Saturday, September 11, 2010

To Our Fellow Parents

Dear Parents;
We have received many positive responses (along with a small number of angry ones, which we expected) and wanted to thank you all for your encouraging words and sentiments. We have also had a number of questions that we would like to address at this time. The question that has been asked the most deals with the question of who are we. We can appreciate that our insistence on remaining anonymous has a number of you calling into question our intent and involvement with opponents of charter schools or non-union schools. We assure you, this is not the case. We are honestly just a group of parents who have joined forces in hopes of removing the cloud that currently hangs over our school. These include allegations of wrong-doing, unethical actions, and the schools inability or unwillingness to meet the needs of all students. We, like many of you, don’t take issue with school policies or academics but rather how the school is being operated and managed. Our intent is not to destroy the school but rather the exact opposite, to secure its future for the sake of our children.
For those of you who still take issue with our insistence at anonymity, we ask for your patience, consideration, and understanding for the sake of our children. It is an unfortunate fact that in the past a number of parents who have stood up for what they believed in and/or to secure the educational needs of their children were being met, have felt persecuted or victimized by the Administration. While we appreciate that you may not have personally experienced this or have personal knowledge of such instances, we have heard from numerous people who have. Please try to set aside your criticisms, anger and harsh words at our efforts for a moment and instead consider how the parents of our learning disabled, English Language Learners, or families who were next in line on the waitlist (only to find out that students have in fact been re-admitted ahead of 2198 other waitlisted students) have felt and continue to feel. We ask that rather than seeing this as a negative action against our school, you find compassion and empathy for your fellow parents who truly only want the best for their child. Please also remember, we aren’t doing this solely for our own children but rather for the sake of ALL of the students of our school. And yes, in many ways and for many children, MVRCS is the best education these parents have to offer their children. We ask that you consider how you would feel and what you would do if it were your child that had a learning disability and was failing because the school was unwilling to meet their educational needs as required by law.
We know many in our school have family ties, relationships, and connections to the Administration and Board. No one begrudges any one for that until you are unwilling to acknowledge the issues relating to the management of our school and their impact on the school. What we also take issue with is when all of our children are not treated equally, when questions concerning the financial management arise, conflicts of interests, and the school constantly losing the teachers that are there for the children but keeping the staff that is there as a result of their connections rather than their performance or contribution to the school. For those of you who are willing to turn a blind eye to these issues, your unwillingness to acknowledge these issues are not about preserving the school but rather for your own self-serving motives. Funds are tight in all of our schools and districts, to not have complete transparency and accountability should be unacceptable and cause for concern for all of us. It is no wonder that parents and citizens of our sending districts take issue with our school (and ultimately all charter schools) if we are not held to the same standards and accountability as others. We also feel that our Administration and Board of Trustees should be held to the same standards, expectations, and accountability that our sending schools are held to. That includes following the laws and regulations that govern their actions and behaviors. This is not a personal vendetta against Neil Kinnon or any other member of the Administration, this is about ensuring that the educational needs of all students are met and that we, as parents, feel free to voice our concerns and issues without fear of being subjected to repercussions. A component of the concept behind Charter Schools includes parents having a say in their child’s school, including leadership roles and collaboration. The idea was not for one small group of parents to control and/or manage the school as our school currently is.
In closing, many of you have questioned how we were able to obtain your email addresses. We can assure you, we did nothing illegal or questionable as your emails were all included within a mass email the school sent out last year (dated 11/9/09 and titled 'When to keep a child home'). We apologize to those of you who were upset or concerned by our email but felt it was the only way to determine if we were a lone group of parents or if others were equally as concerned about the issues we have raised. As the majority of you have approved of our efforts and attempts, we will continue to draw attention to these matters. As always, we welcome your comments and any suggestions that you may have. With our deepest apologies to those of you we upset, and our deepest thanks for the many accolades.
Sincerely, The Parents of Unofficial MVRCS

62 comments:

  1. Once again, I commend you on bringing all of this out into the open. I know only too well what it felt like being a victim of this school's unethical ways of dealing with parents when they brought up issues that did not sit well with their way of thinking.

    Do not let these bullies intimidate you by forcing you to shut down this blog. This is how they operate and what they want you to do.

    How do we find out which media outlets and organizations were notified by your group about this blog? Will you post them?

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  2. What a great letter, thoughtfully written. Keep up the good work and thank you.

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  3. see you in court! You have no right to send out emails that we did not want to get because YOU have an axe to grind. This school is doing nothing wrong and this email is the last straw.

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  4. To the person above, just your comment alone "This school is doing nothing wrong" means that you totally have your blinders on. Wake up! I am not associated with the people who wrote this blog. But I take it as an insult when you say they did nothing wrong! I was a victim of their abuse! What right do you have to call people liars just because you are one of the insiders? Clearly there is a major issue for many parents, not just one.

