Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time

Education

To the Editor:

What is going on with the Newtown School system?

Spurred by parent complaints about the “Day Six” program at the Reed School the administration had three parent forums. I attended with the hope of understanding what has happened to the school system that is creating the controversy.

The Day Six parent forum was presented like an infomercial with color slides with data and the empty but optimistic responses to parent questions. The administration thought that the shell game presented would soothe the parents and stop the complaints. I was torn between amusement and insult as parents concerns were spun with a casualness I did not expect from our educators. I was extremely disappointed when Dr Salvatore indicated that the parents “do not need to agree” with the manner our children are being educated. I thought parent involvement with their child’s education was the keystone to success. I guess it is only when we agree with the administration.

Reality at Reed School: 1) Budget cuts approved by the superintendent resulted in the reduction in staff at Reed and are having a negative impact on our children. 2) The school has hired a “scheduling guru” to try and help resolve this problem. 3) Dr Epple and Dr Salvatore both acknowledged that the teachers are dissatisfied with the current schedule structure. 4) Dr Epple and Dr Salvatore both acknowledged that the teachers may not fully understand how to implement this new program, which leads to lots of nonproductive time for the students. 5) Dr Epple also told me that some teachers are better than others, and she cannot be expected to supervise so many. 6) Dr Epple also indicated that Sudoko, chess, and locker clean-out are parts of the school day. 7) The early dismissal program further exacerbates the Day Six issues. If I were a teacher, I would be upset to be put in a situation where parents believe their children are not receiving the best education.

Where is the Board of Education on these matters? They are too busy spending the town money on legal fees to defend against FOI problems and discussing performing arts magnet schools. (I am not sure why there is not a conflict of interest between Education Connection and the board, but I digress.) They have no control over the decisions of the school superintendent and have allowed these decisions to be approved to the detriment of our children. They think that posting signs and talking success is an accomplishment. Is it any wonder people are jumping off the BOE ship when honest disagreement is not embraced and members are so poorly treated they must complain to the state.

I am tired of people tap dancing in this town and accepting mediocre performance from both the hired and elected professionals. It is time for the “not ready for prime time players” to exit stage right.

I make no apologies for being an advocate for my children.

Larry Garner

6 Forest View Drive, Sandy Hook                             October 20, 2010