Move, Stakeout Fail To Land Prized School Spot
by Melissa Bailey | November 26, 2008 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (96)
Amos thought if his family moved across the street from the Hooker School, he could get his daughter in. He was wrong.
This fall, the family has watched from its porch as out-of-district parents, including high-ranking school officials, drop their kids off at the school every day.
Meanwhile, the school system told them to take their kid across town to the Hill.
The family’s case is complicated — the family missed a deadline for signing up their child, and didn’t fully move in-district until a month before school started. The lengths to which the family went to try to land a spot at Hooker reflect the frustration of many public school parents over what they perceive as limited viable choices for their children. The episode also reflects a vein of frustration and despair specific to East Rock families who set their hearts on the top-notch school but don’t always land a spot.
In past years families have scrambled for spots, in some cases to no avail. This year, the family was the only in-district one that couldn’t get its kid into Hooker, according to Reggie Mayo, the superintendent of schools. There were plenty more families out-of-district who would like to get in, too, he said.
Tales of neighbors’ woes have led a local alderman to call for a more transparent process, and for expanding the boundaries of the district to include more neighborhood kids.
“A Rude Awakening”
Amos and his wife, Phoebe, who had lived in Canada, came to New Haven three and a half years ago, when Amos was a student at Yale Law School. They have three daughters, ages 7, 3 and 1.
In November 2006, they started looking for a place to send their oldest daughter, Mikhaela, to kindergarten. Talking to other parents, the couple heard they should really send their kids to only one of two public schools: the Edgewood school in Westville, or the Worthington Hooker elementary school on Livingston and Canner Streets in East Rock.
Hooker is a popular choice among Yale professors and graduate students. It has a strong international community and high-performing kids. When test scores come out, Hooker students routinely blow the rest of the district, and the state, away.
For the family, the choice came easily: All Mikahela’s friends went to Hooker. It was within walking distance. They set their sights on their neighborhood school.
The problem was, they didn’t live in the “neighborhood.”
While many see Hooker as an East Rock school, its district is confined to about half of what is considered East Rock. The boundaries are contained mostly in Ward 10: Click here to view a map of the boundaries. Click here for a list of in-district addresses.
The boundaries weren’t easily accessible on a public web site. When the family called the school system, they found out that the house they were renting on Cottage Street, below Livingston, was out of the district — by about half a block.
“It was a rude awakening for us,” said Amos. Seeing that they were out of district, they didn’t register Mikhaela for kindergarten. They sent her to private school, Cold Spring, and crafted a new plan.
A New Strategy
Showing just how far parents will go to get a kid into Hooker, the couple decided to pick up the family and move house. They found a rental property in Hooker district, across the street from the school. They signed a two-year lease in June. From the front porch at their new house, they could see the newly renovated school.
By moving so close, they thought they’d snagged a place in what the school board president has called a close-knit “family” of involved parents.
“We thought it was automatic,” said Phoebe. They found out it was not.
After spending the spring making phone calls, the couple missed the July 1 registration for new students. They showed up on July 3 to try to register. They applied under their new address, which they planned to fully occupy in August. They were told there was no room for Mikhaela.
“By the time they moved into the district,” explained Superintendent Mayo, “the classes were filled.” By teacher contract, first-grade classes are capped at 26 kids, he said.
The spots were all reserved by students who were enrolled in kindergarten at Hooker the year before, according to Will Clark, the chief operating officer of the school system. Those students either began the 07-08 school year in kindergarten at Hooker, or transferred there during the academic year when a space opened up, he said.
Of the class of 52 first-graders, 15 were “out-of-district” students, the rest “in-district,” Clark said. The “in-district” group may include students in the English as a Second Language program who come from out of district, he said.
In an unusually tight year for first-grade enrollment, no new students were admitted, Clark said.
All grades except kindergarten have a significant number of out-of-district kids: Click here for a grade-by-grade breakdown of Hooker School enrollment as of Oct. 1.
Hooker has two sites comprising grades K-8. A total 155 of the 405 students, or about 38 percent, are “out-of-district” kids. The percentage is on the lower end for city schools — Click here for a break-down of enrollment, school-by-school.
The East Rock family had not, as the school system recommends, made back-up plans at magnet schools. They put all their eggs in the Hooker basket. When their choice didn’t work out, they panicked.
“It was a shock to learn that,” after moving house just to be closer to the school, “we weren’t going to get in anyway,” said Amos. “We were devastated.”
Finding no space at Hooker, the school system registered their child across town at Hill Central Music Academy. The school has been on the federal list of failing schools for the past eight years. The school is K to 8. Phoebe said she would absolutely not send her child there.
“She might have been raped,” Phoebe said.
[Note: After the article was published, Phoebe posted a note, below in the comments section, stressing that she was not referring to her child being in danger in the school, but rather that she didn’t think it safe for her to walk miles to school.]
Superintendent Mayo said his staff offered several other options for their daughter, but the couple refused. Phoebe suggested Mikhaela skip into second grade, where there was space. The school system said no.
“How Did He Get His Kid In?”
When school started, Phoebe still hadn’t given up. She set out on a campaign to get Mikhaela into Hooker. When school started, she marched down to the school each morning, waited until the first-graders lined up in the playground for gym class, and counted heads. She said the classes were not full.
From a seat in the principal’s office, she watched kids from out of district come and go. She had been told that two of the kids at Hooker belong to Clark, the school’s chief administrative officer. Others were international students.
“How did he get his kid in, and I’m around the corner and I can’t get my daughter in?” Phoebe asked with indignation, noting a new arrival one day.
Mayo: It’s Not Political
The question of preferential admission caused a stir in 2004, when out-of-district kids, including the daughters of State Rep. Cam Staples and school board President Brian Perkins, snagged early spots ahead in an over-enrolled kindergarten class.
“That was the year we had problems,” recalled Mayo this week. First came an uproar when six parents who lived in-district found out there was no room for their kids. Luckily, there were some last-minute vacancies and all in-district students ended up getting in.
This year, Mayo said, he was able to find spots for all in-district kids except the East Rock family, which hadn’t fully moved into their new house at the time of registration.
“We have a lot of interest in Hooker,” Mayo said. “It’s a popular school.”
Perkins, who lives in the Beaver Hill area, has enrolled three daughters in the school. He told the Independent last year that he sent his kids across town for the international student body, quality teachers and close-knit “family” of involved parents.
Mayo denied the process is political: Perkins “went through the process like any other parent” — as did Will Clark, he said.
Clark has two boys at Hooker, in the second and fourth grades. He spent his whole life in East Rock, just eight blocks away from the school. His home on Humphrey Street falls about two blocks outside of the Hooker boundary.
Clark said he got his kids in through the standard process: Finding no space at Hooker, he enrolled his kids in a different public school and waited for a transfer. Back when the Hooker School was temporarily housed at Goffe Street, a couple spaces opened up. Clark’s kids were transferred at that time and have remained in the school ever since.
“I certainly followed the process,” he said. He was not chief administrative officer for the school system at the time of the transfer. (He worked downtown at City Hall until 2003.)
Asked how the Hooker admissions process works, the school system gave this explanation:
The first spots go to students who were already enrolled in the school the year before. If any spaces open up, they are given to new students. Factors that enhance a student’s chances of getting in are: If a student lives in-district, has ESL needs, or has a sibling already at the school.
Mayo noted that New Haven’s is a school system of choice, where students are encouraged to cross town for class if they find a better fit at a school in another neighborhood.
If a student doesn’t get into his or her school of choice, parents can apply for a transfer to any non-magnet school, including Hooker. There’s no waiting list at Hooker, said Mayo. He personally monitors for vacancies, then reviews applications from interested students and offers one the spot.
The Stakeout
Back in East Rock, Phoebe was coming to her own conclusion:
“I guess we’re nobodies, so we get the shaft.”
She heard that if she wanted to get into Hooker, she needed to take her case to the top: “You need to talk to Dr. Mayo,” someone told her. “It’s highly political who gets into Hooker.”
A few days into school, with her daughter still not enrolled at any school, she grabbed two of her kids, a bottle of milk, and four crackers, and went to Mayo’s office. She didn’t have an appointment. She waited six and a half hours, Phoebe said — until Mayo came out and spoke with her.
He told her the classes were full.
Not taking no for an answer, Phoebe didn’t leave. In an outburst of frustration, she yelled at Mayo, lobbing an accusation — that the process was “political.” She was escorted by security to the door.
The couple said they don’t want to give up on New Haven public schools.
“If you give up on your public schools, you are sunk as a nation,” said Phoebe (pictured at the top of this story with Amos and their three kids, Alexandra, Mikhaela and Zoë, left to right).
But when she couldn’t get her kid into Hooker, she sent Mikhaela to private school at Cold Spring. They’re happy with the school, she said, but they can’t afford sending three kids to private school while keeping up with East Rock rent.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” said Mayo this week, “but I offered other schools until we got a vacancy at Hooker, and they refused.” He promised her first dibs on a seat in the class.
“She will be the first to get in if a spot at Hooker in first grade as soon as we get a vacancy,” he said.
A Call For Reform
Meanwhile, parents across the neighborhood and city have their eye on those same spots — especially first-grade and kindergarten, where a seat just opened up.
East Rock Alderman Roland Lemar said this year, four separate East Rock families came up to him who couldn’t get their kids into Hooker. Some lived just blocks away from the Hooker boundaries. A couple were lifelong East Rockers.
The parents were struggling to find out basic answers on what the process was, Lemar said. They were befuddled, frustrated and enraged by inconsistent messages from the school board.
The parents were told numerous versions of how the process really worked. They were told that kids who were enrolled at the Leila Day Nursery could apply for in-neighborhood spots, even if they lived elsewhere. Mayo replied that no special privileges are given to Leila Day kids. Other factors that do count, such as ESL needs and sibling preference, weren’t clearly spelled out.
The absence of a waiting list left parents in the dark on their children’s chances for admission.
“The process needs to be clarified and transparent. It should be really easy for parents to come in and see exactly where they stand,” Lemar said. He suggested the school system offer a website where parents can type in their name and address and find out all the information they need: Which neighborhood school they’re eligible for, what the application process and deadlines are for all city schools, and where they stand on any waiting lists.