    With regards to the emails, if there is an email that does exsist from the school (dated 11/9/09 and titled 'When to keep a child home'), then it was the school, and not the writers of this blog who exposed your email addresses.

    And to say "See you in Court", if the writers of this blog are taken to court for being honest and defending the rights of their children, I will join them in court, as will many others who were treated badly. They will be opening up a huge can of worms if they even do this.

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  5. Boo hoo for being insulted! I'm entitled to MY opinion and you should stop drinking the A.O. coolaid. And you assume that my email was even on the list in 2009. Wake up yourself as not everyone shares your opinion(s). And, the only "can of worms" are things that can be proven as being wrong; someone not liking the way some policies may be doesn't qualify especially since 10 people deciding how to do something would yeild 10 different results! It's so easy to bash; wonder how often (if any) you actually brought any of your concerns to any board meetings, the school directors, or even the school superintendent. All these "allegations" are just that, a minority of belly achers who don't/didn't get exactly what they want. Final Answer: It is SCHOOL CHOICE, so take your kids out and let the 2000+ on the waiting list gladly take your spot! Oh, and good luck in the Union Controlled public schools with things.

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  6. You just exposed who you are! Ding! You are one of the administration, because this is your favorite line. Let me repeat what you just wrote:

    Final Answer: It is SCHOOL CHOICE, so take your kids out and let the 2000+ on the waiting list gladly take your spot!

    This is exactly the point on why parents are so mad! This is the school's answer all of the time.

    Did the any of you people from the news media read what was just written? Good, make note of this and watch how many times it is written in this blog.

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  7. Let's see how receptive the board will be to parents concerns at the upcoming meeting Wednesday. I'm sure those parents will be treated with the utmost respect.

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  8. The parents will be treated with the utmost respect? Well, that would certainly be a switch. Are we talking about the same board? Oh that's right, this is a board with lifetime membership. Silly of me! Wish I could be a fly on the wall. Hey Globe, Herald, did you hear that? There is a Board meeting on Wednesday night. Can you please attend this meeting? No worries, they don't acknowlege or know the parents who don't question them, they only know the parents, who they consider trouble makers for standing up for their kids. So they will have no clue who you are. Just sit in the back of the room and take notes.

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  9. If you don't like the school try to change it from within. If your argument does nor prevail you have two options. Suck it up or take a walk.
    I find it interesting that when we started this discussion on Boston.com there was not a single parent currently at the school involved in the bashing. Then this group of "concerned parents" shows up and starts this blog? We refer to this as BS!

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  10. I don't trust this site or the people putting it together because of all the anonymity. I have no problem putting my name on my comments. While I am open to discussion/scrutiny of the school, I can't do so with nameless people. That makes me very suspect of all the things said here. I read the Globe article and the email reply from the school. I also read the article in the local Melrose paper about the salaries. Knowing all that, I still support the school. I have 3 kids in MVRCS and have been dealing with them for 9 years. While they have not been perfect, they are a fairly new school that is still trying to build themselves into something with almost no help from the state(or at least less help than regular public schools). I understand the school doesn't have a teachers union but so far that hasn't affected my kids education and I haven't run into any unhappy teachers so far.
    While I don't pretend to know everything going on behind the scenes, sites like this one don't help. I don't trust people hiding who they are. If you want to be taken more seriously I suggest you lift the veil and come out in the open unless you too have an axe to grind against the school.
    Nina Wentzell, Melrose, parent

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  11. Nina,
    We appreciate your position and am sorry you do not feel that our site won't be of any help. Unfortunately, too many parents HAVE put their names to comments only to have their children suffer. We do not want that for our children or any other child within our school. I am unsure of what you have been told but we are in no way promoting the introduction of the union for our teachers but do feel that the teachers are not being treated as the professionals that they are. We will have to risk being taken less seriously for the sake of our children and the education we want them to receive. Our issues are not the issues that new schools face but rather as a result of lack of oversight, accountability, and questions of mismanagement.
    All of that being said, we truly wish you and your children only the best in the pursuit of their education.

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  12. Are any of these "angry parents" ever room parents?....did you help paint the school interior with the PAC?.....have you run for a PTO position?

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  13. I chuckled as I read the last post. Does the poster mean to imply that by volunteering as a room parent, painter, or with the PTO that no their children would be insured that the school met their educational needs? That Chris Finn's family members would not have been re-admitted over 2198 other students? That the board would have followed the law regarding opening meetings? That the school would not be in violation of the conflict of interest laws or any other law that governs the operation of the school? The statement from the top of the page popped immediately in my head - anyone else? True in either case.

