WRAP-AROUND UNWRAPS

A letter was sent home to CLASSICAL HIGH students outlining 3 75 minute programs throughout the year which I believe are in a lecture format, According to the letter, translation support and child care will be available/ These meetings are supposed to be in addition to the standard OPEN HOUSE meetings.

This PILOT PROGRAM stems from an attempt to implement COLORADO'S model of the WRAP-AROUND program that originated in ARIZONA. When this was first discussed and presented by DR. WU at a LSC meeting last year, I believe the THREE meetings were supposed to replace the TRADITIONAL OPEN HOUSE.

The cost for this program is VERY HIGH but is being paid for through the RACE TO THE TOP MONEY and unless the grant is renewed, LPS will have to come up with the money to pat for it in the future.

HERE IS THE LETTER:

APTT.pdf

View online

Download as zip

HOLDING THE ITEM ACCOUNTABLE

Dear Editor,

I find it hard to believe any attempt was made to contact me for any comments as suggested in today's article..There are multiple ways to get in touch with me. I am all over Facebook and the Internet, I have contacted you by e mail numerous times. My contact information is also available at CITY HALL.

In effect I believe this snub was a conscious decision to continue to IGNORE my candidacy. Surely you can provide records to back up your attempts.

Sincerely, 

Stanley H. Wotring, Jr.

IGNORED BUT I WILL NOT GO QUIETLY IN THE NIGHT

Lynn school board incumbents top ticket www.itemlive.com

I am going to hurt myself, I know I am. I just can't help it. I can't stop laughing. Does anybody seriously believe I couldn't be reached for comment? THAT'S ALL I DO IS COMMENT!

Funny when they reported the people who pulled papers, they even identified me as an ONLINE COMMENTOR. You see nobody likes what I'm commenting at least not some people. 

You can't blame them really. I mean everybody knows circulation is down because so many people get their REAL news for free now on the Internet. Those school people, well they are good subscribers and then there are those business who advertise and stand to make a killing on this new school construction.

That's alright, SW3 is making me a NEW sign!

LET THEM EAT CAKE! REALLY THERE SHOULD BE A CELEBRATION/

I have done my share of criticizing. It hasn't been all negative but I have tossed plenty of bombs. However to maintain my credibility and objectivity I must pay homage when it is due.

The latest MCAS results report that our two LEVEL 4 schools improved to LEVEL 3. This is a BIG deal and CONGRATULATIONS should be directed to DR. LATHAM.

I would drop her a line extending my gratitude but you know the e mail thing.

YOU LIKE ME, YOU REALLY LIKE ME (APPARENTLY NOT ENOUGH OF YOU)

I would have been on earlier with my ACCEPTANCE SPEECH but hey my Internet has been spotty. I know that usually an ACCEPTANCE SPEECH implies you won something and well you can see from the vote totals that I didn't win nothing. Looks like the only reason I didn't finish in 10th place was due to the fact only 9 of us were running. That sounds like LOSING to me.

Luckily it was only a Primary and since so few of us were running, everyone was a WINNER so......

I humbly ACCEPT your 780 votes and am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be able to accept your many gestures of confidence in my ability.

This is only the second election I have ever ran in and unfortunately I didn't win that one either.  Previously I did run for vice-president of the student council for my eighth-grade class. Ours was a 1 through 9 school and there were probably less than 500 kids in the whole school.

I never had a budget for that campaign either. Do you see a pattern developing here?

Anyway thanks to all of you who did vote for me and congratulations for having enough core principles that your vote couldn't be bought!

SEE YOU IN NOVEMBER!

TAKING A BULLET TO THE BACK

It is PRIMARY DAY and I will take some hits because I have been unwilling to partake of the MARSHALL MASS OPIATE. My job is to make you think and apparently that is frowned on by some.

Ask questions, that's what I do. I am loyal only to the TRUTH.

"YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!"

Excuse me for a moment, I was channeling JACK there.

There are those who like my brash objectivity as long as it doesn't focus on them. Well....

GET READY!

As irreverent as I have been I have never made any statements that my main goal is to get rid of DR.LATHAM. My concern is the kids and what is best for them. Nothing personal, just what I feel is best for the kids.

