I love that so many are posting so many valid and intersting views on this. some good responses here from the "cut for space" online blog that Meghan Murphy maintains:http://forums.capecodonline.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=th-news&tid=12323
uh oh. someone is a little riled about this. frustrating isnt it wakeupcall68? it is no fun to be railroaded. no matter which side your on. we better all be sure to get ourselves to the info meeting on WED JUNE 6 at 6pm at Berea to ensure we are all heard, all our concerns addressed. think they will be or will will all be dismissed?
partial from the above link:
***ambient1 --Despite what Superintendent Hooley says that elementary kids 'are all outside in their neighborhoods and know it all anyway' in response to people's concerns about them mixing with teenagers"
If Hooley has really said this our children are in danger. His liberal mentality is the real problem. Whats next? Allowing high school kids to drink and party on school grounds because they already know about it? Good grief............get a grip Hooley, sounds like your time here may soon be up.
My high school diploma makes Hooley's P.H.D look like toilet paper.
***Ambient1-. If these kids where minority children the outrage would be of biblical proportions.
Ambient 1---you are right on the money. I vote for you for PTA.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
It is imperative that we show our presence and concern at the meeting on Wednesday June 10th at 6pm at Berea. www.KeepBereaYoung.blogspot.com
source:
http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/5712_38214143839/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54132
Valley Central Alternative Education Program
Community Behavior Expectation Contract
This document is an agreement the Valley Central Alternative Education Program and ___________________________. The student agrees to abide by the following conditions.
1) Student will cooperate with the alternative education program staff at all times. Student will follow the instructions and directions of the staff.
2) Student will treat all members (students and staff) of the alternative education community with respect at all times.
3) Student will agree not to talk about drug or alcohol use while in class unless it is during group meetings or has relevance to a class discussion
4) Student will agree to not talk about fighting. This includes fights involving other students not attending the alternative education program.
5) Student will agree to use appropriate language at all times in the alternative education program . This includes the bus to and from the alternative education program.
6) Student will agree to not make racist comments while in alternative education program.
7) Student understands that policy for listening to music is a privilege. If the student wishes to listen to music they must follow the conditions established by the staff. Failure to follow those conditions will result in the loss of the privilege.
8) Student agrees to respect the property and members of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
9) Student will only bring in cans or sealed drinks with Lunch. Bottles must be opened in front of the staff.
10) Students who break or destroy property of the alternative education program or the Trinity Lutheran Church will be charged for the damages.
11) Student will notify the alternative education program if they will be absent.
12) Student will not threaten, intimidate, or tease other students.
13) Student agrees to work to the best of his/her ability each day.
14) Student understands the all community behavior expectations apply to the bus to and from the alternative education program.
15) Student will not use cell phones during the school day. The phone should be turned off during class time. Any student who needs to make a phone call can use the program phone.
16) Student will not touch other people or their belongings. This includes play fighting.
17) Student will make sure they are in the presence of a staff member at all times.
18) Student agrees to seek appropriate remedies to conflicts with other students or staff.
19) Student agrees follow any other rules established by the program staff throughout the year.
Students who fail to abide by the above conditions may be subject to the loss of privileges, a behavior referral, and/or a phone call home. Students who are suspended will be required to have a meeting with parents and staff to discuss their status in the alternative education program. Students who can not abide by the program rules may be dismissed from the program.
I have read the above contract and understand what is expected of me. I also understand the consequences if I do not meet these conditions.
Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______
Parent Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______
Alternative Education Program Staff: _________________________ Date: ______
http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/5712_38214143839/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54132
Valley Central Alternative Education Program
Community Behavior Expectation Contract
This document is an agreement the Valley Central Alternative Education Program and ___________________________. The student agrees to abide by the following conditions.
1) Student will cooperate with the alternative education program staff at all times. Student will follow the instructions and directions of the staff.
2) Student will treat all members (students and staff) of the alternative education community with respect at all times.
3) Student will agree not to talk about drug or alcohol use while in class unless it is during group meetings or has relevance to a class discussion
4) Student will agree to not talk about fighting. This includes fights involving other students not attending the alternative education program.
5) Student will agree to use appropriate language at all times in the alternative education program . This includes the bus to and from the alternative education program.
6) Student will agree to not make racist comments while in alternative education program.
7) Student understands that policy for listening to music is a privilege. If the student wishes to listen to music they must follow the conditions established by the staff. Failure to follow those conditions will result in the loss of the privilege.