As these parents stood in limbo, they, like the East Rock family, watched kids from other parts of town starting the year at the school.
“It infuriates people to know that there’s a neighborhood school they can get their kids into, yet when they apply they’re told there isn’t room,” Lemar said. “They watch parents from across the city drop their kids off and head back to Westville, to East Shore or wherever, while they’re stuck bringing their kids to a school that’s their third or fourth choice.”
The school system should stop guaranteeing spots to people who move out of the district, Lemar said.
“There are kids who are in Worthington Hooker, who are from out of district, who are allowed to stay in for the rest of their career,” he noted.
Out-of-district kids should have to reapply each year, he said: “It goes against the merits of a neighborhood-based school when kids can get in in kindergarten, but spend the next seven years living in Westville.”
Lemar said he’s asked the school system to expand the boundaries of the Hooker district to include more of East Rock.
“If we really are a neighborhood school,” he said, the boundaries should include more of what is considered the East Rock neighborhood.
Mayo had no comment on Lemar’s suggestion to redraw the Hooker map.
One former Hooker parent, Yale economics professor Chris Udry, defended the process, even after being the victim of an admissions scare. He and his wife live on Livingston Street. A decade ago, they tried to get their kindergartener into Hooker, only to find the school was full.
“We were of course quite worried,” he said. “Hooker school was one of the reasons we moved to New Haven.” But, as usually happens, a spot opened up for his child.
Reserving spots for kids who are already enrolled in the school “strikes me as totally reasonable, but leads you to an enormous amount of panic,” he said. “It would be ridiculous to kick a kid who’s already been in the school out just because you have a kid who just moved to the neighborhood.”
Lemar, another survivor of a Hooker rejection, said for his family, the search for the right school had a happy ending. When he tried to send his daughter to kindergarten at Hooker, all the spots were full. He sent her to Nathan Hale in the East Shore, where she’s now thriving as a third-grader.
“We love our school,” said Lemar. “It’s unfortunate that everyone thinks that Hooker is the only good school to go to. There really are other schools with tremendous teachers.”
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Comments
Posted by: Ben | November 26, 2008 11:45 AM
The mom lost me with the rape comment. Real nice.
Posted by: 2nd Amendment | November 26, 2008 11:53 AM
"Neighborhood" school, huh??
Posted by: cat2000 | November 26, 2008 12:08 PM
The process, even if slightly flawed, works. If these whiney parents had their way, only well-to-do families would have access to the city's best schools. Most of these well-to-do folks are white by the way, leading to defacto segregation. Some are even idiotic enough to think that if they consort with others in not-so-white areas of the city, their kids might be raped.
Was this supposed to be a sympathetic piece?
Posted by: robn | November 26, 2008 12:16 PM
Hooker school children perform well for exactly the same reasons that its hard to get into. Many dedicated parents raise their children well and pay close attention to their childrens education (which doesn't stop when the bell rings, but continues at home). I'd love to say that we can reproduce this in other city schools but it isn't going to happen until parents become more involved with their children's overall well-being and development.
Posted by: New to town | November 26, 2008 12:17 PM
For those of coming to New Haven from other parts of the country, Yale's ability to help us find a place for our children in this school is intergral to choosing to live in New Haven. While it is true that the University helped us find a temporary address when we moved here which allowed us to enroll at Worthington Hooker, why, when we ended up buying a house in Westville, should we have to change to a different school?
Posted by: anon | November 26, 2008 12:19 PM
I've got $20 bucks that says as soon as their kid is in the school they move to different place, outof district, yet still demand to have their kid at Hooker and all other kids too.
Posted by: Nicoll Street | November 26, 2008 12:26 PM
One might discern from the tone of Ms. Bailey's article that she too does not find much sympathy with this family's "plight". This is, however, a real issue for the many East Rock families who find themselves on the outside looking in. Looking in to the neighborhood school in their own neighborhood that doesn;t have room for them while plenty others from around town get in.
Posted by: BOE insider | November 26, 2008 12:37 PM
Following up on the good Alderman's comments, there really are many other good schools within the NHPS system. The lengths this family decided to go in order to get into Worthington Hooker illustrates their disconnection from that reality. If they wanted to stay in the neighborhood, they could have gone to Celentano or East Rock from any of the multiple addresses they have lived at over their time in New Haven.
They wanted, and feel they are owed, the "elite" New Haven experience of attending Worthington Hooker. Watch this family gt in and then immediately move. Meanwhile real longterm East Rock families like Mr. Clark's are made the scapegoats for these social-climbing Yalies.
Posted by: old school | November 26, 2008 12:40 PM
uhhhh....hello? because you now live in the westville school district. people who actually pay the cost difference of living in the east rock district should reap the benefits.
in addition. what does it say that new haven, the hometown of yale, has only "one" good school?
Posted by: nosympathy | November 26, 2008 12:51 PM
The real issue is the fact that Hooker is the only public school that many parents in the area will consider. That issue seems to be lost in the reportings of a frantic mom thinking she can get her way by harrassment.
Sorry, Phoebe. You can't whine and fuss your way into this one. You missed the deadline, hon. Accept responsibility, and use your time and sharp tongue to raise the level of the other schools nearby. How about East Rock magnet, your old school district, to begin with?
Posted by: norton street | November 26, 2008 12:55 PM
"The couple said they don't want to give up on New Haven public schools." By schools do you mean school? since the other new haven schools arent good enough for your child.
"head back to Westville, to East Shore or [east rock]"
what are you talking about? this city contains more neighborhoods than those 3...
I hope your kid is happy having a life centered around a few blocks in one neighborhood of the city, theyll really learn how to be a well-rounded person from that.
i dont get parents who do this to their child, the most ignorant people i meet in college are the one's who havent seen or been around different people. and if you think the east rock neighborhood is diverse, youre crazy. i grew up in the TRE in the 90's, i went to west hills elementary on valley street across from the mcconaughy terrace public housing project, my best friend at that school lived in westville manor across west rock, i went to middle school for one year at the city point location, and 3 years at the k-8 wooster square location among some of the city's oldest and most beautiful buildings, then i went to wilbur cross. ive been all over the city and im incredibly lucky to have experienced this entire city. dont confine your kid to one neighborhood, explore the city, let her make friends will kids who live the hill or fair haven, shell be a better person for it.
Posted by: jawbone | November 26, 2008 1:28 PM
This story reports nothing new.
I've been in the Hooker district for 10 years, sent my stepson there and will send my own children there. I've heard the sad tale several times a year, every year. Bottom line, somebody should have told them that getting into Hooker is serious business. You cannot miss an application date or you will be skipped over. Period. There are many, many people trying to get their children into this school. These are the cold facts.
By the way, CAT2000's comment is incorrect. Hooker is actually one of the most racially diverse schools in the city. One can infer from CAT's comments that most Yalies are white. This is not the case.
My unsolicited advice. Take a chill, get your game together and get ready for your child to go to Hooker when your name comes up. It usually does. It also doesn't hurt to be friendly and helpful with the principal and the school administrators. Remember, they are public officials (read:beaurocrats) and there is a game that needs to be played. This is 2008.
Posted by: Beansie's Mom | November 26, 2008 2:05 PM
There are how many public school choices for Kindergarten in this city? And it talking with what people are you told that only which two are appropriate for your child.
I guess Yale University needs to start teaching it's graduate students certain basic facts of life.
Did you get into Yale by missing the deadline?
Do you know how to ride your bicycle on the street, preferrably with one of those "dorky" helmets as opposed to being a safety hazard as you careen down sidewalks you don't know endangering walkers, etc.?
Where does Yale University encourage it's staff to purchase property? Isn't the Hill one of those areas.
How do you define across town? Beansie lives across town. She lives in the Eastern part of the city across the Qunnipiac River.
With all the public, charter and private schools in this city -- why should the child of this whining yuppie couple get dibbs on the first seat available in first grade?
SHAME, SHAME on some one for encouraging this sense of entitlement. Life isn't FAIR. Get over it.
Posted by: Been there, done that | November 26, 2008 2:05 PM
I agree that this mother lost me with the rape comment - how dare you imply that all of the other schools house thugs and criminals.
However, it is absolutely true that getting into Hooker and that whole magnet school lottery in New Haven is political. How is it that all of the officials in city and Board of Ed, including many in the school system send their kids - no matter where they live - to Hooker and Wintergreen Schoolwhen all of us are paying taxes, including thier salaries. It is infuriating.
Posted by: Wanda Harris | November 26, 2008 2:08 PM
Saying that her daughter "could be raped" at another school that is primarily black and Hispanic, shows the real motives of the family: Keeping their daughter in as lilly white an environment as possible with "acceptable" asian minorities.
They clearly did not follow the rules by registering on July 1. That is the sole reason they didn't get in. Not because another out of district child took their spot.
This "neighborhood" school designation is also designed to keep certain elements out as well. It boils down to modern day segregation.
Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | November 26, 2008 2:16 PM
This article brings up so, so many issues...but let's start with ROBN who says:
"I'd love to say that we can reproduce this in other city schools but it isn't going to happen until parents become more involved with their children's overall well-being and development"
ROBN, Amistad Academy and Elm City college prep public charter schools produce results which are very similar to Hooker, but students at these two schools come disproportionately from poor families (vs. the average in New Haven and in stark contrast to the Hooker average), and they enter the school testing 2 years behind grade level on average which calls into question your assertion that parental involvement is the key.
It is no surprise that the level of a parent's education and involvement with their child is a major reason why kids succeed or fail. But in the last ten years with the emergence of programs like Amistad, KIPP, Jumoke, and others, the lack of a strong educational role model at home is no longer the only determinant of success with children. With plenty of examples across the country of schools which can teach disadvantaged students at scale, the main determinant now is whether we as a society have the will to disrupt the current political system in order to replicate this kind of success for all children.