    Political tactic: When you can't defeat the argument, attack the person making the argument.

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  14. I find it funny too. Very interesting that these parents who refuse to believe that any of us were abused in any way just assume that none of us did any volunteer work at the school. All that I can say, is that if they only knew...

    Nina, I truly am happy that you and your children have had a very positive experience at this school, if only all of us could have shared that same experience, but we didn't.

    I have a few comments about your statement: "While they have not been perfect, they are a fairly new school that is still trying to build themselves into something with almost no help from the state(or at least less help than regular public schools".

    #1, they are not a new school. They have been established for thirteen years now. That is not new.

    #2, Please check your facts before stating that they get almost no help from the state(or at least less help than regular public schools". Why do you think that this school has so much money? Not only do they get state and federal money, but they get additional money for kids with learning disabilities. When those kids leave the school, the numbers are not accurately reported to the Department of Education.

    This makes me so angry when I hear this. If you have been there for nine years, take a look at your childrens year books, and then get a copy of the DOE report for each year. Count the kids that you know left and then the numbers reported. Never once have they ever been the same numbers. Never!

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  15. I find it quite funny that the anonoymous replies argue with ideas and thoughts they don't agree with. How about pull your child if you are so unhappy with this school? Good luck in public school if you think you are going to find anything differen. If you think your child will suffer if you put your name on this blog then YOU are the bully!!!

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  16. I didn't see this story above on this blog until just now. Nothing shocks me any more with this administration. I totally believe it.
    http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/p/north-shore-tab-crew-teams-motor-stolen.html

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  17. The UnOfficial MVRCS Blog, Thank you for posting the list of people and news media that received your letter. Hopefully you will hear from some of them and hopefully they will keep a watchful eye out, for once. http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/p/list-of-dese-community-leaders-and.html

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  18. MVinsider- I'll ask again since maybe you didn't see my post. If this is not your blog what was the big reveal you were going to have the day this "positive" site showed up?

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  19. The issue isn't that parents aren't happy with the education their children are receiving, the issue is that the school is being managed by a board of trustees that have no respect for laws, have limited experience and education in school administration, and that many parents do not feel comfortable questioning or challenging them. Case in point, how many parents, if given a say, would have made an athletic facility a priority over an adequate and improved lower school facility? The charters mission focuses on EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES, not athletics. Yes, athletics are important but so are art and music. The parents who place priority over art or music and not athletics have reason to be upset. Until the academic facilities are up to par and acceptable standards, funds should not have been spent for an athletic facility. Granted it was mentioned that the lot the school purchased had environmental issues that would make it unsuitable for a school, but maybe the purchasing of that lot wasn't in the best interest of the school (i.e. a conflict of interest between a city councilor and the board).
    I suggest those parents who are questioning the reason the creators of this blog are insisting on remaining anonymous attend the board meeting this week and ask a question that questions or challenges the board. Watch how you are treated. Now imagine trying to raise issues or concerns repeatedly, do you think the board is going to appreciate your efforts? Try it and see, then you may reconsider your position on this blog.

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  20. Andrew25 -
    You can credit me with this blog all you want. No harm, no foul. When I wrote that, I knew that this blog was being created and had been asked for input (which I happily provided). I'm not even sure why it matters who the creators are, the facts are the facts. Unless of course you are looking to punish someone for revealing information...? I imagine only a few number of people would be so concerned with who I am or the creators of this blog. Given that small list of people, one must ask WHY if they have done nothing wrong. Now of course if they have done something(s) wrong, that's a different story now isn't it? Did you watch the game yesterday?

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  21. The Charter School is not perfect. You can not have that many Malden politicos involved and get 'perfect'. What amazes me is that it is still pretty good.

    From firsthand experience, the administrators do not tolerate criticism very well. I empathize with those parents who choose to remain anonymous - but nothing will change unless they are willing to go on the record and go to court... and then everything changes.

    MVRCS is, in short, a one-size-fits-most solution. If your child is fairly intelligent and can adhere to the behavior plan, they will generally do well.

    However, if your child is unable or unwilling to adhere to the behavior plan, MVRCS will be a dead end - and frustrating to parents as they watch endless corrective actions until they just give up and leave the school.

    My greatest sympathy goes out to the parents of students with special needs. After banging my head on the wall long enough, one thing became clear...

    MVRCS simply can not compete with the well staffed and trained SpEd departments in the sending districts. Efforts to duplicate those SpEd departments would not only be an expensive and redundant use of taxpayer dollars; but given their exemption from having licensed SpEd teachers - would ultimately be a disservice to those students who have special needs.

    That said, the behavior plan and the rigorous academics are exactly WHY people send their kids to MVRCS.

