tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.comments2023-07-04T00:24:37.915-06:00Wendy Hart: ASD School BoardUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-3145716010838285022021-11-23T07:46:34.775-07:002021-11-23T07:46:34.775-07:00Wow! This is powerful. Thank you! Wow! This is powerful. Thank you! Beledancerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15939553974968546285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-15627179356935286272021-08-15T10:18:42.981-06:002021-08-15T10:18:42.981-06:00Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. Rebecca Strongohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17764368225069956035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-80728061179794884302018-12-26T18:59:24.787-07:002018-12-26T18:59:24.787-07:00Thank you so much, Camie!Thank you so much, Camie!WKHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13402915684943164423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-77497839511397627172018-12-23T15:56:26.315-07:002018-12-23T15:56:26.315-07:00I'm not in your district, but I want to thank ...I'm not in your district, but I want to thank you for fighting for true education in Utah. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Wendy.Camiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17019972786838081366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-56298241369182266282018-10-12T07:51:55.841-06:002018-10-12T07:51:55.841-06:00You make a great point on how personalities can ea...You make a great point on how personalities can easily be at conflict with learning goals or objectives. Learning styles/ personalities was adressed in Year 2 of the Apollo/21st summer training sessions. It was made clear that that students personalities and how they prefer to learn need to be thought about, but I think teachers in general have a hard time customizing lessons to learning styles. It almost becomes impossible with large classroom sizes. I had to have groups actually grade each other at the end of a lab or project to create a sense of ownership and accountability. They knew this going in. But I also think good collaboration comes with practice. Speaking to your example , I hate to think we would ever grade solely on any "C". Even my sheets of group grading had multiple areas of grading so kids knew it wasnt just about 1 part. Anyway...ASD class sizes are just to enormous to effictively do so much. It really is the hidden and largest crux that no one wants to tackle. Its infuriating. Honestly I wish the first month of teaching had Zero outcomes...except for the teacher really getting know the personality, motivators, learning styles etc of each student. In E.S. I also wish Middle school had team teaching and students wernt shifted around so much. Team teachers like History and Literature/English. Math and Science. Im diverging...its late here. Sorry for my ramblings...I know I have better thoughts or more helpful thought...theyre eluding me.Saritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13329988916198128979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-3729301407472401792018-03-12T11:59:31.877-06:002018-03-12T11:59:31.877-06:00Thank you so very much for your service!!!Thank you so very much for your service!!!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02073393653953446856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-68006734766926699662018-02-15T17:03:22.088-07:002018-02-15T17:03:22.088-07:00"For example, implementing standards that par..."For example, implementing standards that parents don't understand or that place them in a negative light vis-a-vis their child, no matter how great they are supposed to be, creates a rift between parent and child. "<br /><br />This is a feature, not a bug. For our Marxist run education system, kids whose parents are engaged with are "problematic" as it gives them a privilege that kids from dysfunctional families don't have. It leads to "gaps" and "inequality" that must be banished by all costs. One way to do that is to precisely sabotage any advantage a child may incur from having a loving engaged family. Ye shall render to the state that which belongs rightly to the state.<br /><br />I expect that soon kids will be taken at birth and be assigned to a random family somewhere to remove any advantages of "environment".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13945084129816712061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-64795434874061063452018-02-15T17:03:13.596-07:002018-02-15T17:03:13.596-07:00"For example, implementing standards that par..."For example, implementing standards that parents don't understand or that place them in a negative light vis-a-vis their child, no matter how great they are supposed to be, creates a rift between parent and child. "<br /><br />This is a feature, not a bug. For our Marxist run education system, kids whose parents are engaged with are "problematic" as it gives them a privilege that kids from dysfunctional families don't have. It leads to "gaps" and "inequality" that must be banished by all costs. One way to do that is to precisely sabotage any advantage a child may incur from having a loving engaged family. Ye shall render to the state that which belongs rightly to the state.<br /><br />I expect that soon kids will be taken at birth and be assigned to a random family somewhere to remove any advantages of "environment".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13945084129816712061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-15723312001124173892018-02-03T23:34:47.472-07:002018-02-03T23:34:47.472-07:00These are great questions. These are great questions. John Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16644593323523613105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-16037344050865540152018-02-02T10:44:19.636-07:002018-02-02T10:44:19.636-07:00Wow, it is nice to know at least one person out th...Wow, it is nice to know at least one person out there gets to the root of the problem and can express it with facts! Indoctrination and lack of fundamental facts is a real problem and disadvantage to each children! Don't fix what ain't brokenB.K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12482652598142083935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-91734795871279098882017-12-23T18:08:57.807-07:002017-12-23T18:08:57.807-07:00Thank you, Wendy, for your inspiring words! Thank