Posted by: DEZ | November 26, 2008 2:18 PM
New Haven has many schools in which to send your children to get a quality education. The issues that surround this education are 1) that it doesn't end at 3PM in the afternoon, but continues at home, and 2) that the particular school that you are in is able to teach the children and not teach to a test. The reason WH scores so highly in standardized testing is that its children have access before they ever enter the school to the 'extras' that make it possible for a teacher to teach creatively. Out of frustration, I can only imagine that many parents in this age of No Child Left Behind find their creative, intelligent child bored because the majority of the class may not get concepts that come easily to the child, making the school day full of dull, wrote memory games. It is here that school becomes less of a challenge and grades falter. As a former Bayer scientist and Chair of the Making Science Make Sense program, I have seen firsthand most of what New Haven has to offer in terms of its schools. Many of the brightest kids that I dealt with DID NOT come from WH, but from families where there were nurturing parent(s) or parental figures to help navigate the channels of education. I feel for the children of this couple. The parents need to get a clue that a deadline is just that, a deadline. Now that they understand geography, they should delve further into the other social sciences.
Posted by: Miss Teach | November 26, 2008 2:50 PM
This article makes me sad.
As a teacher at an "undesirable" New Haven school, the way Hooker is presented is one of the biggest reasons why the issue of inequality exists in this school district. I understand not every student at every school is the same, but some schools (such as mine) are not even given a fighting chance to build a reputation of success. My "neighborhood" school never gets students whose parents are doctors or lawyers or who are affiliated with Yale. Yet there are students who attend my school who live in what would be a similar scenario to the family in this article: out of "district boundaries." Yes, I agree that the parent component is a big part of what is absent from schools like mine, but I am still resentful to the idea that New Haven's quality teachers teach only at Hooker (and maybe Edgewood). My school has a number of quality, dedicated professionals who are working their tails off in an effort to make our school shine like Hooker. Maybe if Dr. Mayo understood the disservice some of his decisions are doing to the children in this district he would realize he needs to change the "Kids First" motto of the New Haven Public School system.
Posted by: Hood Rebel | November 26, 2008 3:19 PM
These folks are worried about their 7 year old daughter getting raped at Hill Central?!! Christ!
Posted by: For Real | November 26, 2008 4:44 PM
What a stunning example of white privilege. The family could really benefit from reading (and learning) from Professor Peggy McIntosh, who writes on the topic:
Posted by: robn | November 26, 2008 5:15 PM
FTS,
I've gathered from several NHI stories on the Amistaad school that those parents, regardless of socio-economic background, are a particularly involved and energetic group of parents. So my assertion stands that a school is not a substitute for parenting, but a partner in teaching. The school can only be as good as the parenting.
Posted by: working (too hard) mom | November 26, 2008 7:05 PM
I find this woman's actions and comments hideous. She simply missed the deadline and her kid didn't get in. Stalking schoolyards and tantrum throwing didn't help her at all either. All done in the presence of her children...what a lovely role model. And she has the nerve to make a paranoid close-minded comment regarding her child being raped. What a fool!
Yes, getting your kid enrolled in the school of your choice is not easy in New Haven. You definitely need to know how to play the game and have a plan "b" and even "c." If she had any sense she would focus on a plan of action instead of stupid comments and antics.
Perhaps she can go back to Canada or the suburbs for the good of all of us in New Haven.
Posted by: strangerthanfiction | November 26, 2008 7:39 PM
Deciphering the process for how kids are picked to get into each particular school in New Haven is like solving the riddle of the sphinx. The average family with school age children is rightfully bewildered by the process. That said, this poor family did almost everything the wrong way. Staking out Dr. Mayo at his office was a huge mistake. Belittling other schools in the system to make a case is a huge mistake. If she wants to be an effective advocate for her kids, she's got to find out and follow the process and be persistent but nice.
Posted by: James | November 26, 2008 7:58 PM
MISS TEACH
I'm truly glad to hear of your commitment to your school and an obviously heartfelt desire to improve. Part of the problem is that in the short run I don't want my child to be one of the kids an under performing school cuts its teeth on. There's little comfort in knowing that my kids attended a school that became a top performer 10 years later if the education they receive while they're there is substandard. How do you convince people to send their kids to your school while the staff and administration figure out how to get it together?
Posted by: Chris | November 26, 2008 8:17 PM
In my humble opinion Hooker is overrated. It relies on the quality of the students rather than the quality of the teachers. My daughter was offered a space at Hooker for Kindergarten and we chose Nathan Hale. Our process; First we applied for three magnet schools and did not get any bids. We visited the top six schools and some bilingual focussed schools. We also toured and applied to private schools. We talked to the teachers watched classes in session, looked at the student's work and talked with parents. We chose a school that was the right fit for our daughter, not one based on prestige. Interestingly, that year our daughter went to Nathan Hale, a third of the parents pulled their kids out of Hooker Kindergarten. My advice, Do your homework and build good communities in the schools your kids attend.
Posted by: abg | November 26, 2008 8:27 PM
good reporting, melissa -- very thorough story
Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | November 26, 2008 9:08 PM
Ridiculous the chatter about inequality when New Haven schools are equally poor at educating. You 60s radicals who still think of the school system as a tool to redistribute wealth and achieve class equality have had the most deleterious effect upon education. The ideal of the public school has been corrupted into a political ideal, that of liberal social change. It is natural that learning suffers.
Even the so-called better schools are comparatively remedial when compared to the education given in New Haven schools 50 years ago. Yet the school system continues to blow its own horn, as if the bare literacy (if that) they turn out every year is a medal to pin their pensions on.
The call for creativity and fun in the classroom distracts us and the children from the hard work and (often) boredom that much learning requires. Education is not a game. It may be a delight a times. But it should be viewed as the fundamental work -- yes, work -- of a lifetime and attended to with rigor and discipline.
Posted by: anon | November 26, 2008 9:15 PM
Here's an idea - go back to Canada and send the kids to school there.
Posted by: JZ | November 26, 2008 10:54 PM
"Following up on the good Alderman's comments, there really are many other good schools within the NHPS system." I read several other comments like this.
As a parent to a soon-to-be Kindergarten student, do fill me in. From my observations and research there appears to be one middle of the road school- Edgewood, and one good school- Hooker. If there are others, let's here it.
Finally, why is it such a mystery where the school district boundries are drawn? You'd think that would be on the city's website since many people are motivated to buy or rent in particular school districts.
Posted by: JMS | November 27, 2008 12:08 AM
""She might have been raped," she said."
What the heck does this mean?
(No need to answer... I'm pretty sure I know.)
Honestly... how can we take anything this woman says seriously? She botched her own kids chance for a spot and refuses to entertain even the suggestion of any of a number of alternatives. Plus she's a ... transient Yale spouse who will leave town as fast a she arrived after her husband get's his PHD. and lands a job elsewhere. And she attacks and blames other parents and children who attend Hooker via the same application process she botched. This woman's self inflicted "problem" should have ZERO bearing on school placement policy. Frankly I am suprised that her "situation" generated such an in-depth article on the Independent.
OK... maybe suprised is a strong word.
JMS
Posted by: Tweety Bird | November 27, 2008 12:41 AM
Hood Rebel
Given that Hill Central (correct me if I'm wrong) is a K8 school. This would put kids entering puberty on the same bus as second graders. In short I am saying, yes it should be a concern because sex acts HAVE been forced on children by other children and they have happened in New Haven Public Schools. The incidents have been dealt with as internal matters - thanks to you know who. I would be concerned too.
Just recently, the Independent reported an incident of child rape. The act started of as a pick up game of football in the park near East Rock. The game degenerated into rough housing and then further into an actual sexual assault. The assault was confirmed by a medical exam. The kid was 10. His assailant 14.
Notedly silent was, you know who. Since the incident did not happen during supervised school time he obviously saw no need to speak up. presumably he was too busy collecting campaign contributions from his subordinates. I have admitt the guy is slick. He definitely knows what his job depends on and how his job performance is rated.
Posted by: Bill | November 27, 2008 8:32 AM
The democrat politicians are against a school voucher program but always manage to send their kids to the best schools.
Posted by: Charles Galberth | November 27, 2008 9:13 AM
RAPED!!!! RAPED!!!!
UNBELIEVABLE, not really, people like this who live in a insular world are the real drag on society,their children are taught by inference to label and degrade entire swath,s of society. Not surprising that "friends"(again insular) would suggest only two schools. What garbage, if these people have it in them they need to stop their negative views of people. As a parent of a Hooker student I know there are other quality schools, Nathan Hale,Jackie Robinson,Davis st and others where her daughter would not get "RAPED",and recieve a quality education. Of course it's political ,every thing is in New Haven. Again UNBELIEVABLE, No not REALLY!!!
Posted by: Andrea | November 27, 2008 9:35 AM
Phoebe was misquoted about the comment on rape.
Posted by: Phoebe | November 27, 2008 9:42 AM
My comment "she might have been raped" - is considerably inflammatory taken out of the context in which I made it: I was talking about Mikhaela being able to walk on her own to her local school, and hyperbolically comparing that to her walking by herself to the school she was placed in (Hill Central). Getting down there by herself, as if it were a neighborhood school, was obviously impossible to consider, whereas having her walk across the street to the local school was not. In any event, the "she might have been raped" comment was about the idea of her walking to and from. Stripped of the context in which I said it, it's distorted and obviously inflammatory.
Posted by: joanz | November 27, 2008 10:11 AM
Journalists have a bad reputation, but in this case, I feel it is so deserving. Who of any of you would want to have their address published? That seems very irresponsible on the part of Ms. Bailey. Second, she has misquoted and taken out of context what [the family] said. Shame on her and the New Haven Independent. It seems as if Ms. Bailey was looking for a victim and pounced when she found one. ... was simply trying to get her child into a good school. She doesn't deserve to be publicly maligned or to have her family's safety jeopardized.
Posted by: latichever | November 27, 2008 11:02 AM
When you find yourself in a deep hole, you don't get out by using a shovel, i.e., your latest post. Why not just apologize for your unfortunate statement, perhaps say it was said in the heat of frustration, and move on?
Oh, and as long as I'm admittedly piling on here, I wouldn't have let any of my 6 year old children walk on their own anywhere, not even Hooker--you have to watch out for all those careless drivers dropping off their kids.
Posted by: Amos | November 27, 2008 11:16 AM
First,my wife's comments- "she might be raped" - were taken completely out of context; they in no way referred to what might happen AT (any) school but what might happen if my daughter was to walk TO and FROM Hill Central by herself (as we hoped she would with our neighborhood school, Hooker).