    Attempts to convert the Charter School into something other than what it is will be met with hostility. Not only by the administration, but by the parents who selected MVRCS for their kids... until their kids have difficulties conforming to the rigid expectations.

    The same behavior plan that has spared MVRCS students from some of the ills of the public school system - is also a blunt instrument if your child, despite everyone's best hopes, is not well suited to that environment.

    Parents, do what is best for your kids. That may involve accepting the Charter School with all of its limitations, or moving on. The painful path is fighting the clique of administrators and expecting change. They actually believe that scores are higher for their efforts, despite the fact that the same behavior plan and curriculum applied to any public school would result in amazing test improvements... just as soon as the public school could figure out where to send all the students that don't adapt well.

    It is a needless distraction to doubt the qualifications of the administrators as the behavior plan and curriculum do all the heavy lifting. To paraphrase, it's so easy a monkey can administrate it. They are just as replaceable as the teachers.

    It bothers me until I ask myself the fundamental question, "Do kids capable of keeping up with the curriculum deserve a safe place where they can excel - or should they all lose out in an effort to make MVRCS more like the schools that over two thousand people are on a waiting list to bypass?"

    ...and that's how I learned to stop worrying and love the behavior plan. Even if things get bad enough to pull my child out, he will enter the public schools ahead of his peers and ready to compete in the global economy ahead.

    I wish every parent had an option like MVRCS available, despite the problems outlined on this blog.

    Good luck with efforts to reform things. There is a lot that MVRCS could be doing better, but expect reluctance trying to change a teaching model that has given the administration a bigger reputation for success stories than failures.

    Let's just hope we don't wind up 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater'.

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  22. I must admit that my first thought when I learned about the big land purchase was wonder at why they didn't use that money for other things. But then again I'm not in a position to make those decisions and ultimately I figured they were going al out to create an athletics program that would prevent students from leaving once they hit a certain grade to play sports with surrounding schools. To me, that is a valid concern. Since kindergarten my kids have wanted to play sports and at first almost nothing was availabe. Then slowly they started building up programs but still had issues with places to practice and play. Now they have a chance to have a place of there own and I can't begrudge that. The school is getting bigger and better and they need more space to accomodate that. Also, I have a SPED student tin the school and I have always felt the school backed him and has a good plan for him. I don't see what the SPED problem is all about. How is it that I have had such good experiences with the school and some haven't. Any issues I have had over the years were brought to the school's attention and dealt with in a appropriate way. I say the school is what we make it and so far it's been a great experience for me and my kids. But again, I have to be suspect of people not willing to put themselves out there and use their names. Maybe that's one of the reasons I've had good experiences. I stand behind every word I say and I'm not afraid to stand up to anyone in a crowded room to advocate for my children...administration or no!

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  23. I would like to know where the information comes from- I have been reading this and there are allot of un-truths to what is on the site.

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  24. Found this on the web. I wonder how parents knew about it. http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=52&state=MA

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  25. Here is a another one. I wonder where this website gets their numbers from. http://www.schoolmatters.com/schools.aspx/q/page=sp/sid=65829

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  26. Charliegirl- You must not be paying attention. All this information is readily available on fantasy island.

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  27. Mv- My life won't be complete until I find out who you are. It's my new obsession in life.
    And I loved every minute of the game. Did you see Randy's rant after the game? It reminded me of you:)

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  28. Andy -
    Are you determined to find out who I am so that you can hire me as your campaign manager when you run for mayor? What's that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
    I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing, being considered your enemy. Sorry to disappoint you but I have a feeling your life won't be complete unless you find religion. But I sure do enjoy sparring with you. Busy today?

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  29. I am a student and suggest the most effective way of tackling these issues is by shining light on them, which is hard to accomplish from the shadows. Attend board meetings, directly contact school leaders,or try some other way to communicate with the school. Riling up parents on an anonymous, unaffiliated website, does not seem like it will accomplish much. The best way for us to benefit from the results is by direct action.

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  30. There is a board meeting Wednesday night at 7pm. If you go to the city website: www.cityofmalden.com and click on the left for the meetings you can get a detailed agenda for that night-something I have never seen posted there before. It is interesting what they plan to discuss in Executive Session. They must be running really scared to post this!

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  31. To the creators of this blog, for any of you who have heard Kanye Wests new song that debuted on the VMA's , I believe it was written with you in mind.

    I can't believe how with Annie O as your leader or at least your mentor, that you would hide behind your anonymity. Good Luck in your endeavors, but I personally hope you fail miserably.

