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.
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