News-Record.com

I've already contributed my 50 bucks. It better go to these bloody schools. I can't wait to see how they'd waste another 5 mil.

Speaking of protests, I'd like to propose a protest like the one conducted in San Francisco 2 years ago.

"The San Francisco Unified School District (Cal.) is facing the growing debate over how to balance the twin goals of school desegregation and neighborhood schools. A group of Chinese-American families, known as the Parents for Neighborhood Schools Association, pulled their children out of school for the past six weeks to protest the inability of their children to attend their neighborhood schools. The protest ended last week when San Francisco Schools Superintendent Arlene Ackerman secured slots for the students at two charter schools."

The full article can be found at: http://www.nsba.org/site/doc_cosa.asp?TRACKID=&DID=32335&CID=448

Anyone up for this?

If the dollars ever get to the schools, I would love for the money to be divided among the individual schools.
I think it would be great if each school had a team of students, parents, and staff who could decide how the dollars could best benefit their school. I am sure each school has a multitude of things on their "wish list".
Money allocated this way, could bring immediate satisfaction to each school and at the same time boost morale, pride, and ownership.After all, who knows better what schools need than those who are in them everyday.

Gosh Bruce, you scared me with the title of this strand. I thought you were posting about the Tiki Club shutting down in High Point.

First of all, I love Kay's idea, it should go to the CLASSROOMS, not for unproven, failed, experimental programs like the IT Plan.

This is how I see it:

1. High Point leaders did not do their research when the put this plan into place. They should have known the state law and that the fines would go BY LAW to the schools. Of course, why does that not surprise me?

They knew about the research done on the IT Plan but it didn't matter. They were in meetings with the traveling road show and they supported it. The SW Refugees are still fleeing the City to NW or simply moving out of the area. Still has the City come out publicly to do anything about the IT Plan? Have they been proactive to end it?

The market is slipping right out from under their nose to Vegas. I doubt that a few markers of the founders of High Point on the main streets can compete with what Vegas has to offer, nor can the Tiki Room or the multitude of tattoo parlors on Main Street. But that is just IMHO.

2. We know of a major accident in High Point last weekend where a van totally flipped over. A person ran a red light. Yes, the cameras were there and turned OFF. If HP really cared about safety in lieu of the money they would get from this plan, they would still want the cameras working to prevent accidents.

3. Is it fair that they lose money on a "safety" plan. No, they should not. But they should have done their homework and knew where a main portion of money had to go.

4. In all fairness, if the schools are to get 90%, I guess it should be from the net proceeds after expenses. But the courts may not interpret the law this way. That should be up to the courts.

5. If the County School system wanted to make a extend the olive branch, they could have all the funds collected in High Point go to High Point schools only, and all the funds collected in Greensboro go to Greensboro schools only. This would be a win-win for all. High Point would, in essence, get their money back for the children. But being that these are "COUNTY SCHOOLS" supposedly since 1993 merger; and even though at last week's retreat after 17 years this is a "long range" goal to be "one county system" (still haven't figured out the long range part yet); and even though the IT Plan most definitely defines High Point as being treated differently from the rest of the county; on paper it is "county" schools so would probably, by law, monies would have to be distributed throughout ALL of the county schools.

In conclusion, I hope the schools get every bit of this money they can and puts it back in our classrooms in the form of books; teachers salaries; teachers assistants, etc.

Anyway.....I guess we could all dream that would happen.

meant to say and "put" it back - not and "puts it back" Bruce, those dang computer cliches - just can't help it - we need spell check and grammar check - that computer did it again!

Isn't the San Francisco Unified School District the group that has so kindly conducted the "lottery" at no charge for High Point?

As a canidate for ward 6 in High Point, I would like to say that would have to agree completely with Barbara ann. She brings up some very valid points.

"I left my brain, in San Francisco"

Terry "Lil' Tony" Grier

So, from tonight's 20/20 show, Fantasia Barrino can't read. AND she said that she was raped in the auditorium of her high school. Hmmm, so...let's see if I understand this....

