Went to the PAC meeting tonight with my BFF and joined up with three other parents and the new PARENT LIAISON, our meeting room was occupied but it seems like we didn't have enough people anyway. We could not even find the CHAIRMAN DAVE ELLIS.
My BFF made phone calls that went unanswered and because of David's dependability we were asking around if anybody had a police scanner to check on recent car accidents. Finally Melissa gets a call from David's house. He had been on the the side of the building with Lydia Muggeo and a few other people who were wondering where we were.
The confusion did not stop there or maybe I should say began there. It seems that some at the SPED department said they forgot to make the reminder calls that go out to the parents of SPED students. It wasn't like this was n important meeting anything, only NOMINATIONS were going to be held. I am sure LPS sincerely WANTS the parents to be involved. Look they left the PARENT LIAISON position VACANT for TWO years until they could find the right person for the job.
Anyway my BFF wants the new PARENT LIAISON to have the responsibility for making these reminder calls. That way we would know who to hold responsible. I added that she could do them in two languages. After all that was a skill that she possesses that made it unnecessary to even give me the courtesy of a "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You" letter. STOP IT, I AM NOT BITTER.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tonight's PAC Forcast
I have a hard time keeping all of these meetings straight with all of these cancellations. SO I asked my BFF who is big into PAC if there was a meeting tonight. She said she thought so but as of yesterday morning she hadn't got a reminder phone call put out by the SCHOOL DEPARTMENT. Hmmm!
Well if my son's baseball game gets rained out I am going to be begging her for a ride to 10 Church St. at around 7 pm tonight. I guess since I wasn't good enough to be considered for the PARENT LIAISON position, I better be just a parent.
Well if my son's baseball game gets rained out I am going to be begging her for a ride to 10 Church St. at around 7 pm tonight. I guess since I wasn't good enough to be considered for the PARENT LIAISON position, I better be just a parent.
A New BREED?
Breed students working on Holocaust memorial project
Our students are so great! It's only by recognizing past mistakes, we can avoid repeating them. LEARNING is about making mistakes and then always trying not repeating them. Such a project as BREED has undertaken shows both a desire to learn and social responsibility. Good for them, good for us.
Our students are so great! It's only by recognizing past mistakes, we can avoid repeating them. LEARNING is about making mistakes and then always trying not repeating them. Such a project as BREED has undertaken shows both a desire to learn and social responsibility. Good for them, good for us.
Lynn Classical scholarship fundraiser Saturday
Lynn Classical scholarship fundraiser Saturday
I'm always up for eating. The ITEM article tells the truth, the cost of a college education is hard to digest. So here is a way to help avoid stomach problems, a little proactive eating. You may not be able to avoid all of the ills of paying for higher education, but maybe ome people will get a few less ulcers.
I'm always up for eating. The ITEM article tells the truth, the cost of a college education is hard to digest. So here is a way to help avoid stomach problems, a little proactive eating. You may not be able to avoid all of the ills of paying for higher education, but maybe ome people will get a few less ulcers.
Lynn Students Take The Lead
Lynn teens add voice to community discussion - The Boston Globe
This a very positive story about the potential of our students. Kudos to Diana Kerry and North Shore Community College for initiating this program. I believe the WATCH broke this story MONTHS ago. I admit the GLOBE developed this story a lot better and I got earlier because I had a "mole" in the program, MY DAUGHTER.
This a very positive story about the potential of our students. Kudos to Diana Kerry and North Shore Community College for initiating this program. I believe the WATCH broke this story MONTHS ago. I admit the GLOBE developed this story a lot better and I got earlier because I had a "mole" in the program, MY DAUGHTER.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Same Old Songs
Has any one else out there noticed the similarities between the Lynn School Department and the Eagle's Joe Walsh's (probably not a relation to Clay) lyrical efforts? There is his solo effort, "Life's Been Good". This could be an anthem for those six-figure administrators down at Commercial St.
Then I believe he had on the Eagles song, "Pretty Maids All In A Rowe" (darn those typos) from the "Hotel California" album. Music is important in education.
