Oh no.. three days since we've seen any new posts. Withdrawal symptoms are beginning... shortness of breath, rapid pulse, hallucinations, the shakes, pallor, and unbearable itching. Please Mr./Ms. Blog Author, help me... please, please, PLEASE!
Heaven forbid you don't get your fix!
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It's only Tuesday....I'm tired of CRT....I plan on being done with it by Wednesday. I have Juniors, most of them drive so they can go to lunch early. I just want to get back to a normal schedule so I can do what I was hired to do......teach!!! February is the worst month for teaching. I'm already a week behind from when I was a week behind. Oh yeah, I like Del Hansen's input....he enlightens me.
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The the 'wise' innovative older teacher,You trash on new teachers and then belittle us when we fight back? You're nothing more than a bully. But, you know, it's funny, all we have to do is bide our time until people like you are gone. The face of education needs to change, and it's the newer teachers who will change it, not the old blow hards like you. You act like you do all these great things, and treat it as if those of us new to the profession don't. I honestly don't know what you do in the classroom, but I know that you need to go, and soon you will, and I'll be first to wave goodbye, then the changes that need to be made can be made.
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Kudos to James Hammond for turning the SPAM filters back on! Thank you! It's such a shame that Jeff Harris makes such rash decisions without getting all the details, only to put things back the way they were. Wow... Seems like we've gone two steps forward and three steps back (at least) since Mr. Harris has been on board. Too bad Liz wasn't worthy of being titled Interim Superintendent, if she were, maybe we would not have had to go through this. Imagine the cost of man hours spent on deleting SPAM from our e-mail...
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Would it be possible to begin using this site as an opportunity to share best practices, tips for parents, or to share positive stories? I understand there are a lot of things that the school district (as a whole) isn't doing right with help of individuals. But, it would be nice to begin to see some positive introduced to begin breeding a new frame of mind, thinking, and culture. Think about it? An involved parent
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With regards to New Mexico ranking consistently last, all sorts of excuses can be and have been put forth. Here are some thoughts to consider. I wonder if any of these statements will fuel any debate?Highly paid administrators with grand ideals (and matching price tags) who are not held accountable for the failures of the programs they championed. These individuals either "fail up" or "take the show on the road". Across the board pay raises. Please consider, an employee staring at $30,000 after three years of 5% raises will be making $34,729, an employee starting at $90,000 will be making $104,186.The school board continues to pay superintendents ever increasing amounts (who then make sure their cronies are also well compensated). Yet, invariably, one hears that one reason for such lucrative packages is directly tied to the superintendent having local school boards micro-manage and meddle (no, we are not the only ones).Truisms -vs- true responsibility. Often the phrase "we are here for the kids" is thrown out when scrutiny or accountability become too much for an administrator. This tactic is often employed when an administrator is asked to be responsible for his or actions actions, to provide supporting evidence for his or her assertions, and/or to justify questionable spending.More money is not the solution but money spent well is a good place to start. There are many packaged programs that claim instructional success. If you strip many of these programs down to the root, you find more one-on-one instruction as well as earlier and more frequent intervention (i.e. smaller classes and more numerous quality staff, duh).In this time of transition (getting old, isn't it?), let us all hope that central office and the school board will try practicing what they preach and put THEIR egos aside for a change.
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To the 'seasoned veteran' who wants to point the finger at new teachers, you have no idea how wrong you are. It is ignorant to point the finger at those who have the courage to walk into this profession after what's been done to it over the past twenty years. Things won't get better by pointing fingers at the future, after all, they're not the ones that got us in this mess, but if we're going to get out, they're the ones who are going to do the dirty work. You need to either help them or get out of the way.
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I was amused to see that I made the blog this morning. I have noticed how personal attacks have slowly infiltrated this site, which is sad. I think this negative climate is just a barometer for the frustration our teachers and principals are experiencing. Just for the record, up until now, I have not contributed to the blog. I do appreciate the compliment about me being tiring and long-winded, however. Just goes to show that there is some truth being expressed amidst the attacks and hyperbole! Let's hope some healing can begin. Del Hansen
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There is no perfect school,teacher, or administrator.But what we do need to finish is cleaning up the board and get back to our kids. We can nitpick this whole thing to death and find something wrong with every school and teacher. I wonder what would happen if the teachers got together and decided to just teach and the heck with all the testing. I have helped in classrooms and seen the stress teachers are under for their kids to do well on tests. LET THEM TEACH! Get out of their way parents get involved, constructively.
