|
|
Post by slp on Jan 20, 2010 13:24:18 GMT -6
i ADDED THIS HERE AS IT DESERVES A NEW THREAD : There is an issue that just bothers me beyond all others right now...it is the continued exceptions for kids to leave WV to attend NV. Exceptions continue to be granted , even this week!!! Many I know to be bogus/fraudulent reasons....even worse, the kids know it too!!! I have the strangest feeling too that some diseases are simmering within our current 8th grade population at Scullen whom are slated to go to WV. I can only imagine the odd diseases that will surface which prevent attendance at WV. The side effects of these horrific diseases seem to subside at Neuqua; its truely a miracle for these families.  That said, I have not said a word about this up until now because I don't have a horse in the race; ie: didn't have a child in the class of 2012 nor do I have an older child at a separate high school ...BUT now I feel it does affect ALL of us at WV....because many of the exceptions have kept strong athletes at NV. That is not a legitimate reason to give an exception!!!! I can think of two great 8th grade male athletes at Scullen right now that are slated to go to WV. My hunch is that their parents are pulling strings now to send them to NV. I hope I am wrong, but suspiscions are I am right. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! I plan on speaking up if this continues and I suggest others do the same. I honestly think the admin. thinks we all don't realize whats going on....really?  eta: this sentiment is ONLY directed at those families who have manufactured reasons to stay at NV , NOT those families with real issues....you know who you are . |
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Jan 20, 2010 13:51:36 GMT -6
i ADDED THIS HERE AS IT DESERVES A NEW THREAD : There is an issue that just bothers me beyond all others right now...it is the continued exceptions for kids to leave WV to attend NV. Exceptions continue to be granted , even this week!!! Many I know to be bogus/fraudulent reasons....even worse, the kids know it too!!! I have the strangest feeling too that some diseases are simmering within our current 8th grade population at Scullen whom are slated to go to WV. I can only imagine the odd diseases that will surface which prevent attendance at WV. The side effects of these horrific diseases seem to subside at Neuqua; its truely a miracle for these families. That said, I have not said a word about this up until now because I don't have a horse in the race; ie: didn't have a child in the class of 2012 nor do I have an older child at a separate high school ...BUT now I feel it does affect ALL of us at WV....because many of the exceptions have kept strong athletes at NV. That is not a legitimate reason to give an exception!!!! I can think of two great 8th grade male athletes at Scullen right now that are slated to go to WV. My hunch is that their parents are pulling strings now to send them to NV. I hope I am wrong, but suspiscions are I am right. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! I plan on speaking up if this continues and I suggest others do the same. I honestly think the admin. thinks we all don't realize whats going on....really? eta: this sentiment is ONLY directed at those families who have manufactured reasons to stay at NV , NOT those families with real issues....you know who you are . Someone needs to speak up at a board meeting - and soon. I have no horse in this race either but hear these stories every weekend I am at volleyball in the area. It has reached the point where it is ridiculous. Do they have no concern for Waubonsie at all ? It might be a juicy enough story to catch the newspapers attention. |
|
|
|
Post by brant on Jan 20, 2010 14:31:22 GMT -6
Slp brings up a very good point. I find it strange the SB was so insistent on the sibiling issue for the class of 2012 and now has gone back on it. What concerns me is if these exceptions are granted for the classes of 2013, 2014 etc. I have a 7th grader at Still who is a very good athlete in several sports. He is looking forward to WV but his wrestling team at Still was totally depleated because of the boundary changes. We sometimes have less then ten wrestlers for the meets. I know he doesn't want that situation at WV.
I have another child who is a freshman at WV. She is aware of the transfers to NV and is actually happy about it believing if they don't want to be at WV then good riddance. She does say other kids are bothered by the fact their classmates want to leave as quickly as they came. Like what is wrong with WV? they wonder.
|
|
|
|
Post by casey on Jan 20, 2010 14:40:30 GMT -6
Yes there are 4 poor unfortunate former Neuqua students that had it so bad at Waubonsie that they are now back at Neuqua as of yesterday. Exceptions were granted and now those poor children can thrive again at Neuqua.
Honestly, I can't understand what in the world could be presented that would allow a child an exception to be back at Neuqua. What kind of doctor's note or medical condition could be presented that would make a child better off at one school over another? I truly have a hard time understanding. By granting these continuous exceptions KB/Admin is sending the message that "yes there is a reason a child should be at Neuqua and not Waubonsie". I want to know what that is because if it's so bad my child should not be at Waubonsie nor should anyone else.
Maybe if my husband declares me mentally incompetent (maybe not hard to do ;D) it would be determined that my kids stay together at the same school. Maybe if I can come up with some strong medical condition for myself or my child it would be determined that she should be back at Neuqua? Seriously I have a hard time understanding the message that KB is sending to the community and that is Waubonsie is inferior to Neuqua.