If she were in the system today, she'd be lotteried to Southwest High, she be in the performing arts program, she'd win some big National singing contest and she'd be an avid reader...I'm sorry the lottery wasn't here for her sooner.

She would also know Puppetry and Mime and could fall back on that.

WAIT STOP THAT VEGAS FURNITURE MARKET. I FORGOT WE HAVE FANTASIA!

One more thing.....

if the City got this money they would probably just spend it on some more parking spaces for the ephemeral Market, not a park or anything like that. It would not help our kids. Has anyone heard what the money is budgeted for if they do get it?

I, for one, would rather it go DIRECTLY to the children and teachers in this county who really do need so much.

On a different topic, SAS Institute gave a very interesting report on 'value added' data. They compared each student, each school and the county as a whole to the state using state average one year growth. Each principal can use the data to see where kids are, how much growth for level 1, 2,3 or 4's each teacher produced etc! Now this is one tool that could be very useful. The students that need help should be indentifed statistically by 4- 5 th grade and should be assisted. Teachers that don't measure up could be given extra mentors etc. If you have a chance watch the meeting today and let me know ya'lls opinions. Now off to Fleet Plummer, where I will be sitting for 6 hours while my son sells Boy Scout popcorn, if anyone goes by there, stop and say hello.. BTW, met "JLW" I beieve those are the correct initials at the forum on Tuesday! Thanks for saying hello!

Bruce,

I had an experience last weekend that made a definite impression on me that this red light camera issue is a joke, and the schools and cities need to resolve their differences immediately. The red light cameras should be about public safety, not about school revenue.

I was riding last Friday night with my daughter, my son, and 10-year old granddaughter to the Central/Smith football game. We exited I-40 and stopped at the red light at High Point Road at the convention Center. When the red light turned green, we proceeded through the intersection and as we reached the last lane, we were t-boned by a car trying to run the red light. The car hit our van with so much force that it rolled over onto its top where it stopped with all of us dangling by our seat belts. We managed to extract outselves and no one was seriously injured, but in spite of numerous witnesses to the contrary, the other driver told police that "he had a green" and it wasn't his fault. After all of us went to the hospital, receiving multiple x-rays and CAT scans, we all were found not to have suffered any serious injuries, although the van was a total loss.

While we were standing in the intersection trying to find witnesses to counter the claim of the other driver, my son who lives in Atlanta, asked why the red light cameras weren't turned on. I informed him about the city/school revenue squabble. He remarked that was stupid, as there are such camera in Atlanta, and they are installed there as road safety devices, not a revenue producer. He said that they do reduce red light runners, greatly improving road safety. You see, in Georgia, its about highway safety, not about school revenue. People's lives there are more important than a few dollars to waste on foolish school experimental programs. My son left for Atlanta commenting about how backward and shortsighted the cities of Greensboro and High Point are to put revenue over the lives of its citizens.

The point of this story is that the cities and schools need to resolve this petty squabble about revenue and get the lights turned back on for public safety. How many lives may be lost while they are fighting over this? But, this issue is just like any other with this school district. It's all about the money, not the people.

Someone commented that we can never escape the shadow of Terry Grier and his insatiable lust for money, even in a car wreck. Grier-ended once again!

Deb,

That is good news if they will use this data to actually help our kids. Now I have taped most of the meeting and will have to sit down and watch that part. I was impressed with this speaker on the parts of the meeting I did get to see.

Good luck on the popcorn sales. Now you know "JLW" and we don't.

Grier,

I have a solution that will work better than the HP Lottery! Force all high school kids (High Point only) that still can't read to audition for American Idol when it comes to Greensboro.

It's better than any plan you've come up with so far.

Completely off the subject.

I went to the Grimsley/Page or Page/Grimsley (depending on your NEIGHBORHOOD) football game last night. Here are five things that really made an impression on me.

1. School pride- Both schools demonstrated good old fashioned pride in their NEIGHBORHOOD schools. You could sense the feeling of ownership both sides felt for THEIR school.

