We've been meaning to mention this one for a bit....because it DOES merit mention. Sun Prairie tries very hard to reward staff and students for performance. Sadly, rewards are usually based on food...such as pizza or subs. Not only do those kind of rewards not sit well with a general district wellness policy, but they don't (ahem) stay with us very long.... period. If you get my drift. So not only does the offer of a pizza party for good performance in the classroom fly in the face of healthy eating, but it's hard to get all jacked up for.... pizza or subs.
Certainly some of the incidents in Sun Prairie during the past year have added some pockmarks to the complexion of our schools and our community: trouble on the "Monkey Bus"; 400% increase in expulsions; presence of a meth lab, shootings in the city.
So, cultivating character is a "to do" list item that has to be shuffled to the top of the deck. Recently, Westside elementary schools recognized two students from each of grades 3 through 5 for demonstrating good character. Historically, this event would have drawn even odds of culminating in a pizza or sub party for the honored students. Thankfully, we have a teacher who thought outside the box, drawing on her personal six degrees of separation (or one degree in this case) to offer a really innovating and long-lasting reward for the students.
Music teacher Letrice Stanley reached out to her brother, St. Louis Rams receiver Derek Stanley, who provided authentic NFL footballs autographed by members of the St. Louis Rams!
Anyone who follows local sports or the NFL will recognize Derek Stanley as a standout athlete for Verona High, who went on to star at UW-Whitewater and was the first UW-Whitewater player ever drafted (7th round) in the NFL last year. Last December, Stanley saw the field as a kick returner and showed some of the speed and vision he translated to success at the high school and college level.
A hearty thank you to Ms. Stanley for providing these kids with a tangible reward that not only adequately punctuates their classroom performance in building character, but provides something that can awe and inspire them further. Coming from tiny UW-Whitewater, many wouldn't have give Stanley (or anyone) any hope of a shot at the NFL. But here is Derek living his dream and serving as a role model to others for both his determination, and his willingness to help give back to the community. Each football contains the autographs of quite a few NFL stars. Certainly that's something that will stick with these kids a whole lot longer than a meal of pizza.
We don't know what the criteria are to earn a "Piece Keeping" award from Dr. Culver, but in our book, Ms. Stanley and her colleagues at Westside certainly deserve one. Maybe it went unnoticed because the story was buried within a photo caption on page 8 of the June 5th edition of the STAR.
Showing posts with label behavior. Show all posts
Showing posts with label behavior. Show all posts
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Let's Not Discuss Our Dirty Laundry...
During the section on open records at Tuesday's school board working session, board president David Stackhouse asked community member Roger Fetterly if there was anything else he'd like to add. It happened so quickly, we still can't recall how the conversation turned to expulsion, but it did. Noting that there have been so many expulsion hearings, Fetterly suggested that the district should be informing people about expulsions. Stackhouse angrily asked, "Why would we want to [notify the public] about expulsions? Who would want to know that?!
SP Expulsions up 400%
Let's recap ( see http://sp-eye.blogspot.com/2008/04/expulsions-up-400.html )
There have been 16 expulsion hearings this year. There have been 15 expulsions. We're certain the 16th was also expelled, but we have to make a separate public records request to find that out, what grade level, and the reason.
Back to Stackhouse's angered response. Is Stackhouse maybe responding for the district and not as a member of the public? Who would want to know that expulsions are occurring? Maybe the same people that would want to know that a convicted (and released) sexual predator is living in their neighborhood? Parents worry about their children...and we know Stackhouse does too. If Stackhouse can step outside of his shoes for a moment and wear those of a new community member, or one considering moving here, he WOULD want to know if there were behavioral or violence problems in the schools.
So, expulsions are one of those family secrets that we acknowledge only privately. We solemnly pass a look to each other that communicates concern, but then we move on. Out of sight, out of mind. Not unlike your crazy aunt's drinking problems, or the cousin who continually is in trouble with the law. And in those cases, not talking about it might be a way of forgetting about it and moving on.
But these are our kids, too! We've expelled SEVEN middle school kids this year so far! Half of the expulsions so far are not even of high school age! These are barely teenagers! We constantly hear board members preaching that it's about ALL the kids. Does that mean the ones that are expelled too? Or have we given up on them? And what happens to a pre-teen child that is expelled? We still have a responsibility to educate them...usually by home tutoring at the taxpayer's expense. Oh we LOVE to use the word connectedness, and preach its importance. I'm sure those kids feel connected. Do students expelled from high school simply drop out? Maybe we'd like to know what happens to these kids. We understand the privacy element, but we CAN speak in generics without identifying students. And it's not like their peers don't know who got expelled and the kid magically disappears. People WILL talk. And the only way to dispel a rumor is to be open about what's going on. Newsflash! Deflecting the issue is only going to make people smell something wrong.