Although I can see the mathematical advantages, I have NEVER requested you BULLET vote for me. What I think is WORSE than that is when a group that is funded by state funds and I think thet may have even been awarded a grant from the CITY COUNCIL this year, I'm talking about the FRIDAY NIGHT FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP, sent out e mails to that group urging them to bullet vote for MELISSA.

I'll copy it here"

 Just a reminder to everyone that today is primary election day. Please take the time to go and vote.

  Just ONE vote, Melissa Romanielllo for School Committee!

Remember, Melissa is the voice of the parents. Just one vote, vote for Melissa is all you have to do to bring your voice to the table.

Dalene Basden,CPSP
MSPCC/PAL Family Support Specialist

IMPORTANT:
This email is confidential, intended only for the named recipient(s) and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient, please notify the sender at the email address above and delete this email from your computer.

Maybe I broke some confidentiality disclaimer but THIS IS NOT COOL!

ALL QUIET ON THE KINDER FRONT

Glowing reports were given by all on the initial opening of the KINDERGARTEN CENTER on COMMERCIAL STREET.  There were multiple reports of hardworking staff and the transforming decoration.

Name plates were exchanged for color coded tags in the interest of organization. It seems to have been a good move. The center had been in operation less than a week but everyone seemed confident.

Although I had predicted coordination problems, they really haven't surfaced yet. Still it is to soon for me to concede defeat. When all is said and I won't mind to much if I'm wrong, at least part way. I mean logistically.
I'll be happy that the kids enjoy themselves. I'll never be able to concede total defeat. Not only is it way too soon, I remain categorically opposed to busing anyone. Not only is it a waste of time,in this case that time comes with a price tag of $270,000.

Not only is it too early to concede defeat that means it is way early for theother side to claim victory. Either way you can count on me for objective reporting.

WHITE COLLAR REPORTING

There is a big article about MARSHALL in the ITEM today. It tries to give the appearance of being fair and balance. I'll give it that cause I don't even try. Appearances can be deceptive, especially if there are pictures. There are pictures and there is no doubt they are deplorable. Who would want to send their kid there. You see the only problem is you could take pictures from at least three other schools in Lynn and interchange them and you would get the same response. The thing is the people in the know know if we don't do MARSHALL first so we can hold the other schools hostage there will not be the political will to get it done.

Today's article was the latest ib a series of propaganda press releases published. It's kind of funny that the PR firm LPS recently hired is owned or run by an ex-editor of the ITEM. That kind of family relationship makes me homesick for WV.

I read where this where there seems like there is only one person against the bond and he is even not really against the BOND just the location. When I read that I was sure I was going to see my name. Boy was I surprised. Again I was ignored. Here I have written several pieces raising questions about the whole thong, gotten thousands of views, several comments, and spoken publicly at debates. Heck I even spoke at meetings with the PROJECT MANAGER. Not that they could have told by reading their own paper but I AM RUNNING FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE!

I guess the ITEM can keep burying their head in the sand but if the latest core samples are correct, they better put in some pylons first, Then there is also thhe fact they better remove a few tons of topsoil first.

WEIGHTING LIST WAIT

What a discussion was held at last Thursday's LSC meeting. It was like the premier of a rerun. What was missing at this red carpet event was of course the red carpet. Still you could tell by the glare from the floor tile it had recently been waxed. No flashing bulbs from the paparazzi or the snapping of their cameras. No LYNNcam filmed in silence.

The story had been played out before the character actors are/were always the same just a different cast of extras playing the parts of students. There are always too few openings and MARIA CARRASCO is always demanding some accountability. MARIA is always advocating for parents and banging her head against the status quo. The established protocol and procedure is understood but she is always asking for something that makes the whole procedure something a little more user friendly for parents.

The big topic for discussion this was the existence of the nefarious WAIT LIST and how ids moved up and down it. Supposedly parents come out of the PIC with a verbal number corresponding to their kids future possible placement in a particular school. Funny I also heard it was impossible to get that number without running this lengthy report that the computer internally time stamps for every entry. So I have no idea where anybody gets a number but somebody does somewhere. Several people discussed the existence of said number and you know if enough people say it then it must be true.You know me though, some people say I never let a little thing like TRUTH get in the way.

MARIA was wanting a paper that parents could put in their hands to prove their position or placement on the list. Because a LIST may change with the addition of special students who may jump the line due to medical or other special circumstances previously stated that won't exactly work.

