POB Response to Ct. Shooting Not Enough

I work in a neighboring school district. Within 24 hours of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, CT, all staff where I work received an email and automated phone call advising us of the tragedy and calling for mandatory early morning staff meetings on Monday morning to review safety procedures, codes, etc. The superintendent posted a notice on the district's website advising parents of our heightened security measures with links to various information relating to all of this. It's possible parents also received an automated call but I really don't know.

Why is it that we have heard nothing from the Plainview School District on this? Nothing has been posted on the website. No automated calls to the community. I'd feel better knowing the staff has been contacted but as of yet, I haven't heard anything about that.

Hey LIPA Why Plainview-We're Not Even in the Flood Zone!!!

LIPA- What is it about Plainview?

What is it about POB and LIPA? Why does it seem we are ignored, last to get power on, etc? Have you seen Lipa trucks? My neighbors and I surely have not. Despite no evident damage, we are still without power over 1 week later with little/no information from LIPA. 90 percent of power restored Wed. isn't very helpful when you don't know if you will be the 10 percent. And...if you are the 10 percent, how much longer will it be. Do people literally need to freeze to death in their homes before someone will do something. Rise up, people and let's get LIPA to POB N-O-W!

What Do I Do When a Teacher is Abusive Toward a Parent?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What to Do About a Teacher with Unprofessional Beh...":

What should I do about a teacher who physically and verbally attacked her ex husband in front of the school where my child attends? This was a horrible example for a teacher to set. This is teaching violence and bad language. I told the principal and he said it was a personal matter.

Dignity for All Students Act A Must Read by All Parents

Please let all of your friends know about this:

 

The New York State
Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act):5‐24‐12
Guide for School Administrators &Faculty

 

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/documents/DignityForAllStudentsActGuidance_POSTING.pdf

As of July 1st 2012, the Dignity for all Students Act is being enforced in New York State. I have attached the 80 page document which all parents should make them selves familiar with. Below I have touched on the general essence, but it should be read buy all. It encompasses many slurs that occur in school everyday to all types of children not just the obvious abuses. The law covers everyone and is intended to keep all children in a safe environment at school, free of name calling, sarcastic remarks, or more physical actions, from other children as well as teachers, administrators in short, anyone employed in the school district. Please make sure to discuss this with your children as well, not just from a victim's point of view, but make sure they are aware that if they are trading nasty things about someone in their class and that child hears it, he/she can make a complaint that will need to be investigated, and reports must be filed, by law. While I know that here in the Plainview OldBethpage neighborhood, there is no child or teacher that would ever ever do this, but I think it's not a bad topic for discussion anyway. We all know that kids, parents and teachers, not meaning to be, can be very mean, sarcastic or demeaning to or about other children. It is a call for all to step our of our petty, ridiculing and teasing ways.

Overview:
In all cases, schools should have well-publicized policies prohibiting harassment and
procedures for reporting and resolving complaints that will alert the school to incidents
of harassment.
When responding to harassment, a school must take immediate and appropriate action
to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. The specific steps in a school’s
investigation will vary depending upon the nature of the allegations, the source of the
complaint, the age of the student or students, involved, the size and administrative
structure of the school, and other factors. In all cases, however, the inquiry should be
prompt, thorough, and impartial.
If an investigation reveals that discriminatory harassment has occurred, a school must
take prompt and appropriate steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment,
eliminate any hostile environment and its effects, and prevent the harassment from
recurring. These duties are a school’s responsibility even if the misconduct is also
covered by an anti-bullying policy, regardless of whether a student has complained,
asked the school to take action, or identified the harassment as a form of discrimination.
Appropriate steps to end harassment may include separating the accused harasser and
the target, providing counseling for the target and/or harasser, or taking disciplinary
action against the harasser. These steps should not penalize the student who was
harassed. For example, any separation of the target from an alleged harasser should be
designed to minimize the burden on the target’s educational program (e.g., not requiring
the target to change his or her class schedule).
In addition, depending on the extent of the harassment, the school may need to provide
training or other interventions not only for the perpetrators, but also for the larger school
community, to ensure that all students, their families, and school staff can recognize
harassment if it recurs and know how to respond. A school also may be required to
provide additional services to the student who was harassed in order to address the
effects of the harassment, particularly if the school initially delays in responding or
responds inappropriately or inadequately to information about harassment. An effective
response also may need to include the issuance of new policies against harassment
and new procedures by which students, parents, and employees may report allegations
of harassment (or wide dissemination of existing policies and procedures), as well as
wide distribution of the contact information for the district’s Title IX and Section 504/Title
II coordinators.

