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Post by doctorwho on Aug 25, 2008 9:44:23 GMT -6
After reading this I wonder if he would let his childrenride their bikes from Watts to MV ? I don't know where Jim lives - but all the traffic and stop lights from here to there - bad enough in a car,but not a bike - sorry. I am glad someone likes the ride though
this is from HillNews today
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"Mustang Community Members:
I hope late July and early August allow you some time for family traditions, following a summer of activities and “projects” that never seem to end or get completed! I rode my bicycle to the Metea High School site yesterday after work and could not help but smile at the vastness of the property and the endless opportunities and challenges that await us in the very near future. As I look daily at the plans on my office walls and visit with the many individuals who touch this process in some fashion, I am humbled and energized by the opportunity to build curriculum, culture, climate, and community for Metea Valley Mustangs!
I am pleased to report that the building timeline is moving according to schedule with plans to open in the fall of 2009 as a freshman and sophomore campus.
I have spent my time with architectural and design decisions, staffing/enrollment discussions, budget options, and FF & E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) – so many things to bid, discuss, and purchase. I have also worked on the initial planning of our mission/value statements, met with principals who have recently opened high school buildings, and fun “stuff” like discussing logos, fight songs, and promotional approaches to building excitement about the opening of Metea Valley.
My next communication in August will detail specific information and timelines about staffing, student and parent meetings, parent organizations, building updates, and other items of interest.
I look forward to working with the Mustang community as we build on the foundation of excellence established in Indian Prairie District 204. Go Mustangs!!
Sincerely,
Jim Schmid
Principal
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Post by Arch on Aug 25, 2008 10:08:38 GMT -6
No doubt in my mind that Jim will do an excellent job.... but yes, it's a bit of a hazardous ride for some areas to do on bikes.
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 25, 2008 10:48:31 GMT -6
No doubt in my mind that Jim will do an excellent job.... but yes, it's a bit of a hazardous ride for some areas to do on bikes. I like Jim also - but I hope he realizes 1/2 of Hill is NOT a bike ride away from Metea's location. |
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Post by Arch on Aug 25, 2008 10:57:34 GMT -6
No doubt in my mind that Jim will do an excellent job.... but yes, it's a bit of a hazardous ride for some areas to do on bikes. I like Jim also - but I hope he realizes 1/2 of Hill is NOT a bike ride away from Metea's location. You'd think the PR person should be checking all correspondence that is outgoing to take that into account and realize that it can be taken as non-inclusive. "I visited the site...." would be just as effective... It's already been a question on the floor..... For $72K a year, what's the PR guy actually doing to help bring cohesion to the district? |
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 25, 2008 11:11:56 GMT -6
I like Jim also - but I hope he realizes 1/2 of Hill is NOT a bike ride away from Metea's location. You'd think the PR person should be checking all correspondence that is outgoing to take that into account and realize that it can be taken as non-inclusive. "I visited the site...." would be just as effective... It's already been a question on the floor..... For $72K a year, what's the PR guy actually doing to help bring cohesion to the district? It appears working on just keeping the happy areas happy -- the mistake is to think anyone there cares about those unhappy. It is obvious they don't. So if you're in Brooks or Brookdale or Longwood reading this statement - you would be going ' wow ! bike ride- isn't that great ! If you're in Cowlishaw or Watts, who cares. Status quo - biz as usual. Still taking a few for the team. |
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Post by rew on Aug 25, 2008 11:16:50 GMT -6
I saw a MVHS "change order" on the SB agenda for tonight's meeting...doesn't that translate to "additional charges"?
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Post by slp on Aug 25, 2008 12:33:05 GMT -6
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that no one has reached out from Waubonsie to Welcome the Tall Grass and White Eagle communities as MV has been doing for their new student body?
By now I would have expected a tour or a letter or email communicating that WVHS is excited to welcome these new students etc.
I think the MV families are probably very pleased to be receiving acknowledgement to their fears/concerns/questions etc. I wish the same could be said for my community. When I speak to most families they are sortof clueless as to what to expect etc. when we transfer our kids to WVHS from NVHS.