Secondly, I am an American-born citizen (as is my daughter). We came to New Haven so that I could attend Yale, but we moved to our new house and tried to register Mikhaela AFTER I graduated, and we decided to stay in New Haven permanently. I am currently an attorney at a New Haven law firm - not part of the Yale transient population.
Posted by: norton street | November 27, 2008 11:37 AM
i'm so sick of reading these comments, so ill probably stop after this.
send your kid to a school, encourage them and get active in their education, they will learn and do well. it doesnt matter where the school is (for the most part). just because its a failing school doesnt mean your child will fail, unless you let them. parents who are involved have kids that are involved, end of discussion.
Posted by: GOOD SCHOOLS | November 27, 2008 11:58 AM
Here's an idea: If you want your kid to get into a certain school, apply by the deadline. While I'm at it, if you want your child to be properly educated allow them to be encultured in the many diverse neighborhoods of New Haven, don't shelter them.
And if you truly care about public schools, as you claim you do, support ALL of our public schools not just those that are currently successful. Maybe one day, ALL of our schools can be as desirable as Hooker is to you.
Posted by: Townie | November 27, 2008 12:04 PM
So sorry your comment was taken out of context but now that we see the context in which it was meant let me be the one to inform you that rape occurs in every neighborhood and usually by someone you know and most often by someone in your own family! Whoa what a thought. Welcome to our scary world...what reality have you been living in? Now for someone who was so dead-set on having her child go to W. Hooker why would you miss the deadline???? Or did you feel so privileged as to think those requirements didn't apply to you? Sounds like you too were trying to play the politics of who you are to get what you want. On Thanksgiving let's be grateful for your experience which allows us all to reflect on what we are each "really" about and how just it is that you have had to expand your options and thinking. Now you see too how the best education occurs out of the classroom anyway and amongst your fellow tax-paying, public school supporting, home owning, New Haven parents and teachers.
Posted by: Amos | November 27, 2008 12:28 PM
We were not in fact aware of any deadline. My wife and I called several times throughout the year, and were told by the school administration that we could not register "BEFORE July." We were never told that there was a July 1 "deadline." We only found out about this unofficial deadline after we tried to register, when people "in the know" informed us that everyone wanting to get into Hooker School has to line up at 6am on July 1.
Since there is in fact a "deadline" (or rather one single morning in which to register), it would be very helpful if this information was posted, or if the administration told us when we called. Instead, all we were told is "come back later, in July, when registration opens."
As to rape and violent crime happening in any neighborhood in New Haven: yes, that's true. There was a violent rape in East Rock Park shortly after we arrived in New Haven, and there are regular muggings and break-ins here as well. The point is not just WHERE Hill Central is - it's also that it is 3 1/2 miles AWAY, meaning there is no way for our seven year old to walk to and from without being exposed to numerous risks (including the far-more-likely risk that she would be hit by a car while crossing North Frontage Rd.) My wife's point was that, by not letting her in to the school across the street, and registering her instead in a school miles across town, my daughter was not going to be able to have a neighborhood school experience, including walking to and from school by herself or with her friends.
Posted by: carl | November 27, 2008 1:07 PM
The hostility in most of these comments reflect some pretty acquisitory, and judgemental mindsets. It appears as if many of you need and want a battle to fight, a victim to be found, a way not only to be right, but to slam someone wrong. Try to think outside the black/white, right/wrong. If you need a battle to fight, fight to be kind and graceful and compassionate.
Posted by: still nosympathy | November 27, 2008 1:28 PM
Context or no...the rape comment was uncalled for. I assumed it was out of context when I read it, but it still resonates as exclusionary. ...
Yes, it seems ludricrous that your child could walk to a school that is 2-3 miles away. She would not be able to as a 1st grader, whether there was danger of rape or not.
I don't get the impression that your objection to the other school is that it is too long of a walk?
Posted by: HelenC | November 27, 2008 3:33 PM
I find it interesting that after trying to throw some long time New Haveners who followed the rules under the bus by naming names and sensationalizing the legitiamte registration process the family now concerned that they have somehow been outed and their safety jeopardized. Sounds like it is Clark and Perkins who should get a restraining order from Phoebe for stalking their young children. The transparent "context" of the rapist comment that it took them over a day to come up with is, if possible, more insane that the first quote. If anyone lets a seven year old walk alone anywhere DCF should be called. By the way now that he has declared that he will grace us with his future presence in New Haven it might be a good time to register their car in the United States as opposed to Ontario Canada. Pay some New Haven taxes, any taxes, and then join the line to complain. You wanted the publicity, you got it. The verdict is in counselor. ... Oh and Rolan Lemar's idea is about the dumbest idea I have heard in a while. Let's apply your plan to Nathan Hale and see how fast you pull a 180 when your child is out of Nathan Hale. Kids you are registered properly should stay in their school and matriculate with their classmates, period end. ...
Posted by: James | November 27, 2008 6:56 PM
Well, the rape comment on its own is stupid, in any context. Why not just say that a kindergarten-aged child cannot walk three miles to school? But put that in the context of a woman staking out a schoolyard and being hauled away by security for causing a disturbance, well it doesn't paint a very complimentary picture. So the context of the rape comment is pretty irrelevant. From this limited exposure to the woman, she still sounds ... childish [and] entitled ...
Posted by: JZ | November 27, 2008 7:02 PM
"My wife's point was that, by not letting her in to the school across the street, and registering her instead in a school miles across town, my daughter was not going to be able to have a neighborhood school experience, including walking to and from school by herself or with her friends."
After reading that I'm embarassed to be part of his generation. Am I this entitled? I want the world for my children too, but I hope that I never throw a public temper tantrum over securing the opportunity for my child to walk to school!
I pity the public teachers and administrators who will have to deal with these parents. I think private is a much better option for them. Foote is probably even within walking distance! Essentially, they get paid to deal with highly strung parents as well as provide a good education. As a young attorney, the tuition will be a great motivator.
Posted by: Meme Mine | November 28, 2008 7:20 AM
East Rock's Coldspring Street has been "so favored by fecund young Yale faculty that university President Arthur Twining Hadley, noted for his dry wit, once referred to it as Offspring Street"* ...but WH PS isn't only for Yale or well heeled offspring so please don't try to gate the community.
Reserving spots for kids who are already enrolled in the school "strikes me as totally reasonable...It would be ridiculous to kick a kid who's already been in the school out just because you have a kid who just moved to the neighborhood."
Mr. Udry's comment above is especially pertinent because, among other things, as the renting Gownies come and go every few years it's the Townies like the Clark family who help provide the back bone of the school, wherever they happen to live, or can afford to live. These longterm citywide parents tend to be the schools greatest non-staff supporters, volunteering for service for the PTA, School Planning and Management Team, support committees, fundraising and extra curricular activities, coaching athletics teams, classroom and library help etc.
*http://www.sachem.org/EAST_ROCK_ESSAY.pdf
Posted by: MEME Mine | November 28, 2008 7:26 AM
Quote:
"When the family called the school system, they found out that the house they were renting on Canner Street, below Livingston, was out of the district -- by about half a block."
Curious why thefamily moved from Canner St. to across from the school on Livingston St. when according to the linked map and list of in-district addresses ALL Canner St. is 'in district'?
Or did they actually rent, not on Canner St. but between 1 and 107 Cottage in the East Rock Community School district?
If all of Canner St. is in the Worthington Hooker School district and thefamily originally lived on Cottage St. then perhaps the article should be edited to prevent possible confusion.
Posted by: Courtney | November 28, 2008 9:32 AM
I am the mother of an (in-district) Worthington Hooker child. All I can say is I hope this family can find an alternative school they will be satisfied with. The last thing we need at Hooker is another elitist family who thinks they are entitled. How dare she suggest that Mr. Clark's children have no right to be there! I know the Clarks. They are a lifelong New Haven family who are very active at Hooker and in the community. I agree with MeMe Mine that families who have a true commitment to this city are the backbone of the school system. If the couple in this article were hoping to find sympathy, they certainly misfired. They revealed themselves to be not just unstable elitist snobs but perhaps tax sofflaws as well...Do they pay taxes in New Haven?
Posted by: Fedupwithlioberals | November 28, 2008 9:38 AM
What this story points out is the abject failure of the system to maintain the integrity of what is a historically been recognized as "neighborhood", and the utter hypocrisy of the left that created the situation. When I attended Hooker, every neighborhood in the city had a school which was in walking distance from your house. Out of district enrollees did not exist. No buses, no driving cars 5 blocks. You had buddies to meet up along the way and a cop on the Orange and Willow Street corner to keep you safe. Every other neighborhood school system had the same arrangement. Everyone knew who you were, and you had a sense of pride in your school. Vandalism was unheard of.
Teachers all had to attend some form of secondary school and were accredited. There was a level playing field, and the only variables were the child's ability to engage in a learning program. You answered up to the people in the neighborhood.
Then in 1965, some bright people in this city thought that the only way a black child can learn their abc's was by sitting next to a white child. We now have a system that rang up obscene budgets for busing, food service, after-school programs and questionable positions like "literacy coach". There is an inverse proportion of performance vs expenditure, no recognition of that fact and, not in the very least, you destroyed neighborhoods in the process. Middle class families fled to suburbs or enrolled their kids in Catholic schools. The population of public schools is now overwhelmingly minority. The very liberal proponents of these sweeping destructive failed practices to this day still refuse to let their children experience the joy of busing little Johnny to Newhallville to be PC.
Why don't we try something really radical and keep children in their own neighborhood? Now that the minority is the majority, you can eliminate busing. Think of the savings! Children can even eat at home and have parents become parents again, and people like the family won't have to play these games and shuffle their families around anymore. They would have a reason to pay attention to what is happening in their neighborhood school and expend this energy to improve the situation.
Why not? Because it makes too much sense.
BTW, HELENC, great catch on the non registration of their car in New Haven. Like most Yalies living in the city, they love to support bloated government, but on someone else's dime! Three kids mean at least $60,000 a year of my tax money going for their education. Drive around any block in East Rock, and you'll see at least 30% of the cars registered out of state. CJ Cutrifello, where are you?
