This morning at breakfast, my 11-year old was telling us about this "new" song he and his friends had downloaded on their Ipods, by some group called the Beatles (Paul McCartney's old band!) called "Maxwell Silver Hammer" about some guy with a silver hammer who went through life hammering people to death. I laughed because I distinctly remember singing that in class when I was 5th grade --almost 40 years ago! Part of the reason that it was probably memorable was because Mr. Fredette, my 5th grade teacher was "cool" -- he raced power boats and had us singing Beatles songs in class -- I bet members of the other 5th grade class can't remember what THEY sang 40 years ago!
The amusing thing (other than the fact I remembered any of that trivia) is the simple idea that we were sitting in a 5th grade classroom singing songs about hammering people to death! I bet they don't sing that song in class anymore! (We also used to sing Christmas songs at Christmas -- but I digress!)
My, how times have changed since 1973!
Then, I read a story in this morning's Boston Globe about a growing investigation of possible sexual abuse at a local camp that began after Scott Brown wrote about his memory of being molested in Sandwich .... almost 40 years ago. There was a quote from the Camp Director talking about how much more careful they need to be now than they were ... 40 years ago!
Again, my how times have changed since 1973!
Last night, I listened to Mike Merolla, a candidate for School Committee talk about the fact that the High School was the "People's Building" and was "sold" to voters almost 40 years ago based upon some sort of presumed right to access the pool in perpetuity. Then, I read a story in the CCT about somebody from ANOTHER TOWN (who never paid to build the pool and only pays a portion of the operating costs) complaining because Sandwich parents and taxpayers objected to naked strangers being near their children said naked stranger exercises their "right" to use the pool (which they didn't pay to build and don't pay enough to maintain).
OK, maybe not everybody thinks things have changed since 1973!!
6 comments:
Cute Bob and good point. I was a little concerned that all the SC candidates at last nights forum seemed to be in favor of the antiquated policy. Though with the exception of Ms. Marshall I think the others were inspired by the spirit of compromise.
Just went to an amazing forum today with an education expert speaker talking about learning and social emotional attributes to the success or failure of the process. He made a wonderful statement at one point that every kid wants most of all to feel they matter. Now you tell me how our decent students feel they really matter in a school that puts adult needs above the students. MIght be a piece of why so many students are leaving the district for High School elsewhere.
I noticed in the Cape Cod Times article, they couldn't find a School that had adults and students sharing pool facilities during the school day. But Sherry Marshall announced last night that there are plans being made to bring the old policy back. The parents don't stand a chance, because they won't stick up for the kids in this charged political climate.
For me, a policy in 1972 is just not relevant simply because it was the deal made then. That notion is too absurd to believe really. After listening to the candidates last night I started to loose some of hope that we were actually going to move into the 21st century and make our schools about the interest of the children above all else.
The people outside of Sandwich commenting is truly almost too much to bear. They have a sweet deal is all and don't want to give it up. I think it is wise to create policy based on that,...not.
Another point of clarification - I am not in favor of the "antiquated policy".
I said last night that I thought there was a solution to the problem. That solution involves scheduling(students and adults not in the locker room at the same time) and supervision.
I also stated that after school hours there are challenges that need to be recognized. Interscholastic athletic teams, male and female, use the locker rooms before and after practices through the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Basketball practices and games often end after 8 p.m. Vacation and weekend practices can be in the morning.
Supervision and scheduling, with student safety the primary consideration, are germane to any possible solution.
Thanks,
Bob Catalini
I agree with Mr. Catalini.
I think a solution is possible, and that student safety must be our first consideration. Nothing should make a student feel unsafe in his own school.
The Truth Maker would agree with Mr> Catalini that in times of peril you do make judgments that need to be swift and that is what Dr. Johnson has done. It will be up to the School Committee to determine the validy of reinstituting any policy that may place any child at risk from such sexual abuse.
Some may believe a working solution is viable others will not, but at least now the discussion begins, as to the merits of allowing nude adults and children in the same areas during the school day.
One thing for me is any changes that may result in any cost, should be born by all of those that do not live here in our town. That for me would justify any attempts in reconstrucure and building a safety wall to protect the children of our schools.
Those that have been getting a free ride to our pool , for what ever reason , need to also pay there share of the cost to operate it, which is now, not the case today.
Why should my tax dollars be used to pay for a non taxpayer pleasure and health benifits. These non taxpayers have been getting a free ride for to many years at it is and that also needs to be addressed when addressing charges to the pool, by those that use it.
Good job overall to both Bob and Sue , during the debate.My personal observations during the debate showed each of you can be fast on your feet with good answers, which can be a good thing, especially during these trying times.
I was rather taken aback by the lack of the present Chair in her perception and presentation of answers to the questions being asked. One would think that after 20 years you would not need to be looking at color coded notes to answer questions and would have it stored for a fast recall. I would also ask what are you afraid of? The audence would have liked to see more eye contact.
Dr Mo[ also did a much better job, in presenting his Zero Budget and I will leave it at that.
Now we all will look forward to round two
Money - its still the root of all evil. Isnt it?
The Pool is not profitable. Its not even break even.
So, who pays for the increased supervision? Additional scheduling resources? Etc? How much have the schools already spent dealing with this issue in time, resources, etc?
How sad that a few swimmers can stand an entire community on its head. When will it end? Sadly only once some poor child gets attacked will someone finally inject a little sanity into this mess. Close the damn pool and move on!
Annoyed parent:
Check out this website. Looks like they have adult aquatic classes during the school day.
https://www.nantucketcommunityschool.org/index.php?id=45
I agree that there needs to be a change in practice so that kids and adults do not share the locker room during the school day. However, there are solutions and my point is that if we look at other programs we might find some ideas that will help here.
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