tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post3189468601021543487..comments2023-09-29T06:32:16.005-04:00Comments on My School Committee Blog: Public Forums Set Regarding Potential Redistricting of Amherst Public SchoolsCatherine A. Sandersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-70668264028143416302009-04-17T11:28:00.000-04:002009-04-17T11:28:00.000-04:00Adrian: Thanks for inspiring me! I have just don...Adrian: Thanks for inspiring me! I have just done a new blog post that precisely shows how at Tier 3, closing Marks Meadow could totally save instrumental music. That may not be your choice, which I understand, but we should be clear that this would indeed be a choice. The Tier 3 scenario is based on having four schools -- moving to three schools would in fact enable us to move things off the cuts list. I agree completely that we should band together -- and I think that the Marks Meadow community should think seriously about whether keeping that school open is really worth the cost -- loss of instrumental music and larger class sizes across the district. Maybe it is worth it ... but you should at least acknowledge that this is a choice we are making.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-22066196469100150032009-04-17T09:54:00.000-04:002009-04-17T09:54:00.000-04:00I think all, including, with all due respect, you,...I think all, including, with all due respect, you, Catherine, are entirely missing the point of what was learned at last Tuesday's meeting.<br /><BR>Things are likely to be much worse than we thought. Closing MM is NOT going to preserve instrumental music or any other program. It's time to drop that MM vs music charade and admit that now our Hobson's choice is far worse that that. Every aspect of our school program is going to suffer. Is now really the time to cast off one member of the family?<br /><BR>When times are really dire, that's the time when a family, in this case, a family of 4 schools, should all pull together to weather the storm. Closing Mark's Meadow is taking the "Sparta-esque" solution (and it's not really a good analogy, because MM is not a "defective" child, just the smallest.)<br /><BR>It's time to pull together as one family with all four of our elementary schools.<BR>I've amplified these thoughts on my blog at amherstamusings.blogspot.com<br /><BR>Adrian A. Durlester aka Migdalor GuyMigdalor Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14343484923710511769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-53413366395566471732009-04-15T20:55:00.000-04:002009-04-15T20:55:00.000-04:00Funny how the SC can find 158,000 to pay the new s...Funny how the SC can find 158,000 to pay the new superintendent the same week they are voting to close MM.<br /><br />Ever consider keeping that money putting it in the schools and figure out a way to get by until we can afford to pay this guy. I'd rather the kids not have to suffer by cuts and somehow amherst could survive w/o a superintendent for a yr or so. Its not like we really have had one anywayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-54012090675136097172009-04-15T20:46:00.000-04:002009-04-15T20:46:00.000-04:00Not only have your critical, negative remarks impa...Not only have your critical, negative remarks impacted people's perceptions of all teachers, you have impacted their perceptions of the MM community and its supporters. Such name calling is counterproductive to the issue. We are trying to solve a budget crisis.<br /><br /><br /><br />Really?????????<br />I now represent all teachers? <br />I guess "teachers" arent entitled to have an opinion. <br /><br />As far as perceptions of the MM community its clear from this blog the opinion many share.<br /><br />That is its only 180 kids, somehow MM is selfish and the rest of town is sufferring because of it. Its mostly Umass families who dont stay long term in Amherst. I could go on with all the negative remarks made by other bloggers and Catherine herself. Last I heard she declined a visit to go and tour MM.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-27834089207649525982009-04-15T16:38:00.000-04:002009-04-15T16:38:00.000-04:00Not only have your critical, negative remarks impa...Not only have your critical, negative remarks impacted people's perceptions of all teachers, you have impacted their perceptions of the MM community and its supporters. Such name calling is counterproductive to the issue. We are trying to solve a budget crisis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-33065564146333186332009-04-15T15:05:00.000-04:002009-04-15T15:05:00.000-04:00I beg to differ. For one I dont spell check my bl...I beg to differ. For one I dont spell check my blog comments, nor attach them from a wp. I just write, finish and post them. I didnt realize I was being graded by my blog grammar! nor do people have to read it if they can't understand it. <br /><br />I still love to free write and thats what I consider this <br /><br />In addition I never said anything bad about teachers at all just what I have seen!! I just stated that MM has many great teachers and they need to be kept in the Amherst system. I can name off many great teachers from both FR and WW.My whole thing is get the best of the best if you cut to three schools.<br /><br />Yes I am angry at the whole situation and I am sorry if you feel like I am singling you out, but your the only one with a blog<br /><br />I will refrain from foul language but in all honesty hearing you at a SC meeting back in Feb. (which was my 1st) that's what was running through my mind. Personally I dont know you, and have no issue with you. Its the way you came across to me that left me sour, and I guess I havent gotten over it.<br /><br /><br />Me being a teacher is a non issue. I came to that SC meeting as a parent. My feelings are my feelings no one else. I am not representing anyone except myself.<br /><br />I feel bad for the teachers at all of the schools because I see the underfunding that currently exists. I see teachers from all schools spending their (is that better) money on OUR kids. <br /><br /><br />I like your last line though not to critcize you, while thats what you do all day on your post to others just nicer,lolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-75884114718309598612009-04-15T13:48:00.000-04:002009-04-15T13:48:00.000-04:00Me, for the last time:
To the anonymous poster wh...Me, for the last time:<br /><br />To the anonymous poster who has now pretty well been identified by at least some blog readers -- you may not care that some people have identified you -- but since you have identified yourself as a teacher in our schools at times, I think you should recognize that what you are writing impacts people's perceptions of all teachers. Your writing is very angry -- calling me (and I don't believe we've ever met) a nut and an asshole and saying many people despise me, for example. Your writing is also full of grammatical and wording errors (e.g., using "there" and "their" incorrectly, no use of apostrophes, incomplete sentences, etc.). You may not care how you come across (again, because you are posting anonymously), but it does reflect poorly on other teachers, and I hope you are at least aware of this. If you have suggestions for what you'd like me to do differently, or how you'd like me to keep MM open (what things to cut), send them along -- but calling me names and criticizing me isn't helping you or the schools or the kids in anyway.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-55540814657606307532009-04-15T13:07:00.000-04:002009-04-15T13:07:00.000-04:00Oh, I know who you are.
That's fine. I am not try...Oh, I know who you are.<br /><br />That's fine. I am not trying to hide rather not give out my name via the internet.<br /><br />I figured based on the info I disclosed some would figure it out. Besides just becasue someome says there is name Kathy or John doesnt mean that is there name.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-16359121075847134882009-04-15T10:52:00.000-04:002009-04-15T10:52:00.000-04:00Oh, I know who you are.Oh, I know who you are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-4233889251957926552009-04-15T10:29:00.000-04:002009-04-15T10:29:00.000-04:00Anonymous said...
I'm glad to hear you haven't su...Anonymous said... <br />I'm glad to hear you haven't subbed at CF. Please don't.<br /><br />Funny you say. Actually the schools and kids love me<br />Especially at WW and MM. And while I havent subbed there a lot of community events I have been part of allowed me to know many of the CF students and even teachers. Actually Paul Wiley was a counselor at MM when I went there back in 1980's.<br /><br />How I teach and my personal feelings remain seperate. Not only do I teach I have a child in the Amherst Schools system currently and another next year<br /><br />I realize the schools closing will affect all kids and parents of Amherst. My anger is at how the SC is going about it. I feel like MM students and parents are being viewed unfairly. I see comments on here about how the turnover level is high, most students are Umass parents, blah blah blah all reasons to justify closing it. <br /><br />Personally I went to MM and FR as a youth growing up. My mom moved to Amherst because of the high level of education. It is scary to me to see a school close and it makes me even more concerned about the future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-80292934657658572722009-04-15T10:17:00.000-04:002009-04-15T10:17:00.000-04:00I'm glad to hear you haven't subbed at CF. Please ...I'm glad to hear you haven't subbed at CF. Please don't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-40994694248361766462009-04-15T09:02:00.000-04:002009-04-15T09:02:00.000-04:00One meeting was all it took for you to disgust me....One meeting was all it took for you to disgust me. I was all the way in back and keep wondering who is the asshole being so rude and cutting people off mid sentance. Only later did I find out who you were and what your represented.<br /><br />Not sure who got Amherst in such a budget crisis that a school has to close because of past mistakes. Closing MM is just another mistake.<br /><br />To me the problems seems that many WW parents are sending their kids there when in fact CF is closer to there home.<br /><br />If these stuck up parents put there kids where they belonged their would be more equality amongst the 4 schools. Thats why CF get poorer and poorer each year. Thats the only good thing I feel about redistricting is that hopefully schools will be more balanced even if its only 3 schools instead of 4<br /><br />Something tells me we close MM 5 years from now, were building a new school and people will be fighing to get in the "new' School<br /><br />As far as power dont play silly. You hold clout in Amherst even though many despise you. I lived in Amherst long enough to know the politics<br /><br />For now I remain anonymous because I dont have a generic name like Neil or John. But in due time I am sure you'll find out who this "anonymous" poster is , as if it really makes a differenceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-76466749583635184722009-04-14T23:12:00.001-04:002009-04-14T23:12:00.001-04:00Me, again:
Anonymous 10:37 - if MM closes, thes...Me, again: <br /><br />Anonymous 10:37 - if MM closes, these teachers (with seniority) would have the option to move to other schools in the district. I believe there are strong, good, and dedicated teachers in all of our schools. <br /><br />I am glad to know that I have so much power that you feel it is safer to call me a "nut" anonymously ... please let me know what that power is sometime, which of course requires that you anonymously choose to call me names (and FYI, the School Committee has no control over personnel decisions whatsoever -- unless you are the superintendent?). Interesting to choose to criticize me for being rude to people -- when obviously it was known who I was -- but then feel free to be rude to me anonymously -- and based on an entire sample of ONE meeting!Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-16230023513648149102009-04-14T23:12:00.000-04:002009-04-14T23:12:00.000-04:00I fail to see how her alleged rudeness is related ...I fail to see how her alleged rudeness is related your fear, your choice to speak anonymously, or the policies being discussed. How is her alleged rudeness relevant to the policy decisions? In one only way: alleged.<br /><br /><I>It appears this information is not available!! This must be some sort of control tactic to keep this information hidden. Honestly, I don't understand this, do you Neil??<br /><br />April 10, 2009 7:49 PM<br /></I>You're patronizing. Does that make your arguments invalid or does it just make you an arrogant jackass?Neilnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-87395434296850991572009-04-14T22:37:00.000-04:002009-04-14T22:37:00.000-04:00In the end what matters is the teachers in the cla...In the end what matters is the teachers in the classroom. As a sub. in the Amherst schools I have worked at 3 of the 4 schools (No CF) IMO by far MM teachers seemed to engage and deal with their students better. Whether that was due to class size I dont know but I hope the GREAT teachers of MM are placed around Amherst and dont take jobs elsewhere.<br /><br />Side note C. Sanderson IMO is a nut and because of her power I will remain anonymous. Went to 1 meeting and was offended at how you spoke to the Amherst community. So nice to those that share your views and harsh and rude to others.<br /><br />GO OBAMAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-88441970371181183192009-04-14T15:21:00.000-04:002009-04-14T15:21:00.000-04:00Me, again:
JWolfe - the key issue you raise is th...Me, again:<br /><br />JWolfe - the key issue you raise is that the SC is trying to do the most good for the most kids in town with few resources. There are some kids (including some at MM) who will be worse off in the new system -- they will be at a larger school that their parents don't prefer, and with a somewhat larger class size. There are other kids (including some at MM) who will be better off in the new system -- they may be at a new school that provides more social opportunities or better options for teacher matching. But the reality is, if we don't close MM, all kids in the district, including those at at MM, will be hurt -- they will have larger class sizes (because we'll have to cut even more classroom teachers to pay for four administrative staffs), fewer specials options (art/music/instrumental music/librarians), and fewer intervention teachers. That hurts all kids.<br /><br />Alison -- agreed. All kids will be impacted by closing MM and redistricting. All kids and all families. <br /><br />Anonymous 11:55 -- thank you! Great point!<br /><br />Anonymous 1:19 -- I believe JWolfe and others have acknowledged that all kids will be impacted if MM closes ... and in fact, are also impacted if it doesn't.<br /><br />Anonymous 2:32 - Good point -- thanks. <br /><br />Alisa - thank you for your support of holding the community forums. I notice that the ONLY school that has yet to schedule their forum is in fact Marks Meadow! Perhaps you can encourage the school leadership there to schedule one?!?<br /><br />In terms of your points:<br /><br />1. My motion delayed the closing for a year to give the superintendent options to discuss the use of MM for another purpose. This will be discussed at the community forums. Similarly, the issue of how to house our students if/when renovations occur to the other schools will be discussed at the community forum.<br /><br />2. Although the existence of MM doesn't create larger class sizes at the other schools, it does mean that we have more variability in class size at all of the schools. It is simply easier to even out class sizes between three schools than four. Closing MM would help create a more equitable class sizes for all kids in all grades.<br /><br />3. Change is indeed happening. And my motion gives the other town information on what Amherst is doing, so that they can plan accordingly. But we can't just continue to spend $700,000 a year to keep open a school that we don't need in case regionalization occurs. <br /><br />Anonymous 6:13 - I'm not sure of the type of information you are looking for ... can you clarify?