For many of the parents that had to take off work to set through a hour and a half of being told how great it is that they got the laptops. It was totally unnecessary. And a waste of time. Why not allow the parents to accept the liabilty of the laptops and be done with it. Most of the parents are familiar with what to do or not do, and could have signed the paperwork without having to listen to all the how great the Decatur School board is. I believe it was in a bond package that was approved by the voters, not just the school board.
12:35 I'm assuming you took the laptop of course...Find something else to bitch about besides the fact that a forward thinking district is trying to find engaging and innovative ways to bring a quality education to your child. I think that the board does deserve some credit. Several former members of the board held up this voter approved initiative for several years.
Inovative a few years ago, but there have been several studies done on schools that use laptops....and guess what...it does not improve grades on standardized test or grade point average. Teaching a lesson includes learning what cost efffective means...and this is not cost effective....cool yes but not cost effective.
2:57, or should I say Jerry Howard...So having 5-6 textbooks per student and thousands of copies of useless and mundane worksheets is better? I don't think test score improvement was even mentioned earlier. It's about getting students engaged and helping them learn to function in today's world!
This is my first entry on today's blog, thank you very much. We might want to get our facts straight.
Laptops were never mentioned in materials promoting the bond in question. Voters had no idea how the "technology" portion of the bond was going to be spent when they voted.
Secondly, I know of no attempt by any former board members ( I am assuming you are referencing Ruby and me) to delay this issue. I am still amused at how some of you think two board members controlled seven. I actually don't know Ruby's thoughts on the matter. If my memory serves me right she voted yes on the first two installments of the program
I however spoke privately with Gindt, Watson, and Bagwell regarding my reservations about the program. My reservations were about the excessive cost when the same thing could be done more cheaply, and the amount of time that would be taken away from instruction (thus lowering scores) implementing/mis-using the computers.
I totally support keeping kids up to date with technology but I am not so sure this is the best way.
I do know this, if HS scores on TAKS drop so much as a point next year, Bagwell and Co need to be held accountable.
What seems to have been forgotten by 2:57 is that educating our kids includes many things other than just what shows up on a standardized test. Testing is not the be-all and end-all in education.
Skill in using technology is certainly one thing that is NOT tested on TAKS or other tests.
Teaching students to be adept in technology has far-reaching benefits for them. How could anyone claim otherwise?
We are so lucky to live in a community and a school district that supports giving its students this advantage.
Jerry Howard It is funny that old people think they know so much. Technology is a part of a students life. If Decatur wants to keep up with the real world (outside of Decatur TX) then they need this. I do not know if you have left Decatur in a while but please do and look around. A job would be more out to get someone who knows something about a computer than if they can write on a chalk board. Really please do some research and look outside.
Um Howard wanted to know How come we don't use VCR tapes for instruction? do they still make VCR tapes and tape players. Isn't Mr. Howard using Technology now to post or did he write in chalk. Have you really seen what these kids do with these laptop. How student can research anything, collaborate around the world even, with any and all information. Howard give up the Chalk buddy. And taks scores, is that really a true measurement of the kids think ability, and intelligence.
My district has portable classroom computer labs. The kids cannot take the computers home, but I will say, they do help provide much needed practice on TAKS objectives. However, those practices are online anywhere, and if a student has a home computer, they can practice there as well. BUT, the important thing to remember is this: Even though more practice is available via TAKS objective websites, it is still the responsibility of the classroom teacher to TEACH what the objectives are and HOW TO DO THEM!! My concern with the schools that go with computers "too much" is that the teachers may become complacent with just assigning practice and the teaching of the objectives will be lost. NOTHING replaces a good lesson delivered by a good teacher who is also there to explain and answer questions. Good luck to all Wise County schools in this upcoming school year. If you feel like I do, you'll be happy to see these "blankity blank" tests GO AWAY and we can ALL get back to enjoying teaching again.
FYI 3:41: The laptops do not replace textbooks. The students will now be carrying a laptop everyday in addition to 5-6 textbooks. There are no lockers at DHS.
