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Forum for Parents in Timberlane School District
A place for timberlane parents to exchange thoughts
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kt2720
Joined: 06 Jul 2008
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:01 am Post subject: Timberlane is going down the tubes?! |
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I thought this point of view might be helpful for those who commented on the first round of "Timberlane going down the tubes," but unfortunately those comments concerning "sword-fighting in the class room" and what not were only viewable so long as I was not logged in, so I had to start a new topic. I'm sure as frequent bloggers, you all realize what I am talking about, and I have to say, I was a little disheartened on the community view as shown in these blogs of TRHS.
I realize that this forum was created specifically for those who have, or have had children enrolled in the Timberlane School District. However, having carefully read a great majority of the posts, I felt discouraged to the point where I felt I needed to try and provide you with some first hand insight. I am currently a student at TRHS, and am happy to say that I am able to create a well structured sentence. In the eighth grade, I was placed in an “advanced” reading class where we were required to write a ten page plus thesis paper, practice analytical journaling, and each and every one of us could read far above our grade level expectations. I learned a lot in that class and applied much of what I had learned to everyday assignments I found myself facing in high school. Since I’m being one-hundred percent honest with you, I think we can all agree, for I am living proof, that one can come out of the Timberlane School District armed with knowledge in reading and writing beyond mere “abbreviations used for text messaging.”
I noticed in one post, somebody had mentioned that some children had passed middle school and gone on to high school with extremely poor grades. I agree that those few children that did go on to pass should have been held back. However the question begs to be asked, where were the parents of these children objecting to their child moving forward when he was not proven ready to do so? Not to say that it doesn’t happen occasionally, but a lot of things heard about children moving forward with completely inadequate grades in all core subjects are not entirely true. My freshman year of high school I got a sixty-five in algebra I, and a seventy was required to advance to the next math course. You can bet that I spent my summer in summer school to make up for it; I didn’t get any free rides.
I could understand why a tax-payer may be angered by the direction in which education seems to be going these days. You are all right, there are some teachers who genuinely do not care, and do not teach well, because they choose not to put in the effort. These are the teachers that put in movies, not because they think the children can’t read the book like some of you may believe, but because they’re too lazy to do their job, and teach. They take the easy way out, because it’s all well and good as long as the paycheck is still coming. I’m sure you have these types of people in your own offices, and at your own jobs. It is true; you could raise the teachers’ salaries. For some, this might prove affective, for they would feel badly getting paid more and still doing what you may consider a poor job. I can promise you though, that some would just be getting paid a deal more for doing the same old consistent whole lot of nothing. There have always been problems like this at every school, been people like this in every field, and Timberlane is unfortunately not going to somehow be an exception.
Now, here is where I disagree with you in some respects. While there are some teachers who just don’t care about your child’s education, there a whole lot more that actually do. I am proud to say that I strongly believe I have been taught by some of the brightest and most passionate about seeing the future generation succeed. While you cannot necessarily choose who your child is taught by, you can decide whether your child goes into a “CCP” course or an “Advanced” course, and you ultimately decide what courses they sign up for. If you don’t want them in American Studies/ World Studies, they can opt for separate History and English courses. Note that if you do allow your child to sign up for an American/World Studies class, that it is a mix of CCP and Advanced level students, as it is clearly stated in the course description book given to your child each year around course selection time. If you really believe that “TRHS has a bottom standard of college prep” and that “the ACC kids aren't even prepped for college”, may I suggest Advanced Placement courses for your child, then both you and your child will be equally aware of what it is liked to be “prepped for college” and then some.
“Do 15 and 16 year old really need to spend time in a class playing swords? Or does this show how much remedial work sometimes has to be done in a classroom? My kids played swords as youngsters in the backyard during preschool/elementary school. There is nothing to indicate that this is a medevil manor type lesson, plus they did the whole medevil banquet thing in MS.
Remember, there are kids in the class that are taking this as an Accelerated course which means it is above the regular college prep class.”
