Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Gooooooo TEAM!
So what did ALI WEBB say during the last board meeting. Did she slam the cheerleaders? Fill us in here!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Is there a High Road?
Hello All! This blog was created so USEFUL thoughts could be exchanged. It was created so the public could hear concerns from MPS staff regarding leadership at the top. It was created so people could share GREAT things happening within the district. As the title to this entry states - Is there a High Road? The answer is YES. Can't we just state the problems we are facing in this district, and leave the low personal remarks out of it? The majority of posters here on this blog can't stand the personal attacks that come from the Superintendent's Office. Why must some of us stoop to that level? SO - pull the road map back out - FIND THE HIGH ROAD - let's all get back on task.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
So, Dr. Metcalf, You like to double talk?
Congrats goes out once again to Sue Boley, our school nurse, receiving school nurse of the year. In this weeks Marshall Chronicle Brian Metcalf is PRAISING Sue Boley. Kind of hard to believe if you know what the two Doctors put poor Sue Boley through months ago. Anyone who has info about the events that took place, PLEASE POST.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Poll Results
Vic Potter & Janice Darling are up for re-election in 2007. If they decide to run for re-election, Will you vote for them?
No - 82 votes - 93%
Yes - 4 votes - 5%
Too Early to say - 2 votes - 2%
Don't forget to check out the new poll!
No - 82 votes - 93%
Yes - 4 votes - 5%
Too Early to say - 2 votes - 2%
Don't forget to check out the new poll!
Friday, November 24, 2006
November Board Meeting
Well, the Marshall Board of Education held their November Board meeting. By now, it has been playing on Marshall Access. If you have seen the meeting - What did you like about it? or What didn't you like about it?
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Recall??
So there have been several posts about a recall being started. Is it true? Anyone have any information on it? Hopefully the people posting about the recall are truly going through with it. If they are posting those comments and it really isn't happening, ALL of the credibility flies out of the window. So post info if you have it. Who is being recalled? What is the language? FILL US IN!
Happy Turkey Day!!
Just a quick post to tell everyone to have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Hope you enjoy the day with what really matters - Family and Friends!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
4th Superintendents Corner
Leadership is about Our Students’ Future
Dr. Joyce Phillips
November 15, 2006
Two weeks ago, while recovering from foot surgery, I began to reread the national bestseller that many leaders from business and education are enthusiastically discussing. This bestseller is The World is Flat, authored by Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his work at The New York Times.
In the first one-third of his book, Mr. Friedman details the ten forces that have flattened our world. These forces begin with the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. Among the ten, he also mentions Netscape going public (August 8, 1995), work flow software, open-sourcing, outsourcing, offshoring, supply-chaining, insourcing, in-forming, and the steroids (digital, mobile, personal, and virtual).
After he builds his case for flattening of the world, Mr. Friedman discusses what this type of world means to our children. He argues that many good jobs will exist in the flat world for those with the knowledge and ideas to seize them.
Is this important to Marshall? Are these ideas relevant our students’ future? The answer is yes!
Very few things in our lives remain exactly the same forever. The current frenzy about PlayStation 3 is one reminder of our appetite for newer, better, faster.
We need to keep our eyes focused on the world in which our young people will live and work. It is going to be different than ours, and the PlayStations of this world are going to accelerate that change.
Friedman uses four terms to describe the types of workers that our children will become: special, specialized, anchored, and adaptable.
Special workers are the Bill Gates of the world. Few will make it to that level, but those who do will dramatically change the world for the rest of us.
Specialized workers are those whose jobs cannot be digitized and/or outsourced because of knowledge. Examples of these jobs are brain surgeons, software engineers, and advanced machine tool and robot operators. Wages are competitive because they are based on specialized skills.
Anchored workers are those whose jobs must be done in a specific location and involve face-to-face contact with a customer, client, patient, or audience. Examples of these jobs are electricians, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, chefs, teachers, and physicians. Wages are set according to local market conditions.
Adaptable workers are those who constantly acquire new skills, knowledge, and expertise that allow them to create value. An adaptable worker focuses on continuous learning because innovation will happen faster and faster in our children’s lifetime. Wages are set according to the value of adaptability.
Friedman argues that the more we humans push out the boundaries of knowledge and technology, the more complex tasks that machines will do, the more that people with specialized education or those with the ability to learn how to learn, will be in demand.
Will Marshall’s students live, work, and play in a different word? Yes, they will. All you have to do is look around our community and state, to watch the current struggles as we work through some of these changes.
In Marshall Public Schools, we need to keep our eyes on the changing world and prepare our students accordingly.
