Heard confusion exists at middle school with schedules , some children in cafeteria for 3 periods awaiting their schedules to be fixed. But on an optimistic note, heard that the teachers were terrific, they stood up and took over and guided the children as best they could.
I have a question, alot of paper work sent home first day of school. With the economic difficulties Clinton Schools have why send all those papers home. Can not some of that be cut down on amount of paper ? Free and reduced lunch-can't they put this on one page and just state at the end come to the school and apply if eligible. that is alot of paper. Or put it in the agenda books all these papers that parents need to sign. If your paying for printing, then adding contact page, free and reduced lunch page and so forth would probably be more cost effective and children would only need to bring home the agenda books. If all schools don't have an agenda book, then maybe should consider rules, required signatures etc for all schools. You know like one stop shopping. Has to be cheaper to print as part of a book, rather than separate pieces of paper half of which get thrown in the trash if you do not meet eligibility requirements for free or reduced lunch as an example.
I agree that something needs to be done about the paperwork at the beginning of the year. I know the school has my address. Why did I have to write it again for them 4 times?
I have three kids in one school. How many times do they need my phone number? Why can't the gym class, photo permission, technology etc... all be on one page? Then the school can just share the information between departments?
It took a very long time to fill out the forms and I really just wanted to talk to my kids about their first day of school.
I know I think this every year, but if you are looking for suggestions I am sure there must be some way to eliminate the paper waste and my wasted time.
There was a lot of confusion at CMS yesterday.7th and 8th grade students had to have ALL of their scheduled redone. They sat int he cafe for a long time before everything was worked out ( and a few students still have issue)
I know this class rotation thing is new at CMS, BUT they had ALL SUMMER to work this out. It shouldn't have had to be done the first day of school.
Whats the saying? "prior planning prevents poor performance"
class room rotation is new, but I agree it should have been pre planned starting in April or May if that is what the new principal Mrs. Sargent wanted. And maybe should have only started with 8th grade and trialed it first. Like I have already seen mentioned on this blog, not only are schedules confused and still not correct, but teachers have been placed teaching subjects, they are qualified for but they were end runned also a day or two before school and had not a clue their normal subjects and class grades were given to other teachers.(for whatever reason), I should correct some teachers new their new teaching roles, most did not. All schedules were done by the principal, she had full control of that piece. So now you have not only students confused, but teachers jumping through hoops to develop curriculum, and establish their classes also , some in different grade levels. I will support most teachers even though they were delivered changes that they were not notified about, and they also have no direction on the new scheduling, the ones I have touched base with, say they are there to educate the children and that is what they intend to do. I feel sorry for the students, it isn't easy to enter a new grade but now they have new schedule routine and its confusing and lacks direction from the principal. On a good note, heard Mr. Rouleau was there for a short time helping out. Heard he will be full time by mid September. Poor communication from the principal all around unfortunately, my kids came home telling me Mr. Seed is the new vice principal, I had to correct them that NO Mr. Rouleau is. Guess no one told the students who their vice principal is either. Kind of Sad.
I totally agree, Mr. Ingano should have had a handle on what Mrs. Sargent planned and been aware this was not sufficiently in place. Heard today (day 2) things not alot better, children still without correct schedules, Hearing office staff is even confused as to where the students are and when. But heard there was a PBIS fundraiser announcement bright and early today. Watch , next you will see a teacher grievance issue (and honestly I would not blame them if they did file one) I agree wouldn't be allowed in any other work place -you correct we would be fired. I think it is time for Mr. Ingano to evaluate whether Mrs. Sargent is capable of handling the job of principal.