Mr Howard, I guess we will ignore the admission of a TOMA violation. You discussed school board business with a majority of the board, not in a published meeting..
One thing you all need to remember, is that not ALL the teachers at DHS teach classes that are tested on TAKS. Sure, we're all working toward one common goal - and that is to graduate each and every precious student, but those computers will be used for everything: TAKS and no-TAKS classes, research, studying, college-preparedness, and more.
But the voters did have an idea. In fact, we had a committee of parents, community members, teachers, administrators, etc. who recommended this laptop plan to the board. To say the voters knew nothing about this, is a far stretch from the truth - and for a former board member to say this - well that's just wrong!!!!
Has anyone mentioned the "how" will computers be used issue? Will they just become busy work or time fillers to replace work sheets or will they be used to truly engage students and provide them with opportunities not available any other way? The buy in of teachers and the technological expertise of those instructing students needs to be ongoing and teachers must be expected and encouraged to find new teaching methods. Who will meet this responsibility? The district has smart boards taking up space in closets of buildings as we speak. No one uses this cutting edge of technology because??? Expensive computers won't improve the level of education without teacher buy in.
The public never sees the bottom line which is the "total" cost of computers once you add on the cost of installment and training that APPLE adds to the purchase price. Ask for public reporting of this and then decide if lap tops are the best expenditure of tax money. Also ask how many new positions have been added to handle the mere logistics of lap tops. How many positions have been transferred to computer assistance? So much is unspoken and hidden that we, the taxppayers never are told.
Last year my class made imovies, power points and had glogster accounts for producing work over books or research. The laptops will certainly be used and should be within and outside of the class to make learning more authentic and meaningful for the kids. Presently, my kids share 30 laptops within a grade level. Ideally, having more per class would be great but I know the cost is something to be considered but well worth it.
8:57 - I'm a teacher - I'm in, as are all the others I know.
Do you really think a teacher could stand in front of a high school class with every student having a laptop in hand and NOT utilize it for learning, enriching, discovering, and becoming tech savvy. Can you imagine what that would be like?
The thing about standing in front of a classroom full of kids every day - they will make your life miserable if you aren't prepared with engaging, worthwhile, relevant lessons. They won't do it in a mean way, or intentionally even, but a group of kids will have their minds occupied and as the teacher, you are the one that wants to choose what that will be. Teachers who aren't prepared don't last long in the classroom just because it's such a bad experience.
When that bell rings and the students look up at you, the question in their eyes is - "What are we going to do for the next 90 minutes." And if the teacher isn't ready to fill that time in a worthwhile way, they will find a way to fill it.
When a teacher is prepared, teaching is one of the best jobs in the world; when a teacher is not prepared - not so good.
Do you really think a teacher can get away with meaningless worksheets? (Not all worksheets are meaningless - some can be quite good with very creative strategies, but I take it from your tone that your experience is not with meangingful worksheets.)
People Go to the board meetings if you are going to grip. Get informed first then complain. Second see what the kids do with these laptops, there really is learning going on. Reading for example: practiced on a magazine, a book, or a news article on a laptop is still reading right? Researching a project on penguins either from a book, DVD or from a laptops connected to the world that has all this at there finger tips. Come on people open you minds lets see what happens be for you judge.
I am a retired teacher, so I must be perceived as old! However,I am so excited that DISD is forward-thinking enough to do the laptop issuing. Students now have the world at their hands--research, word processing, photography apps, etc...long list. Laptops do not take the place of a teacher, just enhance. In fact, it may make it harder for teachers for they now have to figure out how to utilize this equipment. I know the DISD teachers are up to the task. When I taught, I used technology as much as possible. It opens up new worlds! One of the advantages for this is to those students who do not have computers in their homes, and yes, there are many. This just helps them stay up with their fellow classmates. Don't think for a moment that computer skills aren't necessary when they leave high school. EVERY facet of the working world uses them. We're just preparing our students for the world, which is what education is supposed to be about. This doesn't take the place of regular education, but adds to it. Thank you DISD on behalf of my grandchildren.