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Hey! Don't blame Del Hansen for my long, critical posts. He's a nice guy... and for that matter, I'm a nice person, too. Also, please don't misinterpret my criticisms, I have much affection for poorly-trained young teachers, and for the kids they are supposed to be helping to learn. In fact, I really like most people in our school district, except perhaps, a few power-trip administrators. Getting back to particulars... a solid understanding of 'mechanics and conventions' is the foundation for good communication skills. Creativity, ideas, etc., are important, too, but not to preclude the learning of the mechanical skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Do you suppose that great, creative artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Dali made their mark in abstract painting... without knowing how to mix colors, and put them on canvas?
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You trash on new teachers and then belittle us when we fight back? You're nothing more than a bully. But, you know, it's funny, all we have to do is bide our time until people like you are gone. The face of education needs to change, and it's the newer teachers who will change it, not the old blow hards like you.
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God bless Janann...soon it will be our turn! I have often wondered if anyone would come to my funeral... We will all miss Janaan. She touched many lives both in and out of the district.
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Stand Rounds has lasted a long time at each district he was at. Just watch him. Apparently he tried to sell property that was not his to sell in Alamogordo -extra land by the football stadium.There was a pretty big hoopla about it. No one is perfect. They just need to be monitored and not given an absolute reign with a throne and a crown while we go on sleeping. We must stay "proactive" as a district.
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I have been an LCPS employee for almost six years... Averaging one Superintendent/Interim Superintendent/Administrator In Charge (whatever title you want to give the person in the hot seat) per year (Virginia Foltz, Louis Martinez, Joann Patton, Sonia Diaz, Liz Marrufo, and now Stan Rounds). It is pretty discouraging to see such rapid turnover in such an important position that is key to the education of the youth.
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Only three more days and the Liz-ard is not in control of everything anymore. Mr. Rounds is bound to see her for what she is in no time. If not him, the permanent superintendent will in no time. Everyone knows when a new superintendent comes in, the biggest heads roll first.
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Here's a thought for you. Have you ever wondered why New Mexico is at the bottom of the educational food chain? We don't have huge cities, like Los Angeles or Detroit. We are not a tiny little village, either. However, there are constantly special news programs (20/20, 60 Minutes, etc.) that show how schools all around the country are able to pull themselves up and become 'flagship' schools. What makes them so special? Why are there some schools that have never had problems like the ones we face daily? Some might say it is money-true, good funding does help. Others might say we need to have more training or implement more programs in order to help our students achieve more. That, too, may help. However, I believe the first thing we need to do is be positive. We need to go to work every day knowing that we CAN make a difference. The students need to know that they CAN learn. We all need to work together, parents included, to bring back the pride in our schools that used to be here. We need to hold each other accountable for our actions, or lack thereof. We need to instill self discipline and self respect in ALL our students and staff. We need parents who are not afraid to say no to their children. We need teachers who will not give in out of fear, whether that fear is from an angry parent or a gang member student. We need to treat ALL of our students and staff with the same respect we want from them. We need to value each and every individual involved in the schools. Tell a teacher thanks, say "Good job" to a hard working student, hold the door open for the custodian, treat the secretaries and food service workers to a soda, offer to cover duty for an EA, send a simple card to an overworked fellow employee. Just do something to make it better. Just like in the movie, if we pay it forward, we can turn it around.
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Regarding the dispute over new teachers. I am an administrator who hires new teachers for my school. Don't belittle the new teachers. I don't believe it is their fault. Our public schools are the ones that need radical overhaul. It is all about money, not what is best for students and teachers. As you can see by investigating the legislative reports, our legislature is not going to support the schools. They want a champagne education on a cheap beer budget. The courts do not support the schools either. They send the "3.0" right back to school and actually pay the juvenile detention center NOT to incarcerate. Let's not even talk about the crazy parents who have no skills in parenting.In my opinion, the teacher preparation programs are sadly lacking. They are way too heavy on theory and the latest politically correct fads. The so called "expert" professors have spent very little time in the trenches or have forgotten what it is like. You would not believe some of the drivel they are teaching these young, impressionable would be teachers.The teacher preparation programs need a huge overhaul that includes professional demeanor, professional dress, and much more hands on experience in the classroom. They need to be taught research based curriculums that are already proven in the educational system. We need to welcome and mentor these people who have chosen to work in an honorable profession instead of criticizing them. Welcome to education...
