We (once again) find ourselves apologizing to the many individuals we have offended in addressing the US News articles rating of our school. It was not meant as an attack on the school but rather on how the writers of the article judged schools. We too believe that the school has made some outstanding achievements and their inclusion in this report provided a chance to promote the school in a very positive and impressive manner. Few could argue with the stellar reputation of US News. Many opposers to this blog keep making comments regarding removing our children from the school and have repeatedly attacked us for not coming forward. It is unfortunate that it seems as though many parents have adopted the schools climate and attitude of 'like it or lump it' approach to those who dare speak out against it. What is even more amazing is that these same parents have zero empathy or understanding as to why we choose to remain anonymous. Even more interesting is that the majority of these same parents (as one poster pointed out) also choose to remain anonymous when trying to attack or discredit our efforts.
This saddens us as our only hope is to improve upon the school by insisting upon integrity and ethical behavior on the part of the Board and Administration, improve the quality of teaching within the school by increasing moral and reduce the teacher turnover, and create a community in which all parents can expect to be heard by the Board and Admininstration with respect, consideration, and an unbiased mind (and without fear of retaliation or being considered a troublemaker), even if it means their request can not be accomodated. We also realize that although a major reason for not revealing our identity is truly fear, we have also come to realize how invaluable our anonyminity is in resolving issues and acting as an advocate or ombudsman for the parents of the school who are equally as fearful. We have come to the realization that the DESE and government officials and ogranizations have very little interest in adequately overseeing our schools (not just ours but district schools as well) and attempting to resolve issues can be a complicated and time consuming task that many parents are not able or willing to take on. For many schools the negative implications are minimal, especially with a School Committee and Superintendent that have a checks and balance system that they must answer to. Unfortunately our school has no such system making the parental concerns and issues that much more difficult. While we can't take on every battle, we can try to address the issues that we see having the most drastic and long term implications on our children.
In closing, while we do apologize to the parents who felt we were using the article to attack the school, we do not apologize for the creation of this blog nor our decision to remain anonymous.
You should not apologize. If this is the only way, and it is the only way, to keep the board from doing unethical things because they know that it can no longer be hidden, then you should continue this blog.
ReplyDeleteWith respect to the Lottery System. There was a family who used to attend MV years ago but left to move to Keene, NH. They had three children. When they decided to move back to Malden, guess where their children ended up going to school AGAIN? You guessed right. MV. How did this family get back into the school you ask? Very simple, the husband was related to the original founder of the school, Henry. The children decided that after getting a taste of public school in NH that they didn't like MV after all, so the parent's pulled them out. Many parents were upset about this and knew for sure that the lottery was a scam. My point is that any families related to the board or administration can and do get back in when they leave.
In order to rebuild a foundation you need to tear down the structure, and I feel that is what this blog is doing. You are ripping apart everything all the students, teachers, faculty and families have worked for in order to get to what you are trying to fix. I can't support that because although you have your issues and some have merit, your attacks and occasional baseless claims are destroying what is there.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with you T.J. The board caused this blog to be the final breaking point for parents. There arrogance and above the law attitude has to stop. If this is what it takes to do that, so be it. It has nothing to do with the teachers, parents or the children. How many times does this need to be said?
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned previously, I just wanted the creators of the blog to stick to their original intent and not veer off course. You were close to veering off by bringing up the US News report. You come off as not supporting the school at all. I truly understand your annonymity-I myself would never try this with my name on it as the school is run by very vindictive families currently. WHether the US News report was not perfect is besides the point. Work on the original VALID points and stay anonymous-for your kids sake.
ReplyDeleteMV Rocks!
ReplyDeleteTJ -
ReplyDeleteNo one is looking to tear MVRCS down to its core but rather to ensure its continued viability. Do you honestly believe that it would take that much effort to clean up what is amiss? Changing all 5 board members and getting rid of the neopotism and extra, overpaid baggage would go incredibly far. As for improving the working conditions and retaining teachers would both be so incredibly do-able with a Board that respects teachers, the teaching profession, and the laws that governs employers. That doesn't mean union (because we all know that is the next verbal attack/accusation) but just investing more into our teachers to make them the best they can be. No one is attempting to rip down the teachers or families of the school but rather we seek to commend them and their efforts in focusing on the education of our students. I find it hard to imagine or believe that the entire school would fall apart if the Board were replaced with a Board who believed in doing the right thing.
How long does a board member get to stay on at the school? Are there elections or are the members just appointed? Can any parent or non parent in the school system run for a board seat? Are there regulations regarding the terms of board members?
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work and stay anonymous.
The sharing and POSITIVE discussion of information, experiences, and concerns at MVRCS without censorship.
ReplyDeleteHave we all forgotten how to keep it POSITIVE!!. I heard my child discussing the blog on the phone and how negative the parents are with a classmate. Apparently students in the high school think it's a joke how parents are "bit*ching about the school. I would hope parents are being careful about the topics discussed with minors. I don't want my child and I emphasize child to hear negative talk about the school they attend.
