I don't have any children in CMS, so I don't have any first hand accounts. If you have children in CMS, please share what you know. Communication is the key.
I have a daughter in the fifth grade at CMS. She was among the first group of fourth graders to make the switch last year up to CMS. She has had four wonderful teachers in the two years that she has been there and has done well academically and socially. She has been challenged in the classroom and even with a class size this year of 30 students she is continually challenged with Math/Science/ELA and Social Studies. I think that teachers are feeling pressure from larger class sizes and increased demands on them. MCAS are an enormous part of the students day and I would guess that the teachers feel immense pressure to be sure all their students are performing to the proficient or advanced level on their MCAS. Thus far they are doing it, but with further cuts this will bring some major changes in the education of all students. If our schools begin to suffer more and more financially, if our students begin to underperform on the state mandated tests, if class sizes continue to rise, those of us that have children and value education will have to face a harsh reality. Those of us that do not have children in the system will have to face the reality of our property values declining. I think this is an important piece of information to get out to the public. Even if your families are not directly affected by having a student in the Clinton Public School District your homes value will depreciate if we allow further cuts in our schools. I am a parent that values education and my experiences with the Clinton Middle School have been positive.
Most are not ? You must take a look at the entire picture of MCAS performance, and remember that those students now in the middle school, were in the elementary school prior. The basics begin in the elementary school, if the students have to play catch up to meet the MCAS requirements of educationaly knowledge then maybe we need to look at the curriculum in the elementary school, and encourage both elementary and middle school to work as a team to achieve success. Remember also all students whether special needs, English as a second language etc all take the MCAS test unassisted by teachers, aids etc. they independently must take those, so if some of these children require assistance daily, come MCAS the state does not allow assistance. Personally I feel the MCAS results are not a good evaluation of a schools performance.
I have 2 at CMS, 4th grade teaching team was terrible, very unsupportive, unconcerned and unpleasant to deal with, 5th grade teaching team was excellent. Just depends on who you get, there are some great teachers there and some who are sub-par as well, that's my experience. Also hate the fact that gym classes mix grades with older grades, has made some situations arise concerning safety, bullying and peer pressure.
I have no children in the CMS...I do however have a friend who has two children there.... Personally I think some parents allow their children to much freedom, they want the school to do everything for their children while they take no responsibility. For example, my child is not being taught well in fourth grade, well, if they showed up on time, they did their homework, they paid attention, they slept, ate well at home..,we parented better, etc..we would perhaps see an improvement in your child. You can not expect the schools to do everything's and care when it hasn't started at home, part of the trouble we see today is that parenting lacks at home, morals in some are no longer taught at home, then folks want over packed classrooms and teachers to fix or teach my kid!
Any chance of communication from the middle school regarding supplies or sports? Hearing rumors of social gathering in August for students via the PBIS program, We don't need that we need administration to focus on the above first. also if we have available money in PBIS lets use it to better educate our students, buy something all students in the school can benefit from. - if pbis is all social gratification, lets stop that program now, we have bigger issues to focus on.
I have found that some of the teachers have updated their individual pages. In fact, a couple of my kids' teachers had quite a lot of info, dated for this coming year. If you look up the teacher your child will have you may be able to find an updated supply list, expectations, etc...I found this at both CES and CMS. I know it doesn't solve the overall problem of district wide, or school wide communication, but hope it helps you be able to get your child prepared to start the year.
Looked but did not find the info. Maybe now that we have a assistant principal in place this site will get updated. Noted Elementary and High School principals have welcoming fall message on those sites. - Mr. Vetros still on the middle school site as principal.
Are we getting any sent home class assignments for our students in middle school, so they know for example what homeroom they are in and so forth? Can I pick it up or will it be sent to me? Or don't we have one ready?
I sent an email to the school- I was told that the schedules (for 7th and 8th grade) will be available on iparent next Wednesday or at the school. I don't believe they are going to be mailed, but I asked for further clarification on that. I believe the were grades were mailed already
UPDATE- The 7th and 8th grade schedules WILL NOT be mailed out. You will need to log on to Iparent next Wednesday (8/22) to get them, or go to the school to pick them up. I hope they decide to send out a ConnectED to let parents know- Last year we all got a slap on the wrist by Mr. Vetros for calling in and going to the school to check on these things...
Any information regarding middle school student schedules? Is I parent current and complete to obtain childs classes yet? We are only a couple of weeks out from the start of school?
Hello everyone, For those of you who have specific questions regarding a school (in this case CMS), your best course of action is to call the school directly. Not only will you get the information you're looking for, but if a lot of parents call looking for the same thing, then it will be a red flag for them to fix the problem.
Carrie, I don't mean to sound negative, but for everyone to have to call the school is really non-productive to the entire student population. They by this point in time should have at a minimum something posted on their web page regarding the above matters, stating they are completed or not completed. I don't honestly see much of anything on the CMS page that has been updated Yet ! School is just a few days away. No student supplies, No class schedule received. I see a Bus Route that's it. Kind of disappointing.
I'm not disagreeing with you. It is disappointing. But I guess my theory is the "squeaky wheel gets the grease", and parents were willing to make their voice heard (not just one or two, but everyone), then I think they would get the message. Or at the very least, give updates about why things aren't updated.
Again, this is just my theory, but if you want to be heard, you have to speak up (sometimes over and over again).
Yes Carrie , you are probably correct, call, call and call. But sad isn't it. We can only hope I guess that when Mr. Rouleau begins as vice principal things will improve.
There is a CMS BBQ scheduled for Monday 8/20 from 11-2pm. Really??? On a Monday in August??? Forget about vacations, what about WORKING PARENTS? And, what about actually CALLING the #'s I gave you on the ConnecEd form, instead of just the home phone to let me know?
I logged on to iparent and my sons schedule was NOWHERE to be found. I guess we either have to go to the BBQ to get it (which I can't, I have to WORK FOR A LIVING) or wait til it gets mailed (which it should have been already).
Honestly- I know they try, they are just not trying hard enough, or focusing on the right things (IMHO) And don't get me started on the PBIS thing....
Rant over...Thanks for reading..Thank god my son only has one more year in the CPS.
Just curious as to why you have kept your son in the CPS. It seems as though you are quite disappointed in the system. Maybe it is just this one issue that has upset you, but the "Thank god my son only has one more year in the CPS" comment leads me to believe there is more to it. I am not trying to criticize you, rather just asking what has led to your decision to not move him out. As you are posting in the CMS section I am assuming you have a middle school aged son, so he will be leaving the district for high school. I have thought about school choice and even private schools for my children (3 currently in CPS), but for a variety of reasons, we have chosen to stay here. I would be interested to know what keeps someone that seems so frustrated in the system here. Are there things that ARE working that you feel out weigh the negative? Is it more of a logistical problem (which I totally understand, it is difficult working and managing transportation etc...)? I believe that each family needs to make the decision that is best for their child and I respect that choice. I am just wondering...Thanks
Amy- My son is an honor student at CMS. So far he has done well, despite what I consider the failings of the school. BUT I am know he can do better.
IMO-Any student at CMS that is "average" or Above average" doesn't get challenged enough to do better. Since they are already above the curve, they get ignored ( for the most part). Its the same way at CHS. These students don't need anything "extra" and they get by just fine.
FYI- Most students leaving the CPS going to St. Johns in Shrewsbury ARE REQUIRED to got to SJ's summer school to catch up on the material they need to know before going into grade 9 at. And, that has also held true for other school choice schools as well (charter schools AND The Bromfield school in Harvard).
IMO the students leaving the CPS are NOT properly prepared the way they should be for High School OR college.
Thank you for your response. I appreciate the information. I hope your son finishes out his last year here with the most possible success & I wish him well in high school.
Amy you sound curious and sincere in your above comments, but I totally understand the frustration of any parent. School does not start on August 20th, parents work, children are in day care etc. AND MOST OF ALL where did the middle school get the MONEY. PBIS money (well now lets think about this: no schedules are done or mailed out. Nothing is updated on the web page, Nothing from the New principal regarding new hires (I noted that on this page as well as its absence on the web page)SO HOW does the principal have time to be a social butterfly and how can she even say spending money from PBIS to have a barbaque is cost effective or wise. You know that is what went wrong in the middle school we have a administrator that did and now still apparently believes its all about sociability she pushed and supported PBIS as vice principal also. (if they focused on the educational needs we would be a great middle school) I did find my childs schedule on I parent a couple of days ago, and it better not be accurate or complete, if so my 8th grade child will be moved out of their assigned ELA class and they will answer to me what happenned to the past teacher in that grade in that subject (where did they go?) The teacher my child is assigned to used to work in 6th grade ELA and then got moved to a higher grade but not teaching ELA,You can judge why. So why is she now back in ELA , to say I am frustrated -you would be correct. My childs prior experience was awful and they did not succeed well with this teacher, this makes no sense. Or maybe its a friendship thing she is back in ELA (hope not) I am totally upset. I really want Clinton to have successful schools and had honestly hoped they would start organizing and improve, but nothing looks good right now in the middle school. Our only hope left is that Mr. Rouleau can turn things around I Hope so. Maybe he should be the principal.
I agree with above , this is not parks and rec dept time ! School is not all fun,and craft fairs. If that is the job wanted, then do not stay in public education. I am upset also seems like we have not seen any communication from the middle school that is worth it. PS is the scholastic book fair on or off, got two different calls one from CES stating on and giving dates, and one from CMS stating cancelled. I hope they are not changing teachers although I heard thru the grapevine the 4th grade teacher my child is assigned to is not going to be in school this year, on a leave of absence. So what do they fill that with a permanent sub??? I have no notice my childs teacher will not be present,how come if this is true. But isn't it nice they have time for barbaques !
I have a question is there a RSVP for this BBQ or are we just spending money, planning on 500 kids or so and then what - throw the food away if only 100 show up - VERY cost effective isn't it. Also if the children go alone who is taking responsibility of them - does the middle school have appropriate # of chaperons for this? The schedule won't be ready to next wednesday I see in an above comment, but we have time for a BBQ on Monday. Anybody watching the middle school?????
Does anybody ever have anything good to say? Personally, I think the bbq is a great idea; I understand that parents work or may be on vacation but can't their child go with a friend or babysitter? My understanding is that this is an event being put on by PBIS not Mrs. Sargent. Can we give her a chance....she has only been in this position for a few weeks. I think the purpose of this blog was to brainstorm ways we bring about positive changes to our schools; ranting will not solve anything. Bring your concerns to the administrators if you're unhappy.
FYI- Mrs. Sargent IS in charge of PBIS. And, FYI, I also contact the school regularly about things I feel are not working properly, as well as posting here for others to see.
To be honest, I wish more parents would start to pay attention about whats going on at the school. The more people know and hold the administrators accountable, the better the school will become.
Its not that they aren't doing things well ( We all expect that) Its the things they don't do well that we need to identify and help change.
The BBQ IS a good idea. BUT the execution and communication about it and the CMS schedules have been lax. AND, IMO, the money spent on it could be better used elsewhere ( Like actually MAILING the 7th and 8th grade schedules out) SO those of us who can't get to the school between 8-1pm actually get some important information.
And just a clarification- Mrs. Sargent has been "Acting principal" since May 2012. Nore than just a few weeks.
I think you and everyone else has a right to your opinion and I apologize if it seeemed I was targeting your post, I wasn't. I am just so tired of hearing everyone complain on these forums but don't take their concerns to the the people who can make changes. Your points are valid and I understand BUT most people who are on here complaining do not take their concerns further. And yes, you are correct that Mrs. Sargent has been "acting principal" since May 2012; I was simply trying to point out that this is her first year on as principal and there are bound to be issues that need to be worked out. Maybe we can cut her some slack?
cut her some slack ! she was vice principal prior and well aware of the responsibilities of principal. to put it short and sweet if the job is too much , then maybe she should not have applied for it. Oh my concerns have been taken further several times. Sorry if you disagree but if you do not hold the administrators accountable, you get no where. And honestly people complained about the superindentent and union even had a vote of no confidence if you remember, Well the superintendent cannot do it alone, he needs good principals in all schools.
From what I observe on this site and any communication I have read on the web pages etc in the schools, The main problem I see: Lets give a couple of examples: CES -we had a very unacceptable supply list, given out to a parent and published on the web page -given by the principal to the parent, then we have a welcome message by the principal with grammer and typing errors in it. (Those are all from the principal of CES. Middle School we have NOW and only now finally a message a welcome one and the new principal has been on board legally since July! We have no picture and honestly if you read the welcome why is the principal stressing the BBQ that cost $3.00? I would have liked to have seen her new plan of action. I am also extremly concerned that the new Vice Principal won't be here till later. WHO is acting vice principal?? in the absence of the new hire?? The one thing lacking in the middle school all last year was discipline -Mrs. Sargent was not a discipline person, NOR the staff that filled in when she took over principal. SO now what NO one in that school to discipline again until Mr. Rouleau arrives AND that is WHEN????? Also kind of upsetting when MR Ingano says no complaints about the PBIS BBQ -its all over the CMS piece of this web page. Does he read this??? It is the superintendents job to watch over his principals and to ensure they function in their positions, it is not his to make excuses for them. Maybe the problem is not the school but the principals in CES and CMS
I am not saying that there aren't problems, but there have been complaints about CMS well before this principal. To say she is the problem is silly. There are some system wide problems, but they have existed prior to May of last year. If discipline was a problem all last year, Mr. Vetros would be the one responsible until his retirement. I too, would like to see a mission/vision statement or plan from the CMS principal & hope she will take the opportunity at open houses & meet the administration to do this.
Discipline to put it short and sweet was the accountability of the vice principal, whom was Mrs. Sargent - she then functioned as interim principal after Mr. Vetros retirment as well as her job role as vice- although there was a teacher placed in the interim vice principal role to help her, which wasn't a discipline person either. My main concern is the comment that Mr. Rouleau will not be starting till later -So my concern is Who is going to fill this void of vice principal prior to Mr. Rouleau coming? I feel one of the biggest issues is lack of accountability and respect within the students, you can't just slip everything under the rug. Actions that are wrong need to be addressed so those actions no longer exist, If children get away with things then they will repeat them. Just an fyi I went to get class schedule yesterday and was told NOT PRINTED and READY YET for my students grade. I read in newspaper articles that changes are going to occur in the middle school, so far I see lack of organizational skills from both CES and CMS. Disappointing. But Mrs. Sargent had time for a BBQ (is that prioritizing !)
Reading on the discussion page questions regarding the BBQ yesterday, some got notified, some did not, hours I see answer was convienent for the staff. What staff, All that is there is a principal , a secretary and some maintenance men, if others I would like to know who? They close the middle school at 1PM daily , so what you got was one hour of time not required. Teachers are not there nor required to be there till start of school on monday, so it was not at the convience of teachers.
Still today cannot get my childs schedule, concerns me what does the first day of school hold for our children in the middle school ? Are they going to have a schedule by then, and if so don't tell me its subject to change. I am really worried.
As I don't have a child in the older grades at CMS I am not familiar with how the schedules are normally given out. What has been the procedure in the past? Does anyone know why it is being done differently this year?
Schedules have been available to all CMS students in past years early on in the summer , latest early August to mid - letters have been sent home etc also. This was never a problem in the past. New Principal-hearing excuses that computer system is not working correctly for her, printing is not working correctly for her, Hearing she is moving teachers to different classes to teach other than their normal ones, hearing she is trying to schedule students like the alternating high school level schedules. Honestly it appears it is not well planned out, nor organized - if changes were to be made of this magnitude then teachers, parents and students should have been made aware early on, and the new principal should have started her scheduling in May when she took over. Now you will face students day one with incomplete schedules, no idea of how the new routine works, teachers in new grades with no class plans developed yet, I am sure you will see unorganization going on at CMS for at least the first month. Lets hope Mr. Rouleau arrives early on to assist with organization. Not trying to put the new principal down, but I am getting a little upset with constantly hearing excuses why schedules are not done. Hearing unhappy parents regarding the communication from the middle school all over town. I do not hear any problems with schedules from the High School, so if Mrs. Sargent is having difficulties why does she not ask for help from the high school or Mr. Ingano. You do not just keep giving excuses.
I am amazed that on the clinton discussion page some are stating wasn't it great to have a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH - Has everyone forgot the schools have no money to support educational needs, that we lost positions, that we do not have CMS schedules ready yet. Cannot believe some think BBQ was a wonderful idea (School is not a social club) Money should have been spent on something to improve our childrens education, and principals time should have been spent finishing the schedules.
In my opinion, events like the Back to School BBQ are extremely important for middle school age children. There is lot of research out there about school "culture" and climate and student's success in school. There are a lot of positive benefits of such events. I understand it was not a convenient time for parents and maybe that is a suggestion to be made for next year. As far as the money for the BBQ, it sounds like they asked for $3.00 from each student which would help defray the costs and if it was a PBIS event the money probably came from school fundraisers, not the schools general budget.
so if it came from PBIS (fundraising money it's ok) I also see people stating planned by the staff, implying all staff and all teachers (I do not believe that is at all accurate or true) To my knowledge it was planned by a select few (who are into PBIS) only. all staff and teachers were not asked or even contacted until the event was planned and scheduled. So honestly it was only a few who thought it ok to spend PBIS money and plan a barbaque. $3.00 from each child or parent that showed- that eliminates the children and families that do not have the income to spare. (anyone think of that). Alot of research out there , oh please. If people went back to basics and parents took accountability and taught children how to treat others and how to respect each other things would be fine. Climate of the school, A School is a place to supply education to the students, so the climate should promote education. Culture - numerous cultures have been around for our life time, schools don't have to have a BBQ to explain what regarding culture. It's simple "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" that does not need to be taught in school or have BBQ. that starts at home. By reading the discussion page I would guess one response person on that page has a personal interest in that planned event and is attempting to defend there actions. If you had a child in the middle school who was involved in PBIS you would see that that program creates more problems than it is worth, you have children always getting tickets and others never getting tickets if you the parent already taught your child good manners and helpful ways they never get noticed, but if a child who does not have manners and never is helpful , one day does one thing BINGO they get tickets. Its a very very poor run program. It's also only run and control by a few staff other staff is never consulted nor their opinions ever heard.
When I was referring to the school "culture" I wasn't speaking about various ethnicities...I respect your opinion but you clearly only see one side of things so I won't waste my time explaining mine further. I truly hope your child has a great school year!
Oh but I do understand school culture, and yes my opinion is that CMS needs a jump start and re-evaluation of their "school culture" and how it presents to the average person walking into that school. Maybe you are too close to the environment to see the flaws and in order to improve any school culture administrators, teachers and so forth need to be able to accept evaluation and advise and realize they are not always perfect and people do not see what you see. Because I see PBIS as a poor program and you do not see it that way I am accussed on only seeing one side. (Does not that page turn the same way for your opinion?) In my opinion (and yes it is my opinion) CMS needs to start accepting opinions of the public and of each other with respect for each other. If you fine my opinion or anyones opinion A WASTE OF TIME - there is your first problem that needs to be addressed at CMS - no ones opinion is ever a waste of time.
I never implied I thought your opinion was a waste of time and I have said I agree with you and others that things definitely need to improve across the district. I just felt this BBQ was not the major issue some are making it out to be. You assume I don't have a child at CMS...I am on the outside looking in just like you! I am just trying to take an objective view of the situation.
This is where I come from regarding PBIS and the BBQ - My point is simple: 1. The schedules for the start of school are not complete as of yesterday.(But the principal is at and involved in the planning of the BBQ)I also believe that we need an office coordinator in the CMS - . 2. The building was not cleaned completely and ready as of this week. (day of the BBQ) 3. Connect Ed is not updated and calls have gone out over the summer that did not include the current 4th grade -but still included the prior 8th grade. 4. Supply list were not done early on and people only had the prior year list to go by until 4 5 6 grade letters were sent home last week. (so parents who planned ahead and went by last years list spent money for nothing). 5.Keep seeing comments regarding changes occurring in CMS scheduling, addition of classes, hearing around town teachers do not have any communication on how this affects them , that implies poor to no communication from administration to teachers. (Lets hope all these changes were communicated properly to the union if necessary- or that will be another issues start of school) 6.Rules, Respect and Responsibility are things students should already know from their home environments, School culture is important yes, but priorities being established and handled first by administration prior to social BBQ in my opinion come first. Adminstration sets the tone of a school -to promote responsibility -adminstration must act responsibly and when necessary things are not done, social events should not be occurring if not a necessary requirement. PBIS promotes positive behavior, but in my opinion Positive behavior comes from students learning and abiding by the rules. So students must learn the rules and learn the consequences if not followed. I do not feel we need to reward good behavior, it should be expected of each student. As a parent do you go around rewarding your child daily for good behavior or do you teach them what good behavior is and when they do not behave do you show them there are consequences for poor decisions? Children learn by what they see and live if they always think they get a reward for good behavior what happens when they are adults and that is expected daily and they get no reward. Respect each other and the building you are in, that also needs to be expected, not rewarded. Rules are everywhere in the world, and that also needs to be expected not rewarded. I just feel a reward system, which is what PBIS is does not promote students expectations and responsibility. And many times good responsible students get overlooked with the PBIS program so it creates a poor culture/climate within the school among the students (I have actually heard students say - why behave all the time, if you behave once in awhile you get PBIS tickets. I do believe students should get praised for good efforts , actions, grades, and so forth, but I believe that can come from a simple "Great job" from a teacher, administrator,staff member or peer. Your assumption that I am on the outside looking in, may not be a correct assumption. I am very knowledgable of all CPS and aware of many issues and all I want is a successful school system, that learns to focus on where we need to improve and what changes we need to make to gain that improvment. All I ask is that evaluation of programs like PBIS be done, that administration set priorities, and that communication from parents, and public is welcomed. Every time someone gives an opinion of a problem they see, or a idea that they hope the school would consider it gets ignored or the person is considered "A waste of time". In closing I just also want to mention that the volunteer programs are very clicky in this system and not all are welcome, especially if you do not believe its all about fundraising and sociability. thank you for your time.