We need to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Our Kids First
Dr. Joyce Phillips
November 15, 2006
Two weeks ago, while recovering from foot surgery, I began to reread the national bestseller that many leaders from business and education are enthusiastically discussing. This bestseller is The World is Flat, authored by Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his work at The New York Times.
In the first one-third of his book, Mr. Friedman details the ten forces that have flattened our world. These forces begin with the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. Among the ten, he also mentions Netscape going public (August 8, 1995), work flow software, open-sourcing, outsourcing, offshoring, supply-chaining, insourcing, in-forming, and the steroids (digital, mobile, personal, and virtual).
After he builds his case for flattening of the world, Mr. Friedman discusses what this type of world means to our children. He argues that many good jobs will exist in the flat world for those with the knowledge and ideas to seize them.
Is this important to Marshall? Are these ideas relevant our students’ future? The answer is yes!
Very few things in our lives remain exactly the same forever. The current frenzy about PlayStation 3 is one reminder of our appetite for newer, better, faster.
We need to keep our eyes focused on the world in which our young people will live and work. It is going to be different than ours, and the PlayStations of this world are going to accelerate that change.
Friedman uses four terms to describe the types of workers that our children will become: special, specialized, anchored, and adaptable.
Special workers are the Bill Gates of the world. Few will make it to that level, but those who do will dramatically change the world for the rest of us.
Specialized workers are those whose jobs cannot be digitized and/or outsourced because of knowledge. Examples of these jobs are brain surgeons, software engineers, and advanced machine tool and robot operators. Wages are competitive because they are based on specialized skills.
Anchored workers are those whose jobs must be done in a specific location and involve face-to-face contact with a customer, client, patient, or audience. Examples of these jobs are electricians, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, chefs, teachers, and physicians. Wages are set according to local market conditions.
Adaptable workers are those who constantly acquire new skills, knowledge, and expertise that allow them to create value. An adaptable worker focuses on continuous learning because innovation will happen faster and faster in our children’s lifetime. Wages are set according to the value of adaptability.
Friedman argues that the more we humans push out the boundaries of knowledge and technology, the more complex tasks that machines will do, the more that people with specialized education or those with the ability to learn how to learn, will be in demand.
Will Marshall’s students live, work, and play in a different word? Yes, they will. All you have to do is look around our community and state, to watch the current struggles as we work through some of these changes.
In Marshall Public Schools, we need to keep our eyes on the changing world and prepare our students accordingly.
We need to keep the main thing, the main thing.
Our Kids First
Saturday, November 18, 2006
3rd Superintendents Corner
Sorry for the delay in getting the 3rd "Superintendent's Corner" posted. I believe this was published in last weeks Marshall Chronicle (November 13, 2006 - or - November 6, 2006)
Leadership is about Student Achievement
Dr. Joyce Phillips
October 25, 2006
Last week, I shared my vision for Marshall Public Schools. Now, I will begin to share details of that vision and let you know what’s happening in our schools.
First and foremost, my vision includes high student achievement … for all.
We talk about the MEAP a lot because it is the single common statewide assessment which measures student achievement. When students take the MEAP, the goal is to meet or exceed the expectations set by the state for that grade level and content area.
Let’s take a look now at MEAP achievement in reading, writing, and math - the 3 R’s we consider so important.
The following information is from October 2005 in grades 3-8, the grades required to be tested by No Child Left Behind.
As you read, keep in mind that a score of 80% or higher in any area is a commendable.
Reading: In Marshall, in every grade level tested, 80% or more of our students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 90%; grade 6, 89%; grade 7, 85%; and grade 8, 81%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 87% in grade 3 to 73% grade 8. When compared to schools in Calhoun County and to other high performing schools in the state such as Novi and Farmington, our students excelled.
Are we proud? Yes we are! Will we continue to improve? Yes we will.
Writing: In Marshall, there is a different picture of achievement: grade 3, 53%; grade 4, 48%; grade 5, 66%; grade 6, 79%; grade 7, 80%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 51% in grade 3 to 65% in grade 8. Most interestingly, our achievement matched that of other schools in Calhoun County and high performing schools.
What does that say about the area of writing? Without a doubt, the whole state needs to improve. And in Marshall, we take this message seriously. In 2005-06, our major area of focus for professional development was writing. We also realigned our writing curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. We are learning new methods for teaching writing and we are working at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.
Math: In Marshall, the following percentage of students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 78%; grade 6, 69%; grade 7, 58%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, the range was 87% in grade 3 to 63% in grade 8. Interestingly, our achievement in grades 3-8 compared favorably to other schools in Calhoun County but only in grades 3- 4 in those other high performing schools.
