The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
Since the beginning of this month some students in Brockton's public schools have been able to send anonymous texts and web tips to school administrators and School Police through a new software program, officials said in a prepared statement.
The Brockton Public Schools is now using TipSoft SMS, a text- and web-based anonymous tip line, in order to provide middle and high school students with an easy way to let school administrators and School Police know about bullying or other activities that concern them in and out of school.
“The safety of our students is our foremost priority. Students expect school to be a refuge for them, a place where they can concentrate on learning and feel safe in their environment,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone.
“Our administrators often hear of issues in the community before they happen, and TipSoft is another way students can share information or concerns about things going on around them that they think officials--school or police--need to know about.”
The popularity of text messaging has created a significant opportunity for students and the public to help fight crime, said Michael Thomas, acting executive director of operations for Brockton Public Schools.
The low-cost program allows students to text a message to school administrators, sharing information about potential problems at school, concern over a classmate’s behavior or reporting suspicious behavior they may have observed.
"TipSoft is going to be a big help to school administrators and police in preventing problems and dealing with issues in the community,” said Thomas, a former Housemaster at BHS.
“We hope the fact that it is completely anonymous will also empower kids to report bullying and come forward with information about things that concern them.”
Ward 5 School Committee Member Bill Carpenter found the program and recommended its implementation to fellow members of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Safety & Security, a group that was formed to look at school safety districtwide, especially in the wake of a shooting outside the BHS gymnasium on the evening of Dec 2, 2009. Carpenter worked with Thomas,Brockton Police Officer Al Gazerro and Edward Jacoubs, director of grants and special projects for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, to bring TipSoft to the Brockton Public Schools.
Carpenter said he hopes students will use TipSoft as a help line, to reach out for help for themselves or friends who are coping with domestic or gang violence, who are being pressured to use drugs, teens who may be considering suicide or who know of dangerous behaviors in their midst.
“We’re trying to get our kids to communicate with us and tell us what’s going on using the means they are most comfortable with, which these days is text messaging,” said Carpenter.
“This is probably going to have a lot more to do with getting help and counseling and wraparound services, so that we can help kids deal with issues before they escalate … we are really looking to get a child that’s at risk in for a conversation with an adjustment counselor.”
Using TipSoft Text Tips, information may be anonymously received and securely replied to with complete confidence.
The service was built specifically to allow text messaging informants to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages and routing them through several secure servers, protecting the personal details of the informant. The program was purchased for less than $3,000 and costs just $2,000 a year, Thomas said.
“This is an important tool for law enforcement, because the more information we have, the better able we are able to plan our response and formulate prevention,” said Lt. Donald Mills, who oversees the nine-member School Police unit.
TipSoft SMS also allows police to respond by text message to the originating cellphone without ever knowing the identity of the individual who left the tip.
The user’s information is always assigned an alias and a unique ID before being sent. This secure application allows the tipster and the investigator to have two-way dialog while keeping the user’s identity totally anonymous.
Using TipSoft, students can text school administrators through a secure server by texting 274637, the Brockton Public Schools’ TipSoft account. The students identify their school by typing in their school’s keyword, and then the information they want to convey.
For example, a South Middle School student would text 274637, put “Dragons” in the subject line and then text in their report. The call is routed through TipSoft’s server and sent anonymously to the South Middle School leadership team. Students can also send anonymous TipSoft reports through the district webpage, www.brocktonpublicschools.com, by linking through the “Contact Us” port.
The Brockton Public Schools encourages students to report information about any non-urgent illegal activity, such as vandalism, theft, the sale and distribution of drugs or information about crimes that are being planned.
Students who discover information from MySpace, Facebook or YouTube and anonymously text in a tip may help prevent a tragedy. Officials also hope this will be another avenue for students who are being bullied or who witness bullying to alert officials, Lt. Mills said.
TipSoft is currently used by the Colorado Public School System, University of Miami and in communities all across the United States, Canada and UK.
Additional information on TipSoft Text Tips can be found on the Web at www.smscrimetips.com.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
Arnone: Holiday Concert Café. T.B.A.
Brookfield: Kindergarten Play (Snow date 12/21) Café. 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting 7 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 3 – Mrs. Ferro 1:15 p.m.
Davis: Holiday Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
East: Holiday Concert Auditorium. 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Chorus Holiday Performance Café 9:30 & 10:15 a.m.
South: Grade 8 Field Trip – Zeiterion Theater New Bedford. During School
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Brookfield: Chorus Concert Café 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Book Talk Breakfast –Gr. 5 – Ms. Mancini 9:15 a.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza –Gr. 4 – Ms. O’Brien TBA
Early release for school vacation
Arnone: Holiday Concert Café. T.B.A.
Brookfield: Kindergarten Play (Snow date 12/21) Café. 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting 7 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 3 – Mrs. Ferro 1:15 p.m.
Davis: Holiday Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
East: Holiday Concert Auditorium. 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Chorus Holiday Performance Café 9:30 & 10:15 a.m.
South: Grade 8 Field Trip – Zeiterion Theater New Bedford. During School
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Brookfield: Chorus Concert Café 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Book Talk Breakfast –Gr. 5 – Ms. Mancini 9:15 a.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza –Gr. 4 – Ms. O’Brien TBA
Early release for school vacation
Friday, December 17, 2010
Anti-Bullying Plan Heads to State For Approval
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
The Brockton Public Schools has finalized a new Bully Prevention and Intervention Model Plan in accordance with the state’s new law prohibiting bullying and retaliation in schools.
At its December 7 meeting, the School Committee unanimously adopted the plan, which was developed over a number of months by a team of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parents, law enforcement officials and representatives of the special education, wellness and nursing departments, as well as community partners. The plan has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for final approval.
“This plan is comprehensive: there was an enormous amount of thought, hard work and expertise that was invested in its creation. The Brockton Plan is unique – it was created entirely by our staff, parents and partners to address the needs of our Brockton students today and in the future,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone in a prepared statement.
“We have built upon our strengths and closed the gaps so that our schools are safe, bully-free environments where all students can achieve," he said.
Throughout the fall, an anti-bullying steering committee met numerous times to develop the three-page plan and accompanying materials.
The group’s focus was to create a policy prohibiting bullying and retaliation in Brockton Public Schools, develop procedures for receiving and responding to reports of bullying, and establish protocols for supporting students who have been the victims of bullying while addressing the behavior of the aggressor.
Students in all grades will benefit from prevention curriculums that are culturally sensitive, are adaptable to diverse learning needs and support and empower students to understand the dynamics of bullying and to take appropriate action when necessary.
“No document is going to answer every question and cover every base when it comes to childhood bullying, but we believe that this plan is as all-encompassing as possible,” said Mary Ellen Kirrane, Department Head of Wellness, K-8.
“This plan gives the district a roadmap for not only addressing bullying, but also addressing the climate in our schools. It is our obligation to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe and comfortable seeking out trusted adults when a problem or concern arises,” she said.
The plan provides parent resources; a checklist of steps for staff to take to address the behavior and support the victim. The Steering Committee also developed resources and activities for classroom teachers to conduct lessons on recognizing bullying and how to respond to it.
The state’s anti-bullying law was signed by Governor Deval Patrick in May after a high school student in Western Massachusetts, who had reportedly been bullied by classmates, committed suicide.
Kirrane said the tragedy helped focus educators’ attention on the impact of bullying and sparked conversations among parents, students and schools about how best to address the problem.
“From this tragedy has come a state-wide recognition that bullying is an issue and we all need to address it together – schools, students, parents and communities,” Kirrane said.
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
The Brockton Public Schools has finalized a new Bully Prevention and Intervention Model Plan in accordance with the state’s new law prohibiting bullying and retaliation in schools.
At its December 7 meeting, the School Committee unanimously adopted the plan, which was developed over a number of months by a team of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parents, law enforcement officials and representatives of the special education, wellness and nursing departments, as well as community partners. The plan has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for final approval.
“This plan is comprehensive: there was an enormous amount of thought, hard work and expertise that was invested in its creation. The Brockton Plan is unique – it was created entirely by our staff, parents and partners to address the needs of our Brockton students today and in the future,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone in a prepared statement.
“We have built upon our strengths and closed the gaps so that our schools are safe, bully-free environments where all students can achieve," he said.
Throughout the fall, an anti-bullying steering committee met numerous times to develop the three-page plan and accompanying materials.
The group’s focus was to create a policy prohibiting bullying and retaliation in Brockton Public Schools, develop procedures for receiving and responding to reports of bullying, and establish protocols for supporting students who have been the victims of bullying while addressing the behavior of the aggressor.