you, Wendy, for your inspiring words! Melanie Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05458739259676399219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-32644093361547825742017-10-10T13:48:31.171-06:002017-10-10T13:48:31.171-06:00Thanks. The in-depth seismic study has much more ...Thanks. The in-depth seismic study has much more involved for both Hillcrest and Sharon. I'm going to look through my stuff to find the one that isn't just the "drive-by" study. And yes, it is exactly one of the foundational issues that the smaller number of classes increases the operational costs. Title 1 is also interesting in that the Title 1 total amounts come from throughout the district, but are spent only in the Title 1 designated schools. I don't think the Title 1 is included but am checking. I have asked to see the Title 1 funds broken out by school and by area. #3- Good points. I'll double check the property tax stuff and see if they are included. I have been looking specifically at the elementary level. My biggest concern is the seismic problems. Even if everything else were a wash, the seismic is a huge issue for me. <br />WKHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140488043949689706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-55621018223138426152017-10-10T07:54:58.348-06:002017-10-10T07:54:58.348-06:00Thank you for this summary. I am a Hillcrest paren...Thank you for this summary. I am a Hillcrest parent and support the consolidation. There are in fact many Hillcrest parents who see the proposal as an opportunity to make both our school and Scera Park stronger. This consolidation is a responsible solution for the long term. Cissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00632702744916866338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-10304071329173905152017-10-10T01:11:37.595-06:002017-10-10T01:11:37.595-06:00Wendy, thanks for posting this information. Lots o...Wendy, thanks for posting this information. Lots of good information here.<br /><br />A few clarifications... most parents at Hillcrest don't want a new school. They feel the district has done a wonderful job at keeping our schools safe. The cost to address Hillcrest seismic issues is just over $1M (according to reports in 2007 after the seismic study was done), not $8M as suggested here. Much of the work is complete. Hillcrest is scheduled for a new roof in 2020 and will receive a new diaphragm (seismic upgrade) at that time as it was deemed not pressing. This information comes from the district.<br /><br />Hillcrest per student numbers are higher because 1) there are only 2 classes per grade rather than 3 or 4 classes per grade (administration costs are spread over fewer schools), and 2) they include expenses for the special education program. Yes, they are higher than the district average, but not as high as this data suggests.<br /><br />Orem tax payers have consistently contributed more than they get back. This includes bonds and operating expenses.<br /><br />What about the ~$90 Million dollars more that Orem tax payers have spent on bonds since 2001 than they have received benefit from? Orem citizens have already paid for several schools in North Utah County. <br /><br />I would love to chat with you about the district's latest info about the operational costs of Orem schools. The initial overview is that Orem is being subsidized by ~$5.6 Million dollars a year. However, that doesn't tell the full story for several reasons:<br />1 – All expenses for the specialty high schools (Summit High and Polaris High) that cost $5.4 Million dollars are all allocated to Orem when those schools benefit the whole district. Take those out and its close to a wash.<br />2 - The expenses related to Title I schools are allocated to Orem but those numbers are juxtaposed against Orem property taxes. Title I money comes from the federal government. Add that back in and we're likely running a significant surplus. In another document, Rob Smith shared that Orem receives $7.5 M in Title I funds.<br />3 - The expenses also include expenses related to educating Vineyard students for Jr. High and High School and Lindon students for High School. To get a clear picture you need to either combine the property tax revenue and expenses for those cities with Orem or remove those expenses when you are looking at the net. In other words, a larger surplus.<br /><br />The message that I'm hearing is that yes, Orem Schools are smaller right now. However, Orem pays more than its share in both bond money and also in the operating expenses from year to year.<br /><br />I'll try to catch you before or after the meeting to share what I know. Thanks!<br /><br />Tom and Sunday Meservyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04322608637948458641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-40941298124747523892017-02-05T16:41:09.483-07:002017-02-05T16:41:09.483-07:00Thank you Wendy! What would we do without you!Thank you Wendy! What would we do without you!Angela Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15393467508029528772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-24979509870028597532016-08-01T16:24:00.674-06:002016-08-01T16:24:00.674-06:00I have responded to the first two actions items yo...I have responded to the first two actions items you listed. Thank you for keeping us informed, Wendy. You are worth your weight in gold.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10248206834882722695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-83956775465984721342016-06-23T15:47:11.930-06:002016-06-23T15:47:11.930-06:00(Note: Only teachers do not have their dues paid f...(Note: Only teachers do not have their dues paid for by the taxpayers.)<br /><br />Maybe I'm missing something but I'm an Administrator in ASD and I pay my own dues as well. I believe all principals do! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03534423351335163121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-10361111444706152872016-06-22T10:10:24.010-06:002016-06-22T10:10:24.010-06:00I agree w/ you on the bond. I would prefer that th...I agree w/ you on the bond. I would prefer that the school district anticipate and fund capital projects without bonding. But that isn't going to happen short term. I went to one of the bond seminars and my perception is that the bond could be 2/3 the size if we concentrated on the essential capital projects.