| Author |
Message |
    
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 194
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:15 am: | 
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Last night I attended an adult school class at CHS. OMG the school was a mess. I graduated in 1971 and have been back many times thru the years for my daughter's ballet recitals, kids took summer classes there etc. but nothing prepared me for the deterioration that I saw last night.
Tiles coming off the floor,panels missing from doors, doors hanging off closets, every avail wood surface defaced with carving of grafitti. It is not age related wear and tear it is vandalism. What a shame!!!
So what happened??? |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3691
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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piss poor parenting?
piss poor people in charge?
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dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1836
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:48 am: |
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Budget cuts. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2679
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 11:53 am: |
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How are tiles coming off the floor vandalism? Yes the grafitti certainly is but the tiles???? The other items are more ambiguous. Maybe vandalism, maybe not. But when normal repair/rejuvenation is not done the students get the message loud and clear that nobody cares about their space. They lose respect for it themselves. You have seen the prior threads where people reported on bathrooms without stall doors, peeling paint, ceiling tiles falling, etc, have you not? If the adults (taxpayers/admin/BOE/parents) act like they don't care how will the kids make that leap? And we all know that a small # of vandals can mark up a large space, esp if no one intervenes. |
crabby
Citizen
Username: Crabbyappleton
Post Number: 676
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:07 pm: |
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Not that I'm into excuses, but the end of the year is tough. Kids have cleaned out their lockers and teachers have cleaned out their rooms, and there is just stuff everywhere. Give the janitors a chance.
And of course, certain teachers combined with their army of students, ran the principal out, so there has been no leadership for months. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2329
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:12 pm: |
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Whoa. Is the principal officially out?
I graduated from CHS as well, and let me tell you, there were bathroom stalls without doors back then, too. That is inexcusable.
However, it's very sad when the school falls into disrepair and the students get the implied message that nobody cares. So then the students don't care, and the graffiti and litter and possibly vandalism perpetuates.
I am hopeful that the place can get cleaned up over the summer. I am getting really tired of hearing how bad Columbia is when it has the potential to be a great place. |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 197
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:24 pm: |
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Crabby,
I have been in the school in the summer before, when my kids took summer enrichment classes, and yeah the rooms were stripped bare of decorations and many rooms had desks and chairs all pushed to one side, but they were clean and in good repair.
ESS.
when did you graduate? That is sad that there were no doors to the stalls. I graduated in 1971 and that was not the case then, in fact the D and B wings were only just completed!
C.Bataille,
OK maybe not all vandalism ie the floor tiles, certainly not sending a good message to the students. I guess my question to you is why isn't (didn't) anyone intervene? |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 2330
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
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Psychomom - I graduated in the 80s. Not ALL stalls were doorless, but many were.
I agree with you that there should have been intervention.
My kids are not even close to being in high school yet, but I am still concerned. |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 833
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:42 pm: |
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We believe the children are our future...
Your tax dollars at work!
Go see the middle school, if you want a real treat.
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Cougar86
Citizen
Username: Cougar86
Post Number: 8
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 12:56 pm: |
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I guess its caused by taxes in town being to low.... |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 201
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:07 pm: |
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Yeah I'm sure that's it!!!  |
tjohn
Supporter
Username: Tjohn
Post Number: 4411
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:31 pm: |
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You can judge what is important to a society by its buildings.
Clearly, at one time Europeans worhshipped God. And the churches and cathedrals of those days were and still are magnificent buildings.
At one time, we valued education and government. And the schools and government buildings of that time were the finest buildings around.
Now, I guess we worship Wall Street above all else because corporate structures are among the finest around. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1815
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:45 pm: |
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I took a class through the adult school also but it was over at South Orange Middle School - the place is filthy - you can't even see out the windows. Honestly, I tried not to look around too much because the place was a depressing hole, but it was more than just "outdated" - it was disgusting - I didn't even want to be there; I can't imagine sending your kids into that every day. |
optimyst
Citizen
Username: Optimyst
Post Number: 159
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |
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I have spent time in various parts of the school several times this month, including last night.
I saw very little of what is described here.
There is extensive renovation going on, including an entire new entrance, new leaded glass windows in the auditorium doors, the courtyard is coming to life again and the bathrooms I have seen are newly painted and brighter.
Maybe an occasional tile here and there is askew, but definitely overall, it is improving.
Many people volunteer their time and skills to renew this wonderful building.
