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Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/26/2010 3:46:14 PM
Message:
I am officially worried,
I called a local school that my daughter will be attending kindergarten at and asked if they were ever going to send us a list of school supplies needed for the school year, and also asked about the dress code. The answers I received were absolutely astonishing.
1. Answer to school supply questions.
Q: "when are you going to send a list of what our children need for supplies for the school year?"
A:"we don't send them out you need to check our website."
Q: "do you have the web site address where I can look this up?"
A: "www. ummm I don't know google it or something."
2: Question regarding school dress code.
Q: "what is the dress code for the school so I can make sure my daughter will be dressed accordingly?"
A: "you would have to check our website."
Q: "Is this he same website you refereed to earlier?"
A:"yes."
Q: "Is there anyone there who knows the web address?"
A: "Not that I know of."
Not satisfied that I had received the needed responses to my question I then called the school administrative offices. They were somewhat helpful.
I spoke with the secretary first. I asked if there was a specific dress code that needed to be followed, and what my daughter would need for school supplies. She proceeded to tell me let me transfer you to the assistant superintendent, and she did.
He was very helpful but told me that we would not know what our kindergarten age daughter would need until our first open house with her teachers. Now I know this may seem normal but how many parents here have had to run out last minute to get something for their child because it wasn't told to them ahead of time. I personally think that this is unacceptable and it make me wonder how they plan on teaching my daughter when they don't even know what is required for classes and dress codes. oh and might I add that according to the assistant superintendent there is no supplies list for the kindergarten grade and that it rests solely on their teachers and what they tell the parents.
Not a good start to the parent teacher relations.
[Editor's Note: School supply lists are on page 17A week's print edition on sale at convenience stores]
Name: R. Ellison
Date: 7/27/2010 12:42:43 PM
Message:
Rob,
Why are you defending the office staff?
They are a paid part of the school system and are suppose to know what to tell parents. That's what the main operator (secretary or whatever they call themselves now days) gets paid for... to answer the parents questions or point them toward an answer.
Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/27/2010 1:38:12 PM
Message:
Rob,
I am not blaming them at all but you should not have to go out and buy a paper you were never told about to get a list of required materials for the school year. Now on to the fact that I have been here a little while I have only moved back to pickens county in Oct of last year my oldest is already finished with school and now it my youngest ones turn. I am new to this district which is why I ask so many questions about it. I am very involved in my childrens education and refuse to be to blame for teachers and office staff not being able to answer questions about dress codes and supply lists. if anything it shows that who ever was answering the phone either had no proper training pertaining to her job, or it means that the school system is not genuinely concerned with the questions parents may ask or they would have an exact web address listed by the phones or a supply list or even where to get a supply list.
None of those questions could be answered and it leaves me a little distraught because my childrens education is very important. I mean after all who is going to pay my nursing home bills when I am old and decrepit =(joke) Children need to be educated properly, or it will be the end of it all. I mean do we want the next president to be a retired rapper or an out of work sports anchor. No we want people who are qualified to do the job with as few errors as possible and only someone (notice I didn't say some man to all you women out there I honestly think Hillary should have ran.) that has been properly educated can truly be capable of doing the job.
Name: Rob
Date: 7/27/2010 7:31:16 PM
Message:
The moral here is DON"T depend on or wait for the government to tell you what to do about preparing your kids for school. You are the parent.Be proactive. Go to school with your child on day 1, or open house. Meet the teachers who will be educating your child! Ask him or her what you need to supply your child with! Holy sh%t people! Are you really this dependant?
Your argument is not with the staff at the school, the DMV, the census, or whatever arm of govt. you wish to include. Many of you have consistantly voted for democrats, I'm talking to you Ellison. Regardless of what Pinto says about all of these liberals who came from so-called humble beginnings, these people are all responsible for expanding govt. for socialist ends. So, DO NOT bore me with your whining about the government that won't help you parent your child...YOU HELPED CREATE this monster. Assume control of you own lives.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/27/2010 8:48:50 PM
Message:
Madness....Gotta agree. Also have to agree with the poster who said it didn't matter because it all changes once you get to open house. Been there done that!
Name: R. Ellison
Date: 7/28/2010 4:12:49 PM
Message:
Rob,
How do you know who I voted for?
You have no idea who I am?! You have been too reclusive to even meet with me!!
Now you claim to know who I voted for??
For your information (since I evidently now have to answer to you on my private matters) I voted for McCain.
You have repeatedly accused me of being a democrat, a liberal, a racist, a queer, a communist, a socialist... Rob, have I missed any of the slanderious titles you have accused me of being??
For the last time ...
I AM AN INDEPENDENT THINKER NOT TIED TO ANY PARTY !!!!!
I AM A MEMBER OF THE SILENT MAJORITY !!!
I AM TIRED OF THE CRAP YOU CONSERVATIVES ARE SPREADING !!!
Unlike you, I STAND BEHIND THE PRESIDENT BECAUSE THE MAJORITY ELECTED HIM !!!
You conservatives are like a bunch of whiny like children on the school playground. A vote was taken but you didn't like the outcome so you whine and babble about how unfair it is. You keep whining... hoping someone will reverse the decision that a majority voted for.
Wake up Rob, this isn't the playground and you are not 6 years old anymore. Obama was elected by a majority to be our President and he is doing the best he can. I think it's unAmerican that you, the Conservatives and the Republicans don't stand behind our elected leader. Try standing behind our President, for good or bad, and be man enough to offer constructive solutions to problems rather than sitting at your computer whining about "how you feel cheated that Obama is President"!!!
Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/28/2010 8:24:54 PM
Message:
Rob,
No One and I mean No One brought politics into this except you, the reason why, your wife is a teacher I can understand your need to argue over anything that may have her involved. Now back to what I was saying, There should be proper notification of what any student needs prior to the start of the new school year. Any one who thinks otherwise either has money to blow anytime they want, or they have never had more than one child in their home attending school.
Curriculum is never at the level it should be thanks to the no child left behind act. But that doesn't mean that the staff at the school administration office should not have a prepared list of classes and needs for each class. Otherwise how can we as parents actually know what is going on if we as parents can't get straight answers from the people that are supposed to be watching educating and molding the young minds of the American youth. You see Rob it has nothing to do with not wanting to be there for my child it is about wanting to know what my and any other child may need to be prepared for the start of the school year instead of waiting until the very last minute to have to rush out and buy things because a standardized system is to complicated for teachers and administrators of teachers to grasp.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/29/2010 9:55:51 AM
Message:
To be fair. The problems aren't really with the teachers. The central office should be able to answer questions or at least get back to you with the information. Now on top of everything else our teachers will have bigger classes to deal with but less in-service days and less pay. Our superintendant said the cuts wouldn't affect the kids but the school didn't make AYP this year. A common trend in Georgia. Our teachers can NOT be successful without the proper tools.
Name: pinto colvig
Date: 7/30/2010 12:25:17 PM
Message:
Robot - if you really want to turn this into a political argument, you are destined to lose. Simply put, ALL FIVE school board members are CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN. Case closed... but I must say every time you type, you make socialism sound like a utopian nirvana.
COMMENT
Name: Bob Hayles
Date: 7/23/2010 3:34:12 PM
Message:
Y'all might enjoy this:
http://www.juicymaters.com/nationalpolitics/2010/07/23/two-parties-four-philosophies-a-tiger-by-the-tail/
COMMENT
Name: Tom
Date: 7/23/2010 4:43:29 AM
Message:
Well kiddies I think I'll go to the flea market on 515 this weekend!!
Name: Bob Hayles
Date: 7/23/2010 11:28:49 AM
Message:
What's up there? I quit going because of lack of customers...no customers means no sales.
Name: Wroneyslesorn
Date: 7/24/2010 12:52:43 AM
Message:
Hello friends,
I am looking astral projection techniques, if possible easy and with rapid results.
Would any of you know any or could recommend a trustworthy website?
Thanks!
,
Name: Rob
Date: 7/26/2010 6:12:17 PM
Message:
Uhhhh, spam.
COMMENT
Name: Local Parent
Date: 7/22/2010 3:55:19 PM
Message:
For anyone interested the AYP (adequate yearly progress) reports on our school system. The 2009-2010 school year status is now posted on the GDOE website.
Our system did NOT meet AYP!
Name: Are you surprised?
Date: 7/23/2010 11:25:39 AM
Message:
Come on, did you really think that they would? This school system is horrible and needs to be revamped. From the elementary school with child molester mentors, to the high school principle [section deleted], teachers sleeping with their students, and civics teachers showing movies year round? All they focus on is attendance, and not grades. Go to an assembly with the end of nine weeks at the middle school or elementary schools and see that only 30-40 children get the good grade awards, yet 100 of them get perfect attendance. This theory doesn't work! Parents need to stand up to this BOE and make a differnce instead of sitting back and ignoring it all.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/24/2010 9:50:14 AM
Message:
Wonder how long the superintendant and board have known this? I'll even predict Ballew's response. It'll go something like 'the state holds our children (or certain groups) to too high of expectations'. Just another reason to get rid of Mitton.
Name: LocalParent
Date: 7/26/2010 8:50:45 AM
Message:
Here's another example of how smart the board is. The special ed director retired last year. During the directors leadership the system lost state complaints, lost a due process hearing, and the spec ed graduation rate plummeted (68% in 2008, 39% in 2009, 35% in 2010). The system should have welcomed the directors retirement! But instead the system rehires the director as a part timer to continue to oversee special ed. Most people don't care about special ed because they think it does not affect them. Think again, a poorly run special ed program not only is a disservice to the kids it can be a huge drain on budget.
Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/26/2010 5:17:52 PM
Message:
not to mention that if special ed students can manage to graduate they can be gainfully employed leaving less of a strain on welfare taxes.
Name: Are You Surprised?
Date: 7/27/2010 11:09:14 AM
Message:
I find it funny you deleted the web site for people to go to and read these statistics! Is there a reason you won't allow it? It is public knowledge and if someone wants to go an look it up, they should have the web site to get the CORRECT information, and NOT THE LIES this county puts out about the "wonderful" schools that WE DO NOT HAVE! Maybe we should call the national news media and let them know about this education system we have and how the little news paper we have HIDES all the stuff that goes on and prohibits those from getting the CORRECT information people need when looking to move into this county! We certainly are sorry we came up here to this county. It is certainly not worth the lower tax rate than we paid before. is a better place, for more than one reason!
Name: jack
Date: 7/27/2010 11:45:09 AM
Message:
All the more reason to forget about 'gov'mint' scoos and do more home schooling where YOU control what when and where something is taught. Try it, you'll help your kids to know what they need for life, not what some government authority tells you they need.
Name: Satisfied Parent
Date: 7/27/2010 5:56:22 PM
Message:
Jeep, you're so good about spouting information about the school system. You haven't mentioned that Pickens County is one of the FEW counties that has 100% "Highly Qualified" teachers. Check with the Professional Standards Commission,
Pickens is the only county in North Georgia who can say yes we're HQ.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/27/2010 8:51:37 PM
Message:
You can google "Georgia Department of Education" and find the statistics.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/28/2010 9:37:06 AM
Message:
SatisfiedParent.....Wonder why the system did NOT make AYP with all these highly qualified teachers? Generally poorly run schools are caused by administration. The teachers are not the problem (with a few exceptions of course). Here's some more statistics for you. Good school systems have increased home values and better economies than poor school systems.
