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Cracker Jax Member 
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Have something to say about Northern High School? Post it here! |
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dmauser Member
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We had a great meeting at Northern Middle, concerning Northern High last Thursday. There will be monthly meetings (the 3rd Thurday) for the next few months. Lots of sports info available at NGHS website, located through gcsnc.com. The PTSA for Northern High is meeting April 12, 7pm at Moby's-- all interested parties welcome. |
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GRITS Member
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I know this a little late--but maybe better than never. Are any of concerned about the lengthy bus rides that our 6 graders have to endower? My child greets his bus promptly at 7am every morning--ride for 90 minutes--and school starts at 8:45. The afternoon route is just as bad--another 90 minute--my child is at home at 5:10pm. I have talked to the head of transportation, and the blame is all on resources. Northern needs more buses- and it doesn't look like a new one is coming any time soon. What can we do--my tax dollars pay for this--and expect better. |
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dmauser Member
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I have talked to the GCS about this several times. With Eastern taking alot of buses there are just not any buses available. The transportation office realizes that some of the routes are too long and promises to try (notice I did not say they WILL) get more buses for next year. I suggest emailing all of the BOE members with your concern. Hopefully if the Pod village at Eastern is open on time next year that will open up some buses. In adddition after XMAS the high schoolers will be going to Northern High and they will need even more buses. |
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GRITS Member
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This is exactly what GCS has told me, more buses will come once the high school gets going. I am also told that the buses will be added before since the middle school will be full gear. I just don't think GCS has thought this out very well especially jumping into a school within a school concept. This bus ride has been a tremendous toll on my son--which is indeed affecting his grade because he has no time once he gets home from school. His day is longer than mine and I am 43, he is only 12. Maybe the state should lower the driving age to 12. |
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Lilly Spears Member
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GRITS wrote: This is exactly what GCS has told me, more buses will come once the high school gets going. I am also told that the buses will be added before since the middle school will be full gear. I just don't think GCS has thought this out very well especially jumping into a school within a school concept. This bus ride has been a tremendous toll on my son--which is indeed affecting his grade because he has no time once he gets home from school. His day is longer than mine and I am 43, he is only 12. Maybe the state should lower the driving age to 12. Grits I too am dealing with your frustrations. Unfortunately, I personnally do not see the this problem being solved antime soon. More buses will be added next year when the high school begins in January. However, my only fear is that the 90 minute bus ride will only remain--I do not see that being resolved ever. I have been told by GCS that another reason why the the bus runs as early as they do is because of were the buses are parked. I do know that some of Northern's buses are parked at Page high school. |
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dmauser Member
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There is no bus parking lot at Northern Middle, the lot is connected to the HS, so once it is finished in Jan 08 that will help. This is just one of the issues that arises with the idea of starting a school in the middle of the year. No water, long bus rides, cold food, etc. I hate starting a school in the middle of the year! It is disruptive to students learning and lives. The teachers are put through the ringer driving back and forth prior to the opening... I could go on and on! The truth is that the BOE thinks that the public would be livid if a new school is left empty for a few months. I personally am more worried about the students than an empty building. The empty building could be addressed by the construction schedule many years prior to opening.... off my band wagon for now  |
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Lilly Spears Member
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dmauser wrote: . I hate starting a school in the middle of the year! It is disruptive to students learning and lives. The teachers are put through the ringer driving back and forth prior to the opening... I could go on and on! I am so glad to know that there is someone else who feels exactly the way that I do. I could not have stated it better. Thanks DMauser. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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S. Smith Moderator
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Lilly Spears wrote: dmauser wrote:. I hate starting a school in the middle of the year! It is disruptive to students learning and lives. The teachers are put through the ringer driving back and forth prior to the opening... I could go on and on! I've added a new thread on this topic. I've also added one about the long bus rides. Last edited on Apr 1st, 2007 03:50 pm by S. Smith |
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Lilly Spears Member
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Good morning all, does anyone else get the impression that Northern is being used as a guinea pig? Mr. Grier presents a great oppurtuninty for these kids wanting to offer nothing but Advanced Placement courses, but why just does it have to offered at one school? Why Northern.? If he is wanting to make a change as far increasing our kids academic intelligence, why not offer AP courses at all the high schools? What is Mr. Grier basing his data on and why does he seem to be focusing on one particular school zone? Next, if Gov. Easley gets his way wanting to offer 2 years of college to all graduates by attending High School an extra year, where will these kids be attending? The northwest community is already busting at the seams, is this another test that Northern will try to achieve? |
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dmauser Member