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" Let's hear those triple guitars!
Then I believe he had on the Eagles song, "Pretty Maids All In A Rowe" (darn those typos) from the "Hotel California" album. Music is important in education.
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" Let's hear those triple guitars!
"MUD" Wrestling The Issues (sorry, that is a catchy title)
An interesting thing happened last Wed. night at Clay Walsh's fund raiser, aside from his getting my name wrong (I could retaliate by turning "Clay" into "Mud" -Am I that mean?- but not only did I get a "FREE" invitation, but also he made some key school issues talking points in his campaign platform and for that I won't sick the dogs on him. And let me tell you I made a pretty good friend with Rich Colucci's dog when he gave me a ride home from the mayor's state of the city address. His dog gave up his seat for me. How many of you would do the same?
I am not writing this post to dig up any "DIRT" on anybody (sorry Clay I couldn't resist), I want to give Clay props for recognizing education's importance and recognizing CITY Council's responsibility in seeing that CITY COUNCIL has a part in carrying out any educational plans. After all as I have repeated over and over, half of the city's budget gets shipped down to Commercial St. It blows my mind that the Councillors are content to trust the mayor as chairperson of the LSC with such a huge blank check. All they have to do is ask and I'll save them a seat in the audience at the next LSC meeting.
For all of you fellow parents out there, please call your Councilmen and ask, "Why aren't you all up in the LSC's Kool-Aid?". Our kid's education is all our business.
I am not writing this post to dig up any "DIRT" on anybody (sorry Clay I couldn't resist), I want to give Clay props for recognizing education's importance and recognizing CITY Council's responsibility in seeing that CITY COUNCIL has a part in carrying out any educational plans. After all as I have repeated over and over, half of the city's budget gets shipped down to Commercial St. It blows my mind that the Councillors are content to trust the mayor as chairperson of the LSC with such a huge blank check. All they have to do is ask and I'll save them a seat in the audience at the next LSC meeting.
For all of you fellow parents out there, please call your Councilmen and ask, "Why aren't you all up in the LSC's Kool-Aid?". Our kid's education is all our business.
My Summer Reading List
I've decided to forgo my usual list of Plato, Aristotle. Machiavelli and other classic writers (those guys write some real page turners, I can't wait for the movie version of those texts to come out on DVD) so that I can devote my time boning up on next year's SCHOOL BUDGET. Maybe I can discover how that 8 million dollars was spent in grants we got from RACE TO THE TOP and whatever that Governor Patrick sent our way. I am not speculating any of it was misappropriated, I just don't want to have to read between the lines.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Hearing All That Is Said
It's no wonder I hear things. Have you seen the size of my ears? In my younger days when I worked at a behavioral treatment facility back in WV, I could hear a kid whisper a curse word across a noisy classroom. Those big things are not just good for holding my hat up.
Hearing is not just about listening to sounds though, it's also about perceiving what's being said or trying to be communicated. Words come with their own baggage and how they are delivered can be a message all its own. Everything maters.
Hearing is not just about listening to sounds though, it's also about perceiving what's being said or trying to be communicated. Words come with their own baggage and how they are delivered can be a message all its own. Everything maters.
What Will I Do With Time On My Hands?
Summer breezes make me feel fine. With the school year winding down, my services won't be needed as much in the library(To be honest I haven't spent as much time there lately, court, sickness, and all.). With my volunteer obligations waning, I will be able to devote more time to poetry and OTHER THINGS.
There is a little thing called the SCHOOL BUDGET and upcoming ELECTIONS that the WATCH might be interested in. It takes time to concentrate on issues and line items. I'd kind of like to spend a little time studying fashion. My cane is so last year as an acceptable accessory. Any suggestions on any fashion icons I can look up to?
There is a little thing called the SCHOOL BUDGET and upcoming ELECTIONS that the WATCH might be interested in. It takes time to concentrate on issues and line items. I'd kind of like to spend a little time studying fashion. My cane is so last year as an acceptable accessory. Any suggestions on any fashion icons I can look up to?