I can't believe how many people believed KB when she stated that "no exceptions would be granted. Period!". Really? There were at least 24 exceptions granted and that's not counting the exceptions of those that are cheating the system (pretending to live elsewhere, lying about residency, etc.). 24 kids that are now at Neuqua and should have been at Waubonsie. That may not sound like a lot initially but that's out of the roughly 240 that were supposed to switch schools. That's 10%. That means line up 10 kids that are supposed to switch and one out of every ten stay at Neuqua. Again, KB screwed the kids that played by the rules. My kid lost lots of friends within those 24 kids. Kids that should be with her at Waubonsie that aren't.
Sports teams have definitely been affected. Recognize that many of these 24 kids are higher-end athletes (many playing Varsity now as sophomores). Waubonsie's teams have been picked dry and it's going to be that way for awhile. Think for example of the volleyball team, swim team, cross country, and track teams. Those are teams that rely on big numbers. Waubonsie lost a huge number of those athletes to Metea but were those numbers replaced with the few "new NV transfers"? No, I don't think so. With the exception of the girls' WV basketball team, I'd say all of the Waubonsie athletic teams have suffered. Exceptions granted can impact those in a big way.
Slp is right to be bothered and recognize that these exceptions affect more than just the kid involved. Our Admin needs to stop granting these crazy exceptions. In addition, they should be looking into exploring some of the situations in which the kid "moved" to stay in Neuqua. I think there's a lot of fraudulent actions going on in the district by parents to keep their kid at Neuqua.
|
|
|
|
Post by Arch on Jan 20, 2010 14:44:15 GMT -6
I just look at this as just another in the ever growing and continual pattern of the SB/Admin claiming one thing and then have reality be totally NOT THAT.
|
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Jan 20, 2010 15:10:06 GMT -6
Yes there are 4 poor unfortunate former Neuqua students that had it so bad at Waubonsie that they are now back at Neuqua as of yesterday. Exceptions were granted and now those poor children can thrive again at Neuqua. Honestly, I can't understand what in the world could be presented that would allow a child an exception to be back at Neuqua. What kind of doctor's note or medical condition could be presented that would make a child better off at one school over another? I truly have a hard time understanding. By granting these continuous exceptions KB/Admin is sending the message that "yes there is a reason a child should be at Neuqua and not Waubonsie". I want to know what that is because if it's so bad my child should not be at Waubonsie nor should anyone else. Maybe if my husband declares me mentally incompetent (maybe not hard to do ;D) it would be determined that my kids stay together at the same school. Maybe if I can come up with some strong medical condition for myself or my child it would be determined that she should be back at Neuqua? Seriously I have a hard time understanding the message that KB is sending to the community and that is Waubonsie is inferior to Neuqua. I can't believe how many people believed KB when she stated that "no exceptions would be granted. Period!". Really? There were at least 24 exceptions granted and that's not counting the exceptions of those that are cheating the system (pretending to live elsewhere, lying about residency, etc.). 24 kids that are now at Neuqua and should have been at Waubonsie. That may not sound like a lot initially but that's out of the roughly 240 that were supposed to switch schools. That's 10%. That means line up 10 kids that are supposed to switch and one out of every ten stay at Neuqua. Again, KB screwed the kids that played by the rules. My kid lost lots of friends within those 24 kids. Kids that should be with her at Waubonsie that aren't. Sports teams have definitely been affected. Recognize that many of these 24 kids are higher-end athletes (many playing Varsity now as sophomores). Waubonsie's teams have been picked dry and it's going to be that way for awhile. Think for example of the volleyball team, swim team, cross country, and track teams. Those are teams that rely on big numbers. Waubonsie lost a huge number of those athletes to Metea but were those numbers replaced with the few "new NV transfers"? No, I don't think so. With the exception of the girls' WV basketball team, I'd say all of the Waubonsie athletic teams have suffered. Exceptions granted can impact those in a big way. Slp is right to be bothered and recognize that these exceptions affect more than just the kid involved. Our Admin needs to stop granting these crazy exceptions. In addition, they should be looking into exploring some of the situations in which the kid "moved" to stay in Neuqua. I think there's a lot of fraudulent actions going on in the district by parents to keep their kid at Neuqua. "I can't believe how many people believed KB when she stated that "no exceptions would be granted. Period!". " especially since we already knew of 3 that had 'exceptions' in hand at the time ( or before) the boundaries were announced. Just another smoke screen for reality that is life in 204. |
|
|
|
Post by brant on Jan 20, 2010 15:34:49 GMT -6
Another thing along these same lines. There are eighth graders from WE that were allowed to finish at Scullen. Now I am not complaining; at Still we have only 171 eighth grader so the principal has told me. It is actually really great. Then I am told Scullen is still crowded. I thought the point was lighten the enrollment at Scullen.