Posted by: Lance | November 28, 2008 10:01 AM
Is this an instance where the "Yes We Can" crowd doesn't want to send their kids to school with "scary" minorities?
Posted by: Amos | November 28, 2008 10:13 AM
We did indeed live on Cottage, btw. 1-107, MemeMine - I corrected this with Ms. Bailey when she was "fact-checking," and then again on the list of errata in the article, which I sent her yesterday morning after reading the article.
I am curious as well: any chance that a "gownie" is allowed to become a "townie" in New Haven?
HelenC, speaking of stalking: The car my wife drives is indeed registered in Ontario (and therefore has Ontario plates - thanks for coming by our house to check!), to a leasing company. When we attempted to transfer it here, we paid Conn. car insurance, then spent eight hours at the DMV, only to be told that there was no way for it to be transferred so long as it was under lease with a Canadian leasing company- unless that leasing company wanted to pay a considerable fee to the state to "do business" with us in Conn. The leasing company had no interest whatsoever in doing this, so the DMV said we would have to keep it registered in Ontario until the lease was up. We have followed the directions of the DMV.
As for taxes: we lease a house with property taxes of approx. $10,000 per year (with a lease that contemplates us eventually purchasing the house from the owner, when I have worked long enough to acquire a mortgage). As you can imagine, our rent is priced to include those taxes - so, regardless of whether the tax bill is addressed to us or to our landlord, we are indeed effectively paying considerable taxes in New Haven. (Or perhaps you're proposing that only those who own their homes ought to have access to New Haven services?)
As to Will Clark's children: we don't know them from Adam - we told Ms. Bailey that we had heard that he lived out of district, but nevertheless had his children in school at Hooker. And Ms. Bailey informed us about Mr. Perkins' children - something we didn't know.
In any event: thanks for your anonymously posted "verdict," HelenC.
Posted by: latichever | November 28, 2008 10:22 AM
We live in the Hooker district, and my children have attended both Hooker and another New Haven public school.
When we decided to enroll our children at Hooker, we first visited the school and met with the principal, who told us there was no waiting list. We called the education department and it was quite simple to find out that registration began on July 1st. I don't recall if they volunteered that info or whether we asked the simple question, "When does registration begin?" But it was not a state secret, quite easy to find. You'd think that one whose career will be devoted to the rule of law wouldn't have a problem with finding this out. We showed up promptly when the office opened--no need for camping out at 5 am. We were the second ones there.
As far as Hooker being the most diversified school, that depends on what the meaning of diversified is. If by diversified you mean internationally diversified, it wins hands down. If by diversified you mean people who are not the children of Yalies, but "townies" who are African American and Latino, it is less diversified than the garden variety elementary school and far less diversified than any of the magnet schools. ...
Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | November 28, 2008 10:29 AM
ROBN,
Kids who entered Amistad middle school in fifth grade came in testing two years behind grade level, which is slightly worse than the district average. So how come the incoming students were struggling before they got to Amistad if their parents were the key to a great education? When the kids got to Amistad their parents didn't change but the student's performance sure did.
Posted by: nfjanette ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.newhavenindependent.org/nav-commenters.gif)
| November 28, 2008 10:43 AM
Since there is in fact a "deadline" (or rather one single morning in which to register), it would be very helpful if this information was posted, or if the administration told us when we called. Instead, all we were told is "come back later, in July, when registration opens."
This report is completely consistent with our - thankfully brief - experience dealing with the central office of the New Haven public school system. With the exception of dealing with one particularly helpful person, it was sometimes a miserable experience. We were given incorrect information, our application/information was lost, the office closed earlier than the posted time, etc.
Posted by: lloyd | November 28, 2008 3:17 PM
I confess I am deeply offended by the self-serving comments by this Canadian family, drawn by Yale Law School. As do many visitors, they undoubtedly enhance the community with new experiences. That does not give them the privilege of overturning the order they find here for their own benefit. They failed repeatedly to inquire about the school enrollment process. Otherwise they would have known about school district borders, deadlines, and even that the New Haven teachers union has preserved class limits. (Look it up, tthe union has a colorful and brave history.)
The comment that her "daughter might have been raped" if she attended Central Music Academy is a horrible thing to say and will inevitably be interpreted as a racial slur. I am disturbed to hear that none of the schools offered by Dr. Mayo were suitable for this family and wonder why no specialization was appealing to them.
I have been a property owner and fond New Haven resident for almost 40 years. Years ago, I chose public school (but not Hooker) here for my offspring, partly drawn by the policy of allowing students to apply to different schools. I remain deeply impressed with the progress of the schools in our city particularly the new buildings, the wonderful new lunch program which was reported in the New York Times. Best of all is the impressively wide variety of school programs, allowing parents to select the most appropriate school for their children and which has expanded the racial diversity of our schools.
I would remind the family that the Hooker School has been excellent for decades exactly because parents who are enthusiastic about supprting their children's education have worked tirelessly to enhance its program. Many of the parents are New Haven residents, taxpayers, who have donated time and money to support the school. And, yes, many of them have chosen this school when openings occur. The outsiders are the family, not my long-time neighbors who play by the rules and select from the wide variety of school offerings in a timely fashion.
Posted by: robn | November 28, 2008 6:09 PM
FTS,
I'm arguing that a teacher can't make up for a disinterested parent. The Hooker school and Amistaad schools both seem to have motivated parents and good teachers...a perfect combination. If the Amistaad parents brought their children from underperfoming environment, it doesn't neccesarily evidence a bad school, but it certainly proves that the Amistaad parental involvent is more proactive than that of the parents they left behind.
Posted by: Meme Mine | November 28, 2008 6:54 PM
Amos asked:
"any chance that a "gownie" is allowed to become a "townie" in New Haven?"
How long you stay in NH is up to you but so we don't misunderstand please clarify whether or not it is your contention that a WHooker student that happens to currently live out of district should be effectively dis-enrolled from the school to make room for your now in-district child?
Here's last springs Kindergarten registration announcement from NHPS's website (incl. extended office hours). Unless I missed it, there should be a registration info page for the other grades:
NHPS Announcements
Time to register for kindergarten! La matricula para kindergarden comienza el 28 de abril del 2008
Kindergarten registration for New Haven Public Schools begins Monday, April 28, 2008.
To make it easier for all, the Registration Office has extended its office hours. From April 28, 2008 to May 1, 2008, people can register between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. To register, please bring documentation to:
Gateway Center
Registration Office
54 Meadow Street
203-946-8501/6641
To register for kindergarten, applicants must provide the following documents:
-Child's Birth Certificate or Passport (child should be 5 years old on or before January 1st, 2009)
-Child's Social Security Number (Optional)
-Child will need a current physical exam in the State of Connecticut (to be taken to the school after child has been registered)
Proof of residency in New Haven:
Must establish residency prior to registering your child
Current utility bill with your name on it (gas, phone, cable, or electric) and/or lease or mortgage papers to verify your address.
Drivers license, cell phone bill, credit card bill, will NOT be accepted.
If you are residing with a relative or friend, you will need a notarized letter stating that you and your child(ren) live with that person along with one of their current utility bills.
-If you have guardianship of the child(ren) through:
DCF: You will need a 603 Form or letter stating you are the guardian.
COURT: You will need documents stating you have legal guardianship; or we will also accept an Affidavit or Power of Attorney.
http://www.nhps.net/announcements/announce.asp?NewsID=%7B5B6AD5A8-C47C-412D-BEFD-61AE2E63E7C7%7D
Registration Contact from NHPS's website:
School Registration Robert Canelli, Supervisor
(203) 946-8501 robert.canelli@new-haven.k12.ct.us
Posted by: Amos | November 28, 2008 7:31 PM
Meme Mine: If I understood correctly - and if Ms. Bailey in fact conveyed his proposal correctly - it was Alderman Lemar who proposed regular re-registration of district-admitted kids. I never discussed this with her; I can appreciate the need for continuity in a child's education (at the same time, I can appreciate, from other comments above, the worry that some families might move in briefly, register, then move to Westville - and continue to take up spaces at Hooker. Some of the comments in fact implied that that is what WE would do, if/once we got our child enrolled.).
This being said, I think the process should be more transparent. If being in-district is not an automatic "in" to a certain school, then the School Board needs to make that public. Realtors and landlords regularly advertise homes and apartments as "in Hooker district" - and charge corresponding premiums for these abodes. Making it clear that being in-district is but ONE (non-dispositive) factor that may or may not allow one to get into Hooker would be very helpful.
We called the Board of Education (as well as Hooker School) four or five times before July. We were told only that we could not register BEFORE July (our child was going into grade 1, not kindergarten). NO ONE, at any point, told us that we would have to go down ON July 1 if we wanted a spot. No one told us that July 1 was BOTH the FIRST day to register - AND the DEADLINE. No one told us that registration would not be automatic, if we were in district. We found this out the hard way, after the fact, when some "townies" in our neighborhood told us, knowingly, "Oh yes - if you want a spot at Hooker, you get down at 5am on July 1 - in-district or no." In fact, Ms. Bailey, when interviewing us, was also unaware of this unofficial "deadline" - through all of her research and investigative journalism on this issue, she had never heard about this before. I'm not sure, then, what "deadline" we "blew", according to her story. Certainly not an official one.
Posted by: JMS | November 29, 2008 2:31 AM
Amos,
To answer your question townies are not made... they are born.
Lord help you if you do ever get your kids into Hooker because when you attend your first PTA/school event you are very likely to be bombarded with bake sale goods by the other parents who have been following this article. Reap what you sow. Clearly you and your wife may have thought this article and related publicity might garner you some sympathy. But your comments (and your wife's) come off as clueless and self important if not also a touch confrontational. On the up side you probably make a great lawyer.
(lawyer joke #98237982749082734)
I also lucky enough to know the Clarks. They are absolutely wonderful people and parents... both to their children and as members of the community. Sitting silently by (until you were essentially confronted) and allowing them to be "targetted" by this article is appalling to me and a very revealing insight into your selfish "blame-everyone-else-but-ourselves" attitude.
