tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post8757872637067112011..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Back to the topic of the blockCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-2505959793084662722010-03-09T09:31:17.285-05:002010-03-09T09:31:17.285-05:00It would hardly seem a fair shake to teachers bein...It would hardly seem a fair shake to teachers being asked to teacher 6/7 periods a day while others stay on the block -twiddling away the hours and teaching to half the number of students. Lest we forget that with only one planning period there is alot of housekeeping the teachers won't be able to get to; such as making copies - unjam the machine, wait your turn or walk upstairs/other end of the building only to realize that once again the machine is broken and da** it's time for my next class. So much for that "planning" period. All schools should go to a six period day w/ teachers teaching 5 of 6 periods. If high schools go to a rotating block there will no longer be an option to do joint enrollment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54250844989594825272010-03-02T13:11:03.848-05:002010-03-02T13:11:03.848-05:00Cointa Moody's salary = $92,192.09 as a Genera...Cointa Moody's salary = $92,192.09 as a General Admin Secretary...someone needs to look into this...she is a secretary for Pat Pope and gets paid way too much!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42662163358163435512010-02-02T07:51:33.201-05:002010-02-02T07:51:33.201-05:00Dunwoody HS requested a move to a Modified A/B Blo...Dunwoody HS requested a move to a Modified A/B Block schedule. I have not heard that the request was denied by DCSS. However, I should know more tonight as we have a meeting at Peachtree for rising 9th graders.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84620938923753506372010-02-02T07:42:25.946-05:002010-02-02T07:42:25.946-05:00"At DHS, the elimination of the 4x4 block......."At DHS, the elimination of the 4x4 block....."<br /><br />Has the block officially been eliminated at DHS? What is the new schedule?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-23884688907858555192010-02-02T07:38:51.295-05:002010-02-02T07:38:51.295-05:00The issue isn't really how a day is structured...<i>The issue isn't really how a day is structured for high schoolers</i><br /><br />It's not? If we have issues with NCLB because of its "cookie-cutter", "one-size" fits all approach, then how do we turn around and say that all schools must fit into a 7-period day. Quite frankly, and I may be in the minority, but, I approve of the idea that each school can identify what works best for their students.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36042212835949973952010-02-02T07:32:45.830-05:002010-02-02T07:32:45.830-05:00The issue isn't really how a day is structured...The issue isn't really how a day is structured for high schoolers, bur rather whether we can afford 8 credits per year (32 lifetime) per each high schooler. <br /><br />I think the system has done a lousy job identifying the schools where students have a critical need for those extra credits. Limit the 8 credit year to those schools and move everyone else to 7 (or better yet, like Gwinnett, assume that most students will pass and go to the 6 period day).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-34832484627443248322010-02-02T06:47:28.637-05:002010-02-02T06:47:28.637-05:00This makes the most sense to me and I don't un...<i>This makes the most sense to me and I don't understand why it wouldn't be left up to each school to work out a hybrid that works for their needs.</i><br /><br />Kim, this is what we were told at the Dunwoody High School meeting concerning the scheduling options: Each school is required to teach, I believe it was, 360 minutes per day. The school is allowed to come up with the scheduling plan that best fits their needs. At DHS, the elimination of the 4x4 block, was, in my opinion, the result of several years of parental dissatisfaction with the 4x4 block.<br />Have you spoken with the administration at Cross Keys to get a sense of how they feel about the block?Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-5811504182117794082010-02-01T22:46:36.929-05:002010-02-01T22:46:36.929-05:00Teachers,
Please sever off all ties with family a...Teachers,<br /><br />Please sever off all ties with family and friends during the school year in order to serve over 150 students. The brain can only handle 150 effective relationships..and WE own you body and soul.<br /><br />You may resume ties with family and friends during the breaks and the summer.<br /><br />Not doing so is ground for termination.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67456795745943713232010-02-01T22:39:46.456-05:002010-02-01T22:39:46.456-05:00"I heard the figure 150 quoted as the maximum..."I heard the figure 150 quoted as the maximum number of relationships a human brain can effectively manage on average."<br /><br />Wow - scientific proof for my 150 kid max theory! thanks!<br /><br />ps - CONGRATS Cross Keys Readers!!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38321786485119196962010-02-01T22:27:08.969-05:002010-02-01T22:27:08.969-05:00110 comments in a day ... how's a girl to keep...110 comments in a day ... how's a girl to keep up?<br /><br />RE: Block ... my impression from the leadership at Cross Keys is that they have the liberty to run a hybrid schedule to meet their needs. This makes the most sense to me and I don't understand why it wouldn't be left up to each school to work out a hybrid that works for their needs.<br /><br />@cere: "... should not have to deal with more than 150 students at a time."<br /><br />Just a note of trivia, I heard the figure 150 quoted as the maximum number of relationships a human brain can effectively manage on average. This came up in a discussion about facebook "friends' ... seriously, that's a lot of kids to track, discipline, instruct, and inspire.<br /><br />RE: Cross Keys/Tech North up there in a couple of spots ...<br /><br />The 2 schools are administered as one effective this year.<br /><br />RE: SPLOST III at Cross Keys ...<br /><br />The fourth wing (of 4) is gutted and in process of having an add'l 25k sq ft added to it to house tech and 2 art classrooms. The remaining 3 wings will have significant interior and system renovations during the rest of this year (still targeting Dec 2010 to complete). There is much that will be left to do after Evergreen Construction is gone. I was at soccer tryouts today (I was cut in the 1st five mins) and tripped on the crumbling track with my own feet. The grounds and athletics are a serious problem. The lack of auditorium and other amenities is a major shortcoming. In spite of that, our kids keep improving ... wait for the plug ... Cross Keys HS won 1st place in DeKalb's Ruffin Reading Bowl over the weekend! On to regionals on 2/6! Peace, out.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38159845104343361822010-02-01T22:04:31.954-05:002010-02-01T22:04:31.954-05:00That must be why DCSS does not check.....