Who Is It All For?
Yesterday when I was walking on the sidewalk in front of my house, a young boy ran up to me to say "Hi!". He enthusiastically told me that he was the one that came up with the name for the school paper and that he couldn't wait until next Wednesday for our next meeting. That's what we need, excitement in education. When you can instill a love of learning with the students, you don't need the millions of dollars in grant monies we received AFTER the budget was approved last year or any new administrators who's salaries will be covered with mystery funds. You don't even have to dress nice.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Have They Seen The Light?
Lynn Showing its Colors, again
In the entire state of Massachusetts there are 1700 public school buildings. A recent study conducted by the state of all those buildings found 23 in the dead on arrival category.Two of those are located in the area – that is – in Lynn and in, of all places, Marblehead.
Here, the Thurgood Marshall Middle School, built in 1923, serves almost 900 students. It is the rough equivalent of a slum in need of heating and electricity and science labs. It has no science labs and has no public address system.
Why, we would ask, have no efforts been made to approach the General Electric Company to provide two or three science labs for this school?
Why have local businessmen who care not been approached about donating a public address system and why haven’t local tradesmen been asked for their efforts to correct whatever is wrong with the heating system and electricity?
Why no outreach? Why only excuses, excuses, excuses?
In Marblehead, those people ought to know better. They are so rich but so cheap.
Here, in Lynn the city should hang its head in shame for doing so little to make life better in that school.
How is it that everyone around here in a position of responsibility, paid so well, pensioned so nicely and taken care of in every way, is able to throw his hands into the air and say nothing can be done?
It is sad but it is more pathetic and helpless than sad.
Can you imagine having your kid in such a school?
Turning A Negative Into A Positive Back Into A Negative
Schools group pleased with Classical upgrades
I hate to put a less than positive spin on this story, I mean everybody knows how supportive I am of the current administration. But I couldn't let this story pass without making a couple of observations. It seems to me the gist of this story is that we re getting good at failing and failing is what we need to get better. THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU HARRINGTON AND CONNERY!
"We can do better if you hold our feet to the fire"
It shouldn't have to come to this. In order to change the perception of our image, we should be filling the media with positive stories without a negative backdrop. Don't blame the Item, they are out to sell papers. They got a hard enough time with snotty, upstart bloggers vying for their share of the media market. NO, blame the LPS. It is their responsibility to spread the good news. They probably should have placed a PARENT with a SPECIAL NEEDS child in the PARENT LIAISON position who could have written those stories and at the same time gotten a troublesome BLOG off the market. Oh well!
I hate to put a less than positive spin on this story, I mean everybody knows how supportive I am of the current administration. But I couldn't let this story pass without making a couple of observations. It seems to me the gist of this story is that we re getting good at failing and failing is what we need to get better. THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU HARRINGTON AND CONNERY!
"We can do better if you hold our feet to the fire"
It shouldn't have to come to this. In order to change the perception of our image, we should be filling the media with positive stories without a negative backdrop. Don't blame the Item, they are out to sell papers. They got a hard enough time with snotty, upstart bloggers vying for their share of the media market. NO, blame the LPS. It is their responsibility to spread the good news. They probably should have placed a PARENT with a SPECIAL NEEDS child in the PARENT LIAISON position who could have written those stories and at the same time gotten a troublesome BLOG off the market. Oh well!
Computers For A Cause!
hclynn.org
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I'm Back!
Whew! I'm back after Blogger went down since yesterday evening. My poet's imagination combined with a little garden variety paranoia led to a gushing of conspiracy theories, overloading my poor, little damaged brain. Well I'm back now, not to be silenced by those a little uncomfortable with my perceptions. The reason for the discomfort astounds me, I'm just an undereducated poet who writes with a pen and walks with a cane.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
And Your Name Is....?
Are my party crashing days over? I got respect. I got invitations to Clay Walsh's fundraiser tonight. I guess he is interested in what goes on in our schools. Clay is running for councilor-at-large and since half the city's budget is taken up by their contribution for the school's budget so it is both wise and prudent.
