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mstone
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Posted: Apr 26th, 2007 11:34 am |
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I have a lot of the same concerns Lilly has. If we are the "Guilford County School System" shouldn't all of the students have the same opportunities at their school? If this latest program is so great, why not put it in every school? And Lilly brings up a good point - what about our students at NWHS. If this new program is supposed to get the kids prepared for "top level universities", it seems that the school administration just made a decision to help only a select group achieve this goal, and has kicked everybody else to the curb.
I still have to question the CP, AP, Honors thing. I work closely with GTCC, and they point out that many high school grads aren't prepared for college level work. A lot of kids that graduated from the GCS system have to take remedial courses in core subjects. That tells me that either our schools aren't preparing our kids for the future or GTCC is doing this to make some extra bucks. When a kid graduates from one of our high schools they shouldn't have to take a remedial course at the local community college before being prepared for a university. However, you won't hear the GCS administration acknowledge this. Think about it - if they state that this is "THE" program to prepare kids for college, then they are admitting that they aren't preparing the vast majority of the kids at the other schools. Otherwise they would implement this system wide.
I still have to express my concern for the majority of our kids, though. What about these kids that are not planning to go to a university? Why have a program that automatically excludes them from the mainstream of their school? It appears that at Northern, unless you're planning to go to a top notch university, the administration has determined that you just don't fit in. There are a lot more kids NOT going to college than are going (sad but true). There are hundreds of different reasons why, but the GCS system had better recognize this fact and address it before implementing any more of their academic schemes. These kids need skills they can take to work - an honorable post-graduation route by the way.
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Skiddles
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Posted: Apr 26th, 2007 01:22 pm |
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| I have a question, do the teachers play a role in this AP or Honors process? Do they have a recommendation process in place? This way the parents and school knows if the child has the skills to take a higher course.
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GRITS
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Posted: Apr 26th, 2007 01:49 pm |
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dmauser wrote: As I understand it, AP is a college level course and should be gone into with much thought. The counselors are under pressure to get the number of students up in those classes
Skiddles, this is what I find very interesting---is the school system more concerned about impressive numbers or our kids!
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mstone
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Posted: Apr 26th, 2007 03:03 pm |
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GRITS wrote: dmauser wrote: As I understand it, AP is a college level course and should be gone into with much thought. The counselors are under pressure to get the number of students up in those classes
Skiddles, this is what I find very interesting---is the school system more concerned about impressive numbers or our kids!
AMEN GRITS !!!!!
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Skiddles
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Posted: Apr 27th, 2007 02:41 pm |
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GRITS with all that I have read, it does sound like there is a real issue here. The children should come first and not how numbers look on paper for the schools. These young people are trying to start a life for themselves and should receive the bottom line guidance to help them make the best decisions for themselves. Thank you for educating us and bringing these issues to light. Last edited on Apr 27th, 2007 05:29 pm by Skiddles
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Skiddles
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Posted: Apr 27th, 2007 03:12 pm |
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| I was asking a question here and have found my answers. Keep up the good work everyone... Thanks Last edited on Apr 27th, 2007 05:30 pm by Skiddles
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GRITS
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Posted: Apr 28th, 2007 02:29 am |
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what did you find out Skiddles? I have been waiting for the answer.
Thank you for joining the chitter-chatter.
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GRITS
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Posted: Apr 29th, 2007 07:34 pm |
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| I went by the high school yesterday, and it looked like there was a good turn out for the Football camp. Makes a good impression for the future. The northwest part of the county needs to aquire a competitive team to compete with Randolph. Hopefully Northern can turn things around. maybe this a sign of good things to come.
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Baseball Buddy
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Posted: Apr 29th, 2007 11:18 pm |
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| That's a good idea Grits. It will take a strong athletic director with plenty of support for Northern to compare with schools such as Eastern Randolph though. Eastern Randolph's sports programs are ran like a college program. The school as a whole plus the Booster Club really backs them and shows support. I would only hope for that in Northern. Seems that there are too many distractions from education already in this new facility. School officials are already talking about putting Mobile units on the new school and the kids have not been there but 4 months. Was there any planning for the future here, Terry? Or just keep on doing the same thing over and over and think the out come will be different? Please!
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GRITS
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Posted: Apr 29th, 2007 11:29 pm |
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Baseball Buddy wrote: School officials are already talking about putting Mobile units on the new school and the kids have not been there but 4 months. Was there any planning for the future here, Terry? Or just keep on doing the same thing over and over and think the out come will be different? Please!
Yes, I do think they did some planning for the new school. The plan was to bring all kids from EVERY where -- other than all the Northwest part of the county. There is no way that this school is already maxed out. Kids should go to school in their district closest to where they live. If there are educational problems, then fix the problem "within the school". Don't make the over crowding situation any worse than it already is.
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GRITS
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Posted: May 24th, 2007 04:44 pm |
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Everybody please come and show your support for these band members May 29--everyone has worked very hard all year. It has been a very challenging year for these guys and all deserve an honorable mention.
WAY TO GO NORTHERN MIDDLE
Guilford North
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Northern Middle marching band rocks
By Adria Hairston
Staff Writer
The newly assembled Northern Guilford Middle School Marching Band made a roaring debut May 18 at a pep rally held to get students excited about their upcoming End of Grade tests.
"As far as we know, this is the only middle school marching band in Guilford County," said Principal Sam Misher in his introduction of the marching band.
With only 10 weeks of practice behind them, the 40-member band filed into the school's gymnasium, ready to show off their skills before a crowd of peers, parents and faculty.
"Not a one, not a two, not even a three. Gotta get a four on the EOGs," the band chanted in its opening number, "A.S.A.P," a hip-hop song frequently played on the radio.