Well guess we all know how it went after the item article this AM. I am absolutely insulted and devastated to see the comment from Mrs. Anne Marie Sargent."Teachers were tellling me this was the best first day in 20 years" that is unprofessional, totally insulting, and not at all totally accurate. Mr. Vetros did an outstanding job, he had great pride and devotion to the CMS throughout his entire tenure there. Teachers with many years of longevity stayed at the CMS. This year alone I know positively of teachers who have been there many years that applied for positions in other schools systems, and still are, Teachers are not happy with the opening day, they are not happy with the confusion and disorganization of the schedules. Maybe some teachers who hold a close friendship with Mrs. Sargent whom have gotten their desires taken care of did say her quote. But not many, I have spoken to several teachers over the summer and since start of school, and they are not happy, they are very upset. the saddest part of this entire article is the disrespect she stated about the former principal Mr. Vetros. That is uncalled for, unprofessional, and shows truely her lack of ability to be the principal of the Clinton Middle School. I am personally insulted that Mrs. Sargent would lie this says she will encourage students to lie also. She should have admitted her issues, problems and stated she would work to improve them. Not color it and insult the prior principal. And Mr. Ingano you stated principals said they may be getting used to opening day, It was the smoothest in a long time- ARE YOU NOT WATCHING the Middle School, it is mass confusion. I am bothered deeply Mr. Ingano, that you also did not admit that the first day in the middle school was not great and needed evaluation and work, and that you as the Superintendent would be over there resolving the matters yourself. thank God Mr. Rouleau is arriving shortly, he is a man of great experience and integrity, He will put it like it is, he will not color issues -but it is unfair to Mr. Rouleau to have to bail out the situation, and let the credit go to Mrs. Sargent. Terry worst of all and for most you The superintendent of schools should DEMAND an apology be published by MRS ANNE MARIE SARGENT TO MR. VETROS.I honestly believe that that quote by Mrs. Sargent is grounds for dismissal.
Can you point me to the comment you are talking about. I read the article about opening day, and I didn't see the comment you're referring to. Was it in a different article?
It is on page 28 of the Item a quote box (same article) starts on page one. (paper copy) didn't look at the one on line. I am just devastated to think anyone would insult a prior principal (and no one in my opinion can say it is not an insult -Best day in 20 years (Mike was principal during that time and anyone who knows the clinton schools knows that)-it is all over town, the confusion in the middle school. I just would have preferred a little honesty. When you admit you need help, admit you have unresolved issues, people will step up and help best they can, but when you insult people and don't put things out honestly. Then you are not a good reflection or a good person to oversee and handle the education of our children. We cannot afford to chance Mrs. Sargent will see the errors of her ways, our children need a good education NOW. I am not happy, nor do I even like having to feel, she is not the principal we need. But this is the final straw for me, and we have a solution on board who is experienced, capable, and has a proven track record, and that is Mr. Rob Rouleau. I think Mrs. Annemarie Sargent would be a great director of A Recreation department or social department, but just not a person with the experience and backbone to be the middle school principal. Been around along time in Clinton and have heard with my own ears the excuse given to children that disbehave in school "oh you just had a bad day" Everyone has bad days, but it is not proper to overlook bad behavior or bad choices.
Note : in that same article no mention of the condition of the middle school building, there is no way any member of the school committee could not have seen the many problems that need to be addressed facility and custodial wise in the middle school. But once again don't publish that, people might actually get to understand why we need more money, why we need over-rides, and then maybe finally we would get the money. Just keep it under the rug and maybe it will go away.
Carrie it is in the on line article -view all item storys - Terrific first day of school here is a copy of the quote from that article on line and in the paper copy.
"Teachers were telling me this was the best first day in 20 years."
Annmarie Sargent, PRINCIPAL, CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
This entire thread is ludicrous...which one of you was in the building on Weds, Thurs or Fri? What I have read on here is that "I heard, I was told, I think" How about filling us all in on what you actually know? What YOU have seen with your own eyes? What YOU have experienced? I would have to believe that this thread would be empty if that were the case. Because I can tell you that I was there, the morale was FANTASTIC, the students were happy, as were the teachers, and the office people were beyond pleasant, and Mrs. Sargent seemed to get along with everyone. So, enough of the hearsay, how about you get off your butts and actually enter the school before you start bashing?