Suck it up and drive your kid to school or put her on the bus like 10,000 other parents do every day. Apply to Hooker again next year if it's so critical to you. My kid doesn't go to Hooker... and he gets a great education as a result of enthusiastic/positive teachers and fellow parents who do everything they can to raise the quality of school life in New Haven for our children. We also suppliment his education with any of a number of easily accessable local options... Common Ground Camp... Neighborhood Music School... Creative Arts Workshop... Eli Whitney Camp... local libraries... little league baseball... park events... you name it.
Get a clue, start participating and stop whining already.
JMS
Posted by: Hood Rebel | November 29, 2008 1:41 PM
Com'n Amos,
Who the hell ever spends 8 hours at DMV?!
Maybe just those who would admit spending 6hrs hanging around school offices counting the heads of young children and/or trying to bully school officials and administrators?!
Amos please calm down, get a grip, pay attention to deadlines and rules, send a goodwill tax offering to the city-- even though you can't register your leased vehicle here, give up the bullying tactics, and next time you need to get something done at DMV try online first.
http://www.ct.gov/dmv/site/default.asp
But mostly, calm down!
Posted by: Allan Brison | November 29, 2008 1:52 PM
Allan Brison
Alderman, Ward 10
As the alderman for the ward where the couple in this story reside (both before and after their move from Cottage Street to Livingston Street), as well as being the alderman for most of the Worthington Hooker district, I find it strange that the Independent ran a major story concerning a matter of this nature without my being consulted.
I WAS consulted by the couple involved during the final stages of their struggle to get their daughter into Worthington Hooker, and as someone who went through a similar situation a few years back, also unsuccessfully, with my daughter; I can attest that the process of getting into Hooker is neither simple nor transparent. Rumors are rampant fueled by contradictory statements from Board of Ed officials. Hard core information is difficult if not impossible to obtain.
I feel that the article did a good job of presenting some of these problems.
Lastly, in having had several phone/email correspondences with both Amos and Phoebe, I feel badly that they have been the subject of so much bashing. The "elitist" accusation, for example, is one that is all too commonly used to attack those with whom we have an issue.
Posted by: T-Bone | November 29, 2008 6:23 PM
I'm shocked at the lack of support for the family in this article.
Most people commenting seem to blame or demonize them.
The fact is though, that the middle class has been fleeing New Haven for the suburbs for close to half a century now.
If we want to keep young families in New Haven we need to provide good schools for every single family that demands it. No exceptions.
Rather than getting defensive, we as New Haveners should demand a school system that isn't a symbol of failure to the rest of the state. That way we're not left bickering over who gets the spot in "the good school".
Posted by: Deborah Marcuse | November 29, 2008 6:30 PM
Wow. If you're going to make venomous comments about folks in a public forum, I think it's reprehensible not to put your name to them. While it is possible that Phoebe's words were taken out of context, the words written here are clearly intentional. I hope there are folks who have had good public school experiences at places other than Hooker who will reach out to share those experiences. With luck such productive responses may drown out the anonymous posters bent on excoriating people whom they have never met on the basis of one perhaps not exceptionally well-researched article. I love New Haven, but some of these comments make it seem like a very ugly place.
Posted by: Luchador | November 29, 2008 10:11 PM
So, what can a lifelong East Rock resident (who lives outside the district by 2 blocks) to do if he is looking to send his son to Hooker when he's ready for kindergarten in 3 years? Any suggestions?
Posted by: latichever | November 29, 2008 10:19 PM
Fedupwithliberals wrote: "Why don't we try something really radical and keep children in their own neighborhood?"
There are not enough children in the Hooker district to fill all the slots.
Amos wrote: "We were not in fact aware of any deadline...We only found out about this unofficial deadline after we tried to register, when people "in the know" informed us that everyone wanting to get into Hooker School has to line up at 6am on July 1."
I don't understand this. There is no mystery, no sinder's group "in the know." It's common knowledge that space can be tight and show up when registration begins.
I think what's concerning people here is, Okay, somehow you didn't find out you need to act swiftly. Everybody makes mistakes. Assume responsibility and move on--instead of making unfortunate comments about New Haven and the school system. And why no Plan B? Magnet schools? Charter schools? Actually investigating the quality of other neighborhood schools?
Finding a quality education in an urban public school system is daunting but possible. New Haven pales in comparison to NYC's organized chaos--where there really are 5 am lines-- in terms of choosing and getting into a good school.
Allan Brison wrote: "I find it strange that the Independent ran a major story concerning a matter of this nature without my being consulted."
I find this strange. First Amendment? Freedom of the press?
Posted by: Andrew | November 29, 2008 11:04 PM
Maybe, Phoebe and Amos, New Haven just isn't a good fit for you...
Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 30, 2008 5:12 AM
Not for nothing, but isn't Hooker now only K-2? There is no more full grade school Hooker, and the new one will be Hooker in name only. Most schools in the city are okay at those grade levels. Whats all the fuss about?
Posted by: Walt | November 30, 2008 6:08 AM
Just having a special school for hookers is a sign that the BOE is far-out.
That it turned out to be the best school in our City qualifies us as the new San Francisco.
No insult meant to the ancient and elite Hooker family, but a lousy name for a school
Posted by: robn | November 30, 2008 9:51 AM
Amos and Phoebe,
It's a tough crowd. Oscar Wilde once said, "the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about."
....but in this case I'd make an exception. Keep your chin up and good luck next year.
Posted by: EasyGuys | November 30, 2008 10:18 AM
As a New Havener, and avid reader of the Independent, I'm made un-easy by the tenor of the comments here. Some of the criticisms may be just, but the anonymous pile-on has gone too far.
This isn't the only young family trepidatious about which NHPS elementary schools are okay to enroll their kids in. No matter how committed they might be to both New Haven and the public school experience, (one presumes they have the choice of the suburbs, like almost any middle-class family), not all these elementary schools are the same. I, for one, would not enroll my kids to Hill Central. Would you?
I also agree with Allan Brison that the rules of the school game are neither simple nor transparent, and to that extent the admissions procedure comes off as highly political.
That's not right.
Heck, I visited the NHPS website, and I couldn't determine which school district my tots and I live in. Is this meant to be an insider-only game?
With crime ticking up, and taxes going through the roof, New Haven and New Haveners need to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of middle class families like this. Otherwise we are primed to see another mass exodus to the suburbs, a la the early 1990's. And that won't help any of us.
Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 30, 2008 11:00 AM
"There are not enough children in the Hooker district to fill all the slots."
Seems that the whole point of this story is that there would be enough kids in East Rock to attend Hooker. Depends upon what you consider East Rock. Is it just where wealthy well-heeled Yale professors and grad students live, or what is truly considered East Rock? I bet you that if its the latter, you will have no problem filling the seats.
Posted by: JMS | December 1, 2008 12:58 AM
Deborah Marcuse,
"Wow. If you're going to make venomous comments about folks in a public forum, I think it's reprehensible not to put your name to them."
(I assume you mean me amongst others)
You should read some of the stuff Paul had the good sense to edit out of my posts. And FYI I post my name here all the time... and I stand by my comments.
Josh Silverman (JMS are my initials)
(Lifelong New Haven resident married to a lifelong New Haven resident, both products of NH public school K-12, homeowners, taxpayers and proud parents of an Edgewood School student following in our footsteps)
Posted by: A Reader | December 1, 2008 1:26 AM
"To answer your question townies are not made... they are born."
JMS, please. Like a most posters here, I wasn't initially sympathetic to this family, but comments like yours are making me rethink. Look, there are people who go to Yale and contribute absolutely nothing to New Haven, but the same is true of some people who were born here. I didn't go to Yale, nor was I born here. I moved to New Haven because I liked this town. (Imagine that!) I can't say that I'll live here forever, but I don't consider myself someone who's just passing through. But if that's your attitude, why would I -- or anyone -- want to stick around?
Posted by: Meme Mine | December 1, 2008 7:37 AM
- Hey Walt, gotta groove with the far-out Hooker's -- 1974 even brought the popular'Happy Hooker Cooker' 70 page recipe book fundraiser.
- Amos, re. "the worry that some (out of district) families might...continue to take up spaces at Hooker": WH's publicly posted Strategic School Profile informs us that the school historically maintains approx. 35% out of district children BY DESIGN to both "reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation" and qualify for significant federal funding -- not sure how this impacts the idea of expanding the district:
-2005-2006 CT DOE WHS Hooker Strategic School Profile:
"EFFORTS TO REDUCE RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND ECONOMIC ISOLATION
Connecticut law requires that school districts provide educational opportunities for their students to interact with students and teachers from diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. This may occur through programs with other schools, distance learning, or other experiences. Below is the description submitted by this school of how it provides such experiences.
In an effort to increase and expand interactions among students with varying backgrounds, our school draws from outside the neighborhood. 35% of the student population lives outside the neighborhood. We also have students from 24 countries and many parts of the United States"...
- 2006-2007 CT DOE WHS Hooker Strategic School Profile:
"EFFORTS TO REDUCE RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND ECONOMIC ISOLATION"
"Worthington Hooker School is the most culturally and racially diverse elementary (k-8) school in the region...Approximately 65% of our students reside in the neighborhood and many students come from neighborhoods throughout New Haven."
http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/der/ssp/SCH0607/dist061.htm
WH's (35 - 38%) isn't as low as Nathan Hale's (26%) but I think it has to be at least 35%.
Posted by: JMS | December 1, 2008 9:02 AM
A Reader,
You are 100% right... it is entirely possible to move to a new town and become active and participate and join the "townies" in considering yourself a resident. My "born vs. made" comment was meant to be tongue and cheek... in the spirit of the Cutters from Breaking Away (obscure movie reference #2764782634872364).
But from my experience living here in New Haven what I have observed is a long string of (largely Yale affiliated) families moving in and (almost always) eventually out of the city. Clearly everyone deserves fair treatment and access to services, education, etc... no more or no less then anyone else.