Have to sit back and sigh, reading the discussion page on the BBQ-looks like some people and staff feel social gatherings mean the most instead of increasing our educational resources. Activities during the school year are fine, but when schedules are not ready, building is not ready,I think that should come first. BBQ welcome back could have been held same night as open house if they wanted to feed everyone,and include parents. If so many paras showed up then the teachers could have met with parents during open house and children could have been outside enjoying activities. could have planned the social hour 5 to 6 and then teachers and speechs at 6.
Connect Ed appears to be not updated to include the incoming 4th graders in some situations. People stating never got the call , this happenned earlier this summer also --list needs to be updated to current students in current grades.
Just checked out the CMS web page, interesting no 7th grade schedules available yet, I looked under the supply list on the page and NO 7th Grade supply list either (all other grades present) What's up with the lack of ability to schedule 7th grade and post a 7th grade supply list. Too many students, change in curriculum, change in teachers, whats the problem with 7th grade??????
From what I read above, it looks like it's time for MR INGANO to take a walk to CMS and get things organized and bring in help from the High School or where ever to get things in place. High School is ready and has been by everything I read. Very poor first impression of the abilities of the new principal of CMS. Nothing like creating anxiety for the 7th graders when they are the only ones left out of everything right now in CMS -what are they going to do walk into school day one and WING IT ! What are parents to do go out and buy supplies day one at night when they get home from work? I think its time to stop with the excuses and get MR. INGANO over to the middle school ASAP.
Noticed on this blog the middle school building was not completely clean and ready monday of this week. How come, High School had a nice message saying what a great job his maintenance staff did - and how they were ready a couple of weeks ago?
I am fairly certain that the school.committee does a "walk through" of each school.prior to the start of the school.year. Perhaps someone that noted the condition of the building during the BBQ (I was not there) could contact a member of the committee with the concerns.
Amy yes your probably correct that school committee does a walk thru prior to start of school, but when -today? My issue is this- school ends in mid June-if the High School can be ready two weeks ago, why not the middle school.If you have ever walked thru the middle school during the year also, it is not clean or well maintained. I have heard stories of teachers being told to buy a broom and sweep their own floors, Ever take a glance at the rooms with rugs,(they are dirty). Ever notice on open house nights some rooms don't have roller shades, some desk are chipped and broken. Gum is on the stairs and floors and appears to be waxed on. Yes it is one of the older schools we have, but cleanliness can still be obtained. There are enough maintenance people in that school to keep it clean, maybe the head maintenance man should help out. Ever look at the ART tables, covered with crayon and paint (no one can sand them down and refinish them once in awhile?) Glance at the heater vents (filled with flys and dirt)-all that takes is a vacuum.)I have heard around town for sometime now many stories of maintenance at the middle school, one I remember is bathrooms were dirty and Assitant principal -now current principal Mrs. Sargent cleaned the bathrooms because maintenance didn't. Is that the solution Administration cleans the bathrooms, teachers sweep their floors. Needs to be looked at, throughout the entire year not just one walk thru a couple of days before school. I would however like to know which school committee member walks thru and what they looked at and reported. If they found it clean their eyes were shut or they only looked at the main floor corridor area.
did some checking - NO walk through has been done at the Middle School as of yet. So must be Monday when teachers return. By that point all the teachers will have polished up their own rooms, and bought needed things personally. Sad isn't it that the real condition won't be noted again. They should do walk throughs all year long to evaluate things. With a building full of teachers and opening day for those teachers I doubt the school committee will note the true condition of things.
FYI to all parents who have students attending CMS - WATCH their schedules , look and observe especially in 8th grade. Big changes noted both in curriculum and teachers! Look and watch carefully.
I can agree with schedules are a mess and teacher changes have been made. I saw that also. Being from Clinton and knowing alot about Clinton, This move was nothing but a personal friendship move on the part of the new principal. Worry yes I would worry, CMS will lose GOOD Teachers if this is allowed to continue and our students will suffer. My opinion time to move swiftly at CMS time to get the principal OUT and get a new ethical honest person in that position, who communicates,organizes and plans for the good of our children. Mrs. Sargent might mean well, but she is clearly unable to separate friendship from educational need. We have a solution right now in my opinion. Mr. Rouleau is extremely qualified to be principal, in fact he is qualified to be superintendent I believe. He would evaluate and do what is best for our children, not pull end runs on our teachers and children. I am absolutely disgusted with the management of Mrs. Annemarie Sargent. I cannot believe Mr. Ingano has allowed such back stabbing actions to occur.
I can offer that CMS is missing a full time teacher in grade 4 - I am hearing a long term substitue is filling her position for the entire year. Don't know if she is a certified teacher or not. But just thought everyone should be aware. Also heard CMS lost a teacher in the special ed dept. She was laid off and did not get her position offerred back till late in the summer, 2nd time they did that to her, so she left for a different school in a different community. CMS lost again can you blame any teacher. I also heard many unhappy teachers with the current new principals methods.
Oh my I have located what I believe is an 8 th grade matter. Why would you put a teacher who teaches social studies - and had a prior history of teaching English in a lower grade level (and did poorly in that subject matter teaching it) Now as a 8th Grade English teacher. That is clearly not a move to benefit our children. I have enough knowledge to know that I agree it was a friendship to the principal move. Certainly not an educational plus. WOW that is BAD !
I know that a 4th grade teacher is out until mid-October. Not the whole year. And certification does not make a good teacher. There are lots of wonderful teachers who are certified.
I was told the entire year. That is my concern I am not in the know if the long term sub is certified or not, nor do I know if she is a good teacher or not, and I agree not all certified teachers are good ones. Just trying to let parents be in the know that their child will be taught by a long term sub and not the teacher that they may have had on their childs schedule earlier.
Reading through this blog, and noted what appears to be a very bad selection of Middle School principal. Moving teachers into positions they clearly should not be in, because of a friendship. Being a person who has lived in Clinton, I believe it 100% that was done. I did hear the original teacher who taught several 8th grade classes English is still in the system, but except for one Eighth grade class is teaching 7th grade English. What a tremendous loss to our eighth grade students, but glad for our seventh grade students and the one eighth grade class she still has. I hope this is not going to push this teacher to leave the middle school, she is an excellent teacher, and would be a huge loss to our kids. This kind of move does not make me feel one bit secure that our students education is being considered by our current principal. Why would you take a good teacher and replace her classes with one who already did not succeed in that topic in a lower grade? Can she prepare our students for High School,or are they going to enter High school below the curve? Administration needs to take a look at issues like this and consider if they made a very wrong move in hiring Mrs. Annemarie Sargent as principal. How many more teachers will she drive out of the school before someone stops her.
I can add I heard it's all but mass confusion at CMS regarding schedules, teachers, heard its ever changing minute by minute of who is teaching what and who has what children on their schedules. Guess everyone will have a surprise tomorrow - Welcome to the first day of school. I am going to look real close at my childrens schedules, teachers they have and I want to know if things are changing and new classes I want to know what the curriculum is. I hope my children have that in hand tomorrow, but hearing like I said Confusion, Confusion, Confusion.
Heard another teacher has had her schedule changed also to teach something she is qualified for but has not taught in years. Sounds to me like Mrs. Sargent just plugged into Ipass scheduling and took what came out of it. But on a positive note I did hear that the teachers are upset but they will do whatever it takes to provide the children a good education. Did hear they have little faith in their principal, but are looking forward to Mr. Rouleau arriving to help bail things out. Looks like the teachers are going to be the key to the solution of the confusion some big personalities up their,some prior people who held department head positions when they existed that still believe they control the departments. That either needs to be stopped or we need to open the department head positions again, and we need to get some of the political old dept head out of those slots. Unfortunate confusion, and unfortunate it appears Mrs. Sargent took on more than she should have, but I do believe that the teachers will do the right thing and strive to educate our children.
My child came home today and stated it was hot, real hot in our classrooms in the middle school, said the teachers had fans running but it was still hot. I realize it is not air conditioned, but the teachers have to buy their own fans, to keep the classrooms cool. Another thing the teachers buy and pay for out of their own pockets,sometime I think the teachers get a bad rap.
Comment this morning in the item by Mrs. Annemarie Sargent , major insult to Mr. Vetros. I found it very wrong. I agree with others on this web page. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. To imply all teachers told her best first day in 20 years" is totally irresponsible. Walk around town and just speak to teachers at the middle school, they will be kind, they will be careful, but they won't tell you life is bliss up there. So sad she cannot admit the errors of her ways, she might actually succeed if she did. If the school succeeds now it will not be Mrs. Sargent who straigtened it out it will be Mr. Rouleau. She should not be allowed to hang onto his shirt strings and take the credit for what I am positive he will succeed at improving. I feel so let down and upset that the schools still do not hear the public.
I've been skimming on here...so much and not enough time. I have two children at CMS, one in 5th grade and another in 8th. My 8th grader is unhappy about having Mrs. Sargent as principle this year. How sad is it that a student is unhappy with the principle and how she does things? He's a kid who pays attention not just to his classes but also to what is going on with the school. ~Trisha
I am so sorry for your child, It is so frustrating as a parent to not get answers, or feel secure with the middle school. But to actually see this in print, that a good child,who pays attention, is unhappy and affected by all this confusion is so heartbreaking. I only wish I knew how to get Mr. Ingano to see we need him to step in and solve these matters. Our schools are there for the children, and when we know have children getting hurt,that has been allowed to go on way too long.
I do not disagree with the above, and I do not like having to sound negative, but just look at the comments on this page, they go on and on and on, but we have seen nothing in response from Mr. Ingano or the School Committee. Let me correct the little we have seen from Mr. Ingano basically makes excuses for everyone, and implies he is just keeping things status quo. Yes that is the easy way out but maybe not the right way UP ! Par for the course in Clinton - Yes- They do not want to face their issues up front and admit needs are there and maybe some bad choices have been made. But sooner or later you know that old saying "you can run, but you cannot hide" My gut tells me you are going to see a total uproar with the Clinton schools soon. People are going to kick and scream if things don't improve. and they will be right to do so. They will never see the money they need , and I do believe they need money, unless they face the problems, make some tough decisions, and move forward.
I do believe the school committee finally arrived at the middle school end of this week. Yes after school started, but whatever they showed up, I am understanding they took time to walk thru ,speak with staff, and listen for concerns and needs with the building. I am thrilled to see that was done, now my only hope is that they publish that indeed their are needs with repairs, student desks, up keep, cleanliness and I will be absolutely thrilled because it will finally say someone looked, someone cares, and someone is not afraid to say it like it is. Then maybe things can be improved.
Unfortunately, just knowing the repairs and maintainence are needed will not get it done. There needs to be funding to do it. Maybe if there are specifics an item on the warrant at town meeting could help supply the funding.
The new revolving schedule has double periods on assigned days for subjects. My concern my student referred to us that on their double class day for gym they were told by the computer lab teacher that they could skip the 2nd period of gym and go to her computer lab instead. Some of their friends also said they were told during some of their other double period classes on certain days they also could skip the last half and go to computer lab by the same person. This is a concern to me, if the schedule has assigned double periods, be it gym or any other class, should not the student stay in their double class for the double class assigned on their schedule? I advised that my child stay in their assigned class, and that unless their schedule is changed by administration, they are to skip nothing and go to computer lab unless that is their assigned class at that time. This concerns me , I did attempt to let this be known at the school. Just posting this as an fyi to other parents.
Did you receive a reply from the school? I am wondering why a teacher is telling students they can "skip" a class. Is there another class going on in the computer lab at the time or are the students skipping gym to just go sit in a classroom? Thank you for letting others know this is going on. I hope the school has an answer for you.
No I have no response yet, but I cannot believe they would ignore it. I also told my child to tell Mr. Rouleau or Mrs. Sargent. So hopefully the message got there. I don't know why the teacher would say that, No my child did not imply they would have a computer class, just that they could go there. I'm sure possibly the computer lab teacher would help with any computer issue they had, but no I did not get the impression it was a offerred class and that was an option given to the students by administration. Did not want to speak for other parents, but my childs friends said the same thing, and their impression is on any double class on that day or other days (can't remember exactly what day and periods they all said) that they could skip out of the 2nd half of the double , they all did not have gym, some had other subjects during that time. For my child they were told by me to stay in their assigned class for the entire double. Hopefully the school will address this and the students will know what they are to do. No purpose to double classes if they can just skip out to the computer lab.
I got a call from my friend and was told how this blog is a place to put concerns or questions regarding the schools. And that it's a sharing site for parents. She encouraged me to post a situation our family has had with the new revolving 7 and 8 grade schedules in Clinton Middle School. Our student has told us how he is in a class of 36 students. It is a major subject in our minds English related , hard to explain but with the new schedule there are two classes that both appear to be English related. I don't have the schedule in front of me right now but I think they are called Literature and Reading. Our immediate concern 36 students in your English class? That is alot of students in one class for one teacher for a major subject or any subject for that matter. My children have never had class sizes in the 30's before in the middle school, twenties yes but not 30's. I have not called the school because I want my child with this teacher and my child wants to stay with this teacher. I have had other children who have been in her classes and my children have had successful,productive years. In the past when I have called with similar concerns the best they can offer is normally they can move them but to other teachers and I do not want my child moved. I just wonder why only now with a revolving schedule institued we have classes of 36 children in one room with one teacher ?
I just read on this blog, a request to remove ART from the list of offerred things at CES. I did hear from my child that they went to ART in the 4th grade yesterday and they had no art teacher, but that Mr. Rouleau filled in, wondered why but thought maybe just a mix up or teacher was sick. My child had a great time with Mr. Rouleau. But I am concerned because I was told and I read on the discussion page that one of Mrs Sargents accomplishments was bringing back ART to middle school-I did hear that the teacher that remained at CES had not been told she would have grade 4 art also, but would be told day one of teachers coming back to school, but that Mrs. Sargent felt no problem the teacher would be fine with it and have to accept it. Oh how I hope this is not another no communication to teachers again and now we lost an ART teacher. Really hope I am wrong, but why are people saying take art off of CES and why did she not show at middle school yesterday? Anyway sounds like no ART in either school for whatever reason at least in the immediate future.
There is no art at CES....the teacher moved to another state and could not be replaced due to budget cuts. Not sure about CMS; maybe the teacher was out sick?
Open house tonight, I see meet the administration at 5:30PM that does not seem like enough time to answer all concerns. My one big question, I have a child that now has the revolving schedule-if I follow it then I do not get to meet every teacher my child has as they do not have all teachers everyday. Why don't they just have every 7 and 8 grade teacher in the cafe and have each present their curriculum and so forth? then if parents want to walk to classrooms let them. I really think and open forum considering this is a new schedule , should have been considered. Also maybe 4 5 6 should have been a different night as they do not have this revolving schedule and if you are a parent with children in both levels, who do you go to can't be two places at once. I am also so very upset that communication is lacking tremendously , its almost like administration either is ignoring questions, or hoping they just go away. Just look at the questions on this blog alone and the concerns people have and none are answered by administration to date. They are questions that should get answered to improve peoples faith in the middle school. Yes maybe some are uncomfortable for them to answer, like the first day of school quote, or over crowded classrooms , or teacher reassignments, or missing art teacher, confusion over schedules,children being told to ignore schedules and go to computer lab, building maintenance, but to let them go and not respond is worse than admitting errors have occurred. I do not doubt that Mrs. Sargent wants all to be terrific and issue free, and I believe she attempted it to be. But it is not and all I want is answers , honest answers, I do not want alot of pretty comments or ignored issues that do exist. I am sick of hearing people on this blog and other places called names,or constantly put down for bringing up things others feel are negative, I believe everyone cares,and just wants answers and improvement.
Could we please remember that this blog is entirely separate from other discussion boards "around town." It was started by a parent, with the intent to improve communication & give a place for parents to express thoughts, concerns, etc... Obviously, anyone can read it or comment on it, but I think the title "Parents Choose Clinton Schools" speaks to the intended audience for this blog. Also, I think the tone here has overall been less in the "name calling" arena than on other forums. I don't think we should assume that the same people are posting in both areas. Speaking for myself, I do occasionally read other forums, especially, if there is an issue I am trying to find out more information on. However, I have never commented on other boards, in part because I do not like the the tone of some of the posts I have seen. I don't think anyone should be put down for expressing their opinions but I do think we ALL could use a reminder sometimes to be a bit more civil. It is natural that we all get a bit passionate about these issues which concern our children. I have noted the most recent posts here seem to have a more respectful tone & I, for one, appreciate that. I think everyone can agree that we are not going to get anywhere with insults & fighting. Let's remember what we are here for.
Amy maybe your correct, title parents chose clinton schools. Maybe this forum should only be comments of why parents select to put their children in clinton schools and nothing else should be posted. It appears people felt it was ok to voice good and bad and I believe their attempts were honorable, maybe a little frustrated from time to time, but overall honorable. I think people saw it as finally an opportunity to be heard,in hopes of being heard and getting responses. I don't think people want to fight,I don't think people want to insult or be insulted. I just think people want answers. And they are not getting them, even when they call the schools. If the newsletters promised ,if communication became better and more open from the schools, you would see this blog could become, why parents chose clinton schools and I would bet most of it would be positive. I also understand why people like posting here, they have an outlet to vent without getting publically put down for asking a question. Long history in Clinton, go to a meeting speak a negative question or comment or put your name on a negative about the school or many other depts in Clinton and you will be immediately labeled a trouble maker.a complainer,someone not worth listening too. I thank you and respect your efforts
What is the capacity of the rooms in the middle school, can they safely accomodate 30 to 36 students ? Does that meet with fire safety specs? And why such a high teacher student ratio? I never remember classes in the middle school of 30 students and above?
Great question, rooms do not appear all that big in many parts of the middle school, how do you get 30 or 36 desk and chairs in those rooms and still keep the mandatory aisle clearances for exit. I have been in those rooms for many teacher parent conferences and they look crowded with 25 desk and chairs. Occupancy I believe is suppose to be posted also by each room or somewhere that answer should be. I am disappointed that it appears this post was early today -its a safety matter regarding our children. anyone know the answer without having to call the fire department to get it? Maybe the rooms are big enough but it concerns me also if exit for fire from the rooms was considered.
Well let me begin by saying I do not mean to imply this as a negative or positive comment, just a general overall observation of the current impression I am left with concerning the middle school. I do believe Mrs. Sargents intentions were sincere in wanting to produce change, but on the other hand what I saw was anxiety and unsure and occassionally stuck for response. Administration support was prevelant as would be expected. Mr. Rouleau very professional, appears well educated and capable. 7th and 8th grade revolving schedule, unfortunately it is what several have described confusing, over crowded classes and some with minimal students, Room sizes ,yes I understand fire safety concerns, the large size classes are very cramped ,aisle sizes are very small.I saw that even in some classrooms with 25 to 26 desks that is about the max for most rooms. That is a definite concern. Overall condition of the school, needs upgrades,efforts were clearly made, but honestly somethings could be corrected with minimal effort and some requires definite money. Teacher presentations were genuine and supportive of our students. Hard questions were presented to some teachers in the classes , and response from the teacher was professional and honest and showed a true,sincere effort to educate our students. I was impressed that even in over crowded classes the teacher response was that our student would be educated and prepared to succeed and they would put every effort into achieving that regardless of class size they were presented with. Questions were asked regarding are these schedules in stone,why are these classes so big, we heard from teachers, they could not answer those questions and referred us to Mrs. Sargent. Very politically correct answer. Not much in way of change in lower grades, appears status quo for the most part, with a few additions to support educational needs. Teachers also very supportive and professional presentations. Confusion was prevelant,even with parents regarding the revolving schedule,some classrooms had parents for two grades show up at the same time, how to proceed caused a bit of confusion from time to time. Large crowd showed up. I noticed parents seemed to want to observe for the most part. In closing I have to say problems do exist,I believe Mrs. Sargents efforts were genuine, but there are unfortunately many concerns and Mr. Ingano needs to take a deep breath,evaluate, and make some hard decisions. Our childrens education has to come first, no one is perfect, and everyone deserves a chance, but sometime things need readjustment and we need to face that we learn by mistakes,and these mistakes (not intended)require him to re-consider what is best for our children. Thank you I hope this is a fair and honest evaluation to help all parents.
open house eye opening experience. yes there are many things I see needing improvement, especially in communication and direction from the principal. Too bad actually she is a very nice person. Schedules are a mess,little to know notice of fixing anything regarding these. In fact its really too late now, but I would love to know if all of the 7 and 8 grade classes are at max capacity or if we have low number classes, or whats the scoop.
there are low number classes also. depends upon what grade you are looking at, and how the schedule was developed by the principal. who and what classes were affected with high #.
I would like to share an experience our family had regarding the PBIS program. PBIS is a good program in theory,and positive behavior encouraged is a good thing also. Our child is new to the program and excited to get Gotcha Gael tickets for their good behavior and respect to others. However, our child comes home daily excited if they received one,but yesterday asked us this question "why does the other class in my grade get gotcha gael tickets if one person does something good, the whole class gets a ticket" We only get one from our teacher if we do good. the other kids have alot of tickets and we only have a few. They stated "I need 75 tickets in order to go to the carnival at the end of the year" I will never get enough and the other class already has about 20 tickets or more,because they all get them and we don't. Will you give me $10.00 to go to the carnival if I don't have 75 tickets? My child wants to go to the store or wherever to use their tickets throughout the year and to have enough to participate, but they are worried and have seen as a child "how come everyone is not treated the same way" This in my opinion is an example of a good meaning program,but is an example of poor organization,and procedures to be followed by the entire teaching staff. Somehow everything you read lately, comes down to poor communication, planning, and organization. Many comments have been made on this site and others pro and con this program,and there is a little of truth in both opinions. I read it is highly supported by the administrator but I am worried, after our experience this program discourages students,sets up forms of jealously, confusion as to their behavior the child must independently show, when others get it as a class even if everyones behavior did not support the ticket. This example has nothing to do with new schedules,teacher moves,over crowded classes, but it's an eye opener to me that maybe people are correct in worrying about organization, communication, and ability to manage. I am very disappointed I was placed in the position of trying to explain, where my child should remain encouraged and continue to try (which I did encourage them to continue good behavior) I did tell them you try and if you do not get enough I will give you $10.00 to go to the carnival. And just simply had to say I will get this message to the school, but I don't know right now if I feel its going to get heard or managed. Seems like some of the things I have read , this kind of problem with this program is not something new. I can only hope the program is either eliminated or the lack of organization and procedure is repaired. I believe all intentions are well meaningful but things seem quite disorganized.
