Peters Township School Board
• Date: Sept. 19
• Action: While many school districts continue to struggle with budget cuts, the board created two new positions, director of human resources and a part-time district mail courier and inventory clerk.
Hired as director of human resources at an annual salary of $95,000 was Nancy A. McCann. Her start date is Oct. 31. No one was hired as the mail courier/inventory clerk, and no salary was listed.
The board approved three motions involving the ongoing renovations to the athletic fields above Pleasant Valley Elementary School. The entire project is expected to cost about $2.5 million and will include new sound and lighting systems. The board authorized the issuance of bonds to finance the project and for other, unspecified capital improvements.
• Discussion: Ron Dunleavy was officially welcomed as a new board member following the unexpected resignation of Julie Ann Sullivan at the August board meeting.
The board accepted a donation from Peters Township Quarterback Club of a water buffalo valued at $1,493 for the football team, and a donation from the Pleasant Valley PTA of $102 to purchase a microphone transmitter and receiver for the school's library.
Kennywood Day was set for June 19.
• Next regular meeting: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in the administration offices Copyright Observer Publishing Co.
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107 comments:
Baffled about why a sound system is needed for a practice field.....last I "heard" we could use a sound system for the actual highschool stadium!
They can hire new folks, give raises and pay for "field improvements" but they can't pay $130 for elementary kids to do Odyssey of the Mind! Several elementary school teams brought home trophies last year as have teams for the past decade. Our superintendent refused to explain. What is going on in this district?!
The sound system wasn't working right at the football game, and don't even get me started on the sound in the auditorium. I agree, the PV field initially described to the public as a "practice field" certainly changed along the way!
Do you all feel this Ron D. is strong enough to stand up and voice opinions? This field is not just an initial fee ...it will cost money to maintain. I agree that the auditorium and current highschool field needs work done. For years they have been talking about the sound system at both of those locales. All that can be noted, is that this is a push from the buildings and grounds chair...there are individuals that have lost jobs here and this is infuriating...this board knew that an HR director would be hired...plus, as more was added on to the field, note that we didn't have an athletic director guiding this direction at this interval. Tom McMurray opposed this, he is the one who has maintained fiscal responsibility through the years. His vote on this sends volumes of responsibilty...he's been on the board for years and projects ahead.
"Several elementary school teams brought home trophies last year as have teams for the past decade. "
True. The district was really happy to brag about that during the "Excellence in Academics/Education" during the beginning of the board meeting. Perhaps people will catch on when the only section PTSD has left is "Excellence in Athletics", because that is all they monetarily support and can now play well into the night with lights! They will throw thousands into sports yet take $500 from an academic compeition.
Well now...here you go!
http://peters.patch.com/articles/elementary-parents-seek-support-for-odyssey-of-the-mind-program
Close to 100 kids participate in this program. I am guessing about half of them are elementary students.
http://peters.patch.com/articles/elementary-parents-seek-support-for-odyssey-of-the-mind-program
Why do you think the Superintendent didn't answer? She doesn't like to answer when people don't agree with her. What is wrong with the district? The same thing that has been wrong the last three years and will be for the next three years. Take a wild guess!
HR $95,000.00! Yes..we need an HR director, but that is a salary they should work up to! We don't need the personal secretary now..she set up all the interviews. At that salary this person can do it with a shared secretary. I sure hope that no one gets involved with personal now! Stay out of her office....these decisions are frustrating....you don't pay someone that salary until they prove themselves. Now...they will automatically get an increase next year. I think we need to hire someone to be athletic director for the elementary grades ...starting at oh...I don't know..$80,000.00.That is a joke, but these individuals will do it. This is all being done before the new candidates come in because they know there would be too many questions!
Actually, central office does not have too many secretaries. PR doesn't have one, Staff development person doesn't have one, current HR lady doesn't have one, Technology doesn't have a full-time every day one - that is not an issue. These people actually need MORE help! I also don't have a problem with the hiring of this person. What you need to understand is this will be another recently hired Zetty person who will not question her or disagree with her, just like the other two people she just hired (Sp. Ed and Curricu). Anyone who questioned her or disagreed either left on their on because they didn't want to stay and work with her or were picked on so much they left to survive.
I cannot believe the citizens in this township are not outraged at the underhanded, hide behind the "sunshine law", executive sessions, etc that this school board gets away with. No wonder there is so much apathy and dislike toward this board. They make the decisions and we are stuck with them. I for one have had enough! Pay to play, cut educational programs, rent buses and drivers stay on your own bus... sit only, no wait stand only,fire,hire,everyone quiting,no money but pay raises for all! An attorney as an HR director at 95K a year? You have got to be kidding me? Since when does an HR person have to be an attorney? Nina and her clan must really be starting to feel the heat to bring in an attorney at this pay rate. I do not know how any of you sleep at night....oh never mind several of you have not morals or ethics that is how. Enjoy it now.
I had to chuckle. I recently had the opportunity to hear the new curriculum person speak. She seems wonderful. She spoke eloquently about how the district has a vision to foster creative and critical thinking skills in a global environment; which is almost the exact mission statement OM has. This district is extremely hypocritical.
