Southampton Mom & Disappointed: When I had my meeting with Dr. Cressman I suggested the same thing, that a questionaire be done and sent to parents/students. The children and the parents know the teachers/staff the best. We should have a say in who stays and who goes.

I also wanted to know why certain grades or certain kids are left out of school activities. I just found out that from Willow Dale only 3,4 &5 grades went to the arts festival at the HS. Why? Don't they think the 1st & 2nd grades might like it. Also, the talent show is only for 4th & 5th graders. Why? Are they the only ones with any talent? I think all kids should be included in any activities that go on in the school. What kind of message does that send to the younger kids? Sorry, but we don't think you are good enough or sorry, or you are to young to experience art and culture.

I agree I have had 2 kids go through Tennent and it is a disgrace that these teachers do not do work. They sit on computers they ignore the kids, just put a movie in. I ask my kids do you want me to complain and they tell me to stay away. years ago I complained went to principal she emailed my kids teachers and they took it out on my kids. Crazy how they get paid all this money and no work. There are some good teachers but we need to clean out many of them. WE also have some in the elementary that need some weeding out. I moved to bucks county because the thought was kids get a better education than Philly public schools but I don't think so now.

Several parents have raised the idea of questionnaires and surveys on a variety of issues. It's an interesting idea with a lot of potential for generating positive feedback, as well as constructive criticism that will help us grow and improve as a district. The school climate survey that the children took last year generated a great deal of useful (and funny!) information that helped inform several important decisions. I will certainly discuss this idea with my Assistant Superintendent for Education. If there is a pressing concern, however, about the performance of a particular employee, the concern should be raised with your principal or his or her assistant principal. In terms of chain of command, if you are not satisfied by his or her response, the decision can be appealed to the Assistant Superintendent who oversees the building administrators. As Superintendent, I am always delighted to speak with parents (yes, even when, especially when, you are frustrated or angry because it gives me an opportunity to help you, although I would much prefer that circumstances not generate upset in the first place). I will then ensure that the information you share is passed down through the ranks, and will encourage you, if possible, to also meet directly with the teacher or building administrator. If the interest of student or family surveys appeals to you, please e-mail your name and contact information to me. That will provide a great resource if/when we move ahead.

Sarah, thats a great point. Yet again, naming the schools illustrates how broken the communication process is in this district. I remember the survey and then nothing. For those of us that can't attend every meeting, it just seems that you never hear anything. I bet half the parents of the school population still dont know about the proposed time change for next year.

Called out Mrs. Driban back in September 2011 at the school board meeting stating that I wanted to see proof of the emails and letters she supposedly got in regards to people wanting to keep the Willow Dale name the same. What do you think my chances are that she will deliver?...I say slim to none!

If there are any school board members that are following this, can you please produce the e-mails and letters regarding the naming of WD. It would be great if this matter could be put to rest. While I understand that Ms. Hazlett has alot of emotions wrapped up in the merger and naming of Leary/WD, it is time to move on. What's done is done and our kids need us to move forward together as one school. In order to do that, I think most of the legacy Leary parents need to see the information that Ms. Driban refers to in order to have closure and move on.

Dear Part, GET OFF MY BACK!!! And Get Off The Backs Of Leary Parents!! You have something to say than start your own blog!! It is important to us because we were TOLD that the school was to have a NEW NAME!! Obviously that did not happen. Ms. Driban proceeded to say how she got these 350 signatures and emails to keep the name the same. So I say SHOW ME!! You seem to be so tight and cool with the board, why don't you call her and ask her to produce them. Then this can all go to rest and you won't have to be bothered with this trivial stuff. I can stop by the administration building tomorrow!