2. Grimsley's side (where I stood) was 98% white people. Not much integration happening there.

3. At the end of the game when the winning side could storm the field, the Grimsley student section did NOT enthusiastically rush their team but rather rushed the PAGE sidelines to taunt their players. The N&R reported "When the last seconds ticked off the clock, Whirlie's fans poured onto the field, mobbing the Grimsley players in celebration". The Grimsley team was actually huddled in the far endzone 50 - 80 yards from the fans! It is amazing to me that a reporter can be there and make a statement that's a bold face lie! More of the same from the N&R ...... why print the facts when their own interpretation "fits the story" better!

4. Good game to watch.

5, Each team's captains, the principals of both schools and someone from the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Atheletes)were represented at the "coin toss". Good to see God hasn't been completely kicked out of the schools!

Debora,
I watched the board meeting live and was also interested in the report on 'value added" data. I hope the data will be used effectively to help the students and teachers in GCS.

The really puzzling thing to me is why did GCS hire a statician? I have nothing against the statician personally, but thought that when Dr. Grier introduced him, the big sale was about what he would do to help identify indivdual students so that they could be targeted for additional help.

Why are we paying a consultant and a staff member to do the same job?

How many supplies or teachers assistants could we hire/purchase for 122,000?

Kay,
good point, although GCS has been working with this company for 4 years and apparently they do this around the country. The speaker is extrememly well known in those circles. Maybe our guy will take the info and do the anaylsis next year?!

Tim,
The last numbers I heard about Grimesly is that they are around 40% minority and about 7% FRL-- that was at the board meeting at the first of this month. Wonder why their fans were predominately white?

Stormy,
Have you ever known anything in NC to be other than money making. You've been here long enough to know that if there is no money involved, then the government, state, city,or local is not going to be involved with any great gusto.

On the red light camera's. Australia( Sydney) is having to remove theirs due to suits brought by individuals claiming that they were nothing more than revenue producers and not placed there for the general safety of the public. One group sued on the grounds that the lights were an invasion of privacy, they lost.

debora, perhaps the other than the predominate attendees had other places to go on a Friday night.

Debora,

Grimsley is 7% FRL??? And at 22% FRL, Southwest needed a lottery to help balance their numbers.

Yes - definitely, a lottery is needed for Grimsley, Page, and Dudley.

Mr. Produce,

I was planning on writing a lengthy reponse to your last post about our local, county and state governments, but I decided against it, because what difference would it really make. You are right in spades, but nothing ever changes here. Voters never learn and rid themselves of these incompetent fools.

Will Rogers had it nailed when he said "I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."

He also provided some great insight into our public school system "The schools ain't what they used to be and never was."

Very interesting personal 5 point observation about the Grimsley-Page game. Coincidently, when the N & R announced a little "teaser" about the game the next day, the e-mails were sure flying that it would be nice for Southwest High School to have a CHOICE to go to their traditional NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY SCHOOL. (Remember only Andrews and Central all got their first choice in the lottery, i.e. a CHOICE if they wanted to keep their traditional neighborhood school or choose a new magnet-like (non-world class program) away from their traditional school. Just a thought - maybe students there could start selling lottery tickets for future fundraisers when it comes to NC. With those winning odds, I sure would buy an arm's length worth. Sorry to digress...) Anyway folks were saying how even though they live in SWH district and their kids got screwed in the lottery they had to go to the office and hear about all the anticipated excitement about the big Page/Grimsley game, tradition, about that feeling of OWNERSHIP etc. - must be nice! Too bad all the kids in the HP high schools don't get a CHOICE to keep that.

Another interesting personal observation that 98% of people were white on the Grimsley side. Now I wasn't there and don't go to that school so I can't say why that would be. But what I do find extremely surprising is Deb's post that they only have 7% FRL. Does that seem socioeconomically balanced to anyone out there??

