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Parent First April 24, 2013 at 01:34 pm
Well, without considering how many tests were taken by each individual student, it actually does…Read More mean something. ---It means that in Darien 801 students were tested while in New Canaan 644 students were tested. So then the question is "why?"
But yes, the response was quite rapid.
Richard P Vachula April 24, 2013 at 01:17 pm
these number mean nothing -- But look how quick they responded -- Why because they must justify…Read More paying 109 teacher over $100,000 a yr. A KG teacher $113,000
a Spanish teacher $132,000
so they need to be NUMBER 1 or 2 --
if not maybe the TC would not keep giving them more money
If you would like a copy of their line item budget email me at RPV47@aol.com
humdinger April 24, 2013 at 01:12 pm
Parent First is right. Just the facts. The facts are that New Canaan is far behind its…Read More "peers", ie the Connecticut Gold Coast towns.
Maybe the esteemed Dr. Kolek will take a look at what they are doing right so that our children are not left behind. Maybe, New Canaan isn't encouraging its students to enroll in and take the AP and IB exams. Perhaps, Dr. Kolek is pleased with mediocrity.
feo mesics April 24, 2013 at 07:50 pm
If New Canaan had been shown as #1, just think how Kolek and Ms. Beulea would be crowing about the…Read More results and saying that they needed even more money from the Town to keep them at #1
Parent First April 24, 2013 at 05:27 pm
Perception is reality.
And that is what these rankings are to many people.
Roy A. Abramowitz April 24, 2013 at 03:08 pm
Chow Mein: So what you are preaching is discrimination against woman? You say: "Two income…Read More families (you mean two individuals with the same right to a career) are not properly supervising their children's homwework". From personal experience I can say that is total rubbish. Also my wife has just as much right to her career as I and to boot my daughter is doing just fine.
Richard P Vachula April 23, 2013 at 11:15 am
New Canaan Taxpayers Assoc. has the full line item budget for all B of E salaries for the 2013-14…Read More budget -- what the town never got to see-- surly information never hurt anyone
specially the taxpayers if you want a copy please email me at RPV47@aol.com -- Maybe now that they know how to reduce their budget they can do more -- what about the
$10,000,000 slush fund if you don't mind me calling it that
I don't know what else to call it
NC May 1, 2013 at 08:57 am
You know, I can't believe the parents fought for the budget so we can ignore our children's physical…Read More environment in order to have a Public Relations person! This person will do press releases? Newsletter? BOE liaison? Are we serious? How about we have some "test" for these choices and allow parents direct input?
Wasn't the note which prompted the bomb scare at Saxe possibly there for days? Why? Because the "physical environment" hadn't been cleaned? Really, do we need another District level person who simply makes sure we appear to look good?
Alice Maritis April 23, 2013 at 12:46 pm
During the budget process, Dr. Kolek explained that the dedicated communications person was needed…Read More due in large part to the high volume of FOI requests. Interesting that the requester still thinks that his mission isn't costing the taxpayers. Nice to know our schools will not be cleaned properly because this takes precedent over a custodian. There are ways to bring about change without all of this nonsense.
Susan Borst April 12, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Much of the town's success with this program is owed to Sonia Schott and her years of dedication to…Read More building such a strong program at all age levels. New Canaan teams have been state champions and have been represented at "Worlds" each year for at least a dozen years. Kids who have the Odyssey experience learn to be creative, independent thinkers and also learn that for most problems, there is more than one solution. It's truly an incredible program.
Alice Maritis April 6, 2013 at 10:06 pm
I have to agree with Elmcrest. It is a rare occasion to have a room full of people for any town or…Read More BOE meeting. I am curious though, Elmcrest, are there no elevators planned for the new Town Hall? I would imagine that would be a handicapped access requirement for a new building?
Elmcrest April 6, 2013 at 06:58 pm
You say that “Town Hall plans do not call for adequate meeting space,” and suggest…Read More that's a “message” that residents are not invited to participate. Instead, I see a wise use of resources. I’ve been attending meetings at Town Hall for years, and they rarely go over 50 people, let alone over 100. Even the well-publicized meeting to unveil preliminary Town Hall plans had about 75. Fact is, the vast majority of Town meetings are smaller, and the meeting spaces proposed for Town Hall more than adequately meet the real need. What’s more, the proposed space will be optimized for televising meetings on Channel 79 so many more residents can know what’s going on if they can’t be there physically. For the very, very few meetings that exceed 100 persons, and this is usually known ahead of time, the Town can move to one of the other Town-owned meeting halls, such as the Saxe auditorium, the NCHS auditorium, and even the New Canaan Playhouse. I don’t see that we need to keep building separate large meeting halls to accommodate meetings of over 100 people, only to have those expensive spaces lie vacant most of the day and night, year after year. My one suggested change to the Town Hall proposal, however, is to move that meeting space to the first floor to make it more accessible.
