It Only Takes A Spark ....

Tonight was the last Board of Education meeting in Norwich before they adjourn for the summer. Would you be surprised to learn that I signed up for "Public Comment?" I take this all very seriously, for example, I prepare my words a few days ahead of time, I edit them, I have others read them and I practice reading my words out loud.  After last month's "wrap it up" incident .. I even researched the time guidelines and timed my practice rounds. I was well under the published 5 minute limit and carried my phone to the table with me, ya know, so I could keep my pace in check. 

I read my remarks, looked up, and from time to time would glance at my phone ... on target ... so I pushed on. I turned to my last page with just a few sentences ... I got the dreaded "wrap it up.' Clearly my interpretation of 5 minutes and the timekeeper's vary, I've emailed the ENTIRE Board and attached their policy document where 5 minutes is clearly communicated.  We'll see, I'm sure nothing will change, but I feel better for saying something and sometimes you have to be happy with that. 

I shared my sadness that the Magnet Theme Coach would not be returning in the Fall because our our district finances. That, combined with plans to change the physical structures of our schools, felt like a lack of support for the Magnet Schools in our district. I reminded them that many Norwich kids are leaving for out of district Magnet schools -- some 233ish and how that is a financial burden to our education budget. 

Earlier this year, our School, Moriarty Environmental Sciences Magnet School won a national award. The was the cumulative efforts of students, staff and good leadership. I have no doubt that Moriarty will have continued success, the remaining staff will rise to the occasion and things will go on, but I can assure you it will be different. 

I only worked with Erin for a short time but we became fast friends. She is smart, energetic, and is an engaging and enthusiastic educator. She was patient with me -- who might have showed up with a tiny bit of arrogance -- how hard can this be? OH. MY. GOODNESS. Let me tell you folks ... being in that school all day - is hard, designing lesson plans and activities that adhere to this standard or that - HARD .... getting people to give you stuff for FREE .. HARD. Getting the Tiny Humans to sit, listen and learn .. HARDER. 

Doing what is right .. HARDEST. Erin made me think about education in a different way. She challenged me to be a forward thinker when it came to the way my girls are taught. Why this way and not that? Why should we continue to do it like this just because we always have done it this way. Are you sure there isn't a better way? 

She quietly encouraged me to speak out and be heard. She has had a hand in the creation of this "accidental advocate" and has helped me find a voice - not only for my kids, but for our district as a whole. 

I emailed her earlier tonight - mainly because I still cannot believe she is GONE from our district - but also to let her know that she had been the spark that has started a fire. I also shared what I read, because "someone" texted her and told her that I spoke at the BOE meeting about her. 

I said what I said at that meeting because I wanted to make sure the Board knew that we had lost an asset but in all honesty, I know it won't save her job.

"The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.


Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway." Mother Teresa

So Erin, I say to you .. you did good and I will not let it be forgotten. You gave us your best and it was enough. 

You encouraged me to take a stand for one of the most important things in the world - the education of my kids. You were the spark that started this fire ... and I promise you ... I will continue to let it burn!

Because our Kids Deserve It

Norwich Board of Ed - Public Comment - June 2016

As you may remember, I have 2 daughters that attend Moriarty Environmental Sciences Magnet School. The same school that was recognized, nationally, at the Magnet Schools of America Conference in May.

Tonight I share with you my concerns about decisions that are being made that I believe are counterproductive to its continued success. It is no secret that when the decision to transition to a Magnet School was made, I did not support it. Over the course of the last few years, I have seen some amazing changes and have grown into one of Moriarty’s strongest advocates.

Moriarty Environmental Science Magnet School was not a “start-up” Magnet, it has had to transition using the staff and the infrastructure they had. Clearly they are making it work and that is not only evident to parents and students but to educators in the field as well - hence a national award. The reason they are a success is because there is an intensely collaborative mindset that encompasses students, staff, administration and families. Spearheading this Magnet transition was Magnet Theme Coach, Erin Conley.  Sadly, Ms. Conley will not be returning in the Fall since the budget was not able to provide the funding for her position. It is unfortunate that she will be absent - she brought with her an extensive Magnet School teaching and planning background. She has authored and co-authored curricula that are being used across the state. She is a gem not only to Moriarty but to our entire district.

I am also extremely concerned about the proposals under review by our facilities review committee -- there are at least 2 options - that make no allowance for the continuation of either of our Magnet Schools. If we’re evaluating facilities, maybe this is an opportunity for us to make long range plans to move to an inter-district magnet program. Last month

I spoke about fiscal responsibility. If the Board continues to support the Magnet programs we have, they can potentially provide much needed revenue. Not only does this benefit our children, but could provide some relief to our over-stressed budget.

There are waiting lists for the 2 magnet schools in our district and we all know that when families are evaluating the town they will call home, the quality of the schools is a major factor. These programs boost the reputation of our city. I wonder why the administration and staff at both Moriarty and Wequonnoc were allowed to make this leap of faith investing their energy and efforts into developing these amazing and engaging programs if there was no plan to sustain them long term.  You cannot deny the large numbers of students leaving Norwich to attend Magnet schools in surrounding towns and that the business of education has become competitive.  It seems silly to let an opportunity slip by and not fully support the Magnets we have. Then we too can have students coming from other towns which will help to sustain our schools.

The students at Moriarty are learning by doing to be stewards of the world around them they know where food comes from, how important it is to recycle and how to be problem solvers. One of the most surprising things to me was how the infusion of a theme has not only changed our school, but it is changing many of our homes. My girls encourage our family to reduce and recycle. They encourage us to support our local farms and to think more about waste. Moriarty is training our future Scientists, Civil Engineers, Programmers, and Environmental Activists. They are making a STEM education interesting and exciting. They are changing the lives of the students AND families that are lucky enough to call Moriarty home. Please continue to honor and respect the commitment that the Board of Education made to this approach to education.