What are we doing as a district about math? In 2005-06, we realigned our math curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. In 2006-07, we are immersed in professional development through several initiatives including but not limited to PROM/SE (Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Math and Science Education), Lenses on Learning, and IMMAP (Improving Middle Math Achievement Project). We are piloting Everyday Mathematics in K-grade 5 classrooms where teachers have volunteered. We are learning new methods for teaching mathematics and we will work at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.
In Marshall, we are proud of our tradition of high achievement. We will continue to connect our curriculum, revise our instruction, and keep our focus on high achievement for all.
We will keep the main thing, the main thing.
Our Kids First
Leadership is about Student Achievement
Dr. Joyce Phillips
October 25, 2006
Last week, I shared my vision for Marshall Public Schools. Now, I will begin to share details of that vision and let you know what’s happening in our schools.
First and foremost, my vision includes high student achievement … for all.
We talk about the MEAP a lot because it is the single common statewide assessment which measures student achievement. When students take the MEAP, the goal is to meet or exceed the expectations set by the state for that grade level and content area.
Let’s take a look now at MEAP achievement in reading, writing, and math - the 3 R’s we consider so important.
The following information is from October 2005 in grades 3-8, the grades required to be tested by No Child Left Behind.
As you read, keep in mind that a score of 80% or higher in any area is a commendable.
Reading: In Marshall, in every grade level tested, 80% or more of our students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 90%; grade 6, 89%; grade 7, 85%; and grade 8, 81%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 87% in grade 3 to 73% grade 8. When compared to schools in Calhoun County and to other high performing schools in the state such as Novi and Farmington, our students excelled.
Are we proud? Yes we are! Will we continue to improve? Yes we will.
Writing: In Marshall, there is a different picture of achievement: grade 3, 53%; grade 4, 48%; grade 5, 66%; grade 6, 79%; grade 7, 80%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 51% in grade 3 to 65% in grade 8. Most interestingly, our achievement matched that of other schools in Calhoun County and high performing schools.
What does that say about the area of writing? Without a doubt, the whole state needs to improve. And in Marshall, we take this message seriously. In 2005-06, our major area of focus for professional development was writing. We also realigned our writing curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. We are learning new methods for teaching writing and we are working at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.
Math: In Marshall, the following percentage of students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 78%; grade 6, 69%; grade 7, 58%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, the range was 87% in grade 3 to 63% in grade 8. Interestingly, our achievement in grades 3-8 compared favorably to other schools in Calhoun County but only in grades 3- 4 in those other high performing schools.
What are we doing as a district about math? In 2005-06, we realigned our math curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. In 2006-07, we are immersed in professional development through several initiatives including but not limited to PROM/SE (Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Math and Science Education), Lenses on Learning, and IMMAP (Improving Middle Math Achievement Project). We are piloting Everyday Mathematics in K-grade 5 classrooms where teachers have volunteered. We are learning new methods for teaching mathematics and we will work at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.
In Marshall, we are proud of our tradition of high achievement. We will continue to connect our curriculum, revise our instruction, and keep our focus on high achievement for all.
We will keep the main thing, the main thing.
Our Kids First
Thursday, November 16, 2006
2nd Poll Results
Results for the 2nd Poll Question:
If the $51.6 Million Bond Proposal is on the ballot in May how will you vote?
No - 56 Votes - 77%
Yes - 14 Votes - 19%
Undecided - 3 Votes - 4%
Total Votes - 73
If the $51.6 Million Bond Proposal is on the ballot in May how will you vote?
No - 56 Votes - 77%
Yes - 14 Votes - 19%
Undecided - 3 Votes - 4%
Total Votes - 73
*Let it be known*
It is important to point out that Vic Potter also joined John Coulter and Chris Varvatos in commenting about the surveys during the November Board Meeting. Some bloggers have just mentioned John and Chris about commenting about the surveys (I even screwed up by not mentioning Vic in my last post) - But it is important to note for the record that Vic did make a comment. Thanks again for your continuing involvement in this blog!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why No E-Mail??
- Why does Janice Darling choose not to let the public that she represents know her e-mail address? ~~~ All it takes is a simple note to Kimberly VanWormer in the Superintendent's Office saying - Put my e-mail address on the School Web Page. ~~~ She is the only Board Member NOT to have an e-mail address listed on the web page.- Don't you think with this big "Communication" push that is coming from the board - Janice Darling would have all of her Lines of Communication OPEN?
- Why didn't Janice Darling join John Coulter and Chris Varvatos in speaking about the Staff Surveys during the Board Comments of the November Board Meeting? - Isn't Janice Darling the head of the Personnel Committee? - Once again, Janice Darling was the ONLY Board Member NOT to comment about the Surveys.