Cobie Graber April 6, 2013 at 01:43 pm
I am wholeheartedly behind looking at the spending of ALL tax dollars closely and asking the…Read More important questions. Those in town who choose to be too busy to take an active role in this process should realize that the character of our town is changing. There is no reason to plead ignorance now and complain later. We need to work together to restore civility and share input before the dollars are spent. Please support the officials who support you. And have the courage to share your opinions with those who do not - in a constructive way.
It is alarming to note the Town Hall plans do not call for adequate meeting space. Is the message to residents that they are not invited to participate?
It was heartening to see the Kids in Crisis budget restored and Mr. Patrona reinstated. What else are you willing to rally behind?
Michael Dinan (Editor) April 11, 2013 at 01:12 am
Patrick: Thought you'd left us for good. Great to see you back. -Mike
Patrick Henry April 11, 2013 at 12:57 am
Let's not cast any stones there Billy, especially in a town known for a Glass House. I usually find…Read More those who point a finger have several pointing right back at them.
Michael J. Nowacki April 10, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Billie Bob,
You obviously do not respect the rights of all to the presumption of innocence. All of…Read More the observations you made today on this website.
I think you, Dougie and Alice aought to go to Alice's Restaurant.
But for those who are interested in facts, supported by documents in a 17 page complaint, go to www.no-wackileaks.com to read the facts.
Six people were added to the complaint this morning by email and were noticed that their vote last night earned them a nomination for criminal prosecution in a supporting role.
humdinger April 4, 2013 at 06:56 pm
That's good news. Mr. Patrona seems to be a great teacher and his an asset to the school district.…Read More It makes sense that he wouldn't be allowed to teach without current certifications, but should be fully re-instated once all of the necessary credentials are squared away.
Michael J. Nowacki April 1, 2013 at 05:09 pm
Patty as a Pundit--
The "floating" of statements, subject to corrections, tends to place…Read More the responsibility of correction on someone investigating the validity of a statement.
Perhaps in the future, if you posed your area of inquiry as a question, such as, does anyone know whether a certification is required, might be a better way to approach a discussion.
For the record, there is a nine page document availalbe on the State Board of Education site which defines the three different levels of certifications one gets. The first level comes after you receive and pass a test to receive your teacher's license.
After three years of teaching experience, you can then graduate to the next level of certification, for which there are "salary benefits" referenced in the union contract as "steps".
Coaches for instance don't require any certification for "licensing", but does require a criminal background check.
Mr. Patrona, the press release noted, is being allowed to continue as a baseball coach, but not as a classroom "coach" as a teacher's aide.
If someone can explain to me the lack of "logic" to the BOE/NCPS position to allow for Mr. Patrona to have access to "teaching at the high school level as a coach" and denying him the ability to "assist" in permitting him to earning a salary as a "teacher's aide" in the interim while he gets his certification, I am all ears on what prevents the BOE/NCPS from allowing Mr. Patrona "continuity in the classroom."
canaan guy March 30, 2013 at 10:50 pm
Lisa.... Life learing experiences? Come on...... kids that age know one thing.....Ma....can I get an…Read More i phone?
Local Parent March 30, 2013 at 04:39 am
Right, a simple monetary punishment, as in he would be dropped to a substitute until remedied, would…Read More have worked.
Jon S. March 30, 2013 at 03:58 am
Students get "F's" for late assignments, but they wouldn't get expelled, which is more…Read More like what happened with Mr. P. And I don't know if students will learn the "consequences" lesson you think they will. More likely, they'll learn that flat-footed bureaucrats are quicker to pounce on infractions than to solve problems.
Michael Dinan (Editor) March 30, 2013 at 03:01 am
Everyone: It was announced Friday evening that Mike Patrona will return to the classroom at Saxe…Read More Middle School as soon as his certification is restored. Full story here, http://patch.com/A-3pdY -Mike
Pamela Patterson March 29, 2013 at 01:33 am
I had the pleasure of teaching with Mike when he was a student teacher at East School. He was…Read More dedicated, energetic, enthusiastic and beloved by the children. I certainly hope that NCPS can find a way to work with Mike to reinstate his credentials and position in the system.
Michael J. Nowacki March 28, 2013 at 11:55 pm
Dear Baffled:
Be still, my heart when detente is achieved.
