New Haven Independent

Posted by: East Rock Neighborhood Skeptic | January 18, 2007 10:11 AM

I'm unsure of the true benefit to the school or the community from having these signs, particularly those that have the potential to flash and flicker. Can there be some documentation that this will improve the education that the school is responsible for before committing funds to this?

Just because a vice principal thinks it would be a good idea doesn't make it one. How about announcing the cafeteria specials or posting antismoking or antidrug slogans? Wouldn't that be in the best interest of the community and the students? How about announcing 'last chance to buy a page supporting the yearbook'?

Why should the immediate neighbors be subjected to this visual pollution? This recommendation is dreck and doesn't merit being put forward. This is not a neighborhood school, and putting these community service notifications out on the sidewalk will most likely not increase the number of seats in chairs for drama events or basketball games. It will only increase the ugliness of the site.

I don't support this waste of money by the school board.

Posted by: Ralph Rechtenberg | January 18, 2007 12:16 PM

New Haven is a spendthrift municipality. Ridiculously large sums of money spent on useless sports facilities, sports programs and signage. They do nothing for the kids except let them play, play, play.

Where is the new science building? Or the new library? How about the new language lab? Why not longer days, instead of the extraordinarily brief time students now spend in the classroom?

Where are the teachers and the parents -- why does this community fail to insist that young people study hard for their future? Challenge them and prepare them for life. Shame on New Haven.

Posted by: Fix the Schools | January 18, 2007 1:25 PM

Perhaps they could post the school's performance results on the statewide CAPT test, or the true graduation rate of students who start out in 9th grade and finish at the end of 12th. If the sign brought attention to the distortions that the Board of Education and the mayor have been feeding the public about school performance, the cost of the sign would be well worth it.

Posted by: Sabrina | January 19, 2007 6:08 AM

Grrrrrrrrrr! One of the features of an on-line journalism project, like The Independent, is that anyone with the wherewithal to register for a Typekey can post a comment and can choose to be anonymous or not. Not so with a ‘Letter to the Editor’ in a published newspaper, your name and town follows your comments. It bothers me when folks that do not live in New Haven write in to the local paper (NH Register)and seem to have so much to say about what happens here, but at least I can consider the source (non-residents) and forgive them their ignorance while supporting their rights to an opinion. Here, I can only ‘grrrrrrrrrrrr.’ I truly am bothered by the anonymous nature of these postings as they so often seem so unproductive and honestly, just vicious. I live in New Haven, I live in East Rock and both of my sons graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and yes, my taxes are killing me. And yes, these school buildings are expensive and part of my high taxes. But let me tell you that while my eldest endured the re-construction of that building, my youngest benefited from it. Let me also say that my eldest had the displeasure of being involved in an urban-suburban program and during that program kids from the suburban side came for a visit to Cross and spent most of their group time whispering about how awful and ugly their school was and how glad they were that their parents wouldn’t ever make them come to a place like Cross. Well, now our kids at Cross not only have a terrific building that I am so proud of, but a tremendous academic program as well. The opportunities for kids to not only exceed, but excel are abundant at Wilbur Cross. Perhaps some of the folks that have sent their kids to private schools and then move them to Cross during the latter part of high school so that their kids can take advantage of free college classes at Yale and other local colleges, and whose college apps. appear more competitive because they graduate from an “inner city” school read The Independent and can attest to these opportunities? Let me tell you how pleased I am that both of my boys had advantages going into college because of the college credits they amassed through Cross’ AP and independent study programs along with researching in the Library Media Center, conducting extensive experiments in the fully equipped science labs, and for my youngest even dancing and singing on the stage in the new auditorium. Perhaps some of you missed the recent article that Cross is tops in the state in enrolling kids in AP classes and yes, they also pass the exam! But, alright, that is the high end of success at Cross and I am grateful that my kids did well. But, do not think for one minute that the kids who are struggling have less opportunity or that the will of so many of the teachers and support staff is to kick those kids to the curb academically so that they can ‘play,play,play.’ They are serious about educating every child, but they take whoever walks through the door and in far too many instances, those kids walk alone with poor preparation, overwhelmed parents or guardians and little reason to see how an education will ever free them from the despair they arrived in. I am sick of those that think they know what happens in New Haven Public Schools that have never stepped foot inside or have any idea of the challenges we, yes we -all of us- face in educating our community of children. Criticizing from a distance is just so annoying. Get involved and do something to help if you aren’t satisfied with the results.

And the Asst. Principal O’Connor who thinks signage is good and positive? He is probably one of the most dedicated, enlightened and capable administrators I know, and I know a lot of them. While we are typing comments about signs, he is at Wilbur Cross day in and day out trying to manage over 1200 students and some 100 staffers - each of them with differing needs - and if he thinks that Cross needs more signage, then Cross needs more signs! Heck, they should consider erecting a huge one along the bluff of East Rock that points directly at this school of promise, hope and accomplishment. Of course, as a resident, neighbor and taxpayer, I hope a solar sign is considered and that the light shuts off by 8:00pm. Sabrina Bruno, New Haven.