For anonymous @ September 26, 2010 4:37pm
ReplyDeleteRegarding the Board members - this is an issue. While the DOE requires that Board members only serve a set term and specified limit on terms, they have issued a directive to MVRCS to no avail.
Previously, (we have heard) that the Board members were given basically 'life time' terms. After the directive from DESE, the Board now (you'll notice on the schools page) serve numerous 3 or 4 year terms but still have no limitations on the number of terms.
The issue is further complicated as we're not sure if the DESE or any other body has the right to remove any of them. This means that they have basically secured themselves positions until they decide to leave. We also saw mention of a stipend while going through the financials, and while we have no concrete knowledge or proof, we do wonder if it was a term applied to all financial reports with the DESE or if some do receive some type of stipend. If anyone has any further information on this or clarification, please let us know so that we can provide the correct information in the most timely manner possible. Thank you.
To Anonymous @ 9/26, 7:38pm
ReplyDeleteI agree about keeping it positive and watching discussions regarding this in the presence of our children. I did hear of one of the lower school teachers disscussing it with their students and felt that it was inappropriate. It's too bad as the blog serves a much needed purpose but parents and teachers need how to treat it in an appropriate and adult like manner.
People ---- enough with the beating up of each other, let each side or person have their opinion without attacking them. We need to grow up and act like adults for the sake of our children.
To the person who posted at 12:03 on 9/26, could you email me the name of the family. We don't want to cause anyone harm or grief and will only use it to attach to the complaint we have filed with the ethics committee. Our email address is unofficialmvrcs@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
You should step back, take a deep breath and reread your last post. This is by far the most disturbing thing i've read on this blog.
ReplyDeleteAndrew25: Have you read YOUR posts? I learned a new level of vicious after reading yours.
ReplyDeleteAndy -
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, are you referring to the general blog post or the information regarding the information concerning the wait-list?
Specifically, what is it that you find disturbing?
Sending names, based on a internet rumor, to the state is very disturbing. I believe if you travel down that road people trying to out and destroy you will become a self fulfilling prophecy.
ReplyDeleteAndy,
ReplyDeleteI was able to verify the information I sent in before sending them in. I would do the same for this information before sending it in. Since the first one was true, don't you feel that as a parent who (if you did) went through the process in a legitimate manner or if you were a person on the waitlist, don't you feel that it is wrong and should not be happening? Or do you think that this too is ok?
Just FYI, the intent was not to cause Finn any trouble but to prevent it from being a continuous, ongoing violation of the laws that govern charter schools.
I was hesitant to send the name of this family, but you know what Andy, you have pushed my buttons. I want to prove you so very wrong. This is no internet rumor! This family does exist, and they are well known to many people because of who they are related too. Here are some hints so that you can ask your buddy the dictator (Oh, you can’t because that’s you); related to Henry, the founder of the school before he resigned and turned it over to the dictator, family last name ends with a "C", three children, left the school and moved to Keene, NH, came back to live in Malden, was admitted to the school again but left shortly afterwards, parent’s have since divorced. The father of this family also has a brother whos children were also in the school, both families are well known in Edgeworth. I ought to know, I grew up here right near Devir Park. I know everyone who is related, which happens to be all of Edgeworth . Go ahead Andy, and come back and tell everyone that this didn’t happen. Come now, you can’t, can you?
ReplyDeleteLet me give you another one Andy. The current Human Resource director at the school is the former human resource director of Malden City Hall. He hired all Malden city employees. Left when he was offered the job at the school. And here is the kicker. Are you ready Andy? He is also a nephew or cousin of dear old Henry, the founder of the school. Oh but wait Andy, one more shocker, his kids attend the school.
Keep pushing Andy and more will come out.
Wow...you are pretty stupid. I assume this is Oceans12. You should tag your remarks so we can see who has diarrhea of the mouth. We needed someone to dumb down the conversation.
ReplyDeleteThis is your source with the rock solid information. This dummy still thinks I'm Neil Kinnon! It's not very difficult to see how you come up with your wild accusations.
Andy....Andy....Andy - are you there? Its awfully quiet right about now in the peanut gallery. Even though Andy always yacks about proof or no lack of proof, when the proof gets posted, he gets very upset. Expect him to be a bit cranky or disappear for a while.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I too thought that Andy might be El Dictator himself, but I no longer think so. He might be a fish but not a dictator....Andy, Andy, Andy....? Waiting for a response from the Andster.
Funny Andy, we posted at about the same time didn't see your post until after I had posted. But I called it - are you a bit PO'd? Diarrhea of the mouth, is that your way of denying it? Or are you just angry cause yet more information was posted that supports the beliefs and concerns of this blog? Hmmm, interesting.