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  32. This is in response to the post above that began "The Charter School is not perfect. You can not have that many Malden politicos involved and get 'perfect'. What amazes me is that it is still pretty good." I enjoyed your post and the points that you make and if the issue were simply one of education our special needs students, I would agree with you 100%, but that isn't what the creators of this blog are concerned about. That being said.....

    Why should we settle for pretty good and just accept so many politicians being involved? In our public schools, if a superintendent isn’t up to snuff or satisfying the parents his contract isn’t renewed. Why should charter schools be any different? Why should we accept anything less than perfection? Isn’t that why many parents chose not to send their child to their district schools?
    Many parents have gone on the record only to have their child pay the price. As for going to court, why? People have taken them to court on numerous occasions only for the Administration to continue doing things as they please. The issue is that although the DESE is responsible for the oversight of Charter schools, they do not enforce their own rules and laws. Our school has somehow figured this out (or started the school with little regard for the laws that should govern them) and so doesn’t feel the need to follow the laws or respond to the directives issued by the DESE. This should be unacceptable to everyone, the laws and regulations are in place for a reason and to place oneself above them, would cause most shame.

    As for MVRCS being a one-size model, that too is unacceptable and does little except support the opponents of charter schools. Our public schools are not permitted to do so, neither should Charter schools and to say otherwise would give opponents the ammunition they need to destroy the concept. Yes, they can adopt a philosophy or methodology but by no means does that allow them to not ensure that all children are reaching their potential. Yes, some private schools do that but at least they have the decency to inform parents that they are unable to provide an adequate education to their child and not cause parents the agony and emotional distress that MVRCS does with some students.

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  33. MV-Did you happen to catch the agenda for the board meeting? Sounds like you made the list. I told you to be careful with people's names. I'll give you a little more advice(not that you'll take it). Don't get into legal fight with people who don't have to spend their own money. I tried this once with the boston police and it did not end well.

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  34. As for the behavior issue, I’m sure many of you would agree that the behavior expectations (and teacher moral) has dropped significantly since Dr. Biegler left. I remember seeing the students walk with their hands folded in front of them. Did I totally agree with it, no but it is no longer the expectation. If you walked into Dr. Biegler’s office (now Chris Finn’s), the children were facing the inside of their coral and had work to do. No one was fooling around or giving lip to the person at the desk (although Mr. Turner does an exceptional job but the students do not have the respect or fear they once did). Being in the office had consequences under the leadership of Dr. Biegler but that is no longer the case. The office can be found over flowing most days and the students try to go there. Yes, some of this is a parenting issue but none the less the behavior expectations for the school are no longer what they once were. I don’t think most parents take issue with the kids who have difficulty adhering to the behavior plan but rather the kids that require counseling who are not getting it. Yes, some kids do but not the kids that really need it. How would any of the parents reading this like to know that your child threatened to harm himself or another child (or was threatened) and you were not informed nor where the appropriate steps taken to ensure no harm was done? This isn’t an issue with the teachers but rather with the Administration being selective in their actions and efforts.

    MVRCS could service our special education kids as well as our public or sending schools. Are you aware that teachers of public schools have the option of leaving their school for a year (maybe 2, not sure) to work in a Charter school and having their position held for them (those teachers who have reached Professional Status or tenure). Unfortunately with the reputation of the Administration at MVRCS most public school teachers would never do so. What great insight and exposure that would give the MVRCS staff. Most public schools work with children that attend private schools within their district who require services as required by law. That could work to the advantage of both the students and the school if instead of having an adversarial relationship with the sending districts, MVRCS chose instead to work with them. Imagine if the two worked together for purposes of professional development and/or mentoring? Not expensive but rather more economical.
    That all being said, since MVRCS took the position in the past to keep things with the sending districts as they have been, could they not at least work with the parents in an open and honest manner rather than letting the student suffer? By not meeting their needs they not only make it harder for the child to ever ‘catch up’ but also do such incredible damage to their self-esteem. The worse of it is that the school will allow their special education students to flounder and rather than being honest with them, will hope that the parents leave after threatening to retain the student. Unfortunately, too many parents don’t get the message the first time and the child is further victimized.
    Finally, like it or not the laws require charter schools as public schools to meet the educational needs of all students, regardless of language or learning challenges. If MVRCS isn’t (or wasn’t) willing to do so, they should have instead chosen to start up a private school. Many charter schools are meeting the needs of all students and although I’m sure it isn’t easy or inexpensive, they do it.