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Not sure what you mean about AP-- all schools have some AP classes. If you knew how many parents thought that CP (college prep) meant that they would be ready for college, you would understand the problem - CP is basic almost remedial classes. To really get ready for college you need honors classes. I have no idea how Northern will address those that have no intention of going to post hs educations. Of course, all knowldege is beneficial and perhaps an honors course will encourge more students to look at different opportunites. I can't imagine where we would put kids if they stayed in school for 13 or 14 years. I don't think that proposal is a good one, and will be keeping an eye on the development of it. |
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mstone Member
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I agree Lilly. Here comes another program/experiment. If it's a good plan, why not implement it across the county. That's the same as the HP Choice plan. If it was such a good idea, why not let everyone participate. I am SERIOUSLY concerned about kids not ready for AP and honors classes. And like dmauser, I don't know how you address kids that don't plan to go to college. All learning is valuable, but if a teen gets frustrated (especially one not planning a college path) in an honors class, are they more likely to drop out or create problems in class by acting out? I don't know, but it's totally inappropriate to focus on a single group of kids at the expense of another. My son was assigned an AP math class even though he barely passed his 9th grade algebra. After 2 months of struggling and failing, I stepped in an told the guidance councelor to move him to a more appropriate class. She said "NO"! Fine, I went to the principal, and he said "no" as well until I explained who the decision-maker in the room was. He's my son, and I am the taxpaying parent. The principal finally agreed and we got my son moved. Unfortunately, the damage was done and he didn't really engage in the school activities for the rest of the year. My son finally told me that the school people made him feel "dumb" when he switched classes. OK, so I'll stop venting my personal problems, but I fear this is what's going to happen to a lot of really good kids that want to learn, but aren't ready or willing to take on these types of courses. And the BOE hasn't even considered how to address this. Last edited on Apr 25th, 2007 09:47 pm by mstone |
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dmauser Member
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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, but I agree the decision is up to the parent. Unfortunately about 75% of the parents, don't get involved with these decisions until it is too late. I know we all have busy lives, but other than the health of my family my child's education takes top priority. Even when I try to stay aware of things, it takes a lot of time so I can understand where many parents think they don't have the time, knowledge, etc to make decisions, but it is very important to the success of our children. Again, I am learning but as I understand it CP is really not challenging and should be renamed as basic English. Honors is what the equivalent of college prep was when I was in HS (okay that was a long, long time ago  ).To get into a top level university they want to know that the student can master their courses and should have taken several AP classes in HS. This came as a complete surprise to me, but many kids graduate with 4.8 and 5. something averages! I thought my 3.5 was good. haha It is hard to know where to get the right balance, between school, extras, family, church etc. Only so much time in a day. |
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Lilly Spears Member
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ok I get why this is even being considered, but the real question is why do this at 1 school? Where is the data coming from to form these decisions. If the GPA are as high as you claim they are, why is the BOE not implementing this concept at EVERY high school--why not Northwest? Why is Northern only being considered when Northern has no end of grade results to show support? The waters are being tested and not every student is prepared enough to take on these challenges, no child is equal. I think parents are more involved than 75%, but when a parent is constantly told "no" when asked to look at moving a child to another class that better fits the child--frustration and aggrevation tends to set in. It is a battle . |
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mstone Member
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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 Member 
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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 AMEN GRITS !!!!! |
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Skiddles Member
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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 Member 
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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
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 Member
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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 Member
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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. 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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dmauser Member
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PTSA would probably not be involved with this decision, however leadership team should have been, but I don't know if you had one in place this year. The elected members of the team are suppose to be active in solicting input from different segments of the parent body. IMHO that is the most important volunteer job at a school. Again, your PTSA president should be available to discuss with you concerns over educational things. I fear that we (our entire community) have forgotten that PTSA should be mainly an advocacy group. We (I am including myself) get so wrapped up in the day to day programs that each PTSA offers that we often forget that we are the liason between parents and administration. I have often gone to my principal with concerns voiced by parents. That is part of my 'job' as President of a PTSA. I am sometimes the lone wolf at leadership meetings, but I didn't take on this position to get people to like me. I hope your president next year will make herself available to parents and their concerns. Maybe we should invite her to this forum. Do you know who it is? That info should be available, maybe online or in your newsletter. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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GRITS wrote: 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?