I personally dislike this school board for not publicly asking questions or publicly answering taxpayers. They act like they have something to hide.
I have to disagree with you on that fact that people don't want to teach here! That is not true, also having a high GPA for hiring is not a negative issue. There are hundreds of teachers who want to come to Peters...when I tell a teacher where I live they always comment on the salaries here and the potential for increases and the environment in which teachers teach versus city or poorer districts. New teachers coming out would love to teach here. ..you are fortunate to have a teaching position in Peters....the criteria for hiring has to have a criteria because of the number of individuals who are applying. BUT that is just one criteria. Peters should be selective in their hiring. Obviously how they do during their student teaching or teaching experience is crucial. .., but the GPA is a number that cannot be manipulated and is standard...again remember that their are literally hundreds of people wanting in this district. Peters has it's issues, but it seems having a board with people on with their own agendas for their children inthe main problem we have!It is them who hold all administrators accountabable...they are getting what they want for their own. More people to need to want to step up and run for these positions..that is our problem.
Don't worry about Nina not sleeping at night. In her Peters Patch article SHE SAID she puts her head on her pillow each night and has no problem going to sleep. That doesn't surprise anyone at all. Anyone who can treat people so mean would not have a problem sleeping at night. Understanding, kind people, leaders do not treat people the way she treats people, micromanages, and then cries to the school board how no one understands her and it is so tough doing what she is doing.
Look for more people to leave over the next two months.
A high GPA does not necessarily make for a good teacher. One way to test this theory, would be to review just how good of a job recent hires have been doing. I can think of a few who are severely under performing.
"I have to disagree with you on that fact that people don't want to teach here! That is not true, also having a high GPA for hiring is not a negative issue. There are hundreds of teachers who want to come to Peters...when I tell a teacher where I live they always comment on the salaries here and the potential for increases and the environment in which teachers teach versus city or poorer districts. New teachers coming out would love to teach here. ..you are fortunate to have a teaching position in Peters....the criteria for hiring has to have a criteria because of the number of individuals who are applying. BUT that is just one criteria. Peters should be selective in their hiring. Obviously how they do during their student teaching or teaching experience is crucial. .., but the GPA is a number that cannot be manipulated and is standard...again remember that their are literally hundreds of people wanting in this district. Peters has it's issues, but it seems having a board with people on with their own agendas for their children inthe main problem we have!It is them who hold all administrators accountabable...they are getting what they want for their own. More people to need to want to step up and run for these positions..that is our problem.
September 23, 2011 9:00 AM
WHAT? Are you a relative or a person who was recently hired with the 3.7 GPA? Having a 3.7 GPA usually means nothing more than that one can memorize well and spit it back. A true teacher needs to be able to communicate, empathize, give feedback and solutions, deal quickly with schedule changes and be the ultimate time juggler. Several recent 3.7+ GPAs cannot do many of the above.
Please clean up the grammatical mistakes prior to posting.
Sorry about grammatical errors -Sept. 24th 1:22- I type too fast. I believe I posted that a combination of both academic and student teaching or teaching experience are important. I was commenting on a post from another site of someone that commented that people don't want to come here and teach. I know MANY people who have applied here and would love to teach in Peters. I will not post anymore.....children write on this blog...show some kindness if you disagree with someone...better yet: join a debate club ...it'll teach you to debate kindly.
What the article did not say was that the custodial staff had 2 positions cut. While eliminating staff and overtime looks good on paper it doesn't always equate to a smooth operation. This overtime will actually save money. Outside contractors will be used and no one will be the wiser.
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Please clean up the grammatical mistakes prior to posting.
September 24, 2011 1:22 AM"
What are you the grammar police? Are you an English teacher? Are we being graded on this? It's a blog! Who cares? Get a life.
I just watched part of the meeting on TV. Why did the board not want to approve the extra duty personnel that were listed in item 2 of that part of the agenda? As they are pondering a revote you can clearly hear the lady in white on the right side of the screen say to the person beside her - "she's taking this over, she's drinking" -apparently she didn't know the tv mike would record her comments which seem inappropriate to me.
I just read the article in Peters Patch about Odyssey of the Mind. This is just shocking. Sure, the elementary teams can get outside funding; but that isn't going to happen this year. It is too late. Once again, things done in a very sneaky fashion without telling anyone. I know the district has to make a lot of cuts, but parents are willing to entirely fund the program.
There is not one GOOD excuse the district has for dropping such a great program. Based upon the experience our children had, OM was actually developmentally more beneficial at the elementary level, than it was at the higher grade levels! I can not believe the district:
- pulled the rug right out from under these kids;
- Did not give parents ample time to find alternative sponsorship;
- threw it in the lap of Dr. Freado.
- spends a million a year to provide ongoing support to athletics, yet cuts a couple thousand dollars to about 70 kids for an EDUCATIONAL competition.
This is the ultimate slap to parents who care deeply about building critical thinking skills and academics in ptsd. I no longer have tolerance, nor do I support, this administration and school board.