What I can tell you about my personal observation and share is this. A few weeks ago I went to my first SWH football game ever. In fact, my first high school football game ever since my high school days-a long time ago (and we didn't even have football at our school/just State basketball champs.) You see when you have teens, it is not "cool" to have your parents at the game. But what I found this is the best kept secret; that parents do go; they hang together; a great time is had by all. The kids do their thing; the parents have fun too.

Back to the SWH observations. Unlike some have tried to portray SW I found that there was about half black/white ratio and also other ethic groups. The principal was there, very visible and having a good time greeting parents and kids. The guidance counslors were selling items for the booster clubs. Black kids and white kids together were selling raffle tickets. All parents were chatting and having a great time. Alumni parents whose kids have graduated or were SW Refugees from the HP Plan came back to see the game for old times sake. Middle school kids and even younger siblings were there hanging out. I got to see a lot of my Florence kids I had subbed who are now in 9th grade or middle school and that sure was heartwarming. Great kids! In conclusion there were so many age groups, types of people, colors of people and everyone had fun and I didn't see any problems. I didn't see any WWWs there (white, whining white people as some have chosen to falsely portray SW people). Also I did not see the $122K statistician or anyone checking ID's on FRL status so I can't tell you the number of FRL's there. Nope, just can't verify that number. But my point is EVERYONE was having FUN; everyone just blended into a great tapestry of many threads; all having FUN.

Jumping back to the Grimsley observation that was made. Glad to see that coin toss too and God not completely kicked out there. There are other kids in school who stand in circles and worship Satan. Sad to say this is true; thus "Freedom of Religion". THANK YOU FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES!

And one final point, maybe all THOUSANDS of dollars that were spent on that "Healin" for the SW folk, had done them some good. And just think another $500,000 in the budget for more "Healin"! WOW! Then again maybe SW, unlike false rumors that people choose to start, never needed all that expensive "Healin" in the first place.

Maybe if there is only 7% FRL at Grimsley; if it is true that only 2% of non-white people go to the Grimsley games; that they might need some of that $500,000 that is budgeted for the big "Healin".

One thing for sure, since the IT Plan is so great for High Point, certainly Greensboro would have no problem jumping on board to have a lottery and to get healed too. After all, we now have a long-range goal (even though merger occured in 1993) to have all the schools be truly COUNTY. If this goal is to be attained, the IT plan will be the coming attraction at a theater near you. Destination: Greensboro. Otherwise, HP will have to be treated like the rest of the schools in this county. Until that occurs, no matter how long, no matter what it takes, parents will not rest.

p.s. I can't wait for homecoming at SW on Oct. 14th!

See you ALL there.

A couple of quick comments then of to church to ask for LOTS of help .... one thing for sure, to ask for more PATIENCE. When dealing with school related issues, this is VERY helpful.

Barbara Ann -- If SW didn't have a bye, I would have been there with you. I agree with you on the feeling of "belonging to a community" that you feel while at the game. Even though we've been here for ten years, it's important to me that my family has that sense of belonging (whether at church, school, or sports/hobbies). That may be the reason we all get so upset when some social engineer attempts to take it away and tell us what's better for me/my family.

Stormy -- Sorry to hear of your accident. What a scarey experience. I'm sure you're still sore! From someone who wasn't as fortunate as you and your family were,here are two quick notes
1. Green means LOOK - I tell that to as many people as I can (especially our tennage driving friends!) For some red means ACCELERATE!
2. Neighbor is more than just a word that refers to how close we live to one another. It's about a community that came together to support me and my family when we really NEEDED help. I LOVE my neighbors and can never repay them for what they did for us. I sure many were compelled to help because of our sense of NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY. The BOE is attempting to weaken the ties that we have all worked hard to build over the years. It's sooooooooooo much more than proximity to one another ...... that proximity gives us the opportunity to support one another!

Very good post Barbara Ann.

Just so everyone knows, I found the 7%FRL report surprising! I think one thing that Grimsley has is the diversity in race, although it seems not socio-economically. I don't have time to look up my papers (I try to keep that stuff they hand out at BOE meetings)-- so not sure which report it was on.

Tim:

Thank you for your critique of our prep football coverage.