What continues to irk me about this whole story is (first) the fact that this family clearly participated in the creation of this article... providing interviews and comments... clearly READ the article once it was posted... and sat by allowing (as I mentioned) good people like the Clarks to be targetted as "insiders" who somehow unfairly stole their spots at Hooker. That is definately how this article painted the picture. This is both unfair and inaccurate. And (second)... the whole notion that there are absolutely no other viable options for this family's children is silly and narrow minded. When we applied for our child to attend Edgewood we listed other schools as 2nd and 3rd choices... Beecher... Davis... all nearby and accessable. If we had not made it into Edgewood we would have driven (not walked to avoid rape) our child to school and enthusiastically joined in and participated in whatever school activities and events were available to enhance out childs experience. I meet kids and parents from all over New Haven (many as I coach little league baseball) who are all great people. The notion that it's not possible to get a decent education outside of Hooker is just short sighted and quite honestly offensive to the many parents (and teachers) who work hard to raise their children in neighborhoods outside of the Hooker district.
It's a bunch of crying over spilled milk if you ask me... stinking of entitlement... like the spoiled kid who complains about getting the wrong toy for Christmas. Quit whining and move on. Make the best of the situation and apply again next year if it's important to you.
And in the future... if you don't want to expose yourself to public opinion and comments on a forum like this then don't throw yourself into the fire. What did you expect? A warm and fuzzy blog pity party? And to those who "call out" anonymous contributors to this forum what is your point? To discourage public dialogue? Not everyone is comfortable posting their name on a publicly viewed website or blog for whatever reason. (Maybe Amos and Phoebe should have considered this before participating in this article.) It doesn't negate peoples opinions. I happen to have no problem with posting my name and would make the comments in person to anyone who bothered to ask. Not that my opinions mean much... this is just a giant peanut gallery. But it's a useful sounding board of public opinion. And if you don't like what people have to say about your personal affairs don't air them in public.
D'uh.
JMS
Posted by: 2nd Amendment | December 1, 2008 9:24 AM
Sounds as though the Hooker School is being oversold by the local liberals. I know of several people who've pulled their kids from WHS to attend private school, including many who can ill-afford it. Hooker must be the best of a bad lot?
Posted by: JD | December 1, 2008 10:44 AM
Students coming from out of district is one thing, but if they're from out of town, that's something entirely different. How many students who were initially enrolled at WH -- either in or out of district -- no longer live in New Haven? I suspect that if the NHPS were forced to do a little digging for updated addresses, they'd find more than one. Those people aren't even paying property taxes in New Haven, and that's a shame.
Posted by: nfjanette | December 1, 2008 12:52 PM
Posted by: Hood Rebel | November 29, 2008 1:41 PM
Com'n Amos,
Who the hell ever spends 8 hours at DMV?!
I've spent 3 hours at the Hamden office on (unhappy) occasion. If mail-in registration doesn't work, be prepared for a potentially long experience in person.
Posted by: nfjanette | December 1, 2008 12:56 PM
And in the future... if you don't want to expose yourself to public opinion and comments on a forum like this then don't throw yourself into the fire.
...because you can count upon far too many people to make assumptions about your motivations and then use that as an excuse to engage in a level of boorish behavior that they would never do so except on the Internet via anonymous means.
Posted by: JMS | December 1, 2008 1:14 PM
NFJANNETTE,
"...because you can count upon far too many people to make assumptions about your motivations and then use that as an excuse to engage in a level of boorish behavior that they would never do so except on the Internet via anonymous means."
I posted my name. And for the record I have had this conversation recently with several people in public who have read this post... the vast majority of whom agreed with me. So please don't lable me an anonymous armchair/keyboard bully because I am the same person in person and speak honeslty no matter what the setting... virtual or otherwise. I would hope everyone did the same.
JMS
Posted by: Jennifer | December 1, 2008 2:44 PM
I'm sorry, but this is a bit out of control. It must be nice to be a raging, New Haven, liberal townie and take this opportunity to bash a Yalie again. Ridiculous. It's about time that someone on this board admits that there are real problems in certain New Haven neighborhoods and that these problems are undoubtedly reflected in the schools served by these neighborhoods. Take a look at the crime log (http://www.newhavencrimelog.org/cl/types/32/assault-with-a-firearm/).
Where are most of the assaults with firearms occurring? Where are most of the basic assaults occurring (http://www.newhavencrimelog.org/cl/types/107/simple-assault/)? Not in East Rock.
There is good reason to worry about where, in this city, you send your children to school. I am sure that parents across the city have this concern, just as I am sure that they are concerned about where their children play, who they hang out with, and how they get to and from school. These are reasonable concerns--for all parents. To demonize the family because they have been outspoken about them is ridiculous. Why don't you stop wasting your time discussing their problem and start dealing with some of the real issues which face all parents in this city.
My husband and I lived in various parts of New Haven for over 10 years. We were active city livers and enjoyed all of the great things that New Haven has to offer. We sent our child to Hooker and were very happy there. We thought that it was a privilege to be able to send her to such an amazing school. We also paid out the nose to live in East Rock so that we could have that privilege. I recognize--and I'm positive that the family recognizes--that it shouldn't have to be that way. Obviously, there should be amazing, safe schools throughout the city with clean facilities and all of the amenities offered at Hooker. That is not, however, a reality. I was a townie and then a Yalie--I've seen both sides.
Last year I was privileged enough to serve on a panel that addressed girls from Wilbur Cross. The problems that they face on a daily basis are far different from the problems faced by the average American. One girl had given up track the previous year because she had been stabbed in the leg at School. The probability of that happening at Foote or Hamden Hall is significantly lower than at Wilbur Cross. If you don't think so, you have your head in the sand. I can guarantee that the girl's parents would love to have the chance to send her to a safe school--they, unfortunately, likely don't have a choice. That is the real tragedy here.
I agree that the article could have been crafted in a way that addressed some of these problems. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Perhaps its time for all of you who have had the time to comment here to do something constructive--arrange a meeting with Dr. Mayo and parents from across the town to talk about it. Run for office and do something about it. Don't just sit at your desk and write nasty comments about something that you know is the truth...
Posted by: latichever | December 1, 2008 4:47 PM
Jennifer wrote about Cross: "One girl had given up track the previous year because she had been stabbed in the leg at School."
I'm having trouble believing this. I have two children at Cross, and I've been impressed about what an orderly environment it is. I doubt that a metallic knife could have made it past the metal detector, and I probably would have heard about it through the grapevine. It's possible she was stabbed outside of school, perhaps at the track. But violent crime is a part of urban living. There was a gun point robbery right outside Hooker a couple of weeks ago.
Beyond the orderliness of Cross's environment, it is also a fine place to get an education. It's among the leaders state-wide in the number of AP offerings, and you can arrange to take courses at the local universities. An education at Cross is no impediment to admittance to the finest universities in the land.
On the other hand, as a sometime educator, I'm well aware that private schools--in part--are repositories for students who are having a variety of academic, emotional, and behavioral problems.
Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | December 1, 2008 5:17 PM
"Beyond the orderliness of Cross's environment, it is also a fine place to get an education. It's among the leaders state-wide in the number of AP offerings, and you can arrange to take courses at the local universities. An education at Cross is no impediment to admittance to the finest universities in the land."
Then why is the failure rate about 60% compared to the initial freshman class enrollment?
Posted by: Jennifer | December 1, 2008 6:13 PM
latichever--I appreciate your thoughts and am sure that you have seen more as an educator than I have. However, you have to admit that there are discrepancies in the education available at Foote, Hamden Hall, or any of the shoreline towns, and Wilbur Cross. Whether the girl was stabbed at school or in her neighborhood or somewhere else is irrelevant--she was stabbed. And from our conversation, it seemed as if this was an everyday reality in her world. That is ugly and true.
As for private schools being the "repositories for students who are having a variety of academic, emotional, and behavioral problems," I guess that you might say that is true for most high schools. But do you really believe that these problems aren't compounded by the environmental issues faced by students living in the inner city? Come on, I have to believe that the research says otherwise.
As for WC being among the state leaders for AP offerings, I'm sure that's true. However, I do wonder what percentage of students actually take these courses. And how many read above or below the state averages? It's great that a select portion of the student body might have access to these offerings, but I think that the drop-out rate is indicative of significant issues outside of this elite population.
As an aside, when I played high school basketball (note, this was 1988), my team was escorted into Wilbur Cross by armed guards and I was threatened by one of the teammates (after some overly-aggressive playing on my part, not doubt!) and warned that I should "cool it" because she had a knife. Granted, this was the late-1980s, and I recognize that the school, as well as the city, has changed dramatically since that time. That being said, there are still outstanding safety issues that these kids face. If you choose to ignore them, then they will never be dealt with. The metal detectors alone reflect the risk that the kids face every day. Again, I think that most parents would be happy to not have their children have to confront that.
Here are some additional links discussing issues at NHPS. Again, we would all like to admit that safety is an issue. Unfortunately, it is.
http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/22237
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2006/10/gun_bullets_con.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/01/highschoolers_g.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2008/04/teen_ditches_gu.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/08/teen_had_gun_at_1.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/01/seven_children_1.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2007/08/teen_had_gun_at.php
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2006/09/just_dont_take.php
http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2008/11/17/news/new_haven/a1-mon-neaclu.txt
Posted by: latichever | December 1, 2008 7:20 PM
I said it was a fine place to get an education. I din't say that everyone was able or willing to get a fine education there.
The point is that the opportunity is there, and there is no reason to discount it's potential for your child.
I'm sure you, of course, support full funding for Head Start--thwarted by the Bush administration, which is one the best predictors of continuing academic success.
Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | December 1, 2008 9:28 PM
Latichever,
Cross is a tale of two schools. One school is attended by privileged students who will go on to attend fine colleges. But the other Wilbur Cross, where the overwhelming majority of students are enrolled, is filled with kids who have been left behind by the adults who preside over the school system. The left-behinds are mostly black, hispanic, and poor. They are not prepared for and will not graduate from any college.
This unequal education is not the fault of Wilbur Cross H.S. The kids' academic fate was determined before they ever stepped foot in high school. But it also wasn't decided at birth, or even in the lower grades. And the kids failed not because of uncaring parents. They have been failed by the politically appointed Board of Education which has allowed under-privileged kids to be passed along from one grade to the next without any serious academic interventions. The long standing members of the Board and their apologists ought to be deeply ashamed for the ongoing failure of this district.
For readers who are engaged in this dialogue, they should recognize that the system works marvelously for some, but not at all for most others.