^Did you confront the teacher about this incident? Did you personally go and have a sit down conversation with him? College prep is also not a class for “dumb” people as it is subtly insinuated above. In fact, the goal of college prep is to present the student with the same material taught in an advanced class, only at a slower pace. Richman is not a bad teacher. In fact, he is a very intelligent man that happens to teach many courses, one being one of the most difficult courses offered at the high school, which of course would be an advanced placement course. Test your kids. Ask to see their homework assignments and quizzes. I am 100% positive that those kids that were in that class with the “sword-fighting” were not well-practiced in the art of sword-fighting due to a regular occurrence of it in his class. I understand why one might be in opposition of sword-fighting in the classroom, but if it was happening all the time why wouldn’t there be more videos recorded before the recording ban? Even I would even be concerned if it was happening ALL the time, but remember; “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”;]
Also be aware that this downward shift in education at TRHS is not entirely at the fault of the administration and faculty. Think about your kids, and remember that this is coming from one of their peers. Do you believe that they are giving 100% at school and in their homework? A lot of kids just don’t want to put in the effort that a successful education requires anymore. The four years in which a child is in high school are some of the busiest of their lives between sports, and part-time jobs, and balancing a social life. As you can see, being a student and blogging on the Danville parent’s forum, I do not have much of a social life myself, but that’s beside the point. I’m not in the top 10%, or the top 20%, or even the top 25%. Could I be? Yes, I probably could. Why then am I not? To be honest, it’s because I am partially lazy, don’t do all of my homework, and do not always pay attention in class. I occasionally do poorly on a test or quiz, and I don’t always hand in essays on time. Is that my teachers fault? No. It is solely my own, and I’m not going to make excuses for myself. Sometimes students are the one’s ultimately holding themselves back. If they do not seek to correct their problems, or do not look for the help they need from their teacher’s, it’s not going to just come to them. A high school teacher has roughly 100+ children a year to teach, he cannot personally ensure that every child’s going to understand or pass if they are not going to ask for help when necessary.
My final statements are not meant to be rude in any way, for I respect all of your opinions and realize that you just want what is best for your child. However, you need to ask yourselves these questions. When I have had a problem concerning my child’s education, have I done something more than just running to the computer to blog about it on Danviellespeaks.org? Have I actually sat down with a teacher that I believe has been teaching questionably and tried to understand the reasoning behind it, instead of jumping to conclusions? Can I automatically assume that what my children say about other children’s passing with failing grades is true, when a privacy law protects the confidentiality of an individual’s grades, meaning my child should not know in the first place? Do I really have knowledge of how and what my child is contributing at school? Am I doing the best I can to ensure that my child is doing the best that he can? Have I talked directly to an administrator about my concerns? When you can come up with the right and appropriate answer to all these questions, and still say that your concerns are growing, then I can honestly say you have a reason to be mad. Until then, try and become a little more involved, because simple blogging isn’t going to make a big difference in your child’s education. Instead of sitting in front of your computer, maybe sit in on a class? Ask to see your children’s class work, tests and homework? You’ll see it’s really not that bad, I promise. |
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TRHSparent
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 67
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| Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your insight kt2720. In regards to your questions, I'll begin my response with the last paragraph of your posting, then go back to the beginning of your posting.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| .....However, you need to ask yourselves these questions. When I have had a problem concerning my child’s education, have I done something more than just running to the computer to blog about it on Danviellespeaks.org? Have I actually sat down with a teacher that I believe has been teaching questionably and tried to understand the reasoning behind it, instead of jumping to conclusions? |
YES! I've made appts, email, and teleconference with many teachers. I've sought aid from the curriculum coordinator and guidance department. I've spoken to the principals from elementary through high school. At one time, I've contacted the superintendent and received no acknowledgement from him. Not even a brush off to contact the respective principal (although I acknowledged to the superintendent that I've already contacted her). I've seen more action happen with blogging than any other means of communication.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| Can I automatically assume that what my children say about other children’s passing with failing grades is true, when a privacy law protects the confidentiality of an individual’s grades, meaning my child should not know in the first place? |
It's not just students talking to other students that I get my source of information. I hear from other parents and most parents are not bragging if their child is not doing well in school.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| Do I really have knowledge of how and what my child is contributing at school? Am I doing the best I can to ensure that my child is doing the best that he can? |
My child, Powerschool and correspondence with the teacher.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| Have I talked directly to an administrator about my concerns? |
Refer to 1st question.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| When you can come up with the right and appropriate answer to all these questions, and still say that your concerns are growing, then I can honestly say you have a reason to be mad. Until then, try and become a little more involved, because simple blogging isn’t going to make a big difference in your child’s education. Instead of sitting in front of your computer, maybe sit in on a class? Ask to see your children’s class work, tests and homework? You’ll see it’s really not that bad, I promise. |
Whether you think my answers are right or appropriate, my dissatisfaction with Timberlane will still exist.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| I am currently a student at TRHS....................................... |
A senior perhaps???
| kt2720 wrote: |
| My freshman year of high school I got a sixty-five in algebra I, and a seventy was required to advance to the next math course. You can bet that I spent my summer in summer school to make up for it; I didn’t get any free rides. |
FALSE! I know for a fact that a student received a D in Algebra I and received their summer packet for this fall placement in Geometry! BTW, which level of Algebra I....ACC or CCP? What is the reason you did poorly in Algebra. Poor academic skills or laziness on your part?