Posted by: Alfred E. Neuman | January 19, 2007 1:15 PM

Sabrina sounds like the sort of parent who has the ability to make the most of the academic options that Cross offers. But she and her sons are not the point.

On her point about Cross' academic program. I wonder how the AP curriculum at Cross compares with those at wealthier and whiter suburban schools. How would she reconcile the fact that the district reports that hundreds of students are enrolled in "AP" courses, yet less than 7% of all New Haven high schoolers passed all three strands of the State CAPT test, a test that is far less rigorous than the AP examinations? By the way, nowhere in the article was there any record about how many students took and passed the AP exam. The article was merely a puff piece, and it's the kind of reporting which doesn't serve ANYONE well.

Nonetheless she was right about the terrific opportunities. They are abundant in New Haven. Proximity to Yale is a clear advantage, but only for those who know how to seize the opportunity! Most parents don't know how to capitalize on these opportunities. For goodness sake, the state is about to spend millions and millions of dollars trying to teach parents of young children that good nutrition, less tv, and reading to your child are good things! Who thinks that most poor New haven parents, who themselves are suffering from poor schooling have the wherewithal to negotiate a course of independent study, research the choice of a good school, lobby for a Yale classroom experience, or select an advance placement course for their kid? It would be great if all parents could step up. No one can argue with that. But because many parents don't or can't step up does not relieve our public officials of their responsibility to educate our students. By tolerating the situation, we are shirking our responsibility. But before we can take action, the first step is to admit that we are not getting the job done. The tripe that was put out there by the district spinmeisters and regurgitated by the Register, only serves to obscure the problem and doesn't own up to the facts. African-American and latino students and their families are being cheated in New Haven and in most other cities. Just look at the CMT scores. They are abysmal for black and hispanic kids. And it isn't because black and hispanic kids are less smart, less capable, or that their parents care less. It is because we have a system that is not attendant to their needs. We have to stop blaming the victims and start calling it like it is. Sabrina's misguided boosterism doesn't serve anyone well except for the folks who preside over the system now. And I'm not talking about those teachers that are hard working and dedicated. (Although I wish those good teachers would stand up and take over their union leadership which continues to resist good practices at every turn)

We know what kinds of schooling works, and yet we conciously decide not to provide it. This isn't a matter of parental will, it is a matter of political will.

Lastly, perhaps the anonimity of writers allows people a forum to discuss their true thoughts without fear of political or personal reprisal. But of course, reprisal doesn't happen here, not in New Haven - not with this Mayor or his Superintendant. So I've decided to pen this under my real name.

What, me worry?

Posted by: greg | January 19, 2007 1:33 PM

to SABRINA BRUNO: bravo for your incitful, positive comments re:the sign!. I am a Cross parent, and i get disgusted with the idiotic, simplistic,ignorant comments from non-involved self appointed moralists who declare their displeasure with guys like Asst. Principal O'Connor, and his thoughts on issues like this sign,which enhances student pride.This guy is actually effective, not an easy task with a school of 1500+ students. He is also well liked, again, not an easy feat, by students and staff. To RALPH:Cross has plenty of well furbished classrooms in all disciplines. My son is in those classrooms.Dont let the FACTS ruin your story.Cross has an honors program second to none! i know, cause i'm a parent an Honors student.These teachers challenge students every day.You want change?I challenge you to go to Cross and see it in person.Longer school days?That costs more money, based on current funding.Public school is free to students, but costs money to property owners like myself.You paying more for that?You pay taxes? They aren't high enough?Atleast you signed your name, unlike those other cowards. To FIX THE SCHOOLS:CAPT summeries are available to the public ,and are published annually.You want this sign to announce failures?.Name a school or business that follows this practice!Come back to earth!Try some positive involvement, and sign your name instead of taking cheap shots and hiding behind your skirt!TO SKEPTIC: Why dont you go to Cross and meet O'Connor and talk face to face with him ? You might get the education you obviously missed,instead of leaking your bitter feelings anonymously. Another coward not signing their name! As long as the school committee and the Alderpersons follow procedures and are in agreement that the students and the community are enhanced by this proposal,and it is done in public, it deserves support.The school committee makes proposals and has public discussions with elected officials. Anyone having a problem with issues like this should at least identify thenselves prior to making negative comments.Greg Neagle,New Haven

Posted by: Jeff Klaus | January 19, 2007 4:08 PM

Greg and Sabrina,

Why do both of you take such offense at criticism of a school that is not producing acceptable results? Why do you make assumptions about who is involved and not involved? Why do you view these comments as an attack on the principal? You both can be happy with the honors program at Cross and take pride in your own children's accomplishment, but you can also still recognize that the majority of the students at Cross (and all high schools in New Haven) are not being prepared adequately for college. I happen to be a proud Wilbur Cross graduate, but I am also saddened by the fact that my alma mater is not producing better results. As for the money, Greg, your property taxes only pay for a portion of the schools operating budget. Most of the funds that flow into public schools in New Haven are provided by the State of CT. through the educational cost sharing grant which is raised from the state income tax. Whose income tax? All of those uninvolved suburbanites that you resent.

