Well... We as a town did it! We did ourselves proud! We placed ourselves as #1 for all of the records on the Zip Trip. Yeah! Everyone and everything looked great down at Goddard Park and on TV!
And that included the Book drive that Fox 25 did. I checked at the end and found out that we were approx. 11 books short and made a quick run back to the Bryn Mawr Book Fair and got back in the nick of time to make sure that we got the #1 title for that as well since we have such strong reading programs here in the school system. So we knocked out Needham from the #1 spot. Thank you to all of you who came by and supported the Bryn Mawr Book Fair and bought their books there! District 1 PTO appreciates it greatly!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
School Libraries...hmmmm..
Well... Since we again have the town library on peripheral part of our minds, whenever the discussion for voting is brought up for budget, let me discussion here the school's libraries. I am certain that those of you whom have children in the system know that state of the libraries at the individual schools. Depending on your view point I will say that as a whole they are from a parent's perspective ‘functional’- books come in and they go out. And the kids seem happy about it and not too upset that they can't occasionally get the books that they may really want. They know that they can go with their parents to either the town library (mind you supposedly) or to the book store to get the book or books that they really do want to read. The point and bottom line is that they want to read and that they are doing just that, and to that point I whole heartedly agree.
Now, what I know from personal experience, and I at this point, I am going to give a HUGE shout of CREDIT to all of those coordinators, volunteers, parents and anyone that goes in and helps to keep these facilities running year after year for our students. It is a thankless job and we do it for our kids and everyone else's kids. Truthfully, many times if we as volunteers are not, then library just does not happen. And I can say from being one of the mom’s and coordinators that helping the kids to find something that they want or discover something interesting is just as much fun as seeing them at a toy store – more so.
Yet, year after year the line item in the individual school budgets have been whittled away at, if not flat out cut. It is to the point that there isn’t even a library supplies line item for the school. What goes into the library supplies? Books, book pockets, library check out cards, book coverings, repair supplies, stamps & ink pads, and even copier paper as this year has even shown. I know from the school I am at the PTO is depended upon to cover most if not ALL of the costs for the library at least for this next year. I question the feasibility of this assumption on the part of the District to be able to fund this even on a one off school or even two schools that the PTO supports.
The two points to this are the District should be funding the four Elementary libraries equally –period. The not at all is not an option either as the condition of the collections are not great in regards to the curriculum that they are being taught and referenced. If these libraries are not funded at all, the only libraries that some of these children will see are the ones where they can’t find what they want, can’t reference what they want, and can’t even use a book that is in functioning condition. Some of you may think I am being dramatic, but really I am not depending on the school we are taping books together.
So again I ask why is it that 2 of the 4 Elementary schools ask for library supply line items and get it? Then the other 2 do not? Then of course there is the ever present not functioning AMS’s library… another whole issue for discussion that has been open and not dealt with for two plus years. How are our students to be prepared to enter AHS to use the state of the art library if they have no information sciences training?
There needs to be at minimum some level of funding for the libraries at the schools, especially as the town’s library is in question. Good school libraries tie into good MCAS scores. The cohesiveness of the curriculum to the student’s ability to use the information sciences resources in the library / educational process is going to be critical to their future in the global market.
Now, what I know from personal experience, and I at this point, I am going to give a HUGE shout of CREDIT to all of those coordinators, volunteers, parents and anyone that goes in and helps to keep these facilities running year after year for our students. It is a thankless job and we do it for our kids and everyone else's kids. Truthfully, many times if we as volunteers are not, then library just does not happen. And I can say from being one of the mom’s and coordinators that helping the kids to find something that they want or discover something interesting is just as much fun as seeing them at a toy store – more so.
Yet, year after year the line item in the individual school budgets have been whittled away at, if not flat out cut. It is to the point that there isn’t even a library supplies line item for the school. What goes into the library supplies? Books, book pockets, library check out cards, book coverings, repair supplies, stamps & ink pads, and even copier paper as this year has even shown. I know from the school I am at the PTO is depended upon to cover most if not ALL of the costs for the library at least for this next year. I question the feasibility of this assumption on the part of the District to be able to fund this even on a one off school or even two schools that the PTO supports.