The dir...That must be why DCSS does not check.....<br /><br />The dirty rats!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-63820121439560383582010-02-01T21:57:41.616-05:002010-02-01T21:57:41.616-05:00It's not about a free lunch whatsoever - F&...It's not about a free lunch whatsoever - F&R lunch is used to determine the Title 1 status of a school - this equates to millions. Much more than some extra pizza.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85569168694498791592010-02-01T21:38:37.048-05:002010-02-01T21:38:37.048-05:00I hear that Free and Reduced lunch is actually a m...I hear that Free and Reduced lunch is actually a money maker for big school districts across the nation.<br /><br />A fair amount of FRL kids do not eat. The school cafeteria prepares a little over food for the average number of kids who eat regularly but charges the Feds for the full number of meals based on the FRL population. <br /><br />In fact, schools "feed" student on half days before they leave school...and prepare even less on the day preceeding 3 or 4 day weekend. <br /><br />Any cafeteria worker can second that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-37198066984723986052010-02-01T21:17:00.033-05:002010-02-01T21:17:00.033-05:00Great post by Anon 5:02. Dekalb knows that many, ...Great post by Anon 5:02. Dekalb knows that many, many families claim FRL who should never qualify for it, but C Lew and Ron Ramsey would never ever think to ask for proof of need. it is disgusting how many parents have no ethical qualm with taking FRL. And lewis and Ramsey enable the sense of entitlement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-83855808359468554812010-02-01T17:14:18.523-05:002010-02-01T17:14:18.523-05:00You would think some type of proof of income level...You would think some type of proof of income level would be required for a free/reduced lunch - W2, WIC documentation. I worked as a lunchroom monitor once. The amount of food that is throw away by the students on a daily basis is astounding - a big money loss right there, imo.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-37230058843081316852010-02-01T17:02:42.885-05:002010-02-01T17:02:42.885-05:00Free and Reduced lunches mean nothing. We have ki...Free and Reduced lunches mean nothing. We have kids in our schools whose parents are teachers who get free lunch. We have kids in our schools whose parents are driving BMWs and Mercedes who are free and reduced lunches. Parents know what number to put down on the form and they get free and reduced lunches, there are no checks and balances. The number of free and reduced lunches should not be any threshold to the income level of the families within our schools.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84673759089530178352010-02-01T08:28:35.397-05:002010-02-01T08:28:35.397-05:00What I am saying, though, is that the economy is s...What I am saying, though, is that the economy is still really bad - and what has been happening in the business world (esp banking, construction, real estate, automotive, manufacturing...) is starting to trickle into government - forcing them to tighten their belts. The money is simply not there. You can raise taxes all day long, but if people have no income - well, you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip. <br /><br />This is why it's so vital to rail on the administration to take the cuts OUTSIDE the classroom first. The top must be shaved - the teachers have given enough for now - it's the administration's turn.<br /><br />I say we start with - corporate wellness, Sam Moss (how about outsourcing some groundskeeping?), Gloria Talley's army of curriculum specialists - and yes, transportation. <br /><br />Morale is bad enough - no one will take more cuts to the classroom sitting down - as long as the top continues to enjoy healthy bloat.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29021126002730229242010-02-01T08:21:55.801-05:002010-02-01T08:21:55.801-05:00Oh, Anon 11:43 PM - I certainly am not advocating ...Oh, Anon 11:43 PM - I certainly am not advocating for classrooms of 45 students. I was just sharing a story from the old days. You must be new to the blog, for if you knew me, you would know that I have advocated for improving schools more than just about anyone.<br /><br />Check out some of the older posts in the blog. We have lots and lots of good data and great discussions.<br /><br />We have tripled our readership and obviously, there are many new people who I need to consider when I make comments. Sorry about that. And you are correct - the times were very different then. She also had a classroom full of fairly obedient, respectful children. She does tell some great stories!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20532452231239088582010-02-01T08:20:11.835-05:002010-02-01T08:20:11.835-05:00I do not think my doctor could provide me the same...I do not think my doctor could provide me the same quality of care if he/she took on 30% more patients (an occurrence that has happened in recent years). I believeost doctors we know professionally and personally will tell you patient care is stretched to the breaking point. It's the same with teachers. I know they can't provide the quality of teaching with 30% more students. Just like doctors they'll do what they can, just less effectively. I don't want an overloaded and frustrated teacher teaching my child. I understand we have hard economic times, but eventually we'll pull out of this recession. Meanwhile, our children will never get their education back. That boat will have sailed. Let's look at other non teaching areas to cut. In the corporate world you cut your least effective areas first. That is what Lewis and the BOE should do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-13053767467816091722010-02-01T08:00:49.868-05:002010-02-01T08:00:49.868-05:00We have seen two different emails to send budgets ...We have seen two different emails to send budgets suggestions to.I tried both and one bounced, but I got a reply from Ramona Tyson's office acknowledging receipt of the other. the address is:<br /><br />budget-suggestions@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us<br /><br />Pass it on.Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1548695640070758922010-02-01T07:48:31.237-05:002010-02-01T07:48:31.237-05:00What infuriates me about this discussion - the pos...<i>What infuriates me about this discussion - the possibility of eliminating the block in favor of the "cheaper" 7-period schedule - is the gyrations Lewis and company put DHS doing an "intervention" so we could understand what's best for our students, and creating much debate and dissension within the community. Once again, all for naught</i><br /><br />I did not feel tortured and I totally disagree that the discussion at DHS was "for naught". I thought the community meeting was handled very well by Ms. Stepney and many of the top DCSS administors, (Mosely and Talley among them) were in attendance to hear our concerns with the 4x4 block schedule. I, for one, am not a proponent of the 7-period schedule, and I look forward to seeing how the new modifed A/B block at DHS shakes out.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-12192644870316457002010-02-01T06:30:09.700-05:002010-02-01T06:30:09.700-05:00Many students are out of district at Lakeside also...Many students are out of district at Lakeside also and make great sacrafices to attend Lakeside. This is why the school is so crowded. Many students are out of district in the schools that do well on the test which show parents it is a good school.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61847035508484710112010-02-01T06:27:27.771-05:002010-02-01T06:27:27.771-05:00No one said, Lakeside was a Charter or magnet scho...No one said, Lakeside was a Charter or magnet school.<br /><br />However, it was said that we would have liked for it to have become a charter school in Science and Math and the ARts. The indicated also was that this was not wanted by individuals who want to keep Lakeside as it is now.<br /><br />I hope this clear up the miscommunication.<br /><br />One of the problems is many want the school system the way it used to be. In fact many of the individuals on the school board remember Dekalb when it was the Premier High School in the state. However, now times have changed and we really do not want our schools the way they were. We want them on the cutting edge of technology and we want our children to be able to compete in college and in the global society.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-56165098225643235542010-02-01T06:08:18.181-05:002010-02-01T06:08:18.181-05:00Demand,
We are on the same team.
49% free &...Demand,<br /><br />We are on the same team. <br /><br />49% free & reduced lunch is pretty good versus 70% on up free & reduced lunch.<br /><br />60% African-American is not the same as 60% on up African-Americans.<br /><br />Some of the African-Americans live in the school zone of Chamblee, Dunwoody, Lakeside, or Druids Hill in the high priced houses or high priced appartments which indicates somekind of income and perhaps parental education and job stability.<br /><br />The other African-Americans who do not live in the school zone of Chamblee, Dunwoody, Lakeside, or Druids Hill are manifesting a desire not to go to the school in their attendance zone and making great sacrifice to get to Chamblee, Dunwoody, Lakeside, or Druids Hill every single morning. That is indicative of some choice motivated by the fact that kids learn better with other like-minded/motivated learners.<br /><br />So Arne, what are you going to do with the rest of the students who are staying in their attendance zone?<br />Vox NoctaeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46157542263017486482010-01-31T23:43:30.049-05:002010-01-31T23:43:30.049-05:00Cere,
When I went to school, the U.S. did not have...Cere,<br />When I went to school, the U.S. did not have to compete with the rest of the world. Fathers on my street did not even have to have a high school diploma to earn a decent living, wives did not work, children were fed, and doctors made house calls. Those days are over. It is a competitive world and if your child is not literate in science, math and technology and can't write fluently, they are behind the eight ball in life. Do you really want your child taught in a classroom with 44 other kids? That's exactly what Lewis would have us believe - that we can still have quality education no matter how many kids are in a classroom. Remember that 42% of DeKalb's employees are non teaching personnel (6% more in personnel costs than other metro systems). That translates into $54,000,000 annually that we could re-employ in the classroom if we just aligned our budget with the rest of metro Atlanta. <br />Honestly, you should go into the schools and see the utter degradation many of our students and teachers have to be in every day. No one who is a professional person would want to work there. I have worked in well over half the schools in DeKalb so I know what most teachers put up with and I know why so many of the good ones leave. The good teachers are not trapped - they just move on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com