This is the ultimate slap to parents who care deeply about building critical thinking skills and academics in ptsd. I no longer have tolerance, nor do I support, this administration and school board.
September 24, 2011 2:26 PM
Great glad to hear! Now rally your friends and neighbors and VOTE! And if you do not know who to vote for or against, just look at the names of the ballot of existing board member/s and do not vote for them. This is the only way to break up the slate that is running Czar Nina and vice versa
Do you all feel this Ron D. is strong enough to stand up and voice opinions?
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What you do not understand is that Mr. Dumlevy is yet another pawn that was hand picked by a couple of the powers to be to run for a position in the first place. Julie S. had NO intention of completing her term and this was a a well orchestrated plan, come on people. He will be yet another pawn on the slate run by the three stooges so your answer is no. On the other hand our 95K HR Director/ attorney....you can forget about EVER knowing what, who, and how our money is being spent...mark my words everything will be done behind the closed door from here on out we are screwed unless we all vote!
To add to what "the lady in white said", she also commented when a woman from the public was speaking.."who does she think she is". I sure hope this woman doesn't become president when -sadly- Mrs. Ritter steps down!
September 24, 2011 12:37 PM
During the meeting the school board left the room for about 15 minutes. I am guessing the mic might have picked up the end of a personal conversation while the board was in executive session.
In relation to OM:
I do not think the administration of this school district has any clue that elementary Gifted IEP's utilize OM. Geee, what now? Re-open IEP's because they are removing previously provided gifted services? What other creative problem solving competition does this district have?
Team building for OM should have started. It takes months of meetings and formalities for any outside organization to lend their name as an OM sponsor. The district really did pull the rug out from under these kids. Uncalled for.
Pretty sly to throw it in the lap of Dr. Freado so you won't have to deal with crying kids and upset parents. hahaha Character Counts! Is the district trying to put him in a bind so they can fire him too? Can they legally reopen IEP's without the parent consent? I thought it was a signed contract?
According to "Covey", it sounds like OM = Synergize! (Sounds like our own school district is not practicing what they preach!)
"...to be able to work with others, to optimize others' talents, to go after third alternatives, to be able to manage conflicts maturely, to be creative and to value others' strengths."
"This is more than Character Education. Character is part of it, but these are real life skills of listening, how to express yourself, how to resolve conflicts, how to work in teams, how to value diversity, how to set goals. These are skills they be be able to use the rest of their lives."
Anyone that has ever participated in OM knows this is almost, word for word, the actual definition, or goal of Odyssey of the Mind! Funny how the district is trying to run by these rules but not encourage the same behaviors in our children. Seems pretty hypocritical to me too!
Someone posted this in Peters Patch; in response to the article about OM:
...."Even this year in my second son's IEP meeting, Odyssey was suggested as a way to fulfill his IEP requirements. Not sure how the district can backtrack on providing support for Elementary OM when teachers and gifted support are still recommending this as a valuable program for IEP fulfillment. The teachers have not even been informed of this change, as my son's teacher was shocked and upset that OM would no longer be supported by our school district."
This school district leadership is only interested in funding sports activities and cutting academics!
Someone told me they were at a recent meeting where administration was speaking. Administration said the district has created a new eduction foundation to aid in funding for classroom technology supplies. Does that mean this new education foundation is controlled by PTSD and it's policies? Is this going to be slush fund for administration because they are not utilizing tax dollars appropriately?
If 1 of the 6 Board members that voted for the PV Fields had a child in Odyssey of the Mind, this wouldn't be happening. The Board cut millions of dollars for academic initiatives from the operational budget, yet didn't exercise one iota of fiscal discipline for the opulent PV Fields. I have copy of the engineering report that indicated they knew as of 1/25/11 that the ground under McMurray Elementary School was literally crumbling. They knew the building would require significant repair from the Capital fund, yet they proceeded to build their palatial PV Fields without a concern for the additional borrowing that would needed to fix McMurray.
Academic programs like Odyssey of the Mind will be ignored as long as the current Superintendent and Board are in charge. The Superintendent showed what she thinks of Odyssey of the Mind advocates by refusing to directly address their concerns or provide an explanation when they addressed her at the most recent Board meeting.
this district is ridiculous. i have junior that i dropped off at the football game. there is one exit, over by the stadium. i was directed to go that way by an officer. i drove over toward the stadium, parallel with mcmurray road. when i get closer to the stadium they had wooden horses blocking the entire right of way to get to the exit! there was a red tent with a lot of people tailgating right in the right of way! the district had all of the parking spaces on that side of the stadium also completely blocked with cones. the partiers were not kids either. i got a few very nasty looks for interrupting the party and a few 'cheers' and smiles too. i came to a complete stop several times before these people would move. they were in the middle of the through way!! i think it is great to tailgate but why does the district direct traffic to an area that is blocked off for a tailgate party? is the district now reserving areas for tail gate parties in the middle of right-of-way's?
"Is the district trying to put him in a bind so they can fire him too?" that would not surprise me at all.
who is the lady in white? a school board member? the meeting is not on again until wednesday.
"GPA is a number that cannot be manipulated and is standard...again remember that their are literally hundreds of people wanting in this district."