The two points to this are the District should be funding the four Elementary libraries equally –period. The not at all is not an option either as the condition of the collections are not great in regards to the curriculum that they are being taught and referenced. If these libraries are not funded at all, the only libraries that some of these children will see are the ones where they can’t find what they want, can’t reference what they want, and can’t even use a book that is in functioning condition. Some of you may think I am being dramatic, but really I am not depending on the school we are taping books together.
So again I ask why is it that 2 of the 4 Elementary schools ask for library supply line items and get it? Then the other 2 do not? Then of course there is the ever present not functioning AMS’s library… another whole issue for discussion that has been open and not dealt with for two plus years. How are our students to be prepared to enter AHS to use the state of the art library if they have no information sciences training?
There needs to be at minimum some level of funding for the libraries at the schools, especially as the town’s library is in question. Good school libraries tie into good MCAS scores. The cohesiveness of the curriculum to the student’s ability to use the information sciences resources in the library / educational process is going to be critical to their future in the global market.
An observation regarding strategic plans...
It's been approximately a year since I last ran for School Committee and I followed the whole process of "changes" and "improvements" that were to happen. I do understand that such undertaking take time and that they need a leader to give direction... And here is the point to this entry, about half way through this year we had both- the new Superintendent, which I feel has been a good choice for us, and welcome her back. Then we had the the Strategic Plan that was already 'supposedly' being worked on to be implemented'.
I do understand that time is needed for change, yet according to the community who came together to help create it, based on the Strategic Plan as it states from the Community direction there are needs that are not being met. I wonder why there is not further movement on that plan. Dates have seriously slid, and the accountability column is too generic- Lead, Implement, Support. There should be key people assigned and to whichever of these groups are in charge of the Actions to be accomplished. Then if an Action is too large or too complex then break it out to be manageable in a timely manner for that group. It's less about blame and more about problem solving to attain the goals.
Within that plan- the Strategic Plan that the Auburn Community, created with the School District, outlined 7 core plans that would give us direction, initiative, and set the level of achievement for everyone in our educational buildings to standards that we as a community want for our children. None of us should have to be settling for "this the way it is" or this is what we have" instead we should be going into this asking " how can we raise the bar and meet this level to fulfill the academic needs of each and every one of these students for the 21st global market place.
The 7 plans I keep mentioning are the Strategic Plan, that has recently been updated (make sure to ask for the correct version), Curriculum Plans (K-12) for the District (MA is looking to do changes to the Curriculum Framework requirements in the near future), Professional Development Plans for Staff and Administration, Technical Development Plan , Technical Curriculum, Facilities Master Plan, and the Community Outreach/ Relations Plan.
How would I change any of this? By making things timely, accountable, broken into steps that are set into objectives that are attainable in a consistent manner, by communicating through multiple ways to the community as their involvement will be critical, and being proactive towards getting ALL of these master plans completed so that we as a District have direction and agreed upon goals.
I do understand that time is needed for change, yet according to the community who came together to help create it, based on the Strategic Plan as it states from the Community direction there are needs that are not being met. I wonder why there is not further movement on that plan. Dates have seriously slid, and the accountability column is too generic- Lead, Implement, Support. There should be key people assigned and to whichever of these groups are in charge of the Actions to be accomplished. Then if an Action is too large or too complex then break it out to be manageable in a timely manner for that group. It's less about blame and more about problem solving to attain the goals.
Within that plan- the Strategic Plan that the Auburn Community, created with the School District, outlined 7 core plans that would give us direction, initiative, and set the level of achievement for everyone in our educational buildings to standards that we as a community want for our children. None of us should have to be settling for "this the way it is" or this is what we have" instead we should be going into this asking " how can we raise the bar and meet this level to fulfill the academic needs of each and every one of these students for the 21st global market place.
