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Thursday, July 24
COMMUNITY ALERT
by
Mary Jo
on Thu 24 Jul 2008 10:11 PM EDT
COMMUNITY:
THIS IS VITAL AND IMPORTANT information for the future of your children in the Orange County public school system.
On May 13, 2008 the School Board of Orange County voted 4-3 on the school schedule flip situation. The school board members did not receive a cost analysis on this proposal from the staff, but they still chose to vote on this situation which will affect 84,000 secondary students along with the members of their families, their employers, and our local governments. In as much as the people in the community were not listened to by the school ... more »
NOW YOU KNOW by Andrea Samson
by
Mary Jo
on Thu 24 Jul 2008 10:09 PM EDT
NOW YOU KNOW - An editorial that won’t get published anywhere else.
(from the Parents/Professionals group against the School Flip)
Let me begin by saying the Elected School Board Chair is not our issue, and we do not, as a parent group, take a position on it. We have but one issue and that is the flipped schedule. The issue discussed here is one of fairness, equal standing, and voters with a Constitutional right to representation from currently elected officials.
That said, the board meeting 7/22/08 was a revelation in priority setting. Did you know that ... more »
Wednesday, July 23
Letter From Parent at Last Night's Meeting
by
Mary Jo
on Wed 23 Jul 2008 06:58 PM EDT
Hello,
I hope all of you are doing well. I attended the school board meeting last night. There was not a large crowd. It is imperative that we have a big crowd at the meeting next Tuesday night! It is the meeting to approve the budget and bus schedules for next year! The issue of flip time is going to come up and we need as many parents and students there as possible to reinforce our stand on the issue.
We can't think that "someone else" is going to be there for us! We all need to show ... more »
Thursday, July 17
PETITIONS NEED TO BE TURNED IN FRIDAY JULY 17
by
Mary Jo
on Thu 17 Jul 2008 07:12 AM EDT
PETITIONS need to be turned in tomorrow...........Friday July 17, 2008. Please contact us at savecommschools@aol.com and let us know where we can meet you to pick them up. We would like as many as possible on Friday---still continue to gather petitions as you cater to your neighborhood functions and stores etc......these petitions will go into a second submittal......... please, once again, contact us to pick up ANY petitions you already have signed! more »
Sunday, July 13
¿Cuánto Nos Costará a Nosotros el FLIP ?
by
Mary Jo
on Sun 13 Jul 2008 04:36 PM EDT
¿Cuánto Nos Costará a Nosotros el FLIP ?
El Consejo Escolar del Condado de Orange, en su intento de ahorrar .02% por ciento de su presupuesto anual de funcionamiento, ha votado a favor de interrumpir la rutina diaria de más de 250,000 ciudadanos. Aunque usted no tenga un niño en una escuela pública del condado Orange, se podría ver negativamente afectado por esta decisión en la cual se aprobó el "Flip," donde los horarios de escuela media y High School fueron invertidos. Desafortunadamente, un cambio como este será perjudicial para nuestra comunidad, para nuestros niños y la economía de la ... more »
 1 Attachments
Saturday, July 12
MEETING MONDAY JULY 14
by
Mary Jo
on Sat 12 Jul 2008 05:59 PM EDT
For Immediate Release: July 10, 2008
Contact:
Christine Aleknavich
Legislative Assistant, Representative Darren Soto
407-249-4743 or Christine.Aleknavich@MyFloridaHouse.gov
Rep. Soto Urges Families to Participate in Meeting to Affect School Schedule
School Board Members Rick Roach and Jim Martin will host a Community Meeting on Monday, July 14th, 2008, 6:30-8:00 PM, at the Educational Leadership Center, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801. The purpose of the meeting is to share information with the Spanish-speaking population on the impact and adjustments being made for the new school start times in August.... more »
Friday, July 11
PETITION INFORMATION
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 11 Jul 2008 10:37 PM EDT
All petitions which are being collected need to be turned in to a central person. When you are finished collecting petitions, please email savecommschools@aol.com and we will arrange for the petitions to be picked up.
Petitions need to be turned in no later than July 18th---email the above for more information!
more »
Commissioner Rober Stuart's Take on the 'FLIP'
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 11 Jul 2008 10:25 PM EDT
As a City of Orlando Commissioner, we are tasked, specifically, with it's fiscal responsibility. I'm deeply concerned over the financial impact of the change of the school start times as has been approved by the Orange County School Board. Let me cite just two examples that concern me: First, much of our after school day care at our 11 facilities throughout Orlando is supplemented by quality staff provided through local high schools. This quality core of working students have allowed us to keep our rates far below the market and well within the reach of hard working families. These ... more »
Letters of Support---List as of July 11, 2008
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 11 Jul 2008 01:17 PM EDT
The opposition to the OCPS 'FLIP' has received many letters of support. As of this date, at
1 PM, these are the letters we have received.... more are being prepared from local, state and federal Political entities.