Here is why GPA is not and should not be the end all as it is here.
1. People have critically important life experiences that supplement a strong GPA of say 2.5, 3.0 or under what has been quoted in this blog. if GPA screen them out our students miss out.
2. When I look to hire GPA is one item but how about the person who was say a single parent and held down one or two jobs while attending college and still did above a 2.8 They to me are of interest and should get an interview.
3. I go to Yale for law or Johns Hopkins for medicine and have a GPA from there of 2.5 but transfer and change my major to education social studies or biology and have a 4.0. My combined GPA falls below the cutoff and a pure education major who barely meets the GPA requirement snuffs me out. There is more to a GPA that just a number.
4. My children both went to universities with grading scales of 93 or 94 and up was an A a B was a 2.8 so if they went to these schools and had 3.0's they do not meet what has been professed is the GPA needed for some interviews here when in fact if apples were apples they would have a higher GPA. So this is not a standard number but has factors of many types that influence it.
There is more but you get the drift. GPA is important but should be only one factor.
PS thank god my kids are not in the field of education.
What 100K employee came up with the great idea to completely block the flow of traffic from exiting the parking lot prior to the football game?
None too bright!
Guess that 3.7+ GPA does not include any common sense?
If it isn't written in the IEP as a definite it does not have to be done. I know, my child was identified as gifted.
My child is gifted as well. If it is written into the IEP does is HAVE to be done? We purposefully had things written into the IEP.
oh it is in the iep.
Good points about GPA. I know of someone whose GPA was impacted because of the change of schools and a major. No matter what the job position, there is a lot more to hiring than just GPA.
I was told by someone that public schools have to ask the exact same questions to every single job candidate for a particular position and they are not permitted to ask questions based on the candidates response; because hey could get sued! It shows favoritism and/or bias. I hope that is not true. That is just not right but would explain how we get stuck with some real stinkers!
In response to: PS thank god my kids are not in the field of education.
No, it isn't the field of education. It is the superintendent's 3.7 she put in at PTSD.
I had a recent IEP meeting. Some of the employees were in shock that academic competition at the elementary level has been dropped by the school district. Other elementary academic competitions have not yet been notified either.
I find it down right hilarious the school board goals are: ".... providing its students with opportunities to excel in academics and extracurricular activities...."
If you notice they didn't say "extracurricular activities only from grades 7-12"
Unconscionable for such a small amount after seeing what they throw into sports extra curriculars.
I heard from someone directly involved with OM. They said, thankfully, the elementary parents were able to secure corporate sponsorship for this elementary academic competition; since PTSD will not support ACADEMIC competition. This district has really reached new lows in academics.
HAHAHA...sounds like the school board better revise that mission! It was stated extremely LOUD and clear by administration: "PTSD DOES NOT SUPPORT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL".
Who is the boozer -- a community member, teacher or coach? What they do with their personal lives is no business of ours; as long as they are not boozing with, or around, kids or during school hours.
"What 100K employee came up with the great idea to completely block the flow of traffic from exiting the parking lot prior to the football game?"
You could probably guess! Here is another riddle for you:
Who else in this school district has the authority to permit a booster group to actually raffle, school district property, for a school sponsored event?
If you can answer that riddle, well then there is your answer!
Is it time to give up?
It seems like everything is falling on deaf ears. Unless we get the board room packed every month and almost everyone goes up and speaks their five minutes so the board does know we care, I don't believe we are making any progress.
-Sp. Ed. is still a mess - especially in the Elementary
-The secret way Zetty AGAIN didn't come out and tell folks about OM not being funded is just another example of her style
-The 3.7 hasn't gone anywhere and obviously the board isn't changing Zetty's QPA ruling
-I heard that the super. already embarassed a secretary in central office by telling her in front of the entire central office staff that she probably won't have a job in the next few months (even though the other admin. need so much help it is depressing and that may not happen. The idea to say that in front of her colleagues? No class at all -Way to treat people with respect - announce something like that without - -
-Someone said that teachers still want to teach here. Heck, teachers want to teach anywhere they can get a job because of the governor's cuts. It has nothing to to with PTSD - they need a job
-Many administrative openings were open for a very long time because very good administrators did NOT WANT to come here
-I am just too tired to keep doing this when most of the board and the super. doesn't listen to us and just doesn't care about others. I have heard that many people in central office are now afraid for their jobs and are walking around there like nervous wrecks. Most of them don't have the guts to speak up to others to say what is going on, and we are talking about adults.
-Don't know if it is true but I have heard that almost EVERY secretary in that building is looking for another job. As long as this super. is there this DRAMA she creates will remain - mostly behind her back and if the staff gets some backbone maybe in front of her.
-Isn't it mind boggling that this has gone on for so long and continues?
Does this mean no more writing contests, geography contests, spelling bee's and national history day? Wow. I was under the ass-umption my tax dollars were going to be spent on public education not public athletic events. Our taxes pay for teachers, books, coaches, retirement salaries and sports. 'Unconscionable'. Good word.