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Post by d204mom on Aug 25, 2008 12:45:21 GMT -6
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that no one has reached out from Waubonsie to Welcome the Tall Grass and White Eagle communities as MV has been doing for their new student body? By now I would have expected a tour or a letter or email communicating that WVHS is excited to welcome these new students etc. I think the MV families are probably very pleased to be receiving acknowledgement to their fears/concerns/questions etc. I wish the same could be said for my community. When I speak to most families they are sortof clueless as to what to expect etc. when we transfer our kids to WVHS from NVHS. Does it seem like the district doesn't know what to do with the split middle schools? I assume that letter appeared at Hill because Hill is not split. Does anyone know if there is a communication plan for the split schools? |
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 25, 2008 12:47:20 GMT -6
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that no one has reached out from Waubonsie to Welcome the Tall Grass and White Eagle communities as MV has been doing for their new student body? By now I would have expected a tour or a letter or email communicating that WVHS is excited to welcome these new students etc. I think the MV families are probably very pleased to be receiving acknowledgement to their fears/concerns/questions etc. I wish the same could be said for my community. When I speak to most families they are sortof clueless as to what to expect etc. when we transfer our kids to WVHS from NVHS. You should be hearing from the Booster club soon  |
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Post by slp on Aug 25, 2008 13:09:45 GMT -6
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that no one has reached out from Waubonsie to Welcome the Tall Grass and White Eagle communities as MV has been doing for their new student body? By now I would have expected a tour or a letter or email communicating that WVHS is excited to welcome these new students etc. I think the MV families are probably very pleased to be receiving acknowledgement to their fears/concerns/questions etc. I wish the same could be said for my community. When I speak to most families they are sortof clueless as to what to expect etc. when we transfer our kids to WVHS from NVHS. Does it seem like the district doesn't know what to do with the split middle schools? I assume that letter appeared at Hill because Hill is not split. Does anyone know if there is a communication plan for the split schools? They need to put something in place THIS YEAR at the split middle schools. ...and sooner than later. Thus far the only communication we parents and kids have received from Scullen regarding High school issues has been from NVHS.... An email/letter (I cannot recall which) was sent to discuss the middle school attendance rules at NVHS football games. I think it would be to our kids benefit to also hype up the fact that the kids who will eventually go to WVHS at Scullen have similar rules (and are welcome to attend) at WVHS football games too. Each split middle school needs to share the spirit of BOTH high schools equally within their walls! |
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Post by slp on Aug 25, 2008 13:10:09 GMT -6
Is anyone else bothered by the fact that no one has reached out from Waubonsie to Welcome the Tall Grass and White Eagle communities as MV has been doing for their new student body? By now I would have expected a tour or a letter or email communicating that WVHS is excited to welcome these new students etc. I think the MV families are probably very pleased to be receiving acknowledgement to their fears/concerns/questions etc. I wish the same could be said for my community. When I speak to most families they are sortof clueless as to what to expect etc. when we transfer our kids to WVHS from NVHS. You should be hearing from the Booster club soon I have no doubt! |
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Post by specailneedsmom on Aug 25, 2008 14:19:34 GMT -6
I agree. There should be some focus on the affected communities.
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Post by sashimi on Aug 25, 2008 15:37:59 GMT -6
Thanks for the communication Jim!
Just reminds me of the District BS whitepaper about the Route 59 pedestrain bridge. Now that the "unsafe" Route 59 Street Pedestrain Bridge is open, my kids are just a "real" bike ride away from the closest high school to our house (my five year old and I have risked our lives several times now go the .7 miles journey across the bridge and so far, have remained unscathed). In fact, we only had to pass over one residential road (that has a crosswalk and a speedlimit of 25mph).
Jim rode his bike to the Metea site? I just hope Jim wore his helmet and did not have to wait too long at the train crossing.
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Post by moneypit on Aug 25, 2008 16:06:44 GMT -6
Nice one Sashimi. My family and I have done the same trip several times, and it bothers me still. Granted, its great to have for the park, library, stores, etc over there, but it would be even nicer for the duration of my daughters high school career. Too bad its going to be so neglected.
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Post by slp on Aug 25, 2008 16:44:33 GMT -6
Thanks for the communication Jim! Just reminds me of the District BS whitepaper about the Route 59 pedestrain bridge. Now that the "unsafe" Route 59 Street Pedestrain Bridge is open, my kids are just a "real" bike ride away from the closest high school to our house (my five year old and I have risked our lives several times now go the .7 miles journey across the bridge and so far, have remained unscathed). In fact, we only had to pass over one residential road (that has a crosswalk and a speedlimit of 25mph). Jim rode his bike to the Metea site? I just hope Jim wore his helmet and did not have to wait too long at the train crossing. I am an avid bike rider and I would venture to guess that the ride across the pedestrian bridge (which I have made) is much safer than riding down Eola to Molitor on your bike. Are there bike trails leading to the Metea site that I am unaware of? |
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