tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post2586821362341079897..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: Unanimous Vote to Close Marks MeadowCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-3699165082488872592009-05-23T23:27:55.763-04:002009-05-23T23:27:55.763-04:00I am brainstorming a few thoughts here. They may n...I am brainstorming a few thoughts here. They may not be realistic, but I am trying to come up with anything I can.<br /><br />I have to agree about class size being smaller. Children really need to be able to understand what they are needing to learn. It is much easier to teach things right the first time, than to go back and reteach. Smaller class sizes will allow teaches the ability to do this. <br /><br />Can we go to the colleges and find some grad students to also help within the classrooms, in place of or in conjunction with Paras? I am not sure if all schools have this, but at MM, there are student teachers in there all the time. Are there more ways to play around with this idea, that will help our budget?<br /><br />What about having college students come in to do art projects, maybe in addition to limited regular art classes? If we had a art major come in and do a specific project with kids over a semester, that would give the kids more art time. This may be applied to music as well. I went to WW for the Art Forum they held in March and was completely impressed. The music I got to hear was amazing. If we can get creative projects into all the schools like this, it will enrich these children's lives!<br /><br />I know this touches on contracts, but we need to find every penny we can, and also give these kids as much as we can. Times are tough and we need to be creative. <br /><br />Are there parents who can set up after school clubs in each school? Alyssa Melnick does an amazing job with MM's Science Club, which concludes with the Science Fair. I am sure there are many more parents like her in all of our schools. Maybe curriculum could be reinforced in clubs like this. Clubs that could be run with funding from the parent groups, maybe. <br /><br />Could this be done at the Regional level as well? (I don't know if it is already) <br /><br />On another note. I am wondering about getting HS kids into classes at the colleges for AP classes. Is the main drawback to this the Trimester schedule? <br /><br />What about looking into teachers and staff taking college classes, at local schools, for trainings and development, with tuition waivers? <br /><br />This could be one more way the colleges can give back to our town, if they can't afford cash right now. Services could also help a lot!<br /><br />So these may not be perfect, probably don't add up to $700K, may not be usable at all, but I am trying to find any solutions I can think of to help the situation. With the money as tight as it is, I really feel like we need to come up with as many plans as possible to try to keep things as close to what we have now. These kids deserve us trying really hard for them. I feel like we are at a time when we need to be looking out of the box. We can't have what we are used to, and it only looks worse for years to come. Lets find other ways to get the same, or better services to our kids! <br /><br />Good night!Meg Rosanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-33815599701935743892009-05-23T21:18:16.650-04:002009-05-23T21:18:16.650-04:00What is the legal limit on class size? I think it ...What is the legal limit on class size? I think it is important for us to know this if we are to choose between larger classes and losing art, music, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-87020918265368955522009-05-23T20:23:57.110-04:002009-05-23T20:23:57.110-04:00My response:
Jocelyn - the focus is on redistric...My response: <br /><br />Jocelyn - the focus is on redistricting based on free/reduced lunch ... and, yes, it is totally confidential who is on free/reduced lunch ... so, in that sense, it is not like community members (or SC members!) can draw the lines. But the district people have ran through various scenarios that compute this information (as will a consultant) so that we can see what different plans would look like in terms of this equity. What other things do you think we should be considering? I know the superintendent has already asked for assistance from those who want to help -- and at a minimum, I think a plan will be presented, and then people can give feedback about what is good/bad so that it can be revised. I don't think regionalization matters much -- my understanding is that all of the small towns want to keep THEIR school, in part to avoid having their kids on the bus for a really long time into Amherst, and in part to maintain control over their schools. But I think the big issue with regionalization will be whether the other schools want their 6th graders to come to our MS IF we move our 6th graders (and that does impact our redistricting because it means you are considering how to handle 1100 versus 1300 kids!). I think they are getting some cost estimates of various plans in about a month -- end of June. I'll report anything I hear on this front on this blog. Finally, I think the BEST way to preserve an Amherst education is to increase the tax base in our town -- more economic development!!! We just need more money, and there aren't a lot of other ways to get it. I also am hopeful that the state will give us some more funding options (e.g., sales tax, meals/lodging tax). So, maybe the economic picture won't look as bad in a few years as it does now.