The MAYOR actually came up with a pretty good idea to configure a computer program such that individuals could check their status in regular intervals on line. DAVE HEGAN said he thought it could be done. Technology to the rescue!

COPPOLA CATCHES THEM ON CAP, CAUSES QUESTIONS

During the lengthy exchange on WAITING LISTS at Thursday night's LSC DONNA pointed out the fact that LPS might be restricting transfers by artificially imposing a cap of 25 on certain classes and ignoring the DOE'S DESEG plan which she thought allowed them to go up to 30,

Well ATTY. MIHOS was actually unsure if DONNA was right and offered to research it and get back to her at the next meeting. You would think that would be something that would be now off-hand since this is not the first time questions have been raised how certain schools have gotten away with smaller classes sizes than other schools.

ANYWAY THE ANSWER SHOULD BE INTERESTING!

HISTORY ON HISTORY

The recent presentation by the LYNN MUSEUM on plans to partner with the LPS with the blessings of the LSC was very encouraging/ The LABOR EXHIBITION from the SMITHSONIAN is going yo be exciting and from all indications will give Lynn students exposure to exhibits only in one other museum in the state. Good job all around.

Here though in where I run into a little problem.You see this is not some grand new partnership forged from the sweat and hard work of certain elected officials. Instead of paper cuts there may have been some bruised egos when I went to press with what I saw as an unwillingness of LPS to get behind a generous offer of FREE transportation by the LYNN MUSEUM to all the third grade classes in the city to tour an exhibition that was specifically targeted for their curriculum. It was a very viewed post complete with comments how it was too much trouble to take kids down there and lose precious class time.

Well now the tables are turned and this looks to be a much more ambitous project with LPS picking up the transportation tab. In the end it doesn't really matter who is responsible, it's just good that the MUSEUM is being utilized.

I DO HAVE TO POINT OUT THOUGH, THIS "PARTNERSHIP" SEEMS TO HAVE COME ABOUT WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PERSON WE HIRED. iT MAKES YOU WONDER IF PEOPLE JUST DO THEIR JOBS DO WE REALLY NEED TO FUND SUCH A POSITION?

FINANCE AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

The GRANTS subcommittee chaired by CHUCK gave a glowing report how we got this ginormous $350,000 ELL Gateway Cities grant over the summer. One thing though it was secured through the efforts of DR.WARRY as part of HER JOB. Remind me again why we are paying full-time a grants writer person for and just how much have they secured? While we're at it I think it's time for an update on what that part-time PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIP person has brought in yet?

Well let's look at what we did get. That would be $350,000 and near as I can tell less than 30 kids benefited from it. My Math ain't none too good but near as I can figure out that's over $10,000 per student. My figuring can;t be too wrong cause it seems that the STATE thought our program was a tad expensive..

It would have been appropriate to have purchased a DVD collection of old I LOVE LUCY episodes for the students to learn how to speak English because the way that money was spent.....

"YOU GOT SOME SPLAINING TO DO!"

CONGRATULATIONS AND QUESTIONS

Congratulations to MICHELLE Flynn for being appointed Asst. DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION FOR EARLY Childhood Isn't  that a mouthful? I know her from way back when my daughter had her for two years at HARRINGTON. Good teacher.

Hearing about CURRICULUM though got me to wondering, what was the eventual tesult of that grievance the teachers won against the CURRICULUM DIRECTOR/. If I remember right and I don't always, a whole summer's training kind of went for naught. RACE TO THE TOP MONEY wasted.

What did we do with the COMMON CORE coming?

DID ATOM SPLIT?

I see where RICHARD HELD was appointed ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION FOR SCIENCE. What's that about? Why is he only ACTING? We'vw been hobbling along with the position vacant for how many years?  You would think we would havehad time to know what we need.

Then there is that other thing. Do we still KNOW ATOM and what did we learn. Supposedlt we could afford that program because we hadn't filled that position. Imagine that money being spent directly on kids rather than paying somebody's salary they'll never talk to much.

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, INGALLS

Another Lynn Teacher has distinguished herself for less than honorable reasons. Usually I might make some snide remark but this hits too close to home. I have lived that nightmare for thirteen years.

I really don;t know the particulars of the case but what I do know is that it represents what is wrong with our JUSTICE system. Things will get done now, there has been blood. That doesn't mean there wasn't damage before but you can't always see it.