Point No. 3 in your post above suggests that Grimsley's entire football team somehow warped, Star Trek style, from its bench to a spot well behind one of the end zones as the game ended.

I thought that sounded odd, so I e-mailed our prep sports writer, Kellie Dixon, who covered the Page-Grimsley game Friday night. Her response, which I got this morning:

"The fans did mob the players, who were then escorted to the end zone where the fans backed away at the urging of Grimsley coach Todd Shuping.

"I didn't see any taunting because, well, I'm 5-foot-3 on a good day. There were easily 200 people on that field and I guarantee you I didn't see over a single one of them. OK, maybe the middle schoolers. Anyway, even if they went to taunt, they still had to "mob" the Grimsley players in the process. I saw Grimsley kids celebrating with Grimsley players."

I'm happy to correct errors in our reporting when we make them. Sadly, it's something I have to do far too often to my liking. In this case, I'll take the account of my staff writer over one that alleges inaccurate reporting done to support some sort of ... what exactly, I'm not sure.

- John Newsom, assistant sports editor

John,

Her height had nothing to do with the fact that as the game ended, the fans went directly to the PAGE side of the field. If any "mobbing" went on it was on the Grimsley sideline, BEFORE the game ended .... If in doubt, ask David Hoggard as to what his perception was .... he was actually on the field!

Perhaps she should have her vision checked for color clarity because the players that the fans went toward at the end of the game were wearing red not blue.

Good that you support your staff, but in this case the perception off what was actually happening was WAY OFF ..... it simply made for a "better ending"

ps the "warping" occurred because the teams had already shaken hands as a display of sportsmanship before the game because rushing the field (by the winning team only) apparently has become a tradtion. The Grimsley team went directly to the far endzone to huddle up and celebrate. This unusual occurence is why it stood out so much to me.

I wasn't at the Grimsley/Page game, but it sure sounds like we ALL need to go next year. Everyone sure buzzes around talking about "their" schools and traditions in Greensboro. Must be nice.

I can say that many times in certain newspapers and not just the N & R, that it is apparent that portraying SW parents as WWWs makes for more interesting reading to stir up #%?$#%$$!!! (hint: rhymes with "mit")and keeps people agitated. I guess the truth would just be too boring. These same inuendos have also happened at parent/school forums. Some of the stories that the rising 9th grade parents told last year that they heard certain school personnel say were simply, well what can I say, "UNBELIEVABLE", especially after they said who was saying it.

Guess these rumors and inuendos also helped to market the IT Plan to some uninformed, uninvolved people. Yep, image, PR can be strong tools. When you don't have anything else, i.e., having to agree with proven facts of similar plans failing actual busing costs which have now surpassed that project, I guess you have to plant some other ugly seeds of untruths. Otherwise how could this bad bill of goods have ever been sold; and more importantly WHY IS IT STILL HERE???? (On a similar note, there is an EXCELLENT letter in the HPE today by a Terry of Jamestown). It is worth buying a Sunday HPE newspaper.

Back to "community" and what Tim said. It certainly means a lot to me too. Neighbors and friends came out to help us when our daughter was so seriously ill in Jan. You do not ever forget this -when you are down and really need help, you remember how important friends are.

Last week I had breakfast with a friend and she brought a friend whom I met for the first time. This mom who I will call "Jane", said that her son was redistricted to Central from SW. He liked it okay; some kids seemed "fine"; but he would still rather be with HIS friends that he had since kindergarten, scouts, etc. at SW. He said the kids who have gone to Central (and still have first choice to go there) have had their friends they now hang with since preschool; they all hang out together; go to the country club, etc. He is still and outsider and not included in their world. He still longs for his childhood friends.

What is so unfair and cruel about the IT Plan is this. Central (just like the alternate proposed map of the Central parents in 1999) don't have to move ANY CHILD from their school. They all got THEIR first choice. They keep their precious IB program intact. Their kids get to still see their same friends since pre-school, scouting, sports, church if they choose. The kids at SW have had this ONCE IN A LIFETIME ONLY bonding experience that their parents wanted them to have, stripped away from them by the social engineers.