Guilty as charged! I am old, in fact 67. In fact my life would be happier if I had dimmer switches on the bathroom lights.
However, I don't think my head is in the sand. For the three yrs I was on the board, I attended both the winter and summer board conferences and attended countless sessions on new technology in the classroom and how different schools were applying them.
Those session enlighted me re the countless ways to integrate tech besides laptops, such as smart boards, Ipads, tablets, hand held computers, etc. It drove home even more that DISD was putting all its marbles in one bag.
Those sessions also drove home the point that our decision was a "top down" one and had teachers been empowered to decided, they most certainly would have chosen different techs to match their subject/discipline. Yes, some would have still have chosen a laptop. I have no problem with that.
I repeat, my concern was the cost per unit, and the potential waste and misuse.
We didn't do it your way. We didn't re-elect you. Accept it and move on.
And by the way - your statement: "I do know this, if HS scores on TAKS drop so much as a point next year, Bagwell and Co need to be held accountable"
THat makes my jaw drop that a former school board member would make such a statement. Scores can easily change by a point or two, up or down, just because it's a different group of kids taking the test - some grades do better than others throughout their years of testing and some do worse. How could you not know that? Worst scenario, you do know that and are saying it anyway.
For Pete's Sake people, get off Jerry Howard! He, at least, was watching out for OUR tax dollars while he was on the board. Can you name me another who was dedicated to doing that? I still believe those who did not vote for Quanz or Howard are the ones who will insist on having the new fabulous artificial turf (total waste of money). That was basically the ONLY issue that got these two beat. Speaking of artificial turf, can anyone tell me why the DHS athletic director is insisting on playing the home games in another stadium in another town? NOW OUR FIELD ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH TO EVEN HAVE OUR HOME GAMES PLAYED ON IT? Wonder how the season ticket holders will feel about moving all home games to another stadium in another town??!! Does Kyle Story really think this 'ploy' will work? Are the people in Decatur really that stupid to fall for such 'blackmail?'
"He, at least, was watching out for OUR tax dollars while he was on the board."
If you only knew how much tax dollars he has spent making central office chase their tails on his witch hunts. If he had not crossed the line as a board member NUMEROUS times he could have actually saved tax dollars instead of wasting them. He even admitted his crossing the line in his above comments.
Mr Howard would have been a much better school board member if he had been a uniter instead of a divider. A supporter of the positions - even if he didn't agree w/the decisions - than a finger pointer, pot stirrer. While I am thankful to those who have stepped up and and showed up for the job I have to say that the voters have spoken and it is time to move on.
Mr. Howard - I beg you to support the schools and the community you once served. You don't have to agree w/all of the decisions being made - honestly no one can - but if you truly love this school district I ask that you step back and focus on the good - because there is much good in this district. You are welcome to your opinions - but continuing to harass the administration simply does the one thing you claim to hate so much - waste taxpayer money.
8:01, if only you knew!!! Some things are beyond the "eyes of the public." Maybe Jerry Howard went after the admin because they NEEDED going after. DISD isn't all "rosey" like they'd like folks to believe. OH well... go ahead and keep those rose colored glasses on! 9:08, you can bet he has that kind of pull. Why don't you step up and pay attention. Ask around and see if there is discussion about moving the home games to another town to play because our field just isn't "up to par!"
I'm a teacher at DHS, too, and I'm all in. The laptops will put the world in the hands of each and every student, and for that, I am grateful.
Will I have to work harder to change and update my way of teaching? You bet, I do, and I will. I can't wait!
Thank you DISD, DHS, Troy Bagwell, the voters, who have once again come through for us, and everyone else who had a hand in this innovative thing we call technology.
BG you should make a post about the school and see what happens.
Jerry Howard I have no words to explain how dumb you look. Talking about test scores come on. Talking about Bagwell come on. I do not know you but I know you look a lot dumber than before.
12:56 I see you drank the Kool-Aid along with Mr.bitch 2K pawn shop Bakker. We need REAL grass at the fooyball field and the BLUE&WHITE uniforms they had when they were a winning team? and might as well get a coach that can win and be Happy with what he has. Just how long do you think that turf would last after we voted no and you did it anyway! 2-3 weeks b-4 it turned BLACK.
