Update from 12/9 BOE Meeting

Results of the 12/09/08 School Board Meeting:

1. The superintendent, Rocco Migliori, had a budget presentation. This was a direct result of information submitted concerning what Westmoreland really is dedicating to "academics" as they tout as a reason for recess elimination. The 17 page budget report is available by contacting the Westmoreland School Superintendent.
2. Sadly, VERY little parents were there!!! If we all want recess, we ALL need to work at it! 3-4 parents alone are trying and working hard, but they need SUPPORT!
3. Since there were so few people and no media, some of the school board members decided they were brave enough to speak. At the October meeting, they all sat like stumps-not a peep! Mary Ann Hawkins really believes Westmoreland is "ahead" of all the other schools with no recess!!! Another member also stated "Shouldn't we focus on academics?" It is obvious that these school board members are either too ignorant or too lazy to read and research the benefits of recess, which makes for better students and people...therefore BETTER ACADEMICS!
4. There was a parent there who thought the new program was just fine because children can get exercise in gym class". She stated she was an educator (although to what capacity she did not specify). She obviously is misinformed to recess being only about exercise and therefore that can be gotten in other ways. Recess reaps MANY other crucial benefits to child development. She also said some parts of Canada were doing similar programs. What bearing that has on students in the United States is beyond me. They drive on the opposite side of the road in the UK, does that make it something the US should adopt?
5. Joann Ottman conceded by saying that the school could add 5 extra minutes onto lunch. Of course, that is not what it seems and I will explain in a new post.
6. I suggested the school send home parent and child surveys to see what they thought was adequate for recess and lunch time for the children. One board member thought this was not a good idea. I think the school board doesn't want to know the truth on how people feel and also, by sending home surveys, it gets people thinking again. They definitely do not want that!