Oh we have had the same type of unequal distribution for many years with our children since this program began. I think it creates alot of problems and favoritism and resentment among the children.
Agreed - good concept in theory; but in reality not so effective especially for the older students. Children should be taught to behave properly and try their best because it is the right thing to do and not becuase of rewards.
My three kids...oldest has 1, middle has 12 and youngest has 24. My oldest is my best student, is generous and kind and at Open House she was praised for being a "conscientious student" and she "is excited about learning".
How as a parent am I supposed to explain this inequality?
Exactly, through the years of my children being in this program, that is exactly what has been going on. It is a very unequal program. There is no good explanation , but don't try to say anything to the principal or the two or three teachers that run that program, you will be considered a trouble maker, Look at what happenned to people that thought the principal should have focused on the schedules, and not a PBIS BBQ first, they were considered complainers, I just don't get it why priorities seem wrong in the middle school. I remember an incident last year where the older kids were told they would not be able to go to the carnival at years end. So they used whatever tickets they had prior, then the principal said oh yes they can go, but few if none had tickets, BIG mess, kids upset, teachers upset, End result older kids could go without tickets. What a MESS. I have watched for years and my conclusion unfortunately is that even when Mrs. Sargent was vice principal, she focused on behavior, and reward systems. She is big on PBIS, I heard and lived through situations where poor behavior deserved suspension, and detentions, and the excuse I got for that not being done was You need to understand, that child just had a BAD DAY and they are sorry, I spoke with them. Or you get that child has alot of issues they did not mean it. Honestly I gave up, Mrs. Sargent is nice, kind, and sincere, but she just does not believe children have to have consequences for poor behavior, and to just say BAD DAY or Has issues, or poor home environment, does not cut it. the program should be eliminated.
Maybe it just need re-design. Theory is good,but seems reward process is the problem. Maybe they should consider "weekly or monthly themes" Class with the best attendence record gets something special. Or class with the least detentions. They could do this for each grade level. Creates a little peer pressure and competition. Teaches students to work together as a group.
Incentive program is a good idea, but by the time you get to 4 5 6 7 and 8 grade, you should know the rules, expect to follow them and should not need rewards.
Whatever happened to this world. Rewards are not given out in the adult world for good respectful behavior,or for following rules, or being responsible. So now we raise our children to expect rewards for the above? Although on a bright spot, my child told me they had a meeting with Mr. Rouleau and he said you must follow the rules,or basically accept the consequences of not following them. Now that is encouraging! But I would bet he will get alot of flack from some parents for trying to enforce that. Good Luck, Great Idea.
Things are going to take time to fix, that is the sad part, we can only hope the students do not suffer educationally. Mistake was attempting to change so much all at the same time, All we can hope for is administration admits their mistakes, takes accountability for them, and communicates to us how they resolved them. Mr. Rouleau is there now and with his expertise I am hopefully he can make a difference.
Problem is simple if you look at everything being said here. We have a new principal, she took on too much, so things got halfway done and confusion was created, anger was created. Solution: Mrs. Sargent needs to take a deep breath, LOOK at the situation, LISTEN to the negatives and positives coming from people. HEAR people, teachers, parents some negative feedback is happenning but situations do actually exist -you cannot just want to hear the good things. All just want improvement and things that need readjustment or repair worked on. The biggest favor she could do for herself and the students is to accept things did not go so well, accept help from the vice principal, teachers, and parents and the public. Admit to herself these problems exist, before we lose children to school choice, teachers to other districts, and lack of fiscal support from the people of the town continues. I came to this final thought when my child came home yesterday and said they had a 9/11 moment of silence and Mrs. Sargent read something about the attacks, and said during her speech there were 11 (eleven) terrorist attacks on the USA on 9/11 in 3 different parts of the USA. I called other parents to confirm all children heard the same thing and all confirmed it. Not an intention statement I am sure of Mrs. Sargents, but a true sign that she is overwhelmed and too much on her plate. Time to take a moment and reflect.
On a good note the teachers must have had the rooms controlled, and the children's listening skills were alive and well. At least the children new something was wrong with that statement of 11 attacks.
Everything I read here, says Mrs. Sargent's attempts were well meaning,and an effort to change for the better. But maybe too much too quickly. Agree it might be time to accept some help. Talk with her staff and other administrators and see what the problems are. No shame in that.
Alot of things posted 98 entries, but really no responses from administration. Saw some responses from Mr. Ingano on this blog, but they don't answer these posts. Oversized classes still exist(which he denied any class over 35 existed) that is incorrect ,rooms without enough chairs in class do also exist,fire safety (that is definitely been ignored ) new schedule questions,appears maybe we also have inconsistent student schedules also going on. PBIS questions regarding equality of the program. Web site updates -really have been none on CMS site. Lack of communication to teachers and parents continues, anger is building daily because of this. You consistently read people want answers,they do not want sweet talk, they know things exist. People get accused of picking on Mrs. Sargent,by some on this site,Some say give her time,time is fine if your communicated to they admit the problem and how they are working on it, but you hear nothing. Some are depending upon Mr. Rouleau, he can only do what he is asked to do by his boss, Mrs. Sargent. Saw Mr. Ingano state class sizes due to loss of 5 teachers in the middle school, (he never backed up when people questioned -what 5 teachers in the middle school?)these things are posted over and over again asking for response. Saw we deserve this the taxpayers, and prison atmosphere is ok and what we get. I am appauled,disappointed, and ashamed that administration apparently thinks no one is concerned or knowledgable enough to deserve answers. Or have taken the attitude or just ignore it, it will go away, people will get sick of asking. To me it seems like Administration are the ones who do not want or like change.
Look at the discussion page, another person asking web page updates would be nice. Explain the revolving schedule would be nice. No notice that homerooms were reinstated this week in grade 7 and 8. PBIS fundraiser at McDonalds, Everything is LACK OF COMMUNICATION ! and lack of responsible organization and sorry but lack of leadership. I can address homerooms reinstitued, answer I received. there was such confusion created by the new revolving schedule, the system wasn't capturing attendence of students by the process set forth by Mrs. Sargent in how to achieve this. so hence back to homerooms to achieve the necessary attendence records. Oh but there is no confusion or disorganization.It's all the computers fault. No it's administrations fault for not testing this first. Someone way back stated administration didn't know what students were where because the schedule was in chaos. (guess that was right way back when and continues. FYI PBIS McDonalds fundraiser and magazine fundraiser were both instituted on the same day at the middle school (wasn't that nice -we are all so rich these days!) Revolving schedule all I can offer is they rotate on a seven day schedule,its confusing ,some of my childs friends in the same grade have more days of some subjects then they do. I don't understand that. It never evens out. Some have open slots,for study, some don't. Some have 3 days of a class subject, some have 4,5,6 days of that same subject. How does that even out? Never can seem to obtain an answer to that one. If all students do not receive the same amount of class time , in the same subject area how is that going to play out with equal educational opportunities? and how does that affect their MCAS scores this year. they do not have the same opportunity for success. I have asked about this,I feel bad actually because all the teachers and staff can tell me is, the issue has been brought to Mrs. Sargents attention. They will give my child the best education they can and place all their effort into doing so. All I get from administration is We are working on it basically,if you go higher up you get it will all work out in time. Watch everyone will be happy by mid-year. Meantime our children suffer because of lack of organization. Reflecting upon the above post, it's correct, change would be honest communication from administration, and your not seeing it. I don't see the public,parents, or teachers refusing change or communication to the administration. I have attempted to help out by offerring what I understand the revolving schedule to be, but it's terribly confusing to explain, and even more confusing to figure out how come all students do not have equal class subject time. I am very worried for our children.
Didn't quite know where to post under what topic,but noticed another discussion page comment posted response from the person was its a work in progress,must support to succeed,what can I do to help,instead of why was it not done. Knocking someone they get EXHAUSTED. I believe everyone on this site is supporting their childs needs,teachers,and administration also. I believe they are trying to help. Yes it's too bad so many things are in a state of confusion. but the Children,parents,teachers did not get it that way. Administration cannot keep ignoring things, Saw a post earlier about a child who is unhappy and is a good child, one who pays attention. Things should have never been allowed to get this bad, when you have parents now stating good children are being affected , NO CHILD should be affected in any bad or anxiety produced manner. The persons comment implying administration becomes exhausted. I am sure its a tough job, I am sure many hours are being spent by Mrs. Sargent. But in my job you wear many hats, might now like it, but thats the job. You step up and figure it out, You get tired yes. But that's not an excuse. If you get to the breaking point of exhaustion you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself, did I take on too much, can I succeed, or should I for the benefit of myself and the children leave this to someone else. I am not asking Mrs. Sargent to leave. I am asking now that Children are being affected not only educationally,but emotionally also Time for MR Ingano to step up and admit the middle school needs guidance to dig out of these matters. As superintendent of schools he has a tough job also, there are moments I am sure he would rather ignore, or hope will resolve themselves, but it's clear now with over 100 post just on the middle school alone, all parent,and people can't be wrong. It's gone on for multiple weeks and its not getting any better. So Mr. Ingano please do the right thing for the children. I know it's hard, but you need to step in, the time has come.
Agree this cannot continue. Mrs. Sargent at the point of exhaustion. Nothing getting better. Administration is in a denial stage and they need to accept things are not good and the idea isn't working at this time. Two options as I see it Get it fixed now and continue with the plan, or scrap it and start over, But you need to do something. Always giving excuses, and asking everyone to wait isn't fair to the kids.
I agree, nobody wants things to fail,but everyone just wants things to improve. No one wishes harm on Mrs. Sargent or illness due to exhaustion. Just send someone in their to help decide what is best for the children right now.
This AM Item, not a mention of anything except business manager hire, One thing I did appreciate was comment that at least Mr. Gale said he needed help -I can respect that. Disappointed that no mention of middle school issues were being addressed. Hopefully they are. Read on discussion page about the newly instituted CMS facebook that was developed by parent volunteer, Mrs. Sargent and SOME teachers. That is a very risky way to communicate, and it states just for middle school parents, that's not even American -all people have rights and freedoms and the schools are all important. I hope they realize the main web page is the place to go with information, and honestly I believe this blog is a good communication tool, if administration read it and followed up on things, it allows all parents and opportunity in all schools. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate any and all efforts of any parent volunteer. I just disagree the communication method should be facebook. Also saw it is continuing that people are being accussed of picking on Mrs. Sargent, that no good deed gets respected or something on that line. I do not believe because people identify concerns, ask questions, and disagree that that is a attack on Mrs. Sargent. Upsetting to see peoples opinions unwanted again and again. I believe what is wrong is that everyone is not allowed to work together, that the click must stop and others must feel welcome. We need to think about our children first and for most.
I would be concerned as to the schools liability using facebook, schools are obligated to report, identify issues. If someone post something that is in that criteria, then who is reporting this? I also disagree method should be Facebook. Should as quickly as possible get the CMS web page up to date. I also agree the comment stating that facebook page does not focus on CES where Carrie child is, is a complete insult Carrie and any other parent whose child is in Clinton Schools needs to be concerned and able to obtain information about all the schools, so they can plan their childs future.
I know there have been some comments that Laura's comment above was meant to be an attack at me, but it's not. She was responding to my comment when I asked "there's a facebook page?" and some one else responded "ha, ha, ha, that's exactly what I mean".
Laura was just saying that there was no way I could know about it, because my kids aren't in CMS. And she's right that the announcements wouldn't be relevant to me, because they are announcements for the middle school.
Laura and I are friendly, and I don't take her comment in any bad way whatsoever.
These are some of the statements on the discussion page:The Facebook Group is for Clinton MIddle School families so that current information/announcements can be passed along. It is monitored by a volunteer from the CMS volunteer program. It was an idea that was presented to Mrs. Sargent and some teachers as a way to post announcements and relay information until they figured out who would be responsible for the CMS website Cass1 is a parent with children not at CMS so she would not be aware of this group. Her children are at CES so the announcements are not relevant to her. Evaluating this statement: Stictly for middle school families. (limits all concerned parents or public to gain information) Method of communication agreed upon by Mrs. Sargent, and some teachers, monitored by cms volunteer-Appears (hopefully I am wrong) the school participates, promotes it as a communication site, then they hold liability and responsibility (is there a policy posted anywhere regarding this use at CMS) Stating Cass1 is a parent at CES so she would not be aware so notices are not relevant to her, (thats not fair, many people participate in events at the middle school, not just middle school parents). Have to somewhat agree with some of the above feelings, appears you need to be part of the correct circle, also many parents do not have the ability to be on facebook. Best solution, Get the School Web Page updated and use that as your main web page tool.
this is an example once again of Mrs. Sargents unexperience -institues new things, but doesn't totally check them out before initiating them. First the Revolving Schedules, now Facebook, This is unfortunately her biggest mistake. Do not do new things until you have utilized every method of checking things out first. No one denys anyone can make mistakes, but please stop trying to be everyones friend and please ask for help, and please learn by your mistakes. Our Children are important. Your a very nice person, but the limitations of only certain people are welcome as is implied on the facebook comment -makes you appear you also are limiting who sees and knows what. I honestly doubt that was your intention, but that is why I say please please take a moment and evaluate first.
Any information on where things stand with big classes 36 or how the children are all going to get the same time in all subjects with the new revolving schedule? I am very interested. It needs to be corrected,I would think you have to give all children the same amount of education time in a subject. I also think 36 students in a class with room sizes as they are is a fire safety concern. Sounds like this new schedule probably required more teachers than we have , I hope not, we do not have money to hire anymore teachers.
Facebook page not good for school communication. Web page sponsored and maintained by administrators of the schools is best. I observe the problem to be nice well meaning volunteers running the facebook page,but there is your problem. They are not employed by the school, the administrator (principal is not overseeing it and there is really no way to state what and what not is on a facebook page.)and as noted on the earlier post these well meaning volunteers are maybe posting and speaking too much on topics best left to the principal. If you want to be on the parent volunteer group, then yes you contact whomever is the proper person on that group. But if you have questions about a school sponsored or school related question it is best asked of the principal or authorized person at the school. No offense to anyone, everyones efforts are appreciated. All parents, public or interested party should have the right to view any public site, all parents should be involved in learning about how every school in Clinton functions, that is their childs future if they remain in public schools. All friendships aside, if CMS has a facebook page, then it should be easily accessible to all and people should have been able to know of its existance -everyone does not have the ability to go to school committee meetings, or be a parent volunteer. It is a nice thoughtful thing to have offerred ,but It is way to much of a risk in my opinion.
I'd like this answer also. I don't want my child missing out on the same number of classes, or being changed from their current teacher. They like their teacher, I like their teacher, I hope there is a way to solve the problem without the students being hurt.
If your not offended then that is all that matters. Statement explained. Your blog covers all schools, all can view and post. Why not work together and use this blog instead of Facebook. Work with the school to get their web page updated and current. then this can be a conversation communication question and answer site. School administration could follow and answer questions. and School postings, and so forth could be on their web page. then parents or anyone could all be aware of all the information the school has to offer.
I guess I need to reply and clarify- it was my idea for the Facebook page as I have used Facebook groups for other things and wanted to get the word out about events for CMS. The idea was presented at a meeting as a way to get information out there as we were waiting to get the website updated. Mrs. Sargent brought it to school committee and it was approved. Just trying to find solutions and trying to create change and give people the information that they need. Facebook was chosen because a lot of people get the alerts on their phone. Aware that people work and phones are off for the day, thought that getting the update would help. This page was not meant to exclude just to present announcements about calendar items at CMS. Carrie would not know about the page but if she wanted to be on it she could. I am friendly with Carrie and it was in no way a slight or trying to be negative. I think getting out ideas and opinions is good and if creates solutions than all the better.
I am also up for creating an email group for all parents to send out information or updates. Think a weekly news blast to parents is a great idea or a weekly update from administration. Think communication is key so parents do know what is happening and going on.
Parents also have to feel that they can voice the negative without repercussions. All opinions should be heard whether you agree or disagree with policies or each other. All should be able to present their opinions and/or ideas and feel as though they are heard. I do not know if school committee or administration reads this but I sent an email to the school committee to take a look at this blog to see how parents are feeling.
Laura your efforts are honorable and appreciated. But parents who have children in school should or normally would leave their phones on so if their child got sick they could be notified. Or they have left a first call number with the school. I think the Newsletter Mr. Ingano promised earlier on this page is the way to go,that can easily be posted on the school web page. I believe the School web page is the communication tool for notices or Connect-ED calls. I do however feel the connect ED calls should go out to all listed on the students profile, as many children go to babysitters,or grandparents,neighbors after and before school, I have seen instances where only the parents got that call and the children were with someone else or children have missed events because the person caring for them did not get the call,early release for snow, no school and so forth. email list update,I feel that is the responsibility of the school,if parents want email notices then the school should send them, but not every parent wants email notices either. I agree with you communication is the key,but the school should be the communicator. It's been awhile since they promised updated school web page. your enthusiasm is appreciated. But honestly it's time for the school to get better organized.Many will disagree with me, but we have office personnel,administrators,teachers, and many more employed by the schools, that could be trained to post on the web page. After approval of the principal or her designee. Once again your kindness and willingness to help is respected.
Totally see your point and the points of others. Think an updated website with all announcements, information, etc. is key and one stop communication and accurate information. Think the newsletter is also a good idea and hope it happens.
For the past couple of months I have been reading this blog. Those of you who fly by 'anonymous' sure have alot to say. I feel you are perpetually disgruntled and would not be content even if our schools were utopian. You are cowards sitting at home in the dark, afraid to come out and speak to other adults and have an open exchange. Would you be willing to come to an open parent forum where you could voice your gripes like a grown-up? I see you have alot of criticisms, do you have any solutions? Doubt it. I think you're haters and if you want to dispute that I'd be happy to meet you in front of Town Hall, out in the open to discuss it in public. Are you game?
Oh my! Such a harsh comment, anyone that goes on this blog is a coward if they post anonymous? Cowards sitting at home in the dark afraid to speak to other adults openly? Mary I for one address each and every concern to the proper sources ,I attend all school events, I assist whenever possible. I don't think anyone who post on this blog deserves such attacks. Attacks like this I have seen on the discussion page, and now on this blog. And you wonder why people don't want to publically post their names, it's like an old time western movie, watch out the possy is coming after you! If you don't agree with some or you post an issue, your the bad guy and its not true , a slam at the principal, maybe alot of what is said here is honestly occurring. sad but true. I don't condemn you.I am not unwilling to accept your concerns or praises. But I do understand why no one feels safe in posting their names, this is a clear example of why they don't. Meet you on the steps of the town hall and openly discuss. sounds like you want to put on a public display -are people game? Wow !
Mary (who?) you are very harsh in your above comment, People are dissatisfied, yes many are CONCERNED and many are attempting to NOTIFY OTHER PARENTS of things that may help them also. I also see comments giving credit to the schools. I see volunteers serving the schools. I find nothing wrong in those efforts to help others. You may not like that their are things within the middle school right now that are of true concern. But life is not always pretty, I can sincerely understand why people in Clinton do not want to even try anymore to help improve, because they will get slammed into the ground,by those who only want to give excuses and blame others for trying to bring things to light so they can be fixed. I would like to hear your positives and if you have any concerns with the middle school presently. Instead of posting comments that just pick a fight and insult others.
I can't help but sit and shake my head over what I have read here. The incessant whining over being attacked, being called a coward, harsh words when in fact that is all you have posted time and again directed at the schools and administrators! It's only so "anonymous" writing style is a dead giveaway. My question is this, when did it become about you?? Who cares if someone disagrees with you? This is, and only should be, about the students and the schools. I keep hearing about how the positive people don't allow you to speak and if you don't agree you get attacked, there are 5, count them, FIVE people out of all the posts on here that are posting positively and using their names. And if you go and read all of those posts, the one thing they share is this: "Get off the blogs, and bring your concerns to the proper forum." That's not attacking you, that's the best advice ever! Your voices and concerns are not going to be heard and addressed on a blog. The insanity this has become has caused administrators to avoid them like the plague. No different than celebrities avoiding the tabloids. Now, I attended the CMS Open House, as well as all 4 of the CES Open Houses, and I also attend the school committee meetings. I have yet to hear anyone question administrators. If the problems are as dire as you claim, why aren't people coming out in droves to protest, to question, to call them out? It makes no sense! So for myself, and at this point I would bet many others, your concerns and complaints will be written off as personal, petty, and unfounded. If it's not important enough to address to the actual schools, it's not enough for me to care about. I truly do hope that you'll prove me wrong, I actually want you to. If you feel that strongly about this and the problems are that great, then as a parent, community member, decent person, it is your responsibility to do something about it...not just cry on a blog.
I have written on this blog before and I have asked questions and shared my knowledge and expiriences in hopes to better understand what is going on at CMS. I work days and nights. I am trying to support my children the best I can. I went to the CMS Open House. I have kids in multiple grades and was not able to be in all places. But I did hear parents ask many of these questions mentioned here and I spoke directly with Mrs. Sargent about my concerns.
People are asking. I am not able to attend School Committee meetings but I try to watch them all on tv. Another thing I wish they would post the times on the website so I could watch them all. Why doesn't the SC ask some questions? You would have to live in another town to have not heard someone talk about CMS lately. I voted for them to represent me and for them to look out for my children.
Thank you, Alexis...one for posting with your name and two for actually putting the effort forth to speak to administration. That's all that's being asked here.
The one thing I do not agree with is the expectation and sense of entitlement peoe seem to have that administration should address grumblings on a blog that is in no way affiliated with the school district. The administrators all have email addresses and phone numbers that are supplied by the district, as well as open door policies. This isn't an only means to be heard scenario, there are more acceptable channels, that you yourself admit to using. I have to assume that they responded to you, answered the questions you brought to them?
I voted for the school committee members as well, and I have faith that they will look out for the best interest of my children. I feel confident they will address any concerns brought to them, but not for a second do I expect them to go house to house knocking on doors looking for the problems.