So - - E-Mail Janice Darling and tell her your concerns.
darling123@cablespeed.com
darling123@cablespeed.com
Janice - You have always been a pillar in this community. We are lucky to have such a person like you here in Marshall. Please do what you were elected to do - Be your own person on the board - Ask Questions! - Talk to People within the District - You will see that Joyce Phillips may not be very good to be so closely connected to.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Is This Leadership?
Courtesy of Marshall Public Access
Why Would Joyce Phillips talk while Sam Ramon is trying to make a comment?
Why does Paul Beardslee have to take the Leadership Role and tell Joyce to wait while Sam finishes?
Is this how a Leader acts during a Public Meeting?
-Remember John Coulter saying to the Audience that it was rude to talk while Board Members are making comments - Does that rule apply to Joyce Phillips?
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Board Meeting on Monday
Just a reminder that the November School Board Meeting is this upcoming Monday. If you have never been to a meeting, you should go. You don't have to stand and speak, just sit and watch. It is VERY interesting to see the School Board work. More people need to start going to these meetings, it is just another way to get involved in your school community! So a reminder - November 13th - 7:00pm - Community Room - Marshall Middle School.
Monday, November 06, 2006
GET OUT THE VOTE!!!
Don't forget to VOTE tomorrow, Tuesday November 7th! It is a very big part of our democratic process. If you don't vote, then don't complain on how things are run!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
End of the Week Stats
MPS Change Is Good
-- Site Summary ---
Visits
Total .......................... 575
Average per Day ................. 79
Average Visit Length ......... 10:56
Page Views
Total ........................ 1,831
Average per Day ................ 245
Average per Visit .............. 3.1
-- Site Summary ---
Visits
Total .......................... 575
Average per Day ................. 79
Average Visit Length ......... 10:56
Page Views
Total ........................ 1,831
Average per Day ................ 245
Average per Visit .............. 3.1
1st Poll Results
At the end of our first poll here are the results.
How do you rate the job our Superintendent is doing?
Unfavorable - 70 Votes - 80%
Favorable - 13 Votes - 15%
Not Enough Info To Answer - 4 Votes - 5%
Total Votes - 87
Make sure to check out the new poll!
How do you rate the job our Superintendent is doing?
Unfavorable - 70 Votes - 80%
Favorable - 13 Votes - 15%
Not Enough Info To Answer - 4 Votes - 5%
Total Votes - 87
Make sure to check out the new poll!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
School Time
Well it seems "Anonymous" is very concerned about MPS Employees using
school computers to post entries into this blog during school time.
Looking through the comments for every blog entry, it seems that most
of the entries take place from 2:50p.m. on. Yes, there are some others
that are posted before that time, but WE all should realize that it's
not just MPS staff participating in this blog. Why should we assume it is not just MPS
employees? Well as I pulled the sites statistics, there have been over
425 visitors to the blog with over 1500 page views. Is it fair to say
that the administration may look into who has visited this site during
school time? It may be. But, whats to say they haven't visited during
their lunch periods? If the administration doesn't want this page being
viewed on school computers, it probably only takes a simple phone call
to the Technology Department to put a block on it.
But speaking of school time, it is important to point out what "Concerned MPS Parent" stated yesterday. "So...What is your input on Dr. Phillips sending two MPS employees over to Principal Bennick's home to put in an air conditioner during school,ie,
work time and using school equipment? This is something that is public
knowledge that was done which if we use your input from a previous
listing you think that Dr. Phillips should be fired for not doing her
job and using school equipment for personal benefit."
Two valid points. MPS employees shouldn't use school computers to POST COMMENTS on the blog AND Joyce Phillips should not be sending MPS employees to other employees houses to install a window unit air conditioner.
school computers to post entries into this blog during school time.
Looking through the comments for every blog entry, it seems that most
of the entries take place from 2:50p.m. on. Yes, there are some others
that are posted before that time, but WE all should realize that it's
not just MPS staff participating in this blog. Why should we assume it is not just MPS
employees? Well as I pulled the sites statistics, there have been over
425 visitors to the blog with over 1500 page views. Is it fair to say
that the administration may look into who has visited this site during
school time? It may be. But, whats to say they haven't visited during
their lunch periods? If the administration doesn't want this page being
viewed on school computers, it probably only takes a simple phone call
to the Technology Department to put a block on it.
