Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Teachers are There,-Where is Parental Concern?...":
I agree with you that the parents whose involvement you need the most are oftentimes the very ones whose concern is limited, if at all. Education starts in the home. Teachers should be held accountable for the teachers' role in education, not the parents' role. Except in cases of extreme emergency, which can happen from time to time, parents should be answering teachers' phone calls. The same holds true for teachers and administrators answering parents' phone calls.
That being said, please consider the following very carefully.
You write, "Generally speaking, we do attempt to contact the families of lower performing students more often than the others because we want to work with the families to help them in helping their children." Be careful with this line of thinking.
Meeting or exceeding the standard does not mean that the student needs the teacher's attention any less than those who fall behind. In fact, those that achieve well beyond the norm may need you more than the others as will their parents.
Sadly, public education in this country is so focused on bringing up the bottom, educators fail to realize the unfair balance this ultimately leads to. It sends a very clear message to many students and parents of where teachers allegiances are.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
BOE Needs to Hear - Pacing Maps & Math Books Not Cutting it.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BOE - What Happened to the Pacing Maps? We are Lea...":
Ney - maybe we're in the same class - my kid is having the same experience in math. It's making me sick. Luckily my husband can teach the math at home. I can't believe that this would be allowed to go on. I am very disappointed with education here. All you hear is how test prep is bad but maybe if they used the test prep books instead of the terrible enVision workbook they would at least be doing the math kids need to know. Why should my kid walk into a test unprepared and feel like a loser getting simple questions wrong? I'd like to keep my kid home for all of these tests - I don't think they should be tested on stuff they haven't learned.
Ney - maybe we're in the same class - my kid is having the same experience in math. It's making me sick. Luckily my husband can teach the math at home. I can't believe that this would be allowed to go on. I am very disappointed with education here. All you hear is how test prep is bad but maybe if they used the test prep books instead of the terrible enVision workbook they would at least be doing the math kids need to know. Why should my kid walk into a test unprepared and feel like a loser getting simple questions wrong? I'd like to keep my kid home for all of these tests - I don't think they should be tested on stuff they haven't learned.
Help POB High Win $10,000-Just Vote OnLine.......
Dear Editor Please post this seperately. Thanks
This is being forwarded at the request of Jim Murray, the principal of POBJFKHS. Please vote and help our HS students win!
Please take a second and go to the Vans Custom Culture Website to vote for the students of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School in the Northeast category. We were selected to receive solid white Vans sneakers and our students were given the opportunity to design their own and win up to $10,000 for our school’s Art Department. We are now in the top 5 in the Northeast, which means we have a 1 in 5 chance of going to California to be one of the 4 finalist schools, and a 1 in 20 chance of winning the prize money! We are so close and it is just a simple click to vote. You can only vote once per IP address, so once per computer or phone is all you can do!
Here is the link: http://vans.com/customculture/vote.html
Please send this to everyone you know and ask them to pass it on. Voting ends Sunday night at midnight! Thank you for your help! - Jim Murray
This is being forwarded at the request of Jim Murray, the principal of POBJFKHS. Please vote and help our HS students win!
Please take a second and go to the Vans Custom Culture Website to vote for the students of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School in the Northeast category. We were selected to receive solid white Vans sneakers and our students were given the opportunity to design their own and win up to $10,000 for our school’s Art Department. We are now in the top 5 in the Northeast, which means we have a 1 in 5 chance of going to California to be one of the 4 finalist schools, and a 1 in 20 chance of winning the prize money! We are so close and it is just a simple click to vote. You can only vote once per IP address, so once per computer or phone is all you can do!
Here is the link: http://vans.com/customculture/vote.html
Please send this to everyone you know and ask them to pass it on. Voting ends Sunday night at midnight! Thank you for your help! - Jim Murray
Friday, April 16, 2010
Half Hollow Hills Teachers Agree to Freeze Payroll for 2011-12
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Board Running Mates.":
When will our board renegotiate?
Teachers and administrators in the Half Hollow Hills school district have reopened their contracts and agreed to pay freezes in 2011-12 in an effort to help the district avoid a budget shortfall, building on a recent trend of Long Island teacher unions agreeing to temporary pay freezes.