The 7 plans I keep mentioning are the Strategic Plan, that has recently been updated (make sure to ask for the correct version), Curriculum Plans (K-12) for the District (MA is looking to do changes to the Curriculum Framework requirements in the near future), Professional Development Plans for Staff and Administration, Technical Development Plan , Technical Curriculum, Facilities Master Plan, and the Community Outreach/ Relations Plan.
How would I change any of this? By making things timely, accountable, broken into steps that are set into objectives that are attainable in a consistent manner, by communicating through multiple ways to the community as their involvement will be critical, and being proactive towards getting ALL of these master plans completed so that we as a District have direction and agreed upon goals.
Monday, April 6, 2009
It's been too long..
I can say that my mom's health has turned around 180% from this time last year from when she had her heart attach and I was running for School Committee then. It has improved so much so they have even cleared her to ride roller coasters! I can't even believe it! She can't wait to take my son on them this summer as a lesson on gravity!
What have I been doing? I have been active in PTO1 (was the School Spirit Clothing Coordinator), Bryn Mawr's Library Volunteer Coordinator, taking over as Bryn Mawr's Scholastic Book Fair's Coodinator, Substitute teaching in Auburn's District, and a room volunteer for my son's class just so that I know what is going on in the school's. As a note - I am also an Alumnae Admissions Contact for College Fairs for my alma matre Simmons College for Central Mass and assist in the recruiting process annually. I have been keeping my self busy with the Recreation and Culture Committee as well. I am one of a group of very active members. You may have seen me stopping in at the Town Hall offices or running about town. So say 'Hi' if you see me up there or around town or if you have an idea. I am in the midst of Independence Day (6/27)Planning!
So, as some of my friends and associates may know, I have decided to run for a seat on the School Committee again. I always follow what the School Committee is doing and is NOT doing . I have seen what they have not been able to accomplish this past year. Some is terribly obvious, other parts are not. I welcome Dr. Maryellen Brunelle, she is a great addition to this District. She also understands that it took years to get to the mess we are in, and will take time to get us out. It will take a consistent and concerted effort to get where we as a District need to be for the benefit of our kids.
When I stopped by the Town Clerk's Office, no one had pulled papers except the incumbents ... so after some discussions, I pulled them myself and got them signed and back in to the Town Clerk. I have also since found out that I have another running mate in the Hammond family, good luck to him, as well and to the incumbents. The race is on.
The election is May 21st this year please get out and vote! I will be updating this blog frequently over the next few weeks so please keep an eye out for it!
What have I been doing? I have been active in PTO1 (was the School Spirit Clothing Coordinator), Bryn Mawr's Library Volunteer Coordinator, taking over as Bryn Mawr's Scholastic Book Fair's Coodinator, Substitute teaching in Auburn's District, and a room volunteer for my son's class just so that I know what is going on in the school's. As a note - I am also an Alumnae Admissions Contact for College Fairs for my alma matre Simmons College for Central Mass and assist in the recruiting process annually. I have been keeping my self busy with the Recreation and Culture Committee as well. I am one of a group of very active members. You may have seen me stopping in at the Town Hall offices or running about town. So say 'Hi' if you see me up there or around town or if you have an idea. I am in the midst of Independence Day (6/27)Planning!
So, as some of my friends and associates may know, I have decided to run for a seat on the School Committee again. I always follow what the School Committee is doing and is NOT doing . I have seen what they have not been able to accomplish this past year. Some is terribly obvious, other parts are not. I welcome Dr. Maryellen Brunelle, she is a great addition to this District. She also understands that it took years to get to the mess we are in, and will take time to get us out. It will take a consistent and concerted effort to get where we as a District need to be for the benefit of our kids.
When I stopped by the Town Clerk's Office, no one had pulled papers except the incumbents ... so after some discussions, I pulled them myself and got them signed and back in to the Town Clerk. I have also since found out that I have another running mate in the Hammond family, good luck to him, as well and to the incumbents. The race is on.
The election is May 21st this year please get out and vote! I will be updating this blog frequently over the next few weeks so please keep an eye out for it!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Where are the working flashing lights?
Driving by the schools I noticed something, and I wonder do you?
