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Post by southsidesignmaker on Jan 11, 2009 15:33:21 GMT -6
I thought it would be a nice idea to start a thread about what people like about our district. With it being a new year, now seemed to be a good time.
My first thought was that I like the teaching staff at our schools. One trait that comes to mind is the quick follow-up when there is a concern.
The communication between parent, teacher and student is a function that is quite good imo.
Maybe others have stories to tell.
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Post by treehugger on Jan 11, 2009 17:51:26 GMT -6
Generally speaking,, this has always been my experience, although one usually has to be a squeaky wheel and stay on top of things. But this is probably true of most districts and most situations in life as well.
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Post by rew on Jan 15, 2009 8:18:37 GMT -6
I got a call on my cell phone at 5:15am this morning telling me school was closed. Then I got a call to my house phone at 5:24am telling me the same thing. I hate the phone call thing.
I understand the "wait and see" attitude with a snowstorm, but the dangerous temps were forecast at the beginning of the week. Is there a reason the SD couldn't have canceled school at 8:00pm last night?
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Post by casey on Jan 15, 2009 9:34:57 GMT -6
I got a call on my cell phone at 5:15am this morning telling me school was closed. Then I got a call to my house phone at 5:24am telling me the same thing. I hate the phone call thing. I understand the "wait and see" attitude with a snowstorm, but the dangerous temps were forecast at the beginning of the week. Is there a reason the SD couldn't have canceled school at 8:00pm last night? At 5:15 I called the phone number listed on the website and found out school was canceled. I didn't get an automated call until 6:00 am - at that point my HS kids would have already been up getting started. My HS kid said school was supposedly canceled yesterday - announcement was made but then buses didn't get the message in time and started going on schedule. Then the SD changed direction and reinstated school. Any truth to that rumor? |
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Post by Arch on Jan 15, 2009 10:21:15 GMT -6
We just decided last night that regardless of what the district decides today, we were not sending anyone anywhere.
Turned off the alarms and the phone ringers.... and enjoyed sleeping in.
It made for a far more pleasant and predictable morning.
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Post by rew on Jan 15, 2009 15:13:28 GMT -6
I considered doing the same, but I had 1 HSer w two exams that he did not want to make up. Is there a reason the district could not (by state rules or something) make the call last night? It's not like the weather forecast changed between now and then.
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Post by steckdad on Jan 15, 2009 19:18:16 GMT -6
I considered doing the same, but I had 1 HSer w two exams that he did not want to make up. Is there a reason the district could not (by state rules or something) make the call last night? It's not like the weather forecast changed between now and then. they did make the call last night, because I heard it on the radio. maybe they didn't have access that late at night or felt it was too late to call?? |
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Post by rew on Jan 15, 2009 20:57:27 GMT -6
Do you recall what time you heard it. I specifically checked the district website last night and there was no announcement. Could it have been after 10pm?
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Post by doctorwho on Jan 16, 2009 9:44:20 GMT -6
Do you recall what time you heard it. I specifically checked the district website last night and there was no announcement. Could it have been after 10pm? both Fox and WGN had 'crawls' on the screenfor closures on the news between 9 and 10 -- 204 was not on there at the time ( nor was 203) |
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Post by steckdad on Jan 16, 2009 11:26:43 GMT -6
Do you recall what time you heard it. I specifically checked the district website last night and there was no announcement. Could it have been after 10pm? after 10 for sure.... |
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Jan 20, 2009 9:09:21 GMT -6
I must admit that I have been disappointed that even this thread has been hijacked!
What I like about our district.
1) The ability for the staff, administration, and the board to make every student count (and feel special).
2) Listening skills at the school level on the part of teachers and administrators to address issues in a professional and timely manner.
3) Courage and patience displayed by board members that has guided our district thru a very turbulent time period.
4) Volunteers that "thru the years" have dedicated so many hours to make this the great district that it is today.
5) The extra push displayed so often at the teacher level and at all grade levels. Our kids are very fortunate to have teachers that are good mentors.
6) Special education is such an important aspect of our district, it is great to know that staff at all levels make this such a good program in our district. There are many that have moved in district just for this program.
7) Keeping ahead of the curve. With programs like All Day Kindergarten and high school Block Type Coursework, our district is insuring that the primary grade school students are given an extra boost, along with graduating seniors being ready for college coursework.
8) Extra curricular programs from all types of sports to music to an amazing array of clubs available to our students. There really is something available to all students for after school involvement.
9) The facilities that are provided to our students are exceptional in my opinion. From primary thru high school our buildings are of great value with regard to our student's educational experience.
10) Parents and family members that prepare students in a home setting to succeed. When parents are committed to the success of their children, the job of educators is enhanced. When students are ready to learn the moment they are parked in their seats, much more is accomplished at the classroom level.
This is but a small sampling, regarding what I like about our district. If you care to add to it feel free, if your motive is to stir up anger or discontent, please consider posting on another thread as there are dozens available.
With that out of the way I want to wish all of you well including the moderators of this board. I have learned much in conversing here and I want to thank all that have taken part. I can only hope that you have taken some of my thoughts to heart as you can be assured that I have taken many comments on this board to heart.
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Post by Arch on Jan 20, 2009 9:38:12 GMT -6
Our district is a district of opportunity.