And I know, some of you out there reading will be thinking "what spoiled brats" - WWWs never change - this is a great opportunity for them - this is the real world - they will adjust. It is good for them.

Well you know what. That's fine if you truly feel this way, then do it to your kids and all the kids in Guilford County and not just High Point.

Live by the "goal" of one county, the same treatment for all.

Common Sense is no common.
Our schools need all the money they can get. If politicians cannot negotiate a simple solution what can they do? One, the program increases public safety. Two it provides some revenues to the school system. (I despise the mismanagement of the school board but do realise we need more not less) Who wants to say that they are agains public safety? Who wants to say they are agains supporting our schools? Let the News and record stand up and offer a solution that benefits our community. Find out which politicains are against using the funds raised from this program to hire after school resource teachers to help lower income children from the five lowest income schools in the county. Further let the city councils vote to help fund transportation for desiring children to get this help from a community center near them by offering bus transportation back home after 6:00 pm and let the school district provide bus transportation to these centers for those requesting it.

Everyone wins, no one looses, excpt a politician dumb enough to say no.
Garth

Hey John,

Next time tell Kellie to stand on the bleachers if she wants to accurately report something at a game. I'm 5'1" on a good day, and if I had a job to do that's how I would do it!!

Garth,

I agree with you on 95% of what you say. I will, however, differ on one point. Dr Grier made the statement at a High Point "outreach" meeting that the he and the BOE was expected to do " more with less".

I submit to you EVERYONE needs to have a paradigm shift. What we really need is "LESS with more."

LESS specialty programs .. MORE of the basics
LESS busing ..... MORE neighborhood schools
LESS politics ...... MORE education
LESS (fill in the bank). MORE (fill in the blank)

I would be interested in others filling in the blanks to see what THEIR opinions are

That reminds me of another .......
LESS telling me what's right for my child ... MORE listening to the parents/taxpayers

More with less is the way it has been in business for the last several years. Grier and the school board have to wake up to that fact. The reason why business’s are survive these days is because have to be efficient and more productive.
WAKE UP school board. The days of large budgets are over. You have to get "lean and mean" to survive.
Of course that means all of what Tim mentions above. Plus less statisticians etc.
That’s what is missing a school board with business strength or at least some representation.
On a lighter note I was at the golf torny today and the ladies at the parking lot saw my magnets and gave me a closer parking place ( funny how these things make people happy). They also told me that Grier had passed by earlier in his new Mercedes (30 day tagged).

We paid for that! How bloody sad is that!

Bloody hell, reasigned, too bad you didn't run into Grier! You could of told him that he should be working on Sunday in order to justify that BIG, FAT salary he gets paid.

Oops, grammar pooped a little in that last post?
Really must read these bloody things before posting.
Well, I hope the theme of the message is still there. I have thought of one more thing I had wanted to say though. They can say all they want but I now firmly believe that it is the people from Central HP not Northern that have the questionable ethics. They also have the representation too!
Some sinister things going on in this here county.

more kias ,less mercedes
more teachers, less administrators
more kia drivers, one less mercedes driver still hanging around guilford county!

Hey "onlyahonda" I'm still driving my 1999 Honda too. But I do still love it.

Maybe one day when substitute teachers get those nice, big raises of $2.00 a day or so, I might buy a new car OR I could get a real job and miss out on all the fun in fighting to make our schools better for our kids.....NAHHHH

Tim,

Thanks for your comments. Yes, as you know, it was a truly scary experience. We were a little luckier than you were with the red light runner. We actually couldn't have avoided that accident as we had crossed three lanes of traffic and were almost through the intersection when the car hit us. We didn't even see the other car until nearly impact. I'm not sure what happened with the other driver, but he never hit the brakes. Again, having the cameras working would surely improve road safety. To have the cameras installed in major intersections and have them turned-off for political reasons is criminal. It just shows that our local government and schools only care about dollars, not the people and their safety.

