Our Thoughts and Answers to Reader Comments

1. In response to the posts regarding our censoring comments not as a result of foul language or mean spirited posts but rather posts that differ in opinion from our own. We find it unfortunate that you believe that to be the case as we have not attempted to censor anything other than posts that contain foul language or serve no other purpose than to attack a fellow poster. We have purposefully left up differing opinions and thoughts as we  feel that the concerns and issues of all parents deserve to be heard and  we want to hear what others are thinking. We find such comments and insight valuable in not only allowing us to see others perspectives but also as a way to ensure that we focus our efforts on the 'big' issues of our fellow parents. We apologize if you have posted something that you believe was removed without justification yet we can't recall doing so.

2.The change from 'non issue' to 'like this' wasn't (again) an attempt to censor anyone but found that some posts didn't fit into any of the previous selections. We will attempt to replace 'non issue' out of fairness to all. We also welcome ideas and suggestions for more appropriate tags and/or polling questions. We also feel it is important to point out that we have had over 2600 unique visitor yet  less than 100 have participated in the polling. That being said, we put it there more to provide those who do not wish to comment a chance to give feedback.


3. As for the summary of the meeting and the meeting minutes, we have requested the minutes and hope to post them once they are received. Per the Attorney General the school has 10 days from the date of request to forward them. Per the AG's office, the minutes do not need to be posted but must be provided within 10 days upon request. Should anyone have had success in obtaining either the Open Meeting or Executive Meeting minutes, we would appreciate you forwarding them to us. Once we have them, we will put together a more inclusive summary of the meeting. Our apologies for the delay and for not having taken better notes that would enable us to provide a quicker, more thorough summary.

4. We'd like to clarify our lack of thoroughly presenting the discussion regarding the issue of the students snacks and/or the belief that we are attempting to nit pick on the little issues. We are not looking to do either with this issue or even with the current busing issue. Our focus and intent was, and is,  to draw attention to the manner in which issues are handled by the Board and school Administration.  It seems overly apparent the lack of respect and unwillingness of the Board to address or value concerns of parents. To clarify, our goals focus mainly on the lack of integrity, ethical actions, and questionable qualifications of many of the Board and Administration. We also seek to provide our fellow parents with a forum in which they feel secure and entitled to ask questions and challenge decisions. Does this mean that we want to have parents control the school? Not at all, we simply want to remove the dynamics and intimidation tactics that are currently in place. We truly hope to create a school environment that promotes a positive, open, and trusting community of parents who hold the best interest of all of our students first and foremost.  


5. To our humorous adolescent posters, very funny. Wasn't it from Porky's? How about Phyuck Yiu? Oops, Jo King...Get that one too? Or Harry Sphincter? Are you (an) Auhs Whipe? Or are you Stu Pidassos? Are we done now? Ah, 8th graders, forgot how fun they can be.


6. On the upside, we'd like to mention that at the last staff Professional Development day (Friday), the Administration was very much praising the staff for their performance thus far. While many would except this to be a common occurrence, this isn't always the case for our hard-working and dedicated teachers. It is unfortunate that the Administration does not use this time in a more productive and beneficial manner for the teachers, many of whom are new to the school (and possibly community as we have heard a number of teachers were relocated from Michigan). The staff spent the day at the Moose (who had their ravioli's for the first time in quite some time) identifying the location and significance of art that ties into the Core Knowledge curriculum and has been placed throughout the school. It is unfortunate that the Administration felt that this was the best use of their teachers time considering how many of them are new and are probably feeling extremely overwhelmed by now. While many of us have our own criticisms and issues with our public schools, the one strength many of the have is their use of Professional Development time to foster a positive work environment and working relationships among colleagues. From our conversations with staff members many would welcome the introduction of mentoring among staff, guest speakers and experts presenting on such issues as Special Education (and not Kathy Kinnon reading from a Powerpoint Presentation that she has no intention of following herself), Behavior Management, or the Importance of Positive Communication between parents and teachers. It is incredibly unfortunate that although many of our teachers have exceptional credentials and some have incredible experience, they are not permitted to communicate with parents beyond surface issues. Most questions must first be addressed with an Administrator before teachers can comment or discuss parental concerns.But this is a post for another day, or month!