Michelle, I apologize for what you perceive as me being "on your back". After reading your post on the other blog I understand the emotions involved and my intent with this post was to ask Ms. Driban or someone else on the board to give you what you have asked for. I am taking you at your word that once you have that information you will have some closure over it and can move on. It is very obvious from your posts that you have the best interest of ALL the children at heart

I understand that there is interest in understanding more about the school naming process. Please hold tight for a day or so. We are compiling all of the documentation which will be posted to our district website for community members to review. As the process was conducted by the prior administration, it is taking a little time to put the requested information together. Thank you for your patience and please stay tuned. I'll post the link here for interested community members to access.

Liz, I agree with you. I get very frustrated when grades are delayed in Skyward, or there is a note that says "Teacher requests parent conference" with no indication until the marking period is almost over that there was a problem. E-mail is an important communiction tool between parents and teachers, especially when most parents work full time. Teachers need to be held accountable, unfortunately, there is only so much any district administration can do as the bad ones are protected by unions/contracts. I am all for paying a good teacher well, but in order to do that, we should be able to weed out the bad ones. (I guess that needs to be taken up with Corbett - maybe he needs to pay closer attention to Christie)

Honest Mom, I hear what you are saying and I agree that some younger kids have a shorter attention span. Why can't it be split into groups? K&1, 2&3, 4&5 Why only have 1 talent show? If it is too much for the teachers to handle, this is a great situation where parents may be used to help out.

I agree that there are some kids, at that age, that dont have the attention span and the discipline to practice for a talent show, but there are many that do. All I'm saying is that they shouldn't be excluded from a school event like this, if they have a strong desire to participate. I dont think that is sending the right message to these kids.

Michelle Hazlett--Having activities open only to older kids gives the younger kids something to look forward to and makes it special. Sure, you could have seperate talent shows, but really, how many hours do you want your child to be in an auditorium instead of in the classroom?

Lou, There are 9 months of school. I am not saying that the talent shows all have to be done in 1 day. I know it gives the younger kids something to look forward to but don't you think it would also be special for them to be able to perform in front of their fellow classmates?

Thank you Mrs. Lynch

I know what was said. I was there at the meeting anxiously awaiting the new school name. I find it hard to believe that the below 3 names were the only good one's they could find. And most people knew nothing about the required 125 signatures. (go to Warminsterpatch.com 12/9/10 Name 3 area regional elem schools and 1/1/11 Name that School - no mention of signatures) What I am referring to is the last paragraph and Ms. Driban's own words....so I would like to see them, that's all.

She said despite the committee's efforts there were only two suggestions that came forward with the minimum 125 signatures from the community and therefore satisfied the district's policy for naming rights: having the names remain the same, or naming the schools Perseverance, Gemini and York.

“I personally loved the suggestions,” said Driban. “But I’m looking at the people who wanted the history to remain in these schools.” She said nearly 300 signatures plus scores of private emails and phone calls came forward in support of keeping the old names for the future buildings

The lack of two-way communication is what caused such disdain for the school district and its staff. I find Dr. Cressman's interest in what the parents have to say quite a refreshing change from the past.

People will always complain, yes, but if you address their complaints head on, you establish credibility and respect, something that seems to be lacking. If people keep complaining without having anything to back up their complaints, then they discredit themselves. It's a win-win for Dr. Cressman. Make a change, make a difference, establish communication.

I think the school district image is definitely part of the job. The problem is that very few people actually acknowledge it.

Working, If you read Dr. Cressman's first post on this blog it says that she has permission from the board to post on here and establish an open communication with parents. I agree with Liz that she is taking her time to talk and is taking what parents have to say seriously. By doing what she is doing she is trying to make a difference and put the pride back in our schools. She realizes that to have a successful school you need happy students and happy parents. She can't fix anything if she is not aware of anything.

Dear Parent,
I do appreciate your comments. I am certainly careful as to where I devote my time, and carefully weighed the pros and cons before chiming in on the blog. The truth is that once one becomes a Superintendent one is always on District time - the reality of the position is that it is 24/7/365. Please know that I'm not complaining - it is, quite truly, the best work in the world. One of my most important jobs is to communicate well with families. In this brave new electronic world of ours, if that means monitoring and sometimes responding to a blog, in addition to returning phone calls, replying to e-mails, and meeting face-to-face, then I welcome the opportunity for conversation. I would encourage folks that if there is a pressing or immediate concern to please contact me directly.

