As the year winds down, I'm going back over some old material and reviewing it to see how it holds up over the months since it was posted.
http://downstatede.blogspot.com/2008/07/credit-where-due.html
1. Volunteer List: I was optomistic, but something happened during the year that was noticed by everyone, especially the PTO. There were a few more opportunities but participation seemed to have totally dropped off.
2. School Board: Very slow start, and not exactly the most independent group, but there is still hope there. The survey was kept as independent as I think possible, but it is interesting we have not gotten the results. I suspect it will be mixed, at best.
3. Teachers: Most worked out very well. Denise will be playing musical chairs again next year, maybe because if you want to look like you are making progress, simply shuffle the deck. Many of the comments were about the guidance counselor and the circumstances under which she left, but her replacement has done a credible job.
4. Schedule: I was pretty positive about this, but I see that she is changing the schedule around again for next year. See note above about making changes for change sake.
5. School Code: Most changes were made clearer, but I suspect we'll see more changes this coming year, for the same reason the changes were made in items 3 and 4 above.
Showing posts with label Improvements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Improvements. Show all posts
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
And Now, part II
• The day-to-day attention to supervising the maintenance and custodial issues
Probably would help to improve the relationship, as well. I know she came in like gangbusters on this issue, but obviously we’re not the only one noticing the cleanliness of the school.
• The ongoing professional development for faculty to support the educational goals and special needs of students.
No arguments, although not sure the focus of the past year on children with special needs is where Holy Cross School is, or should be headed. “Special needs” means special treatment, which means extra costs and extra money.
• The continued effort to improve communication with parents, especially through the use of PowerSchool.
I like the “continued effort” that they work in there, but we’ll deconstruct some later comments about that. I think PowerSchool is doing exactly what it should be doing, but am willing to be enlightened what else could be done.
• The updating of the Science lab and the enhancement of technology resources to increase active learning.
Again, no argument here. One of the reasons the high school was forced to shut down (for those not here at the time) was the declining ability to maintain academic standards in such areas. I’d argue, however, that Denise put all the eggs in the basket with the grant application….she never answered the question what she was going to do if the money wasn’t available, and the issue dropped after she was denied.
Probably would help to improve the relationship, as well. I know she came in like gangbusters on this issue, but obviously we’re not the only one noticing the cleanliness of the school.
• The ongoing professional development for faculty to support the educational goals and special needs of students.
No arguments, although not sure the focus of the past year on children with special needs is where Holy Cross School is, or should be headed. “Special needs” means special treatment, which means extra costs and extra money.
• The continued effort to improve communication with parents, especially through the use of PowerSchool.
I like the “continued effort” that they work in there, but we’ll deconstruct some later comments about that. I think PowerSchool is doing exactly what it should be doing, but am willing to be enlightened what else could be done.
• The updating of the Science lab and the enhancement of technology resources to increase active learning.
Again, no argument here. One of the reasons the high school was forced to shut down (for those not here at the time) was the declining ability to maintain academic standards in such areas. I’d argue, however, that Denise put all the eggs in the basket with the grant application….she never answered the question what she was going to do if the money wasn’t available, and the issue dropped after she was denied.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Part I of Recomended changes
I didn't like the way the last post came out, so I'm going to break the next posting into two parts.
However, I did notice a few odditities about the report, starting with it designating Holy Cross as an "urban" school. Okay, we're within city limits, but do you really think one would or should call it this?
Anyway, on with the post....
The pursuit of the goals set forth in the action plan to ensure the school’s strategic plan
remains a living document
In other words, update and modify the existing plan to something that has measurable items. No arguments on this.
• The establishment of an Office of Institutional Advancement that will ultimately include a Director of Development
This would require good community and alumni relations, which aren’t exactly a strong point right now. THIS probably should be a priority, even in troubling economic times. However, I think any resources are being forced into simply looking for bodies to put in the seats.
• The pursuit of a traffic control study and the establishment and enforcement of rules to address safety issues.
Something that some have been calling for since she got here and pursued a few actions that made the traffic problem worse. The "enforcement of rules" works IF the rules make sense and actually would help solve the problem.
However, I did notice a few odditities about the report, starting with it designating Holy Cross as an "urban" school. Okay, we're within city limits, but do you really think one would or should call it this?
Anyway, on with the post....
The pursuit of the goals set forth in the action plan to ensure the school’s strategic plan
remains a living document
In other words, update and modify the existing plan to something that has measurable items. No arguments on this.
• The establishment of an Office of Institutional Advancement that will ultimately include a Director of Development
This would require good community and alumni relations, which aren’t exactly a strong point right now. THIS probably should be a priority, even in troubling economic times. However, I think any resources are being forced into simply looking for bodies to put in the seats.
