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Post by admin on Nov 14, 2006 16:58:29 GMT -5
Marc,
I am sure that many of our readers appreciate your continual vigilance on the schools issue. But, I have to again apologize for a defeatist attitude here. Do you really believe that the schools will listen to anyone? You can fight city hall, but not the schools system that does not answer to city hall, or anyone but the teachers unions, for that matter. Of course we do have to confirm this nasty rumor.
I agree, we have to improve the schools and make them attractive for young families who may want to move here. After the bad press about the referendum, how does anyone go about fixing up the schools without inviting more bad press. We really do not need that.
Could it be a good time to entertain alternate ideas like taking money from the schools and giving it to parents to sent their children to a private school of their choice? How about encouraging home schooling, give those parents a tax break. I have always said that the answers to improving the schools will only come from thinking out side the box. I doubt the educrats will help us with that.
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Post by BoroMom on Nov 14, 2006 17:03:33 GMT -5
Hi there, I just found this message board today. It's a great idea, I hope more people find out about it and post!  I am a Mom here in the Boro, my child attends the Learning Center. It is our first year here, but I have long been aware of the goings on around here. (husband grew up here) I can tell you that the Learning Center already HAS a Pre-K! And, it is for all students. They had built on for it...but ran out of room at the school, and needed to use the space for a classroom I think? (darn overcrowding...)....so they now have it in a church in town. (Sorry I don't know which one) .... I have heard nothing about it only being offered for spanish speaking kids. All I know is, it's there, for everyone to use as of right now. And I think it is great that they do offer it...preschool certainly isn't cheap. I hope they keep the program. Sad they had to move it though. Just thought I would let you all know, since noone in this thread seems to be aware there already is a pre-k!!! |
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Post by admin on Nov 14, 2006 17:27:35 GMT -5
Hi there, I just found this message board today. It's a great idea, I hope more people find out about it and post! I am a Mom here in the Boro, my child attends the Learning Center. It is our first year here, but I have long been aware of the goings on around here. (husband grew up here) I can tell you that the Learning Center already HAS a Pre-K! And, it is for all students. They had built on for it...but ran out of room at the school, and needed to use the space for a classroom I think? (darn overcrowding...)....so they now have it in a church in town. (Sorry I don't know which one) .... I have heard nothing about it only being offered for Spanish speaking kids. All I know is, it's there, for everyone to use as of right now. And I think it is great that they do offer it...preschool certainly isn't cheap. I hope they keep the program. Sad they had to move it though. Just thought I would let you all know, since no one in this thread seems to be aware there already is a pre-k!!! Boromom, Welcome to the site! Your first post is very enlightening. Feel free to sign up as a registered user. It will make the site a bit more friendly to you. As you can see, this site is intended for everything Freehold. We are not one issue here, but we all do care about bettering this town. The best thing you can do, besides write us, is spread the word to the other good residents of our community. Participation here is encouraged. Brian admin |
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Post by Pete D on Nov 29, 2006 17:17:52 GMT -5
Freehold Schools have been offering Pre K at The Learning Ctr. for several years. It is open to all residents of the Borough. Prior to posting a rumor, you should check out your information. A call to the school would confirm what I am saying. There might be some chances in the program. The schools are now renting space from the Presbyterian Church on Main Stree. It is possible the the ESL mstudents are in FLC while the other students are in the claasrooms at the church. Again,a call to will clarify this. Freehold has enough problems, there is no need to create more issues.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 29, 2006 17:50:51 GMT -5
I'll post whatever I want. And either you or your son knows the answer, so why not post it.
And it was clear from the post that it was a rumor, and that I wanted verification.
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Post by wyane on Nov 29, 2006 20:50:59 GMT -5
LIBYAN...go Get'm Tiger!!! How about you run for the Board!
Schools are a reflection of a community, and the Schoolboard is a
takes full ownership of how the schools perform!