Suzala

TOO Much Testing!!

Have you all noticed there was a new sweep of testing on your children this year.. I believe part of it is for Pearson Publishing to evaluate their tests, and part of it is to evaluate the teachers. It was explained to me that in the future there would be Pre-testing of a subject and then post testing as well. This is to ensure that  the teachers are teaching. Unfortunately it holds no baring as to whether you child has learned. For example: If a child's pretest yields a score of 20% and post test he gets a 60% then it is assumed the teacher has taught as the student has "improved", however it does not say if the child has had any mastery of the subject. (in this case clearly not). Tests which do not benefit students and are using hours of precious class time which could be otherwise used for... Teaching?!
Please review these websites and sign the time out from testing petition to help fight NY States new testing requirements.

http://timeoutfromtesting.org/nationalresolution/

http://changethestakes.wordpress.com/

http://timeoutfromtesting.org/

Thank you, suzala, editor.

What's the Deal with the State Test Results?

New post please.

When should parents expect to get reports on the state exams given last spring? Will they be posted on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal? Are the reports sent in the mail?

Can anyone shed light on how this works?

Decorum Please

Editor here:
I have just received an anonymous email regarding one of our administrators which I cannot print. It is slanderous with a slew of accusations and no proof. I refuse to print slander and perhaps liable in this blog. While it is a place to bring up topics for discussion that are bothering you and a place to try and resolve problems, it is not the forum just to rip someone to shreds because of innuendo and third hand information or to vent a personal vendetta. Please consider this when you request a post. If you have information. back it up with facts, dates and solid information. I will not be part of a bullying conspiracy.

Yeah! Bethpage Girl Found!

Happy to have been able to help.
editor....


Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bethpage Girl Missing":

She is home!!!!! (as per "THE PLAINVIEW PATCH")
Thank you Suzala :)


Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Please Be Careful on the Water":

BREAKING NEWS!!!! There is a Bethpage 15 year old girl missing ... Details on the "Plainview Patch".
Please post the information ASAP on "AVERYPLAINVIEW"
Thank you Suzala!!!

   

Photos (2)

Nassau County Police have issued an alert for a missing Bethpage teenager who is described as suicidal.
Police say they are searching for Marisol S. Lynch, 15, of Bethpage, who was last seen at about 10 p.m. on Monday evening. The teen has been described as "suicidal."
The Silver Alert Program disseminates immediate information to local media, hospitals and other organizations when a senior citizen or other individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disorders goes missing.
Lynch is described as a White-Hispanic female, about 5'-1" tall, weighing about 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Those with information about Lynch can contact Nassau County Police at 911.

Please Be Careful on the Water

NEW POST PLEASE!!!!!

Three children were killed in a boating accident last night in Oyster Bay. News 12 has announced a few drownings in backyard pools across the island. We have a family friend who lifeguards at one of the ocean beaches who's told us of a few close calls so early in the summer.

EVERYONE, PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!!!

Editors note..Asbestos removal

Someone has written to me with concerns about the asbestos removal process going on at Shalom School which I  believe is leased by our district. As I am not aware of the details, and because of liable laws, I will not print any personal assassinations here. I suggest that you write up a post detailing the situation without pointing fingers and I will be happy to put it up. No one wants to have children or adults for that matter, put in danger; I think it would be really helpful to POB if you could give us information so the community can take appropriate actions.
-ed.

Is Plainview School District Really Split Between the Haves and HaveNots?

http://www.facebook.com/PlainviewPatch?sk=wall&filter=2&notif_t=wall

There is a discussion on the Patch and Facebook going on about the inequality between the east and west side of the school district which I find really interesting. Olga Portnoy is suggesting those on the west side should speak up. Perhaps she is right. I have spoken at board meetings about the inequality between the elementary schools, and I was told that each building is run independently. I suggested that If a chain of stores had one building with higher sales than the others, the various managers would be called in and told, "this store and manager have it right, so this is how you are all going to do it.". I was told that in spite of my idea to implement best business practices into our school buildings they weren't interested. As a result test scores vary from 60% doing a "1" at one school and 40% doing a   "1" at another. Educationally, expectations and abilities in both the east and west sides are probably about the same so it is the schools and the administrators job to explain why there is such a broad spectrum of results on tests.