The freeze in Half Hollow Hills will come during the same year that federal stimulus money ends and will save the district $3 million for that year, officials said.
"We're thrilled, it's a groundbreaking achievement," district Superintendent Sheldon Karnilow said. "The economy is very bad, and we certainly wanted to be respectful of our taxpayers and we feel like we have accomplished something major here."
Teachers and administrators in the Half Hollow Hills school district have reopened their contracts and agreed to pay freezes in 2011-12 in an effort to help the district avoid a budget shortfall, building on a recent trend of Long Island teacher unions agreeing to temporary pay freezes.
When will our board renegotiate?
Teachers and administrators in the Half Hollow Hills school district have reopened their contracts and agreed to pay freezes in 2011-12 in an effort to help the district avoid a budget shortfall, building on a recent trend of Long Island teacher unions agreeing to temporary pay freezes.
The freeze in Half Hollow Hills will come during the same year that federal stimulus money ends and will save the district $3 million for that year, officials said.
"We're thrilled, it's a groundbreaking achievement," district Superintendent Sheldon Karnilow said. "The economy is very bad, and we certainly wanted to be respectful of our taxpayers and we feel like we have accomplished something major here."
Teachers and administrators in the Half Hollow Hills school district have reopened their contracts and agreed to pay freezes in 2011-12 in an effort to help the district avoid a budget shortfall, building on a recent trend of Long Island teacher unions agreeing to temporary pay freezes.
Make Your Voice Heard- Vote
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Board Running Mates.":
Will this be the end of the road for Bettan and Weinstein? The PCT will try their best to make sure they get re-elected. Now it's time for the community to respond with a record turnout to insure that their voice is heard.
Will this be the end of the road for Bettan and Weinstein? The PCT will try their best to make sure they get re-elected. Now it's time for the community to respond with a record turnout to insure that their voice is heard.
BOE - What Happened to the Pacing Maps? We are Learning to Cram
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Stop Bashing and Work With Us":
In danger of becoming a test prep school? That is the least of our problems. First, we need to all get on the same page. Let's see, we cram all there is to know about fractions (what they are, reducing, improper vs. proper, comparing, finding the LCD, etc.) into THREE DAYS!! Amazing. Parents are doing their kids HW. Cram, cram, cram before the test. Test results this year should be quite interesting. Where are the pacing maps spoken about? Who is watching over what's going on in each school, each class??? Our kids are are lost. Don't know about you, but I learn from instruction and practice. Fractions should take several weeks, not a few days of panic and confusion because the test is coming. I challenge you to stop by our math classes and see what is going on for yourself. Open the 4th grade Envisions book and look at the fractions pages. Do this and get the true, big picture.
In danger of becoming a test prep school? That is the least of our problems. First, we need to all get on the same page. Let's see, we cram all there is to know about fractions (what they are, reducing, improper vs. proper, comparing, finding the LCD, etc.) into THREE DAYS!! Amazing. Parents are doing their kids HW. Cram, cram, cram before the test. Test results this year should be quite interesting. Where are the pacing maps spoken about? Who is watching over what's going on in each school, each class??? Our kids are are lost. Don't know about you, but I learn from instruction and practice. Fractions should take several weeks, not a few days of panic and confusion because the test is coming. I challenge you to stop by our math classes and see what is going on for yourself. Open the 4th grade Envisions book and look at the fractions pages. Do this and get the true, big picture.
BOE- This Needs Your Attention
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Cell Phone Use Unacceptable.":
My child is afraid to interrupt his teacher while she is texting. He tells me he is sick and tired of her texting. Also, when it rings, it breaks his concentration while he is working. Also, she often goes on the computer and even though he has a question, he feels uncomfortable interrupting her. Another teacher went on computer during open ed week. Why wasn't she walking around class to see if kids needed help or had question with the work she assigned? Reporting teacher behavior to administration really puts my kid in a compromised position.
My child is afraid to interrupt his teacher while she is texting. He tells me he is sick and tired of her texting. Also, when it rings, it breaks his concentration while he is working. Also, she often goes on the computer and even though he has a question, he feels uncomfortable interrupting her. Another teacher went on computer during open ed week. Why wasn't she walking around class to see if kids needed help or had question with the work she assigned? Reporting teacher behavior to administration really puts my kid in a compromised position.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Another Candidate for the Board
Stefanie Nelkens has left a new comment on your post "Board Running Mates.":
I am running for the Board.