<br /><br />Jenny - it is true that the motivation for closing MM is NOT to make other class sizes smaller ... but the reality is, if you redistrict to keep four schools (and use the extra space at MM), you end up spending an extra $100,000 per year than you now spend ... and we are in a structural deficit, meaning that we have to find ways to reduce long-term costs. So, we can keep MM open, but have larger class sizes at all schools (because we'll have to eliminate teachers). Or we can close MM and then have somewhat smaller class sizes than we would otherwise (because some of the cuts then go to administration/staff/non-classroom teachers). That is the choice we have to make. <br /><br />Anonymous 10:29 - district maps haven't been finalized ... I've seen versions that move Amherst Woods to CF, and versions that don't. My motion delays the closing for ONE YEAR to give the district time to work with an outside consultant to finalize the district maps, and I don't believe we'll know exactly where all kids will go for several months still. If you were to ask families in Amherst Woods (of which I am one), their strong preference is NOT to move -- believe it or not, we actually love Fort River -- great staff, fabulous teachers, wonderful principal, and yes, new playground. But I understand, as do many families across the district, that change is about all the kids, not just some of the kids. So, don't assume that this whole close MM idea is some tricky way to get Amherst Woods families "the best" school -- the reality is, ALL the schools are great -- and that is why it really doesn't matter to me where my kids go. The building isn't essential to me -- it is staff, principals, and teachers. Those are good at all the schools. One more thing --families who want a small school can choice into Pelham or Leverett. Both of those schools accept School Choice kids. <br /><br />Anonymous 11:33 - thank you -- well said.<br /><br />Anonymous 11:33 -- the meetings have been well publicized at all the schools, and I'm sure the CF staff is encouraging all families to learn about the proposed plans. But the reality is, the vote isn't up to any community -- let's say the FR and WW families said "we like our schools just as they are, without a lot of free/reduced lunch kids." That doesn't mean that is how the SC should vote! Much research shows that when a school is over 40% kids on free and reduced lunch, it disadvantages those kids -- I take that seriously. And the disadvantages of this type of an educational climate can't be made up with extra funding/new playground, etc. You need a more balanced and equitable school population (parents and kids). In terms of how many kids will be effected -- many, many kids at all schools will be impacted and moved to new schools. It is NOT just the kids at CF or MM. <br /><br />Anonymous 11:37 -- I've had kids at Fort River for 6 years. The building is in fine shape -- we have NO DESIRE to leave it. And I hear from MM families ALL THE TIME that their building is in bad shape! Again, this is not about buildings -- it is about the financial realities of keeping four schools open.<br /><br />Anonymous 11:38 - yes -- thanks for making this point.<br /><br />Anonymous 11:39 - I've never seen these statistics -- where did you find them?<br /><br />Anonymous 11:41 - I agree with your intuition, but again, I've never seen the numbers on this.Catherine A. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03523667921190365891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-72731870497244445982009-04-14T11:41:00.000-04:002009-04-14T11:41:00.000-04:00thats BS, they have been equally spread around ove...thats BS, they have been equally spread around over the yearsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-12820877475557047612009-04-14T11:39:00.000-04:002009-04-14T11:39:00.000-04:00Oh BTW, a large percentage of them leave for MM!Oh BTW, a large percentage of them leave for MM!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-66616531144043706442009-04-14T11:38:00.000-04:002009-04-14T11:38:00.000-04:00CF is very good at communicating with these famili...CF is very good at communicating with these families and trying to get their input. You can't force participation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-89421897012964909132009-04-14T11:37:00.000-04:002009-04-14T11:37:00.000-04:00Anon 10:29 to Anon 11:33,
Exactly what I just said...Anon 10:29 to Anon 11:33,<br />Exactly what I just said. With the redistricting that solves the equity issues and it would not be such a high concentration of low income. They are not choicing out of the building, they are choicing out of the situation in the building currently. With redistricting, that solves that problem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-3576929655602270252009-04-14T11:33:00.001-04:002009-04-14T11:33:00.001-04:00I would like to know who has talked to the familie...I would like to know who has talked to the families in Crocker Farm? I am not talking about the people who show up to the meetings. I am talking about the families who live in the apartments, who may not even be aware there are meetings and if so, do not understand they can have any kind of input to the decisions that will be happening. Who has PROACTIVELY sought out their opinions, encouraged them to come to the meetings, given them accurate information? <br /><br />There are so many so called facts out there that people think they know, but turn out to be completely false. The most accurate information needs to be presented to ALL communities. Crocker Farm families may not want to be split up. There is a strong community there. It may be the poorest of our schools, but they are a community. Maybe we should step up and help them more. Maybe the town should come together and build them a play ground we