At least the 2K Pawn dude was willing to make a stand. He stated what he wanted and put up his time and money in a attempt to make it happen. In my book that level of integrity beats the spineless fools what called the election than choose to work against it.'
Decatur ISD made news because few schools can afford laptops for all their students. Fast forward three to four years to see how the students are "taking care" of their computers and how many have to be replaced. The district will be constantly spending tax dollars to replace and upgrade.
Seems to me so much money is being spent on changing how kids learn with new software and new programs. Wouldn't money be better spent on increased teacher pay to be more in line with Northwest ISD.
The best teachers will go where they can make more money. Big new buildings and laptops will not replace well paid good teachers.
Some people can do nothing but complain and attack others. These people often go to church and claim to be christian. The reality is they attack their preacher and anyone else to make their miserable life feel just a bit better.
If the DHS football field is not in good enough condition to play games on, then someone's head should roll. That real turf was a million dollar field when it was installed about a dozen years or so ago. WHO let it go to pot? FIRE THEM!
DHS is a great place to go and learn. Congrats to Decatur for their ratings. An Exemplary Rann may shut down those naysayers. Great Job Rann Teachers and Mrs. Christain.
Spoke to an excited and very capable DHS student who was so excited to receive the lap top and even more anxious to get someone help put I Tunes on it. So glad we taxpayers are making this possible for our students. If our best students are in this mind frame after all the rules set forth by Ms.McCollum, what must all the struggling ones think? Other districts have limited students from accessing Itunes, sending pictures,etc. Perhaps more thought should have been given to safeguards.
Oh what a shame 'cause now I can't add music to those really cool movies, podcasts and Powerpoints that I planned to make in my classes -- you know, while I'm learning the content, too.
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85 comments:
Lap dances for everybody...cool.
is she related to Amy Fisher, the Long Island Lolita?
slow news day, huh?
I'd hit it!
can you say HAWT?
I could make a couple of comments about the juxtaposition in that pic, but...use your imaginations. Discuss!
note: juxtaposition is not a derogatory euphemism.
Ooh, the fi'ty-cent words are just flying out of me today!
11:09
SAT word, SAT word!
The great Kevin Williams is working daylight hours? Looks like somebody got a promotion.
Wow, someone used a big word and swanked about it!
You are juxtaposed to not post that kinda crap!
With a butt that big, you're not the only one she's blocking!!!
That is cool that Newy Scruggs is the camera man. I wondered what his real career was.
For many of the parents that had to take off work to set through a hour and a half of being told how great it is that they got the laptops. It was totally unnecessary. And a waste of time. Why not allow the parents to accept the liabilty of the laptops and be done with it. Most of the parents are familiar with what to do or not do, and could have signed the paperwork without having to listen to all the how great the Decatur School board is. I believe it was in a bond package that was approved by the voters, not just the school board.
In the picture:
She is commenting about me, by using the microphone as a prop.
Id like to know what she does with that fuzzy microphone after hours
must be that time of the month with those black pants on
12:35 I'm assuming you took the laptop of course...Find something else to bitch about besides the fact that a forward thinking district is trying to find engaging and innovative ways to bring a quality education to your child. I think that the board does deserve some credit. Several former members of the board held up this voter approved initiative for several years.
Inovative a few years ago, but there have been several studies done on schools that use laptops....and guess what...it does not improve grades on standardized test or grade point average. Teaching a lesson includes learning what cost efffective means...and this is not cost effective....cool yes but not cost effective.
man i wished i could wear jorts to work
Denney, Denney, Denney! Dont be hatin' on the white girls with booty!!
I think 11:41 needs her on blog so she can police it, instead of try to tell Barry what he does and does not post.
