Letters from Parents

I want you to know that I appreciate all that you have done by getting up there last night and speaking to the board. I know how it is. I went through this with my son when the program changed on him in third grade. It was horrible. The parents were freaking out. I remember those board meetings and how they actually would make me more angrier when I walked out of there. I really feel we are stuck in a very bad situation. I will talk to you further another time.

Susan

Those stats are almost criminal, that 1 school in the same district has almost a 400% difference in children attaining a level 4 than another. I would like to find out what is being done differently in each of these schools. I am also going to do some research about investigations around the country. I would like to also find successful math programs from around the country. I feel some what blessed that Gabriella goes to Parkway and has attained a level 4 in Math, but that is partly because after my first meeting with Gabriella teacher I told him about the problems I had seen in the book and that I would like him to go over all homework questions and implement regular math with Investigations. He agreed to these requests. I also teach Gabriella regular math at home, trying to minimize conflicts. Bureaucracies move to slow for me. If I can help you give me a call.

Jerry

You did your Homework. I support your efforts wholeheartedly and would like to share some other issues as well. Our district’s lagging technology. Poor communications between parents and teachers/administrators. Commack has a system of district email utilized by parents and each employee has a personal voicemail accessible 24/7. We are urged to return calls & emails within 24 hours. The amount of phone tag the parents in this community play is absurd.

Also, the administration dodges parent calls ( at least at POBMS). Commack MS has a 7 hr school day. Plainview/Old Beth is 6:20 minutes and then the 2 days of 1 period remedial. We also have 1 hour mandatory extra help per class.AIS is built into the school day. Our kids in need have to go after school. I can go on and on. This district is WAY behind the times. Much of it is due to a militant union that far exceeds the administration’s control.I agree more well attended meetings are needed until we break through the current structure. We also need some board changes. Keep up the good work.

Mia

I’m on board! Other than attending meetings, let me know how I can help. I am very passionate about correcting short comings in our education system. I am constantly frustrated with situations that I see arise, yet I have not found the appropriate method of turning that frustration into a positive productive effort to effect change.

Additionally, you have my support and my vote along with my wish that you run for a position on the school board.

Keep up the good work.

Rich

What time did it end? I left after the the math professor – he was great!!!

It’s clear to me that in order to get TERC out Dr. Brooks needs to leave. Also – how do we force the board to show their votes? How many of the 13 are voted on positions?

Let me know how I can continue to be involved other than to attend a meeting. I’m good at getting people to action and such.

This is nuts!!! My daughter practically reads a book a night, literally reads in bed for 2 plus hours and she “hates math” – it’s not right, she’s too bright and too smart to be frustrated at this young (and really not so young anymore) age.

I’m hopeful we can save our younger kids!!!!

Allan