Changes at WVHS with new Principal

[slp]

I was told yesterday that some are a bit upset at WVHS because the new principal has eliminated most assemblies (not sure what that means) except for Homecoming and has eliminated all field trips.

Is this rumor or can someone who has kids currently at WVHS comment on this.

Thanks.

[sardines]

Sept 7, 2008 12:06:38 GMT -6 slp said:

I was told yesterday that some are a bit upset at WVHS because the new principal has eliminated most assemblies (not sure what that means) except for Homecoming and has eliminated all field trips.

Is this rumor or can someone who has kids currently at WVHS comment on this.

Thanks.

SLP,
I haven't heard anything about this. I know in general, there aren't many field trips taken at the HS level with the exception of perhaps a course like A&P where they go to Northern (and still do).

As far as the assemblies, again I haven't heard anything but I do know they will have one on the 26th I believe for homecoming. Lots of cool stuff planned!!
There will also be a "Homecoming Kickoff" celebration on the 18th (5p-8p) with games, music, and fireworks,etc. The assemblies were usually at the start or end of each semester with one thrown in here or there for Spirit if a team was having a great season (girl's soccer is one I remember from last year). I'll let you know if I hear anything else but I'd be surprised if this were true.

[frances]

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

I've heard some concerns about the principal of WVHS. I don't have a child in the freshman transition class at NVHS but have many friends (parents) that are very upset.

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

I'm not surprised. I'm sure the Board as well as the Superintendent of 204 gave her their talking points and broke it down to who they dislike and discriminate against.

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

My advice to the district, chastising/yelling at the kids is not a good thing, trust me. Stop picking on these children. It's very obvious the school board doesn't like certain subdivisions(very obvious in the SB latest decision regarding candidates to interview for a board seat). Is it okay to cast this OBVIOUS discrimination onto our children? Not to me.

Can someone that has a freshman child at NVHS comment as to whether or not this is true?

[doctorwho]

Sept 7, 2008 16:34:10 GMT -6 frances said:

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

I've heard some concerns about the principal of WVHS. I don't have a child in the freshman transition class at NVHS but have many friends (parents) that are very upset.

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

I'm not surprised. I'm sure the Board as well as the Superintendent of 204 gave her their talking points and broke it down to who they dislike and discriminate against.

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

My advice to the district, chastising/yelling at the kids is not a good thing, trust me. Stop picking on these children. It's very obvious the school board doesn't like certain subdivisions(very obvious in the SB latest decision regarding candidates to interview for a board seat). Is it okay to cast this OBVIOUS discrimination onto our children? Not to me.

Can someone that has a freshman child at NVHS comment as to whether or not this is true?

Welcome to Blue !

And don't worry about sharing things you have heard- it's why we are all here, to share. I am sure others will chime in with what they've heard - but sharing your opinion is just fine...
it's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

Some may disagree with opinions, but that's OK here too.

[frances]

Thank you Dr. Who for the nice reply. As a newcomer to this message board, I expected to be attacked for my post from the local editorial folk (I think we have at least one of those in d204) and frequent folks that have been published in the local papers in the LTE section.

It is my opinion these editorial writers and frequent LTE published folks have no clue what is going on in district 204 beyond their "boundaries".

Furthermore, I'm disgusted. It is time to bring the district together, promote unity, etc. Where are the editorials, LTE that support this.? All I see is more fingerpointing.

[doctorwho]

Sept 7, 2008 19:04:37 GMT -6 frances said:

Thank you Dr. Who for the nice reply. As a newcomer to this message board, I expected to be attacked for my post from the local editorial folk (I think we have at least one of those in d204) and frequent folks that have been published in the local papers in the LTE section.

It is my opinion these editorial writers and frequent LTE published folks have no clue what is going on in district 204 beyond their "boundaries".