Name: Sharon
Date: 7/28/2010 10:05:11 AM
Message:
Wonder what 'Highly Qualified' means? Are they qualified to teach or qualified to show movies all day?
Name: Lord Hidetori
Date: 7/28/2010 11:16:47 AM
Message:
Showing the movies isn't the skill, selecting the right movies to show is. The Royal Tenenbaums probably taught me more than any teacher. Had a teacher the foresight to show that movie to my kids elementary class I would thank them for the education they provided. Of course if all they show is Top Gun, then there's a problem.
Name: Sophmore Parent
Date: 7/29/2010 10:47:06 AM
Message:
My child was in civics this past year, and they watched MOVIES every day. These are to include; Forest Gump, Black Hawk Down, Hidalgo, Tombstone, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, and 12 Angry Men. These are only a small few of what my child did each day. Explain to me what these movies have to do with learning the branches of the government in this country? Other school districts do not show movies each and every day, they LEARN about CIVICS!! It sickens me that honor students are not getting the education they deserve and need to enter a college OUTSIDE of UGA or Tech. They are great schools, but not everyone stays here in this place. Pickens County Schools are HORRIBLE and those of us who have highly intelligent children are paying the price of the UNQUALIFIED teachers. There are many many parents who were born and raised here that just don't give a hoot about the quality of education because the teachers and pricnicple are their buddies or went to HS with them, and want to "cause problems" Well good citizens of Pickens County, you are hindering your child's education! It is not because of no child left behind, it's because mom and dad at home do not make the children study, or go to the administrators and press for them to TEACH the future leaders of America! If we could, we'd leave this place if the housing market wasn't so bad, and go to a county where the teachers actually teach, and the principle monitors the staff of his school instead of having affairs! Help these children succeed in their education and make them proud to say they are from Pickens County! Go into that High School and ask how many of them are proud to be from here, you get get a small percent to be enthusiastic to say YES. Small minded people are the reason this county won't move forward!
Name: LocalParent
Date: 7/29/2010 12:44:02 PM
Message:
Sophmore Parent
Want some good reading. Read some of the boards reports. This is how the board describes the parents
"The schools contend with apathetic or non-involved parents with their childrens education or school which makes it hard to build partnerships between home and school"
Seems like they would welcome us parents that care! Best of luck to you! There are more of us "meddling" parents that expect a real education than you know.
Name: Tech
Date: 8/3/2010 8:49:17 PM
Message:
I'm late to the game, but ...... couldn't pass this one up.
"Sophmore Parent", is "principle" (of the high school) really the best way to deliver an argument about how bad our schools are? You might want to spell check next time (though in fairness, you spelled the word right but used it wrong).
Regarding your "UGA or Tech" comment (followed by words to the effect of "not everyone wants to stay here.."), you do realize that students from across the country and around the world attend those schools, right? Not everyone wants to stay where? Jasper? Georgia? USA? All may be true, but ... what's your point? If a student wanted to attend school anywhere else, can you explain exactly what is lacking in the preparation they receive here vs. most any other public school? If you can define or explain what our system lacks, my next question is: what are you doing about it (short of complaining on a message board)?
Since you want to move but can't (allegedly due to the poor housing market) can you tell us where you would move to? What public school system rises to meet your expectations?
Is our system perfect? Nope. Trouble free? Nope. Controversy free? Nope. Could it be better? Yep. In other words, is it like pretty much any other public school system anywhere in the USA? Probably.
I also doubt that if you went *anywhere* and posed the question to middle or high school students (out of the blue) "are you proud to be from here", etc., that you would get a hearty response ...it's just not cool. Show up from another school and start talking smack and you would probably get a different response. You might see some "pride".
Finally, why pin a lack of parental involvement on "people that were born and raised here"? Are you really that biased / ignorant? Do you have any idea how many people live here who "ain't from here"? (That "ain't" was on purpose, by the way - a touch of sarcasm....). Lack of parental involvement is hardly unique to Pickens County, and as much as it may surprise you is not unique to the people who were "born and raised here". You might also be surprised to find out how many teachers from the system "ain't from here" and therefore aren't "buddies" with the parents of their students.
If you're not part of the solution you are part of the problem. That's the cliche'. You really don't seem to be part of any solution, so .......
Many of us are deeply involved in our children's lives. We attend school board meetings, are active in school advisory councils, PTO's, booster clubs, etc. We check our kids grades daily. We interact with teachers and administrators (and school board members) regularly. Our children are involved in extracurricular activities (and no - not "just" sports, occasionally an academic event might actually show up).
I'm sorry you're trapped here. Hopefully better days are ahead for all of us and then you can move to your Utopia. Good luck with that.
Just my native born thoughts. But what do I know? I'm one of those people who was born and raised here. Reckin I mus' be ignurnt.
COMMENT
Name: jeep
Date: 7/20/2010 9:58:20 PM
Message:
Congratulations Wendy Lowe!!!!
Name: Rob
Date: 7/21/2010 4:07:07 PM
Message:
I second that!
Regarding Mitton- this man needs to go. For too long he has given a stiff-arm of non-responsiveness to the teachers who have ideas on how to make improvements. Clean out this school board, people!
Name: jeep
Date: 7/22/2010 1:47:16 PM
Message:
My prediction is Mitton will be gone soon enough. Look at surrounding counties, Incumbents are getting voted out. I agree he needs to go. Wonder if he was a the deciding vote which way he would go? Hmmm side with his boss (trammell) or for the education of our kids? Just something to keep in mind.