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  35. It is unfortunate that you see their efforts as aimed at ‘converting’ the charter school. No one is seeking to convert anything, but simple asking that the Administration follow the laws and regulations that are currently in place. This isn’t solely about Special Education, nor does it have anything to with academics or behavior expectations. Don’t forget that they too chose to send our children there for the same reasons. This about the Administration and Board of Trustees believing that the laws do not apply to them. If everything else was being done according to the laws then it would be difficult to challenge their actions simply for the issues pertaining to special education services. But that isn’t the case.
    Yes, many parents have learned the hard way just how painful it can be to fight the clique of the administrators which is exactly why we have insisted on anonymity. As for scores being higher, yes in 2009 they managed to raise them up to where they were in 2006 but the test scores have not been consistent over the years. One has to question if this drop in test scores is as a result of Dr. Biegler leaving and taking with him his knowledge and experience.
    The behavior plan and curriculum do not do all the heavy lifting. The administration makes the hiring decisions and given the high turnover rate, obviously isn’t doing something right. A monkey can’t administer it nor can it teach it. Research has been demonstrating the importance of quality teachers within the classroom (hence the DESE’s requirement that teachers be certified, no it doesn’t ensure they possess the qualities required but at least it shows that they have basic knowledge). I would hope that as parents we want an administration and teachers who are knowledgeable, qualified, and dedicated to teaching. To accept anything less is to do a disservice to our students.

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  36. Andy -
    Just FYI - a rant is a negative, a rave a positive and Randy was identified as rambling and was quoted as saying that he was "not here to talk" or "cause trouble." I, on the other hand, am here to educate and if that requires talking (or writing in this case) and results in trouble for some people, then I've done my job.
    As for the posting of the minutes, I haven't checked it out but I guess just the mere fact that they posted it as required by law is a step in the right direction!
    BTW, why don't you sign in using your email address and so I can tell when you are writing. So much more fun to see Andrew25! In either case, I'll see you Wednesday night....

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  37. It is unfortunate that you see their efforts as aimed at ‘converting’ the charter school. No one is seeking to convert anything, but simple asking that the Administration follow the laws and regulations that are currently in place. This isn’t solely about Special Education, nor does it have anything to with academics or behavior expectations. Don’t forget that they too chose to send our children there for the same reasons. This about the Administration and Board of Trustees believing that the laws do not apply to them. If everything else was being done according to the laws then it would be difficult to challenge their actions simply for the issues pertaining to special education services. But that isn’t the case.
    Yes, many parents have learned the hard way just how painful it can be to fight the clique of the administrators which is exactly why we have insisted on anonymity. As for scores being higher, yes in 2009 they managed to raise them up to where they were in 2006 but the test scores have not been consistent over the years. One has to question if this drop in test scores is as a result of Dr. Biegler leaving and taking with him his knowledge and experience.
    The behavior plan and curriculum do not do all the heavy lifting. The administration makes the hiring decisions and given the high turnover rate, obviously isn’t doing something right. A monkey can’t administer it nor can it teach it. Research has been demonstrating the importance of quality teachers within the classroom (hence the DESE’s requirement that teachers be certified, no it doesn’t ensure they possess the qualities required but at least it shows that they have basic knowledge). I would hope that as parents we want an administration and teachers who are knowledgeable, qualified, and dedicated to teaching. To accept anything less is to do a disservice to our students.

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  38. YOU have children in the school!? Wow this is news to me. Is this true or does it just make your argument sound more legit?

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  39. Don't you find it rather odd that a school attorney would type a board agenda on his own letterhead and then post it on the city hall website? Is this how they have always done it and on his letterhead? Wonder if it was to get a point across.

    To the parents who created this blog, does this worry you? I am assumming that you looked into your legal rights to write this blog before you did it. Correct?

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  40. The most telling thing about this site for me was the original email I received. It stated it was an unofficial site regarding MVRCS parents. It had a couple vague accusations and then when you scrolled down to the bottom there was info about revocation of charter schools. So the intention was listed right there at the beginning...clear as day. I checked out the sites listed above and the first one was to a message board of some sort and the second one made my computer freeze and I had to unplug it. Funny how now with the internet, anybody can print whatever they want without real consequences at all.