Furthermore, I'm disgusted. It is time to bring the district together, promote unity, etc. Where are the editorials, LTE that support this.? All I see is more fingerpointing.

np - glad you're here. I can't promise we will agree always on stuff - but I will never argue with someone's right to have an opinion and state it here freely. Preople may disagree with you - but you will never be told to cease having your opinions.. it's how we all grow and learn.

A lot of set agendas with all LTE writers - and don't underestimate where some of the material gets fed from...

In an LTE the writer does not get immediate feedback - on a message board one does.

There is a need for unity - however my opinion is it has no chance under current leadership - for oh so many reasons. It is going to take a long long time to heal this rift- as obviously there were some people that didn't get over NV being built and the boundaries 11 years ago - and being an old timer here, that was nowhere near the nastiness level of what has occured over the last 12 months ( although there are some common threads between then and now) -

[Arch]

Sept 7, 2008 19:04:37 GMT -6 frances said:

Furthermore, I'm disgusted. It is time to bring the district together, promote unity, etc. Where are the editorials, LTE that support this.? All I see is more fingerpointing.

Welcome. This particular part struck a chord and I agree with you but the problem as I see it is the 'how'. There are some that take the "shut up and do as you're told and don't say a negative word" approach (I'm not one of them) and there are some that are saying "Hey, here's how you make the unity and the bringing back together happen better and faster"... And still some completely in between and others still elsewhere on the spectrum. Personally, I'm in the Here's how we can make it happen faster and better for more people camp but all that ever seems to be met with is the pipe down and hush up response which in turn creates even less unity and sense of belonging.

It keeps being said repeatedly that SB members need to look out for the 'entire district' and not just their own neighborhood. What I would like to know is what other area has the current board members 'looked out for' besides their own? I don't blame those that were ignored from piping up. It first started with a polite raising of the hand and cordial correspondence then spiraled down a dark pit into total crap and it doesn't look like it's going to come out of that anytime soon unless something changes.. either the board member's tune and attitude to other parts of the district or them physically. Again, personally I think the tune is the better, faster and more proper route but the voting public always has the other option.

Enough of my rambling Again, welcome.

[slp]

I have learned (read an email that the Principal authored regarding this question) that the rumor regarding the cancelling of all field trips is not true. The new principal has not yet made a decision regarding field trips and until further review with departments heads things are status quo. She has not made any decisions either way on field trips. I didn't hear anything about the assemblies but I suppose we will find out soon enough.

[anteater]

Sept 7, 2008 16:34:10 GMT -6 frances said:

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

* * *

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

* * *

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

On this board, you can only be killed with kindness! This same issue has been raised in another thread in terms of the Scullen students being kept up to date on NV activities with no mention of WV at all. They may have convinced themselves that there really isn't a "transition" to WV - it's going from one established high school to another - while MV is a bit trickier in terms of the phased opening and related impacts on activies and programs. I suppose there is a certain amount of truth to this, but you are absolutely right that communication is essential. With all of the added communication capabilities the district has added, it would seem like a no-brainer. It does sound like the new WV principal has been communicating with the current students. However, it's a difference between reaching out to people, like some of the e-mails from Jim Schmid at MV, as opposed to relying on parents to take the initiative and sign up for the WV listserve. There definitely needs to be a more consistent approach.

[steckdad]

Sept 7, 2008 16:34:10 GMT -6 frances said:

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

I've heard some concerns about the principal of WVHS. I don't have a child in the freshman transition class at NVHS but have many friends (parents) that are very upset.

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

I'm not surprised. I'm sure the Board as well as the Superintendent of 204 gave her their talking points and broke it down to who they dislike and discriminate against.

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

My advice to the district, chastising/yelling at the kids is not a good thing, trust me. Stop picking on these children. It's very obvious the school board doesn't like certain subdivisions(very obvious in the SB latest decision regarding candidates to interview for a board seat). Is it okay to cast this OBVIOUS discrimination onto our children? Not to me.