Name: Big Easy
Date: 7/24/2010 12:37:06 PM
Message:
Some of you people with your ideas of the school board running the day to day operations of the schools are ridiculous. They can't interfere with that by law and it will effect our accreditation (Google Clayton Co. Bd. of Educ.). If a teacher has an idea on how to make the school run better then they need to go to the principal and let him go to the superintendent and then he can ask the boards approval if that is even needed but to think its the boards job is wrong. I'm not sure how many teachers we have but I bet everyone of them has an idea on how to do things better and I'm sure a few have several. I guess if they truly feel their needs to be changes then they should apply for the principals job.
Remember these words that the first time the new or current board members run down to the school house to tell a teacher and/or principal how to do their job and they get a teacher with some balls and knows their rights our school system will end up in a lawsuit just like Clayton county.
To think that our school board members have ulterior motives to being on the board other than a big time headache is nuts. They get very little if any money from serving and I can't remember the last time a member sought higher political office.
I think our board has done a good job in these tough times and yes somethings should have been done differently but all in all a good job. We do need a spokesman to speak for the system when situations arise to let the public know what's going on but unfortunately I think our system is afraid of lawsuits and therefore says very little.
I hope Ms. Lowe does a fine job and is able to change a few things. The downside I see for her getting into politics is that her and her husbands ministry relies on donations from the local community and no matter how right she might feel, backing the wrong people or going after individuals to suit her cause might have an adverse affect for them. Right is right and wrong is wrong but in politics everyone is right and nobody forgets who does them wrong.
Having known Mr. Mitton for several years and after watching the debate on the Know Pickens website I do hope he gets reelected. Mr. Fincher did not impress me and quite frankly I can't remember anything he might have said if he even spoke. I figure if he was to get elected he'll be a puppet for the Canoe.
Good luck to the new school board!!
C'ya
Name: jeep
Date: 7/26/2010 10:08:11 AM
Message:
Big Easy....Why you are correct that the board can not interfere with day to day operations, they can replace the administrators that are doing a poor job. Administrators are NOT tenured. As for the "good" job you think they are doing, the school system did NOT make AYP. I hope Fincher wins! I also hope the new board members get rid of the superintendant and a few other administrators and start putting money into our kids instead of buildings.
Name: Satisfied Parent
Date: 7/26/2010 2:27:07 PM
Message:
Big Easy,
You're so right, after spending a little time in a Board Members shoes, people learn it is a thankless job and that they are legally bound by guidelines that they have to follow. The current board and superintendent have done a fantastic job in bringing Pickens County up to par with the best counties in the state. All the schools made AYP, do you realize that only 28 systems in the state made AYP? The system does a good job educating the students of Pickens County. We have a few naysyers who try to prejudice others into believing that Pickens does not do right for children. There are more of us out here who are proud of our schools then the handful who are constantly trying to stir up trouble by posting negative comments. "Don't believe them, get involved with your child's school and see that education is taking place."
Name: Mitton Suporter
Date: 7/26/2010 3:59:11 PM
Message:
Come on, all you folks that appreciate the excellent board we have, get out and vote for Mark.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/26/2010 4:48:58 PM
Message:
SatisfiedParent.....The individual schools only made AYP because their subgroups were not large enough to be counted on the school level (eg ELL, Spec.ed, econ. disadvantaged). However the System did NOT make AYP because as a system our subgroups are large enough to be counted. But then if you think staffing the front office instead of the classrooms and having nice buildings is more important than the actual education that's your perogative.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/26/2010 4:54:29 PM
Message:
Anyone know what top school systems in the state that Pickens was "brought up to par" with?
Name: Satisfied parent
Date: 7/26/2010 6:18:12 PM
Message:
Jeep, are you a blacksmith? You sure have a lot of axes that you grind, have you ever been happy with anything? You are the most negative person in Pickens County, why don't you head to greener pastures and find that perfect world that your searching for, maybe you'll find it in Never Land with Peter Pan. Oh, that's right, your already a grown-up.
Name: LocalParent
Date: 7/27/2010 8:53:13 AM
Message:
Satisfied Parent
Be careful of the advice you give. Unless by "getting involved" you mean bringing cupcakes to the class parties. Involved parents tend to get labelled as meddling, overbearing, un-realistic, crazy, etc,etc,etc! You should see what happens if you ask questions! That communication that is touted by the board. Now that may be the funniest of all.
Name: localparent
Date: 7/27/2010 8:58:10 AM
Message:
Mitton Supporter
I think the people that think the board did an excellent job already got out and voted. Wendy won 70% of the votes. Mitton lost 70% of the votes. My guess is the same 30% that voted for Neighbors voted for Mitton. Looks like 70% want a new board.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/27/2010 9:22:17 AM
Message:
SatisfiedParent....Were you a Board Member? You mentioned being in there shoes. As for a "thankless" job,I'll gladly thank a board member for doing a good job...as soon as one does.
Name: Parent who is irritated
Date: 7/27/2010 11:24:40 AM
Message:
This state ranks #48 out of 50 for education. Um, maybe we should all run for office with the BOE and make some serious changes! Education is the biggest reason will over look living in GA or even bring their coporations here. It is quite sad that children here are left in the dark when it comes to education! If the HS taught the academic subjects YEAR ROUND instead of only half the year, we might actually have smarter students. If you take the honor students and moved them into one of the top 10 school of our country they will be behind on academics. When people do move to GA from other states, most children will be put a grade ahead because they have learned more! This education system is wrong on a state level, not just locally. Although, this county is horrible when it comes to education. Get rid of all the weeks off in the school year itself, then join 90% of the country and go Sept-June.
Name: Big Easy
Date: 7/27/2010 11:43:48 AM
Message:
Exactly what is it the new school board members are going to do to improve the school system? The only thing I've heard from any of them is better communication, which I strongly agree with needs to happen but what other earth shattering things are they going to do?
