Friday, February 10, 2012

Mayor to host a series of public meetings

Feb. 15, 2012 - Roosevelt Middle School, 119 Frederick St.

March 1, 2012 - Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Blvd.

March 13, 2012 - Normandin Middle School, 81 Felton St.

The meetings will run from 6:30-8 p.m.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Too bad the Normandin meeting is at night. People should see the unbelievable chaos there during the day. That way they would know one thing that needs to be done to improve New Bedford schools. Getting rid of Bonneau. I keep hearing whispers that it might be happening. But I've heard those whispers before, only to live through another bad year. Teachers and students deserve better.

Anonymous said...

I know a lot of teachers who are complaining at Normandin. But I worry that they're too quiet out of fear. I also worry that the district will feel the need to respond to the state with sweeping changes, rather than the smaller ones, like getting rid of the Bonneaus, that are easy and far more effective in the short and long term.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry I voted for 1 term mitchell. He's a disappointment to us all.

Anonymous said...

Mitchell does not know anything about education. In my opinion, he's an empty suit.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mayor Mitchell,

You seem to think that criticizing our superintendent is some how going to move our system forward. You are wrong and we see right through what you are doing. We know you're listening to longo, the Uia , and bullard's roundtable. Those f##### are taking you down the wrong path and you aren't skilled enough to see it.

Most of the problems we face were passed down from longo and bonner but you want to use Francis as a sacrificial lamb. I'm not sure what you biggest mistake is but I'm certain your political career is over.

Sincerely,

A former supporter

Anonymous said...

Re-elect Mayor Lang.

Anonymous said...

Bet the UIA and Roundtable flood his e-mail with Autonomous Schools the saving grace!

Anonymous said...

I would like to see Mayor Mitchell open up a public school TEACHER meeting, therefore we could talk frankly and not have to hold our "p's and q's" because we don't want to offend some of our district families

Anonymous said...

It keeps coming back to the fact that we can't raise any scores, etc, without the kids in school and in class. If it is not being reinforced at home to get a good education, what do you think we are going to be able to do?

Anonymous said...

The UIA has a plan to send all us teachers to the homes of our students and tuck them in at night... sorry UIA, I have my own child that as a RESPONSIBLE parent take the TIME to work with him on his homework, ask him about his day, and tuck HIM in at night. My son won't be your sacrificial lamb UIA! Shame on you!

Anonymous said...

The guy wants to have a PR moment. So be it. Or do we seriously think someone will wander up to the mike and propose an answer to a single issue? Why not have a forum in the nbhs auditorium for teachers, based on grade levels?

Anonymous said...

I think the union should get out in front of this, be the agent of solutions rather than reaction. Maybe it starts with a survey of members, identifying common problem areas -- discipline, scheduling, etc. Such a survey could be specific to grade level, subject area or school. I prefer the last. The difficulty of a public meeting is that many teachers would be reluctant to speak out (see the previous comments on the fearful staff at Normandin). With a new mayor and a vulnerable superintendent, the union could emerge as the strongest voice concerning education in the city.

Anonymous said...

The union did have a survey a couple of years ago and only 11% of the membership participated and they had months to do so. A union is only as good as its members. You can't expect a small representative body of members to do everything. Teachers need to speak out.

Anonymous said...

What's actually going on at Normandin? I keep hearing such horrible stories. Is Bonneau losing it? I understand fearful teachers, but Bonneau can't do much of anything if they (at least the ones with professional status) speak up and honestly point out problems in the school. The problems sound huge.

Anonymous said...

What can a mayor do about poor parenting? NOTHING. All he can do is honor the dedication of our teaching staff to these learners from dysfunctional families! The NBEA must demand RESPECT. At the elementary level, we have NO breaks, interrupted/working lunch times, and little planning time...even the sacred 1:00 Friday is constantly squeezed out. Our teachers feel powerless... perhaps they are.

Anonymous said...

I guarantee that if Bonneau was gone, the whole building would change for the better. Teachers wouldn't feel targeted if they gave bad grades to students who deserved them. Misbehaving students wouldn't feel they could get away with anything. Students who want to learn would know that their disruptive classmates would be removed so real education could take place. Smiles would replace snears. Scores would improve. You would have what everyone wants. A real school.

Anonymous said...

Agree about Bonneau. Normandin is a sad place.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the previous poster(s). A Union is only as strong as its membership. Thank you to the few who continue to speak out, and write letters, defend our contract. The rest of you- stop running scared. Stand up for what you believe in! Don't be bullied into submission by dictatorial principals. And remember, the union can't do anything for you if YOU DON'T SPEAK UP!

Anonymous said...

Bnneau has been violating the contract since she came into this district... follow the paper trail Mayor Mitchell... Fernandes has been following along in her foot steps... Madden terrorizes teachers on a daily basis... follow the paper trail... You can't have a successful building if fear and bullying lead it.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Mayor, why don't you take a gander at the NBHS daily attendance? That will give you a snapshot of what we are contending with... can't educate them when the don't come to school.

Anonymous said...

How about talking to the ATtendance Officers and finding out what struggles they have trying to track down these kids? They play the game- 15 consecutive days and Attendance Officers come knocking at your door... absent 14 days, no one comes knocking...

Anonymous said...

Teachers who have concerns should make their concerns public. The paper and the radio are great venues which we need to use to shape public opinion. This blog is great but it's not enough.