I just hope he is better with the city's budget than he is with names. Oh well, he can call me Sally if he works on improving education in our city. A few current councilmen, the mayor, and other dignitaries shook my hand and complimented me on my NUMBERS. Everybody knows the WATCH.
Maybe now, I'll start getting invites, Shucks, the pizza tastes better if you're supposed to be there. I had to leave before they finished announcing all the politicians and dignitaries. I'm sure I was mentioned, it just might have been under an assumed name, Really it's alright not getting my name correct, it will be easier for me when I have to go into the "witness protection" program for sarcastic bloggers.
I just hope he is better with the city's budget than he is with names. Oh well, he can call me Sally if he works on improving education in our city. A few current councilmen, the mayor, and other dignitaries shook my hand and complimented me on my NUMBERS. Everybody knows the WATCH.
Maybe now, I'll start getting invites, Shucks, the pizza tastes better if you're supposed to be there. I had to leave before they finished announcing all the politicians and dignitaries. I'm sure I was mentioned, it just might have been under an assumed name, Really it's alright not getting my name correct, it will be easier for me when I have to go into the "witness protection" program for sarcastic bloggers.
Looking For Juliet
Lynn Classical teachers to hit the dance floor
On a night after ROMEO gets the boot from "Dancing with the Stars" Lynn Classical teacher Estelle Dill struts her stuff to benefit Classical's Koolie High Swag Team (gotta love that name). It's great to see teachers trying to keep in step with their students. All of the details about this innovative fundraiser are in the article so I encourage everyone to show their support and see the show!
On a night after ROMEO gets the boot from "Dancing with the Stars" Lynn Classical teacher Estelle Dill struts her stuff to benefit Classical's Koolie High Swag Team (gotta love that name). It's great to see teachers trying to keep in step with their students. All of the details about this innovative fundraiser are in the article so I encourage everyone to show their support and see the show!
Volume II
I am excited. Today we are having our initial meeting of the year of the newspaper club at Ford. I helped start it last year and we even got some real newspaper coverage thanks to the Item. Everybody loves to see their name in print except for sometimes when I'm writing about them. This experience helps teach kids to appreciate the power of the pen and how to focus their ideas early. Besides it gives me an excuse to see other parts of the school and not be surrounded by books.
Confidential, Public?
These are ironic times. With only one student in all of the middle and high schools being found to be in possession of drugs after a surprise sweep there was never much talk about classes but when the teacher's aide in the behavior class at Ford was ARRESTED on his lunch break, there was talk of a couple of different letters of the alphabet.
Now after looking at my morning dose of Facebook I see where the CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY who was shut down or silenced when she tried to come before the LSC by "Gotta Go" Capano for trying to discuss personnel matters is contemplating a run for school committee herself. Bravo! It does my poet's heart good to imagine the possibility of seeing some poetic justice being brought to bear.
Remember "Gotta Go" Capano tried to use the personnel blanket to explain the keeping of secrets about our school system exposing our kids to alleged drug users.
Now after looking at my morning dose of Facebook I see where the CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY who was shut down or silenced when she tried to come before the LSC by "Gotta Go" Capano for trying to discuss personnel matters is contemplating a run for school committee herself. Bravo! It does my poet's heart good to imagine the possibility of seeing some poetic justice being brought to bear.
Remember "Gotta Go" Capano tried to use the personnel blanket to explain the keeping of secrets about our school system exposing our kids to alleged drug users.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Take Your Cues From "GQ"
Don't you think it's kind of ironic that "GQ" Spirito lamented the difficulties of teaching kids of parents with drug problems and now he takes a position protecting the secrecy around the employment of a paraprofessional "charged" (excuse the pun) with the education of those kids. Hey "GQ", what goes with prison stripes? Would you recommend going with a monogrammed orange jumpsuit? Your fashion advice is sorely needed. We have to be concerned how LPS is represented.
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