Out of sight, out of mind?
If a problem isn't on our collective radar screen, then how can we address it? This past Tuesday, board members identified the issues in the district that they wanted to work on in the coming year. Not a single one mentioned the rise in expulsions as an issue worth addressing. The only one that came close was Jim Carrel who alluded to seeing the influx of lower income families and the associated "behavioral demographics" the board has encountered via expulsion hearings.
Are board members aware, and just do not care? (because that is one problem) Or is the larger problem that a lack of information about expulsions precludes the issue from appearing on radar screens until some tragedy occurs?
We've spent taxpayer dollars to hire a Communications Manager to put more spin on school district issues than Rocket Roger Clemens used to put on his curve ball. So, why aren't we using this asset to turn this frown upside down? You cant just sell the good stuff. Maybe it's time the District put something together along the lines of, "Hey! You may had noticed that the number of expulsions has increased significantly. This is what happens after an expulsion (yada yada yada).
Madison is talking about the issue. So whay aren't we?
Think that you don't want to know about expulsions? That there's no story there? What about the kid from Madison who was expelled recently for bringing a knife to school--to cut an onion for a science project. He doesn't sound like Public Enemy #1. http://www.channel3000.com/news/1386173/detail.html
As a result of public outcry, Madison is now discussing a change to its zero-tolerance policy. (see http://www.channel3000./education/16042967/detail.html )
Reality Bites
OK...time out. Let's analyze that statement. We think we get the point that Stackhouse is trying to make. Certainly, expulsions for certain reasons (e.g., weapons) could alarm the public. We don't want to do that. Expulsion is one of those dark secrets we don't want to talk about...the unsightly stains on the unmentionables, so to speak. We might be OK with letting our freak flag fly, but who wants to have their marked boxers hanging out on the clothesline? Right? Last but not least we have the growing community to think about. If people think the schools are "troubled" with violence then they may be less inclined to mortgage their lives away to purchase a house in Sun Prairie. Or, to put it differently, "If I wanted to pay that much for a house where there are "problems" in the schools, then I'd just live in Madison." Right? There are a lot of Sun Prairie homes on the market, and we've all read about what happens when enrollment declines.
SP Expulsions up 400%
Let's recap ( see http://sp-eye.blogspot.com/2008/04/expulsions-up-400.html )
There have been 16 expulsion hearings this year. There have been 15 expulsions. We're certain the 16th was also expelled, but we have to make a separate public records request to find that out, what grade level, and the reason.
Back to Stackhouse's angered response. Is Stackhouse maybe responding for the district and not as a member of the public? Who would want to know that expulsions are occurring? Maybe the same people that would want to know that a convicted (and released) sexual predator is living in their neighborhood? Parents worry about their children...and we know Stackhouse does too. If Stackhouse can step outside of his shoes for a moment and wear those of a new community member, or one considering moving here, he WOULD want to know if there were behavioral or violence problems in the schools.
So, expulsions are one of those family secrets that we acknowledge only privately. We solemnly pass a look to each other that communicates concern, but then we move on. Out of sight, out of mind. Not unlike your crazy aunt's drinking problems, or the cousin who continually is in trouble with the law. And in those cases, not talking about it might be a way of forgetting about it and moving on.
But these are our kids, too! We've expelled SEVEN middle school kids this year so far! Half of the expulsions so far are not even of high school age! These are barely teenagers! We constantly hear board members preaching that it's about ALL the kids. Does that mean the ones that are expelled too? Or have we given up on them? And what happens to a pre-teen child that is expelled? We still have a responsibility to educate them...usually by home tutoring at the taxpayer's expense. Oh we LOVE to use the word connectedness, and preach its importance. I'm sure those kids feel connected. Do students expelled from high school simply drop out? Maybe we'd like to know what happens to these kids. We understand the privacy element, but we CAN speak in generics without identifying students. And it's not like their peers don't know who got expelled and the kid magically disappears. People WILL talk. And the only way to dispel a rumor is to be open about what's going on. Newsflash! Deflecting the issue is only going to make people smell something wrong.
Out of sight, out of mind?
If a problem isn't on our collective radar screen, then how can we address it? This past Tuesday, board members identified the issues in the district that they wanted to work on in the coming year. Not a single one mentioned the rise in expulsions as an issue worth addressing. The only one that came close was Jim Carrel who alluded to seeing the influx of lower income families and the associated "behavioral demographics" the board has encountered via expulsion hearings.