Fact is THERE ARE Kindergarten and first grade class for Spanish only!
The "English classes" have upward of 30 kids in each class, seriously over crowded.
Other services may will have to be cut to accommodate ESL. Science and Social Studies for the early grades!
ASK ANY 1st or 2nd grader who Henry Hudson is? The ask them about Cinco d'Mayo...the answer is shocking (considering the Henry Hudson Trail is just 50 feet from the school!
I can all but guaranty the School board maintains VERY porous proof of residency enforcement, ie..any crappy "letter" from a "Landlord" and "YOUR IN", with little to ZERO verification!
The Boro school are turning into a babysitting service for illegals and anchor babies!
The lack of STRONG residency documentation is another reason FB becomes a "destination"!
Look at the NEW student body demographics, ask for a tour...this is a reflection of the community.
IS there a need for a "SPANISH ONLY" prek...again look at the demographics
If your outraged...go to a School Board meeting and ask them how they are accountable to the community, how are they diligent!
I'd like to hear more about this Petition, maybe we are better off as an Abbott district!
It would be refreshing to see overcrowding address with a serious crack down on access to our schools, before the next round of raping the homeowners.
And what about our incredable Faculty. These professionals are sooo dedicated to our Kids, such an act of love,...now faced with unnecessary job dynamics, making almost impossible for these talented good hearted, dedicated professionals, to do their jobs competently.
I have heard a rumour that there had not been enough math text books, so photocopies are used. IF THIS IS TRUE.... this is a violation of copy rights (textbooks are copywritten), lets hope this is not true!
Maybe a vote of NO CONFIDENCE or a Board recall is in oder!
Maybe I am "OVER THE TOP"?
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Post by wyane on Nov 29, 2006 21:03:59 GMT -5
"....Freehold has enough problems, there is no need to create more issues."
Pot calling the kettle black!....The school board ignores the voters, turns a democratic process to uselessness, and meaningless!
HOW UTTERLY POMPOUS!
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Post by wyane on Nov 29, 2006 21:12:28 GMT -5
"pre-k will be geared to ESL only"
The Direct answer is YES.
One of the three Kindergarden,
One of the Three 1st Grade
One of the four Second Grade class
en el Centro que Aprende del la Freehold Boro
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Post by Pete D on Nov 30, 2006 9:18:34 GMT -5
I would suggest to anyone who is dissatisfied with the way the schools are run, learn the laws that the schools are governed by, go to some board meeting,offer solutions that are within the law, become part of the solution. Elect people to the Council, the School Board, the State Legislature and Congress that are willing to stand up and fight for your town. How many know that the state held back a payment of approximately $280,000 to the schools, and is one payment behind to all the districts ? This is only one small part of the difficulties that the schools face. You may not like the actions of the Board, but it would help if you understood why certain things are done.
Regarding the pre K at FLC - the correct answer was given and my son had nothing to do with my message. Rumors have a way of spreading and becoming accepted as fact. From what I read people were going to Marc expecting an answer,when a simple call to the school would have ended the rumor. If anyone took offense to my suggestion - I am sorry.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Nov 30, 2006 9:31:05 GMT -5
Pete -
We are honored to have you on board. As a former council running mate, nobody knows better than me that you are as unhappy about what is happening in Freehold Borough as the rest of us. You are NO ally of Illegal Immigration and, like me, if you had the tools to use to win one for the town you would never have hesitated to do so.
Just as I told Frank Freyre in a heated meeting, recently - as soon as some challenging towns prevail in the courts, with regard to immigration law, I will be among the first to place those items on the Council agenda for discussion and potential passage. He didn't like that one too much. Too bad.