But speaking of school time, it is important to point out what "Concerned MPS Parent" stated yesterday. "So...What is your input on Dr. Phillips sending two MPS employees over to Principal Bennick's home to put in an air conditioner during school,ie,
work time and using school equipment? This is something that is public
knowledge that was done which if we use your input from a previous
listing you think that Dr. Phillips should be fired for not doing her
job and using school equipment for personal benefit."
Two valid points. MPS employees shouldn't use school computers to POST COMMENTS on the blog AND Joyce Phillips should not be sending MPS employees to other employees houses to install a window unit air conditioner.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Excellence In Marshall
We are SO lucky to live in a community where people truly and deeply care about our school district. This blog is proof of that. We, like every school district in America, has problems. Everyone who has posted on this blog cares about this district. WE ALL want to see the Marshall Public School be the best WE can be. Sometimes the GOOD of the district gets lost in the bad of the district. Lets take some time and realize what some of the good has been recently --
- Sue Boley our District Wide Nurse was awarded Michigan's 2007 School Nurse of the Year.
- We just had a successful all-elementary school carnival. Thanks to all the parent volunteers for all your hard work!
- Sue Townsend - Principal of Walters Elementary was awarded a Principal of the Year Award.
- The MHS Boys Golf Team recently placed 3rd in the State.
- The MHS Marching Band recently received a "ONE" rating during the District 11 Marching Band Festival.
- A group of Marshall Citizens spent many weeks investigating our Districts Facility Needs - and reported their findings to the Board. Thanks to them for spending some of their free time (which seems to be so hard to find) to figure out how to improve our facilities to keep us competitive with other districts.
You Learn Something New Everyday!
Taken From www.marshall.k12.mi.us/district/index.html#belief
Belief Statement
Belief Statement
- Every individual has worth and dignity, is unique and learns in relation to that uniqueness, and has the right to educational opportunity in order to reach his or her potential.
- Students have the right to acquire the greatest possible understanding of themselves and the right to gain an appreciation of their worth.
- The mastery of essential skills is the primary focus of its educational program.
- Learning is a lifelong process, and therefore, the school district must provide the opportunities for all students to develop in the physical, cognitive, affective, and creative domains.
- The preservation of a free society depends upon the ability of its citizens to protect individual liberty; thus, schools must promote the democratic ideal, promote social justice, and develop an appreciation of America's heritage.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Family Feud?
- AND THE SURVEY SAYS -
Below are the numerical results to the Unionized Staff Survey Results that were presented to the Marshall Board of Education during the October Board Meeting. The results are arranged in alphabetical order.
1 = POOR
2 = BELOW AVERAGE
3 = AVERAGE
4 = ADEQUATE
5 = SUPERIOR
Below are the numerical results to the Unionized Staff Survey Results that were presented to the Marshall Board of Education during the October Board Meeting. The results are arranged in alphabetical order.1 = POOR
2 = BELOW AVERAGE
3 = AVERAGE
4 = ADEQUATE
5 = SUPERIOR
NEEDLESS TO SAY - TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES!
Was This Necessary?
A few weeks back the rock at Marshall High School was painted. On one side it said "Fire Phillips - Metcalf - Jones" - On the other side it said "Students For A Better School". Has a student group formed? Will they start speaking out about their issues? I guess they only know. So go ahead - - - Talk Amongst Yourselves!A few housekeeping notes. Maybe you have noticed the new poll on the sidebar of this blog. There will be a poll every week, on different issues. The results will be posted at the conclusion of the poll - of course it is a non-scientific poll. Also at the end of every week the stats from this blog will be released - how many visitors, how many page views, etc. So thank you - "MarshallMom", "Marshall Taxpayer", "Carol", "Dr.M", "MpsParent", "The Grinch", "T Dawg", and all other "Anonymous" bloggers! Thank you for not only visiting this blog, but POSTING with your thoughts. Lets ALL keep this dialogue going. It is so very important!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Under Pressure - Talk Amongst Yourselves
Published October 28, 2006
The Marshall Chronicle
by John Jacobs, J-Ad President/CEO
Despite the disappointment by certain groups that the Chronicle puts too much emphasis on negative news, we're going to continue to tell the truth, fairly, accurately, without pressure from any group requesting us to "join the team!" We strive to do it responsibly, carefully, with much thought and concern for how it will affect those involved. We receive numerous news tips which we welcome. We take them all seriously, investigate and make judgments about their news value on a regular basis. Some become stories, some don't. Please don't presume that we will be reckless with the information. I think we've proven that we won't. We're not joiners - we're informers of facts. We're not going to tell you how to think, how to vote, but we will offer KNOWLEDGE so you can make your own choices and become more aware of the actions of the public entities in your hometown, the community we ALL love and want to prosper and grow. In regard to the Marshall Teachers Association and other unionized staff survey presented to the Board of Education two weeks ago, we believe before the community can be asked to approve the investment of $51.6 million on physical properties, the school board, as a group, needs to address the reported low morale of the teachers. The teachers and support staff represents our most important educational resource! Their combined talent and experience must be available to the students without impairment. When they report to be uncomfortable with the attitude and environment in which they perform their services, it could affect the education of our young people. We can't allow that to occur. Reaction is required by those in charge, namely, the Board of Education, to fix the problem and go forward! Despite the pressure, the Chronicle will continue to be unbiased, fact finding, fact reporting and dedicated to sharing every and anything positive (or otherwise). Marshall is a truly great community with a strong future.