8) Student agrees to respect the property and members of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
9) Student will only bring in cans or sealed drinks with Lunch. Bottles must be opened in front of the staff.
10) Students who break or destroy property of the alternative education program or the Trinity Lutheran Church will be charged for the damages.
11) Student will notify the alternative education program if they will be absent.
12) Student will not threaten, intimidate, or tease other students.
13) Student agrees to work to the best of his/her ability each day.
14) Student understands the all community behavior expectations apply to the bus to and from the alternative education program.
15) Student will not use cell phones during the school day. The phone should be turned off during class time. Any student who needs to make a phone call can use the program phone.
16) Student will not touch other people or their belongings. This includes play fighting.
17) Student will make sure they are in the presence of a staff member at all times.
18) Student agrees to seek appropriate remedies to conflicts with other students or staff.
19) Student agrees follow any other rules established by the program staff throughout the year.
Students who fail to abide by the above conditions may be subject to the loss of privileges, a behavior referral, and/or a phone call home. Students who are suspended will be required to have a meeting with parents and staff to discuss their status in the alternative education program. Students who can not abide by the program rules may be dismissed from the program.
I have read the above contract and understand what is expected of me. I also understand the consequences if I do not meet these conditions.
Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______
Parent Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______
Alternative Education Program Staff: _________________________ Date: ______
The program, as it exists, at Trinity is the "least restrictive environment" for these students and that is what is deemed needed for their learning environment. Moving them on site will provide a more restrictive environment, not to mention a blow to their (already sensitive) self esteem by downgrading into a k-5 school from their prestigious and protective safe and familiar setting.
Currently these kids enjoy a flexible schedule where they can break and shoot hoops, get some air, take a run, play some baseball and generally move about. Dr. Hooley is promising to lock them up and not release even for lunch if he puts them on site at Berea. Is that any good for these Trinity students?
ONLY VCSD has an Alternative Middle School of it's own. Most school districts escalate direct to BOCES at the cost of 40k per student to the district. The Trinity AMS program costs less than a quarter of that. VCSD is being lauded for doing so, and perhaps it will become a model to other districts and or expand. Perhaps Berea is the only elem. school in district that can easily accomodate an addition to house say another 100 AMS students and perhaps even a training program for other districts in the country. We do have an elevator now (due to the budget we, the taxpayers JUST passed that Hooley BURIED and HID the Trinity move in) and the ability to expand up and or out. Far fetched? maybe. I can assure you that the space and money for a mere 20 students and less than $30 k can be redisributed easily, that is not the REAL issue here. It is imperative that we show our presence and concern at the meeting on Wednesday June 10th at 6pm at Berea. www.KeepBereaYoung.blogspot.com
Currently these kids enjoy a flexible schedule where they can break and shoot hoops, get some air, take a run, play some baseball and generally move about. Dr. Hooley is promising to lock them up and not release even for lunch if he puts them on site at Berea. Is that any good for these Trinity students?
ONLY VCSD has an Alternative Middle School of it's own. Most school districts escalate direct to BOCES at the cost of 40k per student to the district. The Trinity AMS program costs less than a quarter of that. VCSD is being lauded for doing so, and perhaps it will become a model to other districts and or expand. Perhaps Berea is the only elem. school in district that can easily accomodate an addition to house say another 100 AMS students and perhaps even a training program for other districts in the country. We do have an elevator now (due to the budget we, the taxpayers JUST passed that Hooley BURIED and HID the Trinity move in) and the ability to expand up and or out. Far fetched? maybe. I can assure you that the space and money for a mere 20 students and less than $30 k can be redisributed easily, that is not the REAL issue here. It is imperative that we show our presence and concern at the meeting on Wednesday June 10th at 6pm at Berea. www.KeepBereaYoung.blogspot.com
some good responses here from the "cut for space" online blog that Meghan Murphy maintains:
http://forums.capecodonline.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=th-news&tid=12323
http://forums.capecodonline.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=th-news&tid=12323
source; Times Herald Record Saturday June 6, 2000