I think that's a good perspective to have. We can all discuss the issues until we're blue in the face, however, we're not walking those halls every day and most of us don't have that basis for comparison.

I would definitely not say it's all of the staff.

That may also be a symptom of the problem and not the root cause.

Teachers can lack enthusiasm or concern because they feel undervalued. Why do they feel undervalued? Maybe it's money. Maybe it's the way the administration treats them. Maybe they feel a lack of power or authority over their jobs. More money = higher taxes = unhappy residents. Lack of power = less decision makers = more consistency. You get the idea. There's give and take that happens all of the time but I think it's a great idea to look at local school districts, especially more successful ones, and try to figure out what we're doing wrong that they're doing right.

Worried Student, I agree with what you say. My kids complain about the teachers all the time. And they run right out the door. I am so glad you were happy at CBS. Our Teachers need to start caring, work in class and help our students along the way. I also see that the Teachers do not get respect from above so it seems like it gets shuffled down to our kids. If teachers aren't happy they will lack in responsibilty so everyone from the top to the very bottom of this district needs to straighten their act and work for the future of our children. Thanks for responding

Worried Student, thank you for your perspective as a student who has been in Centennial and is now in CBSD. I have had children in Centennial for years and, the schools my kids have been in have had far too many teachers who are coasting through their days, doing the bare minimum to fill class time, showing no creativity, innovation, individualization or interest in getting to know the students. My youngest is currently at Tennent and we have developed a sense of humor about how bad it is there. But truly, it is not funny. It is tragic. We are counting the years until she is out and able to go to college.

I don't pass the high school much, but I do pass a grade school and middle school frequently. It never ceases to amaze me how fast that parking lot empties after the buses pull away with the kids (first buses, NOT late buses).

While understanding the teacher's union stance on seniority, there must be something that can be done with letting the newly hired teachers go first when trying to cut costs. Wm Tennent's over budget problems have caused future layoffs for some very good teachers. I certainly do not have the solutions but the problems that arise from overlooking new innovative teachers seems unacceptable.

Thankfully, the issue of the naming of Willowdale can be put to rest. While the name of the school is irrelevant to the success of our kids, the school naming fiasco was a point of distrust and contention. Dr. Cressmen is doing a great job of trying to resolve the distrust and contention. With two kids in Willowdale, I have noticed a decline in the school.

My observations may be more skewed perception than reality but it seems there are more disciplinary issues now that the schools have merged. I’m not pointing any fingers but I wonder what the cause is. Do the teacher to child ratios need to be evaluated? Is the school now too crowded? Could it be the massive changes? Regardless of cause, I’m getting feedback from kids, aides, and even teachers that there are many more discipline issues since the merge. My kids tell me about out of control students, use of abusive and foul language, and class room interruptions on a regular basis. I point to the recent thievery from the cafeteria.

continued

It seems there is inconsistent communication with families and at times a lack of information from the teachers, principle, and administrators. For example, my daughter will bring home an information letter days or weeks before my son brings the identical letter home. One child receives a letter to bring home and the other does not. There needs to be consistent communication. Part of consistent communication is using the tools available. Email is one of those tools. I’m sure all the paper correspondence is prepared electronically and should be emailed to parents who supply an email address. Teachers should be trained and required to monitor email. The district website is full of information but it could be leveraged to provide better communication, feedback, and forums for parents, teachers, and administrators.

continued

Firing under performing staff is not a reality in today’s contracted environment but a good start to nudging performance in a positive way is transparency. For example, what is the average reading level for a 3rd grader or average grade on a math test? I don’t see why class room or grade level aggregate scores could be posted to a secure forum or in email. A monthly progress report. How often are classroom observations done? No reason parents should not know when the last observation was completed. Since teachers are contracted, administrators need to be creative in finding ways to encourage teachers to spend more time helping the students and discourage teachers from phoning it in.

