Message from the President

At last Monday night's Board of Education meeting, Ms. Raymond asked for an update on the elementary schedule - specifically asking about band, chorus, and recess. I was not planning to speak during the second public comment that evening, but that opened the door to my comments which can be heard in the video below.

"You mentioned the schedule at the elementary level, it's a trainwreck.  I have spoken about this before. We often heard that things we do at school haven't been good for kids,  this schedule isn't good for kids." Those are the first few sentences that I spoke to the Board Monday night. I bet a few people that I would get my words thrown back in my face because our kids can't read, our kids can't do math. You know the party line that keeps getting thrown at us. We are hurting kids. And on and on. Well, I don't recall ever saying that I didn't want students to learn to read and be proficient. Actually, we have students who are proficient in reading and can read on or above grade level. I don't recall ever saying that I didn't want students to learn mathematics and be proficient. Actually, we have students who are proficient in mathematics and can complete 

mathematics on or above grade level. I don't recall ever saying that I didn't want students to receive Tier I instruction. Actually, all students, regardless of identification, classification, socio-economic status should receive Tier I instruction. Just because I have a problem with the elementary schedule doesn't mean I don't want students to learn, grow, and be exposed to Tier I instruction. 

Someone, or a group of someones, was directed to create this schedule, squeezing in language arts, math, and science along with unified arts, lunch, recess, and snack. They were directed to do this based on certain perimeters, and they did. Remember, there are times we are directed to do things, and regardless of our feelings or objections, we have to do them.

The elementary schedule, as currently constituted, is a struggle. Students should not routinely have to work through snack, which was always a nice quick break where I read aloud to my class. The research about outdoor play, kids being active, and the social importance of recess is clear. It appears to me that research is only used when it's convenient.  I'm not saying there needs to hours of recess, but what I am saying is that the schedule needs to be balanced. 

I know that each of you, regardless of your role in our district, strive to help students be successful every day. You are working to help them be successful, learn, and grow. You aren't harming kids, you are helping them learn to read, learn to write, learn to count, and learn that there needs to be balance in everything you do.

Questions? Comments? Need Assistance?  Contact a member of the Executive Board

Trying to email Adam? Make sure to use president@nashuatu.org