I am running for the Board.
Board Running Mates.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Who is Running for the Board?":
So has Emily Schulman as well as another PTA person.
Ed's note: that makes 5 running for 3 positions thus far.
So has Emily Schulman as well as another PTA person.
Ed's note: that makes 5 running for 3 positions thus far.
Running for the Board Are.........
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Who is Running for the Board?":
The incumbents Lori Weinstein, Gary Bettan and Angel Cepeda and Craig Levy have picked up petitions.
The incumbents Lori Weinstein, Gary Bettan and Angel Cepeda and Craig Levy have picked up petitions.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who is Running for the Board?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Board of Ed- PCT Puppets":
You're absolutely right, we have the opportunity to change the face of the board. Does anyone know if there are anyone running against those who chose to ignore the people who elected them. As far as we're concerned, there were only 2 boardmembers that had the integrity to stand up for the community, Cepeda and Pierno.
You're absolutely right, we have the opportunity to change the face of the board. Does anyone know if there are anyone running against those who chose to ignore the people who elected them. As far as we're concerned, there were only 2 boardmembers that had the integrity to stand up for the community, Cepeda and Pierno.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Just Inappropriate.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Cell Phone Use Unacceptable.":
This discourse is almost laughable. All cellphones in school should be turned off during instructional time - teachers as well as students. Accidental ringing can happen from time to time, both teachers' and students'. That's not the issue.
The teacher has no right to be answering a cellphone (unless in cases of extreme emergency), texting or making calls during instructional time. They should be teaching.
The words "animosity" and "hatred" have no place is this discussion. Whoever is choosing those words is basically manipulating the discussion away from the issue, which is appropriate educational/professional practice. There is no argument one can make that teacher cellphone use during class time is in any way in the best interest of the students.
Yes, teachers and students are different. Teachers are obligated to set an example by behaving as professional adults. They are employed to provide education to our children. Using their cellphones during instructional time is inappropriate.
Ed's note: Well said.Thank you.
This discourse is almost laughable. All cellphones in school should be turned off during instructional time - teachers as well as students. Accidental ringing can happen from time to time, both teachers' and students'. That's not the issue.
The teacher has no right to be answering a cellphone (unless in cases of extreme emergency), texting or making calls during instructional time. They should be teaching.
The words "animosity" and "hatred" have no place is this discussion. Whoever is choosing those words is basically manipulating the discussion away from the issue, which is appropriate educational/professional practice. There is no argument one can make that teacher cellphone use during class time is in any way in the best interest of the students.
Yes, teachers and students are different. Teachers are obligated to set an example by behaving as professional adults. They are employed to provide education to our children. Using their cellphones during instructional time is inappropriate.
Ed's note: Well said.Thank you.
Mr. Rosenfeld, Ahem.......
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Cell Phone Use Unacceptable.":
Cell phone usage or checking messages should not be allowed in the classroom at all. Totally inappropriate. Teachers are role models - they should act accordingly. Teachers need to hold themselves to a higher standard especially when they are in front of students and they are getting paid to work. They can check their phones on their breaks. If they took their jobs as professionally as they claimed during the contract negotiations, they would turn their ringers off and tell people who might call them during the day to not call them since its very unprofessional for their cell phones to ring while they are teaching. That's what professional people in the business world do. If there is a major emergency the call can go through the school office. I am sure that when a teacher is getting evaluated by a principal or when parents are visiting they make sure their ringers are off and wouldn't dare check for messages. They should be doing this all the time. To even defend this rude behavior as OK because teachers are adults is telling the students "do as I say not as I do." What an embarrassment. The Board of Ed should develop a policy on this.
