Great news, but I have a question, if middle school now has day care which I find great. If parents continue to drop off their children early as in the past, are they going to allow those children to enter early, if they are not in the daycare program. Or is there going to be a specific time students are allowed to enter if not in daycare. I can see parents avoiding paying for childcare, if they can still drop them off early and enter the school and not have to pay. Also great sports are returning but how do I get information on how to sign up and when regarding these sports. I saw youth football practicing at the high school last evening already. Don't want my child left out of sports, I am concerned their is no communication regarding middle school sports except for what I saw in the newspaper, no connect ed call nothing yet. I realize school is about a month away, but I like to be prepared and have my child prepared.
Hi, I'm sorry, I have asked about this, but the only answer I've got so far is that the website will be updated soon. I wish I had more info for you. I'll keep trying.
But this is a good time to remind everyone, that speaking up is the best way to produce change. I know that if you are frustrated by the website not being updated, then a bunch of people are. All of you should make your voices heard and call/e-mail the school and ask that website be updated with current information.
If enough of us do this often, then eventually the school will have to understand that it's important. The key is that many of us have to contact them, and we have to contact them consistently. If we all have the same request, then they will get the message.
thank for your response, I have asked , was told a connect ed call was suppose to go out but I have yet to receive one. I also see nothing posted in the paper, or the web site and yes I am frustrated that has not been updated. - I also believe all connect ed calls should go out to first contact yes but I believe it should go to all contacts, especially with the summer and parents working.
So can anyone tell me what's the scoop - I see Mariah and others on the discussion page stating the prior years list were bogus list, that parents spent money for things not required. - Never had that experience, but can someone clarify this. Is there a valid list for the upcoming school year or is there not one. If so how do we get it? Or if not has the decision been made to first tell students what they need on the first day of school. Same old problems no communication. Thank you
Reading this AM regarding list above and middle school football on discussion page. How sad very sad - it appears the problem is lack of communication in both instances from the school. Read this AM Item also and nothing in it regarding any school topics I can find. Might think if we are having middle school sports returning, it would be communicated somewhere. I to date have no communication regarding sign up date. As for youth football, its a good program, but as Mariah said one of two programs won't happen at the 7/8 level if both continue. Too bad all children will not get the opportunity to play. Hearing youth football has split their 7 and 8 grade team and has put some 7 grade kids on a 6th grade team. That is pretty sad too, kind of a put down to some of those kids to not be able to play with their peers on the same team. Well at the end of the day isn't it too bad it's the children who get hurt, by adults who will do just about anything to keep what they want. Too bad people cannot realize that we need to support our children and our schools 100%. If you want your schools to improve you need to show you support them and their programs.
Carrie I agree notification of the school is needed regarding communication and web site update but honestly lets face it, you went to the school, there is plenty on this site regarding peoples wants for improved communication and nothing has been done. It is not that big a job to update a web site. First improving it at the start of school is a DAY LATE and A DOLLAR SHORT as they say. People are complaining about supply list, sign up communications etc for days and nothing has been done to alleviate either issue for the people. You read on other web pages people who you really thought supported our schools all the way want to play middle of the road rather than commit to supporting the school all the way. If you do not market your product, you will have no product to market. If you do not encourage students and parents to support all school programs you will fail, you will continue to lose students to other schools that offer more.
I understand your frustration. I feel it too. That's why I decided to start this blog and try to have dialogue with the school and anybody else who will listen.
All I can say is that change takes time and even though making the necessary changes, may seem like it's too late, we have to start somewhere.
We just need to keep getting the message out there. Stay positive and don't lose faith.
Yes indeed change can take time, but the two topics addressed of supply list and communication calls, should not be considered change, those are common everyday things that have been done in the past without issue. Why an issue now? Lets just think about these two subjects: It takes approximately 5 minutes to type a list (if the information was gathered prior to end of school year) which it normally was. Connect Ed call 5 minutes to send at the most (if records are current) Web site update if maintained that is a 5 minute thing also, the condition at present might take a few hours to make current. It was very upsetting to see the condition of the list picked up by a parent - why would anyone give a list in that condition out. I would say I am more disappointed than frustrated. It appeared you were heard in your meeting and that was encouraging, but I have seen nothing improved or even attempted to be improved. Children are not even in school, so although limited staff no one could put together and appropriate list ? I just honestly believe if you cannot produce an appropriate list, then it should have just been said they did not develop one this year. If you cannot communicate at this time then simply state why same with web update just simply state why. I have seen initial responses post your meeting, but nothing since. I can believe upper administration has issues to address of a bigger magnitude during the summer, but what about ancillary staff that are present during the summer.