Aside from the end of the year party, There are several other trips that differ greatly. I have heard about the 6th grade trips; Matlin students going on a rather expensive trip in Coach buses to Medieval Times and POB students going to the Hall of Science.  I applaud POB for sticking to the board's decree that all school trips should be educational, (Matlin Admin and the Board, -Phaleeze don't try sell me on the idea that  Medieval Times is an "educational" trip). Project Adventure is an  8th grade trip that all Matlin students go on, but only a select group of students from POB have the opportunity to attend. Why? Why do I read about the Matlin Pride program and POB has the Respect program. Why are the schools on such a different page? The student will all be in the same school in 9th grade. Shouldn't they have the same vocabulary for how to have respect for one another?

Basically, I  think that everyone should be sticking to the same plan on large decisions. These should include, sporting teams, trips, curriculum plans etc.and it is up to the Board and the Superintendents to make sure that there is equality between all of the schools. All of the students should have the opportunity to have the same school experiences.
Homeowners - (as these decisions effect property values) and students on the west side of Plainview should not have to feel like second class citizens.

As for Ms Portnoys advice, POB parents, it's time for all of you to speak up.

Are Backyard Fireworks O.K.?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Plainview Diner Doesn't Care About Plainview Citiz...":

New post please

What is the general feeling about amateur fireworks being done by residents in the streets or in their backyards? Do people consider it dangerous? Is it something that, although illegal, is tolerated? Thoughts????

Fundraiser for the Sadowski Family

Suzala, Can you Please post this as separate Topic. This a fundraiser for the Sadowski Family who were also hit hard by the loss of their child.

A fundraiser for the Sadowski family of Plainview will be held at Family Bagels on Manetta Hill Rd. on Saturday, June 9th, 9am-4pm. Their 13 year-old son, Joseph, died on April 9th. Joe had been bravely battling Leukemia since last summer. There will be raffles and children's activities. Please come and show your support for the Sadowski's.

Plainview Diner Doesn't Care About Plainview Citizens-Time to Boycott

I found myself sitting on the front step of the Plainview Diner tonight having just caught my toe (in open-toed sandles ) on the low parking barrier curbs right at the foot of the steps. They are not painted yellow and are rather small and I didn't see it and almost fell over. Luckily I didn't, but it pulled the nail off my toe and it was bleeding profusely. A friend I was with went in and explained the situation and came out with some hydrogen peroxide and some tissues and bandaids. The manager never came out to see if I was okay. When I came in, I told him what happened and he shrugged and said they have always been there. He didn't ask if I was okay,
I had no intention of sueing him, but the way he treated me, sends a clear message of where they stand on people who eat there. I will not return, and suggest that unless you want to be treated the same way, you shouldn't either.
Suzala

School Board: Take Out the $80Grand Parking Lot BEFORE the Vote

G has left a new comment on your post "Bone Marrow Donor Drive Is Still "On"- Come and sa...":

Suzala, please make this a new post titled Proposed school budget.

Proposed school budget

I attended the Board of Education meeting a couple of weeks ago in which Dr. Lewis was introduced to be the new Superintendent of schools in Plainview. During this meeting, the budget was discussed and I learned that the district has approved $80,000 to build a parking lot at a school that is NOT a Plainview-Old Bethpage school where our children attend. I take exception that the board would want to spend this much money on a parking lot that in no way benefits the children of the Plainview - Old Bethpage school district. This money could be spent in many better ways that would benefit OUR children. It could be spent on replacing windows in POB Middle, fixing the leaky roof in Mattlin's wrestling room, upkeep or upgrade of the athletic fields, air conditioners in over a hundred classrooms district wide, a part time teacher position, the possibilities are endless. It seems very irresponsible to spend this much money to build a parking lot for teachers and assistant teachers who are not part of our school district. When this was questioned by a couple of people at the meeting the reasoning was as follows. The current resident (ACDS)of the building's lease expires in a few years. The school board felt a new parking lot would entice them into extending their lease and therefor bringing in revenue for the rent. While I do follow this, the logic is flawed. If we spend $80,000 that should have gone to our kids there is no guarantee that they are staying when the lease is up anyway. All we have if they leave is $80,000 wasted and a vacant parking lot that will be a magnet for kids to hang out in late at night. If it is so important, then the lot should be built contingent to ACDS signing a long term (10 years or so) lease so we are guaranteed this was not a waste of money. There is no need to put the horse in front of the cart when that money could benefit our children. I also wonder are the parking conditions that bad that an additional parking lot is needed. I do not think it is unreasonable if people have to walk a half block to get to their job. This is money that should be going to benefit OUR kids, the kids of Plainview - Old Bethpage, and if this budget is approved as it stands the money will instead go to teachers from an outside school. You can email Ryan Ruf (Asst Superintendent of Business) or call his office to express your concerns about this topic if you wish.
RRuf@pob.k12.ny.us
516 937 6310
I don't think any of us wish to see the budget fail. With that being said I will not vote yes to approve this budget if this is not taken out. On May 7 at 7:45 there will be another school board meeting and the budget will be addressed. It is open to the public if anyone wishes to attend. The actual vote is May 15. Just so everyone has the facts as I understand them, if the budget is defeated they can amend it and a new vote would take place. We would not automatically have the default budget. This comes with a price however. Mr. Ruf said a revote would cost the district about $15,000 dollars. I hope this is taken out of the budget before the vote. I have spoken to many people who plan on voting no to the budget on this point alone. If the budget is defeated, amended and then passed it is still a net of $65,000 going towards our kids. It would just be easier if it were taken out before the vote took place.