ReplyDeleteMV-There is the problem. Where you see proof I see only an accusation.
ReplyDeleteShould I take from this post you know who I am?
No Andy, I am not named Oceans 12. Never did like those movies. But I am a parent who knows first hand what goes on in your school with the board and administration. You are assuming that I am starting rumors, and that is a very big mistake.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing Andy, for someone who is "just a parent”, why are you so angry? For someone to be this angry, it has to personally affect you somehow. So maybe you’re correct about not being the dictator, but you are definitely connected to him, the board, or administration. The other parent's who don't agree with this blog are not ticked off the way that you are. I understand, as it must be hard for you knowing that things are now coming out in the open. What will the younger generation of cousins do when the lottery will have to be done legitimately by the state in the future and they can’t get into the school?
I am just a parent, and from reading all of this, it has become very disturbing how much these bloggers want to end this school. They say they don't but that is what will happen if they get their way. It is upsetting to see that my children will not be afforded the opportunity to graduate from this school as theirs have, because of their issues towards the administration. I find it to be very selfish that they have gotten what they need out of the school and now that they are done, they are working to destroy it. Just plain unfair.
ReplyDeleteAndy -
ReplyDeleteSo are you saying that the accusation is completely false? If the poster emails me the exact names, I can verify it (don't ask, just know that I have my ways). The proof will be in the pudding my friend.
Angry Parent -
You are 'disturbed with how much these bloggers want to end this school'....really, with all the talk of what is going on with our school you really think that the school is not going to be there for your children because of THEM AND THIS BLOG? You realize that if a half of the allegations on this blog are true, then the DESE has the right to revoke the charter. How you could blame the creators of this blog for trying to ensure all the kids get an education is beyond me. The only people you have the right to be angry with are the people who are violating the laws. If they are doing nothing wrong, then the powers that be will not be able to do anything to them.
Oh, and I hope that if the creators of this blog are unsuccessful in cleaning up the school that you too have the pleasure of working with Queenie Kinnon (or should we now call her Meanie Queenie?)to advocate for your child. Maybe after they tell you 'this is how we do it here and if you don't like it you can leave', you'll understand why this blog was needed. Umph!
...and with that, I am done. You are asking for comments and opinions, but when they are given it is immidiately retaliated with a negative tone. I am not looking for a discussion, I was stating my opinion.
ReplyDeleteTo Angry Parent,
ReplyDeleteYou should never write when you are so angry and assume things such as our children all being gone from the school. I agree with SoSad that you should redirect your fear of the school closing to the board/administration and question them about not following the law.
Yes these people are trying to destroy the school as they are just haters. They make nonsense up about the lottery constantly. I know of who they talk about above and what they fail to tell you as they are such liars is that the family moved away with a little one not in school and when they moved back the little one entered the Kindergarten lottery. Smart ass is Oceans or a friend of Oceans. Despicable liars and only fools will follow them over a cliff. Think about all the time and money they are costing and will cost the school this is there plan along with trying to create havoc with teachers.
ReplyDeleteThe little one entered the lottery? You say you know this family, so explain how this happened? They were living in NH, doesn't this school only allow families to enter their kids into the lottery from cities in Massachusetts? Can you explain the story about the other two and how they got back into the school? If I were a parent who had children on the lottery waitlist, I would be upset knowing that they allow children from NH to enter before their own children living in Massachusetts. Please explain.
ReplyDeleteThese people are trying to destroy the school? You mean to say that what this blog is doing is more harmful to our school than all the illegal and unethical activities of various individuals at the school?
ReplyDeleteAs for the family referenced above who allegedly was re-admitted (regardless of which way), it will come out. I have a feeling that the creators of this blog have the know-how or connections to look into it.
Think about the money this blog is costing the school? You mean of course besides the money being paid to the 'baggage' employees of the school? If the school isn't or wasn't doing anything wrong, this blog wouldn't exist nor would it cost the school a dime. Time? Whose time? I'm not sure how much time or money they are spending on this but I'm sure it'll show up in the annual report. Playing havoc with the teachers? I wonder which would have been the worse of the two evils, handing over the entire payroll as required under FOIA or the implications caused as a result of this blog. I've spoken to several teachers at the school, didn't see them feeling any havoc but they sure are enjoying this (well most are anyway). Isn't life always so much easier when you can blame everything on everyone else.
You people are all foolish. I graduated from MV and I know what goes on. I know that many people, students and parents, have problems with the school, but the thing is, this is a good school. The education is good, the kids are good, the facilities are eh...but it's a new school so how much can be expected? Honestly, you people need to grow up a little and stop spreading rumors about kids who went to some school years ago. I mean, I am no longer at the school anymore so I can't exactly say how things are going on there now, but I still have connections with many students in the high school who voice their opinions to me, so I know enough. With this being said, I think you all should get a hobby or something...
ReplyDelete