Students in all grades will benefit from prevention curriculums that are culturally sensitive, are adaptable to diverse learning needs and support and empower students to understand the dynamics of bullying and to take appropriate action when necessary.
“No document is going to answer every question and cover every base when it comes to childhood bullying, but we believe that this plan is as all-encompassing as possible,” said Mary Ellen Kirrane, Department Head of Wellness, K-8.
“This plan gives the district a roadmap for not only addressing bullying, but also addressing the climate in our schools. It is our obligation to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe and comfortable seeking out trusted adults when a problem or concern arises,” she said.
The plan provides parent resources; a checklist of steps for staff to take to address the behavior and support the victim. The Steering Committee also developed resources and activities for classroom teachers to conduct lessons on recognizing bullying and how to respond to it.
The state’s anti-bullying law was signed by Governor Deval Patrick in May after a high school student in Western Massachusetts, who had reportedly been bullied by classmates, committed suicide.
Kirrane said the tragedy helped focus educators’ attention on the impact of bullying and sparked conversations among parents, students and schools about how best to address the problem.
“From this tragedy has come a state-wide recognition that bullying is an issue and we all need to address it together – schools, students, parents and communities,” Kirrane said.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Gas Odor Spurs Huntington School Evacuation
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton's Huntington Elementary School students were suprisingly interrupted from their studies for about 30 minutes Thursday morning when the school was evacuated due to an odor of gas.
Deputy Fire Chief George Phillips said the fire department received a call at about 9:36 a.m. this morning from a teacher at the Warren Avenue school reporting there was a smell of gas in an area of the school.
He said students were shepherded by staff and administators to the south end of the school's parking lot while fire department personnel investigated the building.
"It was like a fire drill," Phillips said.
Phillips said department members used gas meters and found "no levels" of gas within the building.
He said the gas company, which also sent representatives to the school, reported it had installed a new boiler in the school's basement a couple of days before and the boiler could have been the source of the gas-smell.
Phillips said the incident lasted about 30 minutes and students were outside in today's 30 degree temperatures for about 20 minutes or so.
"Once we found that there wasn't a problem, we got them in as quickly as we could," Phillips said. "If there was a problem we would have made immediate plans to move the students inside," he said.
BROCKTON--Brockton's Huntington Elementary School students were suprisingly interrupted from their studies for about 30 minutes Thursday morning when the school was evacuated due to an odor of gas.
Deputy Fire Chief George Phillips said the fire department received a call at about 9:36 a.m. this morning from a teacher at the Warren Avenue school reporting there was a smell of gas in an area of the school.
He said students were shepherded by staff and administators to the south end of the school's parking lot while fire department personnel investigated the building.
"It was like a fire drill," Phillips said.
Phillips said department members used gas meters and found "no levels" of gas within the building.
He said the gas company, which also sent representatives to the school, reported it had installed a new boiler in the school's basement a couple of days before and the boiler could have been the source of the gas-smell.
Phillips said the incident lasted about 30 minutes and students were outside in today's 30 degree temperatures for about 20 minutes or so.
"Once we found that there wasn't a problem, we got them in as quickly as we could," Phillips said. "If there was a problem we would have made immediate plans to move the students inside," he said.
Monday, December 6, 2010
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUIBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting. Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: Holiday Shoppe runs through 12/6 During School.
Gilmore: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Gilmore: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Hancock: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting. Mary E. Baker School, Cafetorium. 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Building Children’s Confidence and Self Esteem," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental - K & Gr. 1 During School.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Werb 8:50 a.m.
Davis: Holiday Workshop runs through 12/10 Small Gym. During school.
Davis: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Parent & Child Math Workshop –K – Gr. 1 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board Meeting BHS Red IRC 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Learning about the Parent Institute for Quality Education PIQE,"
Arnone School 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 2 & Gr. 3 During school.
Huntington: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Maddock, Noon.
Huntington: Grade 5 Field Trip – The Peabody Museum. During school
West: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert (snow date 12/9) Auditorium 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 4 & Gr. 5 During school.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Smith 8:50 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Gordon 12:45 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting. Community Room 7 p.m.
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
North: KTA (Kids Take Action) Holiday Concert Guardian Center 2:30 p.m.
Plouffe: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 7 p.m.
Raymond: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Holiday Shop Activity Gym 6:30 p.m.
SPED: Family Support Workshop – Visual Support Strategies Gilmore 9 a.m.
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting. Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: Holiday Shoppe runs through 12/6 During School.
Gilmore: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Gilmore: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Hancock: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting. Mary E. Baker School, Cafetorium. 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Building Children’s Confidence and Self Esteem," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental - K & Gr. 1 During School.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Werb 8:50 a.m.
Davis: Holiday Workshop runs through 12/10 Small Gym. During school.
Davis: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Parent & Child Math Workshop –K – Gr. 1 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board Meeting BHS Red IRC 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Learning about the Parent Institute for Quality Education PIQE,"
Arnone School 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 2 & Gr. 3 During school.
Huntington: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Maddock, Noon.
Huntington: Grade 5 Field Trip – The Peabody Museum. During school
West: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert (snow date 12/9) Auditorium 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 4 & Gr. 5 During school.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Smith 8:50 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Gordon 12:45 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting. Community Room 7 p.m.
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
North: KTA (Kids Take Action) Holiday Concert Guardian Center 2:30 p.m.
Plouffe: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 7 p.m.
Raymond: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Holiday Shop Activity Gym 6:30 p.m.
SPED: Family Support Workshop – Visual Support Strategies Gilmore 9 a.m.
Monday, November 29, 2010
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29--No meetings or events scheduled.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Parents’ Academy, "How to Hold a Family Meeting," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Baker: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During School.
Davis: Title One ~ Family Book Talk Lunch – Grade 4, 11:30 a.m.
South: School Improvement Council meeting. Principal’s office 5:30 p.m.
South: P.A.C. meeting. café, 6:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Angelo: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 6:15 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Fundraiser runs through 12/10.
Davis: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza – Grade 4, 11:30 a.m.
East: East Eagle Apparel Sale and Pick up during conferences
Kennedy: School Picture Day. During school
Downey: School Improvement Council meeting. Principal’s office 5 p.m.
Downey: P.A.C. meeting. Library, 6 p.m.
Raymond: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
Parents’ Academy, "Breathing Easier: Good Ideas for Managing Your Child’s Asthma,"
Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ashfield: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 7:00 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Crossman, 8:50 a.m.
B.B. Russell: School Improvement Council meeting, 3rd floor, 2:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: P.T.S.A. meeting, 3rd floor, 5 p.m.
Davis: Polar Express Night K – Grade 2. Café 6 p.m.
East: School Improvement Council meeting. Room 130, 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. meeting. Room 130, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council meeting. Conference room, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C. meeting. Room 201, 7 p.m.
North: School Improvement Council meeting. Library 5 p.m.
North: P.A.C. meeting. Library, 6 p.m.
Plouffe: AMAS Concert. Café, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop, "Healthy Choices Nutrition Workshop," Gilmore Early Childhood Center. 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Baker: Grade 2 Field Trip – Children’s Museum, Boston. During school.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Grade 1- Mrs. Fischer 12:45 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Breakfast for Blue & White Card students. During school.
Hancock: "Make it, Take it Night." Café. 6:00 p.m.
North: Student-Faculty Volleyball Game. Gym 2:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Parents’ Academy, "How to Hold a Family Meeting," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Baker: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During School.
Davis: Title One ~ Family Book Talk Lunch – Grade 4, 11:30 a.m.
South: School Improvement Council meeting. Principal’s office 5:30 p.m.
South: P.A.C. meeting. café, 6:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Angelo: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 6:15 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls Fundraiser runs through 12/10.
Davis: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza – Grade 4, 11:30 a.m.
East: East Eagle Apparel Sale and Pick up during conferences
Kennedy: School Picture Day. During school
Downey: School Improvement Council meeting. Principal’s office 5 p.m.
Downey: P.A.C. meeting. Library, 6 p.m.
Raymond: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2
Parents’ Academy, "Breathing Easier: Good Ideas for Managing Your Child’s Asthma,"
Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Ashfield: P.T.A. meeting. Café, 7:00 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Crossman, 8:50 a.m.
B.B. Russell: School Improvement Council meeting, 3rd floor, 2:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: P.T.S.A. meeting, 3rd floor, 5 p.m.
Davis: Polar Express Night K – Grade 2. Café 6 p.m.
East: School Improvement Council meeting. Room 130, 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. meeting. Room 130, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council meeting. Conference room, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C. meeting. Room 201, 7 p.m.
North: School Improvement Council meeting. Library 5 p.m.
North: P.A.C. meeting. Library, 6 p.m.