Marc
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 10:04:52 GMT -5
I would suggest to anyone who is dissatisfied with the way the schools are run, learn the laws that the schools are governed by, go to some board meeting,offer solutions that are within the law, become part of the solution. Elect people to the Council, the School Board, the State Legislature and Congress that are willing to stand up and fight for your town. How many know that the state held back a payment of approximately $280,000 to the schools, and is one payment behind to all the districts ? This is only one small part of the difficulties that the schools face. You may not like the actions of the Board, but it would help if you understood why certain things are done. Regarding the pre K at FLC - the correct answer was given and my son had nothing to do with my message. Rumors have a way of spreading and becoming accepted as fact. From what I read people were going to Marc expecting an answer, when a simple call to the school would have ended the rumor. If anyone took offense to my suggestion - I am sorry. Hooray!!! YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!!.. Everyone should GO to School Board MEETINGS!!! Half of your Property Tax goes to the Board, so go ask questions and have a SAY! About ..." How many know that the state held back a payment of approximately $280,000 to the schools, and is one payment behind to all the districts ?" This is caused by the Governor closing everything down because the state's not having a budget during the summer (as far as I understand it), the money will be coming, but the payments were delayed for a Quarter, because there was not State budget passed (or was passed late), so with out the budget being passed, no funds were released. But the money is forthcoming. But maybe I am wrong As fas as.. "learn the laws that Gov, the Schools", I think those that Govern the schools NEED to enforce all of the laws, and stop leaning on the homeowners, because MANY homeowners are voting with FOR SALES SIGNS, moving to where they can count on their votes counting! The School board needs to be more forthcoming about their intentions, and the "Survey" is not being forthcoming! It’s a shameful marketing exercise, and the tax payers are being schilled (in my opinion)! What the school board is suggesting is that they need to build a new Elementary school, and what they are not say is, once they get your money, for this new school, they WILL NEED MORE OF YOUR MONEY FOR YET ANOTHER SCHOOL!!!! Where are all these kids gona go in 3-4 years, the Middle school has TOO little space, yet there is no talk of another middle school TODAY! WHY NOT??? Is this being FORTHCOMING? Let’s see the FIVE YEAR plan, and tell us how it’s going to get funded! Is there any plan beyond FY’07? Disclosure of a Five year plan is being forthcoming, and needs to be on the table before you ask the Home Owners for more money! The format of the Survey tells me that it is a tool for the Panderer, not the Planner!. |
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Post by admin on Nov 30, 2006 17:04:58 GMT -5
I would suggest to anyone who is dissatisfied with the way the schools are run, learn the laws that the schools are governed by, go to some board meeting,offer solutions that are within the law, become part of the solution. Elect people to the Council, the School Board, the State Legislature and Congress that are willing to stand up and fight for your town. How many know that the state held back a payment of approximately $280,000 to the schools, and is one payment behind to all the districts ? This is only one small part of the difficulties that the schools face. You may not like the actions of the Board, but it would help if you understood why certain things are done. Regarding the pre K at FLC - the correct answer was given and my son had nothing to do with my message. Rumors have a way of spreading and becoming accepted as fact. From what I read people were going to Marc expecting an answer,when a simple call to the school would have ended the rumor. If anyone took offense to my suggestion - I am sorry. Pete, I am glad you have taken time to participate on this board. Do not worry about rumors too much. The people here will put them to rest. We have a good bunch. As i am sure you have seen, I am not the most friendly toward the education system. That is due to frustration that many share. I would bet your frustration is also high. We all share the same goals. I respect your passion and commitment for the schools. They are with out doubt an important part of any town. I agree with you about getting people involved, that should be a common goal for all of us. This site should help that, as well as provide a forum for education and solutions. Keep up with your posts, you are doing well. Brian |
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Post by Pete D on Nov 30, 2006 20:28:30 GMT -5
Marc -Glad to hear that your father is recovering.I guess the genes are good. The building plans for the schools were spelled out in the referendum. If that had passed, the Board was bound to do only that which was on the referndum.There was no hidden agenda. What the board did was look at many alternatives and decided on the least expensive plan that would meet the legal requirements of the state.