2:57, or should I say Jerry Howard...So having 5-6 textbooks per student and thousands of copies of useless and mundane worksheets is better? I don't think test score improvement was even mentioned earlier. It's about getting students engaged and helping them learn to function in today's world!
it is simple if it works here it works and if not it doesnt kim fischer is hot and should wear tighter clothes enough said
I bet they all will now be real good at Facebook and Myspace and porn. what the hell is the school board thinking OH I know T U R F
Is she doing a story on how DHS has some of the worst language arts scores in wise county?
Jerry Howard here!
This is my first entry on today's blog, thank you very much. We might want to get our facts straight.
Laptops were never mentioned in materials promoting the bond in question. Voters had no idea how the "technology" portion of the bond was going to be spent when they voted.
Secondly, I know of no attempt by any former board members ( I am assuming you are referencing Ruby and me) to delay this issue. I am still amused at how some of you think two board members controlled seven. I actually don't know Ruby's thoughts on the matter. If my memory serves me right she voted yes on the first two installments of the program
I however spoke privately with Gindt, Watson, and Bagwell regarding my reservations about the program. My reservations were about the excessive cost when the same thing could be done more cheaply, and the amount of time that would be taken away from instruction (thus lowering scores) implementing/mis-using the computers.
I totally support keeping kids up to date with technology but I am not so sure this is the best way.
I do know this, if HS scores on TAKS drop so much as a point next year, Bagwell and Co need to be held accountable.
I would like to publicly thank Mr. Howard and Mrs. Quanz for spearheading the technological advancements in the district.
Exactly, 3:41.
What seems to have been forgotten by 2:57 is that educating our kids includes many things other than just what shows up on a standardized test. Testing is not the be-all and end-all in education.
Skill in using technology is certainly one thing that is NOT tested on TAKS or other tests.
Teaching students to be adept in technology has far-reaching benefits for them. How could anyone claim otherwise?
We are so lucky to live in a community and a school district that supports giving its students this advantage.
Jeryy Howard. No.
GTFO TROLL
Jerry Howard
It is funny that old people think they know so much. Technology is a part of a students life. If Decatur wants to keep up with the real world (outside of Decatur TX) then they need this. I do not know if you have left Decatur in a while but please do and look around. A job would be more out to get someone who knows something about a computer than if they can write on a chalk board. Really please do some research and look outside.
Um Howard wanted to know How come we don't use VCR tapes for instruction? do they still make VCR tapes and tape players. Isn't Mr. Howard using Technology now to post or did he write in chalk. Have you really seen what these kids do with these laptop. How student can research anything, collaborate around the world even, with any and all information. Howard give up the Chalk buddy. And taks scores, is that really a true measurement of the kids think ability, and intelligence.
My district has portable classroom computer labs. The kids cannot take the computers home, but I will say, they do help provide much needed practice on TAKS objectives. However, those practices are online anywhere, and if a student has a home computer, they can practice there as well. BUT, the important thing to remember is this: Even though more practice is available via TAKS objective websites, it is still the responsibility of the classroom teacher to TEACH what the objectives are and HOW TO DO THEM!! My concern with the schools that go with computers "too much" is that the teachers may become complacent with just assigning practice and the teaching of the objectives will be lost. NOTHING replaces a good lesson delivered by a good teacher who is also there to explain and answer questions. Good luck to all Wise County schools in this upcoming school year. If you feel like I do, you'll be happy to see these "blankity blank" tests GO AWAY and we can ALL get back to enjoying teaching again.
DUDE!
I am glad that I voted for the other candidate!
WOW!
What.....
Does someone have a hit list!
FYI 3:41: The laptops do not replace textbooks. The students will now be carrying a laptop everyday in addition to 5-6 textbooks. There are no lockers at DHS.
Mr Howard, I guess we will ignore the admission of a TOMA violation.
You discussed school board business with a majority of the board, not in a published meeting..
oops.
8:26, I'm not Jerry Howard but why don't you get a clue. Are you referring to his post:
"I however spoke privately with Gindt, Watson, and Bagwell regarding my reservations about the program."
?????
The people mentioned in that sentence are NOT BOARD MEMBERS, dooffus!!
"Voters had no idea..."
They also had no idea you would abuse your power and blindside the board with a school name change - WITHOUT consulting the voters in any way.