Plouffe: AMAS Concert. Café, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop, "Healthy Choices Nutrition Workshop," Gilmore Early Childhood Center. 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Baker: Grade 2 Field Trip – Children’s Museum, Boston. During school.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Grade 1- Mrs. Fischer 12:45 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Breakfast for Blue & White Card students. During school.
Hancock: "Make it, Take it Night." Café. 6:00 p.m.
North: Student-Faculty Volleyball Game. Gym 2:30 p.m.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Library Seeks Teens For Advisory Board
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The Brockton Public Library is looking for teenagers in grades 6 to 12 to form a new Teen Advisory Board.
An informational meeting will be held Monday, November 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Brockton Main Library.
Teens are invited to come for a slice of pizza and talk about what a Teen Advisory Board is all about.
To be eligible, teens must live in or attend school in Brockton.
Once formed, the Brockton Library Teen Advisory Board will meet on a regular basis to advise staff and library trustees on library issues and policies concerning teens in the community; recommend ways to encourage more teens to use the library system and its resources; and contribute volunteer hours assisting with events and programs.
Teen Advisory Board participation can count towards school-required community service hours.
For more information, call Laurie Cavanaugh at the Main Library, 508-580-7890, x207, or email lcavanaugh@ocln.org.
BROCKTON--The Brockton Public Library is looking for teenagers in grades 6 to 12 to form a new Teen Advisory Board.
An informational meeting will be held Monday, November 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Brockton Main Library.
Teens are invited to come for a slice of pizza and talk about what a Teen Advisory Board is all about.
To be eligible, teens must live in or attend school in Brockton.
Once formed, the Brockton Library Teen Advisory Board will meet on a regular basis to advise staff and library trustees on library issues and policies concerning teens in the community; recommend ways to encourage more teens to use the library system and its resources; and contribute volunteer hours assisting with events and programs.
Teen Advisory Board participation can count towards school-required community service hours.
For more information, call Laurie Cavanaugh at the Main Library, 508-580-7890, x207, or email lcavanaugh@ocln.org.
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Brookfield: P.T.O. meeting. Café 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
George: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 2 - Mrs. Holmes 9 a.m.
Raymond: Field Trip for Grades 1 & 7 - New England Aquarium During School
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
NO SCHOOL ~ THANKSGIVING RECESS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27
BROCKTON HOLIDAY PARADE 1:00 P.M.
Raymond: Marching in Greater Brockton Holiday Parade
Brookfield: P.T.O. meeting. Café 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
George: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 2 - Mrs. Holmes 9 a.m.
Raymond: Field Trip for Grades 1 & 7 - New England Aquarium During School
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26
NO SCHOOL ~ THANKSGIVING RECESS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27
BROCKTON HOLIDAY PARADE 1:00 P.M.
Raymond: Marching in Greater Brockton Holiday Parade
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Arnone Students Thank Community For $5,500 Victory
The BrocktonPostBROCKTON--FROM THE ARNONE SCHOOL GREEN TEAM:
THANKS TO YOU WE WON!!
School officials at the Arnone School Monday, Nov. 15--America Recycles Day--announced the Arnone School's Green Team has won the America Recycles Day contest and has won $5,5000 for the school.
The team of students and advisors wrote, directed and produced a short video encouraging people to recycle, and their entry collected the most votes in a national voting drive.
The contest was sponsored by Abitibi Paper Retriever.
To see the video, visit http://www.paperretriever.com/infostore/creativityvoting.asp?mode=view&artcat=video
Monday, November 15, 2010
This Week In Brockton Public Schools
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Angelo: Book Fair runs through Nov. 19th. Café
Hancock: Book Fair runs through Nov. 19t. Café
Kennedy: Title One ~ Gr. 5 Book Club Movie Night Café 6 to 8 p.m.
West: Southeastern Regional Technical High School Presentation 9:07 to 9:47 a.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting B.H.S. Little Theater, 7 p.m.
Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m., Parents’ Academy, Take Charge of Your Finances.
Arnone: P.T.A. meeting. Teacher’s lounge, 6 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Parent/Child Fluency Workshop – Gr. 2 8:30 a.m.
B.H.S.: School Improvement Council meeting, donference room, 6 p.m.
Downey: Grade 2 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During School
Downey: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During School
George: P.A.C. meeting. Café, 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Donuts with Dads at Scholastic Book Fair Café 9:30 a.m.
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair Café During School
West: School Improvement Council meeting, Café 6 p.m.
West: P.A.C. meeting. Café 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program, a walking school bus with the students and families at Brookfield, Davis, Downey, Hancock and Kennedy Schools
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board meeting, B.H.S. Red I.R.C. 7 p.m.
Huntington: Grade 4 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During School
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair. café. During School
SEPAC: Transition and Secondary Planning Workshop, Arnone, 6:30 p.m.
West: Math Night, café & gym 5:30 to 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
PRE K to Grade 5 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
DAVIS & RAYMOND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Downey: Book Fair and Bake Sale. During Conferences
Kennedy: Bake Sale & School Store. During Conferences
North: Kids Take Action Club visit to nursing home. During School
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair, Café. During Conferences
Raymond: Fall Fundraiser. During Conferences
West: School Play, auditorium & café 7 to 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19
PRE K – GR. 5 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
DAVIS & RAYMOND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Angelo: Vendor Fair, café 6 to 9 p.m.
Angelo: Kids Holiday Night, gym 6 to 9 p.m.
Downey: Book Fair. During Conferences
Kennedy: Bake Sale & School Store. During Conferences
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair, café. During Conferences
Raymond: Fall Fundraiser. During Conferences
West: School Play, auditorium & café 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Angelo: Book Fair runs through Nov. 19th. Café
Hancock: Book Fair runs through Nov. 19t. Café
Kennedy: Title One ~ Gr. 5 Book Club Movie Night Café 6 to 8 p.m.
West: Southeastern Regional Technical High School Presentation 9:07 to 9:47 a.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting B.H.S. Little Theater, 7 p.m.
Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m., Parents’ Academy, Take Charge of Your Finances.
Arnone: P.T.A. meeting. Teacher’s lounge, 6 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Parent/Child Fluency Workshop – Gr. 2 8:30 a.m.
B.H.S.: School Improvement Council meeting, donference room, 6 p.m.
Downey: Grade 2 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During School
Downey: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During School
George: P.A.C. meeting. Café, 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Donuts with Dads at Scholastic Book Fair Café 9:30 a.m.
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair Café During School
West: School Improvement Council meeting, Café 6 p.m.
West: P.A.C. meeting. Café 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program, a walking school bus with the students and families at Brookfield, Davis, Downey, Hancock and Kennedy Schools
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board meeting, B.H.S. Red I.R.C. 7 p.m.
Huntington: Grade 4 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During School
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair. café. During School
SEPAC: Transition and Secondary Planning Workshop, Arnone, 6:30 p.m.
West: Math Night, café & gym 5:30 to 8 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18
PRE K to Grade 5 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
DAVIS & RAYMOND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Downey: Book Fair and Bake Sale. During Conferences
Kennedy: Bake Sale & School Store. During Conferences
North: Kids Take Action Club visit to nursing home. During School
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair, Café. During Conferences
Raymond: Fall Fundraiser. During Conferences
West: School Play, auditorium & café 7 to 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19
PRE K – GR. 5 PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
DAVIS & RAYMOND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ~ EARLY RELEASE
Angelo: Vendor Fair, café 6 to 9 p.m.
Angelo: Kids Holiday Night, gym 6 to 9 p.m.
Downey: Book Fair. During Conferences
Kennedy: Bake Sale & School Store. During Conferences
Raymond: Scholastic Book Fair, café. During Conferences
Raymond: Fall Fundraiser. During Conferences
West: School Play, auditorium & café 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday, November 8, 2010
THIS WEEK AT BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Davis: School Picture Day During School
Huntington: P.T.O. meeting - Babysitting provided. Café 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Parents’ Academy
"Not MY kid," a Drug Awareness Presentation at Arnone School 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Davis: School Picture Day. during school.
Davis: Title One ~ Bingo for Books 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Huntington: Grade 3 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During school.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program, A walking school bus with the students and families at Brookfield, Davis, Downey, Hancock and Kennedy Schools.
Angelo: Grade 5 TAG Living Museum. Café 9:30 a.m.
B.B. Russell: School Picture Day. During school.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Chehan/Mrs. Convey 1:00 p.m.
Baker: School Improvement Council Meeting Community Room 7:00 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting Community Room 7:00 p.m.
Hancock: Take A Veteran to School Day. During school.
Hancock: Harvest Dance Grades 4 & 5 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Plouffe: P.A.C. meeting. Café 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Title One ~ Parent/Child Fluency Workshop – Gr. 2 8:30 a.m.