Are board members aware, and just do not care? (because that is one problem) Or is the larger problem that a lack of information about expulsions precludes the issue from appearing on radar screens until some tragedy occurs?
We've spent taxpayer dollars to hire a Communications Manager to put more spin on school district issues than Rocket Roger Clemens used to put on his curve ball. So, why aren't we using this asset to turn this frown upside down? You cant just sell the good stuff. Maybe it's time the District put something together along the lines of, "Hey! You may had noticed that the number of expulsions has increased significantly. This is what happens after an expulsion (yada yada yada).
Madison is talking about the issue. So whay aren't we?
Think that you don't want to know about expulsions? That there's no story there? What about the kid from Madison who was expelled recently for bringing a knife to school--to cut an onion for a science project. He doesn't sound like Public Enemy #1. http://www.channel3000.com/news/1386173/detail.html
As a result of public outcry, Madison is now discussing a change to its zero-tolerance policy. (see http://www.channel3000./education/16042967/detail.html )
In short, instead of getting all defensive about the issue--like there's something to hide or be ashamed of--let's put a plan in place to resolve the problem. And, as long as you continue to want to keep this quiet, there are those in the public that will make public record requests to ferret out the very information that you seem to not wish to share. These stories WILL get out. It's all a question of whether the district and the board wish to be PROactive or REactive.
SP-EYE supported the high school's strict approach to handling the fighting that was occurring last year. But new issues are occurring: weapons and drugs. The public has a right to know WHAT is happening in our schools and HOW the district is dealing with it. Consequently, cramming these skeletons in a closet is not the solution....everyone knows that eventually the closet becomes overfilled, the contents spill out, and all hell breaks loose.
School board members are elected BY the people to tell us openly what is going on. To say the least, it's a question of ethics when you don't share with us the not-so-good news. We're investing in our childrens' educations. School board members and administration staff are our "portfolio managers" per se. Wouldn't you want the person who invests your future to share more than just the good news with you?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Hidden Paycheck (pt. 2 in a series)
How much are your benefits worth? How much do you pay for your benefits...particularly your health insurance premiums?
At right is data for the 2005-school year, for area school districts, along with averages statewide.
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards, of which Sun Prairie--as is true for most districts--is a member, USED to publish salary and compensation data reported by districts statewide on their website. Interestingly enough, that data is now only available to "members" who can log-in and obtain the data.
Historically, Sun Prairie teachers have paid NOTHING toward the cost of their health insurance premiums. [SP-EYE note: Beginning July 1, 2008, teachers will pay about 1% of the cost; 2% if they choose not to participate in a health risk assessment monitoring program.]
As the data shows, Sun Prairie teachers contribute far less than the average of both area schools and statewide towards their health insurance premiums. In the Madison teachers' union current contract, teachers pay 10% of their premiums. Most state employees, who historically paid nothing towards their health insurance benefits (in lieu of lower salaries relative to the private sector) now are paying between 6 and 10% of the costs. And that percentage has increased with each new biennial contract.
Are teachers underpaid? Perhaps a case could be made, particularly for new (1st year) teachers. Are teachers under-compensated? That is the real question to be asking. We really can't fully answer the first question without considering all the pieces of the pie.
A good article, published in 2001, addresses the compensation issue. It may be a few years dated, but conceptually the points raised remain valid.
http://www.wpri.org/WIInterest/Vol10No3/Hruz10.3.pdf
A few key excerpts from this article are provided below:
"Teachers earn considerably more than most workers in the state, and do so for a job that only involves, at most, ten months of full-time employment."
At right is data for the 2005-school year, for area school districts, along with averages statewide.
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards, of which Sun Prairie--as is true for most districts--is a member, USED to publish salary and compensation data reported by districts statewide on their website. Interestingly enough, that data is now only available to "members" who can log-in and obtain the data.Historically, Sun Prairie teachers have paid NOTHING toward the cost of their health insurance premiums. [SP-EYE note: Beginning July 1, 2008, teachers will pay about 1% of the cost; 2% if they choose not to participate in a health risk assessment monitoring program.]
As the data shows, Sun Prairie teachers contribute far less than the average of both area schools and statewide towards their health insurance premiums. In the Madison teachers' union current contract, teachers pay 10% of their premiums. Most state employees, who historically paid nothing towards their health insurance benefits (in lieu of lower salaries relative to the private sector) now are paying between 6 and 10% of the costs. And that percentage has increased with each new biennial contract.
Are teachers underpaid? Perhaps a case could be made, particularly for new (1st year) teachers. Are teachers under-compensated? That is the real question to be asking. We really can't fully answer the first question without considering all the pieces of the pie.