Willowdale needs to open activities to all grade levels. I see no reason to segregate the school. These activities help build a feeling of community with the students and their families. Incorporating the whole school in the various activities may boost morale. Surely, taking a measured re-evaluation of the bussing plan will go a long way toward the morale of the Willowdale families.

Finally, I’d like to recognize Dr. Cressmen for her efforts to reach out and point out that Willowdale has some inspired educators who do a great job teaching our kids.

O.K. Normally I just write the blog and let everyone else say what they want but I would like to address and question what Tired Parent said in their first paragraph.
I hope you are not trying to imply that Leary kids are the reason that Willow Dale is declining! If you are I take GREAT offense to that!! Before the merge I also spoke to Willow Dale parents and not 1 nice thing was said about that school. It was just a school where they had to send their children. Leary was #1 in the entire United States for it's Character Counts Program. The children no matter what grade or age treated each other with respect and compassion.
My husband was at sports practice with my son tonight and he started speaking to another Willow Dale parent who told him that the school was even WORSE 2 years ago. Before the merge!!
Instead saying "This is how we do things here and this is how they will stay" or being shut out, the staff could open their hearts and minds to ideas and suggestions from the old Leary staff, aides, teachers and parents. We came from a school that was not just 4 walls with students and books. We came from a school that was a FAMILY!!

Singapore Math and Everyday Math are two competing methodologies for teaching mathematics to schoolchildren. In 2003, The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study reported that students in Singapore ranked first in the world in tested mathematics achievement, while American students lagged in sixteenth place (with some of the lowest scores in the first world).Everyday Mathematics was released in 1998. It became part of a nationwide controversy over reform mathematics.
What Works Clearinghouse ( or WWC ) reviewed the evidence in support of the Everyday Mathematics program. Of the 61 pieces of evidence submitted by the publisher, 57 did not meet the WWC minimum standards for scientific evidence.

Our school district goes with the program that many are turning away from..imagine that...

Tired,
O.K Thank you for clarifying that! I appreciate it!

It's been a number of years since I had kids in Willow Dale. And I will say that there were, at that time, a couple of wonderful teachers. Most were ok. Some were terrible. The principles (who set the tone for a school) were cold and unfriendly to parents during the time we were there. The school never felt like a family. So Kim, please don't think for a minute that any problems in Willow Dale are caused by the Leary children. If there are more behavior problems than before, it could be for a number of reasons. For example, with more kids in the school, there could be less time to devote to them and their needs. The teachers/staff could be suffering "growing pains" and their morale could be down as a result of this change. Kids feel this tension, even if it is not being directed at them. It could be a result of poor behavior management techniques with the kids. Positive behavior supports and actively listening go a long way in creating a safe, nurturing environment in which children can thrive and behavior issues can be quickly addressed in appropriate ways that benefit everyone. It's amazing how a child can be considered a behavior problem on year and be no problem the next, and then be a behavior problem again the next year. The teacher's approach to behavior management (and teaching proper behaviors), modeling respect, etc....goes a long way toward improving children's behavior.

I have two dogs that tore up my yard, so far I have put 1 ton of dirt back into the yard. I still need another 1/2 ton. I would GLADLY have taken some dirt!(even paid for it)
This is just another example of ANOTHER CHANGE ORDER that the SB and Super will approve costing taxpers more $$$$ because of careless planning and an an inept project manager...

Seriously, I don't know who's brilliant idea that was! I heard they are going to chop off the top of the hill. The staff was afraid of a mudslide coming down on the school. There is really no cause to have that stupid hill there. The new Davis takes up most of the land, that they now don't have much room to put a playground. We spent millions of dollars to build a brand new school & we have incompetent people running the planning. This is an accident just waiting to happen. I guess the school district can afford another lawsuit, but the taxpayers can't!!