If this blog was being used for what I believe Carrie's intent was, then I would support it 100%, which I did at the start, but what it's turned into saddens me greatly.
Exactly! I honestly hesitate right now to post but it's worth the effort. I just saw on the discussion page, another attack basically telling a person who asked a question and offered a suggestion, get basically told they are not a good parent because they for whatever reason could not attend open house and simply requested web page updates. They offered the suggestion of departments updating the page, not the principal. but they got accused of asking the principal to update it. They did not ask to be spoon-fed but got accussed of that. To just make a point, here is an example of a department or rather a stipend job that teachers or paras apply for and get money to do, class advisor in the 8th grade, two teachers own this position, both get stipend, not alot but they do get money. I do not find it unfair to ask those TWO people to post on the school web page, any information that may be necessary regarding 8th grade activities , fundraisers, and so forth. that is a job other than their teaching positions they elected to apply for. And it is not unfair to ask that if time need be devoted other than during their teaching job, which they are getting paid for, they post on the web after school day is done. Communication is through paper for the most part from what I receive, it takes few moments to post on a web page. and is alot more cost effective. Athletic page, that is the athletic depts problem in my opinion -so I do not find that unrealistic either. We used to see weekly athletic directors column announcements in the ITEM -we do not get those now either. So that is a extra paid job also, not included in a teacher salary. So why not expect that communication on the web page posted by them, there are TWO of them also. Access to web pages can be monitored and access can be adjusted to just select pages. So security is not an issue. I feel in things like PBIS or other fundraising or social events, those are usually teams of people organizing this, so whomever is chair of that should be able to post those notices on the web page. If you obligate to be a team member of these things, then it is not unfair to ask them to elect someone to post information. Administrative help there are TWO secretaries, to ask for maybe an hour or two a week to update is not unrealistic either. Just develop the web site to have specific pages, and access to post as necessary. Main page, is easily limited to administration -which I am sure the assistant principal could help out with some of that also. the principals invovlement in my opinion is to just establish, oversee, and minimally requires her to post. Just felt I needed to state there are ways to have other people post and no one asked the principal to be the one and only main person. I do not feel in the above situations, there is not the staff to do it. I personally think it was a good suggestion.
I fully appreciate what you're saying, but it's not as cut and dried as that. The principals and/or superintendent can't just one day say, it is now your responsibility to update and or maintain the website. I understand that's what it seems like from the outside. But the reason teachers and staff have contracts and unions is to protect them from things like that. You can't just add new responsibilities to a teacher or secretary without negotiations...so while it sounds great in theory, it's not so easily done.
I do understand teachers and administrative help are union. But the advisors are communicating now via paper, so you are really not asking anything more, just a change in method. (I can't believe contract states must communicate only by paper) athletic directors -I would bet in contract it states responsible for communication, and so forth, secretaries, can't believe their contract doesn't state something similar, like support the needs of administration. I can't be positive but most contracts have general statements, I find it hard that contract would state, specific communications methods. Guess we need to see what these job responsibilties state. If not then negotiate it now. I don't think there is a valid new contract established, I think they are working at least the teachers on an old one right now.-but not absolutely positive. Might now be easy, but it's worth a try. Thanks
Perspective can be a useful tool. Consider the socio-economic level of Clinton. We are a poor town with a low median income and low taxes. Towns like Wayland and Acton with high taxes and high incomes attract and even recruit the 'cream of the crop' of teachers. So, what are we left with here in Clinton? We are closer to the status of Lawrence. Our schools are staffed with mostly local, well meaning people whose only academic experience is this tiny school district. Most of them were educated in the same colleges by the same instructors. I believe most of these people are well meaning, after all, they're personally invested; these are THEIR children too. These are your relatives and neighbors. So, where does that leave us? As parents we must not be polarized. Consider what all that negativity models for our children. Don't we want to be better than that? Times have changed and we must change with them. You're not going to get everything you ask for and change is slow. Pick your battles carefully and bring them to the right forum. All of this "I heard" and "somebody told me", "getting bashed into the ground" nonsense is just that, NONSENSE. It sounds like childish gossip and whining. Just a warning, some of the 'anon' posts border on slander and may be prosecutable cyber-bullying.
As a professional with an advanced degree and parent of 2 Honors students at CPS, I cannot complain. You get what you pay for! There are some outstanding teachers in the school system, just like any other district. Teachers who choose to begin careers and who decide to stay at CPS are not among the highest paid, certainly, and from my experience they work hard and mean well. The best professional development, technology and cutting-edge methods...likely not. Back to the money problem. Most people in town seem to think that 40K is a lot of money because for them it is, but in reality our teachers' salaries and the school budget are among the very lowest in the state. Given the growing class sizes, schools forced to run on a shoestring, and outdated technology, I just don't know what people expect. Yes, the schools should remain flexible and open to feedback, and there are some easy fixes to such problems as poor communication and outreach. But please remember, you get what you pay (and vote) for.
Decided to post this information, only as an informative statement, and nothing more in it's meaning. My childs class was informed that their entire class will be getting a new teacher for one of their English related subjects, so they can all get the same amount of days in this subject throughout their grade level. Guess we should be thankful this was finally looked at and something is being done.Sorry this happenned but glad somehow the matter of questions surrounding the new revolving schedule were addressed and the money found to hire in another teacher to alleviate the problem. My child liked his prior teacher as did I. It's a tough thing to explain and accept, but at least the matter was heard and attempts to correct it are being made.
My daughter has also been affected by this change, She now has the newly hired part time teacher also. Reason I was given was new schedule only accomodated 3 days of Reading, which is in my opinion Grammar,for most of the 7th grade class, they were able to arrange 6 days for some but there was no way to keep the students with their current teacher and obtain 6 days for them. It involved around 45-50 students that had to be moved to this new hired teacher. Others were left with their current teacher and now also get 6 days. Unfortunate it took so long to repair the matter. Only issue I take with this is communication would have been appreciated at the beginning of school alerting me to this concern.
MCAS results, not so great,average but could use improvement. Some are very good. But I noted children coming from CES 3rd grade into 4th at CMS they only have around 56% English and 52% Math of students that are advanced or proficient entering 4th grade. Looks like when they reach 4th grade teachers are having to get the students up to speed,consequently carrys into every grade after that.
I have only briefly looked at the MCAS results, but I noted there is a pretty big difference in the % of failing students, as well as advanced students in the high school group vs both the elementary & middle school. For example, MCAS Math, all grades at CES warning/failure is 18%, CMS is 20% (8th grade is 27%) and CHS-10th grade is 3%. For Math Advanced CES=16%, CMS=15%, and CHS=42%. So, looks like similar #'s for elementary and middle and a big change for high school. Wonder what that means? Is this same group of kids, 1/4 of whom are failing in 8th grade, making up that big of a difference by the time they are in 10th grade & tested again? My oldest child is in 5th grade, so I have no experience with the tests in the older grades. Is the teaching style/test preparation different in grades 9 & 10, accounting for this change? Is the "scale" of the grading on the state level different? (I have heard this hypothesis in the past). Do students take it more seriously? Does the demographic make up of the grade levels differ? Maybe I am looking at the numbers wrong. I just found it interesting that the year the test counts for graduation (10th grade) the numbers are so different. Wondering if others have thoughts on this. What is happening in grades 9 & 10 that is not happening in 3-8? Is there something we could learn that would help the younger students, or is this purely a statistical/number thing? This, of course, does not change the ranking of Clinton vs other towns in the Commonwealth, which is a whole different topic.
10th grad MCAS is easier to pass. Not the questions, but the way that they score them. It has been this way for many years. There was discussion about it at a School Committee meeting with Mr. Vetros last year.
Middle School MCAS you must consider the number of children in special ed or non english speaking students in each individual class as they are required to take the same test.Some classes have large numbers of children with special/resource needs. So naturally those scores would be less,but percentage growth could have increased from year to year. Format of test requirements is different from year to year for specific grades. However the percentage from CES of proficient and advanced is not encouraging ,we need to look at the beginning and see if we can improve there also. By the time the children to to High School, you lose several to other schools, which decreases the number of students taking the exam in High School, children go to Assabet, or other high schools. So we must take a look at what children in what circumstances were not proficient or failed at all our schools.
Can anyone tell me why my child has had a substitute for teachers to go on a trip to see where they can additionally stop on their washington dc trip? Isn't that a waste of my childs education time? Should not that trip have been already in place? My opinion but I found that totally wrong when my child told me they had a sub, because the teacher was looking for stops on the way to DC. My child seems to have had alot of subs early on this year -WHY? I realize teachers have sick time and so forth, but why is time being given for social planning?
Is anyone else finding their kids sick more then usual? My oldest who is in 8th grade this year has missed 3 days already and today will make 4. Do they disinfect the school during the summer? At the end of each day? this is just crazy! I'm nervous he's going to miss the Washington D.C trip since he keeps getting sick.
When are middle school progress reports due out. Web page says 10/18/12 but if you click in it says yesterday 10/01/12. I thought it was this week something like this Friday.
Is anyone finding they are being asked constantly for money for fundraising events at the middle school since start of school and prior actually. First the money request to attend the PBIS back to school bash, then Gold cards for the Band, then tickets for a spaghetti supper for 8th grade, a magazine drive, Mcdonalds, PBIS fundraiser, Now $2 from every child for a class basket for the PBIS craft fair in November or an item for it, also the child must contribute also depending upon grade, a cake along with the money of $2 bake goods for the bake sale table, a gift card donation. That's alot of money requested since school start to provide social events and then you get fundraising for PTA along with it. Seems excessive all at the same time, I have spent $400 to date on just these fundraiser request. and they are all for supplying the children with social activities. We could have a real estate tax hike and be paying less than that a year and the money would be going to our childrens education needs. I have nothing against social fun but this in my opinion is excessive fundraising. Parents are also paying for Washington DC trip ,I wish the school would focus on education needs a little more, instead of putting so much effort into always fundraising for PBIS. Getting a little hard to keep getting money together to support all these things. also have to contribute something for the scare crow each class is building to be displayed at the school, for the PBIS craft fair.
I read that as a mandatory request also of $2 or an appropriate item worth $2 plus your grade level mandatory request of cake, or bake goods or gift card whatever grade your child is in. In my case my child does not even know the theme of their basket and were told money needed to be in this past week. So we had to come up with the money we had no other option.
I agree, that a great deal of money is being requested but let's look at reality. Outside programs (trips such as Washington DC) or basic end of the year field trips are expensive. The DC trip costs about 70-80 thousand dollars to run but the children get to be part of our history instead of just reading about it. We could be like the high school and charge dues to every child every year ($100-150) and if you do not pay, you do not play or we can fundraise and earn 40-50% of the profits. We as parents always have the option of donating instead of fundraising. I have started this process instead of selling. Everyone knows education costs $ but no one wants to pay!
Fundraising for activities is fine within limits, but there are several school fundraisers all going on at the same time, couldn't they be spread apart some? The mandatory one for the PBIS fall festival really upsets me, not everyone has the money to support those kinds of mandatory request. Voluntarily give is fine, but I object to it being madatory.
I am not donating to the Fall Fair. I cannot afford it. I really hope the teachers do not pressure my children about it. My children don't have money to buy cakes and gift cards.
I would rather just send $ for my children to participate in a field trip or event. I work two jobs and my husband works 50 hours a week. Neither of us have had a raise in many years. We are out of money and I can't support fundraisers when I need to support my family.
Many parents are in this same position, might be a good idea to limit the fundraising and evaluate another approach, such as dues or pay as you go for trips as stated above. Example the Washington DC trip is around $800 per child. Money off for fundraising brought in by the individual child but your still asking the parent and family members to buy the fundraising articles -so it's really not beneficial to the parents or the family, they are paying $800 anyway. And then your child needs money for extras and food for the trip that is not provided so that is at least another $50 or $100 total of about $900 for DC trip, in todays econony that is alot of money, trip is nice, but way too expensive and leaves alot of kids out of the trip. And on top of it some of the fundraising money is paying for the administrator, nurse, teachers and other chaperones that go on this trip. So your taking away about 6 or so $800 ($4800) out of that fundraising to pay for the required adults, then you get the decisions made if extra money is available of what child gets a free trip or money to pay off their trip. I often wonder who decides who is the most needy child in that situation.? I honestly feel this PBIS program is asking way to much of parents. The pressure on the children and family to produce what is required is not appropriate. On top of it we received another fundraiser request yesterday , Now they want us to buy tupperware for a middle school fundraiser. Next it will be a thanksgiving one and then the Christmas wreaths and plants. Enough already!
I will not buy the Tupperware! That is a parent who is making money off of the school and it should not have been allowed at CES either. She donates a portion of the money back to the schools, but she is still getting paid. It is a racket! All of the fundraisers are but this is simply a woman trying to get more business for herself.
I have some leaves in my yard I could sell. I'll donate a portion of the proceeds to the school. Why not? It's for the kids.
I would like to see when fundraisers are promoted what exactly are the proceeds of these fundraisers purchasing? You hear field trips for example, or to cut related cost for DC trip, or cut cost for 8th grade graduation, or PBIS related events. For once I would like to see the total of proceeds from the fundraiser and exactly who decided and what got decided where the money went. Is one grade benefiting more than others? Are we paying cost of transportation for buses and still charging fees to go on these trips? Are we including all children or just some? PBIS money goes exactly where? All these 8th grade fundraisers pay for what? A yearbook? A dance? and what? If 8th grade requires money every year then have 8th grade pay dues or 7 and 8 grade pay dues.Then some of these fundraisers could be eliminated. Another recent example of students being required to donate to a fundraiser on top of selling tickets to the 8th grade pasta supper, each student has been asked to provide pastry for the supper, and on top of it they are required to submit cookies,brownies, they were told absolutely no cupcakes, cakes. Wow - asking for pastry and having the nerve to demand what pastry. this is really going too far in my opinion. Next it will be only chocolate chip cookies, asking for donations is one thing, but demanding only select pastry is quite another. I personally feel that if one or two people are demanding certain items, then let them bake it. I personally would not put anyones donation of pastry down.
I agree with what everyone is saying about there being a lot of fundraisers. It seems that everything hits at the same time. Personally, I have 3 children in the school system and we have not participated in the fundraisers that have been sent home. No one in my family is in a financial position to buy items, and my husband and I do not work in areas where we are able to bring order forms in to work (nor are many people these days). I did participate in the PTA Texas Roadhouse fundraiser, by going out to dinner with my children the night of the event.
In the past years, I have determined what amount of money (or goods) I am comfortable donating and have sent a check in with the amount to the school as a donation. This way, 100% of what I send goes to the school, rather than whatever percentage is recieved with the fundraiser. I think that the thought behind "fundraisers" vs dues or fees is that the family has the option of asking others (friends, coworkers, neighbors) to purchase, rather than coming up with the amount themselves. Realistically though, there is a limit to how many times you can ask people to buy things (this includes other activities as well, scouts, soccer, etc).
As for the PBIS, regardless of how the flyer was worded, I viewed it as a REQUEST for a donation. I feel that $2 is not excessive, especially as I have known about it for a few weeks, so that I will contribute. My son enjoyed feeling that he had contributed to the class basket last year, and we CHOOSE to contribute again this year. I have emphasized a couple words, because it is the decision of each family if/what they would like to contribute. It is not always the easiest decision, but the reality is that for most families, it is not possible to participate and contribute to everything. My son has not indicated to me that he has been pressured in any way to bring in the money or items (other than the original letter). So I guess it is a teacher by teacher thing. Until someone tells me that my children can not participate, or that it all of a sudden costs a fee to attend a public school, all of these requests are just that, REQUESTS. A poorly worded flyer, or the insinuation that this is something that MUST be done by each family, doesn't change that fact.
I know that from the outside it seems wrong to request only a certain type of baked good, and I can see how it sounds ungrateful to not want to accept certain items. However, having been involved with other organizations requesting baked items in the past (though not with CMS or PBIS), once a decision has been made to sell brownies, or serve cupcakes, etc...that is the item needed. For example, if the hope is to serve 300 brownies with dinner and someone brings a dozen cupcakes, wouldn't it have been better to request that the person bake brownies in the first place. If I dropped off cupcakes only to see that the need was for brownies and no one had told me, I would think it was pretty ridiculous that they didn't just ask me to bake what was needed in the first place. I suppose it's just in how you look at, or interpret the request.
I do know that the PTA presents a budget at each meeting with updated fundraising amounts and requests for spending, and the budget is voted on at the beginning of the year. Additional requests are discussed and also need to be voted on, as they come in through the year. I don't know how other groups (8th grade, PBIS, etc...) allocate their funds, but it is worth asking.
I agree the PTA establishes their goals and votes and discusses. Someone mentioned they donate a check each year so all money goes directly to the school. Who do you write that check out too and what fund does that go into? If it goes into a general fund, then it could be used for anything. But that's a good idea to help eliminate all these fundraisers. Maybe they need a class trip/recreation fund.
Parents Night middle school CHANGED because of a PTA fundraiser Bingo Night? Original date on the night of PTA fundraiser so Mrs. Sargent changes parents night for grades 4 5 6 to Nov 7th to accomodate a FUNDRAISER? This has been a real concern for me as it is consistent that the middle school is focusing on fundraising, social entertainment, and will even re-schedule parents night to accomodate. They need to put education and curriculum in first place not social entertainment and fundraising. I find this totally upsetting that parents night was re-arranged and the purpose was not education it was a fundraiser. PTA should have planned there fundraiser on a night that did not interfere with parents night and the education of our students. another question, can anyone tell me if Mrs. Sargent still is employed on the recreation dept of the City of Leominster. I heard originally she wanted to display the middle school scarecrows at Sholen farms in Leominster, but then changed to Rauscher farm in Clinton, (that is why my question - why Leominster, unless she is still actively involved in Leominster Parks and Rec.?) Now I am not saying anything or implying anything about Mrs. Sargent - I just want to know if our principal has one job or two, and why the interest in displaying Clinton scarecrows in Leominster was even thought about? And why she did not have the PTA change their fundraising night and opted to changed educational need of parents night? I just want to understand, nothing else implied.
Web site middle school states THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14th - Wednesday is the 14th. also it depends where you read on this site what is when on what day - would be nice to see it consistent and accurate.
Congrats to the Symphony Singers for their wonderful performance at the Pops Concert! Thank you Mrs. Worth for giving these students this opportunity to sing with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra. Happy Holidays.
Hey everyone! Did people see the great article in the newspaper about how CHS and CMS team together using science. CHS students work with middle school teachers and become science mentors to the students. Hooray great work! Speaking about education did anyone know that CMS and CHS work together and have a tutoring program and HS students work with middle school. Also Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Rouleau work with 8th grade students who need help in math on Thursday nights. Secondly, the middle school has had two rally's this year. One at the beginning of the year and one just before MCAS. HS students brought the First Robot over and got the students pumped up! Lastly, CMS had a dance!! First in about 5-6 years. I heard almost 100 students went! It seems that there are many things good in our schools. Let's keep up the good work together: parents, teachers, students, and administration.
Hey Everyone! I just want to comment on the great year my child has had this year at CMS. My daughter tells me that compared to last year the administration seems open and friendly and she often sees Mr. Rouleau in the halls and in the classes. She said that Spirit Week this year was more fun than last and the teachers really got involved with decorating the hallways and some even dressed up during Green and Gold day and Crazy Clothes day. I am not sure about anyone else but from listening to my child it seems that the academics are good, the teachers are good and the administrators are good! I hope other people can see that we have an educational system here in Clinton that cares about our children.
Middle school begins again! Has anyone seen the changes this past year? As you entered the school doors were painted green and gold, stair cases were painted demonstrating pride. Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Rouleau held meetings with parents from grade five and upcoming grade three. The end of the year school dance for grade eight and graduation were fabulous! Now this summer the plants in front were cleared, a bench for parents in the front will be a welcoming site. (Gift from grade eight). Now this month to begin the year Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Dawkins (new vp as Mr. Rouleau is at CES) will have a cookout. Let's start positively, as I know we as parents want what is best for our children but this year before I complain I will look in the mirror and ask the question-what have I done to improve the school district? Can not wait till school starts
http://www.telegram.com/article/20131115/COULTER01/311159978 School Committee member Joel Bates, who is principal of the Florence Sawyer School in Bolton, said he thought the scores illustrated a "systematic" problem of not having a district-wide map of what should be taught
I have a daughter in the fifth grade at CMS. She was among the first group of fourth graders to make the switch last year up to CMS. She has had four wonderful teachers in the two years that she has been there and has done well academically and socially. She has been challenged in the classroom and even with a class size this year of 30 students she is continually challenged with Math/Science/ELA and Social Studies. I think that teachers are feeling pressure from larger class sizes and increased demands on them. MCAS are an enormous part of the students day and I would guess that the teachers feel immense pressure to be sure all their students are performing to the proficient or advanced level on their MCAS. Thus far they are doing it, but with further cuts this will bring some major changes in the education of all students. If our schools begin to suffer more and more financially, if our students begin to underperform on the state mandated tests, if class sizes continue to rise, those of us that have children and value education will have to face a harsh reality. Those of us that do not have children in the system will have to face the reality of our property values declining. I think this is an important piece of information to get out to the public. Even if your families are not directly affected by having a student in the Clinton Public School District your homes value will depreciate if we allow further cuts in our schools. I am a parent that values education and my experiences with the Clinton Middle School have been positive.
ReplyDeleteGlad your child is doing well, however, when you look at the larger picture, most in the middle school aren't.
ReplyDeletehttp://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/performance_level.aspx?linkid=32&orgcode=00640305&orgtypecode=6&
Most are not ? You must take a look at the entire picture of MCAS performance, and remember that those students now in the middle school, were in the elementary school prior. The basics begin in the elementary school, if the students have to play catch up to meet the MCAS requirements of educationaly knowledge then maybe we need to look at the curriculum in the elementary school, and encourage both elementary and middle school to work as a team to achieve success. Remember also all students whether special needs, English as a second language etc all take the MCAS test unassisted
ReplyDeleteby teachers, aids etc. they independently must take those, so if some of these children require assistance daily, come MCAS the state does not allow assistance. Personally I feel the MCAS results are not a good evaluation of a schools performance.