Berea Elementary School might host older kidsText Size: A A APrint this Article Email this ArticleShareThis Respond to this Article By Meghan E. MurphyTimes Herald-RecordPosted: June 06, 2009 - 2:00 AMMONTGOMERY — A cost-saving measure to move an alternative middle school program to Berea Elementary School has parents questioning whether teens belong in a building with tots.The Valley Central school board voted to move about 20 students from Trinity Lutheran Church in Walden to a wing of Berea, to save about $19,000.The Trinity program began 12 years ago to serve district students at risk of dropping out. Seventh- and eighth-graders who are struggling at the middle school can apply to attend Trinity, which is a close-knit family environment, Superintendent Richard Hooley said."Try to think of a kid so shy that he could fall through the cracks at the middle school," Hooley said.While not every student in the Trinity program fits that description, Hooley stressed that none of the students are in the class as a result of disciplinary action.The students will have their own classrooms at Berea and use side entrances, not because they need to be separated but because that will create a sense of place for the program. "The idea is to have a self-contained environment where they support one another and are supported," Hooley said.Still, parents like Kimberly Smith don't think Berea is the right fit for Trinity.Smith also said the district didn't inform parents about the move, but Hooley said that it was discussed at budget and school board meetings. Smith, who frequently volunteers at the school, said Berea parents should have been directly informed."The issue here is that most parents have the anxiety when they put their kid into kindergarten, and they have the anxiety when they leave elementary school to go to middle school," said Lisa Kimball, a parent of a Berea student. "Now all of the dynamics of Berea are changing to having teens there,"The district will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Berea Elementary School, 946 Route 17K in Montgomery.mmurphy@th-record.com
Berea Elementary School might host older kidsText Size: A A APrint this Article Email this ArticleShareThis Respond to this Article By Meghan E. MurphyTimes Herald-RecordPosted: June 06, 2009 - 2:00 AMMONTGOMERY — A cost-saving measure to move an alternative middle school program to Berea Elementary School has parents questioning whether teens belong in a building with tots.The Valley Central school board voted to move about 20 students from Trinity Lutheran Church in Walden to a wing of Berea, to save about $19,000.The Trinity program began 12 years ago to serve district students at risk of dropping out. Seventh- and eighth-graders who are struggling at the middle school can apply to attend Trinity, which is a close-knit family environment, Superintendent Richard Hooley said."Try to think of a kid so shy that he could fall through the cracks at the middle school," Hooley said.While not every student in the Trinity program fits that description, Hooley stressed that none of the students are in the class as a result of disciplinary action.The students will have their own classrooms at Berea and use side entrances, not because they need to be separated but because that will create a sense of place for the program. "The idea is to have a self-contained environment where they support one another and are supported," Hooley said.Still, parents like Kimberly Smith don't think Berea is the right fit for Trinity.Smith also said the district didn't inform parents about the move, but Hooley said that it was discussed at budget and school board meetings. Smith, who frequently volunteers at the school, said Berea parents should have been directly informed."The issue here is that most parents have the anxiety when they put their kid into kindergarten, and they have the anxiety when they leave elementary school to go to middle school," said Lisa Kimball, a parent of a Berea student. "Now all of the dynamics of Berea are changing to having teens there,"The district will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Berea Elementary School, 946 Route 17K in Montgomery.mmurphy@th-record.com
As someone who has children and has moved quite a few times, the first thingthat I ask any realtor when I start my new home search is: How are theschools?If four years ago, my realtor had told me that Berea housed an AlternativeMiddle School within the same building as the K-5 population, I would'vetold her to look for a home in another school's area.I wouldn't have even asked her to elaborate about the program. Simplybecause the word "alternative" and "middle school" would be enough to turnme off and considering Berea Elementary as the school for my kids would nothave been an option. To know that ANY teenagers were among the populationof my K-5th grade children would've been enough for me.
Superintendent Dr. Richard Hooley has said that due to budget cuts, the Alternative Middle School, currently housed in Trinity Church, must move on site to Berea Elem. School. These are teenagers who learn best in an environment that they know, love and respect and are already comfortable in. It is a "least restrictive environment". They have the freedom to move about their surroundings, take frequent breaks to shoot hoops, run, play baseball. They are permitted to listen to music while they work. They have a very relaxed dress code, students in the program are of the age of 7th / 8th graders although some have repeated at least a grade. They have all of this at the Trinity location and are quite happy there. Dr. Hooley has assured us that these Trinity Alternative Middle School students will remain completely segreated from our k-5 students. Do you believe that? As important, is that any good for the Trinity kids? We think not. Dr. Hooley we respectfully demand that you KEEP BEREA YOUNG. Teenagers do not belong in our school. Their program is vibrant and successful off site at Trinity. Surely less than 30k a year (rent/janitorial) for the Trinity program or a place for 20 students can be found? These are OUR KIDS you are impacting. The Trinity Alternative Middle School program has been successful for 12 years in it's present location. It is off site for a reason, it needs to remain off site.
source: VCSD website:
http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/5712_38214143839/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54132
Valley Central Alternative Education Program
Community Behavior Expectation Contract
This document is an agreement the Valley Central Alternative Education Program and ___________________________. The student agrees to abide by the following conditions.