* Orange County Council of Mayors
* West Orange Chamber of Commerce
* Representative Bryan Nelson
* Harris Rosen
* Commissioner Kathy Till
* Candidate Armstrong (for Orange County Sherriff)
* Canidates for District 4 School Board Seat- Vicky Bell, Lou Roeder, Dr. Deeba Ahmad
* Canidates for District 7 School Board Seat- Bert Carrier, Michael Kimbrough, Laura Keller, Christine Moore Curtis
more »
Orlando Sentinel Wants YOUR Opinions
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 11 Jul 2008 12:44 PM EDT
This is from the Sentinel's Blog today!
PLEASE write in about the school situation---expose the FACTS....show how this is affecting 1/2 million people---flood with ideas and concerns----LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD IN A BIG WAY----- This is not a dead issue....litigation has started and it will get hotter----keep the motivation and remember that we are doing this for the kids and the families affected! SPEAK OUT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR NEIGHBORS!!!!
If you've got a problem with a Central Florida government or state agency, we'd like to hear about it. We're looking ... more »
Sunday, July 6
Mr. Gledich from Andrea's Eyes and Research
by
Mary Jo
on Sun 06 Jul 2008 12:00 AM EDT
Nicholas Gledich, OCPS Chief Operations Officer, has been a finalist in the Memphis school system's search for a new superintendent. In a question and answer session with the public, Gledich stated his positions on a number of issues
"Asked about tackling gang issues, Gledich said early intervention is key with students in elementary and middle schools. He said it is a partnership with law enforcement and community groups. And, it is a sustained effort. 'It can't be a one shot wonder. This is something that needs to be ongoing and something that needs to be done with intent and purpose. ... more »
Monday, June 30
Harris Rosen's Take on the 'flip'
by
Mary Jo
on Mon 30 Jun 2008 08:27 PM EDT
Here is the letter that Mr. Rosen sent the school board in respose to a current school board work session discussion with Kat Gordon. Please, make sure you read HIS words and his view of the poor decision the board is attempting. more »
1 Attachments
Saturday, June 28
This issue is NOT 'dead'
by
Mary Jo
on Sat 28 Jun 2008 05:14 PM EDT
Please read below and respond as needed in action.....this is a vital time in our schooling history and the MAJORITY of the communities are in opposition to this 'flip'.
Four school board members (Geiger, Cadle, Flynn and Gordon) are refusing to listen to their communities.
I have attended 3 school board meetings/ functions in the last week. These members have stated, in public record, that their communities are in TOTAL acceptance of this decision. THEY need to hear from their people and communities! You may listen and watch these proceedings on the OCPS web site under the school board heading ... more »
PETITION ACTION ITEMS.....
by
Mary Jo
on Sat 28 Jun 2008 05:05 PM EDT
To all,
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that last night’s meeting produced nothing in the way of meaningful change. Stubborn, illogical, and self-serving are all descriptions that fit. In Kat Gordon’s case, “over the edge” also fits. Moving forward, below are positive things you can do to continue. Do not fall victim to thinking we’ve lost. We have not.
Read the letters that follow this message! There are so many town and city officials and community leaders that are willing to step up and support us. I would urge you to directly contact your local Chambers ... more »
1 Attachments
Wednesday, June 18
ACTION ITEMS---- Position Statement
by
Mary Jo
on Wed 18 Jun 2008 08:22 AM EDT
Can Orange County Afford the “FLIP”?
On May 13, 2008, the Orange County Public School Board voted at its regularly scheduled
meeting to “FLIP” the scheduled start/stop times for middle and high school students
beginning in August, 2008. As stakeholders, we believe such a change in schedules will
jeopardize the safety and academic success of our students, impose severe hardships on the
teachers and families in our community, and damage the economic well-being and viability
of the Central Florida business community.
It is our position the Orange County School Board acted hastily and irresponsibly in
regards to this change, in ... more »
Friday, June 13
COMMUNITY TOWN HALL MEETING with Karen Ardaman
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 13 Jun 2008 06:28 PM EDT
Community Town Hall Meeting
Speaker: OCPS School Board Chairman Karen Ardaman
Topic: Current School Board Issues
Where: Olympia High School
4301 S. Apopka Vineland Rd
When: Monday, June 23, 2008 6-8 PM
Please plan to attend this very important meeting to share your concerns, and continue to be proactive on your student's behalf. Forward this invitation to all on your email list. more »
Letter to the Public from Rick Roach
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 13 Jun 2008 06:16 PM EDT
Dear Community, This workshop listed below may be the last time the flip could be discussed by board members. When I failed to get Mrs. Flynn to change her vote, the Chairwoman, Mrs. Ardaman, got the board to reach consensus that would ask Mr. Blocker to bring back additional cost saving ideas. Mrs. Flynn agreed to listen to what the Superintendent would bring. I will bring additional information that I have learned as well. I have discovered more cost savings opportunities. I also am learning about "unintended consequences" that the flip would create, both financial and in lost opportunities for ... more »
What to do with Night School Enrollment Now? AHA!