Carrie read this AM discussion page, now we have a person stating she received two different school supply list for grade 1 at step up day. And now this parent is addressing issue with Mrs. Sargent Elementary School this AM. This is my exact complaint, once again Communication is the problem. (two list same grade?) get it from the teacher this persons suggestion (this is summer time, teachers are not on their school email to answer such questions during this time) It also does not work to have a list from each teacher, in middle school you have two teachers, then high school several. Pretty sad if each grade cannot get together and provide one list per grade. Alot of good meaning people writing and attempting to get responses to the questions above, but still comes down to no communication.
I understand your concern but I think the reason for two different lists for the same grade is that each teacher likes/requires different things. For example,I know some teachers in kindergarten use clipboards for children's work and others use folders...it is just a personal preference. I suggest emailing your child's teacher to find out exactly what they need....you'd be surprised at how many teachers check their email over the summer! Walmart always has great prices on the basics (crayons, pencils, markers, erasers) so you can always grab those to start. I can't speak for all grade levels but I know the kindergarten list was compiled by the teachers so those are items needed for all kindergarten children regardless of teacher. I hope that helps clarify some confusion:)
Carrie, does the school administration read this blog? If not is it just by you telling them that any of this is heard? Is the only way a person can get answers to questions "they must personally go to the school and request a meeting with the administrator of that school?
Mr. Ingano has told me that he does follow this blog, but I don't know how consistently. And I believe that some teachers follow it as well.
However, keep in mind, that this is in no way an official blog of the school. This blog is my attempt at bringing parents and members of the town together in one place so we can talk about issues and hopefully facilitate change.
I do strongly suggest that if you have a specific concern with something (i.e. the list) then you should definitely call about that. Everyone who has a concern should call the school and let them know. If everyone keeps silent then nothing will ever change.
I see the elementary supply list published this AM - I do see only minimal typo on the English version, but spanish version is not put together awfully well. But at least there has been an effort to work on the matter.
Anyone know what the comment on the clinton discussion page means when Brenda S says the reams of paper are utilized during the time when the elementary school is awaiting BUDGETING and Delivery of a supply. Isn't the budget set at the beginning of each year and supplies should be ordered to accomodate need. Yes money is short, but I cannot believe if a certain amount of paper is needed the school won't buy it. Yes might have to cut somewhere else , but paper. (or honestly sometimes I have seen an enormous amount of school work copied and fun papers that were copied, school notices etc. (might be able to save some waste by cutting down on unneccesary paper use also) Don't know if this is even ok to do, but the PTA is a wonderful organization that has multiple fundraising events, and provides numerous things to the schools, maybe we should consider asking the PTA to donate some paper to the schools. That is definitely donating to the childrens education.
To respond to above paper request of all students in elementary school- If you add that up that means lets say approximately 125 students per grade level K thru 3 all requested to bring a ream of paper. That would total 600 Reams of paper (looked at the list that is on the supply list-so a required thing-not a wish list article)That is 60 cases of paper. A budget is set prior to start of the year, administration of each school (should be ordering required paper during the summer (that should accomodate -at least 1/2 the year and then should be ordering around spring for the remainder of the year) there is no way they are waiting for it to be budgeted (maybe awaiting someone to requisition more paper, but not Budget) and if that is the case then that is a flaw on the part of whomever is responsible to keep supplies in house, not ordering early enough. So I guess the immediate thing to identify is how much paper does the elementary school actually order to meet their needs during the school year? Why are they running out? Is their waste in this area? what is their supply budget and how is it being spent. Does the Elementary school need more budget money for supplies? If so have they documented proof of the need and where they currently spend the budget? Maybe someone should ask the Elementary School to produce the numbers on where their supply budget went and when. First.
Again...maybe if they used the website for communication needs, along with connect ed, instead of sending home unnecessary papers, that half the time get lost before they get home....they wouldnt need all this paper.
Reading in the paper this AM - librian and 2 special ed teachers and 2 para returning. What about a business manager and vice principal for middle school and other vacant teaching positions that were to be filled. Anyone know if these were announced at last nights school committee meeting. Nothing in the newspaper.
Are you kidding me ! Read in telegram that 2nd person Clinton wanted to hire as business manager turned down the job. school starts next week, and they still have no one. How can you make the same mistake twice. This is awful! Just another piece of publicity that looks wonderful for CPS.