People do care, and you should come and see for yourself just how much ... |
crabby
Citizen
Username: Crabbyappleton
Post Number: 677
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:02 pm: |
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psy mom- I'm not talking about all summer, I'm talking about right now, when kids have thrown everything out of their lockers. It's a pig sty. But it's temporary.
And what optymyst said. |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 1139
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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Maybe we need a custodian administrator to oversee the staff with a PHD in Mopology. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2682
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 2:53 pm: |
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outsourced, jet. |
CM Townsend
Citizen
Username: Cm_townsend
Post Number: 161
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 3:00 pm: |
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The current condition of Columbia resembles many inner-city schools. |
Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1189
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:46 pm: |
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Bull, CM.
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S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1749
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 4:51 pm: |
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Cm Townsend...
Have you ever been in an inner city school?
My social worker wife has been in ALL of them in Brooklyn. My oldest child is only 2 but I am going to request my wife to take a tour of CHS soon so we can get down to the bottom of this once and for all
-SLK |
CM Townsend
Citizen
Username: Cm_townsend
Post Number: 162
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 5:25 pm: |
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SLK,
I taught at one school in Newark and three schools in Jersey City. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1534
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 6:21 pm: |
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I was also at CHS last night for a class and found it depressing. I was sitting in my class thinking "I wish this class was somewhere else".
I'm completely in agreement with C.Bataille - I also feel that way about the landscaping. We expect the students to do their duty and not litter but the people whose job it is to make the place at least look somewhat presentable could care less. It's not all funding - some of it is oversight. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1535
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 6:29 pm: |
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disclaimer - I realize tht lots of parents have spent many hundreds of hours helping clean up our school buildings. I am only talking about very basic maintenance. |
John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 335
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 7:39 pm: |
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I taught in Jersey City's Lincoln H.S. and Ferris H.S.
I retired in January, 06. While there were problems, grafitti and valdalism wasn't among them. The 9th. grade academy building was spotless. |
CM Townsend
Citizen
Username: Cm_townsend
Post Number: 163
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 8:01 pm: |
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John,
I guess that my experience was different than yours.
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Rivka Nelson
Citizen
Username: Rivka_nelson
Post Number: 32
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 8:40 pm: |
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Regarding South Orange Middle School, all windows are currently being replaced, so the dirty window problem will be resolved.
As to it's being dirty, I am in the building quite often and it is usually in pretty good shape. It is not dirty. I don't find it depressing in the least, two of my children go there (one is graduating out tomorrow) and they have never been depressed by the condition of the school. They feel welcomed by the staff and teachers and they are recieving a top notch education. |
Paper Bag Bandit
Citizen
Username: Glock17
Post Number: 1191
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 - 10:35 pm: |
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I graduate from CHS in '05 and aside from the lighting in the A-Wing I had no problem with it.
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John DeVita
Citizen
Username: John_devita
Post Number: 7
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 12:12 am: |
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I teach at CHS. We do care and we do intervene when we see a problem. I know I do and so do the other teachers on my hall. In my opinion, the current administrators are also doing their jobs and are working to improve the school. So where are the problems:
1. Our custodians have been outsourced. In the past my room was cleaned every evening. Now only the garbage pails are emptied.
2. When students were asked to clean out their lockers there were not enough garbage pails or bags to put the refuse in.
3. When I first started at CHS their were fewer "studies" and several teachers were asssigned hall duty. This cut down on vandalism and just plain "hanging" in the halls. Now there are more studies. Teachers are assigned to them, and few, if any, teachers are on hall duty. By the way, one reason there are more studies is because it is cheaper to assign a teacher to cover a study as a duty than to pay teachers to teach additional classes. |
S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1754
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 22, 2006 - 8:36 am: |
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The good thing about Maplewood/SO (and one of the reasons why my family moved here) is that you do have alot of people that care about our schools, regardless of what state they are in.
Half the battle is won... 
-SLK |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 2024
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006 - 9:37 pm: |
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SLK -- the battle hasn't even started, there are no war plans even. It will take a new principal, new administration, more staff, and a ridiculous amount of money to start fixing up the place. I don't believe the current board will do anything more than the ones that were in place over the past years of decline. If the decline has been over the past 5 years, then it will take 10 years to move in the opposite direction.
BUT, even if $$ were spent -- its about the parents! I was stunned at back to school nights how few parents came to learn about their kids classes, teachers, and school. Without parents being involved, all the staff, money, plans will not help.
Can't imagine sending a kid to CHS right now. My oldest is done with high school, my youngest, should we still be here in 5 -6 years, I doubt will go to CHS.