Brockton High School: 9 a.m. Tribute to veterans. Auditorium.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
NO SCHOOL ~ VETERANS DAY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Angelo: Grade 4 TAG Field Trip – Harvard Museum of Natural History. During school.
Davis: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
Plouffe: Harvest Dance. Café 3 to 5 p.m.
Raymond: School Improvement Council meeting. Café 5:30 p.m.
BROCKTON--
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Davis: School Picture Day During School
Huntington: P.T.O. meeting - Babysitting provided. Café 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Parents’ Academy
"Not MY kid," a Drug Awareness Presentation at Arnone School 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Davis: School Picture Day. during school.
Davis: Title One ~ Bingo for Books 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Huntington: Grade 3 Field Trip – Plimouth Plantation. During school.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program, A walking school bus with the students and families at Brookfield, Davis, Downey, Hancock and Kennedy Schools.
Angelo: Grade 5 TAG Living Museum. Café 9:30 a.m.
B.B. Russell: School Picture Day. During school.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Chehan/Mrs. Convey 1:00 p.m.
Baker: School Improvement Council Meeting Community Room 7:00 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting Community Room 7:00 p.m.
Hancock: Take A Veteran to School Day. During school.
Hancock: Harvest Dance Grades 4 & 5 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Plouffe: P.A.C. meeting. Café 6:30 p.m.
Raymond: Title One ~ Parent/Child Fluency Workshop – Gr. 2 8:30 a.m.
Brockton High School: 9 a.m. Tribute to veterans. Auditorium.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11
NO SCHOOL ~ VETERANS DAY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Angelo: Grade 4 TAG Field Trip – Harvard Museum of Natural History. During school.
Davis: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
Plouffe: Harvest Dance. Café 3 to 5 p.m.
Raymond: School Improvement Council meeting. Café 5:30 p.m.
Monday, November 1, 2010
This Week at Brockton Public Schools
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: School Improvement Council Meeting Conference Room 1:30 p.m.
Downey: Veteran’s Day care package collection starts
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
PRE K – GRADE 8 IN-SERVICE DAY ~ EARLY RELEASE
Brookfield: Bake Sale during voting
Davis: P.T.A. sponsored bake sale, front lobby 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Davis: P.T.A. meeting, library 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program
B.P.S. School Committee meeting B.H.S. Little Theater 7 p.m.
Angelo: P.T.A. meeting, Café 6:15 p.m.
Downey: Title One ~ Bingo for Books 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Downey: P.A.C. Meeting Library 6:00 p.m.
Raymond: P.T.A., Meeting Café 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Parents’ Academy
Autism Diagnosis: Intervention & Strategies for the Home, School & Community
Arnone School 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: School Improvement Council meeting, 3rd Floor 2:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: P.T.S.A. Meeting 3rd Floor 3:30 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Annual Parent Child Breakfast Gr. 3 - 5 9:15 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Cinella 1:00 p.m.
Downey: Coats for Kids Collection starts
Downey: School Improvement Council m,eeting principal’s office 1:30 p.m.
East: School Improvement Council meeting, Room 130, 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. Meeting Room 130, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council meeting, Conference Room, 5 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C., Meeting Room 201 7 p.m.
North: School Improvement Council Meeting Library 5 p.m.
North: P.A.C. Meeting, library 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop
Welcome to the BPS! Family Book Bag Teddy Bear Picnic
Gilmore Early Childhood Center 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Wedge 1:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Ice Cream for card level students during school
Hancock: Spaghetti Supper, Café 6 p.m.
BROCKTON--
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: School Improvement Council Meeting Conference Room 1:30 p.m.
Downey: Veteran’s Day care package collection starts
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
PRE K – GRADE 8 IN-SERVICE DAY ~ EARLY RELEASE
Brookfield: Bake Sale during voting
Davis: P.T.A. sponsored bake sale, front lobby 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Davis: P.T.A. meeting, library 6 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
W.O.W. ~ Walk on Wednesday Program
B.P.S. School Committee meeting B.H.S. Little Theater 7 p.m.
Angelo: P.T.A. meeting, Café 6:15 p.m.
Downey: Title One ~ Bingo for Books 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Downey: P.A.C. Meeting Library 6:00 p.m.
Raymond: P.T.A., Meeting Café 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Parents’ Academy
Autism Diagnosis: Intervention & Strategies for the Home, School & Community
Arnone School 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: School Improvement Council meeting, 3rd Floor 2:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: P.T.S.A. Meeting 3rd Floor 3:30 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Annual Parent Child Breakfast Gr. 3 - 5 9:15 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Cinella 1:00 p.m.
Downey: Coats for Kids Collection starts
Downey: School Improvement Council m,eeting principal’s office 1:30 p.m.
East: School Improvement Council meeting, Room 130, 5 p.m.
East: P.A.C. Meeting Room 130, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: School Improvement Council meeting, Conference Room, 5 p.m.
Kennedy: P.A.C., Meeting Room 201 7 p.m.
North: School Improvement Council Meeting Library 5 p.m.
North: P.A.C. Meeting, library 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Parents’ Academy Morning Workshop
Welcome to the BPS! Family Book Bag Teddy Bear Picnic
Gilmore Early Childhood Center 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – K - Mrs. Wedge 1:30 p.m.
B.B. Russell: Ice Cream for card level students during school
Hancock: Spaghetti Supper, Café 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Patrick Congratulates Brockton High
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Having technical difficulties with video from Gov. Deval Patrick's visit to Brockton High Friday. Working on it. Sorry for the delay and check in later today!
BROCKTON--Having technical difficulties with video from Gov. Deval Patrick's visit to Brockton High Friday. Working on it. Sorry for the delay and check in later today!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Brockton School Lunches Go Online
The BrocktonPostBROCKTON--Brockton Public Schools will now offer parents an online account for student lunches that allows parents to prepay balances, review purchases and keep an eye on what their kids are eating to ensure students are making healthy choices.
In a prepared statement, school officials said the new program is a partnership with Mealpayplus, an online prepayment system that offers parents a safe, easy and convenient way to prepay for their children's school meals.
"We see this as a convenience for parents, and also a way for them to monitor their child's purchases and help them make healthy food choices," said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone.
Chartwells School Dining Services, the corporation that operates Brockton Public Schools cafeterias, has been working to improve food choices, cafeteria operations and convenience since it became the district's food service vendor in 2006, officials said.
Last year, Chartwells introduced a new point-of-sale system district-wide, whereby students use their ID numbers or ID cards to expedite meal service in the cafeterias.
The new online payment system, officials said, is in response to parents comments.
"We often hear from parents wondering why their child is spending a certain amount of money, now those parents can view their child's account and see how much their student is spending on meals versus ala carte items," said Tom Burke, Chartwells' Brockton district manager.
Parents can log onto the student's account any time at http://www.mealpayplus.comand view what their child has purchased on a specific day. The software allows parents to view the balance at any time, as well as to check payment history. In addition, parents can choose to have email confirmations of payments and low balance reminders sent, and payments can be made quickly and easily using a credit card or check online or via telephone. Optional Wallet and Auto-Replenish features enable parents to set a low balance amount that will automatically replenish the account when it drops to a specified balance, if they choose.
For additional information about MealpayPlus, please visit http://www.mealpayplus.com
(The above logo is courtesy of Mealpayplus.com website)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Gov. Patrick To Speak At Brockton High Friday
The BrocktonPostBROCKTON--Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to make a presentation to Brockton High School students Friday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Principal Susan Szachowicz's office said Patrick is expected to make a presentation about education. Also visiting will be New Jersey State Senator Barbara Buono.
Following the presentation, Patrick will head to his relection campaign headquarters in Brockton for the kickoff of a Democratic Party "Get Out the Vote," bus tour.
Starting from Brockton, the bus will travel to more than a dozen communities from New Bedford to Medford to Milton to Natick during the weekend.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Early Graduation In Works For Brockton High Students
NOTE: Originally posted Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010
By Lisa E. Crowley
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—School officials have nearly finalized a new program that would allow Brockton High School seniors to graduate either six months or even nearly a year ahead of other students.
Tuesday night the School Committee unanimously approved the concept of a new early graduation plan, however some details still need to be finalized, including when the program will take effect.
“This recognizes that not everyone learns at the same pace,” said Brockton High School Principal Susan Szachowicz.
However, Szachowicz said an early graduation option will not be suitable for all students, but those who are highly motivated will see it as a way to step into their future sooner.
“This isn’t for a ton of kids, maybe a handful of kids, because they can’t do it with just taking an extra class, they have to meet all Brockton High requirements, but for the motivated student it’s really a great option,” Szachowicz said.