I have 2 at CMS, 4th grade teaching team was terrible, very unsupportive, unconcerned and unpleasant to deal with, 5th grade teaching team was excellent. Just depends on who you get, there are some great teachers there and some who are sub-par as well, that's my experience. Also hate the fact that gym classes mix grades with older grades, has made some situations arise concerning safety, bullying and peer pressure.
ReplyDeleteI have no children in the CMS...I do however have a friend who has two children there.... Personally I think some parents allow their children to much freedom, they want the school to do everything for their children while they take no responsibility. For example, my child is not being taught well in fourth grade, well, if they showed up on time, they did their homework, they paid attention, they slept, ate well at home..,we parented better, etc..we would perhaps see an improvement in your child. You can not expect the schools to do everything's and care when it hasn't started at home, part of the trouble we see today is that parenting lacks at home, morals in some are no longer taught at home, then folks want over packed classrooms and teachers to fix or teach my kid!
ReplyDeleteAny chance of communication from the middle school regarding supplies or sports? Hearing rumors of social gathering in August for students via the PBIS program, We don't need that we need administration to focus on the above first. also if we have available money in PBIS lets use it to better educate our students, buy something all students in the school can benefit from. - if pbis is all social gratification, lets stop that program now, we have bigger issues to focus on.
ReplyDeleteI have found that some of the teachers have updated their individual pages. In fact, a couple of my kids' teachers had quite a lot of info, dated for this coming year. If you look up the teacher your child will have you may be able to find an updated supply list, expectations, etc...I found this at both CES and CMS. I know it doesn't solve the overall problem of district wide, or school wide communication, but hope it helps you be able to get your child prepared to start the year.
ReplyDeleteLooked but did not find the info. Maybe now that we have a assistant principal in place this site will get updated. Noted Elementary and High School principals have welcoming fall message on those sites. - Mr. Vetros still on the middle school site as principal.
ReplyDeleteAre we getting any sent home class assignments for our students in middle school, so they know for example what homeroom they are in and so forth? Can I pick it up or will it be sent to me? Or don't we have one ready?
ReplyDeleteI sent an email to the school- I was told that the schedules (for 7th and 8th grade) will be available on iparent next Wednesday or at the school. I don't believe they are going to be mailed, but I asked for further clarification on that. I believe the were grades were mailed already
DeleteUPDATE- The 7th and 8th grade schedules WILL NOT be mailed out. You will need to log on to Iparent next Wednesday (8/22) to get them, or go to the school to pick them up. I hope they decide to send out a ConnectED to let parents know- Last year we all got a slap on the wrist by Mr. Vetros for calling in and going to the school to check on these things...
DeleteAny information regarding middle school student schedules? Is I parent current and complete to obtain childs classes yet? We are only a couple of weeks out from the start of school?
ReplyDeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who have specific questions regarding a school (in this case CMS), your best course of action is to call the school directly. Not only will you get the information you're looking for, but if a lot of parents call looking for the same thing, then it will be a red flag for them to fix the problem.
Carrie, I don't mean to sound negative, but for everyone to have to call the school is really non-productive to the entire student population. They by this point in time should have at a minimum something posted on their web page regarding the above matters, stating they are completed or not completed. I don't honestly see much of anything on the CMS page that has been updated Yet ! School is just a few days away. No student supplies, No class schedule received. I see a Bus Route that's it. Kind of disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI'm not disagreeing with you. It is disappointing. But I guess my theory is the "squeaky wheel gets the grease", and parents were willing to make their voice heard (not just one or two, but everyone), then I think they would get the message. Or at the very least, give updates about why things aren't updated.
DeleteAgain, this is just my theory, but if you want to be heard, you have to speak up (sometimes over and over again).
Yes Carrie , you are probably correct, call, call and call. But sad isn't it. We can only hope I guess that when Mr. Rouleau begins as vice principal things will improve.
ReplyDeleteThere is a CMS BBQ scheduled for Monday 8/20 from 11-2pm. Really??? On a Monday in August??? Forget about vacations, what about WORKING PARENTS? And, what about actually CALLING the #'s I gave you on the ConnecEd form, instead of just the home phone to let me know?
ReplyDeleteI logged on to iparent and my sons schedule was NOWHERE to be found. I guess we either have to go to the BBQ to get it (which I can't, I have to WORK FOR A LIVING) or wait til it gets mailed (which it should have been already).
Honestly- I know they try, they are just not trying hard enough, or focusing on the right things (IMHO) And don't get me started on the PBIS thing....
Rant over...Thanks for reading..Thank god my son only has one more year in the CPS.
Just curious as to why you have kept your son in the CPS. It seems as though you are quite disappointed in the system. Maybe it is just this one issue that has upset you, but the "Thank god my son only has one more year in the CPS" comment leads me to believe there is more to it. I am not trying to criticize you, rather just asking what has led to your decision to not move him out. As you are posting in the CMS section I am assuming you have a middle school aged son, so he will be leaving the district for high school. I have thought about school choice and even private schools for my children (3 currently in CPS), but for a variety of reasons, we have chosen to stay here. I would be interested to know what keeps someone that seems so frustrated in the system here. Are there things that ARE working that you feel out weigh the negative? Is it more of a logistical problem (which I totally understand, it is difficult working and managing transportation etc...)? I believe that each family needs to make the decision that is best for their child and I respect that choice. I am just wondering...Thanks
DeleteAmy- My son is an honor student at CMS. So far he has done well, despite what I consider the failings of the school. BUT I am know he can do better.
DeleteIMO-Any student at CMS that is "average" or Above average" doesn't get challenged enough to do better. Since they are already above the curve, they get ignored ( for the most part). Its the same way at CHS. These students don't need anything "extra" and they get by just fine.
FYI- Most students leaving the CPS going to St. Johns in Shrewsbury ARE REQUIRED to got to SJ's summer school to catch up on the material they need to know before going into grade 9 at. And, that has also held true for other school choice schools as well (charter schools AND The Bromfield school in Harvard).
IMO the students leaving the CPS are NOT properly prepared the way they should be for High School OR college.
What exactly are they missing as far as educational requirements in these above schools?
DeleteThank you for your response. I appreciate the information. I hope your son finishes out his last year here with the most possible success & I wish him well in high school.
DeleteAmy you sound curious and sincere in your above comments, but I totally understand the frustration of any parent. School does not start on August 20th, parents work, children are in day care etc. AND MOST OF ALL where did the middle school get the MONEY. PBIS money (well now lets think about this: no schedules are done or mailed out. Nothing is updated on the web page, Nothing from the New principal regarding new hires (I noted that on this page as well as its absence on the web page)SO HOW does the principal have time to be a social butterfly and how can she even say spending money from PBIS to have a barbaque is cost effective or wise. You know that is what went wrong in the middle school we have a administrator that did and now still apparently believes its all about sociability she pushed and supported PBIS as vice principal also. (if they focused on the educational needs we would be a great middle school) I did find my childs schedule on I parent a couple of days ago, and it better not be accurate or complete, if so my 8th grade child will be moved out of their assigned ELA class and they will answer to me what happenned to the past teacher in that grade in that subject (where did they go?) The teacher my child is assigned to used to work in 6th grade ELA and then got moved to a higher grade but not teaching ELA,You can judge why. So why is she now back in ELA , to say I am frustrated -you would be correct. My childs prior experience was awful and they did not succeed well with this teacher, this makes no sense. Or maybe its a friendship thing she is back in ELA (hope not) I am totally upset.
ReplyDeleteI really want Clinton to have successful schools and had honestly hoped they would start organizing and improve, but nothing looks good right now in the middle school. Our only hope left is that Mr. Rouleau can turn things around I Hope so. Maybe he should be the principal.
I agree with above , this is not parks and rec dept time ! School is not all fun,and craft fairs. If that is the job wanted, then do not stay in public education. I am upset also seems like we have not seen any communication from the middle school that is worth it.
ReplyDeletePS is the scholastic book fair on or off, got two different calls one from CES stating on and giving dates, and one from CMS stating cancelled. I hope they are not changing teachers although I heard thru the grapevine the 4th grade teacher my child is assigned to is not going to be in school this year, on a leave of absence. So what do they fill that with a permanent sub??? I have no notice my childs teacher will not be present,how come if this is true. But isn't it nice they have time for barbaques !
I have a question is there a RSVP for this BBQ or are we just spending money, planning on 500 kids or so and then what - throw the food away if only 100 show up - VERY cost effective isn't it. Also if the children go alone who is taking responsibility of them - does the middle school have appropriate # of chaperons for this? The schedule won't be ready to next wednesday I see in an above comment, but we have time for a BBQ on Monday. Anybody watching the middle school?????
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody ever have anything good to say? Personally, I think the bbq is a great idea; I understand that parents work or may be on vacation but can't their child go with a friend or babysitter? My understanding is that this is an event being put on by PBIS not Mrs. Sargent. Can we give her a chance....she has only been in this position for a few weeks. I think the purpose of this blog was to brainstorm ways we bring about positive changes to our schools; ranting will not solve anything. Bring your concerns to the administrators if you're unhappy.
ReplyDeleteFYI- Mrs. Sargent IS in charge of PBIS. And, FYI, I also contact the school regularly about things I feel are not working properly, as well as posting here for others to see.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I wish more parents would start to pay attention about whats going on at the school. The more people know and hold the administrators accountable, the better the school will become.
Its not that they aren't doing things well ( We all expect that) Its the things they don't do well that we need to identify and help change.
The BBQ IS a good idea. BUT the execution and communication about it and the CMS schedules have been lax. AND, IMO, the money spent on it could be better used elsewhere ( Like actually MAILING the 7th and 8th grade schedules out) SO those of us who can't get to the school between 8-1pm actually get some important information.
And just a clarification- Mrs. Sargent has been "Acting principal" since May 2012. Nore than just a few weeks.
I think you and everyone else has a right to your opinion and I apologize if it seeemed I was targeting your post, I wasn't. I am just so tired of hearing everyone complain on these forums but don't take their concerns to the the people who can make changes. Your points are valid and I understand BUT most people who are on here complaining do not take their concerns further. And yes, you are correct that Mrs. Sargent has been "acting principal" since May 2012; I was simply trying to point out that this is her first year on as principal and there are bound to be issues that need to be worked out. Maybe we can cut her some slack?
ReplyDeletecut her some slack ! she was vice principal prior and well aware of the responsibilities of principal. to put it short and sweet if the job is too much , then maybe she should not have applied for it. Oh my concerns have been taken further several times. Sorry if you disagree but if you do not hold the administrators accountable, you get no where.
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly people complained about the superindentent and union even had a vote of no confidence if you remember, Well the superintendent cannot do it alone, he needs good principals in all schools.
From what I observe on this site and any communication I have read on the web pages etc in the schools, The main problem I see: Lets give a couple of examples: CES -we had a very unacceptable supply list, given out to a parent and published on the web page -given by the principal to the parent, then we have a welcome message by the principal with grammer and typing errors in it. (Those are all from the principal of CES. Middle School we have NOW and only now finally a message a welcome one and the new principal has been on board legally since July! We have no picture and honestly if you read the welcome why is the principal stressing the BBQ that cost $3.00? I would have liked to have seen her new plan of action. I am also extremly concerned that the new Vice Principal won't be here till later. WHO is acting vice principal?? in the absence of the new hire?? The one thing lacking in the middle school all last year was discipline -Mrs. Sargent was not a discipline person, NOR the staff that filled in when she took over principal. SO now what NO one in that school to discipline again until Mr. Rouleau arrives AND that is WHEN????? Also kind of upsetting when MR Ingano says no complaints about the PBIS BBQ -its all over the CMS piece of this web page. Does he read this??? It is the superintendents job to watch over his principals and to ensure they function in their positions, it is not his to make excuses for them. Maybe the problem is not the school but the principals in CES and CMS
ReplyDeleteI am not saying that there aren't problems, but there have been complaints about CMS well before this principal. To say she is the problem is silly. There are some system wide problems, but they have existed prior to May of last year. If discipline was a problem all last year, Mr. Vetros would be the one responsible until his retirement. I too, would like to see a mission/vision statement or plan from the CMS principal & hope she will take the opportunity at open houses & meet the administration to do this.
ReplyDeleteDiscipline to put it short and sweet was the accountability of the vice principal, whom was Mrs. Sargent - she then functioned as interim principal after Mr. Vetros retirment as well as her job role as vice- although there was a teacher placed in the interim vice principal role to help her, which wasn't a discipline person either. My main concern is the comment that Mr. Rouleau will not be starting till later -So my concern is Who is going to fill this void of vice principal prior to Mr. Rouleau coming? I feel one of the biggest issues is lack of accountability and respect within the students, you can't just slip everything under the rug. Actions that are wrong need to be addressed so those actions no longer exist, If children get away with things then they will repeat them. Just an fyi I went to get class schedule yesterday and was told NOT PRINTED and READY YET for my students grade. I read in newspaper articles that changes are going to occur in the middle school, so far I see lack of organizational skills from both CES and CMS. Disappointing. But Mrs. Sargent had time for a BBQ (is that prioritizing !)
ReplyDeleteReading on the discussion page questions regarding the BBQ yesterday, some got notified, some did not, hours I see answer was convienent for the staff. What staff, All that is there is a principal , a secretary and some maintenance men, if others I would like to know who? They close the middle school at 1PM daily , so what you got was one hour of time not required. Teachers are not there nor required to be there till start of school on monday, so it was not at the convience of teachers.
ReplyDeleteStill today cannot get my childs schedule, concerns me what does the first day of school hold for our children in the middle school ? Are they going to have a schedule by then, and if so don't tell me its subject to change. I am really worried.
ReplyDeleteAs I don't have a child in the older grades at CMS I am not familiar with how the schedules are normally given out. What has been the procedure in the past? Does anyone know why it is being done differently this year?
DeleteSchedules have been available to all CMS students in past years early on in the summer , latest early August to mid - letters have been sent home etc also. This was never a problem in the past. New Principal-hearing excuses that computer system is not working correctly for her, printing is not working correctly for her, Hearing she is moving teachers to different classes to teach other than their normal ones, hearing she is trying to schedule students like the alternating high school level schedules. Honestly it appears it is not well planned out, nor organized - if changes were to be made of this magnitude then teachers, parents and students should have been made aware early on, and the new principal should have started her scheduling in May when she took over. Now you will face students day one with incomplete schedules, no idea of how the new routine works, teachers in new grades with no class plans developed yet, I am sure you will see unorganization going on at CMS for at least the first month. Lets hope Mr. Rouleau arrives early on to assist with organization. Not trying to put the new principal down, but I am getting a little upset with constantly hearing excuses why schedules are not done. Hearing unhappy parents regarding the communication from the middle school all over town. I do not hear any problems with schedules from the High School, so if Mrs. Sargent is having difficulties why does she not ask for help from the high school or Mr. Ingano. You do not just keep giving excuses.
DeleteI am amazed that on the clinton discussion page some are stating wasn't it great to have a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH - Has everyone forgot the schools have no money to support educational needs, that we lost positions, that we do not have CMS schedules ready yet. Cannot believe some think BBQ was a wonderful idea (School is not a social club) Money should have been spent on something to improve our childrens education, and principals time should have been spent finishing the schedules.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, events like the Back to School BBQ are extremely important for middle school age children. There is lot of research out there about school "culture" and climate and student's success in school. There are a lot of positive benefits of such events. I understand it was not a convenient time for parents and maybe that is a suggestion to be made for next year. As far as the money for the BBQ, it sounds like they asked for $3.00 from each student which would help defray the costs and if it was a PBIS event the money probably came from school fundraisers, not the schools general budget.
ReplyDeleteso if it came from PBIS (fundraising money it's ok) I also see people stating planned by the staff, implying all staff and all teachers (I do not believe that is at all accurate or true) To my knowledge it was planned by a select few (who are into PBIS) only.
Deleteall staff and teachers were not asked or even contacted until the event was planned and scheduled. So honestly it was only a few who thought it ok to spend PBIS money and plan a barbaque. $3.00 from each child or parent that showed- that eliminates the children and families that do not have the income to spare. (anyone think of that). Alot of research out there , oh please. If people went back to basics and parents took accountability and taught children how to treat others and how to respect each other things would be fine. Climate of the school, A School is a place to supply education to the students, so the climate should promote education. Culture - numerous cultures have been around for our life time, schools don't have to have a BBQ to explain what regarding culture. It's simple "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" that does not need to be taught in school
or have BBQ. that starts at home. By reading the discussion page I would guess one response person on that page has a personal interest in that planned event and is attempting to defend there actions. If you had a child in the middle school who was involved in PBIS you would see that that program creates more problems than it is worth, you have children always getting tickets and others never getting tickets if you the parent already taught your child good manners and helpful ways they never get noticed, but if a child who does not have manners and never is helpful , one day does one thing BINGO they get tickets. Its a very very poor run program. It's also only run and control by a few staff other staff is never consulted nor their opinions ever heard.
When I was referring to the school "culture" I wasn't speaking about various ethnicities...I respect your opinion but you clearly only see one side of things so I won't waste my time explaining mine further. I truly hope your child has a great school year!
DeleteOh but I do understand school culture, and yes my opinion is that CMS needs a jump start and re-evaluation of their "school culture" and how it presents to the average person walking into that school. Maybe you are too close to the environment to see the flaws and in order to improve any school culture administrators, teachers and so forth need to be able to accept evaluation and advise and realize they are not always perfect and people do not see what you see. Because I see PBIS as a poor program and you do not see it that way I am accussed on only seeing one side. (Does not that page turn the same way for your opinion?) In my opinion (and yes it is my opinion) CMS needs to start accepting opinions of the public and of each other with respect for each other. If you fine my opinion or anyones opinion A WASTE OF TIME - there is your first problem that needs to be addressed at CMS - no ones opinion is ever a waste of time.
DeleteI never implied I thought your opinion was a waste of time and I have said I agree with you and others that things definitely need to improve across the district. I just felt this BBQ was not the major issue some are making it out to be. You assume I don't have a child at CMS...I am on the outside looking in just like you! I am just trying to take an objective view of the situation.
DeleteThis is where I come from regarding PBIS and the BBQ - My point is simple:
Delete1. The schedules for the start of school are not complete as of yesterday.(But the principal is at and involved in the planning of the BBQ)I also believe that we need an office coordinator in the CMS - .
2. The building was not cleaned completely and ready as of this week. (day of the BBQ)
3. Connect Ed is not updated and calls have gone out over the summer that did not include the current 4th grade -but still included the prior 8th grade.
4. Supply list were not done early on and people only had the prior year list to go by until 4 5 6 grade letters were sent home last week. (so parents who planned ahead and went by last years list spent money for nothing). 5.Keep seeing comments regarding changes occurring in CMS scheduling, addition of classes, hearing around town teachers do not have any communication on how this affects them , that implies poor to no communication from administration to teachers. (Lets hope all these changes were communicated properly to the union if necessary- or that will be another issues start of school)
6.Rules, Respect and Responsibility are things students should already know from their home environments, School culture is important yes, but priorities being established and handled first by administration prior to social BBQ in my opinion come first. Adminstration sets the tone of a school -to promote responsibility -adminstration must act responsibly and when necessary things are not done, social events should not be occurring if not a necessary requirement. PBIS promotes positive behavior, but in my opinion Positive behavior comes from students learning and abiding by the rules. So students must learn the rules and learn the consequences if not followed. I do not feel we need to reward good behavior, it should be expected of each student. As a parent do you go around rewarding your child daily for good behavior or do you teach them what good behavior is and when they do not behave do you show them there are consequences for poor decisions? Children learn by what they see and live if they always think they get a reward for good behavior what happens when they are adults and that is expected daily and they get no reward. Respect each other and the building you are in, that also needs to be expected, not rewarded. Rules are everywhere in the world, and that also needs to be expected not rewarded. I just feel a reward system, which is what PBIS is does not promote students expectations and responsibility. And many times good responsible students get overlooked with the PBIS program so it creates a poor culture/climate within the school among the students (I have actually heard students say - why behave all the time, if you behave once in awhile you get PBIS tickets. I do believe students should get praised for good efforts , actions, grades, and so forth, but I believe that can come from a simple "Great job" from a teacher, administrator,staff member or peer. Your assumption that I am on the outside looking in, may not be a correct assumption. I am very knowledgable of all CPS and aware of many issues and all I want is a successful school system, that learns to focus on where we need to improve and what changes we need to make to gain that improvment. All I ask is that evaluation of programs like PBIS be done, that administration set priorities, and that communication from parents, and public is welcomed. Every time someone gives an opinion of a problem they see, or a idea that they hope the school would consider it gets ignored or the person is considered "A waste of time". In closing I just also want to mention that the volunteer programs are very clicky in this system and not all are welcome, especially if you do not believe its all about fundraising and sociability. thank you for your time.
Have to sit back and sigh, reading the discussion page on the BBQ-looks like some people and staff feel social gatherings mean the most instead of increasing our educational resources. Activities during the school year are fine, but when schedules are not ready, building is not ready,I think that should come first. BBQ welcome back could have been held same night as open house if they wanted to feed everyone,and include parents. If so many paras showed up then the teachers could have met with parents during open house and children could have been outside enjoying activities. could have planned the social hour 5 to 6 and then teachers and speechs at 6.
ReplyDeleteConnect Ed appears to be not updated to include the incoming 4th graders in some situations. People stating never got the call , this happenned earlier this summer also --list needs to be updated to current students in current grades.
ReplyDeleteJust checked out the CMS web page, interesting
ReplyDeleteno 7th grade schedules available yet, I looked under the supply list on the page and NO 7th Grade supply list either (all other grades present) What's up with the lack of ability to schedule 7th grade and post a 7th grade supply list. Too many students, change in curriculum, change in teachers, whats the problem with 7th grade??????
From what I read above, it looks like it's time for MR INGANO to take a walk to CMS and get things organized and bring in help from the High School or where ever to get things in place. High School is ready and has been by everything I read. Very poor first impression of the abilities of the new principal of CMS.