The school budget is already thin and probably will get thinner to which our current board seems to have been working hard at controlling. I hope they don't furlough anybody else but it is becoming a part of the business cycle.
Are they going to start firing teachers for not doing their jobs and/or are they
going to start firing the principals for not doing their jobs which is making sure the teachers are doing their jobs? I don't believe they make those decisions only approve or disapprove the superintendents recommendations and I do think we have a few teachers that need to find a new line of work.
Let's just hope they don't start trying to provide bus service to the private schools in the county.
C'ya
Name: Satisfied Parent
Date: 7/27/2010 5:49:06 PM
Message:
Name: Satisfied Parent
Date: 7/28/2010 12:45:25 PM
Message:
Local Parent,
Your right about some parents being involved, if you've visited any schools, you've probably seen the parent who knows eveything, who is rude to other parents and school staff and the administrators. I'm sure that teachers sometimes cringe when these parents come through the door, thank heavens not all parents are like that. Parents who truly want to help make a big difference can do that by being proactive in school. There's a right way and a wrong way to be active in school and I bet you're one that they hate to see come through the door by the things that you say on this board. I have an elementary school child and a middle school child and I feel welcome at each school, staff are friendly and welcoming each time I visit. Very helpful and courteous, I couldn't ask for better treatment.
Name: Sharon
Date: 7/28/2010 3:40:35 PM
Message:
SatisfiedParent,
Jeep posted a congratulatory post to Wendy Lowe. Your post back said Jeep was the most negative person in Pickens County. You might be the one who needs to go to NeverLand. Still laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!HAAAA HAAAA HEEEE HEEEE . Enjoy going back to work tommorrow. Heard you got 5 furlough days this year. Maybe that's why you seem so angry.
Name: LocalParent
Date: 7/28/2010 7:10:33 PM
Message:
SatisfiedParent.....Going along with something that is so blatantly wrong is not proactive. Not asking questions is not proactive. Standing up for your child's education IS proactive. You seem to assume a lot. My children both had excellent teachers last year. I didn't feel unwelcome by either of them. My comments on this board have been directed at the Board Members and certain administrators. They are also facts you can look up. I can only assume why you would be offended that I posted that the school did NOT make AYP or the Fiscal UN-Responsibility in special ed.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/28/2010 8:28:47 PM
Message:
WOW! All this just by congratulating Wendy Lowe. There may be more problems than I know!
Name: jeep
Date: 7/30/2010 9:11:26 AM
Message:
SatisfiedParent.....you said
"There's a right way and a wrong way to be active in school..."
Let's be honest, with this system there is one way. Their way! I'll let you in on a secret, parents are NOT happy. That's why people want new board members.
Name: Big Easy
Date: 7/30/2010 11:54:18 AM
Message:
Jeep.....exactly what is "their way"? Are we talking about a few single issues that people blow out of proportion or is there something major the rest of us don't know about? Do the issues that you and some of the other posters have been talking about pertain to the teachings in the class room, issues with student conduct and lack of interest by the principals or is it a personality conflict between the parents and the teacher/principal/superintendent? I would dare to say most have to do with personality issues between the parents and the school personnel and vice versa that get blown out of proportion. I know there have been a few people in the community and even posters on this board that have gotten on their "moral high horses" and wanted to make changes in the schools based off of their personal feelings and/or beliefs. I prefer our board of education stick to watching my tax dollars and keep their moral beliefs and such to themselves as I will take care of any moral issues and/or beliefs for my kids.
The school board is there to manage our tax dollars not to run the day to day operations of the schools.....That's what the superintendent, principals and teachers are for. I feel our school board is at a cross roads and whomever the new members end up being can really make a difference on where our system goes. Yeah we have some bad teachers and I'm sure some not so good administrators but we need to get rid of them based off of their job performances and not because they didn't say hello to me or who their dating or whatever non job based reasoning unless their doing something illegal.
C'ya
Name: jeep
Date: 7/30/2010 4:22:42 PM
Message:
BigEasy......What do they base their budget on? While keeping taxes low is great it really comes in second to educating our children. They have had no problem spending money on new buildings. Did we really NEED new administration buildings? Yes the graduation rate has even gone up. The WHOLE states graduation rate went up. Is Fiscal Responsibility about being front office heavy with new buildings? Our system DID NOT make AYP. They taut open communication yet require the public to get "permission" to speak before the board. Why do we pay to have a lawyer present at all meeting? Why does a school system of this size have a lawyer on salary at all? This is unheard of for systems our size. Why are they not pushing to have the grand jury report opened to the public? What are they hiding? I could go on and on but I really hate long posts.
I'll tell you what I think their way is. Parents should just trust them and never question anything. My advice ....Question Everything, these are our children!
Name: jeep
Date: 7/30/2010 8:38:02 PM
Message:
BigEasy....I have to ask, are you basing how well the schools are doing on the fact that your buddy's are on the school board and there nice to you at the schools? I base my thoughts on the statistics and I must admit I thought Trammells response to a letter to the editor didn't help sway me in the boards favor.
Name: LocalParent
Date: 7/31/2010 7:41:12 PM
Message:
Big Easy,
Let's look at some special education statistics since this is one of the groups causing the school system to not meet AYP. I will give you the system's favorable information first.
CRCT/language arts passing scores increased 0.30%
Kids missing over 15 days down 1.10% (5.8% decrease since 2007)
So basically kids are getting to school and making a "small" gain in language arts.
Now the downside
Graduation rate down 3.6% (down 33.10% from 2008)
CRCT math passing scores down 1.70%
Parent satisfaction rate has not been passing since 2006 and it only has to be 36% satisfied. (0.00% were satisfied in 2007)
Due Process complaints and state complaints are on the rise and the state is siding with the parents more than our system.