Email blast from school district:
Continuing our proactive approach to safety issues both within the schools and in our community, parents should be aware of growing concerns regarding the behaviors of students when walking to local businesses near the Middle School and McMurray Elementary after school hours.
The Peters Township Police and local business owners have asked us to urge parents to review basic crosswalk safety rules with their children, as well as ways your child can respond should they be faced with potentially risky or criminal behaviors. While these after-school gatherings are largely social in nature, there have been reports made to the Police of potentially risky and possibly illegal activities in which some students may have been involved or to which they may have been exposed.
The Peters Township Police will be increasing their patrols of these areas. This information is being shared with you in the interest of the safety and well-being of our students and the welfare of our community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe.
Let's all go hang out at Farmhouse and act like jerks while walking there.
How wonderful. The juniors received additional information regarding their graduation project today. They have a deadline of December 20th for a paper. They are also 'tweaking' the project for additional clarification to 'help the kids'; in other words, more changes.
What is this now, the fifth change and the second meeting with a different mentor for the junior class?
This district should be ashamed what they have put the class of 2013 through.
why is our school board not speaking up? do they just wait for people to complain to them? can they not see the murder of academics in this school district or use their own brain? they are condoning this! mr. buzzatto was the only one that bothered to speak up. i am just in shock at these people.
".....elementary parents were able to secure corporate sponsorship..."
Corporate sponsorship, for a $135 academic competition--that parents were willing to pay for? This school board, even allowing the school district to force parents to do this for academics, speaks volumes. They will fund intramural sports for elementary kids, but not academics?
The graduation project has changed, yet again for the class of 2013. This was only their 2nd meeting with a Mentor. A different Mentor too, now they have a deadline of December 20th. I throw my shoe at these people.
Should we get a petition together to ask the superintendent to resign?
We once had a board some years ago that got privilages for their children while the supt. handled the HR problems unintelligibly...thus we still are dealing with those repercussions. That board has since been gone. Now, we have a board...at least the majority..who are getting benefits for their own and it mainly involves athletics....BUT, I have never seen board members who have been so rude to the public and get away with it. I am thrilled that M. Ritter stood up for the gentleman at the podium who was speaking at the last meeting...we have members who are taking this leadership position and proving that they can't handle leadership. Please don't put board members that can't handle leadership in the presidents position...that gives them too much power!
looks like people have to go to the school board to get administration to answer phone calls. the story about the 5yr old, non communicating boy, told to take a bus to the middle school to find another bus, is just uncalled for. sure, he goes to another school, but certainly something amicable, or more suitable, could have been done before the start of school.
padded janitorial closets for children with handicaps, elimination of elementary academic extra curricular activities that have been supported by this district, and staff, for decades, new graduation requirements for students without providing the resources in a timely manor; what is going on here?
thank you mr buzzatto. the only single board member speaking in support of the om program. i guess the board is not aware of the other elementary extra curriculars they have supported for decades. i think they will soon find out when people learn the programs are now canceled. they didn't know because parents payed for it and it only costs the district a couple of hundred bucks. let me guess, we will be hearing 'dr. freado is taking care of it' over and over again.
" The juniors received additional information regarding their graduation project today. They have a deadline of December 20th for a paper. They are also 'tweaking' the project for additional clarification to 'help the kids'; in other words, more changes."
My junior told me that in their mentor meeting, they were told that the project mess is the fault of the students. They were remanded for not having reflection papers written and other parts completed. I just asked my junior what you've said (above) and NO deadline of Dec. 20th was given to their group and no changes were tweaked that they were told of.
April 10th is going to be very interesting.
I heard the drinking comment. It is not clear if she is speaking about someone on the agenda or something in regards to a personal conversation. Either way, it was inappropriate. I certainly hope it was not in regards to a district employee.
My child brought home a few papers. One is a bullet point list. At the very end it says:
"Turn in reflection papers to your junior English teacher in December no laster than December 20th".
It also says Presentation is on Tuesday April 10th and all students must attend and "have transportation to and from the High School on that day.". I guess the district is willing to pay my salary for that day so I can take off work to provide transportation?
I do not know how we are expected to help guide our kids with this project when we have no information on what they are required to turn in!
My child got reprimanded too and has no clue where his previous writings went. He also has no clue what he wants to do after school and got hollered at for not having a plan. He does not know what jobs are out there based upon the classes he does well in. The school's little software program does not do that!
"Should we get a petition together to ask the superintendent to resign?"
That will do nothing. She has a contract now. The school board renewed the contract. If they fire her, without just cause, there will be a lawsuit. I am sure, not one of them can think of anything she has done wrong. She has followed school district policy to a T. Although such a petition would provide the district with a list of names of people who are not pleased with her performance.
I would rather see a petition to have school board members impeached. Is there such a procedure?
My junior went to a career fair in 9th grade and had no idea at the time that it was for a required graduation project. She arrived at the fair late because she was required to take a test in one of her advanced classes. All she remembers is a makeup artist being there and she was really stressed out because she was missing a couple classes where she would fall behind because she was missing class. She said her 9th grade 'resume', which essentially had her address, disappeared in 9th grade.