ReplyDeleteNothing like creating anxiety for the 7th graders when they are the only ones left out of everything right now in CMS -what are they going to do walk into school day one and WING IT ! What are parents to do go out and buy supplies day one at night when they get home from work? I think its time to stop with the excuses and get MR. INGANO over to the middle school ASAP.
Noticed on this blog the middle school building was not completely clean and ready monday of this week. How come, High School had a nice message saying what a great job his maintenance staff did - and how they were ready a couple of weeks ago?
ReplyDeleteI am fairly certain that the school.committee does a "walk through" of each school.prior to the start of the school.year. Perhaps someone that noted the condition of the building during the BBQ (I was not there) could contact a member of the committee with the concerns.
ReplyDeleteAmy yes your probably correct that school committee does a walk thru prior to start of school, but when -today? My issue is this- school ends in mid June-if the High School can be ready two weeks ago, why not the middle school.If you have ever walked thru the middle school during the year also, it is not clean or well maintained. I have heard stories of teachers being told to buy a broom and sweep their own floors, Ever take a glance at the rooms with rugs,(they are dirty). Ever notice on open house nights some rooms don't have roller shades, some desk are chipped and broken. Gum is on the stairs and floors and appears to be waxed on. Yes it is one of the older schools we have, but cleanliness can still be obtained. There are enough maintenance people in that school to keep it clean, maybe the head maintenance man should help out. Ever look at the ART tables, covered with crayon and paint (no one can sand them down and refinish them once in awhile?) Glance at the heater vents (filled with flys and dirt)-all that takes is a vacuum.)I have heard around town for sometime now many stories of maintenance at the middle school, one I remember is bathrooms were dirty and Assitant principal -now current principal Mrs. Sargent cleaned the bathrooms because maintenance didn't. Is that the solution Administration cleans the bathrooms, teachers sweep their floors. Needs to be looked at, throughout the entire year not just one walk thru a couple of days before school. I would however like to know which school committee member walks thru and what they looked at and reported. If they found it clean their eyes were shut or they only looked at the main floor corridor area.
ReplyDeletedid some checking - NO walk through has been done at the Middle School as of yet. So must be Monday when teachers return. By that point all the teachers will have polished up their own rooms, and bought needed things personally. Sad isn't it that the real condition won't be noted again. They should do walk throughs all year long to evaluate things. With a building full of teachers and opening day for those teachers I doubt the school committee will note the true condition of things.
DeleteFYI to all parents who have students attending CMS - WATCH their schedules , look and observe especially in 8th grade. Big changes noted both in curriculum and teachers! Look and watch carefully.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you being so vague? If you have information that we could use, please share.
ReplyDeleteI can agree with schedules are a mess and teacher changes have been made. I saw that also. Being from Clinton and knowing alot about Clinton, This move was nothing but a personal friendship move on the part of the new principal. Worry yes I would worry, CMS will lose GOOD Teachers if this is allowed to continue and our students will suffer. My opinion time to move swiftly at CMS time to get the principal OUT and get a new ethical honest person in that position, who communicates,organizes and plans for the good of our children. Mrs. Sargent might mean well, but she is clearly unable to separate friendship from educational need. We have a solution right now in my opinion. Mr. Rouleau is extremely qualified to be principal, in fact he is qualified to be superintendent I believe. He would evaluate and do what is best for our children, not pull end runs on our teachers and children. I am absolutely disgusted with the management of Mrs. Annemarie Sargent. I cannot believe Mr. Ingano has allowed such back stabbing actions to occur.
ReplyDeleteI can offer that CMS is missing a full time teacher in grade 4 - I am hearing a long term substitue is filling her position for the entire year. Don't know if she is a certified teacher or not. But just thought everyone should be aware. Also heard CMS lost a teacher in the special ed dept. She was laid off and did not get her position offerred back till late in the summer, 2nd time they did that to her, so she left for a different school in a different community. CMS lost again can you blame any teacher. I also heard many unhappy teachers with the current new principals methods.
ReplyDeleteSounds like there will b e lots of things happening at CMS this year. Lots of it not so good...
ReplyDeleteOh my I have located what I believe is an 8 th grade matter. Why would you put a teacher who teaches social studies - and had a prior history of teaching English in a lower grade level (and did poorly in that subject matter teaching it) Now as a 8th Grade English teacher. That is clearly not a move to benefit our children. I have enough knowledge to know that I agree it was a friendship to the principal move. Certainly not an educational plus. WOW that is BAD !
ReplyDeleteI know that a 4th grade teacher is out until mid-October. Not the whole year. And certification does not make a good teacher. There are lots of wonderful teachers who are certified.
ReplyDeleteI was told the entire year. That is my concern
ReplyDeleteI am not in the know if the long term sub is certified or not, nor do I know if she is a good teacher or not, and I agree not all certified teachers are good ones. Just trying to let parents be in the know that their child will be taught by a long term sub and not the teacher that they may have had on their childs schedule earlier.
Reading through this blog, and noted what appears to be a very bad selection of Middle School principal. Moving teachers into positions they clearly should not be in, because of a friendship. Being a person who has lived in Clinton, I believe it 100% that was done. I did hear the original teacher who taught several 8th grade classes English is still in the system, but except for one Eighth grade class is teaching 7th grade English. What a tremendous loss to our eighth grade students, but glad for our seventh grade students and the one eighth grade class she still has. I hope this is not going to push this teacher to leave the middle school, she is an excellent teacher, and would be a huge loss to our kids. This kind of move does not make me feel one bit secure that our students education is being considered by our current principal. Why would you take a good teacher and replace her classes with one who already did not succeed in that topic in a lower grade?
ReplyDeleteCan she prepare our students for High School,or are they going to enter High school below the curve? Administration needs to take a look at issues like this and consider if they made a very wrong move in hiring Mrs. Annemarie Sargent as principal. How many more teachers will she drive out of the school before someone stops her.
I agree, someone up top needs to look at what is going on at CMS
ReplyDeleteI can add I heard it's all but mass confusion at CMS regarding schedules, teachers, heard its ever changing minute by minute of who is teaching what and who has what children on their schedules. Guess everyone will have a surprise tomorrow - Welcome to the first day of school. I am going to look real close at my childrens schedules, teachers they have and I want to know if things are changing and new classes I want to know what the curriculum is. I hope my children have that in hand tomorrow, but hearing like I said Confusion, Confusion, Confusion.
ReplyDeleteHeard another teacher has had her schedule changed also to teach something she is qualified for but has not taught in years. Sounds to me like Mrs. Sargent just plugged into Ipass scheduling and took what came out of it. But on a positive note I did hear that the teachers are upset but they will do whatever it takes to provide the children a good education. Did hear they have little faith in their principal, but are looking forward to Mr. Rouleau arriving to help bail things out. Looks like the teachers are going to be the key to the solution of the confusion some big personalities up their,some prior people who held department head positions when they existed that still believe they control the departments. That either needs to be stopped or we need to open the department head positions again, and we need to get some of the political old dept head out of those slots.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate confusion, and unfortunate it appears Mrs. Sargent took on more than she should have, but I do believe that the teachers will do the right thing and strive to educate our children.
My child came home today and stated it was hot, real hot in our classrooms in the middle school, said the teachers had fans running but it was still hot. I realize it is not air conditioned, but the teachers have to buy their own fans, to keep the classrooms cool.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing the teachers buy and pay for out of their own pockets,sometime I think the teachers get a bad rap.
Comment this morning in the item by Mrs. Annemarie Sargent , major insult to Mr. Vetros.
ReplyDeleteI found it very wrong. I agree with others on this web page. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. To imply all teachers told her best first day in 20 years" is totally irresponsible. Walk around town and just speak to teachers at the middle school, they will be kind, they will be careful, but they won't tell you life is bliss up there. So sad she cannot admit the errors of her ways, she might actually succeed if she did. If the school succeeds now it will not be Mrs. Sargent who straigtened it out it will be Mr. Rouleau. She should not be allowed to hang onto his shirt strings and take the credit for what I am positive he will succeed at improving. I feel so let down and upset that the schools still do not hear the public.
I've been skimming on here...so much and not enough time. I have two children at CMS, one in 5th grade and another in 8th. My 8th grader is unhappy about having Mrs. Sargent as principle this year. How sad is it that a student is unhappy with the principle and how she does things? He's a kid who pays attention not just to his classes but also to what is going on with the school.
Delete~Trisha
I am so sorry for your child, It is so frustrating as a parent to not get answers, or feel secure with the middle school. But to actually see this in print, that a good child,who pays attention, is unhappy and affected by all this confusion is so heartbreaking. I only wish I knew how to get Mr. Ingano to see we need him to step in and solve these matters. Our schools are there for the children, and when we know have children getting hurt,that has been allowed to go on way too long.
DeleteI do not disagree with the above, and I do not like having to sound negative, but just look at the comments on this page, they go on and on and on, but we have seen nothing in response from Mr. Ingano or the School Committee. Let me correct the little we have seen from Mr. Ingano basically makes excuses for everyone, and implies he is just keeping things status quo. Yes that is the easy way out but maybe not the right way UP ! Par for the course in Clinton - Yes-
ReplyDeleteThey do not want to face their issues up front and admit needs are there and maybe some bad choices have been made. But sooner or later you know that old saying "you can run, but you cannot hide" My gut tells me you are going to see a total uproar with the Clinton schools soon. People are going to kick and scream if things don't improve. and they will be right to do so. They will never see the money they need , and I do believe they need money, unless they face the problems, make some tough decisions, and move forward.
I do believe the school committee finally arrived at the middle school end of this week. Yes after school started, but whatever they showed up, I am understanding they took time to walk thru ,speak with staff, and listen for concerns and needs with the building. I am thrilled to see that was done, now my only hope is that they publish that indeed their are needs with repairs, student desks, up keep, cleanliness and I will be absolutely thrilled because it will finally say someone looked, someone cares, and someone is not afraid to say it like it is. Then maybe things can be improved.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, just knowing the repairs and maintainence are needed will not get it done. There needs to be funding to do it. Maybe if there are specifics an item on the warrant at town meeting could help supply the funding.
ReplyDeleteThe new revolving schedule has double periods on assigned days for subjects. My concern my student referred to us that on their double class day for gym they were told by the computer lab teacher that they could skip the 2nd period of gym and go to her computer lab instead. Some of their friends also said they were told during some of their other double period classes on certain days they also could skip the last half and go to computer lab by the same person. This is a concern to me, if the schedule has assigned double periods, be it gym or any other class, should not the student stay in their double class for the double class assigned on their schedule? I advised that my child stay in their assigned class, and that unless their schedule is changed by administration, they are to skip nothing and go to computer lab unless that is their assigned class at that time. This concerns me , I did attempt to let this be known at the school. Just posting this as an fyi to other parents.
ReplyDeleteDid you receive a reply from the school? I am wondering why a teacher is telling students they can "skip" a class. Is there another class going on in the computer lab at the time or are the students skipping gym to just go sit in a classroom? Thank you for letting others know this is going on. I hope the school has an answer for you.
ReplyDeleteNo I have no response yet, but I cannot believe they would ignore it. I also told my child to tell Mr. Rouleau or Mrs. Sargent. So hopefully the message got there. I don't know why the teacher would say that, No my child did not imply they would have a computer class, just that they could go there. I'm sure possibly the computer lab teacher would help with any computer issue they had, but no I did not get the impression it was a offerred class and that was an option given to the students by administration. Did not want to speak for other parents, but my childs friends said the same thing, and their impression is on any double class on that day or other days (can't remember exactly what day and periods they all said) that they could skip out of the 2nd half of the double , they all did not have gym, some had other subjects during that time. For my child they were told by me to stay in their assigned class for the entire double. Hopefully the school will address this and the students will know what they are to do. No purpose to double classes if they can just skip out to the computer lab.
ReplyDeleteI got a call from my friend and was told how this blog is a place to put concerns or questions regarding the schools. And that it's a sharing site for parents. She encouraged me to post a situation our family has had with the new revolving 7 and 8 grade schedules in Clinton Middle School. Our student has told us how he is in a class of 36 students. It is a major subject in our minds English related , hard to explain but with the new schedule there are two classes that both appear to be English related. I don't have the schedule in front of me right now but I think they are called Literature and Reading. Our immediate concern 36 students in your English class? That is alot of students in one class for one teacher for a major subject or any subject for that matter. My children have never had class sizes in the 30's before in the middle school, twenties yes but not 30's. I have not called the school because I want my child with this teacher and my child wants to stay with this teacher. I have had other children who have been in her classes and my children have had successful,productive years. In the past when I have called with similar concerns the best they can offer is normally they can move them but to other teachers and I do not want my child moved. I just wonder why only now with a revolving schedule institued we have classes of 36 children in one room with one teacher ?
ReplyDeleteI just read on this blog, a request to remove ART from the list of offerred things at CES. I did hear from my child that they went to ART in the 4th grade yesterday and they had no art teacher, but that Mr. Rouleau filled in, wondered why but thought maybe just a mix up or teacher was sick. My child had a great time with Mr. Rouleau. But I am concerned because I was told and I read on the discussion page that one of Mrs Sargents accomplishments was bringing back ART to middle school-I did hear that the teacher that remained at CES had not been told she would have grade 4 art also, but would be told day one of teachers coming back to school, but that Mrs. Sargent felt no problem the teacher would be fine with it and have to accept it. Oh how I hope this is not another no communication to teachers again and now we lost an ART teacher. Really hope I am wrong, but why are people saying take art off of CES and why did she not show at middle school yesterday? Anyway sounds like no ART in either school for whatever reason at least in the immediate future.
ReplyDeleteThere is no art at CES....the teacher moved to another state and could not be replaced due to budget cuts. Not sure about CMS; maybe the teacher was out sick?
DeleteMy son also told me he had Mr. Rouleau for Art. I am hoping there will be lots of answers at Open House tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteOpen house tonight, I see meet the administration at 5:30PM that does not seem like enough time to answer all concerns. My one big question, I have a child that now has the revolving schedule-if I follow it then I do not get to meet every teacher my child has as they do not have all teachers everyday. Why don't they just have every 7 and 8 grade teacher in the cafe and have each present their curriculum and so forth? then if parents want to walk to classrooms let them. I really think and open forum considering this is a new schedule , should have been considered. Also maybe 4 5 6 should have been a different night as they do not have this revolving schedule and if you are a parent with children in both levels, who do you go to can't be two places at once. I am also so very upset that communication is lacking tremendously , its almost like administration either is ignoring questions, or hoping they just go away. Just look at the questions on this blog alone and the concerns people have and none are answered by administration to date. They are questions that should get answered to improve peoples faith in the middle school. Yes maybe some are uncomfortable for them to answer, like the first day of school quote, or over crowded classrooms , or teacher reassignments, or missing art teacher, confusion over schedules,children being told to ignore schedules and go to computer lab, building maintenance, but to let them go and not respond is worse than admitting errors have occurred. I do not doubt that Mrs. Sargent wants all to be terrific and issue free, and I believe she attempted it to be. But it is not and all I want is answers , honest answers, I do not want alot of pretty comments or ignored issues that do exist. I am sick of hearing people on this blog and other places called names,or constantly put down for bringing up things others feel are negative, I believe everyone cares,and just wants answers and improvement.
ReplyDeleteCould we please remember that this blog is entirely separate from other discussion boards "around town." It was started by a parent, with the intent to improve communication & give a place for parents to express thoughts, concerns, etc... Obviously, anyone can read it or comment on it, but I think the title "Parents Choose Clinton Schools" speaks to the intended audience for this blog. Also, I think the tone here has overall been less in the "name calling" arena than on other forums. I don't think we should assume that the same people are posting in both areas. Speaking for myself, I do occasionally read other forums, especially, if there is an issue I am trying to find out more information on. However, I have never commented on other boards, in part because I do not like the the tone of some of the posts I have seen. I don't think anyone should be put down for expressing their opinions but I do think we ALL could use a reminder sometimes to be a bit more civil. It is natural that we all get a bit passionate about these issues which concern our children. I have noted the most recent posts here seem to have a more respectful tone & I, for one, appreciate that. I think everyone can agree that we are not going to get anywhere with insults & fighting. Let's remember what we are here for.
DeleteAmy maybe your correct, title parents chose clinton schools. Maybe this forum should only be comments of why parents select to put their children in clinton schools and nothing else should be posted. It appears people felt it was ok to voice good and bad and I believe their attempts were honorable, maybe a little frustrated from time to time, but overall honorable. I think people saw it as finally an opportunity to be heard,in hopes of being heard and getting responses. I don't think people want to fight,I don't think people want to insult or be insulted. I just think people want answers. And they are not getting them, even when they call the schools. If the newsletters promised ,if communication became better and more open from the schools, you would see this blog could become, why parents chose clinton schools and I would bet most of it would be positive. I also understand why people like posting here, they have an outlet to vent without getting publically put down for asking a question. Long history in Clinton, go to a meeting speak a negative question or comment or put your name on a negative about the school or many other depts in Clinton and you will be immediately labeled a trouble maker.a complainer,someone not worth listening too. I thank you and respect your efforts
DeleteWhat is the capacity of the rooms in the middle school, can they safely accomodate 30 to 36 students ? Does that meet with fire safety specs? And why such a high teacher student ratio? I never remember classes in the middle school of 30 students and above?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, rooms do not appear all that big in many parts of the middle school, how do you get 30 or 36 desk and chairs in those rooms and still keep the mandatory aisle clearances for exit. I have been in those rooms for many teacher parent conferences and they look crowded with 25 desk and chairs. Occupancy I believe is suppose to be posted also by each room or somewhere that answer should be. I am disappointed that it appears this post was early today -its a safety matter regarding our children. anyone know the answer without having to call the fire department to get it? Maybe the rooms are big enough but it concerns me also if exit for fire from the rooms was considered.
DeleteI have sent this inquiry to Mr. Ingano. I think it's definitely something that should be answered. I'll let you know when he responds to me.
DeleteWell let me begin by saying I do not mean to imply this as a negative or positive comment, just a general overall observation of the current impression I am left with concerning the middle school. I do believe Mrs. Sargents intentions were sincere in wanting to produce change, but on the other hand what I saw was anxiety and unsure and occassionally stuck for response. Administration support was prevelant as would be expected.
ReplyDeleteMr. Rouleau very professional, appears well educated and capable. 7th and 8th grade revolving schedule, unfortunately it is what several have described confusing, over crowded classes and some with minimal students, Room sizes ,yes I understand fire safety concerns, the large size classes are very cramped ,aisle sizes are very small.I saw that even in some classrooms with 25 to 26 desks that is about the max for most rooms. That is a definite concern. Overall condition of the school, needs upgrades,efforts were clearly made, but honestly somethings could be corrected with minimal effort and some requires definite money. Teacher presentations were genuine and supportive of our students. Hard questions were presented to some teachers in the classes , and response from the teacher was professional and honest and showed a true,sincere effort to educate our students. I was impressed that even in over crowded classes the teacher response was that our student would be educated and prepared to succeed and they would put every effort into achieving that regardless of class size they were presented with. Questions were asked regarding are these schedules in stone,why are these classes so big, we heard from teachers, they could not answer those questions and referred us to Mrs. Sargent. Very politically correct answer. Not much in way of change in lower grades, appears status quo for the most part, with a few additions to support educational needs. Teachers also very supportive and professional presentations. Confusion was prevelant,even with parents regarding the revolving schedule,some classrooms had parents for two grades show up at the same time, how to proceed caused a bit of confusion from time to time. Large crowd showed up. I noticed parents seemed to want to observe for the most part. In closing I have to say problems do exist,I believe Mrs. Sargents efforts were genuine, but there are unfortunately many concerns and Mr. Ingano needs to take a deep breath,evaluate, and make some hard decisions. Our childrens education has to come first, no one is perfect, and everyone deserves a chance, but sometime things need readjustment and we need to face that we learn by mistakes,and these mistakes (not intended)require him to re-consider what is best for our children. Thank you I hope this is a fair and honest evaluation to help all parents.
open house eye opening experience.
Deleteyes there are many things I see needing improvement, especially in communication and direction from the principal. Too bad actually she is a very nice person. Schedules are a mess,little to know notice of fixing anything regarding these. In fact its really too late now, but I would love to know if all of the 7 and 8 grade classes are at max capacity or if we have low number classes, or whats the scoop.
there are low number classes also.
Deletedepends upon what grade you are looking at, and how the schedule was developed by the principal. who and what classes were affected with high #.
I would like to share an experience our family had regarding the PBIS program. PBIS is a good program in theory,and positive behavior encouraged is a good thing also. Our child is new to the program and excited to get Gotcha Gael tickets for their good behavior and respect to others. However, our child comes home daily excited if they received one,but yesterday asked us this question "why does the other class in my grade get gotcha gael tickets if one person does something good, the whole class gets a ticket" We only get one from our teacher if we do good.
ReplyDeletethe other kids have alot of tickets and we only have a few. They stated "I need 75 tickets in order to go to the carnival at the end of the year" I will never get enough and the other class already has about 20 tickets or more,because they all get them and we don't. Will you give me $10.00 to go to the carnival if I don't have 75 tickets? My child wants to go to the store or wherever to use their tickets throughout the year and to have enough to participate, but they are worried and have seen as a child "how come everyone is not treated the same way" This in my opinion is an example of a good meaning program,but is an example of poor organization,and procedures to be followed by the entire teaching staff. Somehow everything you read lately, comes down to poor communication, planning, and organization. Many comments have been made on this site and others pro and con this program,and there is a little of truth in both opinions. I read it is highly supported by the administrator but I am worried, after our experience this program discourages students,sets up forms of jealously, confusion as to their behavior the child must independently show, when others get it as a class even if everyones behavior did not support the ticket. This example has nothing to do with new schedules,teacher moves,over crowded classes, but it's an eye opener to me that maybe people are correct in worrying about organization, communication, and ability to manage. I am very disappointed I was placed in the position of trying to explain, where my child should remain encouraged and continue to try (which I did encourage them to continue good behavior) I did tell them you try and if you do not get enough I will give you $10.00 to go to the carnival. And just simply had to say I will get this message to the school, but I don't know right now if I feel its going to get heard or managed. Seems like some of the things I have read , this kind of problem with this program is not something new. I can only hope the program is either eliminated or the lack of organization and procedure is repaired.