A suggestgion that has been put out, is that the state force a merger of district such as the borough's with surrouding towns,ie Freehold Township. Members of the board have had several meeting with the state representatives,lots of lip service from all of them,but no action. Typical of NJ representatives.
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 21:23:11 GMT -5
"A suggestion that has been put out, is that the state force a merger of district such as the borough's with surrounding towns,ie Freehold Township. Members of the board have had several meeting with the state representatives,lots of lip service from all of them,but no action. Typical of NJ representatives" Visit this site, this is were "Young Families" go to look for nice towns to move too. Look at the Boro and compare to out surrounding towns....who you would are to merge with.... www.greatschools.net/city/Freehold/NJBoro schools....Grade 3 Language Arts Literacy 66% (2005) 66% (2004) The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 83% in 2005. Math 58% (2005) 62% (2004) The state average for Math was 83% in 2005. Township SchoolsGrade 3 Language Arts Literacy 94% (2005) 92% (2004) The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 83% in 2005. Math 92% (2005) 90% (2004) The state average for Math was 83% in 2005. This was a serious consideration??? What a waist of time! OK the good people of the Township would welcome the Boro, ...when hell freezes over, when over 30% of the K thru 2 do not even speak fluent English in the boro., and you lived in the township, would you let a district merger happen? And how much would this end up costing the Boro homeowners? These scores are not a reflection of the Faculty, this is a reflection of the Board! But we do have Leading Edge Retinal Scanning for $400,000 (OK its Home Land Security grant money), to bad it doesn't work, and its "under-utilized". How about finding grant money for things we do need like Text books so teachers don't have to make photo copies of math books. (please tell me I am wrong about this) Do me a favor, give me vouchers....or bring in Edison Schools www.edisonschools.com/home/home.cfm" Edison Schools is the nation’s leading public school partner with schools and districts, focused on raising student achievement through its research-based school design, uniquely aligned assessment systems, interactive professional development, integrated use of technology and other proven program features. Edison students are achieving annual academic gains well above national norms. "The council should face the fact that these issue ARE too big for them to manage, please hire PROVEN management, and stop waisting money on phony survieys..... Again...look at the SCORES, look at the academic demographics, look at the overcrowding, look at why there is overcrowding. How about the council agrees to not take paychecks till scores improve? BTW...FA-F Thanks, good job on the schools! Be nice to see the PR legal Defense and Education Foundation (or what ever they call them selfs) make a $250,000 Language Arts Literacy grant to our district schools. Lets see how the really help their minions, and take care of their own! PLEASEEEEEEE...."Beam me up Scotty" |
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 21:29:07 GMT -5
yet another TYPO...Appologies to the Council....
How about the (School) Board agrees to not take paychecks till scores improve?
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 30, 2006 21:56:36 GMT -5
Typo (singular)? are you serious? Please, please, please, review your postings a little bit before posting your replies.
Ur speeelinn eez atroshius.
It takes away from the debate on education - you know, just a little bit, when you can't spell o ruse words incorrectly. Unless, of course, you were educated in Freehold Borough. In that case, well, you are making one hell of an argument.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Nov 30, 2006 22:15:28 GMT -5
By the way, Wyane, when you take a look at the break down, it appears that the Hispanic children are operating at a level well below the white and black students.
I edited the charts to have the statistics just by race. This topic deserves a new heading all of its own.
And before any of you crybabies start posting about race and being unfair, and any other political correct nonsense. These are facts - remember those stubborn little things? Facts compiled by the government, in a form posted by the federal government. You may come up with your own conclusions on the issue. I am just posting the statistical facts - paid for by your tax dollar.
Grade 3
Language Arts Literacy This District
All Students 66%
Black 74%
Hispanic 54%
White 84%
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 83% in 2005.
Math This District All Students 58%
Black 48%
Hispanic 53%
White 74%
The state average for Math was 83% in 2005.
