Today Ms. Dachisen and I spoke with our older students about some upsetting comments our younger students are reporting about their bus rides to and from school.
We are beginning to hear that the older students--grades 4-8-- are using inappropriate language and are not setting a very positive example for the younger students.
We are also hearing that some parents might have been hearing about this from their children. Please give us a call about these types of behaviors. We do not wish students to use language that is profane and that provides our younger students with a new "earthy" vocabulary!
After the Turkey Day break we will be meeting with the Transportation Committee of the BOE to discuss making our transportation even more enjoyable for those who ride the buses.
Thanks for your assistance.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Giving Thanks and helping others
Before the Turkey Day Break let me say thank you to everyone who brought donations to the school to assist one of our families in the aftermath of the tragic fire that struck their home last Friday, November 21st! The incredible outpouring of assistance clearly illustrated the breadth of this communities support for others. The fact that so many families came together to assist is a true testament to this community. I am proud to be associated with the fine people of Oxford.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
Till next time...
Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
Till next time...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Just what are we doing?
Recently I was asked why a school district, or individual, might be willing to call the Division of Youth and Family Services to report a suspected problem involving a student. My answer was not very popular with the interviewer! The law is pretty clear on this issue. The law says, in so many words, that if a person knows or suspects that a child might be in a dangerous or harmful situation, a call MUST be made. Not, should I think about it and then maybe place the call.
The key to understanding the role of DYFS in NJ today is the title of the organization. They are here to help families and children deal with the stresses they may be feeling. In my experiences here in Warren County the family is assisted with the help of the DYFS workers and not punished for sometimes buckling under in the face of real pressure and stress. DYFS works for the families and the children. Yes, it can occasionally have issues to deal with, but we have not seen this in our county and with our community.
The key to this law is allowing for outside agencies to assist families and their children so that they can all enjoy a happy and healthy home life.
The key to understanding the role of DYFS in NJ today is the title of the organization. They are here to help families and children deal with the stresses they may be feeling. In my experiences here in Warren County the family is assisted with the help of the DYFS workers and not punished for sometimes buckling under in the face of real pressure and stress. DYFS works for the families and the children. Yes, it can occasionally have issues to deal with, but we have not seen this in our county and with our community.
The key to this law is allowing for outside agencies to assist families and their children so that they can all enjoy a happy and healthy home life.
Monday, November 17, 2008
December 9th is coming rapidly
The school district is at a crossroads! We have actually been at this crossroads for quite some time.
The crossroad in this scenario is where the old crosses with the new. The old road is the road that continues to look at the leaks in the hallways, classrooms and stairwells; the classrooms that are not up to current codes; and many other projects, and chooses to throw band-aids at each project, hoping they work and watching the bills pile up when they don't. I know the old road. I was on the old road. It is bumpy! It can be no fun to ride.
The new road involves addressing these problems and getting them fixed--finally. The new road does cost more than the old road. However, the time to fix the problems is absolutely, NOW. I have been asked the questions: "Why don't you apply for the construction grants that the state is making available?" The answer is that we got our share of state grants that helped cover some of the costs for the wonderful facility we use everyday. The problem is that there are 100's of districts competing for the grants and because we were granted money years ago, our project would be dropped to the bottom of the priority list. So the state has said that instead of the grant funds, they will pay 58.7% of the debt service for the project.
The projects we are asking for are all projects that are labelled as Level I and Level II projects by the state of NJ. These projects involve school safety, code upgrades, maintaining the integrity of the facility and the use of renewable, clean solar energy. These projects will allow us to take the water collection barrels out of the stairwells and hallways, bring the building up to code and provide the school with a consistent stream of solar electricity that will further decrease our bills and our impact on the environment.
We can get off one road and on to the other road. Come out on December 9th and let your voice be heard.
Till next time...
The crossroad in this scenario is where the old crosses with the new. The old road is the road that continues to look at the leaks in the hallways, classrooms and stairwells; the classrooms that are not up to current codes; and many other projects, and chooses to throw band-aids at each project, hoping they work and watching the bills pile up when they don't. I know the old road. I was on the old road. It is bumpy! It can be no fun to ride.