all can be proud of. Maybe we can offer that school some extra services, like dual language learners. Crocker Farm and Marks Meadow are the two schools who will end up being most disrupted in any of these changes. <br /><br />I would really like to see community meetings in South Point, for example. I would like these families to feel welcome. I would like to see this done proactively, more than an invitation to the school parent group meetings and regular SC meetings. I would like to see the SC got to these families and get them involved. This is a huge decision and EVERYONE needs to be heard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-81876376940577470002009-04-14T11:33:00.000-04:002009-04-14T11:33:00.000-04:00If CF is the best school in town why have we had s...If CF is the best school in town why have we had so many children school choice out of it to other schools for many years? That is one of the reasons the class sizes are so small there, they've all left for Pelham, FR and WW!<br />I don't see any "fighting" to get in and they don't need MM to close to do that if all they want is a better building.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-35144405490739370392009-04-14T10:29:00.000-04:002009-04-14T10:29:00.000-04:00I may be wrong here, but I think there should be s...I may be wrong here, but I think there should be someone to point out that with the plans to close MM and redistrict, the Amherst Woods families get to put their kids in the best building in the district!!! Crocker Farm. With real walls, small school, small classes, (I bet a playground would be built within a year!!) newest of all the buildings. I have a big feeling house values in South Amherst will increase dramatically!!! That will be the ideal school to be in once the redistricting plans take effect! I have no doubt that people will have a hard time walking away from Fort River- the building which needs the most work done on it! The kids will all be fine in a new school, so people can say that will bother them, but there are always playdates and sports, lots of time to make plans with other kids!! I can already predict the responses to this. Something like "my child will be separated from their friends who they have know for years" "we built that playground" (you can and most likely will build another one, which someone should have been fighting for at CF long before FR got a new one) "the school's will all be equal for equity" (really? What about the kids who need a small school building and not a larger, most likely noisier one like WW or FR?) and I am sure there are a lot more highly predictable responses, but that does not take away the reality that there is definitely a fight to get the Amherst Woods kids into the best building we have in this town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-46307062012296335212009-04-14T06:23:00.000-04:002009-04-14T06:23:00.000-04:00Alisa has pointed out that MM classrooms are not s...Alisa has pointed out that MM classrooms are not smaller on average than those in any other schools. In fact one of my daughters at MM is in one of the largest elementary classrooms in the entire elementary district; at times because of changing enrollment it has been THE largest. My other 2 daughters have been in classrooms of 18-22 students at MM. If MM is closed the children will move into the other schools and all the classrooms would be somewhat larger. Keeping MM open does not make other schools' classrooms larger and is not the basis for an argument to close MM. <br /><br />If we were to leverage the free building and redistrict to fill MM to capacity (I think I've read capacity is 230 students) wouldn't the reverse be true: other classrooms in other schools would be somewhat smaller. Is having smaller classroom sizes "core" to the district? If so, then MM could play a role in bettering all district students, in a free building to boot. <br /><br />Unfortunately, no matter what we decide is "core" to the district (math, science...how about english and history and languages...?) there will be cuts because of the budget crisis; even if MM closes, there will be cuts we won't like.<br /><br />I agree that given the changes to come, it's reasonable to take full measure of how all these changes together will impact the budget AND learning and morale across all constituencies throughout the community - teachers, students, administrators, and parents, as well as others not in the schools. The goal should be to minimize the negative effects of coming change as much as we can afford to.<br /><br />Thanks for considering these points.<br />Jenny FabriziAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6270815429299703055.post-42633209160226931532009-04-14T06:13:00.000-04:002009-04-14T06:13:00.000-04:00I am sorry Mr. Wolfe--but, this should not be a he...I am sorry Mr. Wolfe--but, this should not be a head on head debate here and may I back up a bit to say I am neither rich nor a republican, quite the very opposite, that said, I honestly believe we need to all be on the same page here looking at the numbers--the money, the salaries, the overlaps in administrators, etc. This is the one way, once we all have access to this information, that we can all make educated and informed suggestions as to where and how the money can be shifted, (for lack of a better word) to make it possible to keep all our elementaty schools open. <br /> This is where I stand, and somehow underneath all your high posted words I believe you may as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com