Excuse me Sir or Madam but I have and did witness the activities of the school day and many days prior to the start of school. No the teachers (several are not happy, they are confused and concerned ) Never said anyone was unpleasant to anyone- Never said Mrs. Sargent cannot and is not a pleasant speaking person. So your request to get off MY BUTT - I am and always have been OFF MY BUTT, I have always and will continue to work daily for the benefit of the children of the clinton public schools. Facts: schedules are still in disorganized state of affairs. This is being blammed on the I-Pass system. The Teachers many remain unsure of how many students are in their respective classes, it changes daily. The new rotating schedule is in theory a good idea, but was not rolled out organized. Whether you like opinions of others or not is not the issue here, and yes I did witness many things, A mother wanting to see her child and give an article to them and office staff did not know in what class that child was because of difficulties that still exist with the schedules - (that is confusion Sir or Madam) Teachers have been moved to new grade and subject teaching situations and were end runned on the first day or school. (If that is proper communication and allowing teachers to be prepared -please tell me where) I have witnessed the condition of the building Sir or Madam, I have brought my concerns to proper people. If we do not fix it up then I guess everyone can vote in the money to build a new one. (the choice is yours) I personally believe maintenance can solve alot of issues without alot of money. I witnessed Students and Teachers in rooms that are hot, I witnessed teachers purchasing their own fans. I witnessed teachers staying after school to try to resolve scheduling problems, that yes were the problem of the principal Sir or Madam. If you sincerely believe Sir or Madam that the teachers would ever bring their problems to the students (then you have not a clue of who the teachers are) They would always present to the students welcoming. In closing -thank you for your opinion Sir or Madam, but you would be wrong with your accussations of me I have been in the buildings , I have witnessed the events, I have approached proper administration. Thanks for your apology in advance. My goal is better schools for our children.
No apology offered, for starters, you took my previous statement personally which can only mean that you identified with it. For that, I will never be sorry. You spoke around many issues and the only thing I have been able to pull out of your statements that could possibly be the fault of Mrs. Sargent is the scheduling. Now if you truly have been in the building, spoken to people, or brought your concerns to administration then you would have learned exactly what the deal is with the scheduling going back even further than the current year. Your comments have proven that your information on this matter is merely fodder. And again, for that, I will not apologize either. What I will apologize for is not being clearer that I welcome the opinions of many and both sides of any argument, but cannot stand or justify spreading untruths based on gossip and hearsay.
We will see what happens- But I agree that the school and the principal needs attention. There is NO WAY there should have been that much CHAOS at the school on Wednesday. The new rotating schedule system should have been "road tested" BEFORE the first day of school.
As for Mrs. Sargent lying about it being the "best day in 20 years" She should be fired. If that was the best first day in 20 years our kids are all screwed!
Really, she should be fired? This entire blog has gotten ridiculous. I applaud Carrie's effort to try to get a group together to improve communication & help bring change to CPS. The posts may have started out with voicing valid concerns & sharing information with others, but they are rapidly deteriorating. It is now mostly personal insults toward the CMS principal, anonymous accusations, and mysterious posts about what someone may have heard. I hope when Mr Rouleau gets to CMS he can walk on water & has the patience of a saint, because he's going to need it to deal with the likes of the posters on this blog.
I don't see how you can call it lying. Were you there and can attest that she never heard from two or more teachers that it was the best first day? She never said everyone said that, why must you read so much more into things rather than just read them as they are? You claim "our children" are screwed, so I assume you have a child in the school, what is your real beef with Mrs. Sargent and/or CMS? And if you loathe everything so much and the conditions are so deplorable, why in the world would you subject your child to such daily torture? Seems like an easy solution for you.
I can attest Mrs. Sargent heard that from one teacher. I honestly find it a sad state of affairs, that a teacher with over 20 years in the system, would say that, but I guess everyone has a purpose in what they say and a goal they want to achieve. Like possibly getting a family member a full time teaching job. I will not identify who that teacher was as I feel that person has a right to say what they believe. I could go on, but it would be bashing (so its called on this site)I still find it personally wrong that Mrs. Sargent quoted that as her first day of school achievement. Mr. Vetros helped her alot and he would have never put her down. there have been many good , terrific first days of school over the years. It was a very unfortunate poor choice of words.