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So many folks at LCPS with the interim tag right now. What a wrecking ball the last two superintendents were (at no doubt, the board's direction, that is clear now). But, we are where we are. I'm hoping this thing will take on a new momentum and some peace and quiet will ensue. I'm optimistic. I know so many good people that work at LCPS and they've been so disheartened I'm hoping that they can all once again enjoy the pursuit of happiness in a new professional environment.
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Mr. Jeff Harris is it? I just want to say 'Thank you'! I've never gotten so much SPAM in my mailbox as I do now. I don't even receive all of these great offers through the post office! At least at the post office I can throw away all the junk mail and it will never come back. As many times as I have deleted these messages I get even more! Not to mention, these great offers get worse and worse!! Once again, 'Thank you' Mr. Harris for blocking all these great e-mails (note the sarcasm)!!
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I wish Del Hansen would stop writing to this blog. He's long-winded, boring and frankly, he's annoying! Del, stick with the Michael Swickard radio show --- that's the best place for your sour interpretations of what's going on in our classrooms.
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Only three more days and the Liz-ard is not in control of everything anymore. Mr. Rounds is bound to see her for what she is in no time. If not him, the permanent superintendent will in no time. Everyone knows when a new superintendent comes in, the biggest heads roll first.
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Since the Board has given Mr. Rounds the title of Interim Superintendent, hopefully they will hand over the reigns to make decisions as well. Unlike they did with Liz.
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Perfect attendance for CRT; breakfast for CRT; getting proper sleep for CRT; being prepared for CRT; bringing supplies for CRT; no interruptions for CRT; snacks for CRT; assemblies for CRT; trying your best for CRT; modified schedules for CRT; incentives for CRT; support staff for CRT; more meetings for CRT; revamped and mundane curriculum for CRT; standards and benchmarks for CRT; threats for CRT; increased stress levels for CRT; mandates for CRT; making AYP for CRT = fear of doom and failure from CRT!
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I How can we get parents into our middle schools on a regular basis? They could come for their child's academic support, or they could receive a "refresher course" in certain subject areas. How could we approach employers to allow comp time, or leave time, for parents to stay or become involved in their child's educational experiences at the middle school level?
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I have been a true crt bitch this week!
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From the bitter, older teacher who can't handle innovation. Let's see... how did I get into that kind of shape? Yes, many years of service in public education, and the perspectives gained from experience tell me that our present-day kids are not receiving adequate, or appropriate, learning in our local schools. Certainly, teachers are over-burdened with essential (and non-essential) responsibilities... but that can't be an excuse for the district's failure to address the needs of all children in our schools. My wife and I have a total of eighteen children and grand-children who have attended LCPS. Those who attended here before 1995 had much better academic preparation than those who have attended Las Cruces schools after that date. Four of the children are currently enrolled in LCPS. Can't handle innovation... I wonder what would be the state of education now, if not for the passage of PL 94-142?... or, for the instrument we now call the IEP? Would it help to admit that I served on the first committee that determined that we must write the language for what became PL 94-142... or that the project I directed built the foundation for Special Ed, and my individualized study plan became what is now called the IEP? After spending many years in regular education, I realized that we must find a way to mandate the inclusion of handicapped, and special needs, children in our public schools... and that we must also find ways to assure precisely-managed, appropriate, accountable educational experiences for ALL children in our schools. To my vociferous critic... please ask yourself some important questions: Do I REALLY KNOW the kids in my class? Are they placed according to their performance levels in the subject(s) that I teach? What measurable, clearly-stated objective(s) should each student be working on, at this minute, in my class? If some kids need remedial help, do I find ways to provide that help? Do I challenge the very gifted, capable students? Do I treat my students as individuals, using what I've learned about each of them... to motivate them, reinforce their positive efforts, and help each of them to become interested, eager learners? If you have positive answers to these questions... Good For You!... you're probably on the right track.
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This is to the person that has seen the light with Guided Reading. That is great that you Goggled guided reading on the Internet and found 2.5 million sites. Good for you, but out of those 2.5 million, how many are creditable? Can you identify what a creditable site looks like? Please do not assume that teaching professionals (especially the ones with experience) do not participate in teacher action research because we do. What our district is trying to implement is differentiated instruction and there is creditable scientific research to support it. The district is imposing a cookie-cutter approach to reading instruction, and their methods of implementation is what is concerning. FREE THE PDTs!