Grade 4
Science This District
All Students 65%
Black 71%
Hispanic 51%
White 84%
The state average for Science was 81% in 2005.
Language Arts Literacy This District
All Students 64%
Black 65%
Hispanic 53%
White 78%
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 82% in 2005
Math This District
All Students 58%
Black 35%
Hispanic 51%
White 76%
The state average for Math was 80% in 2005.
Grade 8
Science This District
All Students 61%
Black 59%
Hispanic 33%
White 85%
The state average for Science was 77% in 2005
Language Arts Literacy This District
All Students 56%
Black 41%
Hispanic 33%
White 83%
The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 72% in 2005.
Math This District
All Students 46%
Black 33%
Hispanic 21%
White 72%
The state average for Math was 62% in 2005
Source: NJ Dept. of Education, 2004-2005
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 22:19:41 GMT -5
"Ur speeelinn eez atroshius"  Nhaaa, not gona blame it on any teacher. BTW no "i" in "atroshus" .....I rest your case!  |
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 22:24:25 GMT -5
"singular" I thought it was spelled cingular...TY! you saved me from yet another embarrassing future typo  |
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Post by wyane on Nov 30, 2006 22:36:13 GMT -5
OK OK LS!!!!
I wasn't going for the statistical jugular, I have seen these numbers too, thought th "greatschool" had been enough to established a point, by you nailed it TY!
It would be nice to see the school board post these number on their website!
Be nice it the included their "report-card" with their "SURVEY"....
How does that saying go about "Figures and Lier's"?
(hows my spell'n?)
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Dec 2, 2006 23:36:19 GMT -5
Wyane (or is it Wayne and you are simply mis-spelling that as well?)...
I have to admit, I am not familiar with this saying about "figures and liars" but I am curious to find out. I am curious as to what you think the BOE is holding back from the town? I am curious as to why, if so many people are concerned with the schools, why are school board meetings attended by only a few teachers and the same couple of residents of the town?
And just so you're clear, asking the board of ed members to give up their pay until the scores improve is not asking for much considering the fact that THEY ARE ALL VOLUNTEERS. Once again, please, it is much more constructive to learn the facts before making blind accusations or statements, this way you can help the process of fixing things instead of simply continuing to throw gas on the fire.
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Post by Wyane on Dec 3, 2006 3:26:03 GMT -5
Sonny.... Here is your gasoline (Below), Not sure how many alarms the fire is now, but this is alarming. "why are school board meetings attended by only a few teachers and the same couple of residents of the town?" BOE needs serious strides with a outreach, other than having our schools used for a day long Latino Festival (look how they score below). What young Family looking to for a home, would not look at these stats? What would you expect that Mom and Dad to think? Maybe Born to Run is smarter than you think! Wait until the faculty starts bailing, and YOU must agress, these results (below) is NO reflection on the Teachers. 30 kids in a class room, and 30+% of the Pre-k to 2nd grade have very limited english, if any? "constructive to learn the facts before making blind accusations or statements" There is NO mention of these stats in the survey that went out in the mail...NO Mention on the BOE Website, infact there is very little information offered by the BOE on the website (wonder why noone come to meetings?). Seems like to learn facts, like PERFORMANCE....You need to look beyond the Boro BOE. So you show up at a board meeting and then what?  Grade 3 Language Arts Literacy This District All Students 66% Black 74% Hispanic 54% White 84% The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 83% in 2005. Math This District All Students 58% Black 48% Hispanic 53% White 74% The state average for Math was 83% in 2005. Grade 4 Science This District All Students 65% Black 71% Hispanic 51% White 84% The state average for Science was 81% in 2005. Language Arts Literacy This District All Students 64% Black 65% Hispanic 53% White 78% The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 82% in 2005 Math This District All Students 58% Black 35% Hispanic 51% White 76% The state average for Math was 80% in 2005. Grade 8 Science This District All Students 61% Black 59% Hispanic 33% White 85% The state average for Science was 77% in 2005 Language Arts Literacy This District All Students 56% Black 41% Hispanic 33% White 83% The state average for Language Arts Literacy was 72% in 2005. Math This District All Students 46% Black 33% Hispanic 21% White 72% The state average for Math was 62% in 2005 Source: NJ Dept. of Education, 2004-2005 |
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Post by Wyane on Dec 3, 2006 9:24:16 GMT -5
"Here is your gasoline (Below)....,:
To be clear...Gas supplied by BOE, not me, I'm trapped in the burning house
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Post by Informed Guest on Jan 1, 2007 13:04:26 GMT -5
Do you know that the state, through the Early Childhood Aid Program (ECPA), fully funds the Freehold Boro Pre-K program? These funds must first be used to fund Pre-K, then Kindergarten (up to full-day) before any of it can be used to fund grades 1-3.