In order to meet graduation requirements, Szachowicz said students would have to take summer courses at the high school or attend classes at area colleges.
Students, Szachowicz said, would have the option of finishing high school after the first semester of senior year or possibly at the end of junior year, depending on how many classes the student can manage in the time frame.
She said the early graduation option was prompted by a current student who happens to be a heavily recruited football player with a fine academic record.
Szachowicz said the student would like to attend spring college football training camps, but as a senior in high school is not eligible.
After talking with the boy’s father, Szachowicz said she and other administrators formed a committee and have been working on the proposal for nearly a year.
Tuesday night the School Committee approved the program in principle, but some changes must be made to the program after member Thomas Minichiello added several comments that need to be included in the draft proposal.
However, Szachowicz said, plans are in the works to offer the option.
“I really like this a lot,” she said. “It’s really in the best interest of the student.”
By Lisa E. Crowley
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—School officials have nearly finalized a new program that would allow Brockton High School seniors to graduate either six months or even nearly a year ahead of other students.
Tuesday night the School Committee unanimously approved the concept of a new early graduation plan, however some details still need to be finalized, including when the program will take effect.
“This recognizes that not everyone learns at the same pace,” said Brockton High School Principal Susan Szachowicz.
However, Szachowicz said an early graduation option will not be suitable for all students, but those who are highly motivated will see it as a way to step into their future sooner.
“This isn’t for a ton of kids, maybe a handful of kids, because they can’t do it with just taking an extra class, they have to meet all Brockton High requirements, but for the motivated student it’s really a great option,” Szachowicz said.
In order to meet graduation requirements, Szachowicz said students would have to take summer courses at the high school or attend classes at area colleges.
Students, Szachowicz said, would have the option of finishing high school after the first semester of senior year or possibly at the end of junior year, depending on how many classes the student can manage in the time frame.
She said the early graduation option was prompted by a current student who happens to be a heavily recruited football player with a fine academic record.
Szachowicz said the student would like to attend spring college football training camps, but as a senior in high school is not eligible.
After talking with the boy’s father, Szachowicz said she and other administrators formed a committee and have been working on the proposal for nearly a year.
Tuesday night the School Committee approved the program in principle, but some changes must be made to the program after member Thomas Minichiello added several comments that need to be included in the draft proposal.
However, Szachowicz said, plans are in the works to offer the option.
“I really like this a lot,” she said. “It’s really in the best interest of the student.”
40th BHS B-Day Celebrates Brockton "Turf"
NOTE:Originally posted Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010Story and photos By Lisa E. Crowley
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—Past, present and future generations came together Friday night at Rocky Marciano Stadium to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Brockton High School and the Community Schools program—a birthday bash that featured the beloved Boxers football team pull out a 28-20 victory in front of hordes of alumni and current students who attended the fete.
“This is one of the most exciting nights with the most school spirit that I have seen,” said Brockton High senior and Class of 2011 President Greta Zukauskaite.
“It’s really great to see all of the alumni and all of the families and all of the students—the bleachers are full. It’s an amazing night,” she said (Pictured above holding flag pole, with from left to right, sophomore Victoria Campbell, junior Amely Lopes and Michele Haughton).
Zukauskaite and her 2011 classmates joined throngs of alumni who streamed into the stadium for Friday night’s Homecoming celebration that was the kick-off of a year long commemoration of the opening of the current high school campus—a facility that opened Sept. 16, 1970 and since has been an academic center that has offered Brockton students courses, sports and activities that outmatch nearly all other high schools in the region.
"We have so much here. People talk bad about Brockton, there’s a stigma and I don’t get it. The problems that happen aren’t here at the high school,” said Michele Haughton, a senior who is also vice-president of the Class of 2011. “If there’s anything going on out in the streets, what you do when you leave here is your problem,” she said pointing at the turf of the Brockton High campus.
“That’s all left at the door,” Haughton said.
Contrary to popular belief, students said the high school does not have metal detectors and they would be shocked if such devices ever would be installed because administrators led by high school Principal Susan Szachowicz—a 1971 grad—teachers, staff and students see the high school as a safe haven—a place where students of many nationalities, races, religions, sexual orientations and artistic, academic and athletic leanings mix and mingle through the hallways of the 548,000-square-foot Brockton High—the largest in New England.
“It’s not tolerated,” said Michael Connor, a special education teacher and 1987 graduate, who along with more than 70 Brockton High teachers gathered in the Little Theatre for a commemorative picture of staff who are also alumni after classes on Friday afternoon—hours before the football game kicked-off.
Connor said he has lived and taught all over the country, including San Francisco, and believes the size and diversity of Brockton High today—about 5,000 students in grades 9 to 12—prepares young adults for the real world.
“It’s extremely diverse and the shock value for (Brockton High) kids isn’t as high and the tolerance level is so much higher than in the suburbs,” Connor said.
After years of traveling, Connor said he has returned to his hometown to teach, but during his pit-stops in other locales, he has left a lasting impression with friends and colleagues of what the Brockton character is.
“It’s a sense of pride in where you’re from—it’s not just Boxers football, Marvin Hagler or Rocky Marciano.., it’s the band, it's the arts department…it’s the villages, the neighborhoods…it’s a sense of pride in your family and community,” Connor said.
The pride revolving around the high school extends as far back as the 1940s when the Warren Avenue High School turned out many of the graduates who have operated businesses and have led the wheels of government.
In the late 1960s an influx of students swelled the old building to bursting and students and teachers suffered through eight years of double sessions from 1962 to 1970 as plans and construction of the new high school were completed, said Claire Appling.
Appling, who worked for the Brockton schools for more than 52 years until her retirement in December 2006—including being the first female headmaster to which she was named the year the high school opened--said it was tough, but Brocktonians are tough.
“It wasn’t easy, but we got through it,” Appling said.
She recalled that half of the students would arrive at about 7:30 a.m. and leave around noon-just in time for the remaining half of students to take classes from about 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
However, Appling said, the pain of double sessions was worth the wait because when the school opened its doors in 1970 with about 6,100 students, the campus was state-of-the-art and boasted a planetarium, four libraries, a cutting-edge auditorium and music rooms that are still the envy of area schools, an indoor pool and a sprawling building that houses academic programs that have made the high school an award winning and respected leader in student achievement.
“We’ve always been in the forefront,” Appling said.
Before the football game Friday night hundreds of old friends reminisced and looked at black-and-white photos from the 1970s posted on boards under a special tent for alumni where food was served, hugs and kisses were had and conversation buzzed.
Jane Feroli, (Pictured above to far left with, from left to right, Ana Gonzalez, Linda Plache and Linda Callahan) a 1974 graduate, signed up alumni to carry and follow class banners on the field for a special halftime show, talked with 1986 grad Linda Plache, 1983 grad Linda Callahan, and 1973 grad Ana Gonzalez—who arrived in Brockton from Cuba in 1972 as a 16-year-old junior who didn’t speak English.
Gonzalez said she and a handful of other non-English speaking students were placed in a separate class with Mrs. Sims—who along with teaching core subjects, immersed students in the English language.
“By my senior year I was with all the other students,” Gonzalez said proudly.
“It was amazing. The support was wonderful,” she said.
Speaking in impeccable English, Gonzalez said she now teaches Brockton students Spanish.
Janel Cobb, a 1996 graduate looked at the photos posted on the boards under the tent, and pointed to a pretty blonde in one of the pictures making a garment on a sewing machine.
“That’s my aunt,” Cobb said, pointing to her aunt Karen Myles (Pictured above in black and white).
Cobb said some of the student activities shown in the photos revealed how courses have changed since 1970 to when she graduated in 1996.
“I don’t remember us making rugs,” Cobb said. “Classes are much different now,” she said.
Cobb said organizers did a great job and really brought a sense of unity and nostalgia to the event.
“It’s just fun and exciting to come back and see everyone,” Cobb said.
Looking at the pictures and the clusters of grads—some holding children--she said she was having fond flashbacks of her time in high school with friends.
“It’s the whole circle of life,” Cobb said.
On the other side of the tent, a group of four freshmen wearing Boxer football jerseys gazed at photos of grid-iron heroes who played long before they were born and who helped make Brockton High one of the most feared football teams in the state.
“People say good luck or good job when they see the shirt,” said freshman Robert Anuforo who looks forward to a time when he will be a varsity player.
“By playing for the football team it makes you feel important. You have respect,” Anuforo said (#50 pictured above).
Just two years after the new Brockton High opened, the football team charged into what is called the “Super Bowl Era,” behind legendary coach Armond Colombo (Pictured in above photo from 1947 with teammates courtesy of Mark Petti and taken by Stanley Bauman) who led the team to numerous state-wide titles beginning in 1972.