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 13 Jun 2008 05:43 PM EDT
This lady spoke to me and she used the term an “AHA Moment”. We discussed this as when all of the sudden another problem, concern or idea pops up. She wonders why if she keeps having these “AHA MOMENTS” how can those 4 school board members, Anne Geiger, Kat Gordon, Darryl Flynn and Joie Cadle think that in a matter of 1-2 months that they have truly thought this entire matter over. The public keeps bringing concerns and ideas to these 4 and yet they continue to be so stubborn and dare I say egotistical to ... more »
Thursday, May 29
FLA Statute of 'rules'
by
Mary Jo
on Thu 29 May 2008 03:54 PM EDT
15) "Rule" means each agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy or describes the procedure or practice requirements of an agency and includes any form which imposes any requirement or solicits any information not specifically required by statute or by an existing rule. The term also includes the amendment or repeal of a rule. The term does not include:
(a) Internal management memoranda which do not affect either the private interests of any person or any plan or procedure important to the public and which have no application outside the agency issuing the memorandum.
(b) Legal memoranda ... more »
School Board Summary by Patty Stewart
by
Mary Jo
on Thu 29 May 2008 06:08 AM EDT
I attended last night's School Board meeting and wanted to update everyone. I apologize that I did not email last night, but to be honest, I am having trouble summarizing what happened at the meeting. But, I will try. Again, just my observations and opinions...
Prior to the meeting there was a large "protest" outside the ELC. I would estimate about 150 students and adults (mostly students) calmly picketed with signs and spoke to media. I was very proud of the way the students conducted themselves as they showed their opposition to the flip. Most of the ... more »
Tuesday, May 27
Sleep Deprevation Study by Dr. Fiore
by
Mary Jo
on Tue 27 May 2008 10:31 AM EDT
Sleep Deprivation in Early Adolescents:
The Hidden Costs of the OCPS Board Decision to Flip Middle and High School Start Times
Executive Summary
A half-truth about the OCPS Board decision to flip high school and middle school start times is being perpetuated in recent discussions on this topic – a half-truth that will be very costly to the health and well-being of our middle school students. Although the OCPS Board has noted that this recommendation is being made for budget reasons only, it is a severely detrimental recommendation given the consequences it will have on middle school students. The ... more »
FLOOD THE LINES
by
Mary Jo
on Tue 27 May 2008 10:22 AM EDT
We are using this program starting NOW and would like all to join and share the word...FLOOD THE SCHOOL BOARDS phone lines with calls along with emails!
Please go to www.floodthelines.com and search for SaveCommunityschools OR OCPS School Schedule
Follow the prompts and FLOOD THE LINES!
See you this afternoon at the protest from 4:30-?
Expalnation of Flood the Lines-- the ACCOUNT IS READY TO GO
FloodTheLines.com is the perfect tool to assist in your efforts to have
the OCPS School Board revisit the 2008-2009 High School/Middle School
Start Time Swap.
FloodTheLines.com is a free online tool which maximizes the ... more »
Saturday, May 24
Specific Reasons to keep Times as They Are
by
Mary Jo
on Sat 24 May 2008 07:52 AM EDT
There are many compelling reasons to keep the times the way they are now:
Current times: 7:20-2:20 High School
1) There are more high school students consolidated on high school campuses than middle school students. There are approximately between 3,000-3,500 students located on each high school campus in Orange County. There are approximately 18 high schools 14 alternative high schools/9th grade centers. High School Students participate after-school in sports, magnets programs, clubs, volunteer opportunities and after-school part-time jobs. In addition, various businesses throughout the county offer programs for juniors and senior students (some at ... more »
Friday, May 23
School Board Breeches Their Own Policy
by
Mary Jo
on Fri 23 May 2008 06:06 PM EDT
In reviewing the policies of the OCPS School Board, it appears that THEY have breeched their own policies...please respond to EACH board member as soon as possible with the form stated below----a lawyer is reviewing this information as I type.....it APPEARS that thye have made a HUGE mistake.
MAY 21, 2008
Pursuant to SCHOOL BOARD POLICY BG (1) (a) “The Superintendent shall give immediate and proper written notice to the public pursuant to the provisions of Section 120.54, Florida Statutes, when the school board has determined that it will give due consideration to the proposal for adoption, amendment ... more »
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