I would like to comment on my children's first day experience. They both had a positive first day. CES 2nd grader was happy to see friends & get into her new classroom. She received a post card over the summer from her teacher & was really excited. From a parent's stand point, I too found the paperwork a bit much. I was in the school Wed evening for an open house & noticed new painting in the hallway...looked great. My 5th grader at CMS also had a good day. He has the teachers that we expected, no changes, no surprises, no chaos. He is looking forward to being in the band & came home today talking about the school musical. I received a wonderful, informative handout from one of his teachers outlining standards & expectations for the year. Also received great info about band, instrument rental, & band info night from the music teacher today. I was in the middle school over the weekend - though I was only in a main hallway, woman's restroom, & one classroom. The areas I went into were clean, hallway floors waxed, teachers had clearly decorated and set up the classroom...looked to be in good condition to me. I am not denying that some students had problems. I just want to point out that some students are having a good experience & hope that people are able to recognize that it was not all chaos and horribleness in the schools on Wed.
Amy, Thank you for your post about some good stuff. I think we all need to take a break from the negative stuff. I'm glad your first days of school went smoothly.
After reading all of these comments all I can say is no wonder we as a commuity are in such a state of dispair. I will agree that there has been much confusion, but whenever you start something new there will be problems. I remember working at a company that implemented a new computer system, everything was ready to go after months of preparation and the day that was our go day turned out to be a mess. Computers crashing, programs that worked in tests did not work when implemented. Things like this happen. To blame one person is uncalled for. I would like to know where are all of these people who are so furious and outraged when it comes to open houses and parents night? Many parents do not bother to show. I suspect these negative posts and complaints are made by a handful of people who spend very little time in the schools. The only time when they bother with the schools are to complain. Instead of complaining on this blog or other blogs bring your concerns out to the public. Let the people who need to be aware of these concerns see a face. Anyone can rant and rave on a blog but it will not be taken seriously until it is presented in a public forum
I am there, I do show up, and I support the schools daily. And I am yes but one person. I also have a vast amount of experience in computer systems and involved in numerous roll outs of new programs. What I know about this new scheduling for the revolving classes is: The entire staff of the middle school was not educated, told of any new changes in the classes they teach not all but just a couple of teachers were deciding what the new curriculum would be, and that isn't even all subjects or grade levels involved. So immediately that creates confusion (and is not associated to any computer system crashing)you doomed yourself to fail right there and probably also opened yourself to have any staff grievences filed. Secondly, normally you trial and test prior to rolling out. (This was not trialed nor tested prior) Third I believe this same revolving system is in place at the High School -simple you ask for help. Fourth: You do not push the envelope by not having things in place weeks before you intend to institute it. I absolutely know this was not ready one day prior to start of school and is still not. Fifth: Glitches , crashes do occur, that is well known but you have a plan in place to function without the computer if need be. (that is not in place nor was either)I am totally aware that day one students and teachers were looking for schedules, couldn't initally get them, because system was down -you should print out prior and have a paper back up, you do not rely on day one of school.Paper schedules should have been in the hands of the principal. You educate, You trial, You plan for things to go wrong..You have a back up plan ready. All schedules should have been printed and ready at least a week ahead of time. You should have reviewed all classes, You should have notified all staff, It is not all the computers fault, It is also preparation lacking. And probably inexperience also. Now I am not requesting Mrs. Sargent be fired, but I am just asking people to see there is another side of this story, and it just simply points to maybe not well planned out, and now our teachers and students will miss precious days of education, while these things get ironed out. If you had a paper back up, If you told your staff at the end of the school year, what changes there would be,if you notified parents of impending change you would not have such problems and negative comments. I don't think anyone is against change,or old school,and I honestly do not think just one parent has this problem. I think continually focusing on how many parents or people are posting, who they are, and stating its a witch hunt on the new principal, Frankly in my opinion is wasting precious time in correcting the main issue.