<br /><br />Jocelyn - thanks for the thanks!<br /><br />JWolfe - you are expressing the frustration, using your name, that many have felt. There have been a lot of pointed (and anonymous) attacks on this blog towards me, towards parents/staff/teachers at non-MM elementary schools, towards those who signed ACE, etc. Eventually that really can get to someone ... another reason why maybe the personal attacks on this blog should cease.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-18173181950141384202009-05-23T20:23:38.022-04:002009-05-23T20:23:38.022-04:00My response:
Meg - it is really, really bad. The...My response:<br /><br />Meg - it is really, really bad. The Senate budget is worse than the House's budget, and rumors are that the final budget (when we get the June numbers) will be even worse. It will likely mean cutting BELOW a level services budget. We don't have the final numbers, but the Finance Committee votes their budget this Thursday (May 28th) ... and that will include how much they are willing to give us from reserves (but I also know that reserves are really limited, so I don't know how much we can realistically expect). I don't know what else the superintendent is considering cutting ... but I think it is safe to assume that we are below Level 2 in both Amherst and Regional -- I don't see how we can stay at Level 2, given the latest news, and that means cuts we are ALL going to fill at both levels. My understanding is that the Finance Committee may consider our vote to close MM and give us "credit" for that vote (e.g., about $700,000, given that we are going to close it but need a year to do it well). That was one of the reasons why we needed the vote now -- and not next year -- so that we would be more likely to get reserves. I am going to try to get answers as soon as I can -- but probably we won't know officially what the schools will look like until the FC makes their decision AND we get the June state budget. <br /><br />Personally, I think we need to think seriously about whether we cut/reduce programs (e.g., instrumental music, art, etc.), or whether we want to increase class size. Those seem like really the only elementary school budget savings options. At the regional level, there is less to cut ... I can't see that it doesn't come to class size/course offerings (but it is POSSIBLE that the regional cuts won't be as bad as the elementary cuts IF the other three towns vote a Tier 1 or 2 budget and then Amherst is required to fund at this level). It is complicated. <br /><br />I think getting the colleges involved would be good ... but they can't replace what we REALLY need (e.g., teachers!). I also think having AEF do some MAJOR fundraising would be helpful. <br /><br />I agree with you that this blog is most useful if everyone is respectful -- agreeing to disagreeing, disagreeing but not being disagreeable, etc. I think posting with names helps that -- as you do/did! <br /><br />I know that closing MM is a big deal ... my kids are also upset that they may well go to another school, and will clearly be separated from some of their friends. But I think you have a great attitude about making sure for your kids, and others' kids, that it will be OK -- and I hope we can work together (me and you, specifically, but also me and you and others more broadly) to make that happen in a way that works for all kids. I certainly agree that "We are in this together!!!"!Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-89604586413213050712009-05-23T14:10:24.852-04:002009-05-23T14:10:24.852-04:00To all the Anons out there, my name is Joel Wolfe
...To all the Anons out there, my name is Joel Wolfe<br /><br />Here's some more information, although I need to update it:<br />http://www.umass.edu/history/faculty/wolfe.html<br /><br />I am a parent of two Fort River kids and I'm sick and tired of some MM parents maligning their teachers and referring to it as a "big box" school. <br /><br />No anon outrage at that.<br /><br />I'm a dues paying proud member of the Massachusetts Teachers' Association and I'm livid at the way some MM parents have denigrated my fellow union members who happen to teach at WW, FR, & Crocker.<br /><br />I'm a parent who volunteers at Fort River and for the district and I'm outraged that some MM parents have viciously and personally attacked Catherine Sanderson and Steve Rivkin, who I am proud to call my friends.