His son Peter now coaches the team and has kept the Boxer legend alive, tutoring heavily recruited college prospects like Albert Louis-Jean, who helped lead the Boxers to a 28-20 victory over Fitchburg’s Red Raiders in front of a roaring and cheering crowd Friday night.
“These colors will stay with you forever,” Class of 2011 Vice-President Michele Haughton said, clutching the front of her red and black Boxers shirt. “This is a great school,” she said.
"Snowy Day" Brings Funny Faces
NOTE: Originally posted Friday Oct. 8, 2010
Story and photos by Lisa E. Crowley
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—Dozens of kindergarten students at Raymond Elementary School in Brockton Thursday listened intently as special guest Julianne Andrade read Ezra Jack Keats’ children’s book, “The Snowy Day.”
Andrade--the district’s coordinator of elementary literacy for kindergarten to fifth grade and social studies for kindergarten to eighth grade--raised and lowered her voice and used hand expressions as she read from the 1962 classic about a young African-American boy enjoying the simple delights of a day spent playing in the snow.
“Can anyone tell me what happens when you put a snowball in your pocket,” Andrade asked the dozens of students.
“It melts,” many of the youngsters shouted.
The Raymond School joined all of Brockton’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
classes in a campaign by Jumpstart—a non-profit educational organization—called “Read for the Record” that seeks to increase literacy around the world.All of Brockton’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes joined millions of other students who were treated to special adult guests such as Andrade who read “The Snowy Day” to students in an attempt to foster the love of reading among young students.
Celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Patti LaBelle, and NBC’s Today Show hosts Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera promoted the worldwide event on television shows throughout the day Thursday.
Read for the Record began in 2006 and initially the campaign was intended to set a record with Guiness Book of World Records for the most shared reading experience in the world.
During last year’s event 2,019,752 students read children's favorite, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
A spokesman for Jumpstart said this year’s goal is for 2.5 million students, but the group is no longer affiliated with the Guiness Book of World Records.
Each of Brockton’s classroom teachers received a copy of “The Snowy Day,” from Jumpstart as part of Brockton’s participation in Read for the Record—a donation that may seem small, but having books for students to read is becoming more and more difficult, Andrade said.
“The budget for buying books has become less and less over the years and being able to have these books in the classrooms for students to read is very important,” Andrade said. "Literacy is the foundation of learning," she said.
Violet LeMar, Raymond’s associate principal, said administrators work hard to provide books through grants and foundations and the school was recently awarded 2,400 books from the First Book Foundation to be given to students in kindergarten to eighth grade, including “Henry and Mudge,” “The Berenstain Bears,” and “The View from Saturday.”
“Each student will receive at least two books to have of their own and take home,” LeMar said.
As Andrade read “The Snowy Day,” students laughed, raised their hands to answer questions and made funny faces as they followed along with the story.
Principal Carol McGrath, who attended several of the readings, was happy to recall her favorite pastime while walking to school in the snow.
“I made snow angels,” to which she received scrunch-faced looks from the kindergarteners who seemed to have a hard time picturing their principal waving her arms and legs in the snow making snow angels as a child.
Andrade said the program is a fun way to foster a love of reading in students.
“This is a time for adults to show their love of reading,” she said—especially as youngsters turn more and more to digital screens for their reading materials.
“There are certain qualities about having a book in your hand—turning the pages, reading the words,” Andrade said. “I hope 'Snowy Day' becomes a classic for these students as it has for me. I hope when they have children they read it to their children,” she said.
Boxer Birthday Party Friday Night
NOTE: Originally posted Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—Get ready for a big celebration Friday during the Boxers football game in honor of the 40th anniversary of Brockton High School and the Community Schools Program.
“It’s really a big birthday party,” said High School Principal Susan Szachowicz, a member of the Class of 1971, the first to graduate from Brockton High after it opened Sept. 16, 1970.
Friday night’s 7 p.m. football game literally kicks off a year-long celebration marking the high school’s anniversary and organizers promise a fun time, punctuated by the talents of current students.
“The students are our future,” Szachowizc said. “I always say I have the best seat in the house during graduation because I’m facing the students and I can see their faces—I can see the smiles on their faces and the shine in their eyes,” she said.
Hundreds, possibly thousands of alumni are expected for Friday’s Homecoming game which from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature a special tent for Brockton High alumni that will have chili, chowder and other goodies donated by Chartwells—the company that provides food service to Brockton High.
Before the Boxers take the field against Fitchburg for the Homecoming Game, Szachowicz said she, Mayor Linda Balzotti and Superintendent Matthew Malone will offer brief comments, but the real show will come at halftime when Brockton High’s award-winning band will perform among other selections, a special program in honor of the school’s 40th birthday.
There will also be a special finale when the band, majorettes and dancers will make a human #40 on the field.
Szachowicz said alumni from across the country are coming for the celebration, while those who can’t make it, like a group loosely dubbed “Boxers in the Big Apple,” will share a toast in New York City in honor of the school’s 40th.
“People really want to be a part,” she said.
City Councilor-at-Large Todd Petti, whose family has been in the city for decades and who also was a member of the 1971 inaugural class said Brockton High has much more to offer than many of the suburban schools surrounding the city.
“There is something for everyone whether you’re an advanced student, struggling student, athlete or artist, Brockton High has so much to offer,” he said.
During his four years of high school, Petti said he took Italian classes because he thought it would be fun.
When he was stationed in Italy as a young serviceman, the classes came in handy and while it may not be a work of art, Petti said he still has a penguin-shaped end table he made in woodshop.
“This high school has so many memories and so many good people and staff,” Petti said. “I’m really looking forward to Friday,” he said.
The Brockton Post
BROCKTON—Get ready for a big celebration Friday during the Boxers football game in honor of the 40th anniversary of Brockton High School and the Community Schools Program.
“It’s really a big birthday party,” said High School Principal Susan Szachowicz, a member of the Class of 1971, the first to graduate from Brockton High after it opened Sept. 16, 1970.
Friday night’s 7 p.m. football game literally kicks off a year-long celebration marking the high school’s anniversary and organizers promise a fun time, punctuated by the talents of current students.
“The students are our future,” Szachowizc said. “I always say I have the best seat in the house during graduation because I’m facing the students and I can see their faces—I can see the smiles on their faces and the shine in their eyes,” she said.
Hundreds, possibly thousands of alumni are expected for Friday’s Homecoming game which from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature a special tent for Brockton High alumni that will have chili, chowder and other goodies donated by Chartwells—the company that provides food service to Brockton High.
Before the Boxers take the field against Fitchburg for the Homecoming Game, Szachowicz said she, Mayor Linda Balzotti and Superintendent Matthew Malone will offer brief comments, but the real show will come at halftime when Brockton High’s award-winning band will perform among other selections, a special program in honor of the school’s 40th birthday.
There will also be a special finale when the band, majorettes and dancers will make a human #40 on the field.
Szachowicz said alumni from across the country are coming for the celebration, while those who can’t make it, like a group loosely dubbed “Boxers in the Big Apple,” will share a toast in New York City in honor of the school’s 40th.
“People really want to be a part,” she said.
City Councilor-at-Large Todd Petti, whose family has been in the city for decades and who also was a member of the 1971 inaugural class said Brockton High has much more to offer than many of the suburban schools surrounding the city.
“There is something for everyone whether you’re an advanced student, struggling student, athlete or artist, Brockton High has so much to offer,” he said.
During his four years of high school, Petti said he took Italian classes because he thought it would be fun.
When he was stationed in Italy as a young serviceman, the classes came in handy and while it may not be a work of art, Petti said he still has a penguin-shaped end table he made in woodshop.
“This high school has so many memories and so many good people and staff,” Petti said. “I’m really looking forward to Friday,” he said.
Brockton High Turnaround Model For The Nation
NOTE: Originally posted Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
Brockton Post
BROCKTON--The dramatic turnaround in student test scores and achievement at Brockton High School during the last six years has been noticed around the country and gaining praise from educators and parents.
For more please read an article in today's New York Times.
Brockton Post
BROCKTON--The dramatic turnaround in student test scores and achievement at Brockton High School during the last six years has been noticed around the country and gaining praise from educators and parents.
For more please read an article in today's New York Times.
Brockton Schools Open For Most Tomorrow
NOTE: Originally posted Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010
Brockton Schools open Thursday, Sept. 2 for grades 1 to 12. Kindergarteners follow Wednesday Sept. 15.
For a preview of Huntington Schools' new uniforms plan, please visit the story link below.
For school bus routes, please visit this bus routes link.
Brockton Post
BROCKTON--When students at the Huntington School in Brockton return to classes in September there will be at least two noticeable differences.