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Stan Rounds spent 10 years in Hobbs- 4years in Alamogordo - Hobbs hired him away from Alamo. A super superintendent John Stablein told me 10 years is pretty much as long as you can stay as a superintendent in one place -because you have told too many people NO in that length of time..Work with him help him with the support he will need.Now lets get over all that can be wrong and spend some time on all that is right with LCPS . We still have teachers who do a great job under all circumstances - we still have eager young minds that soak up all the information those teachers present . We have been and can be again the best district in New Mexico.Mary Tucker
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In response to the last, long comment on Wednesday's posts: You decry new teachers, saying that the college education and training they receive are inferior to that that of their predecessors some 25 years before. It's obvious that you're just floating this idea and have absolutely no firsthand knowledge or experience, and your ignorance shines through in this matter.New teachers are taught innovative practice, not just here in Las Cruces at NMSU, but all across the nation. A lot of the 'old' practices that are still around are still around for a reason, THEY WORK, the ones that have disappeared have done so for a reason, THEY DON'T. Our days are so jam packed with test preparation and we're spread so thin that we have to decide what we'll teach when it comes to written language (and this phenomenon isn't exactly new either, standardized testing has been around for a long time).Either we'll spend the whole time teaching mechanics and conventions, or we'll focus on ideas, structure, and how to build their writing appropriately. The district LWA rubric is a good tool, and if you look at it, it reflects what isn't only considered good writing now, but are the expectations that have been around for some time. You seem to think that the unmotivated student is a new phenomenon, did you actually go to public schools? The reason nothing has changed isn't because of the new teachers (that doesn't logically check out), it's because innovation has no place, these teachers are being forced into the status quo, and old, outdated practices are being clung to. I couldn't disagree with your comment more, it points the finger at those who are working to change this field for the better, it seems to come from a bitter older teacher who can't handle the innovation and it doesn't reflect the truth in any way.

We need to give Stan Rounds a chance. He may not be the best out there, but he has been around the state and knows the players. We have two new Board members and an interim now. Maybe we can settle down and get back to the business of teaching kids.
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If my kids are required to do research on a paper they are turning in, shouldn't the school board do their research before choosing someone? If the earlier blogger was correct about Alamogordo and Hobbs, isn't the district moving backwards instead of forward? This school district is in shambles, I for one hope that the state takes notice and takes over SOON!!!
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It's truly sad, but this district is hopelessly in shambles right now. The board and those downtown have proven that they don't care what their employees or the citizens of Las Cruces think, central office has proven their incompetence in everything that they've done, and now we're facing candidates for superintendent that, if you google each one, aren't exactly top choices. Let's just say that I would welcome a state takeover at this point, how much longer can we work under such idiots?
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Central Office Job Security?Fix a problem with a simple solution, nobody notices.Exacerbate a problem, blame others, apply the same simple solution and become a miracle worker.
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Well, here we go again! The new board members are in a conspiracy with the old ones. They went along with hiring Mr. Rounds who is obviously in the pocket of Mr. Briseno. I say we start the recall of the new board members
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Wow, its almost sad how many people are on this site complaining. Grow some balls and do something instead of bitching over the internet
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Guided reading has changed me as a teacher for the better. I had no idea how much I didn't know about my students reading abilities until now. There are a few teachers in my school that are still complaining about having to do guided reading. They are the same people that HATE everything new, and just want to teach the same old lessons for 25 years. I honestly think some people are afraid that they don't know enough about reading to do guided reading. I hear you say that you have asked for research and have been denied it. Have you heard of the internet? How about the library? I googled guided reading just now and pulled up over 2.5 million sites. Our PLT always give us articles and things to read, so I don't know why you haven't gotten any. You really need to just jump in and try it. I think that is what the PLT meant by "fake it". I think they meant that you try it and do it until you get good enough at it to really be a reading teacher. I don't think anyone can honestly dispute it balanced literacy the best thing for students. It is more work for teachers, but it is necessary.