<br /><br />Finally, I lost my cool in that post for one reason. The person writing it actually compared him/herself to Catherine's children. Read the post. It asks Catherine how she would feel if a teacher spoke to her 5th grader, 2nd grader, and pre-schooler the way Catherine is seen by that anonymous poster as speaking to adults in the community.<br /><br />How seriously should any of us take a question like that? <br /><br />So, if you want to discuss education without referring to those of us who signed the ACE letter as racists, etc., then send me an email. I've never hidden my identity. That's who the f I am.Joelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13141742420717242724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-52160467026541401792009-05-22T23:03:00.110-04:002009-05-22T23:03:00.110-04:00I meant to thank you too, Catherine for trying to ...I meant to thank you too, Catherine for trying to change the tone of the conversation! I really do appreciate it! I will have to think about it more re: priorities for cuts and there are a lot of unknowns at this point-Meg brought up some good questions about these issues.Jocelynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-31990737695909007092009-05-22T22:53:47.915-04:002009-05-22T22:53:47.915-04:00Thanks Meg for helping to change the tone of the c...Thanks Meg for helping to change the tone of the conversation!<br /><br />I have some questions and concerns about the redistricting plan The focus has been on free and reduced lunch-I understand the push to even out the distribution of children economically, but shouldn't other factors be examined too when the lines are redrawn? Isn't it confidential information about which children receive free and reduced lunch? Well, it is not so confidential when we talk about the numbers of children who receive f&r lunch at CF-how is this going to be addressed? Are parents and interested community members going to be able to be a part of redistricting plans? How does regionalization fit into our redistricting plans?<br /><br />Even with the pending closure of MM at the end of 2009-2010, how are we going to be able to maintain and/or improve the quality of an Amherst elementary education including music, computer, and art?Jocelynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-62174533576440268032009-05-22T22:29:05.198-04:002009-05-22T22:29:05.198-04:00So in addition to MM closing, how much are we look...So in addition to MM closing, how much are we looking at cutting?<br /><br />How much <I>could</I> we receive from the reserves? Elementary and Regional?<br /><br />What is still being looked at for cuts for this coming year? (again for both, if you don't mind)<br /><br />How many of this year's cuts would we be able to get back next year after MM closes? If any.<br /><br />What are the Regional cuts looking like now for this coming year?<br /><br /><br />It would be nice to have these answers laid out in one place. It can be hard to follow if you are not at every meeting, or talking to people who are. <br /><br />I am not sure what to say about what we can cut. They are all almost impossible decisions. <br /><br />Can we get the colleges involved more, in the classrooms, with programs, anything? <br /><br />Do we restructure how we teach the arts and gym somehow? <br /><br />These are just some thoughts that have been popping in my head. I had taken a break from the blogs for awhile (from right before the election to recently). I have really not liked the way things have been going and how people are treating each other on here in the past few days. I saw an invitation tonight to restart the conversation, so that is what I am trying to do. <br /><br />This is a very difficult time. Emotions are all over the place. I will be honest, my kids are very upset over MM closing, and so am I. BUT, I will take care of them, no matter where they end up in 2 years. I will help other people take care of their kids too. We all will need to come together and hold on tight to what we do have in our town. We have amazing schools. We have schools that people choose to come to from all over the world!!!! We have a great town full of people with strong opinions, who are not afraid to share them! We have a wonderful sense of community here. <br /><br />It is very hard to let go of something that is working. It would be much easier if MM was not succeeding. Money is scarce. We have to make decisions now that will allow our children and those children who will come, the opportunity for a wonderful "Amherst education". We need to hold on to as much of what we hold dear as we can. We must work together to move through this crisis and make it out on the other side, as close as we can to what we have now. I am not saying this will be easy. But it is necessary to get thru this together. <br /><br />We are Amherst Elementary Families!! <br /><br />We are Amherst Regional Families! <br /><br />We are in this together!!!Meg Rosanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-125151287682852302009-05-22T22:05:32.790-04:002009-05-22T22:05:32.790-04:00My response:
Joceyln and LClarkson - OK, let's re...My response:<br /><br />Joceyln and LClarkson - OK, let's return to the issues. The budget is bad -- really bad. What would you prioritize for cutting for the upcoming year?Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-19482730895740055792009-05-22T21:48:44.515-04:002009-05-22T21:48:44.515-04:00"Do you have more outrage at his post because it w..."Do you have more outrage at his post because it wasn't delivered anonymously"<br /><br />Not once in my post did I say I was outraged. I do not get angry over blog entries. My post was simply an observation of what seems to be happening and an expression of my disappointment. Is there some way you can bring this blog back to a discussion of the issues?LClarksonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-45561812213506566482009-05-22T21:18:48.420-04:002009-05-22T21:18:48.420-04:00I believe that many people choose to post anonymou...I believe that many people choose to post anonymously, because even if they are not nasty to you but just disagree with you, you and your supporters attack them-especially if they are MM parents or MM supporters. I and other Amherst citizens do not have an obligation to the public to "own" our comments and opinions, but you, as a elected official, most certainly do! I will stand by whatever I say, but people have good reasons not to print their real names when they are constantly called names or berated. I remember being called childish and close-minded and I am neither of those things-I chose not to respond to the people who made those comments because belittling them after they tried to belittle me is a waste of time. The problem here on this blog is when the line between your personal opinion and opinion as a public official gets blurred. It is a problem that you praise people for their nasty comments and thank them for those comments as long as those comments are not directed against you. Why did you attack He is not a MM Parent? He just posted a link without commentary and just because it did not support you or Steve Rivkin, Mr. Teresi has the right to his opinion and he DID sign his name-the Amherst Bulletin should not be just an "all Sanderson and Rivkin, all the time" newspaper-other opinions are just as valid and should be heard. And I am signing my name-yes it is just my first name but I think that I am the only Jocelyn who is a parent at Mark's Meadow School and since there are not that many Jocelyns in Amherst, I am not hard to find. If this were my blog (and it is not thankfully!), if I found a post to be too negative, critical, or incendiary, I just would not respond. There has been a lot of discussion about tone and people skills-well the current tone of the posts on this blog do not encourage people to work together. Ms. Sanderson,I encourage you to set the tone and to try to bring the community together in a positive way in the effort to ensure that our children receive a good education.Jocelynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-91434028655017531912009-05-22T20:16:41.374-04:002009-05-22T20:16:41.374-04:00My response:
LClarkson - thanks for signing your ...My response:<br /><br />LClarkson - thanks for signing your name! Many people have posted things that were highly critical or me and others on all sides ... but virtually all of those posts are anonymous. I think if you are going to write something highly critical (such as calling someone elitist, racist, classist, having a hidden agenda, etc.), you should use your name so that you own those comments. I own whatever I say, and I respect that JWolfe has signed his name. His post was in response to many highly critical, and personal attacks, that were delivered anonymously. Do you have more outrage at his post because it wasn't delivered anonymously, and you aren't similarly annoyed at Anonymous 5:59 for attacking him? I think all posts that are highly critical, on whatever side, should have a name attached -- and if you read my responses to highly critical posts from MM parents about me, you will note that I was also appreciative when they used their names (as some have). In sum, if you have a legitimate question or concern or praise, post it anonymously. But if you want to attack or just be mean (to me or another poster), have the courage to sign your name and own your comments. I hope LClarkson is indeed your name -- JWolfe is a real name.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-63228626097374543922009-05-22T19:30:39.033-04:002009-05-22T19:30:39.033-04:00"JWolfe is someone who signed his own name. Which ..."JWolfe is someone who signed his own name. Which you did not."<br /><br />JWolfe is someone who wrote one of the nastiest and meanest posts that I have read so far on this or any of the Amherst blogs. To support and approve of that post brings this blog down into the gutter. How does JWolfe's post or your support of it further the dialogue about the dire straits of education in Amherst and how we can fix it? Is it ok for JWolfe to say those things because it was not an anonymous post? Does that make nastiness ok? Or is it ok because the nasty post supports you? Only nasty posts that don't support you are denigrated.<br /><br />What started out as a wonderful resource (this blog) has degenerated into childish sniping back and forth on both sides of the MM question. How unfortunate.LClarksonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-90448403914859172242009-05-22T18:52:36.854-04:002009-05-22T18:52:36.854-04:00My responses:
He's Not a Marks Meadow Parent - I ...My responses:<br /><br />He's Not a Marks Meadow Parent - I am glad you found this article informative. Do you feel it moved the discussion on education in Amherst forward in an important way? At a time of massive budget crisis, I guess I'm surprised that our TOP concern is correcting spelling/grammar on a website and ridiculing parents who dare to want challenge for their kids. But I'm glad you agree with his opinion that ACE's goals are worthwhile and that he agrees. <br /><br />Anonymous 5:59 - JWolfe is someone who signed his own name. Which you did not.<br /><br />Anonymous 6:08 - Mr. Teresi is also someone who signed his own name. Impressive! But thanks for joining in his support of the ACE goals.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-68453803131911899252009-05-22T18:08:17.829-04:002009-05-22T18:08:17.829-04:00Anon. 5:39 p.m. Thank you so much for the lead to ...Anon. 5:39 p.m. Thank you so much for the lead to this piece. =)<br /><br />Wow! Mr. Teresi I love your article, every single word.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-4370777497512632512009-05-22T17:59:25.244-04:002009-05-22T17:59:25.244-04:00JWolfe--who the **** are you???JWolfe--who the **** are you???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-82274626569452943342009-05-22T17:39:29.243-04:002009-05-22T17:39:29.243-04:00From this week's Amherst Bulletin:
http://amherst...From this week's Amherst Bulletin:<br /><br />http://amherstbulletin.com/story/id/144252/He's Not A Mark's Meadow Parent!noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-17863416887170033862009-05-21T14:25:57.947-04:002009-05-21T14:25:57.947-04:00My responses:
JWolfe - I'm actually able to look ...My responses:<br /><br />JWolfe - I'm actually able to look beyond tone and body language to the essence of what someone is saying ... and I think you are experiencing the same frustration I am ... as one who is attacked repeatedly (you are racist, classist, elitist, bullying, your kids' school is awful), then reacts, and then is accused of using a bad "tone". This isn't about tone or style or body language. It is about how we want to do education in Amherst for all kids with the resources we have. And I'd love to hear the thoughts of Anonymous 11:39 on that front, in whatever tone/style she/he uses.<br /><br />Anonymous 12:45 - agreed. Thanks.<br /><br />Anonymous 12:46 - my motion was designed to have us get through the emotions BEFORE the arrival of our new superintendent so that we could move on to discuss other things that matter in terms of education, and was made when it was because I feared (and I believe rightly so) that we would spend another year re-discussing the same topic (high performing school, dismal budget, etc.). I too hope the emotions will now start to die down so we can move on to focusing on how to do education for all kids with increasingly limited resources.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-19795779348678506852009-05-21T12:46:03.806-04:002009-05-21T12:46:03.806-04:00Wow, it's getting really nasty here!!! I really e...Wow, it's getting really nasty here!!! I really enjoy this blog for the incredible amount of information and debate of the issues. But the over-the-top nastiness by folks on both sides of the MM debate is really turning me off. <br /><br />As much as I enjoy this blog and am thankful for it, I am taking a temporary leave from reading it until I hope the reality of the closure of MM sinks in and we can get past the worst of the nastiness and get on to the incredible difficult tasks that lie ahead all of us with a direct stake in the schools.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-43300624900894032402009-05-21T12:45:07.255-04:002009-05-21T12:45:07.255-04:00Thank you JWolfe! Ive been sitting at all kinds o...Thank you JWolfe! Ive been sitting at all kinds of kid events, etc. the last few weeks listening to the tirades of the CS haters. If they could only hear themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-34478875653610158482009-05-21T12:36:09.070-04:002009-05-21T12:36:09.070-04:00Anon 11:39 wrote:
"Tone is not something to be gl...Anon 11:39 wrote:<br /><br />"Tone is not something to be glossed over. If any of Ms. Sanderson's children's teachers spoke to her children in the same manner and tone she often uses, or used the over the top body language she uses, those teachers would be in for it. God help them."<br /><br />My initial reactions are 1) give us your real name so we can inflict our noxious body language in front of you in town; and 2) grow the f up.<br /><br />You are not a child (at least I hope not,but then how do I know "Anon"?), so what's the point there? Do you need to be spoken to as if you were a child? Is that your point?<br /><br />Prepare yourself for my harsh tone. . . . That's unbelievably pathetic. (I am at this moment in an aggressive and truly awful pose. My body language is by all accounts very bad right now.)<br /><br /> And Catherine's kids' teachers wouldn't speak to them in harsh ways because, believe it or not, the big box school they attend is filled with caring teachers. Oh, and Catherine and her kids wouldn't attack those teachers as racist, classist bullies, etc. the way Catherine and her supporters have been attacked.<br /><br />Let's be clear about a couple of things back here on planet earth: Catherine's tone matters about as much as your over sensitive nature. Right? Maybe your inability to face reality is the problem. Maybe you're the problem. Feel insulted? That's how a lot of non-MM parents feel whenever we're criticized for our tone when we try to inject a tiny bit of reality into these debates, e.g., where are we going to get the MONEY to keep MM open. <br /><br />So, maybe we should use hand puppets give out candy when we talk about the budget. Or better yet, maybe we should all cry in public about it. I don't really care. <br /><br />We have wonderful teachers in all our schools, but we can't pay them with empathy and sweet talk.Joelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13141742420717242724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-71662773637718555962009-05-21T11:43:32.609-04:002009-05-21T11:43:32.609-04:00My response:
Neil - great question! The SC is ta...My response:<br /><br />Neil - great question! The SC is taking up "goals" at the next meeting, and for the new superintendent, and I look forward to an active and engaging discussion about the future of Amherst.<br /><br />Anonymous 11:39 - it is interesting to me that anonymous posters seem to feel rules of tone don't apply to them. But two key points here. First, you are assuming I bullied the other four SC members to voting with me ... which seems pretty insulting to each of them (all adults, and I think I'm the youngest!). Second, since I'm losing so many people, you only have to worry about my bullying and tone for less than 2 years -- surely I won't get re-elected.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27956923943885175432009-05-21T11:39:21.160-04:002009-05-21T11:39:21.160-04:00Tone is not something to be glossed over. If any o...Tone is not something to be glossed over. If any of Ms. Sanderson's children's teachers spoke to her children in the same manner and tone she often uses, or used the over the top body language she uses, those teachers would be in for it. God help them.<br /><br />I think the comparison to Bush is right on point. Just like that administration, Ms. Sanderson believes she can bully her way through.<br /><br />You are losing as many people as you think you are gaining.<br /><br />Rumsfeld didn't think anyone was as smart as he was either.<br /><br />Would you tolerate such behavior and confrontatoin from your children's teachers, Ms. Sanderson?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-39429069294314194232009-05-20T20:33:33.518-04:002009-05-20T20:33:33.518-04:00I am thrilled with the outcome. Now let's make th...I am thrilled with the outcome. Now let's make this year and next the best two years yet for setting the course and implementing the finest primary education in the state (top 5%). That brings up an interesting question. How many years will it take and what should be done first (second, third, fourth)?Neilnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-68296511002097826532009-05-20T17:31:42.657-04:002009-05-20T17:31:42.657-04:00My response:
Anonymous 4:47 - to be perfectly cle...My response:<br /><br />Anonymous 4:47 - to be perfectly clear to you and others who are reading this and encouraging self-reflection ... I reflect on many, many things about this whole School Committee volunteer job -- the time I spend attending meetings and reporting on them, the time I spend personally responding to blog posts and emails, the time I spend researching questions, the energy with which I pursue gathering and reporting data, the rancor with which some people post anonymously, the degree to which people feel comfortable anonymously giving me advice on tone and style, and so on. So, all readers of this blog should be aware that I spend lots of time reflecting on virtual all aspects of my SC work, even when I'm not specifically encouraged to do so by anonymous posters. I hope that is helpful. In sum, I am doing the very best job I can do, given who I am and the situation I'm in.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.com