My cousin did. He called me on the cell on the way to work to see if I was going to enter this very blog entry.... So here it is. Why aren't the kids safety number one? Why are the flashing safety speed lights of 20mphs hour working? Before they were intermittent, now they don't seem to work at all. So when I am there dropping my son off and picking him up or other children up for friends on days I am shocked and scared for these kids safety frankly.
Then driving home late one evening this week I am surprised to see it working off schedule... is it just off schedule? Who knows any more in this town. The administration doesn't seem to care. If we are lucky it is reset for the beginning of the year and then somewhere along the way it falls off the clock and and then never gets readjusted for daylight savings or if it's for sports or whatever...
But I am getting pretty tired of the it's not my responsibility, it's this group in town - WRONG. It affects the children of our schools it's their responsibility to make sure that whatever groups in town get it right 110% of the time. And that means at each and every school not just the elementaries.
Here are two companies that I found that do solar school zone warning lights which would relieve some of the ISSUES:
OK Solar -LED Traffic Signals - Solar School warning signs
We are manufactures OEM/ODM a complete line of high-flux LED products for the transportation market. We offer a complete line of LED products used in lighting for airports, bus stops, rail ways, traffic signals, outdoor lighting and other related applications.Our transportation products are more efficient, last longer and typically consume 90% less energy than incandescent lights, yielding substantial operational cost savings. Because their service life span is typically 10 times (approximately eleven years) that of incandescent, these products offer even greater maintenance savings due to longer replacement intervals. In addition, they are environmentally friendly.
Solar powered warning signals Using a combination of solar power and energy-efficient LED lights we allow the transportation engineer the flexibility to deliver critical warnings in virtually any location, regardless of power availability.We offer a full array of red, yellow, green and white LED products for use in traffic signal balls, arrows and pedestrian signals, as well as a complete range of signaling products. Installation of LED Signals can offer significant savings in operating and maintenance costs resulting in a quick return on initial investment.
Your next scheduled maintenance will be in 5 to 7 years! www.oksolar.com/traffic/
K & K MODEL 110 Solar School Zone Flasher
Whether in congested cities, small towns or on rural and remote roadways, traffic flashers are used to help warn vehicular traffic to possible hazardous areas or intersections ahead. Pedestrian crosswalks, school zones, fire stations, hospital zones and speed zones are just a few of the many applications where solar stationary flashing beacons are used to enhance the visibility of roadway signage. The Model 110 is designed for use at churches, schools, and other zones needing a system which incorporates a timer or remote control. The two 8" yellow LEDs, when flashing, are visual by motorist up to 1/4 mile.
http://www.k-ksystems.com/110.html
My cousin did. He called me on the cell on the way to work to see if I was going to enter this very blog entry.... So here it is. Why aren't the kids safety number one? Why are the flashing safety speed lights of 20mphs hour working? Before they were intermittent, now they don't seem to work at all. So when I am there dropping my son off and picking him up or other children up for friends on days I am shocked and scared for these kids safety frankly.
Then driving home late one evening this week I am surprised to see it working off schedule... is it just off schedule? Who knows any more in this town. The administration doesn't seem to care. If we are lucky it is reset for the beginning of the year and then somewhere along the way it falls off the clock and and then never gets readjusted for daylight savings or if it's for sports or whatever...
But I am getting pretty tired of the it's not my responsibility, it's this group in town - WRONG. It affects the children of our schools it's their responsibility to make sure that whatever groups in town get it right 110% of the time. And that means at each and every school not just the elementaries.
Here are two companies that I found that do solar school zone warning lights which would relieve some of the ISSUES:
OK Solar -LED Traffic Signals - Solar School warning signs
We are manufactures OEM/ODM a complete line of high-flux LED products for the transportation market. We offer a complete line of LED products used in lighting for airports, bus stops, rail ways, traffic signals, outdoor lighting and other related applications.Our transportation products are more efficient, last longer and typically consume 90% less energy than incandescent lights, yielding substantial operational cost savings. Because their service life span is typically 10 times (approximately eleven years) that of incandescent, these products offer even greater maintenance savings due to longer replacement intervals. In addition, they are environmentally friendly.