Business manager position - ? salary too low we do not have the money to elevate that salary so decision should be made to shelve it and focus on immediate needs that are currently not being addressed that need to be. Noticed J Martin posting regarding union and school contract and how it affects the school. Maybe the union/school contract matter should get handled first - HOW many years have the teachers been without a valid contract? Who is the one not setting up dates and settling this matter? Anyone know???
reading the worcester telegram and gazette article regarding 2nd business manager turned the position down. Now superintendent meeting with consultant to see how to proceed. Simple the business manager position should just get pushed aside for now. School is opening, things are not in place. WE don't have more money to pay a business manager. Why would a third place selection want the job, if they did I would have to wonder why? Third place means third qualified. Lets not make another foolish mistake.
With $85,000 you could hire 2 teachers or 6 paras or a teacher and 3 paras! This might be the suggestion a qualified Business Manager would make. Take care of the problems you have before you open up a new can of worms. Qualified Business Managers want $20,000 more than we are offering. You get what you pay for...offering more for this position will be taking money away from the kids.
After reading the ITEM this AM regarding the deficit of money we could be facing if school choice funds do not match our current spending pattern, WE don't need a Business Manager, we need organization, evaluation of our current functions of people within our schools. - Additional money for a Business Manager, no simply NO. You could do a better justice to the schools by hiring an office manager to oversee the functions of current office staff and redetermine their job roles. Administration complains, I saw one comment on this blog CES complaining down secretary, secretary was moved to sped across the street- Find that strange, that would be a new position for that CES secretary, was that job posted? Sped secretary should have sped related administrative functions, those should be somewhat different from secretary at CES. Just curious. Newspaper this AM also said that Middle School has not calculated its school choice numbers yet. - this is just another thing that points to Mr. Ingano needs to get over to the middle school NOW- everything points to the new principal is in over her head.
Great news, but I have a question, if middle school now has day care which I find great. If parents continue to drop off their children early as in the past, are they going to allow those children to enter early, if they are not in the daycare program. Or is there going to be a specific time students are allowed to enter if not in daycare. I can see parents avoiding paying for childcare, if they can still drop them off early and enter the school and not have to pay. Also great sports are returning but how do I get information on how to sign up and when regarding these sports. I saw youth football practicing at the high school last evening already. Don't want my child left out of sports, I am concerned their is no communication regarding middle school sports except for what I saw in the newspaper, no connect ed call nothing yet. I realize school is about a month away, but I like to be prepared and have my child prepared.
ReplyDeleteany answers to the above questions regarding day care, and non day care arrivals ?
ReplyDeleteOr how to sign up for cms sports yet?
thank you
Hi, I'm sorry, I have asked about this, but the only answer I've got so far is that the website will be updated soon. I wish I had more info for you. I'll keep trying.
ReplyDeleteBut this is a good time to remind everyone, that speaking up is the best way to produce change. I know that if you are frustrated by the website not being updated, then a bunch of people are. All of you should make your voices heard and call/e-mail the school and ask that website be updated with current information.
If enough of us do this often, then eventually the school will have to understand that it's important. The key is that many of us have to contact them, and we have to contact them consistently. If we all have the same request, then they will get the message.
thank for your response, I have asked , was told a connect ed call was suppose to go out but I have yet to receive one. I also see nothing posted in the paper, or the web site and yes I am frustrated that has not been updated. - I also believe all connect ed calls should go out to first contact yes but I believe it should go to all contacts, especially with the summer and parents working.
ReplyDeleteSo can anyone tell me what's the scoop - I see Mariah and others on the discussion page stating the prior years list were bogus list, that parents spent money for things not required. - Never had that experience, but can someone clarify this. Is there a valid list for the upcoming school year or is there not one. If so how do we get it? Or if not has the decision been made to first tell students what they need on the first day of school. Same old problems no communication. Thank you
ReplyDeleteReading this AM regarding list above and middle school football on discussion page. How sad very sad - it appears the problem is lack of communication in both instances from the school. Read this AM Item also and nothing in it regarding any school topics I can find. Might think if we are having middle school sports returning, it would be communicated somewhere. I to date have no communication regarding sign up date. As for youth football, its a good program, but as Mariah said one of two programs won't happen at the 7/8 level if both continue. Too bad all children will not get the opportunity to play. Hearing youth football has split their 7 and 8 grade team and has put some 7 grade kids on a 6th grade team. That is pretty sad too, kind of a put down to some of those kids to not be able to play with their peers on the same team. Well at the end of the day isn't it too bad it's the children who get hurt, by adults who will do just about anything to keep what they want.