Can someone that has a freshman child at NVHS comment as to whether or not this is true?

this is a little off topic, but I started another thread a while back asking why you think the SB does not like your subdivision. any guesses?

[Arch]

Sept 8, 2008 7:51:33 GMT -6 @steckdad said:

Sept 7, 2008 16:34:10 GMT -6 frances said:

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

I've heard some concerns about the principal of WVHS. I don't have a child in the freshman transition class at NVHS but have many friends (parents) that are very upset.

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

I'm not surprised. I'm sure the Board as well as the Superintendent of 204 gave her their talking points and broke it down to who they dislike and discriminate against.

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

My advice to the district, chastising/yelling at the kids is not a good thing, trust me. Stop picking on these children. It's very obvious the school board doesn't like certain subdivisions(very obvious in the SB latest decision regarding candidates to interview for a board seat). Is it okay to cast this OBVIOUS discrimination onto our children? Not to me.

Can someone that has a freshman child at NVHS comment as to whether or not this is true?

this is a little off topic, but I started another thread a while back asking why you think the SB does not like your subdivision. any guesses?

Sometimes things just 'are' and the 'why' is not known to all... and there lies the confusion.

[steckdad]

Sept 8, 2008 7:57:50 GMT -6 Arch said:

Sept 8, 2008 7:51:33 GMT -6 @steckdad said:

this is a little off topic, but I started another thread a while back asking why you think the SB does not like your subdivision. any guesses?

Sometimes things just 'are' and the 'why' is not known to all... and there lies the confusion.

I think if frances would reply that would be great to get another opinion. I think frances' and his area have an idea of why they are being singled out/screwed. I would love to hear it....

[sardines]

Sept 8, 2008 7:51:17 GMT -6 anteater said:

Sept 7, 2008 16:34:10 GMT -6 frances said:

First time post, don't kill me with comments.

* * *

I've heard that the WVHS Principal (K. Marchiando- I had to look the name up as she has not communicated to the 204 community yet) met with the freshman at NVHS that will transition to WVHS next year. From what I've heard, things didn't go well and Ms. Marchiando was not at all empathetic towards anonymous questions the students presented. I don't have a child at this level but have heard this from many people.

* * *

Whether or not this is true or not, I don't know. I do know that I'm upset that there has been no attempt to communicate with families that have children that will transition from NVHS to WVHS. NOTHING! I have a child at Scullen. All we hear in terms of communication from Scullen is in regards to how fabulous NVHS is. HUH?

On the positive side, both Metea and NVHS have Principals that have communicated with the public. Jim Schmid is fantastic and newcomer Bob McBride is a great guy. Where is Kristine? Is this a district directive? I have to believe the board/administration has something against a segment of the community. WHERE IS THE COMMUNICATION AND HELP IN TRANSITION FOR THE KIDS GOING TO WVHS?

On this board, you can only be killed with kindness! This same issue has been raised in another thread in terms of the Scullen students being kept up to date on NV activities with no mention of WV at all. They may have convinced themselves that there really isn't a "transition" to WV - it's going from one established high school to another - while MV is a bit trickier in terms of the phased opening and related impacts on activies and programs. I suppose there is a certain amount of truth to this, but you are absolutely right that communication is essential. With all of the added communication capabilities the district has added, it would seem like a no-brainer. It does sound like the new WV principal has been communicating with the current students. However, it's a difference between reaching out to people, like some of the e-mails from Jim Schmid at MV, as opposed to relying on parents to take the initiative and sign up for the WV listserve. There definitely needs to be a more consistent approach.

I think we are probably all in agreement that the split middle schools should be promoting and communicating events from both high schools those kids are slated to attend. I know SLP has already contacted Scullen with regards to this and hopefully these requests will be accommodated going forward.

I know it's difficult with so many changes occurring next year (one of my kids could be attending the high school that is currently comprised of 10 -20 steel beams sticking out of a concrete base in the middle of a field).