I believe all intentions are well meaningful but things seem quite disorganized.
Oh we have had the same type of unequal distribution for many years with our children since this program began. I think it creates alot of problems and favoritism and resentment among the children.
DeleteAgreed - good concept in theory; but in reality not so effective especially for the older students. Children should be taught to behave properly and try their best because it is the right thing to do and not becuase of rewards.
DeleteMy three kids...oldest has 1, middle has 12 and youngest has 24. My oldest is my best student, is generous and kind and at Open House she was praised for being a "conscientious student" and she "is excited about learning".
ReplyDeleteHow as a parent am I supposed to explain this inequality?
Exactly, through the years of my children being in this program, that is exactly what has been going on. It is a very unequal program. There is no good explanation , but don't try to say anything to the principal or the two or three teachers that run that program, you will be considered a trouble maker, Look at what happenned to people that thought the principal should have focused on the schedules, and not a PBIS BBQ first, they were considered complainers, I just don't get it why priorities seem wrong in the middle school. I remember an incident last year where the older kids were told they would not be able to go to the carnival at years end. So they used whatever tickets they had prior, then the principal said oh yes they can go, but few if none had tickets, BIG mess, kids upset, teachers upset, End result older kids could go without tickets. What a MESS. I have watched for years and my conclusion unfortunately is that even when Mrs. Sargent was vice principal, she focused on behavior, and reward systems. She is big on PBIS, I heard and lived through situations where poor behavior deserved suspension, and detentions, and the excuse I got for that not being done was You need to understand, that child just had a BAD DAY and they are sorry, I spoke with them. Or you get that child has alot of issues they did not mean it. Honestly I gave up, Mrs. Sargent is nice, kind, and sincere, but she just does not believe children have to have consequences for poor behavior, and to just say BAD DAY or Has issues, or poor home environment, does not cut it. the program should be eliminated.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it just need re-design. Theory is good,but seems reward process is the problem.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they should consider "weekly or monthly themes" Class with the best attendence record gets something special. Or class with the least detentions. They could do this for each grade level. Creates a little peer pressure and competition. Teaches students to work together as a group.
Incentive program is a good idea, but by the time you get to 4 5 6 7 and 8 grade, you should know the rules, expect to follow them and should not need rewards.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to this world. Rewards are not given out in the adult world for good respectful behavior,or for following rules, or being responsible. So now we raise our children to expect rewards for the above? Although on a bright spot, my child told me they had a meeting with Mr. Rouleau and he said you must follow the rules,or basically accept the consequences of not following them.
ReplyDeleteNow that is encouraging! But I would bet he will get alot of flack from some parents for trying to enforce that. Good Luck, Great Idea.
Bus safety class students are attending today
ReplyDeleteover two weeks of school already riding the bus, Better late than never I guess.
Things are going to take time to fix, that is the sad part, we can only hope the students do not suffer educationally. Mistake was attempting to change so much all at the same time, All we can hope for is administration admits their mistakes, takes accountability for them, and communicates to us how they resolved them. Mr. Rouleau is there now and with his expertise I am hopefully he can make a difference.
ReplyDeleteProblem is simple if you look at everything being said here. We have a new principal, she took on too much, so things got halfway done and confusion was created, anger was created.
ReplyDeleteSolution: Mrs. Sargent needs to take a deep breath, LOOK at the situation, LISTEN to the negatives and positives coming from people. HEAR people, teachers, parents some negative feedback is happenning but situations do actually exist -you cannot just want to hear the good things. All just want improvement and things that need readjustment or repair worked on. The biggest favor she could do for herself and the students is to accept things did not go so well, accept help from the vice principal, teachers, and parents and the public. Admit to herself these problems exist, before we lose children to school choice, teachers to other districts, and lack of fiscal support from the people of the town continues.
I came to this final thought when my child came home yesterday and said they had a 9/11 moment of silence and Mrs. Sargent read something about the attacks, and said during her speech there were 11 (eleven) terrorist attacks on the USA on 9/11 in 3 different parts of the USA. I called other parents to confirm all children heard the same thing and all confirmed it. Not an intention statement I am sure of Mrs. Sargents, but a true sign that she is overwhelmed and too much on her plate. Time to take a moment and reflect.
On a good note the teachers must have had the rooms controlled, and the children's listening skills were alive and well. At least the children new something was wrong with that statement of 11 attacks.
DeleteEverything I read here, says Mrs. Sargent's attempts were well meaning,and an effort to change for the better. But maybe too much too quickly. Agree it might be time to accept some help. Talk with her staff and other administrators and see what the problems are.
ReplyDeleteNo shame in that.
Alot of things posted 98 entries, but really no responses from administration. Saw some responses from Mr. Ingano on this blog, but they don't answer these posts. Oversized classes still exist(which he denied any class over 35 existed) that is incorrect ,rooms without enough chairs in class do also exist,fire safety (that is definitely been ignored ) new schedule questions,appears maybe we also have inconsistent student schedules also going on. PBIS questions regarding equality of the program. Web site updates -really have been none on CMS site. Lack of communication to teachers and parents continues, anger is building daily because of this. You consistently read people want answers,they do not want sweet talk, they know things exist. People get accused of picking on Mrs. Sargent,by some on this site,Some say give her time,time is fine if your communicated to they admit the problem and how they are working on it, but you hear nothing. Some are depending upon Mr. Rouleau, he can only do what he is asked to do by his boss, Mrs. Sargent. Saw Mr. Ingano state class sizes due to loss of 5 teachers in the middle school, (he never backed up when people questioned -what 5 teachers in the middle school?)these things are posted over and over again asking for response. Saw we deserve this the taxpayers, and prison atmosphere is ok and what we get. I am appauled,disappointed, and ashamed that administration apparently thinks no one is concerned or knowledgable enough to deserve answers. Or have taken the attitude or just ignore it, it will go away, people will get sick of asking. To me it seems like Administration are the ones who do not want or like change.
ReplyDeleteLook at the discussion page, another person asking web page updates would be nice. Explain the revolving schedule would be nice. No notice that homerooms were reinstated this week in grade 7 and 8. PBIS fundraiser at McDonalds, Everything is LACK OF COMMUNICATION ! and lack of responsible organization and sorry but lack of leadership.
ReplyDeleteI can address homerooms reinstitued, answer I received. there was such confusion created by the new revolving schedule, the system wasn't capturing attendence of students by the process set forth by Mrs. Sargent in how to achieve this. so hence back to homerooms to achieve the necessary attendence records. Oh but there is no confusion or disorganization.It's all the computers fault. No it's administrations fault for not testing this first. Someone way back stated administration didn't know what students were where because the schedule was in chaos. (guess that was right way back when and continues. FYI PBIS McDonalds fundraiser and magazine fundraiser were both instituted on the same day at the middle school (wasn't that nice -we are all so rich these days!) Revolving schedule all I can offer is they rotate on a seven day schedule,its confusing ,some of my childs friends in the same grade have more days of some subjects then they do. I don't understand that. It never evens out. Some have open slots,for study, some don't. Some have 3 days of a class subject, some have 4,5,6 days of that same subject. How does that even out? Never can seem to obtain an answer to that one. If all students do not receive the same amount of class time , in the same subject area how is that going to play out with equal educational opportunities? and how does that affect their MCAS scores this year. they do not have the same opportunity for success. I have asked about this,I feel bad actually because all the teachers and staff can tell me is, the issue has been brought to Mrs. Sargents attention. They will give my child the best education they can and place all their effort into doing so. All I get from administration is We are working on it basically,if you go higher up you get it will all work out in time. Watch everyone will be happy by mid-year. Meantime our children suffer because of lack of organization. Reflecting upon the above post, it's correct, change would be honest communication from administration, and your not seeing it. I don't see the public,parents, or teachers refusing change or communication to the administration. I have attempted to help out by offerring what I understand the revolving schedule to be, but it's terribly confusing to explain, and even more confusing to figure out how come all students do not have equal class subject time. I am very worried for our children.
Didn't quite know where to post under what topic,but noticed another discussion page comment posted response from the person was its a work in progress,must support to succeed,what can I do to help,instead of why was it not done. Knocking someone they get EXHAUSTED. I believe everyone on this site is supporting their childs needs,teachers,and administration also. I believe they are trying to help. Yes it's too bad so many things are in a state of confusion. but the Children,parents,teachers did not get it that way. Administration cannot keep ignoring things, Saw a post earlier about a child who is unhappy and is a good child, one who pays attention. Things should have never been allowed to get this bad, when you have parents now stating good children are being affected , NO CHILD should be affected in any bad or anxiety produced manner. The persons comment implying administration becomes exhausted. I am sure its a tough job, I am sure many hours are being spent by Mrs. Sargent. But in my job you wear many hats, might now like it, but thats the job. You step up and figure it out, You get tired yes. But that's not an excuse. If you get to the breaking point of exhaustion you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself, did I take on too much, can I succeed, or should I for the benefit of myself and the children leave this to someone else. I am not asking Mrs. Sargent to leave. I am asking now that Children are being affected not only educationally,but emotionally also Time for MR Ingano to step up and admit the middle school needs guidance to dig out of these matters. As superintendent of schools he has a tough job also, there are moments I am sure he would rather ignore, or hope will resolve themselves, but it's clear now with over 100 post just on the middle school alone, all parent,and people can't be wrong. It's gone on for multiple weeks and its not getting any better. So Mr. Ingano please do the right thing for the children. I know it's hard, but you need to step in, the time has come.
ReplyDeleteAgree this cannot continue. Mrs. Sargent at the point of exhaustion.
DeleteNothing getting better. Administration is in a denial stage and they need to accept things are not good and the idea isn't working at this time. Two options as I see it Get it fixed now and continue with the plan, or scrap it and start over, But you need to do something. Always giving excuses, and asking everyone to wait isn't fair to the kids.
I agree, nobody wants things to fail,but everyone just wants things to improve. No one wishes harm on Mrs. Sargent or illness due to exhaustion. Just send someone in their to help decide what is best for the children right now.
DeleteThis AM Item, not a mention of anything except business manager hire, One thing I did appreciate was comment that at least Mr. Gale said he needed help -I can respect that. Disappointed that no mention of middle school issues were being addressed. Hopefully they are. Read on discussion page about the newly instituted CMS facebook that was developed by parent volunteer, Mrs. Sargent and SOME teachers. That is a very risky way to communicate, and it states just for middle school parents, that's not even American -all people have rights and freedoms and the schools are all important. I hope they realize the main web page is the place to go with information, and honestly I believe this blog is a good communication tool, if administration read it and followed up on things, it allows all parents and opportunity in all schools. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate any and all efforts of any parent volunteer. I just disagree the communication method should be facebook. Also saw it is continuing that people are being accussed of picking on Mrs. Sargent, that no good deed gets respected or something on that line. I do not believe because people identify concerns, ask questions, and disagree that that is a attack on Mrs. Sargent. Upsetting to see peoples opinions unwanted again and again. I believe what is wrong is that everyone is not allowed to work together, that the click must stop and others must feel welcome. We need to think about our children first and for most.
ReplyDeleteI would be concerned as to the schools liability using facebook, schools are obligated to report, identify issues. If someone post something that is in that criteria, then who is reporting this? I also disagree method should be Facebook. Should as quickly as possible get the CMS web page up to date. I also agree the comment stating that facebook page does not focus on CES where Carrie child is, is a complete insult Carrie and any other parent whose child is in Clinton Schools needs to be concerned and able to obtain information about all the schools, so they can plan their childs future.
DeleteI know there have been some comments that Laura's comment above was meant to be an attack at me, but it's not. She was responding to my comment when I asked "there's a facebook page?" and some one else responded "ha, ha, ha, that's exactly what I mean".
DeleteLaura was just saying that there was no way I could know about it, because my kids aren't in CMS. And she's right that the announcements wouldn't be relevant to me, because they are announcements for the middle school.
Laura and I are friendly, and I don't take her comment in any bad way whatsoever.
These are some of the statements on the discussion page:The Facebook Group is for Clinton MIddle School families so that current information/announcements can be passed along. It is monitored by a volunteer from the CMS volunteer program. It was an idea that was presented to Mrs. Sargent and some teachers as a way to post announcements and relay information until they figured out who would be responsible for the CMS website
ReplyDeleteCass1 is a parent with children not at CMS so she would not be aware of this group. Her children are at CES so the announcements are not relevant to her.
Evaluating this statement: Stictly for middle school families. (limits all concerned parents or public to gain information) Method of communication agreed upon by Mrs. Sargent, and some teachers, monitored by cms volunteer-Appears (hopefully I am wrong) the school participates, promotes it as a communication site, then they hold liability and responsibility (is there a policy posted anywhere regarding this use at CMS) Stating Cass1 is a parent at CES so she would not be aware so notices are not relevant to her, (thats not fair, many people participate in events at the middle school, not just middle school parents). Have to somewhat agree with some of the above feelings, appears you need to be part of the correct circle, also many parents do not have the ability to be on facebook. Best solution, Get the School Web Page updated and use that as your main web page tool.
this is an example once again of Mrs. Sargents unexperience -institues new things, but doesn't totally check them out before initiating them. First the Revolving Schedules, now Facebook, This is unfortunately her biggest mistake. Do not do new things until you have utilized every method of checking things out first. No one denys anyone can make mistakes, but please stop trying to be everyones friend and please ask for help, and please learn by your mistakes. Our Children are important. Your a very nice person, but the limitations of only certain people are welcome as is implied on the facebook comment -makes you appear you also are limiting who sees and knows what. I honestly doubt that was your intention, but that is why I say please please take a moment and evaluate first.
ReplyDeleteAny information on where things stand with big classes 36 or how the children are all going to get the same time in all subjects with the new revolving schedule? I am very interested.
ReplyDeleteIt needs to be corrected,I would think you have to give all children the same amount of education time in a subject. I also think 36 students in a class with room sizes as they
are is a fire safety concern. Sounds like this new schedule probably required more teachers than we have , I hope not, we do not have money to hire anymore teachers.
Facebook page not good for school communication. Web page sponsored and maintained by administrators of the schools is best. I observe the problem to be nice well meaning volunteers running the facebook page,but there is your problem. They are not employed by the school, the administrator (principal is not overseeing it and there is really no way to state what and what not is on a facebook page.)and as noted on the earlier post these well meaning volunteers are maybe posting and speaking too much on topics best left to the principal. If you want to be on the parent volunteer group, then yes you contact whomever is the proper person on that group. But if you have questions about a school sponsored or school related question it is best asked of the principal or authorized person at the school. No offense to anyone, everyones efforts are appreciated. All parents, public or interested party should have the right to view any public site, all parents should be involved in learning about how every school in Clinton functions, that is their childs future if they remain in public schools. All friendships aside, if CMS has a facebook page, then it should be easily accessible to all and people should have been able to know of its existance -everyone does not have the ability to go to school committee meetings, or be a parent volunteer. It is a nice thoughtful thing to have offerred ,but It is way to much of a risk in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI'd like this answer also. I don't want my child missing out on the same number of classes, or being changed from their current teacher.
ReplyDeleteThey like their teacher, I like their teacher, I hope there is a way to solve the problem without the students being hurt.
If your not offended then that is all that matters. Statement explained. Your blog covers all schools, all can view and post. Why not work together and use this blog instead of Facebook. Work with the school to get their web page updated and current. then this can be a conversation communication question and answer site. School administration could follow and answer questions. and School postings, and so forth could be on their web page. then parents or anyone could all be aware of all the information the school has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI guess I need to reply and clarify- it was my idea for the Facebook page as I have used Facebook groups for other things and wanted to get the word out about events for CMS. The idea was presented at a meeting as a way to get information out there as we were waiting to get the website updated. Mrs. Sargent brought it to school committee and it was approved. Just trying to find solutions and trying to create change and give people the information that they need. Facebook was chosen because a lot of people get the alerts on their phone. Aware that people work and phones are off for the day, thought that getting the update would help. This page was not meant to exclude just to present announcements about calendar items at CMS. Carrie would not know about the page but if she wanted to be on it she could. I am friendly with Carrie and it was in no way a slight or trying to be negative. I think getting out ideas and opinions is good and if creates solutions than all the better.
ReplyDeleteI am also up for creating an email group for all parents to send out information or updates. Think a weekly news blast to parents is a great idea or a weekly update from administration. Think communication is key so parents do know what is happening and going on.
Parents also have to feel that they can voice the negative without repercussions. All opinions should be heard whether you agree or disagree with policies or each other. All should be able to present their opinions and/or ideas and feel as though they are heard. I do not know if school committee or administration reads this but I sent an email to the school committee to take a look at this blog to see how parents are feeling.
Laura your efforts are honorable and appreciated. But parents who have children in school should or normally would leave their phones on so if their child got sick they could be notified. Or they have left a first call number with the school. I think the Newsletter Mr. Ingano promised earlier on this page is the way to go,that can easily be posted on the school web page. I believe the School web page is the communication tool for notices or Connect-ED calls. I do however feel the connect ED calls should go out to all listed on the students profile, as many children go to babysitters,or grandparents,neighbors after and before school, I have seen instances where only the parents got that call and the children were with someone else or children have missed events because the person caring for them did not get the call,early release for snow, no school and so forth. email list update,I feel that is the responsibility of the school,if parents want email notices then the school should send them, but not every parent wants email notices either. I agree with you communication is the key,but the school should be the communicator. It's been awhile since they promised updated school web page. your enthusiasm is appreciated. But honestly it's time for the school to get better organized.Many will disagree with me, but we have office personnel,administrators,teachers, and many more employed by the schools, that could be trained to post on the web page. After approval of the principal or her designee. Once again your kindness and willingness to help is respected.
ReplyDeleteTotally see your point and the points of others. Think an updated website with all announcements, information, etc. is key and one stop communication and accurate information. Think the newsletter is also a good idea and hope it happens.
ReplyDeleteFor the past couple of months I have been reading this blog. Those of you who fly by 'anonymous' sure have alot to say. I feel you are perpetually disgruntled and would not be content even if our schools were utopian. You are cowards sitting at home in the dark, afraid to come out and speak to other adults and have an open exchange. Would you be willing to come to an open parent forum where you could voice your gripes like a grown-up? I see you have alot of criticisms, do you have any solutions? Doubt it. I think you're haters and if you want to dispute that I'd be happy to meet you in front of Town Hall, out in the open to discuss it in public. Are you game?
ReplyDeleteOh my! Such a harsh comment, anyone that goes on this blog is a coward if they post anonymous? Cowards sitting at home in the dark afraid to speak to other adults openly? Mary I for one address each and every concern to the proper sources ,I attend all school events, I assist whenever possible. I don't think anyone who post on this blog deserves such attacks. Attacks like this I have seen on the discussion page, and now on this blog. And you wonder why people don't want to publically post their names, it's like an old time western movie, watch out the possy is coming after you! If you don't agree with some or you post an issue, your the bad guy and its not true , a slam at the principal, maybe alot of what is said here is honestly occurring. sad but true. I don't condemn you.I am not unwilling to accept your concerns or praises. But I do understand why no one feels safe in posting their names, this is a clear example of why they don't. Meet you on the steps of the town hall and openly discuss. sounds like you want to put on a public display -are people game? Wow !
DeleteMary (who?) you are very harsh in your above comment, People are dissatisfied, yes many are CONCERNED and many are attempting to NOTIFY OTHER PARENTS of things that may help them also. I also see comments giving credit to the schools. I see volunteers serving the schools.
ReplyDeleteI find nothing wrong in those efforts to help others. You may not like that their are things within the middle school right now that are of true concern. But life is not always pretty,
I can sincerely understand why people in Clinton do not want to even try anymore to help improve, because they will get slammed into the ground,by those who only want to give excuses and blame others for trying to bring things to light so they can be fixed. I would like to hear your positives and if you have any concerns with the middle school presently.
Instead of posting comments that just pick a fight and insult others.
I can't help but sit and shake my head over what I have read here. The incessant whining over being attacked, being called a coward, harsh words when in fact that is all you have posted time and again directed at the schools and administrators! It's only so "anonymous" writing style is a dead giveaway. My question is this, when did it become about you?? Who cares if someone disagrees with you? This is, and only should be, about the students and the schools. I keep hearing about how the positive people don't allow you to speak and if you don't agree you get attacked, there are 5, count them, FIVE people out of all the posts on here that are posting positively and using their names. And if you go and read all of those posts, the one thing they share is this: "Get off the blogs, and bring your concerns to the proper forum." That's not attacking you, that's the best advice ever! Your voices and concerns are not going to be heard and addressed on a blog. The insanity this has become has caused administrators to avoid them like the plague. No different than celebrities avoiding the tabloids. Now, I attended the CMS Open House, as well as all 4 of the CES Open Houses, and I also attend the school committee meetings. I have yet to hear anyone question administrators. If the problems are as dire as you claim, why aren't people coming out in droves to protest, to question, to call them out? It makes no sense! So for myself, and at this point I would bet many others, your concerns and complaints will be written off as personal, petty, and unfounded. If it's not important enough to address to the actual schools, it's not enough for me to care about. I truly do hope that you'll prove me wrong, I actually want you to. If you feel that strongly about this and the problems are that great, then as a parent, community member, decent person, it is your responsibility to do something about it...not just cry on a blog.
ReplyDeleteI have written on this blog before and I have asked questions and shared my knowledge and expiriences in hopes to better understand what is going on at CMS. I work days and nights. I am trying to support my children the best I can. I went to the CMS Open House. I have kids in multiple grades and was not able to be in all places. But I did hear parents ask many of these questions mentioned here and I spoke directly with Mrs. Sargent about my concerns.
DeletePeople are asking. I am not able to attend School Committee meetings but I try to watch them all on tv. Another thing I wish they would post the times on the website so I could watch them all. Why doesn't the SC ask some questions? You would have to live in another town to have not heard someone talk about CMS lately. I voted for them to represent me and for them to look out for my children.
Thank you, Alexis...one for posting with your name and two for actually putting the effort forth to speak to administration. That's all that's being asked here.