The first is students will begin class one hour earlier at 8 a.m. and the second is some of their classmates will be wearing a uniform--changes which are a part of a redesign plan aimed at improving the underperforming school.
“This is one of a kind in the city,” said School Committee member Richard Bath about the uniform initiative. Read more...
Brockton Schools open Thursday, Sept. 2 for grades 1 to 12. Kindergarteners follow Wednesday Sept. 15.
For a preview of Huntington Schools' new uniforms plan, please visit the story link below.
For school bus routes, please visit this bus routes link.
Brockton Post
BROCKTON--When students at the Huntington School in Brockton return to classes in September there will be at least two noticeable differences.
The first is students will begin class one hour earlier at 8 a.m. and the second is some of their classmates will be wearing a uniform--changes which are a part of a redesign plan aimed at improving the underperforming school.
“This is one of a kind in the city,” said School Committee member Richard Bath about the uniform initiative. Read more...
Huntington School Uniforms First in 20+ years
NOTE: Originally posted Friday, Aug. 6, 2010
By Lisa E. Crowley
Brockton Post
BROCKTON—When students at the Huntington School in Brockton return to classes in September there will be at least two noticeable differences.
The first is students will begin class one hour earlier at 8 a.m. and the second is some of their classmates will be wearing a uniform--changes which are a part of a redesign plan aimed at improving the underperforming school.
“This is one of a kind in the city,” said School Committee member Richard Bath about the uniform initiative. “The Huntington is a test case, an experiment on improving an underperforming school and I think it’s a really great idea,” he said.
Students will have the option of wearing school uniforms when classes begin Sept. 2—a reform that hasn’t been in effect in Brockton for more than 20 years.
School Deputy Superintendent John Jerome said in the early 1980s students and teachers at the Arnone Elementary School participated in a uniform option for several years, but the initiative faded with time.
“Like the Arnone, uniforms are optional. It’s up to the parents--and the students,” Jerome said.
Huntington’s uniform colors are khaki, blue and white and students may wear collared shirts and sweaters with khaki pants, shorts or skirts.
Jerome said a letter from Principal June Saba to Huntington School parents that outlines the changes were sent via mail Wednesday and should already be in residents’ mailboxes.
An open house for questions and more on the plan's initiatives is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Jerome said last Septmember when Saba took over as principal she worked with teachers and parents to come up with ideas to increase student performance overall and on MCAS scores and the redesign plan is the result of that year-long process.
Jerome said during hearings about the new plan in June and July parents voiced overwhelming support for uniforms—especially from parents of an estimated 350 of the school’s nearly 550 students who are of Cape Verde descent and accustomed to wearing uniforms to school.
He said new parents moving into the district will be made aware of the changes as they register.
“It’s up to the parents—we’ll see how it goes,” Jerome said, noting Huntington’s K-5 population are more likely to embrace a uniform option than their middle school and high school counterparts.
“It might be more difficult for parents to get the older students to wear a uniform,” Jerome said.
The new uniform option was approved by the school committee in mid-June and is part of a larger plan to improve MCAS scores and instruction at Huntington and stave off potential negative state and federal education department designation that could force an overhaul of the Huntington under revamped federal No Child Left Behind regulations.
“The Huntington is a Level 3 school,” Jerome said. "All sorts of things happen if we become a Level 4 school under the new designations—this is a way to show that we are not waiting until we reach Level 4 to do something,” he said.
He said Huntington is not the only Brockton school with a Level 3 designation, but it has been struggling longer to improve than some of the others.
Drastic Level 4 steps could include replacing principals and teachers similar to the firings and upheaval at a Central Falls Rhode Island high school earlier this year.
One of the primary steps toward improving MCAS scores--which have not improved over the last two to three years putting the school at Level 3—is to begin classes at 8 a.m. instead of 9.
School officials said the teacher’s union has agreed to the new start time and the additional 60 minutes will be spent improving and enhancing instruction in core subjects like math and science and especially English.
The estimated $185,000 to $225,000 cost for the extra hour was mostly paid by cuts in other areas, Jerome said and was part of budget discussions in July when the 2010-2011 budget was approved.
Tim Sullivan, head of the Brockton Education Association, said teachers worked alongside administrators and parents to make the plan work and negotiate compensation for the 8 a.m. opening, which was agreed upon months ago.
"There were obvious signs like the MCAS scores that indicated something new had to be done at the school," Sullivan said. "You have to commend the teachers, administrators--everyone for trying to do something new," he said.
Jerome said the extra hour will help teachers concentrate on English and comprehension skills because more than half of the school’s students do not speak English as a first language.
MCAS scores, Jerome said, show the mostly Cape Verde students are having a difficult time with short answer questions and more instruction will improve those skills.
“All the studies say extended day is the way to go,” Jerome said.
As part of the redesign plan, Jerome said, non-English speaking students will be “looped” together with teachers for two or three years to foster a more productive and effective learning climate.
For more information about uniforms, the new start time and Huntington's overall redesign plan visit the Brockton Schools' website.
(Photos courtesy Brockton Public Schools)
By Lisa E. Crowley
Brockton Post
BROCKTON—When students at the Huntington School in Brockton return to classes in September there will be at least two noticeable differences.
The first is students will begin class one hour earlier at 8 a.m. and the second is some of their classmates will be wearing a uniform--changes which are a part of a redesign plan aimed at improving the underperforming school.
“This is one of a kind in the city,” said School Committee member Richard Bath about the uniform initiative. “The Huntington is a test case, an experiment on improving an underperforming school and I think it’s a really great idea,” he said.
Students will have the option of wearing school uniforms when classes begin Sept. 2—a reform that hasn’t been in effect in Brockton for more than 20 years.
School Deputy Superintendent John Jerome said in the early 1980s students and teachers at the Arnone Elementary School participated in a uniform option for several years, but the initiative faded with time.
“Like the Arnone, uniforms are optional. It’s up to the parents--and the students,” Jerome said.
Huntington’s uniform colors are khaki, blue and white and students may wear collared shirts and sweaters with khaki pants, shorts or skirts.
Jerome said a letter from Principal June Saba to Huntington School parents that outlines the changes were sent via mail Wednesday and should already be in residents’ mailboxes.
An open house for questions and more on the plan's initiatives is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Jerome said last Septmember when Saba took over as principal she worked with teachers and parents to come up with ideas to increase student performance overall and on MCAS scores and the redesign plan is the result of that year-long process.
Jerome said during hearings about the new plan in June and July parents voiced overwhelming support for uniforms—especially from parents of an estimated 350 of the school’s nearly 550 students who are of Cape Verde descent and accustomed to wearing uniforms to school.
He said new parents moving into the district will be made aware of the changes as they register.
“It’s up to the parents—we’ll see how it goes,” Jerome said, noting Huntington’s K-5 population are more likely to embrace a uniform option than their middle school and high school counterparts.
“It might be more difficult for parents to get the older students to wear a uniform,” Jerome said.
The new uniform option was approved by the school committee in mid-June and is part of a larger plan to improve MCAS scores and instruction at Huntington and stave off potential negative state and federal education department designation that could force an overhaul of the Huntington under revamped federal No Child Left Behind regulations.
“The Huntington is a Level 3 school,” Jerome said. "All sorts of things happen if we become a Level 4 school under the new designations—this is a way to show that we are not waiting until we reach Level 4 to do something,” he said.
He said Huntington is not the only Brockton school with a Level 3 designation, but it has been struggling longer to improve than some of the others.
Drastic Level 4 steps could include replacing principals and teachers similar to the firings and upheaval at a Central Falls Rhode Island high school earlier this year.
One of the primary steps toward improving MCAS scores--which have not improved over the last two to three years putting the school at Level 3—is to begin classes at 8 a.m. instead of 9.
School officials said the teacher’s union has agreed to the new start time and the additional 60 minutes will be spent improving and enhancing instruction in core subjects like math and science and especially English.
The estimated $185,000 to $225,000 cost for the extra hour was mostly paid by cuts in other areas, Jerome said and was part of budget discussions in July when the 2010-2011 budget was approved.
Tim Sullivan, head of the Brockton Education Association, said teachers worked alongside administrators and parents to make the plan work and negotiate compensation for the 8 a.m. opening, which was agreed upon months ago.
"There were obvious signs like the MCAS scores that indicated something new had to be done at the school," Sullivan said. "You have to commend the teachers, administrators--everyone for trying to do something new," he said.
Jerome said the extra hour will help teachers concentrate on English and comprehension skills because more than half of the school’s students do not speak English as a first language.
MCAS scores, Jerome said, show the mostly Cape Verde students are having a difficult time with short answer questions and more instruction will improve those skills.