• The pursuit of a traffic control study and the establishment and enforcement of rules to address safety issues.
Something that some have been calling for since she got here and pursued a few actions that made the traffic problem worse. The "enforcement of rules" works IF the rules make sense and actually would help solve the problem.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Parking Improvements
Inside sources tell me that we've lost a little over $120,000 worth of students over the past year.
I guess that is one way to improve traffic flow through the parking lot.
I guess that is one way to improve traffic flow through the parking lot.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Parental Involvement? Volunteers? Why would they do such a thing?
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IN_STRICT_SCHOOL_INOL-?SITE=WBBMAM&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Indianapolis Public School 57, the city's only so-called "fundamental school," requires parents to sign their children's homework every day, volunteer at the school and respond to teachers' calls or notes within 24 hours.
Teachers sign similar agreements, and the school's 210 students have strict rules, too, The Indianapolis Star reported. If students don't turn in homework for several days, for example, they can earn enough demerits to kick them out of the school.
Interesting....why would they require such things? That whole volunteer thing...it is if they think it actually helps the school and parents, or some such nonsense.
Indianapolis Public School 57, the city's only so-called "fundamental school," requires parents to sign their children's homework every day, volunteer at the school and respond to teachers' calls or notes within 24 hours.
Teachers sign similar agreements, and the school's 210 students have strict rules, too, The Indianapolis Star reported. If students don't turn in homework for several days, for example, they can earn enough demerits to kick them out of the school.
Interesting....why would they require such things? That whole volunteer thing...it is if they think it actually helps the school and parents, or some such nonsense.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Quiet...
I've kept the postings to a minimum, and for good reason.
The beginning of the school year, especially one in which so many things were changed from over the past year, certainly should give everyone pause. Many of the changes were ones that have been called for, and it is gratifying to see them either come to fruition, or to return after a sorrowful absence. I don't really care why the change of heart over the summer, or what caused it, as long as they stick.
That is not to say that there are not things that need improving, or rumors, or gossip floating around. It is just that it is beginning to return to some sense of normalcy, concentrating on relatively minor issues.
There are lines that were crossed by some. I don't think we did that here on this blog (Newszap got a bit hairy, at times), but you are free to disagree. There were those who complained because they couldn't post the same way I do, but I tend to think that this format worked because the writers (maybe not the commenters) did NOT go overboard with inflammatory statements. We didn't even really try to publicize this, but were still getting almost a hundred people coming here right after school started,. It showed me that the word of mouth is pretty powerful, and that was even before the Parking Lot Mafia had a chance to get in full swing.
I also think it important to point out that there were many changes this year that were not challenged. There were significant ones, such as the start time that people certainly could have grumbled about...but I do believe that there was a belief that this was one that had been considered rationally, thought about, COMMUNICATED, and there was no real opposition. I hope that is a lesson in and of itself.
We'll be monitoring the situation, but I don't think we'll be posting quite as much as we have until we see how things shake out.
The beginning of the school year, especially one in which so many things were changed from over the past year, certainly should give everyone pause. Many of the changes were ones that have been called for, and it is gratifying to see them either come to fruition, or to return after a sorrowful absence. I don't really care why the change of heart over the summer, or what caused it, as long as they stick.
That is not to say that there are not things that need improving, or rumors, or gossip floating around. It is just that it is beginning to return to some sense of normalcy, concentrating on relatively minor issues.
There are lines that were crossed by some. I don't think we did that here on this blog (Newszap got a bit hairy, at times), but you are free to disagree. There were those who complained because they couldn't post the same way I do, but I tend to think that this format worked because the writers (maybe not the commenters) did NOT go overboard with inflammatory statements. We didn't even really try to publicize this, but were still getting almost a hundred people coming here right after school started,. It showed me that the word of mouth is pretty powerful, and that was even before the Parking Lot Mafia had a chance to get in full swing.
I also think it important to point out that there were many changes this year that were not challenged. There were significant ones, such as the start time that people certainly could have grumbled about...but I do believe that there was a belief that this was one that had been considered rationally, thought about, COMMUNICATED, and there was no real opposition. I hope that is a lesson in and of itself.
We'll be monitoring the situation, but I don't think we'll be posting quite as much as we have until we see how things shake out.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Changes
More than a few changes from last year...and for something different, welcome ones.
First and most importantly, the volunteer program has been revamped and expanded. There certainly is a lot more encouragement and publicity about the programs, and it looks like parents will be once again welcomed back into the classrooms and barely tolerated. Excellent change and one that has been asked for since she got here.
Second, the school advisory panel is seeing the light of day. A bit late, of course, in that it was supposed to have been formed in July and working already, but the fact that this was another area asked for is a good sign. It is composed of a good cross section of the parish, and their being tasked to review and update the strategic plan is a good thing.