The Marshall Chronicle
by John Jacobs, J-Ad President/CEO
Despite the disappointment by certain groups that the Chronicle puts too much emphasis on negative news, we're going to continue to tell the truth, fairly, accurately, without pressure from any group requesting us to "join the team!" We strive to do it responsibly, carefully, with much thought and concern for how it will affect those involved. We receive numerous news tips which we welcome. We take them all seriously, investigate and make judgments about their news value on a regular basis. Some become stories, some don't. Please don't presume that we will be reckless with the information. I think we've proven that we won't. We're not joiners - we're informers of facts. We're not going to tell you how to think, how to vote, but we will offer KNOWLEDGE so you can make your own choices and become more aware of the actions of the public entities in your hometown, the community we ALL love and want to prosper and grow. In regard to the Marshall Teachers Association and other unionized staff survey presented to the Board of Education two weeks ago, we believe before the community can be asked to approve the investment of $51.6 million on physical properties, the school board, as a group, needs to address the reported low morale of the teachers. The teachers and support staff represents our most important educational resource! Their combined talent and experience must be available to the students without impairment. When they report to be uncomfortable with the attitude and environment in which they perform their services, it could affect the education of our young people. We can't allow that to occur. Reaction is required by those in charge, namely, the Board of Education, to fix the problem and go forward! Despite the pressure, the Chronicle will continue to be unbiased, fact finding, fact reporting and dedicated to sharing every and anything positive (or otherwise). Marshall is a truly great community with a strong future.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Both Sides Welcomed
This blog was created so there can be open dialogue between "both sides". No matter what "side" you are on - please use this tool to discuss your displeasures, ideas to make positive forward movement, etc. Remember - - - open dialogue about topics is useful, you may not agree with what people have to say, but as long as we are talking about it - that is a good thing!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Talk Amongst Yourselves.......
Quoted from The Marshall Chronicle
October 23, 2006
"Fact is, since I've been here, I'm told I'm the most visible superintendent Marshall's ever had. I attend more student events, more sporting events, more of the arts performances and more community events than any other superintendent. I take that as a compliment. Because I care about Marshall."
-Joyce Phillips, Superintendent MPS
October 23, 2006
"Fact is, since I've been here, I'm told I'm the most visible superintendent Marshall's ever had. I attend more student events, more sporting events, more of the arts performances and more community events than any other superintendent. I take that as a compliment. Because I care about Marshall."
-Joyce Phillips, Superintendent MPS
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Discussion Of Topics
If you would like to discuss any of the topics listed in this blog please click on the comments link below the post and type your comment. To read comments (if there are any comments left about the topic) click the comment link to read them.