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  41. After what my family, and many other families went through with this school, I would have thought that by now they would have been tired of being reported to the Department of Education. Upon hearing about this Blog, I became both saddened and angry to hear that the very same issues are still taking place. Clearly the Department of Education continues to not do their job.
    When I moved on from this school, it was no longer my problem but the problem of other parents who needed to fight for their children. It was such a huge relief off of my shoulders to walk away. It was going to be a new chapter in my family’s life, and it has been.
    Now, after discovering this Blog and learning that the same old antics are still taking place, I am downright angry! And I know only too well what it is like to be angry at this school. For these parents to create this Blog, I can assure you that the treatment towards them must be pretty bad for them to do this. One can only be pushed so far by this treatment before you decide to fight back. That is what I was forced to do, and I do not regret it. If parents do not fight back, no one is going to do this for them.
    This brings back too many bad memories for me. I wish I knew who these parents are who created this Blog, because if I did, I would not hesitate to share my story and journal with them that I kept about my experiences with this school.
    For those of you who keep attacking the parents who were not lucky enough to have the same experience as you, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you honestly believe that all of these people made this stuff up to close down your school? These are personal experiences and heartaches.
    Why you people refuse to not read what is being said is beyond me. We loved the teachers, but sadly we lost too many of them, which did, whether you believe it or not, hurt our children in more ways than one. We loved the uniforms. We loved the education. We signed on knowing the discipline policy, but it was taken to an extreme to a form of abuse. What we did not love was one person and one person only, telling us how to raise our children. How dare you judge any of us if you did not walk in our shoes.
    Many of us have told you that we are very happy for you that you did not experience what we experienced. But we are also not stupid enough to believe that it is parents who are attacking us on this Blog for what we are now and have had to endure. If it is parents, I would like to believe you are decent human beings who would say to yourselves, wow, things have been going so well for my children, but I did not realize that others were having issues.

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  42. From a reader who chooses to remain anonymous but has valid issues:

    A healthy environment is really quite a concern at MVRCS. Any one that has been through the building in "hot weather" late August, September and APRIL/MAY/JUNE understands the horrific conditions. It is just ghastly!!. Students in the Annex building come August/Sept when it's humid and hot outside certainly understand the classroom conditions are not the place for learning or living. It is unhealthy and unwise to be toiling with the elements for students and teachers. I know there are pathetic operating fans circulating the hot air, but come on!! It's a disgrace and warrants someone (preferably OSHA) to investigate the air quality and conditions of this school. A few air conditioners could be retrofitted into the old windows, don't say the electric system can't handle it not when money is doled out for land and sports faciities?! Upgrade the system if it's going to be in use for years to come rather than go purchase land assets for power motives. Teachers don't stay long @ MVRCS because their pay is so sub-standard. The inadequate pay and the moronic blather eminating from the inept Administration officials is scary and sorry.

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  43. Nina -
    Our allegations are not vague nor small in number. Did we want to send an overload, negative email to parents? No, our intent was to keep it short and simple and to see the forest through the trees (i.e. the big picture). Yes, the big picture is that if we don't do something about it and it continues, per the terms of the charter and the laws governing them, the possibility exists that the school could be closed. We prefer that not to happen but feel the only way to prevent it is by addressing the issues now. The quoted material regarding the revocation of the charter was put included in the hopes that parents would appreciate the gravity of the situation. Some do, others, like yourself, choose not to. We are concerned and chose to try to save our school before it was too late. As for one of the links not working, please let us know which one and we will fix it. One of the DESE links does open up a web browser but as the file is a pdf file, your pdf reader would attempt to open. But again, please let us know and we will address the issue. As for the first link to the message board, that included the readers comments from the Boston.com articles regarding the school not providing the required information. It was what initially prompted this blog and we felt it was an indicator of how many were feeling and experiencing.
    As for the belief that the internet can be used for of printing whatever one wants without consequences, that sword swings both ways as sometimes things need to be expressed without fear of consequences.
    Again, we are sorry you do not agree with our methods or message but are happy for you that you and your children have not had to experience what many of us have. To the end, we stress that we can't, nor do we want to, force anyone to be part of this or to objectively informed about our school. We wish you all the best and will seek no further contact with you.

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  44. I am shocked and saddened by this blog. I can't believe MVRCS parents would go to this level. If you are not happy with the school... LEAVE. This is just terrible and extremely hurtful to the school and those who attend.

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  45. It is ignorant people such as the person above who cause anger in this school. The more you continue to tell people to leave because they care about their children, the more you will push parents to fight back for them. Sorry, but this is not just a school for just the elite and privileged family members.

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  46. How horrible to be told to leave a school because you express concern about your childs well being and education. As a parent I find it shocking that another parent would say that. The school harms itself by its actions NOT the parents. Did you ever consider that through debate the school could be better not worse?

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  47. For the intelligent parents that support the school, I would suggest discontinuing commenting on this, as you can see from the comments listed above, the "concerned parents" will always spin it so you feel negligent. They are clearly looking to destroy what so many have worked hard to build. I support this school.

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  48. For those that say this blog is making false accusations, I would like to know what those false accusations are. Even though written by Anonymous, many have posted incidents that they have experienced. Did they not happen? Were they told something different? For example, when the issue about the lottery was brought up, did the Administration have an answer to the argument that students’ jumped the line? I haven't read anything to discredit Anonymous’ claims.
    I know I like to identify all the facts before I make any decisions. From what I can see, no one is challenging these claims. It is open for discussion after all.