Heard confusion exists at middle school with schedules , some children in cafeteria for 3 periods awaiting their schedules to be fixed. But on an optimistic note, heard that the teachers were terrific, they stood up and took over and guided the children as best they could.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, alot of paper work sent home first day of school. With the economic difficulties Clinton Schools have why send all those papers home. Can not some of that be cut down on amount of paper ? Free and reduced lunch-can't they put this on one page and just state at the end come to the school and apply if eligible. that is alot of paper. Or put it in the agenda books all these papers that parents need to sign. If your paying for printing, then adding contact page, free and reduced lunch page and so forth would probably be more cost effective and children would only need to bring home the agenda books. If all schools don't have an agenda book, then maybe should consider rules, required signatures etc for all schools. You know like one stop shopping. Has to be cheaper to print as part of a book, rather than separate pieces of paper half of which get thrown in the trash if you do not meet eligibility requirements for free or reduced lunch as an example.
ReplyDeleteI agree that something needs to be done about the paperwork at the beginning of the year. I know the school has my address. Why did I have to write it again for them 4 times?
DeleteI have three kids in one school. How many times do they need my phone number? Why can't the gym class, photo permission, technology etc... all be on one page? Then the school can just share the information between departments?
It took a very long time to fill out the forms and I really just wanted to talk to my kids about their first day of school.
I know I think this every year, but if you are looking for suggestions I am sure there must be some way to eliminate the paper waste and my wasted time.
There was a lot of confusion at CMS yesterday.7th and 8th grade students had to have ALL of their scheduled redone. They sat int he cafe for a long time before everything was worked out ( and a few students still have issue)
ReplyDeleteI know this class rotation thing is new at CMS, BUT they had ALL SUMMER to work this out. It shouldn't have had to be done the first day of school.
Whats the saying? "prior planning prevents poor performance"
class room rotation is new, but I agree it should have been pre planned starting in April or May if that is what the new principal Mrs. Sargent wanted. And maybe should have only started with 8th grade and trialed it first.
ReplyDeleteLike I have already seen mentioned on this blog, not only are schedules confused and still not correct, but teachers have been placed teaching subjects, they are qualified for but they were end runned also a day or two before school and had not a clue their normal subjects and class grades were given to other teachers.(for whatever reason), I should correct some teachers new their new teaching roles, most did not. All schedules were done by the principal, she had full control of that piece. So now you have not only students confused, but teachers jumping through hoops to develop curriculum, and establish their classes also , some in different grade levels. I will support most teachers even though they were delivered changes that they were not notified about, and they also have no direction on the new scheduling, the ones I have touched base with, say they are there to educate the children and that is what they intend to do. I feel sorry for the students, it isn't easy to enter a new grade but now they have new schedule routine and its confusing and lacks direction from the principal. On a good note, heard Mr. Rouleau was there for a short time helping out. Heard he will be full time by mid September. Poor communication from the principal all around unfortunately, my kids came home telling me Mr. Seed is the new vice principal, I had to correct them that NO Mr. Rouleau is. Guess no one told the students who their vice principal is either. Kind of Sad.
I think the whole situation at CMS is bad- Terry Ingano needs to set in and clean this whole mess up, and quickly.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you that If this sort of thing happened in my job, I would be FIRED!
I totally agree, Mr. Ingano should have had a handle on what Mrs. Sargent planned and been aware this was not sufficiently in place. Heard today (day 2) things not alot better, children still without correct schedules, Hearing office staff is even confused as to where the students are and when. But heard there was a PBIS fundraiser announcement bright and early today. Watch , next you will see a teacher grievance issue (and honestly I would not blame them if they did file one) I agree wouldn't be allowed in any other work place -you correct we would be fired. I think it is time for Mr. Ingano to evaluate whether Mrs. Sargent is capable of handling the job of principal.