Finally, this experience clearly shows that buying a crash-worthy vehicle for your family is critical to their safety. Everyone should check-out vehicles' safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safey independently conducts test crashes. Go to the following website address and check the safety ratings of the vehicles in which your family rides.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

Stormy,

Ditto the safe car comments.

By the way, I was also turning left and was across three lanes before the driver who ran her red light hit me going 60 mph. Her skid marks began at impact.

I guess we both still have 8 lives left!

INTERESTING CUT & PASTE BELOW FROM THE OTHER CB STRAND. IF YOU WERE AT THE PENN-GRIFFIN FORUM AND WANT TO HELP CONTACT GARTH.

Regarding ethics witnesses - yes I was there, if you need me I will support, you need legal fees and have credible lawyer, I will support.

The blatant political pandering and intimidation show that the cost of enlisting special interest is nothing more than having your chain jerked good if you even show remote disagreement. Common sense shows the cost and sorrows inficted by an ill planned idea dictate another solution. The solution is simple - target the schools needing most help with best resources. Mr. Grier brought in a nationaly recognized Principal who recieved no support and he left shortly. Blame who you will, but help is required, the High Point Shuffle does not address the academnic needs of these kids who's best chance in life is education. College offers freedom to them, yet it is denied because special interests are not interested in a solution that helps kids, just their cause. These kids deserve a chance at the American dream and special interest groups and politicians should step out of the way with thier agendas and allow good workable, common sense solutions a chane to enter the discussion. The status quo prior to the Choice plan was unnacceptable, bu instead of fixing those schools with problems, helping them meet or exceed state SAT scores and showing these kids they have a chance, we communicate inferiority and inability. Bring back discipline to the classroom, bring back the American "can do" attitude to our kids and stand back while they do what kids can do in a proper educational environment. Let common sense become common again!

Garth

Posted by: Garth at October 2, 2005 03:48 PM

WE LOVE YOU GARTH!

The Peanuts Gang
All of us

Posted by: NoPeanutbutter at October 3, 2005 07:27 AM

Thank you guys for the posts about safety.

I hope we all pray for our teenagers out there. That is what scares me. They can't always afford the top safety car. They get what they get.

No matter what our kids drive, I hope they wear their seatbelts, stay off the cell phones and don't drink and drive.

And we all just keep on praying for their safety.

Bruce,

Is it true that Grier counts high school drop-outs as only those kids who start 12th grade, but drop out before graduation?

Fantasia dropped out in 9th grade - according to Grier's method - she's not a drop-out. What is she considered?

(by the way - this is how Grier can brag about drop out numbers)

Since Grier did so well with Fantasia, no doubt everyone in the entire Middle College program is waiting in line over at the coliseum as we speak.

I hope there's no forms to read.

Numbersgame,

Actually, Dr. Grier and GCS don't calculate dropout numbers - the state Department of Public Instruction does.

The state's dropout/graduation rate numbers aren't accurate and have been criticized in a number of studies, but you can't blame Dr. Grier. In fact, he says in this week's Friday notes, "We believe the state formula produces inflated graduation rates."

And on an unrelated note, we're glad you are okay, Stormy.

Bruce,

Thanks for clarification. My original question: If Fantasia dropped out of Andrews in 9th grade - what was she considered? Drop-out or not?

Well, she's supposed to be counted as a dropout. Here is the state's definition:

- was enrolled in school at some time during the previous school year, which is the reporting year;
- was not enrolled on Day 20 of the current school year;
- has not graduated from high school or completed a state or district approved educational program; and does not meet any of the following reporting exclusions:
transferred to another public school district, private school, home school or state/district approved educational program,
temporarily absent due to suspension or to school-approved illness, or
death.

But for some reason, a lot of students seem to fall through the cracks -- that's true all across the state, not just here. A lot of students just kind of drift away. Maybe they have poor attendance to begin with and one day, they just don't come back and no one notices.

By the state's numbers, about 80 percent of students who enter ninth-grade graduate from high school. But several independent studies peg the number at 60 to 65 percent.

