http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : School Achievements : A New Approach Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:12:46 +0000 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:32:56 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4106 http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29479&title=a-new-approach#29479 Author: Bill
Subject: 4106
Posted: Sep 02 2011 at 9:32am

This sounds like more coddling.  This approach is part of the discipline problem there for years --- more excuses, more "time outs", more fudged discpline numbers from the Superintendent, zero expulsions...all while more students fleeing the district for other districts?]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:32:56 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29479&title=a-new-approach#29479 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29477&title=a-new-approach#29477 Author: squeemy
Subject: 4106
Posted: Sep 02 2011 at 8:06am

on the face of it, simply trying to create a positive atmosphere at Midd High School would seem trite but I think it goes to the heart of the issue - compulsory education creates a situation where a lot of the people in school don't want to be there.

In many respects, I don't blame them.


]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:06:48 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29477&title=a-new-approach#29477 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29474&title=a-new-approach#29474 Author: ground swat
Subject: 4106
Posted: Sep 02 2011 at 7:20am

I see a few kids walking around the neighborhood that are from the high school during the day  but thurs. there were at least 20 walking and standing around for a good bit of the morning. If this happens today I'll be calling to round them back up.]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:20:18 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29474&title=a-new-approach#29474 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29473&title=a-new-approach#29473 Author: VietVet
Subject: 4106
Posted: Sep 02 2011 at 7:09am

From the Journal..


Principal seeks to create a supportive, positive climate
Carmela Cotter urging teachers to take ownership of school

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown High School’s new principal, staff and students are all working together to create a stronger sense of family at the school on Breiel Boulevard

“It’s four years of not just academic development, but also of social and emotional development, and a chance to grow up in a really supportive and positive family-like environment

Her goal for the school is “to make this the most positive climate that we possibly can. Make it possible for the teachers to do their best possible work and the students to feel relaxed and comfortable, and to be able to excel

IF THIS WAS NEEDED, I'M WONDERING WHAT KIND OF SHAPE THE HIGH SCHOOL WAS IN WHEN NEWELL WAS RUNNING THE SHOW???? WAS THERE AN ENVIRONMENT OF "FAMILY" UNDER NEWELL'S DIRECTION?

One example of positive behavior supports is demonstrating respect for one another, Cotter said.

“One of the things that we’re doing right now that the entire building is practicing is directing kids, say for instance, to get to class on time in a very constructive manner instead of hollering and yelling. What we are saying to them is, ‘You need to get to class on time because we have important work to do everyday,’ ” she said.

UMMM.....DON'T KNOW THAT THAT WILL WORK ON HARD-LINERS MS. COTTER. HARD-LINERS USUALLY DON'T PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO THE KINDER/GENTLER WAY OF APPROACH, DO THEY? IT MAY BE "IMPORTANT WORK" TO YOU, BUT DOUBT THE REAL PROBLEM KIDS CARE THAT MUCH ABOUT THE WORK AND WILL DISMISS THE MESSAGE YOU ARE TRYING TO SEND.

She will do an outstanding job of working with both internal and external groups to build on our strengths and address our challenges. I’m excited and very fortunate to have her on the team.”

LET'S HOPE SO MR. RASMUSSEN. TIME WILL TELL. RESULTS WILL TELL IF SHE WILL BE EFFECTIVE. AT THIS POINT, WE CAN DO NOTHING BUT WAIT AND SEE IN A YEAR OR TWO. IF THE DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS CONTINUE. IF THE GRADES AND PERCENT PASSING REMAINS LOW, IF THE SCHOOLS DON'T MOVE TO EFFECTIVE, IF THE INDICATORS REMAIN STUCK ON 10 OF 26 FOR TWO OR MORE YEARS FROM NOW, PROBABLY NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AGAIN ON A NEW APPROACH. ]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:09:54 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4106&PID=29473&title=a-new-approach#29473