ReplyDeleteToo bad people cannot realize that we need to support our children and our schools 100%. If you want your schools to improve you need to show you support them and their programs.
Carrie I agree notification of the school is needed regarding communication and web site update but honestly lets face it, you went to the school, there is plenty on this site regarding peoples wants for improved communication and nothing has been done. It is not that big a job to update a web site. First improving it at the start of school is a DAY LATE and A DOLLAR SHORT as they say. People are complaining about supply list, sign up communications etc for days and nothing has been done to alleviate either issue for the people. You read on other web pages people who you really thought supported our schools all the way want to play middle of the road rather than commit to supporting the school all the way. If you do not market your product, you will have no product to market. If you do not encourage students and parents to support all school programs you will fail, you will continue to lose students to other schools that offer more.
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration. I feel it too. That's why I decided to start this blog and try to have dialogue with the school and anybody else who will listen.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that change takes time and even though making the necessary changes, may seem like it's too late, we have to start somewhere.
We just need to keep getting the message out there. Stay positive and don't lose faith.
Yes indeed change can take time, but the two topics addressed of supply list and communication calls, should not be considered change, those are common everyday things that have been done in the past without issue. Why an issue now? Lets just think about these two subjects: It takes approximately 5 minutes to type a list (if the information was gathered prior to end of school year) which it normally was. Connect Ed call 5 minutes to send at the most (if records are current) Web site update if maintained that is a 5 minute thing also, the condition at present might take a few hours to make current. It was very upsetting to see the condition of the list picked up by a parent - why would anyone give a list in that condition out. I would say I am more disappointed than frustrated. It appeared you were heard in your meeting and that was encouraging, but I have seen nothing improved or even attempted to be improved. Children are not even in school, so although limited staff no one could put together and appropriate list ? I just honestly believe if you cannot produce an appropriate list, then it should have just been said they did not develop one this year. If you cannot communicate at this time then simply state why same with web update just simply state why. I have seen initial responses post your meeting, but nothing since. I can believe upper administration has issues to address of a bigger magnitude during the summer, but what about ancillary staff that are present during the summer.
ReplyDeleteJust noted: Middle School and High School sports fees for upcoming year ARE POSTED on the School web site!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCarrie read this AM discussion page, now we have a person stating she received two different school supply list for grade 1 at step up day. And now this parent is addressing issue with Mrs. Sargent Elementary School this AM. This is my exact complaint, once again Communication is the problem. (two list same grade?) get it from the teacher this persons suggestion (this is summer time, teachers are not on their school email to answer such questions during this time) It also does not work to have a list from each teacher, in middle school you have two teachers, then high school several. Pretty sad if each grade cannot get together and provide one list per grade. Alot of good meaning people writing and attempting to get responses to the questions above, but still comes down to no communication.
ReplyDeleteI understand your concern but I think the reason for two different lists for the same grade is that each teacher likes/requires different things. For example,I know some teachers in kindergarten use clipboards for children's work and others use folders...it is just a personal preference. I suggest emailing your child's teacher to find out exactly what they need....you'd be surprised at how many teachers check their email over the summer! Walmart always has great prices on the basics (crayons, pencils, markers, erasers) so you can always grab those to start. I can't speak for all grade levels but I know the kindergarten list was compiled by the teachers so those are items needed for all kindergarten children regardless of teacher. I hope that helps clarify some confusion:)
DeleteCarrie, does the school administration read this blog? If not is it just by you telling them that any of this is heard? Is the only way a person can get answers to questions "they must personally go to the school and request a meeting with the administrator of that school?
ReplyDeleteMr. Ingano has told me that he does follow this blog, but I don't know how consistently. And I believe that some teachers follow it as well.
DeleteHowever, keep in mind, that this is in no way an official blog of the school. This blog is my attempt at bringing parents and members of the town together in one place so we can talk about issues and hopefully facilitate change.
I do strongly suggest that if you have a specific concern with something (i.e. the list) then you should definitely call about that. Everyone who has a concern should call the school and let them know. If everyone keeps silent then nothing will ever change.
I know of one other person along with myself that offered to update the website for FREE and still we were not utilized.
DeleteI see the elementary supply list published this AM - I do see only minimal typo on the English version, but spanish version is not put together awfully well. But at least there has been an effort to work on the matter.