|
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Jan 20, 2010 16:19:27 GMT -6
Another thing along these same lines. There are eighth graders from WE that were allowed to finish at Scullen. Now I am not complaining; at Still we have only 171 eighth grader so the principal has told me. It is actually really great. Then I am told Scullen is still crowded. I thought the point was lighten the enrollment at Scullen. there was one point - and only one point that mattered - that was to build the 3rd high school. Everything else sadly was an afterthought .. $150M and counting worth - maybe more depending on what BB gets |
|
|
|
Post by casey on Jan 20, 2010 17:22:42 GMT -6
Another thing along these same lines. There are eighth graders from WE that were allowed to finish at Scullen. Now I am not complaining; at Still we have only 171 eighth grader so the principal has told me. It is actually really great. Then I am told Scullen is still crowded. I thought the point was lighten the enrollment at Scullen. Actually the SB did tell the WE parents that all 8th graders would have the option of finishing out their middle school year at Scullen. Not sure why they could do that for Scullen 8th graders (keeping Scullen plenty crowded) but yet could not do it for high school kids. When all is said and done, I think there are probably less than 80 kids from the class of 2012 from TG that actually are now at Waubonsie. Gee, that would have just busted NV at the seams. It's just much better to force these kids to move and start over. That's just not right. FWIW, I also heard several exceptions have been granted due to the academic rigors at NV v. WW being different. Now what's that all about? You're going to tell me that classes and course offerings are better at NV so a kid should be granted an exception? this just keeps getting worse and worse. From the message KB sends with all her exceptions, no one should be at Waubonsie because it's just not an equitable experience  . |
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Jan 20, 2010 18:05:49 GMT -6
Another thing along these same lines. There are eighth graders from WE that were allowed to finish at Scullen. Now I am not complaining; at Still we have only 171 eighth grader so the principal has told me. It is actually really great. Then I am told Scullen is still crowded. I thought the point was lighten the enrollment at Scullen. Actually the SB did tell the WE parents that all 8th graders would have the option of finishing out their middle school year at Scullen. Not sure why they could do that for Scullen 8th graders (keeping Scullen plenty crowded) but yet could not do it for high school kids. When all is said and done, I think there are probably less than 80 kids from the class of 2012 from TG that actually are now at Waubonsie. Gee, that would have just busted NV at the seams. It's just much better to force these kids to move and start over. That's just not right. FWIW, I also heard several exceptions have been granted due to the academic rigors at NV v. WW being different. Now what's that all about? You're going to tell me that classes and course offerings are better at NV so a kid should be granted an exception? this just keeps getting worse and worse. From the message KB sends with all her exceptions, no one should be at Waubonsie because it's just not an equitable experience . this falls along the lines of the comments made by the now principal @ MV at one of the parents meetings I attended along with several others. It was stated clearly ( and repeated when some parents asked) - that the course offerings / gradings were not equitable and the plan was for them to be by 2012 . Some who attended that day have tried to spin that as misunderstanding - but for the 4-5 people I know who attended - it was quite clear. They talked of the 'pendulum' swinging too far from the norm at one school ( NV being more stringent ) and that it was time to equal things out. |
|
|
|
Post by casey on Jan 20, 2010 21:21:48 GMT -6
Oh, great, it's going to get settled and fixed by 2012. The same year my kid graduates and it won't matter. Don't forget this is the same class of 2012 that got the short end of the stick on the transition. My lucky kid!
FWIW, I have yet to see too many glaring differences regarding curriculum/grade expectations from WV v. NV (exception extra credit and study guides). Sometimes the teacher expectations appear to be a little different at the two schools. There are also differences on student rules (texting, dress code, etc.) that appear to be quite different. Sometimes I like the ones at WV better as they are usually less stringent. I still am most surprised that girls can wear bikinis in sophomore swim at Waubonsie. I just don't see that happening at Neuqua. Sometimes though I think NV has a holier than thou attitude and that's not real world. I think Waubonsie tends to run a little closer to reality.