| kt2720 wrote: |
| You are all right, there are some teachers who genuinely do not care, and do not teach well, because they choose not to put in the effort. These are the teachers that put in movies, not because they think the children can’t read the book like some of you may believe, but because they’re too lazy to do their job, and teach. They take the easy way out, because it’s all well and good as long as the paycheck is still coming............. |
Maybe you should have a talk with Mr Woodworth. At a recent meeting with concerned parents, Mr Woodworth that his entire staff is the best. How is it that the same teacher consistently shows movies and television shows (ex: “The Apprentice”) weekly for at least the past 3 years? Most TRHS students can tell you who that teacher is. Do you know who it is?
| kt2720 wrote: |
| I’m sure you have these types of people in your own offices, and at your own jobs. |
Where I work and most places of business would not tolerate that type of work effort. That person would be out looking for a new job in a short amount of time. It's not as common as you seem to think.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| I am proud to say that I strongly believe I have been taught by some of the brightest and most passionate about seeing the future generation succeed. |
AGREED! The HS does have some outstanding teachers but I'm not sure about the quality of the recent new hires.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| While you cannot necessarily choose who your child is taught by...... |
TRUE!
| kt2720 wrote: |
| .....you can decide whether your child goes into a “CCP” course or an “Advanced” course, and you ultimately decide what courses they sign up for. |
FALSE!!! I know from personal experience! Lots of discussion with teachers, department heads, and administration.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| .....may I suggest Advanced Placement courses for your child, then both you and your child will be equally aware of what it is liked to be “prepped for college” and then some. |
You need teacher recommendation. That's not an option that is available to all. Students have been refused admission into specific AP classes.
| kt2720 wrote: |
| Richman is not a bad teacher. In fact, he is a very intelligent man that happens to teach many courses, one being one of the most difficult courses offered at the high school, which of course would be an advanced placement course. |
My students never had Richman as a teacher. Isn't he teaching AP World History this fall for the 1st time? I've heard that the most demanding course and teacher is AP US History which he has taught for years. I've heard that a couple of the top ten students dropped his class due to class demands. Who knows which one of us is correct since we are both just swapping opinions. 
| kt2720 wrote: |
| I understand why one might be in opposition of sword-fighting in the classroom, but if it was happening all the time why wouldn’t there be more videos recorded before the recording ban? Even I would even be concerned if it was happening ALL the time, but remember; “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”;] |
BTW, I'm not against a little bit of fun in the classroom. If I thought that all the students in the HS were getting a top-notch education, I wouldn't be concerned with some well earned fun time. Let's face it. The school is not doing well academically. Do some homework. Mr Woodworth has stated there is a problem. HS survey taken by HS students show that there is a problem. How do we find this problem and correct it. Maybe the school is having too much fun and not enough serious hard work. Can you identify where the problem lies?
| kt2720 wrote: |
| As you can see, being a student and blogging on the Danville parent’s forum, I do not have much of a social life myself, but that’s beside the point. |
You should be enjoying your youth since life and responsibility will be coming your way quicker than you think. You're only young once, so make the most of it.
I've been told that my concerns are unique until I've talked to other parents. Since posting on this forum, people seem to listen. Not everyone agrees. That's ok. Here is a chance to question and debate ideas and thoughts that is outside the circle of people I normally interact with. The school district seem to be more pro-active since this and other blogs existence. I hope that more people will become involved. I hope that you will respond to my questions and continue to debate school issues. |
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therents
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 67
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| Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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Very nice insight.
In answer to your questions:
Yes, I have called, emailed, and visited with teachers, curriculum coordinators, administration over the last 10+ years. If I have a concern I am not afraid to ask. I've been dismissed by administration in the past when I made statements and told I was lying, but the letter I held in my hand proved other wise. I like Resident have written to the Superintend without a response.
I talk to the teachers and guidance about what how my child is doing, and also use Powerschool. My kids complain that sometimes I know their grade before they do.
I've seen my children's school work, and talked to teachers. I've attended parent conferences at school and seen the gradebooks. My kids tell me how others are doing and how they are doing. Many times teachers share grade info with the class. May times my kids have come home and said the average in the class for the test was 68 or there were 0 A's and 2 B's .... FYI these are accelerated classes not CCP.
I've asked various teacher about the best placement for my kids and told that CCP classes are classes with Discpline issues.
You were lucky to be able to go to Summer school to make up your 65 to a 70. Did you go to TRHS summer school or some place else? I asked Guidance and Woodworth about this option this year for a class one of my kids was in and told there is no option for TRHS kids. |
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PBealo
Site Admin
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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| Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:02 am Post subject: |
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Dear kt2720,
I'm just writing to welcome you to the forum. If some of the postings appear a little negative, I believe its through frustration with "the system" and the perceived difficulty in getting the "best" posible education for our children. some of my postings show frustration as well, so I am as much to blame as anyone!
Please feel free to hang around and participate. I suspect your views will be much different than many, but offer a unique erspective none of us can truly share.
Peter Bealo |
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