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what the comment on the clinton discussion page means when Brenda S says the reams of paper are utilized during the time when the elementary school is awaiting BUDGETING and Delivery of a supply. Isn't the budget set at the beginning of each year and supplies should be ordered to accomodate need. Yes money is short, but I cannot believe if a certain amount of paper is needed the school won't buy it. Yes might have to cut somewhere else , but paper. (or honestly sometimes I have seen an enormous amount of school work copied and fun papers that were copied, school notices etc. (might be able to save some waste by cutting down on unneccesary paper use also)
ReplyDeleteDon't know if this is even ok to do, but the PTA is a wonderful organization that has multiple fundraising events, and provides numerous things to the schools, maybe we should consider asking the PTA to donate some paper to the schools. That is definitely donating to the childrens education.
To respond to above paper request of all students in elementary school- If you add that up that means lets say approximately 125 students per grade level K thru 3 all requested to bring a ream of paper. That would total 600 Reams of paper (looked at the list that is on the supply list-so a required thing-not a wish list article)That is 60 cases of paper. A budget is set prior to start of the year, administration of each school (should be ordering required paper during the summer (that should accomodate -at least 1/2 the year and then should be ordering around spring for the remainder of the year) there is no way they are waiting for it to be budgeted (maybe awaiting someone to requisition more paper, but not Budget) and if that is the case then that is a flaw on the part of whomever is responsible to keep supplies in house, not ordering early enough. So I guess the immediate thing to identify is how much paper does the elementary school actually order to meet their needs during the school year? Why are they running out? Is their waste in this area? what is their supply budget and how is it being spent. Does the Elementary school need more budget money for supplies? If so have they documented proof of the need and where they currently spend the budget? Maybe someone should ask the Elementary School to produce the numbers on where their supply budget went and when. First.
ReplyDeleteAgain...maybe if they used the website for communication needs, along with connect ed, instead of sending home unnecessary papers, that half the time get lost before they get home....they wouldnt need all this paper.
DeleteReading in the paper this AM - librian and 2 special ed teachers and 2 para returning. What about a business manager and vice principal for middle school and other vacant teaching positions that were to be filled. Anyone know if these were announced at last nights school committee meeting. Nothing in the newspaper.
ReplyDeleteClinton Middle School web page: Find your teacher - I see new CMS assistant principal listed. Outstanding choice.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me ! Read in telegram that 2nd person Clinton wanted to hire as business manager turned down the job. school starts next week, and they still have no one. How can you make the same mistake twice. This is awful!
ReplyDeleteJust another piece of publicity that looks wonderful for CPS.
Business manager position - ? salary too low
ReplyDeletewe do not have the money to elevate that salary so decision should be made to shelve it and focus on immediate needs that are currently not being addressed that need to be. Noticed J Martin posting regarding union and school contract and how it affects the school. Maybe the union/school contract matter should get handled first - HOW many years have the teachers been without a valid contract? Who is the one not setting up dates and settling this matter? Anyone know???
reading the worcester telegram and gazette article regarding 2nd business manager turned the position down. Now superintendent meeting with consultant to see how to proceed. Simple the business manager position should just get pushed aside for now. School is opening, things are not in place. WE don't have more money to pay a business manager. Why would a third place selection want the job, if they did I would have to wonder why? Third place means third qualified. Lets not make another foolish mistake.
ReplyDeleteWith $85,000 you could hire 2 teachers or 6 paras or a teacher and 3 paras! This might be the suggestion a qualified Business Manager would make. Take care of the problems you have before you open up a new can of worms. Qualified Business Managers want $20,000 more than we are offering. You get what you pay for...offering more for this position will be taking money away from the kids.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the ITEM this AM regarding the deficit of money we could be facing if school choice funds do not match our current spending pattern, WE don't need a Business Manager, we need organization, evaluation of our current functions of people within our schools. - Additional money for a Business Manager, no simply NO. You could do a better justice to the schools by hiring an office manager to oversee the functions of current office staff and redetermine their job roles. Administration complains, I saw one comment on this blog CES complaining down secretary, secretary was moved to sped across the street- Find that strange, that would be a new position for that CES secretary, was that job posted? Sped secretary should have sped related administrative functions, those should be somewhat different from secretary at CES. Just curious. Newspaper this AM also said that Middle School has not calculated its school choice numbers yet. - this is just another thing that points to Mr. Ingano needs to get over to the middle school NOW- everything points to the new principal is in over her head.
ReplyDelete