Solar powered warning signals Using a combination of solar power and energy-efficient LED lights we allow the transportation engineer the flexibility to deliver critical warnings in virtually any location, regardless of power availability.We offer a full array of red, yellow, green and white LED products for use in traffic signal balls, arrows and pedestrian signals, as well as a complete range of signaling products. Installation of LED Signals can offer significant savings in operating and maintenance costs resulting in a quick return on initial investment.
Your next scheduled maintenance will be in 5 to 7 years! www.oksolar.com/traffic/
K & K MODEL 110 Solar School Zone Flasher
Whether in congested cities, small towns or on rural and remote roadways, traffic flashers are used to help warn vehicular traffic to possible hazardous areas or intersections ahead. Pedestrian crosswalks, school zones, fire stations, hospital zones and speed zones are just a few of the many applications where solar stationary flashing beacons are used to enhance the visibility of roadway signage. The Model 110 is designed for use at churches, schools, and other zones needing a system which incorporates a timer or remote control. The two 8" yellow LEDs, when flashing, are visual by motorist up to 1/4 mile.
http://www.k-ksystems.com/110.html
Monday, May 19, 2008
Off to do the NEACAC Fair..
Monday May 19th
I will be representing Simmons College at the NEACAC College Fair at Assumption College tonight. I look forward to doing this each and every time they graciously ask me to do this event. I LOVE working with the students and their families. It is a two day event and I will be the alumnae representative there tonight, and there will be the undergraduate school admissions person will be there tomorrow morning.
This is such a fun and exciting time. I enjoy doing this type of event when ever they ask me to do it in the Worcester County area. Once I can get them past the 'Isn't it all girls?' to get them to understand it's dynamic location and the benefit of the single sex in the classroom and small class to teacher ratio, I am usually on my way to getting a very exciting conversation ; )
Gotto run..
I will be representing Simmons College at the NEACAC College Fair at Assumption College tonight. I look forward to doing this each and every time they graciously ask me to do this event. I LOVE working with the students and their families. It is a two day event and I will be the alumnae representative there tonight, and there will be the undergraduate school admissions person will be there tomorrow morning.
This is such a fun and exciting time. I enjoy doing this type of event when ever they ask me to do it in the Worcester County area. Once I can get them past the 'Isn't it all girls?' to get them to understand it's dynamic location and the benefit of the single sex in the classroom and small class to teacher ratio, I am usually on my way to getting a very exciting conversation ; )
Gotto run..
Friday, May 16, 2008
Election 2008
Congratulations to all of those who won the election. Now the real work begins. As the quote goes... with great power comes great responsibility.
Well... the election has been run and I can say that it has been a definite learning experience. I have a list of things to improve upon and to get assistance with handling on the next run for a public office. Like what? Public speaking : )
I certainly need more help than I had this time around- I was basically a one woman show. However given that, having received approx. 21.5% of the total voters yesterday (and being a relative new face to the town) I did respectively well.
I will say this- I am so very grateful to all of those people who helped me along the way, and took the time to offer me great advice. I certainly could not have done as well as I have with out such wonderfully kind people. There are too many to list here, however, I hope you know that I truly appreciate everything that you did in assisting my run for School Committee.
Will I run again when the next group of School Committee people come up for re-election? You bet! I will need some more help, any volunteers?
Well... the election has been run and I can say that it has been a definite learning experience. I have a list of things to improve upon and to get assistance with handling on the next run for a public office. Like what? Public speaking : )
I certainly need more help than I had this time around- I was basically a one woman show. However given that, having received approx. 21.5% of the total voters yesterday (and being a relative new face to the town) I did respectively well.
I will say this- I am so very grateful to all of those people who helped me along the way, and took the time to offer me great advice. I certainly could not have done as well as I have with out such wonderfully kind people. There are too many to list here, however, I hope you know that I truly appreciate everything that you did in assisting my run for School Committee.
Will I run again when the next group of School Committee people come up for re-election? You bet! I will need some more help, any volunteers?
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