Agenda much?
One thing you all need to remember, is that not ALL the teachers at DHS teach classes that are tested on TAKS. Sure, we're all working toward one common goal - and that is to graduate each and every precious student, but those computers will be used for everything: TAKS and no-TAKS classes, research, studying, college-preparedness, and more.
But the voters did have an idea. In fact, we had a committee of parents, community members, teachers, administrators, etc. who recommended this laptop plan to the board. To say the voters knew nothing about this, is a far stretch from the truth - and for a former board member to say this - well that's just wrong!!!!
Is Mr. Howard suggesting that he overstepped his role as a board member?
It is starting to become clear why quality people have left the district.
Has anyone mentioned the "how" will computers be used issue? Will they just become busy work or time fillers to replace work sheets or will they be used to truly engage students and provide them with opportunities not available any other way? The buy in of teachers and the technological expertise of those instructing students needs to be ongoing and teachers must be expected and encouraged to find new teaching methods. Who will meet this responsibility? The district has smart boards taking up space in closets of buildings as we speak. No one uses this cutting edge of technology because??? Expensive computers won't improve the level of education without teacher buy in.
The public never sees the bottom line which is the "total" cost of computers once you add on the cost of installment and training that APPLE adds to the purchase price. Ask for public reporting of this and then decide if lap tops are the best expenditure of tax money. Also ask how many new positions have been added to handle the mere logistics of lap tops. How many positions have been transferred to computer assistance? So much is unspoken and hidden that we, the taxppayers never are told.
How are laptops going to do the kids from Wise any good, all we graduate are volunteer firefighters and welders and rig hands!
Last year my class made imovies, power points and had glogster accounts for producing work over books or research. The laptops will certainly be used and should be within and outside of the class to make learning more authentic and meaningful for the kids. Presently, my kids share 30 laptops within a grade level. Ideally, having more per class would be great but I know the cost is something to be considered but well worth it.
8:57 -
I'm a teacher - I'm in, as are all the others I know.
Do you really think a teacher could stand in front of a high school class with every student having a laptop in hand and NOT utilize it for learning, enriching, discovering, and becoming tech savvy. Can you imagine what that would be like?
The thing about standing in front of a classroom full of kids every day - they will make your life miserable if you aren't prepared with engaging, worthwhile, relevant lessons. They won't do it in a mean way, or intentionally even, but a group of kids will have their minds occupied and as the teacher, you are the one that wants to choose what that will be. Teachers who aren't prepared don't last long in the classroom just because it's such a bad experience.
When that bell rings and the students look up at you, the question in their eyes is - "What are we going to do for the next 90 minutes." And if the teacher isn't ready to fill that time in a worthwhile way, they will find a way to fill it.
When a teacher is prepared, teaching is one of the best jobs in the world; when a teacher is not prepared - not so good.
Do you really think a teacher can get away with meaningless worksheets? (Not all worksheets are meaningless - some can be quite good with very creative strategies, but I take it from your tone that your experience is not with meangingful worksheets.)
People Go to the board meetings if you are going to grip. Get informed first then complain. Second see what the kids do with these laptops, there really is learning going on. Reading for example: practiced on a magazine, a book, or a news article on a laptop is still reading right? Researching a project on penguins either from a book, DVD or from a laptops connected to the world that has all this at there finger tips. Come on people open you minds lets see what happens be for you judge.
BG, I think the word you're looking for is actually nemesis.
I am a retired teacher, so I must be perceived as old! However,I am so excited that DISD is forward-thinking enough to do the laptop issuing.
Students now have the world at their hands--research, word processing, photography apps, etc...long list. Laptops do not take the place of a teacher, just enhance. In fact, it may make it harder for teachers for they now have to figure out how to utilize this equipment. I know the DISD teachers are up to the task. When I taught, I used technology as much as possible. It opens up new worlds!
One of the advantages for this is to those students who do not have computers in their homes, and yes, there are many. This just helps them stay up with their fellow classmates. Don't think for a moment that computer skills aren't necessary when they leave high school. EVERY facet of the working world uses them. We're just preparing our students for the world, which is what education is supposed to be about.