/p
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crabby
Citizen
Username: Crabbyappleton
Post Number: 687
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 8:20 am: |
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But peteglider, haven't you said here on MOL that your situations with your kids are not the norm, so to speak?
My kids are doing great at CHS and the classrooms at back to school night are packed. |
3ringale
Citizen
Username: Threeringale
Post Number: 264
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 9:01 am: |
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Something has definitely changed at CHS. When I graduated in 1973, there was one security guard, who wore a blazer, whose main job was to see that smoking only took place in the designated bathrooms. His name was Mr. Osinski. Naturally, we called him Double-Osinski.
This week's News Record had a front page article on how CHS is hiring 9 guards, presumably in uniform. I think they did away with smoking in school a while back, so why the need for 9 guards, if things at CHS are copacetic?
Cheers |
mooewe
Citizen
Username: Mooewe
Post Number: 355
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 10:08 am: |
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Drifting away from the physical plant issue...
Crabby, if your classrooms at BTSN are packed, then I don't think it's an unfair assumption to say that they must be in mostly Level 4/Honors/AP classes. My kids straddled both Level 3 and Level 4 classes throughout their tenure at CHS, and the Level 3 classes uniformly had very light parent attendance.
My youngest just graduated this year, and I don't for a minute regret sending my kids there. They made great friends, had some outstanding teachers (including Mr. DeVita!), and rich opportunities that have guided them toward what they want to do with their lives.
Crabby, about the "no leadership" comment you made above - an interesting thing took place at graduation the other night. My memory is fuzzy (it was a loooong ceremony), but it was either after Dr. Lovie Lilly spoke (the assistant principal who basically became the de facto principal when Mrs. Pollack went on "leave"), or when the senior class president thanked Dr. Lilly in his speech, that the students applauded and cheered, and most if not all of the faculty who was present stood up and applauded. Clearly, the principal/faculty relationship was irreparably damaged, and I very much doubt that Mrs. Pollack will be returning. |
S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1794
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 3:36 pm: |
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peterglider-
so let it burn? Take the easy way out and take the private school route...way to go champ...
-SLK |
peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 2029
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 8:38 pm: |
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no SLK, the Board needs to start pushing for action. The point of my post is to say we are FAR from half way there.
my greatest concern is that while there are many great teachers at CHS now -- for how long? won't many go to other districts with better schools, better pay. and it could be harder to attract "the best"
because few parents are involved, in the most challenging school in the district, there will not as much momentum as needed...
Pete
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S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1799
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 9:00 pm: |
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pete-
My apologies, I only spoke out of frustration. I just can't understand what the f- is going at CHS. Being a newcomer (a year), I hear all kinds of stories, both good and bad. My wife and I are being optimistic, hoping any existing problems become resolved in the next 10 years (when my oldest will be enterinh high school).
Can someone please tell me what the f is going on at CHS?
-SLK |
Phenixrising
Citizen
Username: Phenixrising
Post Number: 1736
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:02 am: |
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And of course, certain teachers combined with their army of students, ran the principal out, so there has been no leadership for months.
What Bull!
I was at the graduation ceremony and as moowe stated, Dr Liily has done a wonderful job in Ms. Pollack’s absence. The thunderous applause from graduates, administrators, parents and teachers after Dr. Lilly speech showed their appreciation. As my 2006 graduate has said, “there is a sense of peace” since Ms Pollack’s absence.
SLK,
CHS is NOT as bad as pete is making it. If you get a chance, the school newspaper the “Columbian” last issue just listed the colleges & university’s the graduates will be attending this fall. Very impressive that a good MAJORITY WILL attend college this fall. Also, there are a good amount of parents who DO care about CHS!
Between Maplewood and South Orange I have seen the area change, with a lot of younger families like yourself moving in. It’s up to you and the younger families with children to see that your kids get the BEST education in our district by being involved. Action speaks louder than words. And you don’t have to wait until your child enters CHS. You can start now!
BTW… Back-to-School night was pretty full when I went this fall. |
Albatross
Citizen
Username: Albatross
Post Number: 873
Registered: 9-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:13 am: |
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RE: security guards - this is nothing new. The only change is that the district is contracting with a security company instead of directly hiring the security guards. Columbia has had uniformed security guards for at least five years. |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 230
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:24 am: |
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I remember Mr. Osinski...in fact the senior assembly did a spoof song about him to the tune of the "Officer Krumpky" song in West Side Story. |
S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1803
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:31 am: |
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Phenixrising-
Thanks for the input. Where can I get a copy of Columbian (other than the high school)?