Want to read about someone who has a real vision for urban education? Google "Michelle Rhee".
Posted by: bad article | December 1, 2008 10:47 PM
I've followed the comments on this article for a couple of days now. When I first read the article I thought is was plain old bad journalism. It was as if the writer was trying to set up these parents. It was over the top sensationalism. It was more like a gossip column it seemed (look at these crazy parents - aren't you glad you are not them kinda of article).
Has the writer even accepted any responsibility for dragging this family through the ringer?
Where was the information in the article - what are the dates, requirements, information etc.. on getting into Hooker. Where was the research?
This whole thing makes me so sad for the parents and for the NH East Rock "Community" and more importantly, I wonder why the Independent is turning into FOX News with this strange sensationalism. I mean what gives?
Posted by: BOE Supporter | December 2, 2008 7:35 AM
FTS: Generally I am a supporter of open blogging by whatever name or nickname you choose to go by. But with you I think it is irresponsile not to disclose your connection to Achievement First. The gains in NHPS are not only legitimate and documented but have been honored and looked upon as a model by the State Department of Education not just local "apologists." Not unlike Ms. Rhee, Dr. Mayo has overseen the changes in curriculum and staffing to allow for and to create these positive and encouraging changes. Dropout rate down significantly, suspension rate down dramatically, test scores up across the board, achievement gap shrinking across the board. The schools are cleaner, safer, healthier (#1 Wellness Policy in the State and top notch food program) than ever before. Years ago Dr. Mayo won important gains in the Union contract which allowed for involuntary transfers and bonus or higher pay for new hires with skills in shortage areas which are difficult to hire. These two examples of gains Mayo fought for and won six years ago are some of the same things being cited now in DC and New York as new and fresh ideas. While we will have to wait and see how Rhee and New York do, we know that over the last 6 years New Haven has improved. The data driven approach has been used in some New Haven schools like John Daniels for years and is now district wide and a state model. The plans are yielding fruit and need not be destroyed by rhetoric which is not fact based and clearly biased from a Charter insider. Part of the NHPS plan includes school choice and education options for children and families to spark interest and involement in education. Part of those choices do also include Charters. However, Charters are not THE answer but part of a broader solution. No English as Second language learners, no Special Education students and other discipline related and achievement choices made which lead to the de facto exclusion of students from Charters back to pulic schools are just some of the reasons why you cannot make an apples to apples comparison between NHPS and Charters in New Haven. Looking at last year's test scores reveals that New Haven Charters took a step backwards while more New Haven School continued to improve (many scoring higher than the Charters in spite of the fact that the NHPS have many more students, less time in the school day, ESL students who must take the test in their non-native language, etc.) By FTS logic we should therefore follow the model of the NHPS that are outscoring the Charters and dump the Charters as a failed expirment with diminishing returns. How is it that less than 30 students took the High School test last year in the Sophemore class for the Charter? Were some kids retained, returned to NHPS after practice tests revealed lower scores?? Myself I would rather focus on what is working (including Charters as one of multiple choices in New Haven) and work together to move forward. When you are truly ready to Fix the Schools as opposed to being a marketing agent for one point of view I am sure Dr. Mayo and the appointed Board (which includes 3 Doctors with Education backgrounds, a former Superintendent, a parent and a business man thus making it far more qualified and preferrable than the elected hacks you get in other towns (another point which was not lost on the independent Cambridge review by the State)) will be happy to welcome you to the table.
Posted by: JMS | December 2, 2008 8:16 AM
"Where was the information in the article - what are the dates, requirements, information etc.. on getting into Hooker. Where was the research?"
"Has the writer even accepted any responsibility for dragging this family through the ringer?"
Very good questions.
JMS
Posted by: mskia | December 2, 2008 9:40 AM
My comments to the family...thank you for bringing this problem to light. As a former Lawrence Street resident (and former Hooker student myself) I was shocked to learn that instead of me being able to walk my son to Hooker, I was supposed to bus him all the way across New Haven to Hill Central. Appalling and it is ("neighborhood" as well as magnet schools) all political. Anyone who doubts that has never tried to register a student for New Haven Public Schools.
That being said, there is more than just Hooker out there. While it may be one of the best schools in town, it certainly isn't the only good school for your child(ren) to attend. My son and the daughter of a close friend benefitted greatly at Vincent Mauro (which I am sure has been listed as an "underachieving" school). The best thing to do - no matter where your child goes - is for YOU to be involved. Take initiative. Stay in touch with your child's teacher. Ask for extra work if necessary. Don't expect any school, no matter how "good" it may be to do everything for you.
Don't buy into the hype that Hooker is the be all and end all. Your child can get a good education other places in New Haven, and not just at private schools. Bottom line is that regardless of the school, YOU should be the primary educator of your child.
Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | December 2, 2008 4:26 PM
BOE SUPPORTER:
What I've learned about anonymous blogging is that it is different from open or named blogging because:
1) You don't have to deal with people ascribing motives to your posts. Folks can try and guess what your untold motivations might be, but that would only be conjecture and a waste of time. So in the end, anonymous posting kind of forces people to deal with the arguments made at face value. Either you agree or you disagree with the post no matter the source.
2) On the other hand, the anonymous blogger can't have it both ways. So while one may escape public cyncism around their motives, they also forfeit the persuasive power of any credibility or knowledge that they might possess because they are not identifiable as a credible source.
You say that I am irresponsible for not identifying myself. I think on the other hand, you are giving FTS far too much credit. After all, FTS is anonymous and might be just some crackpot.
Your post is ironic because at the same time that you "welcome" me to the table under certain conditions, you also attempt to out me. Attempting to silence a critic by attacking or undermining their credibility is a sad but familiar tactic to those of us who have dealt with such things in New Haven before. So BOE SUPPORTER, if you really know me, then you should also know that just doesn't work.
Posted by: RichTherrn | December 2, 2008 6:50 PM
Fix.... it would be more credible if you didn't comment on EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE that had something to do with the school system and somehow tried to turn it into a discussion of charter schools vs. NHPS... This article has nothing to do with that issue, which is why few responded to your off topic post.
I appreciate that you are starting to change and not "ascribe motives to others".
My only comment besides echoing BOE Supporter's facts, is that it is true that there are many good schools, many good teachers and many opportunities for students and families in New Haven.
Just as some of us managed to thrive and get a good education at colleges and universities other than Yale, K-12 students can thrive and get a good education at many schools. I would encourage families to directly visit the schools and talk with the staff rather than rely on hearsay.
And yes, we want all students to succeed.
Richard Therrien
NHPS Science Supervisor
Posted by: Kirsten | December 2, 2008 7:56 PM
Taking up FTS' suggestion about googling Michelle Rhee, this is what I came across:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1862444-4,00.html (the most recent -11/27/08-of all the references)
In the Time article it states:
"Earlier this year, she proposed a revolutionary new model to let teachers choose between two pay scales. They could make up to $130,000 in merit pay on the basis of their effectiveness--in exchange for giving up tenure for one year. Or they could keep tenure and accept a smaller raise. (Currently, the average teacher's salary in Washington is $65,902.) The proposal divided the city's teachers into raging, blogging factions. This fall, the union declined to put Rhee's proposal to a vote, and its relationship with her has become increasingly hostile.
In October, Rhee vowed to purge incompetent teachers through any means necessary. She has brought on extra staff to help principals navigate the byzantine termination process and says an unprecedented number of teachers have already been put on notice. But she cannot give teachers the huge raises she proposed unless the union agrees to a new contract. So this approach will be slower, more litigious and less inspiring. In other words, it will be all stick and no carrot. It's hard to say if anyone else would have been able to persuade the union to trade away tenure for cash bonuses, but Rhee's sometimes dismissive attitude made it harder for some teachers to trust her."
It seems to me laudable that Ms. Rhee would like to financially reward excellent teachers with a salary that would be commensurate with their teaching skills; unfortunately she seems to have ruined the relationship with the teacher's union, the biggest cog in her wheel of educational reform in DC. While I definitely applaud her vision, her methods seem to be a bit lacking. It appears to me that, apart from charter schools which do not seem to have as many unionized teachers, the reality of dealing with teachers' union as part of any public educational reform is one that needs to be finessed.
Posted by: FIX THE SCHOOLS | December 3, 2008 3:29 PM
Kirsten,
Thanks for publishing the info. Now we're getting down to one of the big problems....
Teachers unions are a HUGE problem. While I am not entirely anti-union, especially in the corporate space, our society can no longer afford teacher unions in public education.
Teacher equity has risen dramatically since the late 60's while educational quality particularly in urban districts, has been going down, down, down. It is now widely accepted even among teacher union leaders that the most important factor in delivering high quality education isn't curriculum, class size, or technology. It is delivering a high quality teacher into a classroom (even Mr. Therrien and I agree on that)
The NEA and the AFT have kept "tenure" and seniority at the center of their agendas for too long. Lets give Dr. Mayo some credit for arguing to balance the wage scale 10 years ago. This led to new teachers receiving higher pay in the early years which was a way of attracting and retaining a better cadre of teachers to New Haven. The union fought this for a long time by rewarding the long timers - those that had the political power.
The fact is if we are to close the achievement gap in our lifetime, we need to attract the best and the brightest to this mission. That means that our districts need to create quick paths to certification for people who are QUALIFIED (Don't ever think that certified equals QUALIFIED. It does not.)and compete for talent against top medical schools, law schools, and business programs in order to fill the ranks of urban teaching corp who are up for the challenge. These are young people who are mission driven, have a love of children, but are also well compensated if they perform well. And the folks that we need in our schools usually don't see a need to join a union. If they have gripes with management, they have the power to negotiate on their own behalf or they leave for a better environment. In other words, they have choices. No union dues necessary.
They also see the destructive politics of the unions. Unions have fought tooth and nail against educational standards, pay for performance, and tenure. All of these positions are in direct conflict with the best interest of kids, their parents, and our society as a whole.
Will the unions disappear from public education? Probably not for a while, but they need to go for everyone's sake.
Kirsten, you may be right. Michelle Rhee may not survive in her job because of the chaos that has been created. But finessing it will only get us so far. Someone somewhere needs to say "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". Right now, that person is Michelle Rhee.
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