This doesn't take the place of regular education, but adds to it.
Thank you DISD on behalf of my grandchildren.
Where is a Smart Board in a closet? Tell me! I'll take it & I'll use it.
I bet Jeff Bakker is really,really pi$$ED!! The astroturf is much, much more important than modern technology!!
Jerry Howard here!
Guilty as charged! I am old, in fact 67. In fact my life would be happier if I had dimmer switches on the bathroom lights.
However, I don't think my head is in the sand. For the three yrs I was on the board, I attended both the winter and summer board conferences and attended countless sessions on new technology in the classroom and how different schools were applying them.
Those session enlighted me re the countless ways to integrate tech besides laptops, such as smart boards, Ipads, tablets, hand held computers, etc. It drove home even more that DISD was putting all its marbles in one bag.
Those sessions also drove home the point that our decision was a "top down" one and had teachers been empowered to decided, they most certainly would have chosen different techs to match their subject/discipline. Yes, some would have still have chosen a laptop. I have no problem with that.
I repeat, my concern was the cost per unit, and the potential waste and misuse.
Having a level of wisdom greater that the many fools that surround you must be a very difficult cross to bear!
Would anyone like to try some
SOUR GRAPES!
To Jerry Howard:
We didn't do it your way. We didn't re-elect you. Accept it and move on.
And by the way - your statement:
"I do know this, if HS scores on TAKS drop so much as a point next year, Bagwell and Co need to be held accountable"
THat makes my jaw drop that a former school board member would make such a statement. Scores can easily change by a point or two, up or down, just because it's a different group of kids taking the test - some grades do better than others throughout their years of testing and some do worse. How could you not know that? Worst scenario, you do know that and are saying it anyway.
Sounds a bit mean, even threatening.
2:52 10-4 on that.
I wonder what board meetings were like with this guy around?
It appears that votes held someone accountable for something!
For Pete's Sake people, get off Jerry Howard! He, at least, was watching out for OUR tax dollars while he was on the board. Can you name me another who was dedicated to doing that? I still believe those who did not vote for Quanz or Howard are the ones who will insist on having the new fabulous artificial turf (total waste of money). That was basically the ONLY issue that got these two beat. Speaking of artificial turf, can anyone tell me why the DHS athletic director is insisting on playing the home games in another stadium in another town? NOW OUR FIELD ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH TO EVEN HAVE OUR HOME GAMES PLAYED ON IT?
Wonder how the season ticket holders will feel about moving all home games to another stadium in another town??!! Does Kyle Story really think this 'ploy' will work? Are the people in Decatur really that stupid to fall for such 'blackmail?'
There is no fool like an old fool!
"He, at least, was watching out for OUR tax dollars while he was on the board."
If you only knew how much tax dollars he has spent making central office chase their tails on his witch hunts. If he had not crossed the line as a board member NUMEROUS times he could have actually saved tax dollars instead of wasting them. He even admitted his crossing the line in his above comments.
Mr Howard would have been a much better school board member if he had been a uniter instead of a divider. A supporter of the positions - even if he didn't agree w/the decisions - than a finger pointer, pot stirrer. While I am thankful to those who have stepped up and and showed up for the job I have to say that the voters have spoken and it is time to move on.
Mr. Howard - I beg you to support the schools and the community you once served. You don't have to agree w/all of the decisions being made - honestly no one can - but if you truly love this school district I ask that you step back and focus on the good - because there is much good in this district. You are welcome to your opinions - but continuing to harass the administration simply does the one thing you claim to hate so much - waste taxpayer money.
It is sad that Mrs. Quanz was discussed earlier. She is a wonderful grandmother who cares deeply about children.
Wow, do you really think story has that kind of pull? I heard next he's going to cancel Christmas!
8:01, if only you knew!!! Some things are beyond the "eyes of the public." Maybe Jerry Howard went after the admin because they NEEDED going after. DISD isn't all "rosey" like they'd like folks to believe. OH well... go ahead and keep those rose colored glasses on!