The new road involves addressing these problems and getting them fixed--finally. The new road does cost more than the old road. However, the time to fix the problems is absolutely, NOW. I have been asked the questions: "Why don't you apply for the construction grants that the state is making available?" The answer is that we got our share of state grants that helped cover some of the costs for the wonderful facility we use everyday. The problem is that there are 100's of districts competing for the grants and because we were granted money years ago, our project would be dropped to the bottom of the priority list. So the state has said that instead of the grant funds, they will pay 58.7% of the debt service for the project.
The projects we are asking for are all projects that are labelled as Level I and Level II projects by the state of NJ. These projects involve school safety, code upgrades, maintaining the integrity of the facility and the use of renewable, clean solar energy. These projects will allow us to take the water collection barrels out of the stairwells and hallways, bring the building up to code and provide the school with a consistent stream of solar electricity that will further decrease our bills and our impact on the environment.
We can get off one road and on to the other road. Come out on December 9th and let your voice be heard.
Till next time...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Old Roof
I have been reading many "interesting" viewpoints concerning the referendum that the Board of Education and administration have proposed as a special election on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. Not everything is, how should I put this, the most factual representation of the proposed projects. The facts are:
When the building was remodeled and expanded, one aspect of the project was missing: the roof on the older 1923 section of the school. The school changed shape and size over a two year expansion and was ready to be occupied for the 2004-2005 school year--without a new roof on the old building.
As the construction projects began and evolved, some projects were left on the "cutting room" floor. For example, new slip-resistant stair well treads, new American Disabilities Acts compliant doors and hardware, a more secure front entrance, vinyl tile in all classrooms, and others.
It is time to get these projects done and finish the building!
The roof is still leaking and we are throwing money at projects that are not long-term solutions, just temporary band-aids.
The current Board and current administration never once felt that previous citizens were responsible for any issues associated with the past project. The past project was a good one, and it allowed us to meet the needs of the students of OCS. However, due to the project's evolution, not everything was fixed.
Back in 2000, when the state approved the renovations, the people of Oxford paid for more than 53% of the project. This year, the state has said they will fund 58.7%.; leaving the taxpayers less than half the project funding.
Please help us finish the work that needs to be done.
I hope to have the facts up on the school web page in the next few days.
As always, thank you for your support!
When the building was remodeled and expanded, one aspect of the project was missing: the roof on the older 1923 section of the school. The school changed shape and size over a two year expansion and was ready to be occupied for the 2004-2005 school year--without a new roof on the old building.
As the construction projects began and evolved, some projects were left on the "cutting room" floor. For example, new slip-resistant stair well treads, new American Disabilities Acts compliant doors and hardware, a more secure front entrance, vinyl tile in all classrooms, and others.
It is time to get these projects done and finish the building!
The roof is still leaking and we are throwing money at projects that are not long-term solutions, just temporary band-aids.
The current Board and current administration never once felt that previous citizens were responsible for any issues associated with the past project. The past project was a good one, and it allowed us to meet the needs of the students of OCS. However, due to the project's evolution, not everything was fixed.
Back in 2000, when the state approved the renovations, the people of Oxford paid for more than 53% of the project. This year, the state has said they will fund 58.7%.; leaving the taxpayers less than half the project funding.
Please help us finish the work that needs to be done.
I hope to have the facts up on the school web page in the next few days.
As always, thank you for your support!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Thoughts for the start of November
Tonight at 6:00 pm, we are having a very important meeting here at the school. The school is in need of many renovations that could not be done as part of the construction project back in 2001. Many people do not realize that one of the major aspects of the new proposal is the roof on the 1923 section of the building. That roof was never part of the previous referendum that was approved by the town back in December of 2000. It needed to be replaced then and it is not getting any better. As many of you know, we had to have a delayed opening to make sure that our classrooms could be fully operational as the rain came pouring in last week.
There are many other projects that were never addressed in the building project, due to the change orders that occurred as the new wing was added and the older, original structure was updated. Classroom floors need to be replaced, stairwells need safer footing and railings, carpets need to be taken up and many other projects that will keep the building secure and compliant with all codes and federal regulations.
Please come out and see the presentation. The facts are here. The project is transparent and what we need.
See you tonight.
There are many other projects that were never addressed in the building project, due to the change orders that occurred as the new wing was added and the older, original structure was updated. Classroom floors need to be replaced, stairwells need safer footing and railings, carpets need to be taken up and many other projects that will keep the building secure and compliant with all codes and federal regulations.
Please come out and see the presentation. The facts are here. The project is transparent and what we need.
See you tonight.
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