I know nothing of December 20th either. I heard April 10th the junior class has to go to school.
My kid knew about December 20th. She said a reflection paper was due, but did not know what it was to reflect upon? She thought it was to be a reflection paper about college research. It isn't enough to just be finding out about PSAT, SAT, ACT, SATII, PSSA and AP testing; now the district adds to this to already stressful junior year????
Petition asking Super. to resign?
I don't think the question is having the board get rid of her - that ship has sailed and the 5 people who voted to keep her should not be voted in - but this is saying present a petition to her and the board asking her to resign. She will at least know the thoughts of many community members.
I have news for you, this school district has also dropped several other elementary programs that encourage critical thinking and academic skills. I thought the idea of a public school system was to help students think and learn? The only thing this district encourages is athletic participation! I don't see them cutting elementary intramural sports?
I have never seen board members who have been so rude to the public and get away with it.
I agree and have watched several Board meetings on TV. In the past and just yesterday I again observed Mrs. G chastising a taxpaying parent. The bottom line is they need to turn some of that chastising to the leadership and listen to the parents. I have never observed such poor behavior from board members towards the public.
September 28, 2011 1:26 PM
I followed the ordeal with the 5 year old SPED needs student and my beef is that the super publicly told the parent to follow the process. On this blog alone there have been many instances where the super does not follow any processes (i.e. Football coach) and now backed into a cornet throws up the process issue and more importantly, as has a point of this blog blames everyone else for her shortcomings. Come on Dr. Zetty pick up the phone and call the man.
I do not understand how this school board can justify, no monetary contribution, toward elementary students for academic extra curriculars YET they FULLY FUND and support intramural sports at an elementary level. I am guessing it costs more than a couple hundred bucks! I loathe this school board and school district administration and their lack of proper priorities.
"She will at least know the thoughts of many community members."
Do you think they do not already know? Do you really think any one of them honestly care? All of their actions have made it very clear what they think about taxpayers and education.
it is ok for kids to compete at the elementary level in the 'ticket to read competition' but not ok for kids to participate in competitions that have been part of their giep's?
this district should be ashamed.
I was told by PTSD that academic awards at PTHS were canceled this year. We received a written letter from the school district that they decided to have the awards. We received it the day AFTER the awards. A family up the street received their notification the day OF the awards.
We have two voters in our household with differing opinions on school district expenditures, but we can only vote once on their survey. It doesn't work out well. Looks like this blog is over. I think it would be helpful to go to the school board meetings. Notice I didn't say to be vocal. All you will get if you voice an opinion is a bunch of blank stares and no response.
The people that spoke at the school board meeting were absolutely correct. If you follow the chain of command, by the time you get to the school board, usually a month or two has passed. This school board has on blinders on and really has NO CLUE what is going on outside of their softball/football world--do they?
I am not happy at all with the technology requirements in the school district and the way the district completely relies upon electronics.
I am sure we are old fashioned, but we limit computer usage in our household and encourage handwriting and verbal communications. Children are very bright and are able to learn technological advances quickly in todays society and it is certainly necessary; BUT this district has lost sight of basic education with the emphasis now being on technology and sports. Sure, online class notes and power points are great for clarification to enhance classroom learning, however the total dependence on electronics they are conveying is contrary to our families beliefs.
This school district no longer aligns with what we feel is important for the education of our children. (Yes, we have moved to a private school.) Sorry. We want our children to be able to communicate face to face with classmates and teachers; not classroom blogs, texts, school facebook accounts, email, tweets, and virtual online teachers.
NO!! My child will not divulge her cell phone number to a teacher!
-Why is it the counseling department at the high school will not return telephone calls?
-Is it because the phone system never works?
-What about emails, is that always broken as well?
-How many weeks is it appropriate to wait for a response?
What does it take to get direction or communication from ANYONE here? It is no wonder parents are viewed as pests. NOBODY will answer questions!
I called the HS guidance department to ask a question. The counselor said, 'we told the kids where that information is'.
You know what?? If you tell the PARENTS where the information is, then the parents can tell their kids to go get information!
I do not care what you tell the KIDS. They are just that KIDS. Parents are still responsible for their children and to help guide them. This school seems to not answer parents, on purpose!
The High School Administration is doing a nice job!
They cut math counts too. Parents are also not permitted to utilize the PTSD communication system to let others know that the programs are continuing with parental support. The SCHOOLS will advertise community sports (organized by parents), Indian princess, scouts and various other church and parent organized activities......But will not communicate academic events throughout school.
This is just ludicrous.
In regards to removal of academic competitions at the elementary level, I actually think district employees jobs are being threatened for supporting those programs.
(That is my opinion and observation; not based upon anything I have heard.)
I know of some district staff that were shocked of the programs being cut and also very supportive of groups working independently to continue those programs. These same employees suddenly no longer will answer, or help, with questions on how the competitions were previously supported or organized. They pretty much say 'talk to the hand and see Dr. Freado'. Seems like the district has cut off their nose, to spite their face. I heard they paid for an away academic competition they should not have paid for. Once again, someone punish all the kids for an adult or school board error. They want to tout good academics, but not at their expense; only for standardized testing.
