I would be interested in knowing why redistricting was not considered to be the first option. It certainly would be more cost effective? I suppose that it could be because the board and administrators did not want to deal with all of the angry parents who did not want their children moved to a different elementary school out of the community in which they live (yes this argument has been made by parents at least twice that I can remember when the idea of redistricting was mentioned).

But............with the solution proposed (moving 4th grade to SEMS West) doesn’t that bring about the same end result?

These children WILL go to school out of the community in which they live AND be in attendance with older students. Do not for a moment believe that the older students have no influence over the younger ones. I believe one of the elementary schools in SESD has already experienced problems this year because elementary students ride the buses with middle school students.

Or is this entire issue more about redirecting curriculum than it is about over crowded classrooms?

Should there be a short-term, band aide solution or a long-term permanent solution?

What IS in the best interest of the students?

How can the student’s have a top-notch learning environment where they can realize what a privilege (not an entitlement) a public education is without picking the last penny from the pockets of the tax payers?

I am thinking out loud. Some of the best solutions come into view when we don’t presume to already have all of the answers.

I am off to think some more.

I’ve been on vacation, so I’m just getting caught up with these post.  Really can’t remember what the original topic of this particular post was… 4th grade, bad board, bad teachers, teachers leaving… the list is endless.  Since this is a version of BAD SESD I thought I would add my two cents… I would adjust for inflation, but really only worth two cents!

My topic will be good teachers leaving enmass from SESD.  I will focus on only one teacher - name witheld to protect the innocent .  This teacher, wonderful teacher - loved teaching, taught for many years. One of those really great teachers that resigned this year… gosh must be because the district is so horrible read on and find out.  This teacher, as always in years past, did a fun science project with her students… kids loved it, kids were excited about it, kids were grossed out by it, kids talked about it to younger students and they were excited about it and couldn’t wait till they got to do it.  Then one day, one of her students went home and told mom and dad about what they did that day in school.  Parents are outraged… new threads are started… teachers poisoning students… oh the insanity of it all. 

Never once did parent stop to think… maybe little johnny has it wrong… maybe I misunderstood… maybe I should… gosh… mmm… use the phone… yes that new fangled tool… and call the school, teacher, principal and just verify what my little angel of a child… who would never get anything wrong or tell a confusing account of the events at school.... because he/she is only 11!!! 

Nope, they went right to this forum… started an outrageous thread of the horrors of SESD.... of course Dr. Shank forced the teacher to do it because Dr. Shank has that power (OK, I embelished that one!)

Before you people start bashing please look at the facts, yep, we make mistakes… the piano (won’t say anymore on that one) but when you start talking about teachers leaving because our district is horrible and Dr. Shank is evil - take a good look in the mirror.  Could it be you?  That teacher that left… well, the thread that was started regarding her poisoning students… “that was the straw that broke my back. “ I can quote her, because I heard her say it.  I saw the saddness in her eyes when she walked out of the building for the last time.  It wasn’t because of the horrible district or the evil Dr. Shank, it was because of parents being stupid and not thinking.  Critizing everything that is done - before they know the facts or before they understand the facts.  One day, I would like to go to your work and be an arm chair quarter back for your job.

OK, my rant is done.  Oh, for the parent that started the thread about the above teacher and poisoning your child - THANKS!!!  You cost us one of the best teachers SEMS West had.  Good thing we have about 75 more wonderful staff to help get the job done.  That includes custodians, cafeteria workers… gosh everyone.  I guess you have your work cut out for you if you want to start a thread on everyone!

frogdog, you hit the nail on the head. She was a fantastic teacher and the parents seemed to not know the entire situation.

livelaughlove - 14 July 2008 01:22 PM

frogdog, you hit the nail on the head. She was a fantastic teacher and the parents seemed to not know the entire situation.

I agree.  She is a wonderful person and teacher.  My child liked the squid experience.

What’s sad about this is that if you know you do a good job, why would you be worried about it so much to quit your job because of what you think is a jerk posting on a website?

Possibly because we are only human - after a while of doing the best, but yet getting knocked around at every turn you say to yourself “is it worth it?” This teacher taught for many years… as she said “the straw that broke the camels back.” Also has wonderful children…

frogdog - 14 July 2008 12:59 PM

I’ve been on vacation, so I’m just getting caught up with these post.  Really can’t remember what the original topic of this particular post was… 4th grade, bad board, bad teachers, teachers leaving… the list is endless.  Since this is a version of BAD SESD I thought I would add my two cents… I would adjust for inflation, but really only worth two cents!

My topic will be good teachers leaving enmass from SESD.  I will focus on only one teacher - name witheld to protect the innocent .  This teacher, wonderful teacher - loved teaching, taught for many years. One of those really great teachers that resigned this year… gosh must be because the district is so horrible read on and find out.  This teacher, as always in years past, did a fun science project with her students… kids loved it, kids were excited about it, kids were grossed out by it, kids talked about it to younger students and they were excited about it and couldn’t wait till they got to do it.  Then one day, one of her students went home and told mom and dad about what they did that day in school.  Parents are outraged… new threads are started… teachers poisoning students… oh the insanity of it all. 

Never once did parent stop to think… maybe little johnny has it wrong… maybe I misunderstood… maybe I should… gosh… mmm… use the phone… yes that new fangled tool… and call the school, teacher, principal and just verify what my little angel of a child… who would never get anything wrong or tell a confusing account of the events at school.... because he/she is only 11!!! 

Nope, they went right to this forum… started an outrageous thread of the horrors of SESD.... of course Dr. Shank forced the teacher to do it because Dr. Shank has that power (OK, I embelished that one!)

Before you people start bashing please look at the facts, yep, we make mistakes… the piano (won’t say anymore on that one) but when you start talking about teachers leaving because our district is horrible and Dr. Shank is evil - take a good look in the mirror.  Could it be you?  That teacher that left… well, the thread that was started regarding her poisoning students… “that was the straw that broke my back. “ I can quote her, because I heard her say it.  I saw the saddness in her eyes when she walked out of the building for the last time.  It wasn’t because of the horrible district or the evil Dr. Shank, it was because of parents being stupid and not thinking.  Critizing everything that is done - before they know the facts or before they understand the facts.  One day, I would like to go to your work and be an arm chair quarter back for your job.

OK, my rant is done.  Oh, for the parent that started the thread about the above teacher and poisoning your child - THANKS!!!  You cost us one of the best teachers SEMS West had.  Good thing we have about 75 more wonderful staff to help get the job done.  That includes custodians, cafeteria workers… gosh everyone.  I guess you have your work cut out for you if you want to start a thread on everyone!

Thanks for sharing.  I hope the teacher knows that she was a very positive influence in many children’s lives and her service is greatly appreciated.  I think I’ll call her and tell her today, in fact.

frogdog - 14 July 2008 01:41 PM

Possibly because we are only human - after a while of doing the best, but yet getting knocked around at every turn you say to yourself “is it worth it?” This teacher taught for many years… as she said “the straw that broke the camels back.” Also has wonderful children…

Was she able to retire or did she move to another district?  It is ashamed that the parents can not make time to attend parent/teacher nights and discuss things face-to-face.  It is amazing how much extra time teachers put in for events that give parents opportunities to clear the air and take a positive role in thier child’s education and fail to do so.  This forum should not be the place to take shots across the bows of individual teachers or administrators.

Teachers are like preachers in a way.  I believe that they are called to what they do by something deep inside, and they put up with alot of stuff from both parents and administration and it looks like this teacher hit the breaking point and checked out much to the loss of the kids.

I wish this teacher the best.