ReplyDeleteWell guess we all know how it went after the item article this AM. I am absolutely insulted and devastated to see the comment from Mrs. Anne Marie Sargent."Teachers were tellling me this was the best first day in 20 years" that is unprofessional, totally insulting, and not at all totally accurate. Mr. Vetros did an outstanding job, he had great pride and devotion to the CMS throughout his entire tenure there. Teachers with many years of longevity stayed at the CMS. This year alone I know positively of teachers who have been there many years that applied for positions in other schools systems, and still are, Teachers are not happy with the opening day, they are not happy with the confusion and disorganization of the schedules. Maybe some teachers who hold a close friendship with Mrs. Sargent whom have gotten their desires taken care of did say her quote. But not many, I have spoken to several teachers over the summer and since start of school, and they are not happy, they are very upset. the saddest part of this entire article is the disrespect she stated about the former principal Mr. Vetros. That is uncalled for, unprofessional, and shows truely her lack of ability to be the principal of the Clinton Middle School. I am personally insulted that Mrs. Sargent would lie
ReplyDeletethis says she will encourage students to lie also. She should have admitted her issues, problems and stated she would work to improve them. Not color it and insult the prior principal. And Mr. Ingano you stated principals said they may be getting used to opening day, It was the smoothest in a long time- ARE YOU NOT WATCHING the Middle School, it is mass confusion. I am bothered deeply Mr. Ingano, that you also did not admit that the first day in the middle school was not great and needed evaluation and work, and that you as the Superintendent would be over there resolving the matters yourself. thank God Mr. Rouleau is arriving shortly, he is a man of great experience and integrity, He will put it like it is, he will not color issues -but it is unfair to Mr. Rouleau to have to bail out the situation, and let the credit go to Mrs. Sargent. Terry worst of all and for most you
The superintendent of schools should DEMAND an apology be published by MRS ANNE MARIE SARGENT TO MR. VETROS.I honestly believe that that quote by Mrs. Sargent is grounds for dismissal.
Can you point me to the comment you are talking about. I read the article about opening day, and I didn't see the comment you're referring to. Was it in a different article?
DeleteIt is on page 28 of the Item a quote box (same article) starts on page one. (paper copy) didn't look at the one on line. I am just devastated to think anyone would insult a prior principal (and no one in my opinion can say it is not an insult -Best day in 20 years (Mike was principal during that time and anyone who knows the clinton schools knows that)-it is all over town, the confusion in the middle school. I just would have preferred a little honesty. When you admit you need help, admit you have unresolved issues, people will step up and help best they can, but when you insult people and don't put things out honestly. Then you are not a good reflection or a good person to oversee and handle the education of our children. We cannot afford to chance Mrs. Sargent will see the errors of her ways, our children need a good education NOW. I am not happy, nor do I even like having to feel, she is not the principal we need. But this is the final straw for me, and we have a solution on board who is experienced, capable, and has a proven track record, and that is Mr. Rob Rouleau. I think Mrs. Annemarie Sargent would be a great director of A Recreation department or social department, but just not a person with the experience and backbone to be the middle school principal. Been around along time in Clinton and have heard with my own ears the excuse given to children that disbehave in school "oh you just had a bad day" Everyone has bad days, but it is not proper to overlook bad behavior or bad choices.
DeleteNote : in that same article no mention of the condition of the middle school building, there is no way any member of the school committee could not have seen the many problems that need to be addressed facility and custodial wise in the middle school. But once again don't publish that, people might actually get to understand why we need more money, why we need over-rides, and then maybe finally we would get the money. Just keep it under the rug and maybe it will go away.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above, it did sound like an insult to Mr. Vetros. Not a class comment!
ReplyDeleteCarrie it is in the on line article -view all item storys - Terrific first day of school
ReplyDeletehere is a copy of the quote from that article on line and in the paper copy.
"Teachers were telling me this was the best first day in 20 years."
Annmarie Sargent, PRINCIPAL, CLINTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
This entire thread is ludicrous...which one of you was in the building on Weds, Thurs or Fri? What I have read on here is that "I heard, I was told, I think" How about filling us all in on what you actually know? What YOU have seen with your own eyes? What YOU have experienced? I would have to believe that this thread would be empty if that were the case. Because I can tell you that I was there, the morale was FANTASTIC, the students were happy, as were the teachers, and the office people were beyond pleasant, and Mrs. Sargent seemed to get along with everyone. So, enough of the hearsay, how about you get off your butts and actually enter the school before you start bashing?