Now let's talk Fiscal responsibility. Special Education can be VERY costly if not managed properly.
The average savings to the school system for developing "appropriate" early intervention programs for Autistic kids is over $200,000 per child over 18 years of education. Our system has at least 26 children with Autism. That alone is a 5.2 million dollar savings. Most other diagnosisis have similiar savings. Plus the added bonus of huge savings to the taxpayers later due to more special needs children being self-sufficient.
Appropriate programs also keep legal fees down. Our system paid over $72,000 in 2009 to one educational law firm. This number does NOT include what the district attorney makes or any other law firms that may have been hired.
Please do not think the board is oblivious to these problems. I have personally sent 11 e-mails to each board member and spoke publicly before the board. Since you watched the debate you know Mitton and Neighbors claim they receive hardly any emails. I'll be happy to show you the emails to prove who's being truthful. Guess how many responses I received from the board members?
While the board can't meddle in day to day issues they could have hired a new special education director with the experience and knowledge to address and fix these problems. They even had the opportunity since the director announced she was retiring. The board has to approve hires. Guess who is still the director?
Name: Big Easy
Date: 8/2/2010 9:59:01 AM
Message:
I question everything that involves my child and from that stand point they're doing a good job. I've never had a problem discussing anything with any of the board members or superintendent in fact they've been very respectful even though we didn't see eye to eye. I do think our system is to top heavy and needs a reduction in personnel and I don't know why we needed that new building unless it was included in the splost and they had to build it or lose it, I have no idea just saying.
There needs to be some type of response from anyone in the school system when sent an email or such. I know the ones I've sent to the principal have also been sent to the superintendent and I received a response from both that they would look into it and within reason I did receive a resolution. It might not have been what I wanted but they did look into it.
As for the meetings and the regulations they place on public participation I do have to agree with them. Could you imagine how disruptive they would be if we allowed anyone that showed up to speak and put no time limits on their speaking time.....Good Lord that wouldn't be pretty. I think in our day and time we have to many sue happy parents and the board feels the need to have the attorney present so they don't put the system in a bind with lawsuits. That's probably the reason you want see them taking notes either. Most everything they do is subject to the open records act so by not taking notes they can't have someone trying say that a doodle they drew was a sketch of one of the speakers.
C'ya
COMMENT
Name: Marine
Date: 7/20/2010 2:03:41 PM
Message:
Or could it be that Ellison has lived in so many era's and wars that he is all knowing..Kind of like Carnack.
Name: Cletus Tubbs
Date: 7/21/2010 10:34:08 AM
Message:
i'll take care of this one marine. ellison and rob your both poopy heads. there.....
Name: bob hayles
Date: 7/21/2010 10:35:22 AM
Message:
Because rob's deodorant was working better than yours, perhaps?
Name: Anti Roberto
Date: 7/21/2010 11:23:31 AM
Message:
Ellison, the answer is that Rob and his Amen Choir don't care about any opinions / facts / views / discussion / agendas / topics / etc. that don't suit their purpose. What's amusing is that I actually have a "right wing", conservative viewpoint. I find people like Rob (and formerly Ed) to symbolize what's wrong with a lot of folks on our side of the political spectrum (i.e., "Everyone is an idiot except for me").
Too many conservatives need to find / do two things: (1) Do your *OWN* research - don't parrot Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh, National Review, etc (for the first 3, I personally consider them "entertainers" only slightly above the Britney and Lindsays of our society). READ a damn book. READ the Constitution of the United States of America. I believe what I believe because in my view, the facts are on "our" side.
Example? So many people on the left jumped on this thing in Arizona. This is racist, this is un American, etc. Come to find out many *never even READ the law*. So the right piles in about that, but how many on the right read it? Rob of course did - he's God's gift, but I'm willing to bet many (most?) of the voices from the right NEVER LOOKED AT IT BEYOND A SUPERFICIAL REVIEW. This, even after criticism of Holder, Napolitano, Obama, and others for the same thing. There are an alarming number of clones on the right, just as there are on the left. They are useless for the conservative movement, they are destructive for the conservative movement. Rob and his Amen Choir are playing to the stereotype and thus become cannon fodder for the likes of Pinto. Fire away, Pinto - I hope your aim is true (does your "Robot" description apply here?). Ellison - light 'em up.
Which leads me to my 2nd point: Conservatives need to get a sense of humor. Wake up, Roberto, and smell the punchline: it's YOU. Mother of Mercy, you're easy.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/21/2010 11:32:51 AM
Message:
Ellison.....just speaking for myself, When you post so much BS about yourself why would we believe you or take you seriously?
Name: Rob
Date: 7/21/2010 4:14:47 PM
Message:
Ellison, what you said above is not an accurate description of what you have been posting here. The truth in that article goes a wee bit beyond "well Bush was that way too", which is all we ever hear from you people anymore. You have been critical of everything conservatives believe in since day 1, and doggedly pursued all of us here over these beliefs, with your own crazy rantings-in several personalities- or with incessant invites to the damn DQ. Please don't presume to tell us now, that THIS is what you have been trying to say the whole time. It aint workin, or else you still just don't get it
Name: Ed Jones Jr.
Date: 7/22/2010 11:13:55 AM
Message:
TO: Anti Roberto....I'm hurt :( What do you mean " Formerly " ? I'm still here and yes , I still think you are full of BS , along with your peep Ellison . You guys just never learn . I'm reminded of the old saying " A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have ".
Name: Anti Roberto
Date: 7/23/2010 10:44:48 AM
Message:
Ed, your relevance, while never significant, has waned. You have been usurped.
I have to ask, though, what is it that you disagree with? You suggest that I "don't get it" and am full of BS. What specifically in my post were you referring to?
Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/23/2010 4:22:37 PM
Message:
Ed,
And Republicans prove that on a daily basis!!!
Name: Ed Jones Jr.
Date: 7/28/2010 9:57:17 AM
Message:
TO: Anti Roberto , along with peeps Stop The Madness , Ellison , Pinto and others of the same ilk..It should be obvious , since I don't post much anymore , that I am tired of going over the same ground time and time again , day after day , it gets us no-where . Have you forgotten all the past posts that talked about the same subjects you are talking about today ? You didn't " get it " back then , you don't " get it " today , and you won't " get it " in the future ! So instead of reading your latest blather about this or that , I'm just setting back and waiting on November to roll around and watch the blood-bath take place , on both sides . Don't be to sad though , I'll check in now and then to see if anything is new . To those that say the subjects =School Board or the New School Year is new , I invite you to take a little time and read the back issues , both topics have been talked about dozens of times . Even though several of us talked about the needed changes back then , hardley anyone voted to change the school board . And now several people are " Upset " about how our school system is run ? Amazing , just amazing . History " DOES " repeat for those that don't pay attention to whats going on around them !
COMMENT
Name: Rob
Date: 7/19/2010 7:10:21 PM
Message:
This is an absolutely incredible and vital read for conservatives, and especially for those liberals who fancy themselves part of the "ruling class". Guess what: you are all fodder to them. Madness and Ellison, PLEASE read this.
America's Ruling Class -- And the Perils of Revolution
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/07/16/americas-ruling-class-and-the
Name: R. Ellison
Date: 7/20/2010 12:47:10 PM
Message:
Rob,
This is what I've been trying to get you to understand.
For the last year I have repeatedly tried to reminded you (against every slant toward blaming only Obama) that Bush, Clinton, and Bush, Sr. also contributed to the problem. As for the "upper crust" making decisions without input from the citizens... They always have.
Thank you for finding an article that will show the average American how little their voice means to the big government we have. BTW, news yesterday said that almost 200,000 people have "top secret" status and access to those documents deamed "too much for us to fathom".
Name: Rob
Date: 7/20/2010 6:33:35 PM
Message:
Ellison, don't confuse that essay with the fact that the "ruling class" is dominated by liberal democrats. They started this "intellectualism culture", and they are currently just doing what they do best-whatever they can to destroy our republic as we have known it-as our founders intended it to be. Believe me, the last president I really believed in was Ronald Reagan (who was firmly in the Country Class). However, we were NEVER in this much danger under ANY administration in history than we are right now.
A president who was raised by communists, who believes in "collective salvation", you name it. The list is long and has been well discussed. Do not confuse an understanding of the ruling class with some sort of resignation on my behalf that you or any other liberal have been "right all along". My wish was to bring attention to the class warfare in politics for folks who might find this essay telling. That fundamental understanding is only the beginning: we must still know who we vote for and stay awake so we don't let you fools produce another Obama, Pelosi and Reed ever again. This goes very much for local government as well.
Simply saying "that's the way it is" is exactly why we get the government we deserve. This is still America, no matter how much you may despise that fact, and we will get our country back with or without you.
Name: R. Ellison
Date: 7/21/2010 10:49:25 AM
Message:
Rob,
You said R. Reagan was "firmly in the Coutry Class"? Really now?
From the article you posted a link to states that "The ruling class wears on its sleeve the view that the rest of Americans are racist, greedy, and above all stupid."
I find it very interesting that almost every post you make is condescending with a "high-and-mighty" attitude. You project an attitude that you are superior in all aspects of life than others. You have stated many times that the interest of the company and prosperity of it's owners are paramount to all interests of the workers. You have made many racist (intended or not) remarks about Obama and the unemployed.
By this very article, you sound like you are in the ruling class not the country class.
As for Reagan... do I need to remind you of the covert Iran-Contra Scandal used release hostages? Our spies that were caught in the USSR Embassy? And the fact that under Reagan we gave weapons to both the Iraqis and Iranians to fight each other. In fact, you could say that because of Reagan's weapon's deals, the Iran-Iraq war was escalated.
BTW, if being an outspoken, Rob-defined liberal is so bad for our country, then being a slack-a$$, lawn chair conservative like you must be the condemnation of all that is good in the country.
May the world crumble around us as Rob plays his fiddle!!
Name: Anti Roberto
Date: 7/21/2010 11:02:59 AM
Message:
Rob, I am coming to believe that you mean well but that you have some ingrained jackass personality qualities that make you a ...well... a jackass. If you would stop trying to be such a know-it-all you would have a far greater impact. As it stands, you are making it far too easy for your message board enemies (me among them). Everyone who disagrees with you is not an idiot (you picked up where Ed left off on that term). Stop being a parrot. Pinto is mocking you with good reason - you're playing into his/her hands. Your cheerleaders on here are equally lame and make you look like even more of a puppet / tool (or a puppet tool).
I think I've told you more than once that our politics are probably very similar - you just come across as a dick and that's why I have to step up and bust your chops now and again.
Jeep - right on (re: school board). Now to the other race that will have a runoff. Any predictions?
How the hell did Karen Handel and Nathan Deal end up being Repub frontrunners for Governor? What a joke. I think King Rat may have a shot at this thing.....
Name: pinto colvig
Date: 7/21/2010 12:28:19 PM
Message:
Robot, my god you are stupid. I'm not sure exactly what you mean when you say Reagan was from the "country class" but I think its supposed to be a compliment to say he was a simple good ol country boy like BubbaBob says about himself. and it further confirms you are a Robot. Might I remind you Reagan was a Hollywood actor, recruited by JP Morgan to run for politics because his acting skills could convince the masses that he could do the Right thing. while in fact what he did was begin to dismantle the middle class so the banks could begin the last 30 years of robbery against the middle class and the poor.