Preposterous Peters Township School District. Purely Shameful. Shame on you.
"Why is it the counseling department at the high school will not return telephone calls? "
Welcome to PTHS. Been like that for years.
According to morning announcements I guess it's pay up or get out!
"There will be a ##### Club meeting today from 2:30-3:00 in room xxxxx. Students who have not paid their activity fee will not be admitted to the meeting."
I guess it is 'screw you' if your family has fallen upon hard times. The taxes you pay only cover school day activities and loans for new ball fields; not half hour, once a month, after school meetings.
"The High School Administration is doing a nice job!"
How so?
After reading through here about the elimination of elementary academic enrichment, I am glad I do not have a child in the elementary schools any longer. So far, I like the new high school administration as well.
How So? They have answered my questions- they care - and they are working hard to improved the many areas there.
"The High School Administration is doing a nice job!"
How so?
October 6, 2011 9:17 PM
Overall transition, problem solving, positive, approachable, focused and many other areas in a very difficult place to work. I for one like what is going on with all three of them.
Anonymous said...
"The High School Administration is doing a nice job!"
How so?
October 6, 2011 9:17 PM
Overall transition, problem solving, positive, approachable, focused and many other areas in a very difficult place to work. I for one like what is going on with all three of them.
October 7, 2011 2:40 PM
They are doing a nice job, considering the pile of problems they're facing.
I wonder if any school district employee or school board member ever thought of repairing the existing PA system in the high school stadium before buying one for a brand new practice field?
I also do not unterstand why female high school students are permitted to walk around in their bra's and panties? No dress code at school sponsorted events? Do thewse kids think a high school friday night football game is a filthy MTV reality show?
October 7, 2011 2:40 PM
add me to that list. i think they are doing pretty well. they don't run it like a jail, yet they realize this is high school and rules do exist. they seem to have a good balance so far. they seem to be working on communication and guidance, both of which have been lacking for the years i have had kids in the high school.
Will PT lose any employees as a result of:
http://www.wpxi.com/news/29433513/detail.html
What 100K employee came up with the great idea to completely block the flow of traffic from exiting the parking lot prior to the football game?
None too bright!
Guess that 3.7+ GPA does not include any common sense?
September 25, 2011 9:07 PM
Don't you know these are now private paid parking spots so the parents of the football players can obviously "drink" away the nightmare their kids are all going thru on the football field? I cannot believe the school district is allowing alcohol on school property. I guess that it is not tabacco is it? BTW if you think I am telling tales, the school does have security cameras on the exterior of the buildings and elsewhere! I think you would find it interesting as to who is drinking what in the parking lot.
I find it hilarious that PT has a character counts week. The school district can talk the talk, but children learn by example. I think the kids find it very confusing when the school district says one thing, yet takes a completely opposite action. This district is so hypocrytical.
My child is a junior. I do not think it is at all funny that senior students of school board members make fun of the kids that are struggling to learn and understand the senior project. I throw my shoes at the school board members. They are mean uncaring people for thinking it is appropriate to not provide the tools, in a timely manor, for children to complete the project. I suggest they speak to their children about mocking others that are struggling.
October 9, 2011 5:32 PM
What??? I had no clue!!! The school district is making money by selling parking spots?? I did see those people using tobacco on school grounds.
"....is a filthy MTV reality show?"
Coming soon to the high school! The high school musical this year was first aired on 'wholesome' MTV. WARNING: it is not a show you want to take your elementary student to see! It fits the PT persona/'character counts' perfectly.
October 10, 2011 11:06 AM
Get over it. It is not JUST children of school board members teasing the juniors, all the seniors think it is really funny that the juniors are struggling with the graduation project and the online course graduation requirement. It has become a serious area of tension and teasing.
Will PT lose any employees as a result of:
http://www.wpxi.com/news/29433513/detail.html
October 9, 2011 4:38 PM
I noticed in another article that teachers face a mandatory three year suspension for a dui. I wonder what the penalty is for coming to work on school property under the influence? I also wondered what 'support staff' is? (Everybody from secretaries, to lunch ladies, to janitors?)
I guess we will find out if anyone is impacted if we see a sudden influx of resignations come December!
October 9, 2011 5:32 PM
What??? I had no clue!!! The school district is making money by selling parking spots?? I did see those people using tobacco on school grounds.
****
And allowing alcoholic beverages to be consumed on school property. Maybe the rent a cops throwing the student section out of the football games would be better off on alcohol patrol? Character really counts with this board and super? What a joke, talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
What is the musical? Footloose?
"I wonder what the penalty is for coming to work on school property under the influence?"
Nothing. Do you think someone is standing there with a breathalyser test. If they are not staggering, the district doesn't care.
"What is the musical? Footloose?"
Legally Blond: The Musical. All the MTV acts are on youtube. Would you let your k-6th grader watch it? I would not. But hey, different strokes for different folks!
i got some news for you, my tenth grader already knows more about his graduation project than my junior! in my experience my tenth grader is teasing my junior! the district left the juniors in the dust on the graduation project and the online classes. i asked about it last year. they do not care and the school board will not either because their kids are not the ones having difficulties!