I will treasure this day forevermore.…Read More
Baffled, your comment approaching a compliment will be savored as much as NCAA March Madness as a sign that spring is merely the harbinger for The Masters, a tournament unlike any other.
Baffled Resident March 28, 2013 at 10:52 pm
For the 1st time Mr. Nowacki, i will say i agree with you on all of your points.
Michael J. Nowacki March 28, 2013 at 06:17 pm
The comment from Jim Galluza today requires some elaboration on the dangers of making assumptions…Read More that an email sent from a specific IP address necessarily allows for any of us, without verification, to make a "reasonable" inference that any comment authored for any IP address can be "assumed" as a presumption of who authored the email from that IP address.
A careful review of the email post of Jim Galluzo, who I know to be a gentleman of impeccable manners and decoum, which suggests one of his sons posted a comment from a family email account, resulted in Mike Dinan's comments last evening, indicating a "hostility" level which is inappropriate for publication on "The Patch".
The comments from Jim today clarify that Jim Galluzo Sr. was not the author of the comment last night.
Mr. Dinan's well intentioned "comments" about Jim Galluzo's posts turned out to be somewhat misdirected to Jim Galluzo Sr.
Jim, being the man that he is and has always known to be, accepted the "limited liability" of comments authored from his home shared email account, but also properly corrected the record to accord the "absolute" attribution of the contents of a post last night to a member of his family who was expressing a sense of "defensive righteous indignation" which may have crossed the "Rubicon" of appropriate discourse on The Patch.
So let the record show that there are dangers in even "reasonable inferences" that might attribute a comment to a gentleman beyond reproach.
Local Parent March 27, 2013 at 01:46 pm
What worked well? Do we even know what happened that required overnight coverage of the school?…Read More Why so shady? This isn't top secret stuff, is it?
Michelle o. March 18, 2013 at 03:39 am
Local parent- the counselors at the high school at every focused on the college admission process…Read More and unfortunately, from what I understand, many kids do not access them the same way they do the teen talk person. Ed is apparently a real part of the students community and thus, a comfortable and trusted ally for the teens who seek his help
Local Parent March 18, 2013 at 02:51 am
While some children were calmly aware of the situation, others were huddled in a corner of the…Read More classroom the whole time...yet that has fact has not been clearly communicated to parents. Some of us found out from our children. Talking points went out to teachers...no mention of that. Why weren't parents explicitly told?
Michael Dinan (Editor) March 12, 2013 at 03:40 am
Thanks everyone for your comments on this story. I'm closing this thread now. We'll have a fresh…Read More thread on this topic opening in the morning. -Mike
Local Parent March 11, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Let's look at what we DO spend money on so we aren't wasting it on programs that don't help kids.…Read More
I think in your fear, you missed the message. Consultants at $800K? Really, what for? To develop more curriculum? Technology? Do we need more? Kids have plenty at home. If we really want to be cutting edge, get our kids off the computers and do some of "what a life" suggested in her post.
"More" is not always "Better." And while your income may be limitless, or you plan to simply move on, mine isn't - I'll be here a while...and I'd like to consider the impact on our future. Things won't be getting better nationally for a while...and we all know what rolls downhill.
heavens sake March 11, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Roy, Agree with you NC should not issue Bonds just because interest rates are low. Previous First…Read More Selectman preached taking on more debt for that reason, but Bob Mallozzi is more prudent . Many also believe inflation will make paying off debt with future cheaper $s will be easy. However , as you point out, any increase in interest rates to combat inflation would place many cities ,towns and individuals in default. We are in unchartered waters and therefore BOF should be more responsible and transparent before taking on increased spending. Our children will have a better chance to survive if we leave them a viable economy rather than huge debts with no chance to eliminate catastrophic debt at all levels of public financing. It is time for all to live within their means including NC
Glen K Dunbar March 12, 2013 at 02:43 pm
Best of luck w/your production. I am sure the Kids will do splendidly. Wish I could go. But, I am…Read More actually only an opera buff. Sorry
Michael Dinan (Editor) March 12, 2013 at 02:05 pm
Thank you, Patricia. Updated the article. Great group there at the high school!
Patrica Funt Oxman March 12, 2013 at 01:45 pm
Thanks for such a nice piece - our show promises to be amazing. One small thing - Belle's Banquet at…Read More 12:30 Saturday March 23 before the matinee actually ends at 1:30.. Thanks again Michael and Patch.