Posted by: greg | January 20, 2007 1:06 PM

jeff, thank you for making my point.my taxes pay for whatever portion they pay for,regardless of the percentage. obviously, you prefer the 'burbs school results. lots more money in those burbs,does your taxes really produce as well as it should? are they really that good for all their money? While you drip with resentment with those who remain loyal to your alma mater in a positive manner.keep bashing from a distance. stay negative,you'll continue to reinforce the exact false image you endorse, and you won't even have to check the improvements at your old school. dont check the facts!Time for white wine and Bree? so sorry, couldn't help that one. Stay blissed out!

Posted by: Jeff Klaus | January 20, 2007 11:53 PM

Greg, The "burbs" schools spend far less per pupil than New Haven, and I do prefer the burbs academic results. Who wouldn't? But I'll admit that is a false argument because the burbs serve different kids and different families. The schools in the burbs absolutely do have their own set of problems. But the difference in results is way too wide. Urban districts should be striving to produce results like the burbs or we will continue the cycle of poverty. But apparently we don't have the collective will to insist that it happen. I actually do stay positive, but I can't ignore the facts when it is so important to fix them.

Posted by: just a point | January 22, 2007 7:23 PM

I only want to say that not using yur real name is essential in this city, and this is a widely read forum. I am an ex-employee, who left of my own accord, but I know that if my true name was used I would paya price. I feel that is a shame, and one of many reason we need new leadership. If only this much effort went into open debate during elections of a mayor, instead of a signage issue. The mayor ignored the city, we are broke, more than you know, but you will soon when the new budget is released. Maybe the mayor could offer part of the salary he collected while spending less than six huors a week in city hall during his ill fated campaign. Maybe one less inside deal for a contribution donantion would have been nice. signed: Former Insider and afraid of retribution.

Posted by: RobN | January 24, 2007 7:07 PM

Anonymity is not an issue. The issue which will always be present in any debate is the presence of trolls (anonymous or not). Those trolls, out of laziness and sometimes malice, habitually exxagerate, distort the truth and/or pathologically lie to support their political beliefs. So my dear trolls, if you're not willing to back up your assertions with facts, stay out of the debate.

I applaud all contributors in this forum who have a positive attitude towards what our schools could be. That being said, heres some fact. New Haven has one of the lowest median incomes in the state...the biggest hurdle for the educational system in New Haven is not neccesarily the amount of money spent on the students in school, or whether they bought a digital sign or more books. Although more money for the schools would undoubtedly have a positive influence, the biggest hurdle for New Haven schools is really the amount of money OUT of school at the students' homes. Home is where education starts and is nourished and nothing is a substitue for supporting a child at home. But hey, don't take my word for it..check out the Connecticut mastery scores for 4-8, which are consistantly lower for towns and cities with low median incomes.
http://www.youbelonginct.com/pupload/mastery_scores.pdf
And as far as the sign goes..I personally think its kind of cheesy. Nevertheless, the vice-principal didn't go out and buy himself a Ferrari...he just bought a sign. He thought he was doing something nice for the kids by taking pride in appearance. So chill out and take it easy on the staff; they work hard under difficult conditions.

Posted by: Jeff Klaus | January 25, 2007 2:10 PM

Robn,

While the relationship between socio-economic factors and educational outcomes is clear, and some could argue that it is causal, thankfully we have well-known interventions that have allowed us to defy the correlation. I am sure that you will agree that all kids, regardless of background, can learn at high levels. We have seen this in some remarkable traditional district schools (Dwight school in Hartford is one example), excellent charter schools, and also in many parochial schools - which have been around a lot longer. This is not news. And so I would challenge you to not stop the conversation at - "Well, the families are poor, therefor it's impossible to educate the kids." (sorry for para-phrasing)

The critical issue is whether we as a community and a state have the collective will to redirect our resources towards achieving the desireable outcome, that being every child will be given a high quality education. Educational equality within racial and class groups is the civil rights issue of our time, but for those of us who are less motivated by the morality of the issue, closing the achievement gap is also vital to our collective economic interests.

It would be nice if we could start with home and families to drive better outcomes. Parents should always be encouraged to be the primary role model for their children. But it is not practical to expect that a generation of parents who themselves have suffered from unequal education, should be relied on to close the achievement gap for their children. Despite the immense challenges of changing our system, we are more likely to be successful if we ask our public schools to rise to the occasion.

Posted by: RobN | January 25, 2007 6:48 PM

Jeff,

I agree that schools need innovative ways to rise to the occasion of teaching students with much potential but few resources outside of school. However, its not fair to ask teachers to be parents.

Your argument is well put though and its evident that you care deeply about education in New Haven. This city needs more good solid citizens like you.