A good article, published in 2001, addresses the compensation issue. It may be a few years dated, but conceptually the points raised remain valid.
http://www.wpri.org/WIInterest/Vol10No3/Hruz10.3.pdf
A few key excerpts from this article are provided below:
"Teachers earn considerably more than most workers in the state, and do so for a job that only involves, at most, ten months of full-time employment."
"It is within the realm of employee benefit compensation that public school teachers, like most public employees, own the privilege of being some of the highest compensated. Put simply, the financial benefits that flow to public school teachers are very nice both in absolute terms and — to play the teachers’ unions game — in relative terms. Public school teachers in Wisconsin receive some of the best health care coverage experienced by workers in the state, and are they are also welcomed into the generous pension payments of the Wisconsin Retirement System for government employees.""It is only to salaries that proponents of higher teacher compensation draw attention, while they remain silent on the value of the benefits that public school teachers are afforded. This focus is deceptive but necessary if the teachers’ union is to be able to convince anyone of the claim that its teachers are not remunerated well."
- WISCONSIN TEACHER COMPENSATION: A Bum Deal or a Plum Deal?
Thomas Hruz - Wisconsin Interest Fall 2001
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Expulsions up 400%
OK. Elections are over. It's time to get down to brass tacks (maybe). Here's a subject we've been wondering about, but about which we've heard very little. Sure, expulsion hearings are "posted", but certainly not printed in the paper. You would only know about them if you watch the school board's "Upcoming School Board Meetings" page: http://www.spasd.k12.wi.us/web/glking/stories/storyReader$26
(SP-EYE question for another day: How can the public ever find out about these things if they have names like "storyReader$26" anyway? Maybe the Task Force for community engagement could answer that? Oh...wait...THAT committee is on hold for now...but you weren't told about THAT decision either).
Following an open records request for information related to expulsions over the past 2 school years (Grade level and reason for expulsion), we learned the following:
2006-07 school year
4 expulsions
- 3 for fighting/violence
- 1 for insubordination/threats
1 expulsion in each of grades 9-12
2007-08 school year
15 expulsions (1 more scheduled this week)
- 7 for drugs (possession and/or sale)
- 7 for weapons (2 knives; 5 BB guns)
- 1 for violence/threats
1 expulsion in elementary school (grade 5)
6 expulsions in middle school (1 in grade 6, 5 in grade 8)
8 expulsions in high school (2 in Gr. 9; 3 in Gr.10; 1 in Gr. 11; 2 in Gr. 12)
Why isn't the school board talking bout this?
Our board fought hard at several school board and finance committee meetings, essentially stalemating any agreement on limiting reimbursement expenses for school board members' meals while at conferences. How shameful that the board is willing to expend such time and effort defending something as ludicrous as their right to a $42 steak dinner but then avoid discussing the rise in expulsions at the board table.
This is the heart of what's wrong with the school board, the district, and to some extent, the city as a whole. It's time we stopped stuffing these things in the closet and started talking about them. It's time our school board came up with something other than Dr. FeelGood, plain vanilla agenda items.
(SP-EYE question for another day: How can the public ever find out about these things if they have names like "storyReader$26" anyway? Maybe the Task Force for community engagement could answer that? Oh...wait...THAT committee is on hold for now...but you weren't told about THAT decision either).
Following an open records request for information related to expulsions over the past 2 school years (Grade level and reason for expulsion), we learned the following:
2006-07 school year
4 expulsions
- 3 for fighting/violence
- 1 for insubordination/threats
1 expulsion in each of grades 9-12
2007-08 school year
15 expulsions (1 more scheduled this week)
- 7 for drugs (possession and/or sale)
- 7 for weapons (2 knives; 5 BB guns)
- 1 for violence/threats
1 expulsion in elementary school (grade 5)
6 expulsions in middle school (1 in grade 6, 5 in grade 8)
8 expulsions in high school (2 in Gr. 9; 3 in Gr.10; 1 in Gr. 11; 2 in Gr. 12)
Why isn't the school board talking bout this?
Our board fought hard at several school board and finance committee meetings, essentially stalemating any agreement on limiting reimbursement expenses for school board members' meals while at conferences. How shameful that the board is willing to expend such time and effort defending something as ludicrous as their right to a $42 steak dinner but then avoid discussing the rise in expulsions at the board table.
This is the heart of what's wrong with the school board, the district, and to some extent, the city as a whole. It's time we stopped stuffing these things in the closet and started talking about them. It's time our school board came up with something other than Dr. FeelGood, plain vanilla agenda items.
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