I have ideas that I want to bring to the school. I don't know if my ideas will be accepted or if they'll even work, but I feel compelled to do something and not just sit and complain about the way things are. And this is where I want to present my challenge to you - I want your ideas too.
What are your ideas to help make the school system better?
Your idea is important. Your idea could make a difference. Your idea matters. Share it.
Here are my ideas:
- I want the school to be proactive about budget issues all year and not just at the end of the year.
- Parents should be involved in this all year. Give parents the opportunity to feel invested in the school, instead of just feeling frustrated.
- I want information sessions about voting and town government.
- Voting in this town is low. That's not just a Clinton phenomenon, but why let it continue. And why is town government such a mystery and untouchable. It shouldn't be that way. Let's work on changing it.
- I want the school to be more forthcoming with budget information.
- I support the schools, but I also want to know where my money is going. I know this is a big sticking point for a lot of people, and I don't blame them. There should be an easy way to find out how the money is being used.
Personally, watching for years now what has occurred in our schools, is money is not always allocated in my opinion fairly and where the most need is. For years we have dumped money into the elementary school, and middle school has suffered. Recently comes to my mind why are we spending 15,000 on a certification we do not need nor is required. and on top of it the students had to have two half days because the administration and teachers of the elementary school had to prepare for it. My opinion that 15,000 could have been spent on something to benefit the schools, like text books! Another thought - maybe it is time to STOP school choice into our schools, we seem to be getting a large sped population from OTHER towns, and this is hurting our fiscal end yearly.Time to focus on our Clinton children. I also think we should be putting our focus on how to cut cost of for example Textbooks, is it more fiscally responsible to try to institute E-textbooks in our schools-it increases our technology program and I would bet in the long run decreases cost. I also believe we need to encourage better school communication not only to parents, but to our entire clinton population. I suggest a monthly newsletter be sent out to our entire population that keeps us all informed as to school need, education programs, success and shortcomings. You will never get people interested if you do not market your product, and Our product is our schools.
ReplyDeleteI think the salarys are the largest piece of the budget and that needs to be looked at closely. Are all of the teachers working a full schedule? Do the elementary gym, art, music, health, library and technology teachers work a full schedule? They teach grades 1, 2, 3 & 4. That is 4 classes a day. Don't teachers teach 5 classes a day? Could they teach another class at the Middle School everyday? Right now 7th and 8th grade doesn't get Art or Music classes and 5th and 6th don't get technology. Could this get more classes at the Middle School without spending anymore money?
ReplyDeleteWho else is roaming around the schools without a full schedule? My child has science as a special. Does she only teach 3 classes a day? Is this a full time position?
When the 4th grade was moved to the middle school were their adjustments made for the loss of the grade? Does the school need an assistant principal? One nurse and two principals? Seems odd to me. Was 1/4 of the ESL staff moved? Were supplies decreased? Guidance councilors? How many are at the Elementary school vs middle school? Which population needs more staff?
I am only familiar with the elementary school. What else is happening at the other schools. Why are there so many assistant teachers?
Who should be looking at things like this?
Seriously...are you for real! Get you facts straight before commenting.
DeleteWe need transparency, communication and a BUSINESS MANAGER/.
ReplyDeleteFor example- I got a connectEd call from Mrs. AnneMarie Sargent THE PRINCIPAL of CMS- So, why wasn't any communication put out to introduce her? The last I heard they ere doing a search and interviews. AND, who is the new Vice Principal? Why was HE chosen over any others?
Th school needs to communicate with its parents better.
You want our money, our respect and backing EARN IT!
I absolutely agree communication needs to improve in our schools. I like the newsletter idea stated above. As principal goes I saw an article in the paper regarding appt.
DeleteI do not think a vice principal has been chosen yet. If so who was it?
Regarding another comment on this page I 100% agree with why do we need a vice principal in the elementary school? That would be a huge cost savings and maybe get us a couple teachers, or better technology equipment or additional science, or something more beneficial to our children. I also like the idea of why so many staff in the elementary school for amount of grades and students, vs the middle school with more classes/grade levels. I agree decrease elementary school, increase middle. Good suggestions.
You have almost nine hundrend children and need a principal and assistant principal. I work in a district with a principal, and two assistant principals for less population. Please get educated on what makes an effective school.
DeleteWhat school has 900 students?
DeleteElementary?
As a staff member of CES and a parent of a child in the school, I hope I can answer a few of the questions relating to that particular school. I understand the concern regarding the NEASC certification and the $15,000 it is costing the district, however, without accreditation we will lose the full day kindergarten grant which pays several salaries. We receive approximately $90,000 annually from this grant (please do not quote me on the numbers; they may not be exact). In the past, we were able to receive this grant because the preschool and kindergarten were accredited by NAEYC. Our current kindergarten program would no longer be in line with NAEYC's developmental approach to education. So basically the district was faced with the decision to either lose the grant money or put the time and hard work into becoming accredited by a different organization. So yes, we are spending $15,000 but it is necessary.
ReplyDeleteAs far as school choice, this also brings money into the district. Only a few grade levels in the district except school choice students and it is based on the class size. Acceptance is based on registration returns; first come, first served type of situation. For example, if first grade is accepting 5 school choice students the first 5 who registered will be accepted (each folder is numbered when it is completed). It is against the law to discriminate based on a disbality.
I love the idea of a monthly newsletter and I agree communication is lacking across the district.
Hope that helps...