I just happened thru here and read your post Grits. I have to say, I am appalled.  I can't even believe this.  I agree with Dmauser that the leadership team needs to be developed, but something needs to be done NOW for these kids.

I just asked my kid about it and she didn't know any details about this contract, but did say that the kids that were being pulled out were primarily from Northeast and looked so scared sitting in that room.  One of them even told her it was like being put in jail.

Are these kids from a variety of teachers or just one (i.e. Heller - who seems to be able only to relate to the speedier learners)

I may have posted somewhere here before about the awards ceremony for the second nine weeks where all students attended, and the parents of award winners were invited.  At the end of the ceremony, Misher asked the students who won awards either for academics or attendance to stand.  There were only about 20 kids (guesstimate) left sitting.  It was just sickening.  I thought at first that perhaps he didn't know that there would be so few left sitting or that it would be so obvious that there were so few who didn't win awards and figured he'd just breeze over it... but no, he said to those students who were left sitting that perhaps they needed to strive to be award winners like the kids who were standing next time and they would have to do better... I don't remember the exact words, but I was sooooo pissed!   Of course the parents of the sitting kids were probably not there because their kids weren't getting awards so who would complain???

I think the man bears watching with a very close eye because if he's gonna use the A-B-C earners as an "EXAMPLE" to the kids who are having difficulty, then he's only going to cause resentment and division among the students.

There are many good things about NGMS, but if the self esteem of ANY of our children is in jeopardy, then I think it's something that needs to be fixed and quick.

You PM me Grits if you want me to do something to help you with this. I'll be glad to write a letter or something if you need me to. 

I wouldn't have known anything about this if it weren't for this forum.  It really makes me wonder what else is going on there that I don't know about. 

Last edited on May 30th, 2007 02:32 pm by GRITS

That is EXACTLY why I didn't send the letter that I wrote to Misher after the awards ceremony where he pointed out the kids who didn't get awards.  In a school so small, one always fears that their child will be singled out.   

Have you talked to any parents who are in the same situation Grits? Are any of them as upset about this as we are?

About this contract, I think I finally understand that you weren't told that the kids would have privelidges withheld in addition to the ISS. I must have glossed over this yesterday when I read your original post.  I can see why you are so upset.

Did you have the option not to sign it? 

If so, have you asked if your child can be released from the contract because of their failure to disclose all aspects of the contract?  I'd rather pay for a private tutor or something than put my kid thru this.

On a different topic,  don't tell the kids, but grades have probably already been turned in. 

And because of this, I'd have to think seriously about whether or not to even send my kid and subject them to this for the final week of school.  The last week is usually reserved for socializing and signing yearbooks and stuff, and if they aren't gonna be allowed to do that, I'd probably just keep mine at home.... I dunno.

What would be really cool is if the principal doesn't adapt the rules to something fair, then all the parents of these kids decide to keep their younguns at home for that week... a "walk out" so to speak.

Ok.. now I'm instigating, so I'll stop. 

Last edited on May 31st, 2007 06:37 pm by GRITS