I am curious to know what kind of help do the people need right now that will be transitioning to WV next year as Sophomores? I am asking this honestly as I can't really think of anything and would like to hear specifics. Course selections, open houses and other info. has always occurred in mid to late January for students that will be attending the next year.

I would hope that we can all give the three high school principals a chance to get their feet on the ground in their new positions as our kids have only attended school a total of nine days thus far this school year. Things may not be communicated as quickly as we would like in regards to next year but I do expect this to be forthcoming as this year gets settled in. I would also encourage everyone to communicate their concerns with the HS principals as SLP as done with the principal at Scullen, via email or phone calls. This is a good way to bring something to their attention.

I'm sure these folks have very full plates and something that seems huge to us personally may be inadvertently overlooked as items that have a more timely urgency are currently being handled.

Let's give them a chance to address our concerns after we've voiced them to the appropriate person directly. I just think it's a lot more productive.

[doctorwho]

Sept 8, 2008 8:38:19 GMT -6 sardines said:

Sept 8, 2008 7:51:17 GMT -6 anteater said:

On this board, you can only be killed with kindness! This same issue has been raised in another thread in terms of the Scullen students being kept up to date on NV activities with no mention of WV at all. They may have convinced themselves that there really isn't a "transition" to WV - it's going from one established high school to another - while MV is a bit trickier in terms of the phased opening and related impacts on activies and programs. I suppose there is a certain amount of truth to this, but you are absolutely right that communication is essential. With all of the added communication capabilities the district has added, it would seem like a no-brainer. It does sound like the new WV principal has been communicating with the current students. However, it's a difference between reaching out to people, like some of the e-mails from Jim Schmid at MV, as opposed to relying on parents to take the initiative and sign up for the WV listserve. There definitely needs to be a more consistent approach.

I think we are probably all in agreement that the split middle schools should be promoting and communicating events from both high schools those kids are slated to attend. I know SLP has already contacted Scullen with regards to this and hopefully these requests will be accommodated going forward.

I know it's difficult with so many changes occurring next year (one of my kids could be attending the high school that is currently comprised of 10 -20 steel beams sticking out of a concrete base in the middle of a field).

I am curious to know what kind of help do the people need right now that will be transitioning to WV next year as Sophomores? I am asking this honestly as I can't really think of anything and would like to hear specifics. Course selections, open houses and other info. has always occurred in mid to late January for students that will be attending the next year.

I would hope that we can all give the three high school principals a chance to get their feet on the ground in their new positions as our kids have only attended school a total of nine days thus far this school year. Things may not be communicated as quickly as we would like in regards to next year but I do expect this to be forthcoming as this year gets settled in. I would also encourage everyone to communicate their concerns with the HS principals as SLP as done with the principal at Scullen, via email or phone calls. This is a good way to bring something to their attention.

I'm sure these folks have very full plates and something that seems huge to us personally may be inadvertently overlooked as items that have a more timely urgency are currently being handled.

Let's give them a chance to address our concerns after we've voiced them to the appropriate person directly. I just think it's a lot more productive.

I would view this as at least partially, if not 100% owned by 204 Admin.- wouldn't you. I agree the Principals have schools to run. We can spend $80K a year for a PR person to whitewash over foot in the mouth disease - why not have someone assigned to the transitions - period ? I would rather have seen that money spent for a project manager on the school transitions. Addressing issues like what happens to athletes who either move to a new school that does not have their sport ( Lacrosse comes to mind) - or move to a school with no varsity programs- and yet maybe you are an invididual sport athlete ( i.e. swimming) and on varsity at WV this year - what happens ?
Work with the kids being split up from middle schools - and just as importantly work with the parents.

we have plenty of admin - someone should own this on a daily basis - I see it as more important than PR, but hey, just my opinion.

[Arch]

" someone should own this on a daily basis - I see it as more important than PR"

I see it as POSITIVE, PROACTIVE and PROPER PR.

Public Relations, not PRopaganda.