There is much to be concerned with in the way of SAD 44 which walked away from the negotiating table during the formation of RSU 10. This was an exceedingly small district to begin with an now that the law has stood at referendum, sanctions will be imposed in addition to the standard budget cuts the RSUs and untouched due to having meet size requirments districts will suffer. He superintendent, Mr. Davis, has not even had the confidence in the district he operates to send his own children here. The Davis children attend Gould Academy instead. This should be concerning to the taxpayers and most certainly alarming to the parents of students at Telstar that the superintendent removes his children from the system he manages. It has been brought to my attention that he is far from alone, it being common for school committee members children and grand children and those of faculty and staff of the district to be in private school rather than the schools they operate.
Oxford Hills
Telstar compiles accreditation response
BETHEL — Telstar High School's staff is just about ready to submit their responses to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges recommendations made during last year's visit.
This will be the first report the school has made since the April, 2008, visit, and is aimed at meeting the Dec. 1 deadline for a response.
The accreditation organization visits high schools once every 10 years to document what is good about a school, and what needs improvement.
Telstar has a lot to be proud of, according to a letter to Principal Dan Hart from NEASC.
The school was commended for clearly defining the expectations of students, for providing after-school remediation classes, for successfully integrating technology in the classroom, and for a variety of career efforts and curriculum work.
Hart was particularly pleased with the acknowledgement of the school's senior research and oral presentation project each student must develop prior to graduation.
But the accreditation group also had some recommendations. And for those, the school was put on warning status, which primarily means the targeted list must receive priority for action.
Among the recommendations were the need for more details on the measurement of how student expectations can be met in academic, social and civic requirements. Also on the list is a desire for greater opportunities for student and staff leadership. For students, representatives are chosen to lead various projects, such as the school's beautification program. For staff, in addition to leadership teams and leadership professional days, Hart said other leadership opportunities include facilitating faculty meetings and workshop days.
The report also calls for Telstar teachers to devise a plan that will ensure that a suitable learning method is used for each student.
NEASC is expected to reply to the Telstar High School initial report sometime in January. From there the accreditation group may call for additional documentation.
eadams@sunjournal.com
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I apologize, as soon as I
I apologize, as soon as I posted I realized I had put Mr Davis is SUperintendent and it should have been Mr, Murphy. I would also like to add that Mr. ?urphy did well protecting his position keeping sad 44 out of RSU 10 so his children could continue at Gould Academy. The joining of three SADs in to the RSU elliminated two superintendent positions and correponding suplicate purchasing, transportation, food services management positions and on and on. Had SAD 44 joined as well we in Bethel could have benefited from the savings as well.
I would also like to take the opportunity, since I inadvertantly misspoke earlier, to thank ?r, Davis for comming out of retirement last year and stepping in as High School principal. Mr, Davis you are loved and appreciated by students,parents and teachers alike. We appreciate your many years of service and regret that you will not be there as a role model for future classes.