Bone Marrow Donor Drive Is Still "On"- Come and save a life.

Please forward the attached flyer to everyone you can.  We have spoken with Jeff and we would like to continue with our plans for the bone marrow drive to honor Spencer's memory.  We will not have a big carnival as planned but would like to still have some raffles and food to sell for the fundraiser.  Since we are now going to have to act quickly to complete this in a timely manner, please email us if you are still available to volunteer to help out on the day of the bone marrow drive.  Also, if you have obtained items for the raffle or if you can still obtain items for the raffle baskets, please email us right away and let us know so we can set those up for the day of the event.

Together, we can show our support by registering donors in the bone marrow registry program to help save lives!  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  Thank you!  

BECOME A LIFESAVER!

BONE MARROW DONOR DRIVE
Sunday, May 6, 2012
10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Driftwood Day Camp
331 Mount Misery Rd.
(take to the end)
Melville, NY

Another Hour of Testing? Another Hour Not Teaching and NOT Learning

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/10-year-old-i-want-to-know-why-after-vacation-i-have-to-take-test-after-test-after-test/2012/04/10/gIQA1sOz8S_blog.html#pagebreak

10-year-old: ‘I want to know why after vacation I have to take test after test after test’

By Valerie Strauss

This was written by Carol Corbett Burris, principal of South Side High School in New York. She was named the 2010 New York State Outstanding Educator by the School Administrators Association of New York State.

By Carol Corbett Burris
My 10-year-old neighbor stopped by for a visit. She likes to talk school with the “school lady’ whose dogs she loves to pet. From the look on her face I could tell that this was not going to be the usual school story.  She looked far too glum for that.
 “I want to know why after vacation I have to take test after test after test,” she asked. “I know what math I’m good at. My teacher knows the words I can’t spell. My mom knows I’m a fast reader…. So what’s the point?”
 I punted and answered a question with a question: “Why do you think the tests are important?”

Morty Rosenfeld Find Some Tact

SEPARATE POST PLEASE

Does anyone else find it bothersome that the President of the Teacher's Union felt it necessary to insert his anti-testing and anti-teacher evaluation slant into his blog post about the two losses this community suffered this week? Why couldn't he just express his sympathy on behalf of the union and leave it at that? He frequently rants on the subject, so why does he have to mention it in the same breath as these devastating losses? And this is who they wish to represent them? Follow this link for his blog post. http://pobct.org/ATM/2012/04/17/death-and-tests/

Are You Exposed to Too Much Bragging About Their Kids?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Newsday Article Regarding. Lorna Lewis":

New post please.

Here's a question about parents in Plainview, well actually in any suburb, or perhaps anywhere. Is anyone else bothered by parents who go on and on about how wonderful their children are, how smart, how talented............???

I have two great kids, far from perfect, just like me, just like everyone. At home, we celebrate all their accomplishments and are deeply proud of them. When something really special is achieved, I'll share it with my close friends. I also make sure to revel in their children's accomplishments also. Casually talking about my kids' strong points is something I shy away from in public especially when other children are around.

Why do so many parents voluntarily brag at the bus stop, at PTA functions, waiting to pick kids up from school, etc? Has anyone else noticed this?

Moderate comments for this blog.

Newsday Article Regarding Lorna Lewis

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/lorna-lewis-to-be-plainview-schools-chief-1.3639274\