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! 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. |
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Jim Flynt Member
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Cracker Jax wrote:
Agreed. Amen. |
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GRITS Member
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I really debated going public with this information, I do fear that the NMS governing body will eventually take their resentment out on my child. My child had perfect attendance for the year up until today. What does that say? I also want to know how this "contract of hope" is going to affect his Social Studies grade since the Science and SS classes are divided up every 9 weeks. He has a test in SS today but doesn't even attend the core class to learn the curriculum with the class. Instead he has do this on his own. How self-disciplined are 12 year olds to learn on their own? Teacher guidance is a huge plus, eventually when all this is too late Dr. Misher will realize just how big of a mistake he has made. Unfortunately, it will be the student suffering. Yes, my child has told me this is a jail, students are even referring to this as ISS (in school suspension). I even addressed this comment to Ms. Mathews, but she told me I was absolutely incorrect calling this contract of hope ISS. How can it not be, especially when privileges are taken away? Since when did suspension become a method of discipline for under achievers? I am soooooooooooooooooooo pissed!!!!!  Last edited on May 30th, 2007 02:32 pm by GRITS |
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Cracker Jax Member
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GRITS wrote: I really debated going public with this information, I do fear that the NMS governing body will eventually take their resentment out on my child. 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.
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GRITS Member
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Everything you mentioned is what I addressed. Again, more misinformation regarding signing the contract. After I demanded that my child be removed from this contract of hope, Ms. Mathews informed me that it didn't matter whether I signed it or not--the child was still obligated at their decision to attend. I nor the student had a choice. Yes, I have spoken with other parents, and they are just as mad. A parent has a call into the school right now, but the principle nor the assistant principle will return the call. I want as many people aware of this as possible. Parent can make a difference as long as we speak up and let the school know what is right. |
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dmauser Member
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If you can't get satisfaction from the school, please email your school board representative, Darlene Garrett. Her email can me found at gcsnc.com. It would be a sorry excuse of an adult if they took out a grievance on the very children that they are hired to help. If you take a step back and see that social studies isn't important to anyone anymore since we don't test (I think its important, but it is not measured; so they don't care about taking kids out of ss or science) then you can see that they might have been trying to beef up the children in the cores that are tested. I am not agreeing with the method, but trying to interject some other ideas that might have merit. If a 12 year old can teach theirselves well enough to take a test without a teacher, then my suggestion is to save money on that teachers salary. Of course kids need teachers, and should NEVER have to take a test if they weren't present during that section of education. On a different topic, don't tell the kids, but grades have probably already been turned in. BTW, I hear that NGMS has about 800 kids already registered, about 100 more than GCS predicted. And the architects laughed at me when 3 years ago, I asked where the trailers were going. At least each hall has a large, teachers workroom that can be used as a classroom. That might starve off the trailers for one year! |
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Jim Flynt Member
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GRITS wrote: A parent has a call into the school right now, but the principle nor the assistant principle will return the call. One of the principles of common courtesy is that everyone should return their phone calls. Including school principals. |
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Baseball Buddy Member
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Sounds as if the teachers, assistant principal, and principal have failed. This child just wants to learn math but needs it explained to him. That is what a teacher's job is and are to be held accountable for that. From what I read this child is an A student in all other areas. Are the tutor and teacher one in the same? Might be the problem?! This sounds as if the teachers know this child could be an A student and just think he will catch on eventually. If they cared about his education and future one of them should take the time to slow down and stop being so self absorbed and teach what he needs to understand. Has the education system fallen to an all time low? When I went to school (oh no, not one of them walked 10 miles uphill in snow stories) teachers, (at least the ones I had) took the time to explain subjects to student who had a hard time with it.The good LORD only knows how many times they had to explain things to me. Seems as teachers now just keep on going and don't care who or how many understand. If one understands the rest need tutoring is the attitude you get. Now I realize there are gifted kids but, if you have 5 gifted kids in a class of 20 the 15 who have trouble don't need to be tutored. The teacher needs to find a way to slow down enough for the other 15 to have a chance to learn and catch up. I was at NGMS late one afternoon and noticed several kids there for tutoring. I know several of the boys from coaching baseball and was surprised because they seemed to be very smart children. They all were there for math tutoring. This child is not an isolated case. Sounds as if we need to look closer at the teachers methods. Food for thought. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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dmauser wrote: On a different topic,
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. |
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GRITS Member
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dmauser wrote:
And that is exactly what has happened. If the staff is gun-ho on strengthening a students skills in the core classes, then why did they choose to do this after the EOG? Why was it not done previously, and most importantly why did the school not do this during the 2-3-4 9 weeks? I know alot more kids had missing assignments and just like my child they were given a chance during the 9 weeks to complete the assignment and turn it in for partial credit. Only a selected few were singled out, that is why I personally take this as a punishment for both my child and myself. Dr. Misher should learn from this and change his method of correction. First of all do not remove the child from all core classes for 8 hours a day, pull the student at a time of day or do this after school . Second, focus on the core subject that needs attention--not all subjects especially if the child is passing. Third, have a teacher teach the subject and not be a "FLOATER" waiting for the student to ask a question. Fourth, implement the plan of correction through out the entire school year and fifth, do not put a student in ISS for poor academic performance. |
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dmauser Member
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All good points, I can't give a reasonable answer about why this happened after EOG's unless the child failed the EOG's-- they do get those scores almost immediately. That would be a fair question to ask. It bothers me that you feel that your child was singled out for what ever reason. The school should be a child-friendly place! |
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dmauser Member
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BTW, we might want to move this to the middle school forum; we might get more participation. |
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GRITS Member
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dmauser wrote: All good points, I can't give a reasonable answer about why this happened after EOG's unless the child failed the EOG's-- they do get those scores almost immediately. That would be a fair question to ask. It bothers me that you feel that your child was singled out for what ever reason. The school should be a child-friendly place!i I asked if the scores on the EOG's were back yet and Ms. Mathews the A.P. told me no, but they were expecting them anytime. Yeah, I am aware that they get them back almost immediately---again, makes me wonder what is going on exactly. EOG's scores are back at Northeast, and Winston Salem Forsyth have their scores back as well. Ummmm -- go figure. I don't think and can't even imagine my child failed the EOG's, but if he did, somebody should have informed me instead of playing this game. I don't even know for sure if this contract of hope had anything to do with EOG's or not, but it would be interesting to know. |
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GRITS Member
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I just wanted to let everyone know who have been HELPFUL reading my issue; calling the school board with your concerns are a joke. I was told yesterday after calling Grier's office that once they had spoken to Dr. Misher he was to call me. I have not heard anything from anyone yet. This just makes me sick! Makes me question again if their best interests lies within the building blocks of a student for obtaining successful achievement toward academic performance. However, my child should be getting out of jail today according to the assistant principal. We'll see. Last edited on May 31st, 2007 06:37 pm by GRITS |
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dmauser Member
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I mean on this forum, this is the HS link isn't it? There is a middle school and I was thinking alot of people with MS might not read the HS link. |
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mstone Member
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GRITS wrote: Yes, my child has told me this is a jail, students are even referring to this as ISS (in school suspension). I even addressed this comment to Ms. Mathews, but she told me I was absolutely incorrect calling this contract of hope ISS. How can it not be, especially when privileges are taken away? Since when did suspension become a method of discipline for under achievers? I know exactly where you're coming from. I had similar issues with a school that forced my son into a class he was ill-prepared for, just so they could "put numbers" to their AP roles. At some point teachers, principals, and administrators are simply going to have to yield to the parent's decision. I told them "no". They didn't like it, but in the end it wasn't their decision. It was mine and they must respect and comply with my decision. Remember - ultimately these people work for us (taxpayers). I have not responded to this latest thread until now because I've been trying to gather information about it. What I have learned is disturbing. The fact that it's not easy to get straight answers and information is nothing new, but if this is such a good idea you'd think they would want to advertise it to everybody. Once again, we are thwated in our efforts to be involved in the GCS educational process by people that think they know better than the parents. We simply have got to get control of the BOE members, so that they compelled to get control of the supt., so he'll control the administrators. We simply need strong leadership representing us on the BOE. |
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GRITS Member
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Good news guys, more kids got their "get of of jail" passes today. Hooray--now let's get the others out before next Thursday. |
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dmauser Member
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That is great, but the real problem still exists if you think that the communication was lacking, the 'contract' was punative and that children are being unfairly targeted. Even if your child is out, is the real problem hasn't been addressed and I hope it isn't swept under the rug, just to be jerked out again next year. |
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mstone Member
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You're right. Even though it's the end of the year, this sort of thing must be exposed, addressed, and corrected before any of our kids are "selected" for "special assistance" next year. This has gotta stop. |
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GRITS Member
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dmauser wrote: That is great, but the real problem still exists if you think that the communication was lacking, the 'contract' was punative and that children are being unfairly targeted. Even if your child is out, is the real problem hasn't been addressed and I hope it isn't swept under the rug, just to be jerked out again next year. I agree, the issue is still at large, and needs to corrected. I certainly plan on being effective, trust me the school has not heard the last of me. I do believe being the squeaky wheel can indeed effect issues and get things changed for for the better. Last edited on May 31st, 2007 08:54 pm by GRITS |
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