Third, there are a lot of curriculum changes. While treatment of people IS something I know about, curriculum development is not. I've heard some grumbles from some teachers ,but the changes sound interesting, and in some cases I think are great....the changes in the specials, for one. Concentration of the time spent IS a good change, and allowing the older kids some choice in the future is promising as well.
If these changes represent a change of heart and what the future holds, it truly is a new year, and a new start. It also shows that change IS good, and that one can appreciate the attempt.
First and most importantly, the volunteer program has been revamped and expanded. There certainly is a lot more encouragement and publicity about the programs, and it looks like parents will be once again welcomed back into the classrooms and barely tolerated. Excellent change and one that has been asked for since she got here.
Second, the school advisory panel is seeing the light of day. A bit late, of course, in that it was supposed to have been formed in July and working already, but the fact that this was another area asked for is a good sign. It is composed of a good cross section of the parish, and their being tasked to review and update the strategic plan is a good thing.
Third, there are a lot of curriculum changes. While treatment of people IS something I know about, curriculum development is not. I've heard some grumbles from some teachers ,but the changes sound interesting, and in some cases I think are great....the changes in the specials, for one. Concentration of the time spent IS a good change, and allowing the older kids some choice in the future is promising as well.
If these changes represent a change of heart and what the future holds, it truly is a new year, and a new start. It also shows that change IS good, and that one can appreciate the attempt.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What Other Schools are doing
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS03/808260368&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
"In a high-performing school, you're going to find highly committed parents. It's a critical piece of the puzzle," he said. "We can't leave responsibility only on the doorstep of the school."
Now, it is to the credit of HC that many of these innovations listed in the article are ones we've gotten used to. We've had the grades on-line for a few years, we've got web pages that are sometimes up to date, and we had highly committed and involved parents. I would argue that these involved parents are needed even MORE in charter and private schools because the resources are not as available...so why shut the door on these people?
"In a high-performing school, you're going to find highly committed parents. It's a critical piece of the puzzle," he said. "We can't leave responsibility only on the doorstep of the school."
Now, it is to the credit of HC that many of these innovations listed in the article are ones we've gotten used to. We've had the grades on-line for a few years, we've got web pages that are sometimes up to date, and we had highly committed and involved parents. I would argue that these involved parents are needed even MORE in charter and private schools because the resources are not as available...so why shut the door on these people?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Credit where due
Let's give Denise some credit for getting us a big thick packet of information to interupt our summer and to remind us of the harsh realities that await us in less then 60 days.
I'm going to emphasize a few positive things I've noticed...
1. Volunteer List! Woo-Hoo!
Okay, she only wants people in two limited areas, and how she can figure that one can volunteer for specific days for the entire year is questionable, BUT this was one of the things she was hammered about last year. I think the school would be better off with an expanded list, but this is proof that the pressure we've put on has had some effect. All of you who talked to her or Father Dan about this, give yourself a hand! A small victory, but a victory, nonetheless!
2. School Board: Probably also something done under duress, but it is going to happen. We'll have to see how independent they are, and if she actually listens to them.
3. Teachers: She has made significant progress in replacing some of the teachers who have left. Granted, only one is certifed (not sure the Pre-Ks or specials have to be), and one is coming down from Holy Rosary, but it is not all bad.
4. Schedule: The schedule looks better this year, with honor roll assemblies actually scheduled. Wonder if they'll have pizza or ice cream this year?
5. School Code: Minor changes are coming, hopefully on those areas that were not really clear. I would watch this one real close....
No letter about Internet safety agreement and proper use this year....I wonder why?
I'm going to emphasize a few positive things I've noticed...
1. Volunteer List! Woo-Hoo!
Okay, she only wants people in two limited areas, and how she can figure that one can volunteer for specific days for the entire year is questionable, BUT this was one of the things she was hammered about last year. I think the school would be better off with an expanded list, but this is proof that the pressure we've put on has had some effect. All of you who talked to her or Father Dan about this, give yourself a hand! A small victory, but a victory, nonetheless!
2. School Board: Probably also something done under duress, but it is going to happen. We'll have to see how independent they are, and if she actually listens to them.
3. Teachers: She has made significant progress in replacing some of the teachers who have left. Granted, only one is certifed (not sure the Pre-Ks or specials have to be), and one is coming down from Holy Rosary, but it is not all bad.
4. Schedule: The schedule looks better this year, with honor roll assemblies actually scheduled. Wonder if they'll have pizza or ice cream this year?
5. School Code: Minor changes are coming, hopefully on those areas that were not really clear. I would watch this one real close....
No letter about Internet safety agreement and proper use this year....I wonder why?
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