Board evaluation of Phillips not accurate
Letter to the Editor:
How many people would not read a survey conducted, regarding them directly, immediately? Joyce Phillips stated that after receiving the survey at the Monday board meeting, she had not had the time to read them as of print day, Thursday. How likely is that? Especially since, according to her ‘guest column’ in which she was running damage control she is trying to blame the MPS employees of being afraid of change. Quite the contrary. Change is welcome when it is in the best interest of our students, community and staff. Marshall deserves a superintendent with a better overall rating than 1.7%. This is still an overall rating of poor. Read the guest article again - apparently Joyce had read the survey. When 218 surveys are sent out and 153 returned, that shows a great desire for change. Why are you trying to make this seem so insignificant? Are you afraid of change? Maybe that is the real problem here. What was Joyce’s overall rating on the survey? On a one to five did she receive an overall of 2, 3, 4 or 5? No, her overall rating was 1.7%. With 218 being sent out, 110 returned them on Joyce. The other personnel had no dealing or knowledge of what the superintendent does or what that position entails. This was a return on Joyce of 50%. Does that not show a need for change? It would seem to me that if any other school employee received all overall 1’s (poor), they would be dismissed. The survey scale was as follows: 5=superior, 4=adequate, 3=average, 2=below average and 1=poor. Does Marshall deserve a “poor superintendent” running our schools? I would hope each and every one reading this would say ‘no’. This is going to require a lot of change on Joyce’s part. Talk of doing a survey began in late March through early April. Staff, after reading the board’s yearly evaluation of the superintendent (Marshall Chronicle, May 15, 2006) began talking about letting their opinion be heard through the survey tool. It was decided to do the survey during the summer months when attention could be given to it. The MPS staff did not feel the board was accurate in their opinion of Joyce Phillips’ performance. According to Vic Potter, saying, he “thinks employees would be happy we believe in our leader.” Is it not important for approximately 300-plus MPS employees to believe in their leader or just seven school board members? Are seven school board members not elected to represent the whole community? According to the Oct. 9, 2006 Chronicle, Vic Potter is quoted as saying, “they say there are no names on it (the survey). Give me some people to talk to. The board has always been open to anybody to talk. No one has called me. With no names, I won’t know what to think. I guess I have to see what the contents are. Are they upset because she is making some people do their jobs and they don’t want to?” Answer: How often do you take part in a survey and are asked to submit your name? Vic, you could begin by talking to any school employee regarding the concerns evident in the survey. MPS employees have been told for years that they are not to take concerns to the boar - they are to speak to the superintendent first. As far as employees not wanting to be made to do their jobs, over 300 employees have been and will continue to do the excellent jobs they were hired to do before Joyce Phillips came to Marshall and for decades after she leave this area.
Lynn Griffin, Marshall
Published 10/23/2006
The Marshall Chronicle
How many people would not read a survey conducted, regarding them directly, immediately? Joyce Phillips stated that after receiving the survey at the Monday board meeting, she had not had the time to read them as of print day, Thursday. How likely is that? Especially since, according to her ‘guest column’ in which she was running damage control she is trying to blame the MPS employees of being afraid of change. Quite the contrary. Change is welcome when it is in the best interest of our students, community and staff. Marshall deserves a superintendent with a better overall rating than 1.7%. This is still an overall rating of poor. Read the guest article again - apparently Joyce had read the survey. When 218 surveys are sent out and 153 returned, that shows a great desire for change. Why are you trying to make this seem so insignificant? Are you afraid of change? Maybe that is the real problem here. What was Joyce’s overall rating on the survey? On a one to five did she receive an overall of 2, 3, 4 or 5? No, her overall rating was 1.7%. With 218 being sent out, 110 returned them on Joyce. The other personnel had no dealing or knowledge of what the superintendent does or what that position entails. This was a return on Joyce of 50%. Does that not show a need for change? It would seem to me that if any other school employee received all overall 1’s (poor), they would be dismissed. The survey scale was as follows: 5=superior, 4=adequate, 3=average, 2=below average and 1=poor. Does Marshall deserve a “poor superintendent” running our schools? I would hope each and every one reading this would say ‘no’. This is going to require a lot of change on Joyce’s part. Talk of doing a survey began in late March through early April. Staff, after reading the board’s yearly evaluation of the superintendent (Marshall Chronicle, May 15, 2006) began talking about letting their opinion be heard through the survey tool. It was decided to do the survey during the summer months when attention could be given to it. The MPS staff did not feel the board was accurate in their opinion of Joyce Phillips’ performance. According to Vic Potter, saying, he “thinks employees would be happy we believe in our leader.” Is it not important for approximately 300-plus MPS employees to believe in their leader or just seven school board members? Are seven school board members not elected to represent the whole community? According to the Oct. 9, 2006 Chronicle, Vic Potter is quoted as saying, “they say there are no names on it (the survey). Give me some people to talk to. The board has always been open to anybody to talk. No one has called me. With no names, I won’t know what to think. I guess I have to see what the contents are. Are they upset because she is making some people do their jobs and they don’t want to?” Answer: How often do you take part in a survey and are asked to submit your name? Vic, you could begin by talking to any school employee regarding the concerns evident in the survey. MPS employees have been told for years that they are not to take concerns to the boar - they are to speak to the superintendent first. As far as employees not wanting to be made to do their jobs, over 300 employees have been and will continue to do the excellent jobs they were hired to do before Joyce Phillips came to Marshall and for decades after she leave this area.