And the words "ruling class" imply Money, and I'm sorry but I doubt even Ed thinks that "liberal democrats" have more money than the Republicans, who firmly comprise the majority of the ruling class and have since the Mayflower landed. Everybody but you seems to know this. Of the top one percent income earners in 2008, 84 percent identified themselves as Republicans. The influence of liberals since then is a testament to the power of the people (or the majority) - you see, in a democracy the majority of people, regardless of their income, are the ones who are supposed to win. But also in a democracy the ruling class is allowed to exert influence over the masses and tell lies to get people to vote in their favor - and the people didn't believe the lies in 2008 and voted for what's best for the People. In Nov. 2008 the people took over, but now the ruling class are stealing it back thanks to people like you. Corporate America (the ruling class) LOVES the Tea Party, for example. Why do you think Chevron has given the Tea Party so much money in the last two years??? Just embrace it Robot - you are a supporter of the Ruling Class...
Name: Rob
Date: 7/22/2010 5:43:01 PM
Message:
Pinto, every single word you wrote above came straight from you own Happy Place in fantasy land. You are completely nuts.
Name: Stop the madness
Date: 7/23/2010 4:18:50 PM
Message:
you two should just go ahead rent a room somewhere, and either beat the tar out of each other or make love you two are worse than a married couple.
COMMENT
Name: Bob the Builder
Date: 7/19/2010 11:43:01 AM
Message:
LordH
I'm with you on Obama! I did exactly like Obama. You see I'm a builder...er was a builder. So when the market went bad I took my Home Depot card and maxed it out! Thought this would help stimulate Home Depot and then they would hire me. Guess what? They did! Now I make a little less money, well maybe a lot less, but who's counting. Anyways I let my work vehicles go back and used the stimulus money to help me buy a new car. Then Obama's plan helped me renegotiate my mortgage. Pretty soon my free healthcare will kick in. Now my only problem is how to pay off the $50,000 I owe Home Depot. I'm sure Obama will come up with something to help me out. I even qualify for Food stamps now. Man this is a great country!
Name: pinto colvig
Date: 7/19/2010 6:16:34 PM
Message:
LH is right, Bob. your attempt at sarcasm failed miserably
Name: jeep
Date: 7/20/2010 1:21:39 PM
Message:
LordH.....the fact that Pinto is agreeing with you speaks volumes!
Name: Rob
Date: 7/20/2010 6:34:36 PM
Message:
Amen, Jeep. That pretty well summed it up.
COMMENT
Name: Marine
Date: 7/16/2010 10:26:31 PM
Message:
Rob, call me & I'll give you my new e-mail.
Name: Rob
Date: 7/19/2010 4:11:49 PM
Message:
Hey Marine, My phone went swimming, along with your #! Please send to robnavy1@yahoo.com
COMMENT
Name: melissa gillette
Date: 7/16/2010 7:09:14 AM
Message:
Since this paper doesn't seem to care about letting people know the news until a week after the fact, I thought some might like to know that there is a candlelight vigil at fatz tonight at 9 pm. The vigil is for Laura Ashley Schell, the young mother who was killed on monday. Laura has worked at Fatz for sometime now and her Fatz Family is holding the vigil. It would have been nice if the Pickens Progress would have put the effort into finding out the details for the services instead of waiting until print day and telling people to buy the paper for the whole ( incomplete) story. You can see where the Progress's bottom line is.......the 50 cents they make off of you when you buy the paper with the week old news.
Heck they can't even get the message board worked out. One day your comment is there the next it's gone. Then it's back then its gone. Nice job pickens progress.
Name: J B
Date: 7/16/2010 10:52:45 AM
Message:
Well Melissa,
I don't know how long you have lived in Pickens County, but the Progress has been a weekely puplication for many years and yes we get the news a week late.
That is why we have radio and ETC and Face Book, and the funeral homes have Obit lines, Cagle 706-253-6399 and Roper 706-253-5353. I'm almost sure Mr. Roper would put the Vigil for Laura Schell on the obit line if the family had ask him to.
He and Cagle both put obit info on for other funeral home all the time.
And the message board is going through some changes at this time, the Progress had that at the top of the page. and .50 cents is a very low price for a news paper these days even if the news is a week old.
Name: Melissa Gillette
Date: 7/16/2010 2:46:34 PM
Message:
I took the time to speak to the person who organized the Vigil ( unlike the reporters for this paper) The original flyer had the wrong day and the vigil will be monday night at 9pm at Fatz. There will be no ceremony tonight.
Name: jeep
Date: 7/16/2010 3:17:31 PM
Message:
I'ld like to thank the progress for offering this message board! It gives the public a way to post about upcoming events and discuss subjects that interest them. I'll gladly keep spending my 50 cents each week!
Name: Rob
Date: 7/17/2010 5:02:25 PM
Message:
God knows it is just evil of the Progress to make a dime from publishing a weekly newspaper. Melissa, I have appreciated several of your recent posts, but I don't know where all this latest anxiety is coming from.
Name: todd's wife
Date: 7/18/2010 10:00:33 AM
Message:
Laura's passing is very sad and I am praying for their family. The Progress has done a fine job tho. All news, be it sad or joyous can not make the paper all the time.
Name: Susan Bird
Date: 7/19/2010 7:33:55 AM
Message:
Im a distant cousin of Laura's and have been unable to find a printed obituary for her service. If anyone has a copy or knows where I can find one please forward to my email listed above. Thank you! [Editor's Note: I'll send you what we have in a few minutes by e-mail. Our paper with printed version is on sale at all convenience stores in area. If you are out of area , send me your address and I'll mail you a copy]
COMMENT
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