ReplyDeleteExcuse me Sir or Madam but I have and did witness the activities of the school day and many days prior to the start of school. No the teachers (several are not happy, they are confused and concerned ) Never said anyone was unpleasant to anyone- Never said Mrs. Sargent cannot and is not a pleasant speaking person. So your request to get off MY BUTT - I am and always have been OFF MY BUTT, I have always and will continue to work daily for the benefit of the children of the clinton public schools. Facts: schedules are still in disorganized state of affairs. This is being blammed on the I-Pass system. The Teachers many remain unsure of how many students are in their respective classes, it changes daily. The new rotating schedule is in theory a good idea, but was not rolled out organized. Whether you like opinions of others or not is not the issue here, and yes I did witness many things, A mother wanting to see her child and give an article to them and office staff did not know in what class that child was because of difficulties that still exist with the schedules - (that is confusion Sir or Madam) Teachers have been moved to new grade and subject teaching situations and were end runned on the first day or school. (If that is proper communication and allowing teachers to be prepared -please tell me where) I have witnessed the condition of the building Sir or Madam, I have brought my concerns to proper people. If we do not fix it up then I guess everyone can vote in the money to build a new one. (the choice is yours) I personally believe maintenance can solve alot of issues without alot of money. I witnessed Students and Teachers in rooms that are hot, I witnessed teachers purchasing their own fans. I witnessed teachers staying after school to try to resolve scheduling problems, that yes were the problem of the principal Sir or Madam. If you sincerely believe Sir or Madam that the teachers would ever bring their problems to the students (then you have not a clue of who the teachers are) They would always present to the students welcoming. In closing -thank you for your opinion Sir or Madam, but you would be wrong with your accussations of me
DeleteI have been in the buildings , I have witnessed the events, I have approached proper administration. Thanks for your apology in advance.
My goal is better schools for our children.
No apology offered, for starters, you took my previous statement personally which can only mean that you identified with it. For that, I will never be sorry. You spoke around many issues and the only thing I have been able to pull out of your statements that could possibly be the fault of Mrs. Sargent is the scheduling. Now if you truly have been in the building, spoken to people, or brought your concerns to administration then you would have learned exactly what the deal is with the scheduling going back even further than the current year. Your comments have proven that your information on this matter is merely fodder. And again, for that, I will not apologize either. What I will apologize for is not being clearer that I welcome the opinions of many and both sides of any argument, but cannot stand or justify spreading untruths based on gossip and hearsay.
DeleteWe will see what happens- But I agree that the school and the principal needs attention. There is NO WAY there should have been that much CHAOS at the school on Wednesday. The new rotating schedule system should have been "road tested" BEFORE the first day of school.
ReplyDeleteAs for Mrs. Sargent lying about it being the "best day in 20 years" She should be fired. If that was the best first day in 20 years our kids are all screwed!
Really, she should be fired? This entire blog has gotten ridiculous. I applaud Carrie's effort to try to get a group together to improve communication & help bring change to CPS. The posts may have started out with voicing valid concerns & sharing information with others, but they are rapidly deteriorating. It is now mostly personal insults toward the CMS principal, anonymous accusations, and mysterious posts about what someone may have heard. I hope when Mr Rouleau gets to CMS he can walk on water & has the patience of a saint, because he's going to need it to deal with the likes of the posters on this blog.
ReplyDeleteI don't see how you can call it lying. Were you there and can attest that she never heard from two or more teachers that it was the best first day? She never said everyone said that, why must you read so much more into things rather than just read them as they are? You claim "our children" are screwed, so I assume you have a child in the school, what is your real beef with Mrs. Sargent and/or CMS? And if you loathe everything so much and the conditions are so deplorable, why in the world would you subject your child to such daily torture? Seems like an easy solution for you.
ReplyDeleteI can attest Mrs. Sargent heard that from one teacher. I honestly find it a sad state of affairs, that a teacher with over 20 years in the system, would say that, but I guess everyone has a purpose in what they say and a goal they want to achieve. Like possibly getting a family member a full time teaching job. I will not identify who that teacher was as I feel that person has a right to say what they believe. I could go on, but it would be bashing (so its called on this site)I still find it personally wrong that Mrs. Sargent quoted that as her first day of school achievement. Mr. Vetros helped her alot and he would have never put her down. there have been many good , terrific first days of school over the years. It was a very unfortunate poor choice of words.