Whenever mental illness is involved things get complicated and a blanket gets thrown over the case in the interest of protecting the rights of the mentally ill at the expense of the other parties. There is no easy answer but lots of questions.

Once again we witness the protective power of Restraining Orders. Usually before they are any good another crime is committed rendering their need irrelevant. Police do not like to get involved in marriage matters. I don;t really blame them cause you can't trust anyone.

The sad thing is what we are teaching our kids. So I think we need to be extra vigilant in making sure stability in their instructors is maintained.

PAY AS YOU GO, WHERE HAS IT WENT?

Everyone wants new schools but then again everyone likes sliced bread. The trick is how you cut it and who gets a piece. So lets see here, we are going to bond 92 Million and 39 of which is non-reimbursable and we must bare it plus the interest on the 53.

Now if we are set to open in 2016, then that ought to be a pretty quick turn around on that loan since the go is going to be real short. That means we will have 80% of it paid back by then right? I know I'm not too good in Math but I don't think if 53 Million dollars is 80% then 39 Million doesn't seem like 20%.

Oh that's right, not all costs are reimbursable. Still though we should expect to pay and in the long run it's worth it but it's the running around I am suspicious of and just where does the deception end?

I would like to see a little more details about the terms of this bond. How long is it for? What about a commitment to pay the money that the MSBA gives us for their share immediately on the principal of the loan (bond) thereby reducing the amount we pay in interest and our obligation.

So by 2016 we should have less than the 39 million outstanding. Let's see a proposed timetable. The trouble with putting things down on paper, it's easy to see when you change.

LATHAM PLAYS KING OF THE HILL

I had my MLL(Mobile Literature Launcher- my handheld posterboard) deployed in front of FORD SCHOOL yesterday morning as I was witnessing the KINDERGARTEN kids loading the bus and lo and behold DR. LATHAM was there.

I guess she was too busy actually working to come over and say HI! I am impressed that she was there and had her hands on the situation. Unfortunately there is not as much to put her hands on as a significant number of kids are being held out of Kindergarten due to the BUSING BOONDOGGLE..

When that loss of education is added with the loss of time-on learning due to the bus rides that can't help but show up in lower MCAS scores later.   The separation between selected schools grows wider.

STRANGER THAN FICTION

It just seems odd to me that the BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SUBCOMMITTEE would cancel a meeting so soon before the BOND vote. You would think it would be

ALL HANDS ON DECK!

I guess they are so confident with their TV gig, it's all covered.

Here's the whole agenda for Thursday night.

http://www.lynnschools.org/documents/district/school_committee/2013_notices/school_committee_sept_12_2013_615pm.pdf

I think they tried to trick me by moving!

IT'S ONLY POETIC

Lookie here...

Lynn Cam this week - 
Special The City's Voice This Wednesday!
This week on The City's Voice the topic is the Marshall School Bond going before voters next Tuesday. School Committee members Charlie Gallo, Rick Starbard & John Ford are due on to talk about the bond and why they are in favor of it.

Tune in live on Wednesday at 7PM, and be sure to call in during the program at 781-596-9641!

No one asked me to be on the program. I can't imagine why. I guess they just want the TRUTH, only their version of it.

I guess objectivity doesn't matter/

SUCH GOOD POINTS AND I DID'T EVEN BRING THEM UP!

Here's a couple more things to think about before you vote to spend probably at least a $100 MILLION DOLLARS!

 children living near railroad tracks or a highway are at a greater risk for developing asthma. Should we school neighborhood children in the close proximity to an active rail? Children are more sensitive than adults.

Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic Study Reveals Neighborhood Asthma Risks

www.mayoclinic.org

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Mayo Clinic researchers recently released study data showing children who lived near major highway or railroad intersections have higher diagnoses of asthma. The researchers used this study to show how neighborhood environment is a risk factor in understanding the development of p...

Like ·  · Share · 8 minutes ago · 

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  The EPA states concerns that living near major transport systems are a concern for health.http://epa.gov/sciencematters/june2012/road-health.htm

  

  EPA Science Matters June-July 2012: Too close for comfort? Living Near Major Roads May Impact...

  epa.gov

  Noisy car and truck traffic may not be the only problem for those living next to...See More