|
|
|
|
Post by casey on Feb 3, 2010 18:19:38 GMT -6
Well just like was reported earlier, more exceptions have been granted for kids to return to Neuqua. The start of the semester brought four more kids from Waubonsie to Neuqua. Who else disagrees with these exceptions? Personally, I'm fed up. Again, every time an exception is granted it sends a message to my child as well as the whole community that it is better to be at Neuqua than Waubonsie. What kind of medical exception could be granted that makes a kid better off at Neuqua? Honestly, I don't understand. I think it's time for the line to be drawn in the sand and no exceptions means NO EXCEPTIONS. Seriously, a kid that has spent the first semester at Waubonsie now just absolutely must go back to Neuqua . I don't get it. It's time for the district to put a counseling program in place for these transitional sophomore kids that are requesting exceptions. I may be wrong but I'd expect to see a few more medical exceptions being granted for next year's kids too. This must stop! |
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 3, 2010 18:42:31 GMT -6
Well just like was reported earlier, more exceptions have been granted for kids to return to Neuqua. The start of the semester brought four more kids from Waubonsie to Neuqua. Who else disagrees with these exceptions? Personally, I'm fed up. Again, every time an exception is granted it sends a message to my child as well as the whole community that it is better to be at Neuqua than Waubonsie. What kind of medical exception could be granted that makes a kid better off at Neuqua? Honestly, I don't understand. I think it's time for the line to be drawn in the sand and no exceptions means NO EXCEPTIONS. Seriously, a kid that has spent the first semester at Waubonsie now just absolutely must go back to Neuqua . I don't get it. It's time for the district to put a counseling program in place for these transitional sophomore kids that are requesting exceptions. I may be wrong but I'd expect to see a few more medical exceptions being granted for next year's kids too. This must stop! Just as most of us know here - they were full of it on the 'no exceptions' stuff. Now that they have their high school built ( although not exactly paid for huh ? ) - they could care less about anyone involved in all the Neuqua - WVHS stuff.... they never did. Does anyone know any exceptions granted for kids to return to Waubonsie from Metea ? Interesting that Neuqua is the lone medically acceptable school.  |
|
|
|
Post by casey on Feb 3, 2010 19:11:46 GMT -6
I actually heard of one exception where the child wanted to leave Waubonsie and go to Metea to be with her all her friends. If rumors were correct, she spent a few days at the start of the year at Waubonsie and then just had complete meltdowns and cry fits and then was granted an exception to go to Metea. Incidentally, the child lost the year of sports eligibility as a result. Wonder why that exception was granted? In all honesty, had my child been given the chance after only a few days at Waubonsie she would have gladly returned to Neuqua (as would many of the other kids). It was not an easy start to the year that's for sure but she did her best to get involved and make the best of it and has been fine. I taught my child the important lesson which is to play by the rules even if you don't like them. I can hold my head high knowing that I didn't cheat, manipulate, or fabricate a story to get what I wanted. Has having kids split between two schools been easy? Absolutely not! Has the transition from NV to WV been easy on my kid? Absolutely not! However, we've done our best to make it work. All I know is there are a heck of a lot of extra kids at Neuqua who should be at Waubonsie. Too bad the parents never gave Waubonsie a chance, they'd probably be surprised. Get beyond the old building and miscellaneous (including crappy old track uniforms ) and there's incredible opportunities there at Waubonsie. The teachers are top-notch, the class numbers (freshman and sophomore) are great, and there is a good chance a child that wants to be on a team can be (good luck with that at Neuqua). It's not all doom and gloom. Anyone know if there's any truth to the rumor that the district has hired a PI to look into some of the situations? Who knows maybe there'll be a few more kids going to Waubonsie soon, eh? |
|
|
|
Post by doctorwho on Feb 3, 2010 19:19:57 GMT -6
I actually heard of one exception where the child wanted to leave Waubonsie and go to Metea to be with her all her friends. If rumors were correct, she spent a few days at the start of the year at Waubonsie and then just had complete meltdowns and cry fits and then was granted an exception to go to Metea. Incidentally, the child lost the year of sports eligibility as a result. Wonder why that exception was granted? In all honesty, had my child been given the chance after only a few days at Waubonsie she would have gladly returned to Neuqua (as would many of the other kids). It was not an easy start to the year that's for sure but she did her best to get involved and make the best of it and has been fine. I taught my child the important lesson which is to play by the rules even if you don't like them. I can hold my head high knowing that I didn't cheat, manipulate, or fabricate a story to get what I wanted. Has having kids split between two schools been easy? Absolutely not! Has the transition from NV to WV been easy on my kid? Absolutely not! However, we've done our best to make it work. All I know is there are a heck of a lot of extra kids at Neuqua who should be at Waubonsie. Too bad the parents never gave Waubonsie a chance, they'd probably be surprised. Get beyond the old building and miscellaneous (including crappy old track uniforms ) and there's incredible opportunities there at Waubonsie. The teachers are top-notch, the class numbers (freshman and sophomore) are great, and there is a good chance a child that wants to be on a team can be (good luck with that at Neuqua). It's not all doom and gloom. Anyone know if there's any truth to the rumor that the district has hired a PI to look into some of the situations? Who knows maybe there'll be a few more kids going to Waubonsie soon, eh? On the sports eligibilty - if they had let her go BEFORE she actually practiced with the other school ( or played ?) - my info from IHSA was that the SD had the final say on eligibility ( along with the conference) -- |
|
. 