The students marched in the style of high-step, exemplified in the movie "Drumline" and on campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation.
Band Director Jane Van Middlesworth said marching bands at Dudley and Andrews high schools also use high-step.
"The students have been wanting to do this for a long time. They wanted to prove they could do it and have worked so hard," Middlesworth said.
The band is composed of a 10-member drumline, 23 wind instruments and seven Lady Hawkette dancers.
Middlesworth said she is proud of her students' ability to pick up the choreography and learn a new style of music in a short time.
"Ms. LaVerne Davis has been working with the dancers," Middlesworth said. "She has a dance studio, so she has experience there. Only one member of the drumline had previous drum experience. The others played wind instruments, but they picked it up really fast."
The students also performed in the Summerfield Founders' Day Parade on Saturday.
Residents will have the chance to see the band in action again at 6:30 p.m. May 29 at the Courtyard Concert, outside Northern Guilford Middle, 616 Simpson-Calhoun Road.
"The concert is free to the public. We urge everyone to bring their picnic baskets, blankets and come out to show their support for these talented students," Middlesworth said.
Last edited on May 24th, 2007 04:48 pm by GRITS
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Cracker Jax
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Posted: May 24th, 2007 05:13 pm |
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Thanks for the article Grits! I do hope folks turn out to see these kids in action! I was so proud of them on parade day! They are GREAT!
Note: I'm wearin' my new "NIGHTHAWK" color.... like it? 
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GRITS
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Posted: May 29th, 2007 08:26 pm |
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Last week, NMS sent home a "Contract of Hope" to students that may be in jeopardy of failing a class, or receiving a D this 9 weeks or had received a D or F during any of the prior 9 weeks.
This Contract of Hope approved by Dr. Misher was designed to give the students an opportunity to improve their grade by 1) completing any missing assignments and turning them in or 2) do extra work to help the student understand the subject better where he/she maybe having difficulty.
These students are pulled away from their regular schedule core classes, and is separated into a group, they are to remain with this group until all work is completed and accepted by the teachers, all work is evaluated on a daily basis. The student may be allowed to return to regular scheduled classes within 2-3 days or could remain here until the end of the school year. This time period depends on the individual student. So far this sounds like a good plan, right?
Dr. Misher and his team failed to inform the parents of what all this involved. Instead, crucial information was given to the students verbally instead of being explained in detail within the body of the "Contract of Hope." The contract failed to inform parents of the time frame--instead it was assumed that the students were to remain with this group from last Friday May 25 until the end of the year. There were no progress notes or interim reports attached to the contract of hope, therefore, the parent did not know what the primary focus was on. I was left to assume what class my child was having trouble in. This assumption was incorrect, instead all core subjects are being done. The child is having to re-do old work in all core classes, and also has the responsibility of completing all core class work being taught in the regular scheduled classroom that the student is not even attending!
Dr. Misher is also not allowing any of the students to participate in any extra-curricular activities that are scheduled such as Field Day. I was told that this is not by no means a form of punishment due to poor academic performance, but instead an opportunity to improve. If this is not "punishment" then can someone explain to me what this is?
This is unacceptable and I stress that the students that are affected are only going to have a negative attitude toward school. To motivate a child is not to ostricize. All students regardless of their grades should be allowed to participate in Field Day---this is a big deal to 12 year olds. Not only that, they have (my child especially) has worked hard this year, and should not be punished for not understanding a class. I have taken advantage of every opportunity made available and even requested other people to get involved to help my child. I have diligently stayed on top of the math teacher, assistant principle and the guidance counselor to help my child. Instead I feel as though no one chose to listen to me because he is not D student--he is an A student according to teachers and GC, and AP. No one chose to take into consideration that this child did not understand the math even after months of tutoring (since January) even with me complaining to the necessary people. Now, the school is trying to teach a years worth of information all crammed into 10 days. IT AIN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!
After forcing the assistant principle to talk with me and my child this morning, I was informed that NMS was not going to have summer school since they only have 6th graders, and this was their plan to bring the child up to their expected level of performance. Ms. Mathews informed me that no one felt as though it was necessary to mention the reprimands that had been set, I feel different--the parent should be informed of all intentions place on a child, especially when there are consequences involved taking away privileges. That's great that NMS cares, but don't take away their ability o rtheir desire to create delightful, fun and exciting memories of school.
Last edited on May 29th, 2007 08:31 pm by GRITS
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dmauser
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Posted: May 29th, 2007 08:46 pm |
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It is obvious that you don't think communication is good enough at NMS and now that your school has elected leadership members you should contact them. They are to represent the parents at your school, as should your PTSA president. That is their responsibility to you. For any school to be successful, communication is crucial.
If you have someone that fails any course will they have to go to another school for summer school. I know that 6th grade is not a gateway grade (5 and 8 are)
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GRITS
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Posted: May 29th, 2007 08:58 pm |
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dmauser wrote: It is obvious that you don't think communication is good enough at NMS and now that your school has elected leadership members you should contact them. They are to represent the parents at your school, as should your PTSA president. That is their responsibility to you. For any school to be successful, communication is crucial.
If you have someone that fails any course will they have to go to another school for summer school. I know that 6th grade is not a gateway grade (5 and 8 are)
From what I understood today, no one from 6th grade would go to summer school even at another campus. I asked that exact question. Of course, I do not see how this is even feasible, no 6th grader going to summer school because it is not a gateway year. Not every child is successful and may need extra help even it means over the summer.
BTW, no I think the communication stinks--and even stressed my concerns regarding that subject, and how NMS could improve. I am even curious if the PTSA were even aware of this, and were they involved. I don't know--just remember how Misher did not permit our kids participate at the NW middle school dance when invited.
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