Cell phone usage or checking messages should not be allowed in the classroom at all. Totally inappropriate. Teachers are role models - they should act accordingly. Teachers need to hold themselves to a higher standard especially when they are in front of students and they are getting paid to work. They can check their phones on their breaks. If they took their jobs as professionally as they claimed during the contract negotiations, they would turn their ringers off and tell people who might call them during the day to not call them since its very unprofessional for their cell phones to ring while they are teaching. That's what professional people in the business world do. If there is a major emergency the call can go through the school office. I am sure that when a teacher is getting evaluated by a principal or when parents are visiting they make sure their ringers are off and wouldn't dare check for messages. They should be doing this all the time. To even defend this rude behavior as OK because teachers are adults is telling the students "do as I say not as I do." What an embarrassment. The Board of Ed should develop a policy on this.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Parkway Programs: Why Aren't Comparable Programs at Other Schools?
Stefanie Nelkens has left a new comment on your post "When Will District Raise the Level of Instruction?...":
Did you see the article in this week's Plainview Herald about the month-long medieval learning festival at Parkway School? All classes in all grades participated and it concluded with an author vist from Jane Yolen. What a great idea and concept. Kudos to Mrs. Hershkowitz and her staff for putting together a program above and beyond the standard curriculum and enhancing the cultural literacy of their students.
I'm a Stratford parent. While I was happy to read about this great program it saddened me that my child did not have the benefit of the excitement of a school-wide (or even class) program to introduce him to excitement of the history and legends of King Arthur. I am sure he would have enjoyed it.
In comparison, to my knowledge, my child hasn't yet participated in an author or genre study as outlined in the Elementary School Parent Handbook (suggested authors for 4th grade are Karen Hesse and Roald Dahl, genres are memoir, personal narrative, non-fiction, poetry non-rhyming using figurative language).
Did you see the article in this week's Plainview Herald about the month-long medieval learning festival at Parkway School? All classes in all grades participated and it concluded with an author vist from Jane Yolen. What a great idea and concept. Kudos to Mrs. Hershkowitz and her staff for putting together a program above and beyond the standard curriculum and enhancing the cultural literacy of their students.
I'm a Stratford parent. While I was happy to read about this great program it saddened me that my child did not have the benefit of the excitement of a school-wide (or even class) program to introduce him to excitement of the history and legends of King Arthur. I am sure he would have enjoyed it.
In comparison, to my knowledge, my child hasn't yet participated in an author or genre study as outlined in the Elementary School Parent Handbook (suggested authors for 4th grade are Karen Hesse and Roald Dahl, genres are memoir, personal narrative, non-fiction, poetry non-rhyming using figurative language).
I Home School Too! -Who Else?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "When Will District Raise the Level of Instruction?...":
Hey - I homeschool too!
How many others out there are bearing the brunt of educating our children at home?
Hey - I homeschool too!
How many others out there are bearing the brunt of educating our children at home?
When Will District Raise the Level of Instruction?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Stop Bashing and Work With Us":
"Start working with us"
I've been making futile attempts all year to raise the standard in my child's classroom, a place that caters exclusively to the underachievers. Basically I've been sent the message that I have no right to expect my child's needs to be met. The children that function at a lower academic level are the priority. How dare I suggest any equity to exist for my child's benefit.
The teacher lacks the skills to provide effective instruction to anyone whose needs fall outside the cohort she is trained to work with. The "efforts" she's made address only one learning modality and are rarely if ever reviewed by her so my child gets the message that her work is insignificant as the teacher cannot be bothered to even look at it.
Both my children are basically being homeschooled because of this common trend we experience year after year in Plainview. The school district presents instruction based on its own agenda - covering themselves legally and bringing the bottom up.
Under these circumstances, please inform me how I can "work with you."
"Start working with us"
I've been making futile attempts all year to raise the standard in my child's classroom, a place that caters exclusively to the underachievers. Basically I've been sent the message that I have no right to expect my child's needs to be met. The children that function at a lower academic level are the priority. How dare I suggest any equity to exist for my child's benefit.
The teacher lacks the skills to provide effective instruction to anyone whose needs fall outside the cohort she is trained to work with. The "efforts" she's made address only one learning modality and are rarely if ever reviewed by her so my child gets the message that her work is insignificant as the teacher cannot be bothered to even look at it.
Both my children are basically being homeschooled because of this common trend we experience year after year in Plainview. The school district presents instruction based on its own agenda - covering themselves legally and bringing the bottom up.
Under these circumstances, please inform me how I can "work with you."
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