Does knowing this change your opinion of the program at all?
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 1, 2007 13:26:20 GMT -5
Do you know that the state, through the Early Childhood Aid Program (ECPA), fully funds the Freehold Boro Pre-K program? These funds must first be used to fund Pre-K, then Kindergarten (up to full-day) before any of it can be used to fund grades 1-3. Does knowing this change your opinion of the program at all? Another great example of the waste of the NJ school system and the farce of "local control." Why not give the money to the school and let them use it where it is needed most -- based upon the school's unique needs and challenges? Pre-school programs are great -- and I send my youngest to one right now. They are not, however, essential. (I did pretty good without one -- and my second child is doing great in Kindergarten having not had such programs.) They are a luxury. Freehold, thanks to many different reasons, cannot now afford that luxury. To answer the pointed question -- I would not feel better about a state mandated program that funds a program over which I have no control, and uses my money -- even if it is co-mingled with the money of other poor fools across the state. State money, county money, and municipal money share a common ancestor -- they are your tax dollars. When they are used imprudently, or not to their best and highest use, no one should be happy about that -- even if most of it comes from your neighbor's wallet. How about a system that allows you -- as a town in a state that prides itself on local control -- allowing localities to take the pooled money it receives, and use it the way it deems fit. That way, local leaders are held directly accountable for all dollars spent -- and performance achieved. It would also encourage Boards to use money creatively and to seek innovative solutions that might benefit other towns too after proving successful. The top-down, you shall do this, we know better than you, approach never works. It is did not work in the Soviet system, and there is no reason to believe that the model will be successful in the education system -- which suffers from a lack of flexibility and creativeness. |
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Post by admin on Jan 1, 2007 16:41:37 GMT -5
Pre K schooling is nothing more than child care, subsidized by the tax payer. That is wrong. God forbid that parents raise their own children. But, why do that when the schools can do it for them at everybody's expense.
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Jan 2, 2007 9:45:11 GMT -5
Lots of things are learned in pre-school. Children learn to raise their hand, and how to stand in a line. They learn that a bell means to stop what they are doing and change to doing something else.
If you are lucky they might learn the alphabet (if they didn't already learn that from their parents, which they should have.) They might also learn colors, and whole bunch of other things they should have already learned from their parents, family, friends, neighbors, etc.
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2007 10:16:48 GMT -5
Do you know that the state, through the Early Childhood Aid Program (ECPA), fully funds the Freehold Boro Pre-K program? These funds must first be used to fund Pre-K, then Kindergarten (up to full-day) before any of it can be used to fund grades 1-3. Does knowing this change your opinion of the program at all? Guest, good post and good point to bring up. Thank you! |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Jan 2, 2007 15:16:52 GMT -5
I've got news for all of those who think the pre-school is fully funded by state aid...it's not. Even if the funding for the teachers and materials is funded by the state, the money for housing this pre-school off campus at a local church is not funded by the state, and if I remember correctly, rent is approximately $50,000 per year at the church.
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