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09940656034372912476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-25932279002415064052016-06-21T11:32:20.599-06:002016-06-21T11:32:20.599-06:00Great synopsis. Still studying... see you tonightGreat synopsis. Still studying... see you tonightPaula Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03264538230496455322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-47409556750606264552016-01-01T14:21:36.515-07:002016-01-01T14:21:36.515-07:00Thank you for being so watchful and aware.Thank you for being so watchful and aware.Dianne Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02520222903916597171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-41481971281269113412015-12-30T19:01:42.564-07:002015-12-30T19:01:42.564-07:00I am dismayed that I only just read this for the f...I am dismayed that I only just read this for the first time. There is so much information on the subject of Common Core, and I have yet to see a concise summary with specific examples and what, precisely, to do about it, and how. That sort of outline would be great for those of us who care about stopping Common Core, but who don't know the details, and cannot presently make the time to become an expert in such things. Does something like this exist right now, of which you're aware? And if so, is this something we can publish on our own blogs for our own readers' benefit?American Patriothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01083565278589418065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-24403269976777052892015-11-08T22:16:02.294-07:002015-11-08T22:16:02.294-07:00STOP trying to fix something that isn't broken...STOP trying to fix something that isn't broken!!! They keep trying to supposedly fix the education but they just keep making things worse just STOP! Everything they try to do just makes things worse. I would love to keep my kids in school but won't be able to if they won't be given a good education.Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13957175663207150959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-47252483771825970532015-11-06T11:17:46.909-07:002015-11-06T11:17:46.909-07:00Jen, I believe you shared what a lot of us are thi...Jen, I believe you shared what a lot of us are thinking and feeling. Thank you!WKHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11140488043949689706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-74649600888300553162015-11-06T06:43:39.868-07:002015-11-06T06:43:39.868-07:00In response to the proposed science standards, I w...In response to the proposed science standards, I wrote the following letter to the board yesterday: When I attended the Board of Education meeting in early February 2015, Governor Herbert’s Education Director Tami Pyfer reported the results of the governor's survey, meant to address the public's concerns of the Common Core math and language arts standards. She breezed over 4,900 objections as "philosophical" (those who "do not support the standards" and those who "do not support having uniform statewide standards"). Are you kidding me? This is not an election! You don't win by 1 vote! These are 4,900 parents and teachers around the state pleading to be heard. Is that not a weighty number? We were told that we could voice our concerns to the governor through his website. But I saw at that meeting that we were simply labelled philosophical objectors and tossed into a pile to be smirked at. <br /><br />I watched you sit in your comfy chairs during that meeting. I listened to the governor talk about the vast amounts of money his tests were bringing in. I wished I knew what was in your hearts as you listened to him. My heart was full of fear. I left that meeting in tears. <br /><br />Yesterday I went to the schools.utah.gov link to read the proposed science standards (I had tried a few months ago but left frustrated) and was again overwhelmed. Standards aren't comprehensible. I have absolutely no idea what they mean and I believe they have been intentionally written that way. Every concerned parent who tries to review them will doubtless turn away. <br /><br />I can reasonably conclude that the Utah Office of Education doesn't want my comments about the science standards. It is clear from the way the review form was created. The UOE doesn't want to hear my "philosophical objections" to cut-and-pasted, reordered, renamed national standards. It wants me to nit-pick individual standards, which I am not capable of doing. I simply can not break down a standard line-by-line and offer suggestions. You and I and they know that is not possible. The Office of Education created a clever and legal way to keep parents away from their precious national science standards. The deceit and hypocrisy are palpable.<br /><br />So what should concerned parents and tax payers of Utah do to respond to the cut-and-pasted, reordered, renamed national science standards? How do we play this game with the Utah Office of Education? How do we offer comments that will be heard? Using the only path left open to me, I am reaching out to you. Those of you elected and, therefore, accountable to me, the tax payer.<br /><br />In the most clear language I can muster, please hear me. I, parent and taxpayer in the State of Utah, vehemently oppose the adoption of ANY and EVERY national education standard. Prove to me, first, that they are worth adopting before you do so. Lose the smoke and mirrors, the vague and elusive verbiage in the standards. Show me that the standards will benefit our children. Show me that the standards are BETTER than the standards already in place in Utah. Don't do this thing unless it is the BEST choice for Utah's children.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16527894106520684715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8806820697247097901.post-36600879942511104352015-11-05T22:32:00.454-07:002015-11-05T22:32:00.454-07:00Like the others, I appreciate the information and ...Like the others, I appreciate the information and the video. I believe our government would love nothing more than to "dumb down" our children, it's about control! Without great minds, great thinkers and innovators there's more conformity and more dependency on the government. I liken this to the "parable of the boiled frog". Don't let this happen to our children!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12884920519419857139noreply@blogger.com