DeleteThe one thing I do not agree with is the expectation and sense of entitlement peoe seem to have that administration should address grumblings on a blog that is in no way affiliated with the school district. The administrators all have email addresses and phone numbers that are supplied by the district, as well as open door policies. This isn't an only means to be heard scenario, there are more acceptable channels, that you yourself admit to using. I have to assume that they responded to you, answered the questions you brought to them?
I voted for the school committee members as well, and I have faith that they will look out for the best interest of my children. I feel confident they will address any concerns brought to them, but not for a second do I expect them to go house to house knocking on doors looking for the problems.
If this blog was being used for what I believe Carrie's intent was, then I would support it 100%, which I did at the start, but what it's turned into saddens me greatly.
Exactly! I honestly hesitate right now to post but it's worth the effort. I just saw on the discussion page, another attack basically telling a person who asked a question and offered a suggestion, get basically told they are not a good parent because they for whatever reason could not attend open house and simply requested web page updates. They offered the suggestion of departments updating the page, not the principal. but they got accused of asking the principal to update it. They did not ask to be spoon-fed but got accussed of that. To just make a point, here is an example of a department or rather a stipend job that teachers or paras apply for and get money to do, class advisor in the 8th grade, two teachers own this position, both get stipend, not alot but they do get money. I do not find it unfair to ask those TWO people to post on the school web page, any information that may be necessary regarding 8th grade activities , fundraisers, and so forth. that is a job other than their teaching positions they elected to apply for. And it is not unfair to ask that if time need be devoted other than during their teaching job, which they are getting paid for, they post on the web after school day is done. Communication is through paper for the most part from what I receive, it takes few moments to post on a web page. and is alot more cost effective. Athletic page, that is the athletic depts problem in my opinion -so I do not find that unrealistic either. We used to see weekly athletic directors column announcements in the ITEM -we do not get those now either. So that is a extra paid job also, not included in a teacher salary. So why not expect that communication on the web page posted by them, there are TWO of them also. Access to web pages can be monitored and access can be adjusted to just select pages. So security is not an issue. I feel in things like PBIS or other fundraising or social events, those are usually teams of people organizing this, so whomever is chair of that should be able to post those notices on the web page. If you obligate to be a team member of these things, then it is not unfair to ask them to elect someone to post information. Administrative help there are TWO secretaries, to ask for maybe an hour or two a week to update is not unrealistic either. Just develop the web site to have specific pages, and access to post as necessary. Main page, is easily limited to administration -which I am sure the assistant principal could help out with some of that also. the principals invovlement in my opinion is to just establish, oversee, and minimally requires her to post. Just felt I needed to state there are ways to have other people post and no one asked the principal to be the one and only main person. I do not feel in the above situations, there is not the staff to do it. I personally think it was a good suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI fully appreciate what you're saying, but it's not as cut and dried as that. The principals and/or superintendent can't just one day say, it is now your responsibility to update and or maintain the website. I understand that's what it seems like from the outside. But the reason teachers and staff have contracts and unions is to protect them from things like that. You can't just add new responsibilities to a teacher or secretary without negotiations...so while it sounds great in theory, it's not so easily done.
DeleteI do understand teachers and administrative help are union. But the advisors are communicating now via paper, so you are really not asking anything more, just a change in method. (I can't believe contract states must communicate only by paper) athletic directors -I would bet in contract it states responsible for communication, and so forth, secretaries, can't believe their contract doesn't state something similar, like support the needs of administration. I can't be positive but most contracts have general statements, I find it hard that contract would state, specific communications methods. Guess we need to see what these job responsibilties state. If not then negotiate it now. I don't think there is a valid new contract established, I think they are working at least the teachers on an old one right now.-but not absolutely positive. Might now be easy, but it's worth a try. Thanks
DeleteKristi you are correct. Take this blog down.
ReplyDeletePerspective can be a useful tool. Consider the socio-economic level of Clinton. We are a poor town with a low median income and low taxes. Towns like Wayland and Acton with high taxes and high incomes attract and even recruit the 'cream of the crop' of teachers. So, what are we left with here in Clinton? We are closer to the status of Lawrence. Our schools are staffed with mostly local, well meaning people whose only academic experience is this tiny school district. Most of them were educated in the same colleges by the same instructors. I believe most of these people are well meaning, after all, they're personally invested; these are THEIR children too. These are your relatives and neighbors. So, where does that leave us? As parents we must not be polarized. Consider what all that negativity models for our children. Don't we want to be better than that? Times have changed and we must change with them. You're not going to get everything you ask for and change is slow. Pick your battles carefully and bring them to the right forum. All of this "I heard" and "somebody told me", "getting bashed into the ground" nonsense is just that, NONSENSE. It sounds like childish gossip and whining. Just a warning, some of the 'anon' posts border on slander and may be prosecutable cyber-bullying.
ReplyDeleteAs a professional with an advanced degree and parent of 2 Honors students at CPS, I cannot complain. You get what you pay for! There are some outstanding teachers in the school system, just like any other district. Teachers who choose to begin careers and who decide to stay at CPS are not among the highest paid, certainly, and from my experience they work hard and mean well. The best professional development, technology and cutting-edge methods...likely not. Back to the money problem. Most people in town seem to think that 40K is a lot of money because for them it is, but in reality our teachers' salaries and the school budget are among the very lowest in the state. Given the growing class sizes, schools forced to run on a shoestring, and outdated technology, I just don't know what people expect. Yes, the schools should remain flexible and open to feedback, and there are some easy fixes to such problems as poor communication and outreach. But please remember, you get what you pay (and vote) for.
ReplyDeleteDecided to post this information, only as an informative statement, and nothing more in it's meaning. My childs class was informed that their entire class will be getting a new teacher for one of their English related subjects, so they can all get the same amount of days in this subject throughout their grade level. Guess we should be thankful this was finally looked at and something is being done.Sorry this happenned but glad somehow the matter of questions surrounding the new revolving schedule were addressed and the money found to hire in another teacher to alleviate the problem. My child liked his prior teacher as did I. It's a tough thing to explain and accept, but at least the matter was heard and attempts to correct it are being made.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has also been affected by this change, She now has the newly hired part time teacher also. Reason I was given was new schedule only accomodated 3 days of Reading, which is in my opinion Grammar,for most of the 7th grade class, they were able to arrange 6 days for some but there was no way to keep the students with their current teacher and obtain 6 days for them. It involved around 45-50 students that had to be moved to this new hired teacher. Others were left with their current teacher and now also get 6 days. Unfortunate it took so long to repair the matter. Only issue I take with this is communication would have been appreciated at the beginning of school alerting me to this concern.
DeleteCMS web page has some updates on it ! Athletic Schedules are posted also!
ReplyDeleteMCAS results, not so great,average but could use improvement. Some are very good. But I noted children coming from CES 3rd grade into 4th at CMS they only have around 56% English and 52% Math of students that are advanced or proficient entering 4th grade. Looks like when they reach 4th grade teachers are having to get the students up to speed,consequently carrys into every grade after that.
ReplyDeleteI have only briefly looked at the MCAS results, but I noted there is a pretty big difference in the % of failing students, as well as advanced students in the high school group vs both the elementary & middle school. For example, MCAS Math, all grades at CES warning/failure is 18%, CMS is 20% (8th grade is 27%) and CHS-10th grade is 3%. For Math Advanced CES=16%, CMS=15%, and CHS=42%. So, looks like similar #'s for elementary and middle and a big change for high school. Wonder what that means? Is this same group of kids, 1/4 of whom are failing in 8th grade, making up that big of a difference by the time they are in 10th grade & tested again? My oldest child is in 5th grade, so I have no experience with the tests in the older grades. Is the teaching style/test preparation different in grades 9 & 10, accounting for this change? Is the "scale" of the grading on the state level different? (I have heard this hypothesis in the past). Do students take it more seriously? Does the demographic make up of the grade levels differ? Maybe I am looking at the numbers wrong. I just found it interesting that the year the test counts for graduation (10th grade) the numbers are so different. Wondering if others have thoughts on this. What is happening in grades 9 & 10 that is not happening in 3-8? Is there something we could learn that would help the younger students, or is this purely a statistical/number thing? This, of course, does not change the ranking of Clinton vs other towns in the Commonwealth, which is a whole different topic.
Delete10th grad MCAS is easier to pass. Not the questions, but the way that they score them. It has been this way for many years. There was discussion about it at a School Committee meeting with Mr. Vetros last year.
DeleteMiddle School MCAS you must consider the number of children in special ed or non english speaking students in each individual class as they are required to take the same test.Some classes have large numbers of children with special/resource needs. So naturally those scores would be less,but percentage growth could have increased from year to year. Format of test requirements is different from year to year for specific grades. However the percentage from CES of proficient and advanced is not encouraging ,we need to look at the beginning and see if we can improve there also. By the time the children to to High School, you lose several to other schools, which decreases the number of students taking the exam in High School, children go to Assabet, or other high schools. So we must take a look at what children in what circumstances were not proficient or failed at all our schools.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me why my child has had a substitute for teachers to go on a trip to see where they can additionally stop on their washington dc trip? Isn't that a waste of my childs education time? Should not that trip have been already in place? My opinion but I found that totally wrong when my child told me they had a sub, because the teacher was looking for stops on the way to DC. My child seems to have had alot of subs early on this year -WHY? I realize teachers have sick time and so forth, but why is time being given for social planning?
ReplyDeleteadministration approved time for school related trip planning.
DeleteCall the school! Then let us know.
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else finding their kids sick more then usual? My oldest who is in 8th grade this year has missed 3 days already and today will make 4. Do they disinfect the school during the summer? At the end of each day? this is just crazy! I'm nervous he's going to miss the Washington D.C trip since he keeps getting sick.
ReplyDeleteTrisha
When are middle school progress reports due out. Web page says 10/18/12 but if you click in it says yesterday 10/01/12. I thought it was this week something like this Friday.
ReplyDeletepaper progress due out today Friday
DeleteIs anyone finding they are being asked constantly for money for fundraising events at the middle school since start of school and prior actually. First the money request to attend the PBIS back to school bash, then Gold cards for the Band, then tickets for a spaghetti supper for 8th grade, a magazine drive, Mcdonalds, PBIS fundraiser, Now $2 from every child for a class basket for the PBIS craft fair in November or an item for it, also the child must contribute also depending upon grade, a cake along with the money of $2 bake goods for the bake sale table, a gift card donation. That's alot of money requested since school start to provide social events
ReplyDeleteand then you get fundraising for PTA along with it. Seems excessive all at the same time, I have spent $400 to date on just these fundraiser request. and they are all for supplying the children with social activities.
We could have a real estate tax hike and be paying less than that a year and the money would be going to our childrens education needs. I have nothing against social fun but this in my opinion is excessive fundraising. Parents are also paying for Washington DC trip ,I wish the school would focus on education needs a little more, instead of putting so much effort into always fundraising for PBIS. Getting a little hard to keep getting money together to support all these things. also have to contribute something for the scare crow each class is building to be displayed at the school, for the PBIS craft fair.
I agree. I have three kids in the school and I cannot afford to keep up. I have only bought pictures, which was $70.00 for 3 very basic packages.
DeleteAre we required to donate for the PBIS Harvest Festival? The letter sounds like it is required and then thanks us for our support?
I read that as a mandatory request also of $2 or an appropriate item worth $2 plus your grade level mandatory request of cake, or bake goods or gift card whatever grade your child is in. In my case my child does not even know the theme of their basket and were told money needed to be in this past week. So we had to come up with the money we had no other option.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that a great deal of money is being requested but let's look at reality. Outside programs (trips such as Washington DC) or basic end of the year field trips are expensive. The DC trip costs about 70-80 thousand dollars to run but the children get to be part of our history instead of just reading about it. We could be like the high school and charge dues to every child every year ($100-150) and if you do not pay, you do not play or we can fundraise and earn 40-50% of the profits. We as parents always have the option of donating instead of fundraising. I have started this process instead of selling.
ReplyDeleteEveryone knows education costs $ but no one wants to pay!
Fundraising for activities is fine within limits, but there are several school fundraisers all going on at the same time, couldn't they be spread apart some? The mandatory one for the PBIS fall festival really upsets me, not everyone has the money to support those kinds of mandatory request. Voluntarily give is fine, but I object to it being madatory.
ReplyDeleteI am not donating to the Fall Fair. I cannot afford it. I really hope the teachers do not pressure my children about it. My children don't have money to buy cakes and gift cards.
ReplyDeleteI would rather just send $ for my children to participate in a field trip or event. I work two jobs and my husband works 50 hours a week. Neither of us have had a raise in many years. We are out of money and I can't support fundraisers when I need to support my family.
Good Luck! My child came home today and told me, "It isn't a class unless everyone participates.". Her words exactly.
DeleteMy 9 year old doesn't have $2. So she can't be part of the class? She is letting the rest of the class down? How is this promoting Positive Behavior?
Many parents are in this same position, might be a good idea to limit the fundraising and evaluate another approach, such as dues or pay as you go for trips as stated above. Example the Washington DC trip is around $800 per child. Money off for fundraising brought in by the individual child but your still asking the parent and family members to buy the fundraising articles -so it's really not beneficial to the parents or the family, they are paying $800 anyway. And then your child needs money for extras and food for the trip that is not provided so that is at least another $50 or $100 total of about $900 for DC trip, in todays econony that is alot of money, trip is nice, but way too expensive and leaves alot of kids out of the trip. And on top of it some of the fundraising money is paying for the administrator, nurse, teachers and other chaperones that go on this trip. So your taking away about 6 or so $800 ($4800) out of that fundraising to pay for the required adults, then you get the decisions made if extra money is available of what child gets a free trip or money to pay off their trip. I often wonder who decides who is the most needy child in that situation.? I honestly feel this PBIS program is asking way to much of parents.
ReplyDeleteThe pressure on the children and family to produce what is required is not appropriate. On top of it we received another fundraiser request yesterday , Now they want us to buy tupperware for a middle school fundraiser. Next it will be a thanksgiving one and then the Christmas wreaths and plants. Enough already!
I will not buy the Tupperware! That is a parent who is making money off of the school and it should not have been allowed at CES either. She donates a portion of the money back to the schools, but she is still getting paid. It is a racket! All of the fundraisers are but this is simply a woman trying to get more business for herself.
ReplyDeleteI have some leaves in my yard I could sell. I'll donate a portion of the proceeds to the school. Why not? It's for the kids.
I would like to see when fundraisers are promoted what exactly are the proceeds of these fundraisers purchasing? You hear field trips for example, or to cut related cost for DC trip, or cut cost for 8th grade graduation, or PBIS related events. For once I would like to see the total of proceeds from the fundraiser and exactly who decided and what got decided where the money went. Is one grade benefiting more than others? Are we paying cost of transportation for buses and still charging fees to go on these trips? Are we including all children or just some? PBIS money goes exactly where? All these 8th grade fundraisers pay for what? A yearbook? A dance? and what? If 8th grade requires money every year then have 8th grade pay dues or 7 and 8 grade pay dues.Then some of these fundraisers could be eliminated. Another recent example of students being required to donate to a fundraiser on top of selling tickets to the 8th grade pasta supper, each student has been asked to provide pastry for the supper, and on top of it they are required to submit cookies,brownies, they were told absolutely no cupcakes, cakes. Wow - asking for pastry and having the nerve to demand what pastry. this is really going too far in my opinion. Next it will be only chocolate chip cookies, asking for donations is one thing, but demanding only select pastry is quite another. I personally feel that if one or two people are demanding certain items, then let them bake it. I personally would not put anyones donation of pastry down.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone is saying about there being a lot of fundraisers. It seems that everything hits at the same time. Personally, I have 3 children in the school system and we have not participated in the fundraisers that have been sent home. No one in my family is in a financial position to buy items, and my husband and I do not work in areas where we are able to bring order forms in to work (nor are many people these days). I did participate in the PTA Texas Roadhouse fundraiser, by going out to dinner with my children the night of the event.
ReplyDeleteIn the past years, I have determined what amount of money (or goods) I am comfortable donating and have sent a check in with the amount to the school as a donation. This way, 100% of what I send goes to the school, rather than whatever percentage is recieved with the fundraiser. I think that the thought behind "fundraisers" vs dues or fees is that the family has the option of asking others (friends, coworkers, neighbors) to purchase, rather than coming up with the amount themselves. Realistically though, there is a limit to how many times you can ask people to buy things (this includes other activities as well, scouts, soccer, etc).
As for the PBIS, regardless of how the flyer was worded, I viewed it as a REQUEST for a donation. I feel that $2 is not excessive, especially as I have known about it for a few weeks, so that I will contribute. My son enjoyed feeling that he had contributed to the class basket last year, and we CHOOSE to contribute again this year. I have emphasized a couple words, because it is the decision of each family if/what they would like to contribute. It is not always the easiest decision, but the reality is that for most families, it is not possible to participate and contribute to everything. My son has not indicated to me that he has been pressured in any way to bring in the money or items (other than the original letter). So I guess it is a teacher by teacher thing. Until someone tells me that my children can not participate, or that it all of a sudden costs a fee to attend a public school, all of these requests are just that, REQUESTS. A poorly worded flyer, or the insinuation that this is something that MUST be done by each family, doesn't change that fact.
I know that from the outside it seems wrong to request only a certain type of baked good, and I can see how it sounds ungrateful to not want to accept certain items. However, having been involved with other organizations requesting baked items in the past (though not with CMS or PBIS), once a decision has been made to sell brownies, or serve cupcakes, etc...that is the item needed. For example, if the hope is to serve 300 brownies with dinner and someone brings a dozen cupcakes, wouldn't it have been better to request that the person bake brownies in the first place. If I dropped off cupcakes only to see that the need was for brownies and no one had told me, I would think it was pretty ridiculous that they didn't just ask me to bake what was needed in the first place. I suppose it's just in how you look at, or interpret the request.
I do know that the PTA presents a budget at each meeting with updated fundraising amounts and requests for spending, and the budget is voted on at the beginning of the year. Additional requests are discussed and also need to be voted on, as they come in through the year. I don't know how other groups (8th grade, PBIS, etc...) allocate their funds, but it is worth asking.
Well said and I agree completely with all your points.
DeleteI agree the PTA establishes their goals and votes and discusses. Someone mentioned they donate a check each year so all money goes directly to the school. Who do you write that check out too and what fund does that go into? If it goes into a general fund, then it could be used for anything. But that's a good idea to help eliminate all these fundraisers. Maybe they need a class trip/recreation fund.
ReplyDeleteParents Night middle school CHANGED because of a PTA fundraiser Bingo Night? Original date on the night of PTA fundraiser so Mrs. Sargent changes parents night for grades 4 5 6 to Nov 7th to accomodate a FUNDRAISER? This has been a real concern for me as it is consistent that the middle school is focusing on fundraising, social entertainment, and will even re-schedule parents night to accomodate. They need to put education and curriculum in first place not social entertainment and fundraising. I find this totally upsetting that parents night was re-arranged and the purpose was not education it was a fundraiser. PTA should have planned there fundraiser on a night that did not interfere with parents night and the education of our students. another question, can anyone tell me if Mrs. Sargent still is employed on the recreation dept of the City of Leominster. I heard originally she wanted to display the middle school scarecrows at Sholen farms in Leominster, but then changed to Rauscher farm in Clinton, (that is why my question - why Leominster, unless she is still actively involved in Leominster Parks and Rec.?) Now I am not saying anything or implying anything about Mrs. Sargent - I just want to know if our principal has one job or two, and why the interest in displaying Clinton scarecrows in Leominster was even thought about? And why she did not have the PTA change their fundraising night and opted to changed educational need of parents night? I just want to understand, nothing else implied.
ReplyDeleteWeb site middle school states THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14th - Wednesday is the 14th. also it depends where you read on this site what is when on what day - would be nice to see it consistent and accurate.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the Symphony Singers for their wonderful performance at the Pops Concert! Thank you Mrs. Worth for giving these students this opportunity to sing with the Thayer Symphony Orchestra. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone! Did people see the great article in the newspaper about how CHS and CMS team together using science. CHS students work with middle school teachers and become science mentors to the students. Hooray great work! Speaking about education did anyone know that CMS and CHS work together and have a tutoring program and HS students work with middle school. Also Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Rouleau work with 8th grade students who need help in math on Thursday nights.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, the middle school has had two rally's this year. One at the beginning of the year and one just before MCAS. HS students brought the First Robot over and got the students pumped up!
Lastly, CMS had a dance!! First in about 5-6 years. I heard almost 100 students went!
It seems that there are many things good in our schools. Let's keep up the good work together: parents, teachers, students, and administration.
Hey Everyone!
ReplyDeleteI just want to comment on the great year my child has had this year at CMS. My daughter tells me that compared to last year the administration seems open and friendly and she often sees Mr. Rouleau in the halls and in the classes. She said that Spirit Week this year was more fun than last and the teachers really got involved with decorating the hallways and some even dressed up during Green and Gold day and Crazy Clothes day. I am not sure about anyone else but from listening to my child it seems that the academics are good, the teachers are good and the administrators are good! I hope other people can see that we have an educational system here in Clinton that cares about our children.
Middle school begins again! Has anyone seen the changes this past year? As you entered the school doors were painted green and gold, stair cases were painted demonstrating pride. Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Rouleau held meetings with parents from grade five and upcoming grade three. The end of the year school dance for grade eight and graduation were fabulous! Now this summer the plants in front were cleared, a bench for parents in the front will be a welcoming site. (Gift from grade eight). Now this month to begin the year Mrs. Sargent and Mr. Dawkins (new vp as Mr. Rouleau is at CES) will have a cookout. Let's start positively, as I know we as parents want what is best for our children but this year before I complain I will look in the mirror and ask the question-what have I done to improve the school district?
ReplyDeleteCan not wait till school starts
http://www.telegram.com/article/20131115/COULTER01/311159978
ReplyDeleteSchool Committee member Joel Bates, who is principal of the Florence Sawyer School in Bolton, said he thought the scores illustrated a "systematic" problem of not having a district-wide map of what should be taught
More horrible MCAS results what was done about the systematic problem. Nothing!
ReplyDelete