Patricia Funt Oxman (NCHS Theatre Publicity
Glen K Dunbar March 12, 2013 at 01:10 am
good for You Mel. I blame the NWS entirely and somewhat the weatherman for being so happy about…Read More it...AND...these people in this town that just take it in stride. Ummm
Glen K Dunbar March 11, 2013 at 06:40 pm
No need to worry here Lisa.....my daughter so wants to go on vacation. I can't get off work.…Read More Besides, guess what??? I have NO money What else is new??? I am lucky if I can fill the cars w/gas or just survive. But, to be nice...I will hope everyone else who is/was planning a vacation to just go ahead and take the days as personal or sick time Must be nice to go on vacaton and have a normal life
Canaanite March 20, 2013 at 07:20 pm
It's a travesty that most schools in the United States routinely serve this kind of crap to kids for…Read More lunch. It's pathetic that everyone just accepts that kids ought to have this kind of stuff. Almost nothing is fresh except for the occasional piece of whole fruit and maybe the lettuce in salads - everything is processed and full of salt and too many items are exploding in unhealthy carbs that only make kids lethargic when they should be alert . . . pasta (and roll!), pizza, stromboli, calzones . . . Makes me ill. Does anyone know if the vegetables are fresh at least? My guess is they aren't, but who knows, maybe I am wrong. Would be so glad to know I am . . .
Glen K Dunbar March 8, 2013 at 01:06 pm
I do not blame good ole Mary. She is doing what is best for the Kids. Who do I blame?
The NWS…Read More and of course the Weather Man himself for creating this snow. It should only be allowed to snow on Xmas Eve. NO other time.
Lisa Buchman (Editor) March 8, 2013 at 11:59 am
St. Luke's School is also closed today, Friday, March 8; Science exam and make-up exams will be…Read More re-scheduled after the end of the third quarter. If you have any other cancellations, let us know!
Glen K Dunbar March 8, 2013 at 05:11 pm
Thanks Mikey I know pal. You know I had to try to get my foot in the door though so to speak. I…Read More hope the Kids enjoy it. God Bless them
Michael Dinan (Editor) March 8, 2013 at 03:56 pm
Glen, you know I'm your #1 fan -- this is about Robby & Nicole and nobody else. Let's please let…Read More the kids enjoy it ;-)
Ade March 6, 2013 at 08:31 pm
Great Good - You will be better served by sending this request directly to the BOF, TC and BOE.
Michael J. Nowacki March 6, 2013 at 07:38 pm
it is my intention to file a referendum to modify the town charter to make the board of finance an…Read More elected, not appointed, public official.
the board of finance meeting last night demonstrated an inability for the board of finance to seek information on "non-declared income", on a $4.0 million surplus in and excess cost grants, and to mandate the BOE/NCPS system to conform with standard budgeting procedures demanded of every other departmental appropriation request for budge approval for 2013-2014. There was a $2.5 million error in the salaries for the five schools in NCPS reported in the January 23, 2013 presentation prepared by the NCPS and approved by the BOE, which the Board of Finance refused to ask about last night. The Board of Finance has therefore engaged in conduct which constitutes "malicious neglect" or "deliberate indifference" to require the NCPS/BOE to report actual 2012-13 fiscal year expenses not "2012-2013 budgets". The 2013-2014 budget requests for the BOE/NCPS are overstate minimally by $2.5 million from what the actual expenses would be if the Board of Finance had required the town audit for 2011-2012 to have been completed prior to the budget process for 2013-2014. which is an knowingly inaccurate representation of the projectible salaries to be incurred.
Resident 44 years March 12, 2013 at 06:46 pm
Real estate values are down in new Canaan by 42'26 percent the average sale price is down 23.54 the…Read More median sale price is down 42.26 percent the median sale price is $875,000 down from1,515,500 in 2012. The people who will bare the biggest increase in real estate taxes next year will be those in the bracket under $2,000.000. The revaluation next year is mandated by the state and this could force many into a problem The Wall Street Journal places New Canaan with the most foreclosure s in the usawith homes over $1,000,000 THESE FACTS ARE OFFICIAL Real Estate Board Data
Drama Mama March 10, 2013 at 01:05 am
My child has a teacher that hasn't logged on to Powerschool at all this semester and last semester…Read More had a teacher who didn't log on to it for the month before mid-terms.
These are the same teachers who refuse to answer student emails or parent emails. We are paying them for what exactly?
Drama Mama March 10, 2013 at 01:11 am
Once again fear mongering and quick fixes will not make our children safer. An unarmed guard at a…Read More desk won't stop anyone who is intent on doing harm. 200k for a "feel good" solution is NO SOLUTION. And is just a waste of tax payer money.
SLS Rowers Shine at Mercer Lake
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