1) Student will cooperate with the alternative education program staff at all times. Student will follow the instructions and directions of the staff.
2) Student will treat all members (students and staff) of the alternative education community with respect at all times.
3) Student will agree not to talk about drug or alcohol use while in class unless it is during group meetings or has relevance to a class discussion
4) Student will agree to not talk about fighting. This includes fights involving other students not attending the alternative education program.
5) Student will agree to use appropriate language at all times in the alternative education program . This includes the bus to and from the alternative education program.
6) Student will agree to not make racist comments while in alternative education program.
7) Student understands that policy for listening to music is a privilege. If the student wishes to listen to music they must follow the conditions established by the staff. Failure to follow those conditions will result in the loss of the privilege.
8) Student agrees to respect the property and members of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
9) Student will only bring in cans or sealed drinks with Lunch. Bottles must be opened in front of the staff.
10) Students who break or destroy property of the alternative education program or the Trinity Lutheran Church will be charged for the damages.
11) Student will notify the alternative education program if they will be absent.
12) Student will not threaten, intimidate, or tease other students.
13) Student agrees to work to the best of his/her ability each day.
14) Student understands the all community behavior expectations apply to the bus to and from the alternative education program.
15) Student will not use cell phones during the school day. The phone should be turned off during class time. Any student who needs to make a phone call can use the program phone.
16) Student will not touch other people or their belongings. This includes play fighting.
17) Student will make sure they are in the presence of a staff member at all times.
18) Student agrees to seek appropriate remedies to conflicts with other students or staff.
19) Student agrees follow any other rules established by the program staff throughout the year.
Students who fail to abide by the above conditions may be subject to the loss of privileges, a behavior referral, and/or a phone call home. Students who are suspended will be required to have a meeting with parents and staff to discuss their status in the alternative education program. Students who can not abide by the program rules may be dismissed from the program.
I have read the above contract and understand what is expected of me. I also understand the consequences if I do not meet these conditions.
Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______
Parent Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______
Alternative Education Program Staff: _________________________ Date: ______
http://www.vcsd.k12.ny.us/5712_38214143839/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54132
Valley Central Alternative Education Program
Community Behavior Expectation Contract
This document is an agreement the Valley Central Alternative Education Program and ___________________________. The student agrees to abide by the following conditions.
1) Student will cooperate with the alternative education program staff at all times. Student will follow the instructions and directions of the staff.
2) Student will treat all members (students and staff) of the alternative education community with respect at all times.
3) Student will agree not to talk about drug or alcohol use while in class unless it is during group meetings or has relevance to a class discussion
4) Student will agree to not talk about fighting. This includes fights involving other students not attending the alternative education program.
5) Student will agree to use appropriate language at all times in the alternative education program . This includes the bus to and from the alternative education program.
6) Student will agree to not make racist comments while in alternative education program.
7) Student understands that policy for listening to music is a privilege. If the student wishes to listen to music they must follow the conditions established by the staff. Failure to follow those conditions will result in the loss of the privilege.
8) Student agrees to respect the property and members of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
9) Student will only bring in cans or sealed drinks with Lunch. Bottles must be opened in front of the staff.
10) Students who break or destroy property of the alternative education program or the Trinity Lutheran Church will be charged for the damages.
11) Student will notify the alternative education program if they will be absent.
12) Student will not threaten, intimidate, or tease other students.
13) Student agrees to work to the best of his/her ability each day.
14) Student understands the all community behavior expectations apply to the bus to and from the alternative education program.
15) Student will not use cell phones during the school day. The phone should be turned off during class time. Any student who needs to make a phone call can use the program phone.
16) Student will not touch other people or their belongings. This includes play fighting.
17) Student will make sure they are in the presence of a staff member at all times.
18) Student agrees to seek appropriate remedies to conflicts with other students or staff.
19) Student agrees follow any other rules established by the program staff throughout the year.
Students who fail to abide by the above conditions may be subject to the loss of privileges, a behavior referral, and/or a phone call home. Students who are suspended will be required to have a meeting with parents and staff to discuss their status in the alternative education program. Students who can not abide by the program rules may be dismissed from the program.
I have read the above contract and understand what is expected of me. I also understand the consequences if I do not meet these conditions.
Student Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______
Parent Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______
Alternative Education Program Staff: _________________________ Date: ______
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