DeleteI would like to comment on my children's first day experience. They both had a positive first day. CES 2nd grader was happy to see friends & get into her new classroom. She received a post card over the summer from her teacher & was really excited. From a parent's stand point, I too found the paperwork a bit much. I was in the school Wed evening for an open house & noticed new painting in the hallway...looked great.
ReplyDeleteMy 5th grader at CMS also had a good day. He has the teachers that we expected, no changes, no surprises, no chaos. He is looking forward to being in the band & came home today talking about the school musical. I received a wonderful, informative handout from one of his teachers outlining standards & expectations for the year. Also received great info about band, instrument rental, & band info night from the music teacher today. I was in the middle school over the weekend - though I was only in a main hallway, woman's restroom, & one classroom. The areas I went into were clean, hallway floors waxed, teachers had clearly decorated and set up the classroom...looked to be in good condition to me. I am not denying that some students had problems. I just want to point out that some students are having a good experience & hope that people are able to recognize that it was not all chaos and horribleness in the schools on Wed.
I attempted to attatch my name to the above comment, but was unable. Sorry-Amy
DeleteAmy, Thank you for your post about some good stuff. I think we all need to take a break from the negative stuff. I'm glad your first days of school went smoothly.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all of these comments all I can say is no wonder we as a commuity are in such a state of dispair. I will agree that there has been much confusion, but whenever you start something new there will be problems. I remember working at a company that implemented a new computer system, everything was ready to go after months of preparation and the day that was our go day turned out to be a mess. Computers crashing, programs that worked in tests did not work when implemented. Things like this happen. To blame one person is uncalled for. I would like to know where are all of these people who are so furious and outraged when it comes to open houses and parents night? Many parents do not bother to show. I suspect these negative posts and complaints are made by a handful of people who spend very little time in the schools. The only time when they bother with the schools are to complain. Instead of complaining on this blog or other blogs bring your concerns out to the public. Let the people who need to be aware of these concerns see a face. Anyone can rant and rave on a blog but it will not be taken seriously until it is presented in a public forum
ReplyDeleteI am there, I do show up, and I support the schools daily. And I am yes but one person. I also have a vast amount of experience in computer systems and involved in numerous roll outs of new programs.
DeleteWhat I know about this new scheduling for the revolving classes is:
The entire staff of the middle school was not educated, told of any new changes in the classes they teach not all but just a couple of teachers were deciding what the new curriculum would be, and that isn't even all subjects or grade levels involved. So immediately that creates confusion (and is not associated to any computer system crashing)you doomed yourself to fail right there and probably also opened yourself to have any staff grievences filed. Secondly, normally you trial and test prior to rolling out. (This was not trialed nor tested prior) Third I believe this same revolving system is in place at the High School -simple you ask for help. Fourth: You do not push the envelope by not having things in place weeks before you intend to institute it. I absolutely know this was not ready one day prior to start of school and is still not. Fifth: Glitches , crashes do occur, that is well known but you have a plan in place to function without the computer if need be. (that is not in place nor was either)I am totally aware that day one students and teachers were looking for schedules, couldn't initally get them, because system was down -you should print out prior and have a paper back up, you do not rely on day one of school.Paper schedules should have been in the hands of the principal. You educate, You trial, You plan for things to go wrong..You have a back up plan ready. All schedules should have been printed and ready at least a week ahead of time. You should have reviewed all classes, You should have notified all staff,
It is not all the computers fault, It is also preparation lacking. And probably inexperience also. Now I am not requesting Mrs. Sargent be fired, but I am just asking people to see there is another side of this story, and it just simply points to maybe not well planned out, and now our teachers and students will miss precious days of education, while these things get ironed out. If you had a paper back up, If you told your staff at the end of the school year, what changes there would be,if you notified parents of impending change you would not have such problems and negative comments. I don't think anyone is against change,or old school,and I honestly do not think just one parent has this problem. I think continually focusing on how many parents or people are posting, who they are, and stating its a witch hunt on the new principal, Frankly in my opinion is wasting precious time in correcting the main issue.