Bruce,

What about the kids who didn't show up for exams so their schools couldn't be counted for the ABC bonus.

Do you think they may have actually dropped out if they have so many absent days?

On that same line, if you miss over the days allowed and don't make them up (is it 6 per semester?) what is your status at that point?

Not to change the subject but it is on education, please go to Doug's site "Off the Record" to the strand on "Fantasia". Great reading today!

No offense Bruce/Jen - we will be back.

To answer your question, Barbara Ann, I don't know. But it certainly is true that kids who miss an excessive number of days are the ones most at risk of dropping out completely.

Debora, if you miss too much class time and don't make up the work, then you don't get credit for the classes you are taking. You can't miss more than four days per grading period for the block-schedule schools and more than eight days per semester for the traditional-schedule schools. But students are allowed to make up their missed time after school.

And please do check out the discussion over at Doug's place. It won't offend us at all!

How do you get to Doug's site?

Lynn,

Click on Off the Record under other N&R blog sites, that is Doug's.

for all of you who still care:

THEY CRIED

It was Tuesday, a cold winter’s night

They waited anxiously for their fate

A thumbs up, a thumbs down

Some others smirked

And then

They cried.

It was spring, the following year

The sweet faces had changed

The tears were the same

They cried.

It was this year,

It was next year,

It was another year,

Sweet colors of different faces

The tears were the same

They cried.

They could not read

They could not write

The faces had changed

The tears had not

And still they cry.

Not a bad argument for a better system going on in the LTE section either. A yellow-dog FDR democrat, liberal (his words not mine) actually thinks the education system is rotten and needs to be changed. He even had the nerve to call for a voucher system.
I offered a bit on there to show that the folks in HP/Guilford Co. are not alone in this world when it comes to wanting the best education for their kids.
See ya there. LTE section. I believe first letter too.

OOPS 2nd letter. sorry bout that.

Mr Produce,

Thanks for the heads up!

I read the posts over there and found the arguments/opinions very valuable.

Of course, it brings up my own frustrations with what is going on in my children's schools.

When is GCS going to stop telling us how minority/low income students are failing and start doing something about it? We have seen and heard enough experts been given stats on what's wrong. Where are the solutions? Where is the help?

Quit blowing taxpayer money on "experts" and start talking to the teachers they are the systems pipeline to the students!

Ask the staff who is struggling they know what children need help the staff works with the children everyday!

Start when the kids are young not when they are entering high school!

That's why the HP plan will never have any educational value for the students it supposedly was hatched to help.

You have to reach struggling kids early, give them the confidence and tools to succeed in elementary and middle school. Then you will see improvement in high school!

According to the GCS website 69 Andrews High School freshman failed 4 or more classes in the 2004-05 school year. If a student is failing 4 or more classes they are not prepared for any high school! It is an outrage and until students, entering high school have learned the basics we will continue to see grim numbers.

How does diversity training and endless reports on white vs minority differences help educate the students. Stop the excuses give the teachers what they need. Take all the money being wasted on bureaucracy and put it where it will make a difference.

Hi folks,
how can find out what is a schools capacity?

Reassigned,

It might be on the GCS website somewhere or you can call GCS. That is public information and they can give it to you. Sonya Conways is the PR lady. She is very nice. If she doesn't know, she can refer you to the right person.

Sometimes it is faster to just pick up the information yourself once they have it ready.

Hope this helps.

We must plan our next attack.
What about visiting the next SB meeting.

We could trick or treat there!!

Go dressed up as the SB itself.

I'll be Dr.Grier...

Hehehehehe

1999-08-11

Summary: The Williamson County Board of Education failed to give Dr. Terry Grier a positive evaluation for his work over the past year, again because of dissention within its own ranks. Using an evaluation tool the board agreed on last year, the vote split 6-3-2-1. Tempers flared as accusations against Grier ranged from manipulating the press to pitting board members against each other.

http://www2.msstate.edu/~mwm6/newspaper.html

Sounds like that board had more backbone than Guilford County SB!

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