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  49. JMiller is having a raging affair with AnnieO. There's my baseless claim. Now go and prove it to be false!

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  50. to the post above - you meant "useless" claim. Shows your maturity.

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  51. Dear Anonymous (7:06am)

    This is America, and we are allowed to question and challenge our publicly funded institutions. As far as I know, there is nothing about the charter school that grants it immunity.

    If you are not happy with this country... LEAVE.

    ---------------

    That said, I suspect MVRCS will be proven in the right on some allegations, and may have to take positive corrective action on others. This is a good thing. It's how America works.

    In short, a public institution is being accused of violating laws and ethics. If there is no problem, they should invite the appropriate government agencies to investigate and exhonorate them ASAP. This would effectively put an end to the complaints here and renew confidence in the administration.

    Let's trust the system and hope cooler heads and truth prevail. Anonymous potshots (pro & con) aren't going to help anything.

    Mystic Valley Regional Charter School has been good by my kids. I hope that they can resolve this matter quickly. False accusations are like shadows - they disappear as soon as you shine light on them.

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  52. I think most parents would not have a problem with this site if there were names listed who you are, what are your qualfications. Come on you start a blog send it out to the parents of MVRCS and our names are on it. Let us know who you are- why hide- you say it is because you worry that they will take it out on your children. How do you think the children of the kinnon's, the finn's and everyone else that you have made commments about feel and what they are going through. They have to read and hear about this. Why not stick to the issues, go to the meetings and deal it that way. All you have done is created a blog or parents to go on and complain about and name call.

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  53. "Raging affair"??? Maybe it looks that way from the outside...LOL

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  54. charliegiri, if they had real hard facts they would not need to worry about hiding their identity. too bad for them, they don't. Just a group of parents that have their panties in a twist and won't be able to unravel them until everyone else is as uncomfortable as they are. I really feel bad for them that they have spent so much time fighting problems that aren't even there. Is this how time is filled when soap operas get canceled?

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  55. Can we stop the sweets as rewards in the classroom? Teachers are giving slushes, starburst, etc. as rewards ALL THE TIME! Can parents stop bringing sweets to school for their childs' birthday? IT IS NOT THE PLACE! One in every three children in the US are overweight or obese! Let the change begin with you!

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  56. We've created a page title 'Parents Questions, Concerns, and Misc Information' as a place to accumulate questions and concerns from parents. Please feel free to check it out.

    As for the treats or food within the classroom, while many of us agree, many parents would disagree and argue that they should be allowed. We've heard of great ideas for birthday celebrations that did not include food but either a little trinket, having the kids sign a t-shirt or pillowcase, or doing a fun art project. Maybe as a compromise parents could try to bring somewhat healthier snacks that the kids would like. Examples could include fun shaped fruit cut outs, fruit juice Popsicles, or other treats that are not loaded with sugar. As for the teachers giving out candy, that should be a no-no as candy is not permitted in school.

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  57. Sept 10,2001 my child had a slush party at school
    Sept 20, 2010: teacher gave 1/2 the class fun size candy (butterfinger & nerds) as reward
    Sept 29, 2010: teacher gave whole class fun size candy as reward for answering science questions correctly.
    Stay posted; school has been in session for only 6 weeks and we have lots of rewards, birthday parties and green team parties to go! (Are the administrators and some select parents in cahoots with the dentists and junk food distributers?)

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  58. Here's one broken link:

    http://unofficialmvrcs.blogspot.com/p/north-shore-tab-crew-teams-motor-stolen.html

    I think the sweets is an issue and not a conspiracy. Soda was banned, right?

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  59. THIS THREAD IS CLOSED OR SCREENED?

    Description of Ad Hominem

    Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person."

    An Ad Hominem is a general category of fallacies in which a claim or argument is rejected on the basis of some irrelevant fact about the author of or the person presenting the claim or argument. Typically, this fallacy involves two steps. First, an attack against the character of person making the claim, her circumstances, or her actions is made (or the character, circumstances, or actions of the person reporting the claim). Second, this attack is taken to be evidence against the claim or argument the person in question is making (or presenting). This type of "argument" has the following form:

    1. Person A makes claim X.
    2. Person B makes an attack on person A.
    3. Therefore A's claim is false.

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  60. To Anonymous @ Nov 19th, 12:49
    Sorry, as a result of some less than appropriate and vulgar posts, we found that we have to moderate comments from readers. We try to approve as quickly as possible but sometimes delays do occur.

    As for the stolen crew motor, we deleted that page in order to use it for other information (blogger only allows us 10 pages to keep basic information on). We can post the link to the original article if you'd like.

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  61. Ad Hominem
    = Political tactic: When you can't defeat the argument, attack the person making the argument.....?

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