Did anyone here know the online classes are not even online and they utilize technology that the kids did in PTMS?
What a waste of my kids time on a class she did not want to take! Oh that is right, school board members do not have kids in the class of 2013 SO THEY DON'T CARE!
Did you also know that according to the TEACHERS CONTRACT, these classes do not have to be fully available to students until SEPT 2013???? AFTER the class of 2013 graduates.
"What is the musical? Footloose?"
No. It is Legally Blond: The Musical. It is somewhat similar to the movie but not exactly the same. It is not for elementary students--although it is a good play. It pokes fun at gays and condones certain sexual moves by young women to attract a mans attention. Not the message I want my daughter to see!
"Did anyone here know the online classes are not even online and they utilize technology that the kids did in PTMS?"
duh, where have you been?
legally blonde?
(i.e. 'how to lure a man by bending over' or 'he must be gay if he does not respond to your rear end'!) won't that make for an appropriate cast party?
it is a funny play. no i can not take my 8 or 9 year old to see it. i think someone in the district should warn the 'red hat society' women that look forward to frequenting the musical every year!
-why would the hs music department pick such a musical?
-did the district hire someone new that does not appreciate students learning about the clasics?
-why would the hs music department pick such a musical?
-did the district hire someone new that does not appreciate students learning about the clasics?
October 17, 2011 1:17 PM
1.Not really under the music department's control.
2. Yes.
The district's new (last year) drama director is the son of a good friend of our superintendent.
"1.Not really under the music department's control."
Who else would pick a high school MUSICAL (i.e. singing and instruments!)? Does the Thespian troupe pick or is it the new band director? He is the only newer hire that has to do with music at the high school.
That is certainly not a family friendly play that our entire family can attend.
'Not really under the music department's control.'
what?
who picks the musicals, the principal? she is new.
I do not believe in rumors nor do I believe that PTHS would permit such sexually promiscuous lyrics to be performed by school students.
According to the online agend, the school boardjust approved well over $20,000 to send various athletic competitors to the state level, if they qualify?
If so, why will the school not take $1,000 to support our already award winning debate team to competitions? Why did those competative children have to come to the school board meeting to beg for funding and be refused, but these athletic students did not have to beg?
I fully support sending ALL students to competitions they have earned a place to compete in; however, I honestly question why the district is now only supporting students that win in athletics and not academics?
Something fishy is going on here.
'Something fishy is going on here.'
Duh...
Athletic competitions vs Academic competitions. WPIAL governs what the school districts must do for athletic competitions, but there is no one outside the school district to "require" the district to provide funding and transportation for academic competitions...sadly
October 21, 2011 11:57 PM
Thanks. I never really thought of it that way. That is really sad. I guess our school board and administration directly decides that academics should be cut.
-So if we win a sports competition the district HAS to PAY send them to states and if we win a academic competition the district DOES NOT have to pay to send them to states?
The district cut travel for forensics and history day, unless they pay for themselves; which is ok. I am willing to pay.
-Yet, my tax dollars can go for student athletes or the dance team to compete at states?
-Why can PTSD not do the same for Tennis, Golf or any other sport--Just because it is WPIAL's?
-Does WPIAL's say the school district HAS to pay for those kids to go?
PTSD has district policy that says:
"All students who qualify on the basis of competition or who are otherwise eligible to engage in the activity shall be accorded the opportunity to participate in the student trip. Students or parents/guardians may be required to provide financial support for the student trip. However, no student will be denied an opportunity to participate in a student trip for financial reasons if the family is economically disadvantaged (based upon eligibility for free and reduced lunch)."
The policy DOES NOT delineate between sports and academics. Therefore, the district could cut thousands of dollars in travel costs if they also told athletics, and not just academics, to pay for their travel as well.
-Perhaps it is the state (PIAA or WPIAL) that dictates that school districts MUST pay for state athletic compeitions?
-I wonder what some of the booster parents would say if they were told, "Congratulations! Your kids did great! You won regionals. Find your own way to states (or nationals)"?
That is EXACTLY what they are telling kids that compete in academics!
It is my opinion, and that of my children, that the school district funds, and clearly favors, those athletic students over academic students. Actual budget numbers clearly shows that. Academics are always the first thing to be cut and yes, our students can clearly see it. It is a testament to what public state run education has come to.
Even though this post is rather old and everyone probably knows that the musical is, in fact "Legally Blonde," I just thought I would comment as well. I'm a senior at PTHS who is involved in the music department, and it is not the band director nor any music department teachers that select the musical. It is picked by the theater director/Thespian sponsor, who happens to be an English teacher. I was shocked as well when I heard what the musical was, however no blame for the selection should be laid at the feet of the music department staff.
And to respond to a previous poster who mentioned the cast party for "Legally Blonde" potentially playing host for an inappropriate cast party: the cast parties are never appropriate. Just because our musical is "Beauty and the Beast" or "Little Mary Sunshine" does not mean that the kids will behave any better. I'm speaking from experience, trust me.
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