIAISON sat with the SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. What was her JOB TITLE again?
Where Was That Marriage Made Again?
My Internet was down this morning, this paranoid poet was having delusions of persecution emanating from all of these conspiracy theories bouncing around in this battered brain I got. Strangers are suddenly friendly to me and then there are those "old friends" that have suddenly turned a cold shoulder. Being a poet is a risky business.
I was late for the start of the PAC meeting because my BFF and I stopped by The Old Tyme Restaurant for Pickering PTO's fundraiser. I gotta support my peeps. Well we waited almost an hour for our food so we ended up getting it to go so we wouldn't miss any more of the meeting. I forgot my red power notebook on the table but the waitress ran it out to our car before we left. It pays to tip well.
When we get there, none other than DR LATHAM was there. With someone of that stature there it was almost like the "royal wedding". As it turns out Dr. Latham was there to bestow the title of "Parent Liaison" on Francis Martinez, formerly of "La Vida".
As it turns out Ms. Martinez has NO children in Special Needs and somebody help me out here, "What is her educational background? I missed that part of the meeting. Did they say why she left "La Vida"? I was at a recent school committee meeting where her former group put on a crackerjack presentation. I thought the school department gave them a 100K for there program. Did all the Spanish population suddenly move out of Lynn and no longer need whatever services "La Vida" provides?
Somebody out there must know how this woman was so much more qualified than me that I didn't even deserve acknowledgement of my interest. I am sure these mystery qualifications must exist because everybody knows how fair and above board the school department has been run.
I was a little bit concerned last night at the PAC though when Ms. Martinez sat a table with Her Highness Dr. Latham and her court, aristocrats Jessica and Lydia and did not mingle with us other commoners, otherwise known as PARENTS. What's her job title again?
I was late for the start of the PAC meeting because my BFF and I stopped by The Old Tyme Restaurant for Pickering PTO's fundraiser. I gotta support my peeps. Well we waited almost an hour for our food so we ended up getting it to go so we wouldn't miss any more of the meeting. I forgot my red power notebook on the table but the waitress ran it out to our car before we left. It pays to tip well.
When we get there, none other than DR LATHAM was there. With someone of that stature there it was almost like the "royal wedding". As it turns out Dr. Latham was there to bestow the title of "Parent Liaison" on Francis Martinez, formerly of "La Vida".
As it turns out Ms. Martinez has NO children in Special Needs and somebody help me out here, "What is her educational background? I missed that part of the meeting. Did they say why she left "La Vida"? I was at a recent school committee meeting where her former group put on a crackerjack presentation. I thought the school department gave them a 100K for there program. Did all the Spanish population suddenly move out of Lynn and no longer need whatever services "La Vida" provides?
Somebody out there must know how this woman was so much more qualified than me that I didn't even deserve acknowledgement of my interest. I am sure these mystery qualifications must exist because everybody knows how fair and above board the school department has been run.
I was a little bit concerned last night at the PAC though when Ms. Martinez sat a table with Her Highness Dr. Latham and her court, aristocrats Jessica and Lydia and did not mingle with us other commoners, otherwise known as PARENTS. What's her job title again?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Maybe We Should Do Lunch!
‘Let’s all work together,’ says Kennedy in Lynn address
It just proves you never know when you're going to learn something. Here I was sitting in the front row yesterday, all dressed in black and the mayor starts off her speech pointing in my direction. I didn't suppose she was directing those remarks at me. I do have brain damage and it makes me walk a little funny, talk a little funny, and even lead to a mistaken arrest once for public intoxication. The damage has caused me some intellectual deficits and that is why I am not as smart as the mayor. The damage does not however cause me to suffer from delusions of grandeur so I did not think the mayor was talking to me.
So I was shocked after the speech when the mayor came up to shake my hand and told me she hoped that I did not take offense at her singling me out. I didn't, in fact I am kind of honored. I'm just surprised she thinks of me as her enemy. I mean I shaved and got a hair cut, the greatest degree of respect this poor humble poet can show (I learned all of this from my fashion idol "GQ" Spirito).
Standing by my seat I learned something else. In her speech the mayor talked about the delay in building a new middle school to replace Marshall was due to the fact that Lynn had closed three schools, Ford Annex, Fallon, and Facteau- Leary, all of whom had previously receive MSBA funds. I overheard Dr. Latham tell someone our most honorable mayor was wrong, that only Fallon had received MSBA monies and that the real problem was about the money pit that has become the NEW CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL.
Do you think somebody could get them to exchange phone numbers?
It just proves you never know when you're going to learn something. Here I was sitting in the front row yesterday, all dressed in black and the mayor starts off her speech pointing in my direction. I didn't suppose she was directing those remarks at me. I do have brain damage and it makes me walk a little funny, talk a little funny, and even lead to a mistaken arrest once for public intoxication. The damage has caused me some intellectual deficits and that is why I am not as smart as the mayor. The damage does not however cause me to suffer from delusions of grandeur so I did not think the mayor was talking to me.
So I was shocked after the speech when the mayor came up to shake my hand and told me she hoped that I did not take offense at her singling me out. I didn't, in fact I am kind of honored. I'm just surprised she thinks of me as her enemy. I mean I shaved and got a hair cut, the greatest degree of respect this poor humble poet can show (I learned all of this from my fashion idol "GQ" Spirito).