“All the studies say extended day is the way to go,” Jerome said.
As part of the redesign plan, Jerome said, non-English speaking students will be “looped” together with teachers for two or three years to foster a more productive and effective learning climate.
For more information about uniforms, the new start time and Huntington's overall redesign plan visit the Brockton Schools' website.
(Photos courtesy Brockton Public Schools)
New Contracts Save School Jobs, Haitian Amendment Seeks State $ for Refugee Influx
NOTE: Originally posted July 1, 2010
Brockton Post
BROCKTON—While concessions by Brockton school department unions have decreased system layoffs from about 112 to about 80, school officials are looking to an amendment in the state budget passed by Gov. Deval Patrick Wednesday to reimburse the schools an estimated $1.5 million to offset an influx of Haitian refugees.
School officials had hoped the amendment, loosely dubbed the Haitian refugee amendment, would bring more money to the district for the opening of the 2010-2011 school year and save even more jobs.
However, the amendment--led by State Rep. Geraldine Creedon--did not have any money attached to it and directs the state Department of Secondary and Elementary Education to create a plan based on, among other aspects, per pupil costs for districts that have had 25 or more Haitian refugees swell enrollment during the last school year.
School officials have estimated a department of education reimbursement plan based on per pupil costs would bring about $1.5 million to the district.
School Spokeswoman Jocelyn Meek said the district has had 142 Haitian refugees come into the district since the January earthquake--four in the last week.
"As it stands we were able to limp through this year," Meek said, adding, "however with the cuts we face next year there will be an impact," she said.
The school committee had to make drastic cuts because of a $9.7 million shortfall for the 2010-2011 fiscal year that began today, July 1.
The only problem is the amendment requires the state education department devise the plan by Dec. 31, likely too late to decrease cuts in the district for the opening of school in September.
“It looks like we will not know anything until the winter,” said Superintendent Matthew Malone. “I am keeping my fingers crossed and thinking positively, but the reality is that we may not see any relief until FY12,” he said.
Jonathan Considine, director of board and media relations for the state education department, said in an email the agency would begin work on the plan and submit it to the State Legislature by the end of the year.
“(The amendment) on displaced students would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide the Governor and the Legislature with an estimate of the cost of serving those kids,” Considine said. “Actual funding would require a supplemental appropriation by the Legislature,” he said.
School officials said at least the amendment was not vetoed and is a step toward help with the influx of Haitian refugees.
In the meantime, school officials are seeking every avenue for money to lessen the impact of cuts, including letter-writing and lobbying of its federal delegation in Washington D.C. and renegotiating contracts with all of the schools’ unions.
An agreement with the Brockton Education Association and signed by the School Committee earlier this month saves the district between $1.4 to $1.7 million for the 2010-2011 school year and will bring back 35 to 40 teachers who received layoff notices in the spring.
Timothy Sullivan, head of the teacher's union, said the group could have forced the district to honor the old contract, but decided to work cooperatively with the school committee.
"We chose to see how we could help them face their fiscal issues," Sullivan said.
At a special meeting Tuesday night, the School Committee approved new contracts with four of the five other school unions, saving nearly $340,000 in next year’s budget by delaying salary increases until the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
The four union contracts signed Tuesday are with the paraprofessionals, school security, custodians and food service workers. The administrative assistants are working on a new contract and are expected to have one finalized in the coming weeks.
The changes extend all of the approved contracts to 2013. All were to expire next year.
Officials said about six paraprofessional positions and eight custodians would be called back after the new agreements. Security and food service employees did not face cuts.
Lorraine Niccoli, head of the paraprofessionals union, who received much congratulations from the committee Tuesday night for the concessions, said while the agreement is not perfect, and saves only six to eight paraprofessionals out of 55 who received layoff notices, retirees benefits were not touched and that is a victory unto itself.
“We really wanted to keep the retirees whole,” Niccoli said. “The para’s do a really big job and the teachers are worried how they’re loss will effect the classroom, but in these economic times we learn to make concessions,” she said.
Along with approving the four contracts Tuesday night, the school committee also approved an early retirement incentive that would give certified personnel a lump sum payment of $15,000 and non-certified $10,000.
School Financial Services Director Aldo Petronio said employees who are a short time away from retirement could help the district by taking the incentive early and allow the system to possibly hire two younger teachers for one retiree and save the district unemployment costs.
Brockton Post
BROCKTON—While concessions by Brockton school department unions have decreased system layoffs from about 112 to about 80, school officials are looking to an amendment in the state budget passed by Gov. Deval Patrick Wednesday to reimburse the schools an estimated $1.5 million to offset an influx of Haitian refugees.
School officials had hoped the amendment, loosely dubbed the Haitian refugee amendment, would bring more money to the district for the opening of the 2010-2011 school year and save even more jobs.
However, the amendment--led by State Rep. Geraldine Creedon--did not have any money attached to it and directs the state Department of Secondary and Elementary Education to create a plan based on, among other aspects, per pupil costs for districts that have had 25 or more Haitian refugees swell enrollment during the last school year.
School officials have estimated a department of education reimbursement plan based on per pupil costs would bring about $1.5 million to the district.
School Spokeswoman Jocelyn Meek said the district has had 142 Haitian refugees come into the district since the January earthquake--four in the last week.
"As it stands we were able to limp through this year," Meek said, adding, "however with the cuts we face next year there will be an impact," she said.
The school committee had to make drastic cuts because of a $9.7 million shortfall for the 2010-2011 fiscal year that began today, July 1.
The only problem is the amendment requires the state education department devise the plan by Dec. 31, likely too late to decrease cuts in the district for the opening of school in September.
“It looks like we will not know anything until the winter,” said Superintendent Matthew Malone. “I am keeping my fingers crossed and thinking positively, but the reality is that we may not see any relief until FY12,” he said.
Jonathan Considine, director of board and media relations for the state education department, said in an email the agency would begin work on the plan and submit it to the State Legislature by the end of the year.
“(The amendment) on displaced students would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide the Governor and the Legislature with an estimate of the cost of serving those kids,” Considine said. “Actual funding would require a supplemental appropriation by the Legislature,” he said.
School officials said at least the amendment was not vetoed and is a step toward help with the influx of Haitian refugees.
In the meantime, school officials are seeking every avenue for money to lessen the impact of cuts, including letter-writing and lobbying of its federal delegation in Washington D.C. and renegotiating contracts with all of the schools’ unions.
An agreement with the Brockton Education Association and signed by the School Committee earlier this month saves the district between $1.4 to $1.7 million for the 2010-2011 school year and will bring back 35 to 40 teachers who received layoff notices in the spring.
Timothy Sullivan, head of the teacher's union, said the group could have forced the district to honor the old contract, but decided to work cooperatively with the school committee.
"We chose to see how we could help them face their fiscal issues," Sullivan said.
At a special meeting Tuesday night, the School Committee approved new contracts with four of the five other school unions, saving nearly $340,000 in next year’s budget by delaying salary increases until the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
The four union contracts signed Tuesday are with the paraprofessionals, school security, custodians and food service workers. The administrative assistants are working on a new contract and are expected to have one finalized in the coming weeks.
The changes extend all of the approved contracts to 2013. All were to expire next year.
Officials said about six paraprofessional positions and eight custodians would be called back after the new agreements. Security and food service employees did not face cuts.
Lorraine Niccoli, head of the paraprofessionals union, who received much congratulations from the committee Tuesday night for the concessions, said while the agreement is not perfect, and saves only six to eight paraprofessionals out of 55 who received layoff notices, retirees benefits were not touched and that is a victory unto itself.
“We really wanted to keep the retirees whole,” Niccoli said. “The para’s do a really big job and the teachers are worried how they’re loss will effect the classroom, but in these economic times we learn to make concessions,” she said.
Along with approving the four contracts Tuesday night, the school committee also approved an early retirement incentive that would give certified personnel a lump sum payment of $15,000 and non-certified $10,000.
School Financial Services Director Aldo Petronio said employees who are a short time away from retirement could help the district by taking the incentive early and allow the system to possibly hire two younger teachers for one retiree and save the district unemployment costs.
Malone Meets Residency Requirement
NOTE: Originally posted Thursday, July 1, 2010The Brockton Post
BROCKTON--School Superintendent Matthew Malone said, "As of today (Thursday, July 1), I am officially living in a rented house on the West Side of Brockton. Regretfully, my wife and I, after 10 years of marriage, have filed for divorce and we are now legally separated. This is unfortunate and one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through. However, I have two amazing children and I will continue to spend as much time as possible with them moving forward. I ask that people kindly respect my family’s privacy during this difficult time." When Malone was hired last year, his contract required he move to Brockton by August.
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