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Post by doctorwho on Jan 20, 2009 9:44:45 GMT -6
I must admit that I have been disappointed that even this thread has been hijacked! What I like about our district. 1) The ability for the staff, administration, and the board to make every student count (and feel special). 2) Listening skills at the school level on the part of teachers and administrators to address issues in a professional and timely manner. 3) Courage and patience displayed by board members that has guided our district thru a very turbulent time period. 4) Volunteers that "thru the years" have dedicated so many hours to make this the great district that it is today. 5) The extra push displayed so often at the teacher level and at all grade levels. Our kids are very fortunate to have teachers that are good mentors. 6) Special education is such an important aspect of our district, it is great to know that staff at all levels make this such a good program in our district. There are many that have moved in district just for this program. 7) Keeping ahead of the curve. With programs like All Day Kindergarten and high school Block Type Coursework, our district is insuring that the primary grade school students are given an extra boost, along with graduating seniors being ready for college coursework. 8) Extra curricular programs from all types of sports to music to an amazing array of clubs available to our students. There really is something available to all students for after school involvement. 9) The facilities that are provided to our students are exceptional in my opinion. From primary thru high school our buildings are of great value with regard to our student's educational experience. 10) Parents and family members that prepare students in a home setting to succeed. When parents are committed to the success of their children, the job of educators is enhanced. When students are ready to learn the moment they are parked in their seats, much more is accomplished at the classroom level. This is but a small sampling, regarding what I like about our district. If you care to add to it feel free, if your motive is to stir up anger or discontent, please consider posting on another thread as there are dozens available. With that out of the way I want to wish all of you well including the moderators of this board. I have learned much in conversing here and I want to thank all that have taken part. I can only hope that you have taken some of my thoughts to heart as you can be assured that I have taken many comments on this board to heart. #1 - overall I would agree - there are always exceptions anywhere #2 - again there will be different experiences- most of my experiences at Hill and Watts would be positive #3 -I'm sorry- I cannot blanket agree with #3-- as I sincerely do not believe some have done what is best for the entire district. There is no room for grudges and personal agendas as a SB member and some of them absolutely exist. It varies very much by member. #4 - you realize some of those with the largest concerns are exactly the people you are lauding ( and calling out) in the same post ? Many of us have dedicated vast amounts of time and effort and heart to this district only to be screwed over recently. It was not always this way - but some of the most upset are former leaders of many efforts in this district - long before there were blogs. #5 - finding curriculum could certainly be tweaked in some areas - and understand attention is on some of that already #6 - agree #7 - aforementioned strong gaps in english grammar compared to districts close by -in some arena's ahead - yes. #8 - only wish MV would have all it should upon opening to agree with this statement -- for WV and NV - yes some of the best arts programs anywhere #9 - sorry - land site selection for 3rd HS will not qualify - and we really need to get AC for ES's that do not have it #10 - yes- which makes it even more disappointing when the district turns it's back on you thanks for the well wishes SSDM - and would hope you'd continue to participate - and just as I have learned some things from you I hope the reverse has occured. Until you've walked in my shoes the last 18 months I am sure it is hard to understand the anger. I have explained some above - in quick fashon so as not to derail your thoughts- but to add my own, I have agreed where I agree - and stated why not on the others. Remember - like many who are angry here- this is my district too. Many of us dedicated so much effort into this district and never envisioned having to move - change schools etc- to avoid safety concerns for our kids - unreal commutes - and a SB we supported blowing us off concern wise, without as much as an acknowledgement. Add to that some 204 'neighbors' whose understanding consists of ' sit down - shut up- take one for the team - leave if you don't like it ". Trust me- it's not easy to take.......... I too wish it was different -- the district can be even better than it is- but when it's leaders marginalize a portion of the constituency - that will not occur. |
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Post by casey on Jan 20, 2009 9:48:38 GMT -6
What I like about our district. 1) The ability for the staff, administration, and the board to make every student count (and feel special). 3) Courage and patience displayed by board members that has guided our district thru a very turbulent time period. SSDM, I can agree with some of your comments about what you like about our school district but some of them, I scratch my head and ask "are you kidding me??!" How can ANYONE feel that our SB has the ability to make every student count (and feel special)! Seriously? Put yourself in some of our shoes. Your own children's situation has not changed due to MV and boundaries, etc. so perhaps you can't empathize with us but there are many now who will watch our kids have double their commute, split from their current HS (losing friends, coaches, teachers, connections to the school community), losing varsity sports and many activities (MV kids), kids getting a more crowded HS experience (those at the revamped WV) and more. Do you really think that these students feel counted and special  ? I do not. I can't believe that anyone could believe such nonsense. Talk to some of these kids that are impacted - they aren't feeling that the SB thinks they're special. Courage and patience displayed by board members? Sorry I definitely don't see that either. I think that you'll have an impossible time convincing many of us to get behind our SB/admin and celebrate. Many of us are still completely disgusted, frustrated, and disenchanted with the entire district. Our voices are not being heard. IMO it will only be when a completely new SB is elected and MM/DD are gone will be able to begin some kind of cheer-leading process of getting behind the district - rah rah! I think that your thread wouldn't have been "high-jacked" if you had tried a more appropriate thread about what people DON'T like about our district. I think there's a lot that we could add there. Such a thread would probably get quite a few postings. FWIW, you should try your thread over on the Green Board - there seems to be a lot of happy campers over there - rah rah! |
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Jan 20, 2009 21:55:05 GMT -6
Casey,
Thanks for the input. I hope you are aware that popularity contests are neither my goal or intention when I comment or post threads.
My main purpose is to 'pick the brain" of folks that are sharper or have more experience in a subject that I am interested in. This concept is very effective and I have used it in business for almost four decades. The struggle I have is with personal attacks on people that have served our district for many years.
I hope this gives some clarity to my position.
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? I do not. I can't believe that anyone could believe such nonsense. Talk to some of these kids that are impacted - they aren't feeling that the SB thinks they're special.