Standing by my seat I learned something else. In her speech the mayor talked about the delay in building a new middle school to replace Marshall was due to the fact that Lynn had closed three schools, Ford Annex, Fallon, and Facteau- Leary, all of whom had previously receive MSBA funds. I overheard Dr. Latham tell someone our most honorable mayor was wrong, that only Fallon had received MSBA monies and that the real problem was about the money pit that has become the NEW CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL.
Do you think somebody could get them to exchange phone numbers?
Arresting Development
Safety first! How often have we heard that wise advice. At yesterday's gala, the mayor announced that 10 new police officers would be hired. Security conscious "GQ" Spirito will be happy to learn 4 of them will be assined to some of the schools. With a little scheduling magic they will cover all the high and middle schools. With Officer Ferrari stationed in the "bunker at Facteau-Leary our children's safety is assured. Looks good. Fashion diva, "GQ" is always interested in looks.
What doesn't look so good is the effect this may have on the school's wallet. Where is the money coming froom to pay these valiant officers? Is he school footing the bill for their wages? Or is the city payig the freight? I mean, after all the school department did use some of their ARRA grant money to update the city's computer system. Anyway getting these officers is a good thing, from wherever they came. I just hope we learn how we can now afford them. Out in the open and above board.
What doesn't look so good is the effect this may have on the school's wallet. Where is the money coming froom to pay these valiant officers? Is he school footing the bill for their wages? Or is the city payig the freight? I mean, after all the school department did use some of their ARRA grant money to update the city's computer system. Anyway getting these officers is a good thing, from wherever they came. I just hope we learn how we can now afford them. Out in the open and above board.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Ball's In My Court
Boy I am filled with anticipation and awe. Tomorrow night PAC meeting there is supposed to be the debut of the newly hired PARENT LIAISON. This person is so qualified that not only did I not get an interview for the job, my interest in the position wasn't even ACKNOWLEDGED.
I can't wait to meet this person because those people down at the school department are educated people and have a crack lawyer in attorney Mihos, who wouldn't have let them put themselves in a position where they would open themselves up to a DISCRIMINATION lawsuit. Can you spell ADA?
I can't wait to meet this person because those people down at the school department are educated people and have a crack lawyer in attorney Mihos, who wouldn't have let them put themselves in a position where they would open themselves up to a DISCRIMINATION lawsuit. Can you spell ADA?
It's Dangerous Out There!
Haven't these people heard that poets are an endangered species? First it was Vinnie "GQ" Spirito of LSC taking pot shots at me at Thursday night's LSC meeting and then today at the mayor's "State of the City" she starts the speech by opening up on me and our FRIENDLY disagreements.
Now I remind you mayor is a smart lady, smarter than me, but I can't say she is a better dresser than "GQ" Spirito. He is one sharp dressed man.The point of her verbal lance was how open she was to jousting over issues.
So after listening to her informative monologue, she opened up the forum for questions. Knowing that I am no match for her wits, I was still a little curious about something. Earlier in her speech she had touted the facts that both the city's and school department's budget had been put on line AFTER the budgets had been passed making commenting on it practically irrelevant at least going forward. So after she bragged about putting up the city's budget on-line this year in time to allow or public comment.
Being an inquisitive person I asked why since the school department accounts for about half of the city's budget perhaps maybe we should have the school department's budget on-line before passage. Right after some initial stumbling, the mayor kind of thought it was a good idea but then started laying out these complications like the "school committee would have to approve it and agreeing it was a good idea put the responsibility on THEM.Spoken like a true politician. I TOLD YOU SHE WAS A SMART LADY.
Now I remind you mayor is a smart lady, smarter than me, but I can't say she is a better dresser than "GQ" Spirito. He is one sharp dressed man.The point of her verbal lance was how open she was to jousting over issues.
So after listening to her informative monologue, she opened up the forum for questions. Knowing that I am no match for her wits, I was still a little curious about something. Earlier in her speech she had touted the facts that both the city's and school department's budget had been put on line AFTER the budgets had been passed making commenting on it practically irrelevant at least going forward. So after she bragged about putting up the city's budget on-line this year in time to allow or public comment.
Being an inquisitive person I asked why since the school department accounts for about half of the city's budget perhaps maybe we should have the school department's budget on-line before passage. Right after some initial stumbling, the mayor kind of thought it was a good idea but then started laying out these complications like the "school committee would have to approve it and agreeing it was a good idea put the responsibility on THEM.Spoken like a true politician. I TOLD YOU SHE WAS A SMART LADY.
Mayor's Talk For Hunger!
Why would the "Watch" be interested to go and see Mayor Kennedy's "State Of The City" address today? Well I guess since half the city's budget goes to the school department and the mayor chairs the school committee so it just makes sense that I'm there. I know that somebody might ask me about my poetry.
I'm curious to see if the mayor is able to make any decision. Oh wait she won't have to here, it's just a speech. Oh well, there is supposed to be food there. I am hungry for answers but I guess I'll settle for appetizers.
I'm curious to see if the mayor is able to make any decision. Oh wait she won't have to here, it's just a speech. Oh well, there is supposed to be food there. I am hungry for answers but I guess I'll settle for appetizers.
Good Eats For A Good Cause
Too many obligations, too little time. Tomorrow is a fundraiser for my son's school's (Pickering) PTO at the Old Tyme Italian Restaurant. I got a PAC meeting I should go to but I'll tell you why in another post.
The event runs from 4 pm to 8 pm. Pick up some pasta for me.
The event runs from 4 pm to 8 pm. Pick up some pasta for me.
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