9:08, you can bet he has that kind of pull. Why don't you step up and pay attention. Ask around and see if there is discussion about moving the home games to another town to play because our field just isn't "up to par!"
I'm a teacher at DHS, too, and I'm all in. The laptops will put the world in the hands of each and every student, and for that, I am grateful.
Will I have to work harder to change and update my way of teaching? You bet, I do, and I will. I can't wait!
Thank you DISD, DHS, Troy Bagwell, the voters, who have once again come through for us, and everyone else who had a hand in this innovative thing we call technology.
I talked to a parent of a DHS senior tonight, who had just gone through her laptop reception/training, and this parent was fired up!
I'll bet there's not a single DHS parent out there who wishes their child WOULD NOT get one!
Now that there are new school board members, maybe we can get the artifical turf and maybe some kick ass uniforms.
BG you should make a post about the school and see what happens.
Jerry Howard I have no words to explain how dumb you look. Talking about test scores come on. Talking about Bagwell come on. I do not know you but I know you look a lot dumber than before.
12:56 I see you drank the Kool-Aid along with Mr.bitch 2K pawn shop Bakker. We need REAL grass at the fooyball field and the BLUE&WHITE uniforms they had when they were a winning team? and might as well get a coach that can win and be Happy with what he has.
Just how long do you think that turf would last after we voted no and you did it anyway! 2-3 weeks b-4 it turned BLACK.
At least the 2K Pawn dude was willing to make a stand. He stated what he wanted and put up his time and money in a attempt to make it happen. In my book that level of integrity beats the spineless fools what called the election than choose to work against it.'
It is called integrity!
Either you got it or ya don't
Bring back Bobby Actkinson to DHS!
Decatur ISD made news because few schools can afford laptops for all their students. Fast forward three to four years to see how the students are "taking care" of their computers and how many have to be replaced. The district will be constantly spending tax dollars to replace and upgrade.
Seems to me so much money is being spent on changing how kids learn with new software and new programs. Wouldn't money be better spent on increased teacher pay to be more in line with Northwest ISD.
The best teachers will go where they can make more money. Big new buildings and laptops will not replace well paid good teachers.
Some people can do nothing but complain and attack others. These people often go to church and claim to be christian. The reality is they attack their preacher and anyone else to make their miserable life feel just a bit better.
If the DHS football field is not in good enough condition to play games on, then someone's head should roll. That real turf was a million dollar field when it was installed about a dozen years or so ago. WHO let it go to pot? FIRE THEM!
It all comes down to what you want for the children.
What kind of future you want to prepare them for...
Mr. Luttrull has worked hard to support artificial turf.
I believe he will getter done for the kids.
Congratulations to those who planned and prepared for this laptop thing. It is great for Decatur. Thank You!
We should be patting Baggarwell on the back rather than threatening to fire him.
I hard that Boyd has Turf!
Shirly that is not treue
DHS is a great place to go and learn. Congrats to Decatur for their ratings. An Exemplary Rann may shut down those naysayers. Great Job Rann Teachers and Mrs. Christain.
Decatur ISD had their staff take a climate survey in May. I wonder if they will release the results to the messenger?
I wouldn't recommend going too far out on er limb respecting Joey Luttrell
Spoke to an excited and very capable DHS student who was so excited to receive the lap top and even more anxious to get someone help put I Tunes on it. So glad we taxpayers are making this possible for our students. If our best students are in this mind frame after all the rules set forth by Ms.McCollum, what must all the struggling ones think? Other districts have limited students from accessing Itunes, sending pictures,etc. Perhaps more thought should have been given to safeguards.
I guess you can see Joey Luttrell is posting his on comments, if you don't believe me look at post 10:06.
I did not write an comments on this blog!
Do not say I did!
I do not even read any blogs!
What is a blog anyway?
Yeah iTunes!
Wait, is that against the law, to buy music?
Oh what a shame 'cause now I can't add music to those really cool movies, podcasts and Powerpoints that I planned to make in my classes -- you know, while I'm learning the content, too.
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