I think I am going to take a tour of CHS really soon with my wife, who has been in the worst high schools in NYC, really soon. I am curious....
-SLK |
crabby
Citizen
Username: Crabbyappleton
Post Number: 689
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 9:51 am: |
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Here is a list from that issue that I listed weeks ago...
/discus/messages/10210/118417.html?1150043602
If you'd like to read any past issues of the COlumbian, you might be able to pick up copies in the main office at CHS (go in front door, go right, first door on the right). The COlumbian is a superbly written newspaper. The students cover all sides of issues. Most COlumbians are themed (like violence in society, music, schools, war etc). CHS has a fantastic journalism teacher, Ms. McGrane, and CHS continues to produce an outstanding award-winning paper. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 618
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:06 am: |
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Beware posters who are bitterly critical of everything Maplewood. She no longer lives here. She moved to Irvington, and now loves nothing more than to start hysterical negative posts about M/SO.
The bottom line is that the school budget does not include much money for upkeep of buildings or grounds. Not because no one cares, but because the BOE tends to keep as much money in the classroom as possible, and despite the fact that taxes are high, the school budget is very limited.
Mostly, the PTAs do fundraising and work on major rehab projects and landscaping, while the school budget covers such things as the new roof for Clinton. Some PTAs are more active and effective than others. Plans are underway to do a major landscaping project at Clinton, for example, and the PTA also just bought a huge new playground installation. There have been many projects supported at CHS for rehab..........most of them by PTAs and concerned parents who want to help. There are projects underway at CHS right now.
Get involved if you have concerns. Help is welcome.
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S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1805
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:08 am: |
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crabby-
Thanks for the input, I will indeed stop by....maybe I can take a peek while i am there...how hard is it to get a tour?
-SLK |
Psychomom
Citizen
Username: Psychomom
Post Number: 231
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:27 am: |
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MJH
I assume you are referring to me??? I find it most interesting that you can make all these assumptions when you don't know me, we have never met.
I do not love to slam Maplewood, in fact quite the contrary, I had a wonderful childhood growing up in town and would like to see the town remain as great as it was. When I post something negative, it is out of concern and merely for discussion sake to see if anyone else is noticing change. There appear to be a blind spot to any flaws in town on the part of some of the MOL posters and that will do Maplewood in. You cannot fix what you don't acknowldge and sticking your head in the sand is no way to handle problems unless you are an ostrich. The people in Union are learning that. Union center is going downhill and they never saw it happening...they were so proud that they moved from Irvington and "got out" that never dreamed it would catch up to them again. It can easily happen in Maplewood too, if you want to keep your eyes closed. Sooner or later it becomes unfixable, Luckily Maplewood is not at that point yet.
Last time I looked the constitution still guarenteed freedom of speech and I didnt see an asterisk that said "except when it comes to Maplewood" |
Hoops
Citizen
Username: Hoops
Post Number: 1556
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:48 am: |
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SLK - just go to the school office and ask, or better make a phone call.
http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/
Columbia is an excellent school. It has some problems just like every school and every institution but in general the teachers are good and dedicated and the guidance staff cares about the kids.
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S.L.K. 2.0
Citizen
Username: Scrotisloknows
Post Number: 1810
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:00 am: |
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Thanks Hoops-
Do you have any kids in CHS?
-SLK |
Hoops
Citizen
Username: Hoops
Post Number: 1558
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:12 am: |
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yes. One freshman this year and one graduated in 2003. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 619
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:41 am: |
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Dear Psycho;
I don't believe that working with the PTA to install a landscaping project at Clinton qualifies as "sticking my head in the sand". The landscaping looks bad.....I brought up my concern about it recently, and I will do what I can to contribute to a solution. I don't think I qualify for being labelled an ostrich.
The fact that you no longer live here is something you posted yourself, so I don't believe I need to "know you" to make that statement. The fact that you make a lot of negative comments about the town on line is also quite evident. I don't know you personally, and never said that I did. I commented on your posting, not your personality. IMHO, you tend toward negativity, anger, and bitterness, and you seem to have it in for Maplewood. I also have a "constitutional right" to my opinion.
I am not in favor of removing your constitutional right to complain. I don't believe I indicated that I was. What I do question is your motivation, and your willingness to make any sort of positive contribution to this community, imperfect as it is. |
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