Lynn Griffin, Marshall
Published 10/23/2006
The Marshall Chronicle
Superintendent's Corner
by Dr. Joyce Phillips, Superintendent, MPS
Published October 23, 2006
The Marshall Chronicle
Vision is a powerful tool. It sets the course to the future, gives us direction, and allows us to focus on purpose and strategic direction. Without vision, we are always looking in the rear view mirror. Looking in the rear view mirror of your car will get you out of the driveway. Once you get out of the driveway though, you are stuck until you look ahead. It is only by looking forward through the windshield at the road that you can get anywhere. That's not to say that checking the backward view from time to time isn't important. It is. However, by constantly looking backward, you cannot move ahead. A leader is the keeper of the vision. A leader keeps the main thing, the main thing. Here is my vision for Marshall Public Schools:
My vision includes high student achievement. In my vision, the achievement of Marshall's students is highly regarded throughout the county, region, and state. Elementary, middle and high school students have opportunities for enrichment, advanced study or remediation. After high school graduation, students are successful in their next choices, whether that is a 4 year or 2 year college or university; the workforce; the military; or other technical training. Failure is not acceptable. My vision includes highly qualified staff. Each position in the district, from support staff, to teaching staff, to administrative staff is filled by the highest qualified, most competent person for that position. My vision includes a school board that sets strategic direction for the district and develops policy. The board sets goals and then holds all of us accountable for those goals. My vision includes a school environment which supports quality teaching and learning. School space that is well maintained and up-to-date meets students' needs and learning styles. The buildings are clean and in good repair. The well-kept grounds make a statement that we care from the outside to the inside, and that everything we do is important. My vision includes a transportation system that holds students' safety in the highest regard and a food service system that provides healthy choices and quality foods. My vision includes opportunities for quality professional development and training. All staffs eagerly engage in these opportunities to continue learning new techniques and strategies that will increase their effectiveness in their position. Continuous improvement is valued and expected. My vision includes a community partnership that is dedicated to the success of out students and programs. My vision also includes awareness for fiscal responsibility. The success of my vision depends on the financial health of the district. We cannot overspend our limits or none of the vision becomes reality. After reading this, you have a pretty good idea about my ideas for Marshall Public Schools. Over the course of these last three years, you have seen this vision spark into life and begin to take shpae. As the vision continues to unfold and drive our work, I make you a promise: I will continue to keep Our Kids First.
Published October 23, 2006
The Marshall Chronicle
Vision is a powerful tool. It sets the course to the future, gives us direction, and allows us to focus on purpose and strategic direction. Without vision, we are always looking in the rear view mirror. Looking in the rear view mirror of your car will get you out of the driveway. Once you get out of the driveway though, you are stuck until you look ahead. It is only by looking forward through the windshield at the road that you can get anywhere. That's not to say that checking the backward view from time to time isn't important. It is. However, by constantly looking backward, you cannot move ahead. A leader is the keeper of the vision. A leader keeps the main thing, the main thing. Here is my vision for Marshall Public Schools:
My vision includes high student achievement. In my vision, the achievement of Marshall's students is highly regarded throughout the county, region, and state. Elementary, middle and high school students have opportunities for enrichment, advanced study or remediation. After high school graduation, students are successful in their next choices, whether that is a 4 year or 2 year college or university; the workforce; the military; or other technical training. Failure is not acceptable. My vision includes highly qualified staff. Each position in the district, from support staff, to teaching staff, to administrative staff is filled by the highest qualified, most competent person for that position. My vision includes a school board that sets strategic direction for the district and develops policy. The board sets goals and then holds all of us accountable for those goals. My vision includes a school environment which supports quality teaching and learning. School space that is well maintained and up-to-date meets students' needs and learning styles. The buildings are clean and in good repair. The well-kept grounds make a statement that we care from the outside to the inside, and that everything we do is important. My vision includes a transportation system that holds students' safety in the highest regard and a food service system that provides healthy choices and quality foods. My vision includes opportunities for quality professional development and training. All staffs eagerly engage in these opportunities to continue learning new techniques and strategies that will increase their effectiveness in their position. Continuous improvement is valued and expected. My vision includes a community partnership that is dedicated to the success of out students and programs. My vision also includes awareness for fiscal responsibility. The success of my vision depends on the financial health of the district. We cannot overspend our limits or none of the vision becomes reality. After reading this, you have a pretty good idea about my ideas for Marshall Public Schools. Over the course of these last three years, you have seen this vision spark into life and begin to take shpae. As the vision continues to unfold and drive our work, I make you a promise: I will continue to keep Our Kids First.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Lets Hear What You Have To Say
Unless you have been hiding under a rock here in Marshall, you know that there is some controversy brewing (or has already brewed and people are just finding out about it) with our top administration of the Marshall Public Schools, mainly Joyce Phillips. The common theme coming out now from Joyce Phillips and Board President Vic Potter is that communication is good. So, what better communication tool than a Blog. Feel free to post any comments that you have about this topic.
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