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The other evening, at a local store, I happened to meet, and visited for a long while, with an old friend who's worked for many years in this school system... in a non-professional position. He's a very intelligent older gentleman, quite personable, and continues his interest in the school district... and in its service to our young people. At one point in our conversation, he asked, "Why don't they teach the kids to read and write, anymore? Why, when I was in school, I had to learn about the parts of speech, and how to put sentences together. The kids, now-a-days, have no idea about those things, anymore."My friend also expressed concern about our younger generation. "These kids," he said, "have little knowledge, and no skills, to make good lives for themselves."In this school district, he's absolutely right. Maybe it would be good if the teachers would learn, and be able to teach, parts of speech, declension of the personal pronoun, conjugation of verbs, and a lot more good, necessary stuff about our language. But then, of course, at this time in U.S. history... we're not even sure if we have one language that we can all agree to use.So many children are lost in the system. They have no motivation to learn, and little success in acquiring essential skills.What has happened to basic, necessary skills in teaching... and in helping kids to learn? Have we forgotten that we must teach each child at a level at which he can learn? Why can't we motivate kids by creating pride in learning? A good teacher capitalizes on any bit of positive learning that a child achieves, and praises the child's effort and success... in order to build the kid's confidence and eagerness for learning.In order to gauge the success, or failure, of the educational process in this school system, all one needs to do is to observe the large percentage of reluctant, non-learners that populate our high schools in Las Cruces.Guided Reading? If it's 'Back to Basics', it's a great idea. If it's another Foolish Fad... forget it.We realize that many young ?teachers? haven't been taught the content and skills that are necessary to succeed at teaching. What's going on in our teacher preparation programs?School principals find a great opportunity to enhance their own security... by exploiting this field of uncertain, ineffective, insecure young teachers. "How," you may ask, "could ineffective, insecure teachers help a principal to build his/her own security?"Very simple, and widely practiced in this district. The principal builds a power base by giving lavish, but superficial, attention and a feeling of security to the least effective teachers. This disastrous process leaves the experienced, effective teachers far out on a very loose limb. Such a principal says to himself/herself, "Gotta get rid of those old so-and-so's... they may know more than I do."Have you noticed, in the past few years, the unusually large number of experienced, excellent teachers who have retired, or left our district? Now, you know why.

Well, I see the interim candidates were announced today. Hard to believe the committee or whoever chose these three. I don't know two of them, but Stan Rounds took down the Alamogordo and Hobbs districts before retiring. He needs to stay retired and Las Cruces sure doesn't need another mistake such as this. Looks like someone needs to talk to the staff still left in those districts who can tell you the facts. After the mess with Diaz, I can't believe better reference checks are not being done.
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Does anyone know....1. Why were the names of the candidates for the Interim Superintendent position have been kept a secret?2. What the results of the opinion poll taken on the Options of when to hire the Interim Supt were? 3. When is something going to be done to stop Briseno from pursuing his lopsided personal agenda?
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I just read in the Sun-News this morning about the 3 candidates for interim super. I could not believe my eyes when I saw Stan Rounds name in there. I know school board members read this so they need to do a little more research on him. When he left Alamogordo, there was over $100,000 dollars in federal monies missing. The man is a crook. He sold off school land, again, the money was "lost". I know Hobbs wants to get rid of him so asking them may not be much help. I was glad to see that Phil Knight from Alamogordo wasn't in the top 3, he's just inept.
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Why would the Sped dept. even get an opportunity to interview Mr. Zamora’s wife? Isn’t there a screening committee that checks past employee’s personnel files? I think that would be enlightening in her case. Is this just more example of the good ole gal syndrome? Or simply what everyone pretty much knows… a director in the Sped dept. that lacks competence and ethics in equal amounts?
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Whomever keeps blasting Onate High School must be a disgruntled employee or someone who has never been inside our building. Since the departure of Aranda, the stress level has dropped, everyone is happier, and this leads to a great atmosphere of teaching and learning. Come to our school and and visit with faculty, staff, and students. It is once again a great place to work and learn.
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The reason people aren't more forthcoming, and the reason this blog exists is because when bad things are said about those in charge, they tend to lose their jobs. That's why whoever it was won't tell Sheryl White things to her face, we like our jobs, even though our central office is easily the worst I've ever encountered
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Kind of off topic, but can someone tell me why staff pay a dollar more for the same amount of food students get? Are we richer? We sure don't get any more food for that dollar! And what exactly is the limit on the number of jalapeno slices one can take? My child and I both got chewed out for taking too many, so if anyone knows the magic number, please let me know.

I can not imagine what a mess guided reading would be right now had we not had a PDT to lead us. She has kept us going and saved us time by doing everything in her power to do
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When I ask my PDT for research she gives me more than I can possibly read. She has never asked us to "fake" anything either. She comes in and models lessons when we ask and doesn't "fake" them. I feel sorry for your school. Guided reading is making a huge difference for students at our school. It is all about the kids and NO ONE can dispute that guided reading is good for kids. How could it not be?
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Will someone please remind Jeff Harris that he is not the Superintendent or the Chief of Operations. Better yet, is he just the Superintendent's pet monkey?
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I am so glad that we hired a Technology Director that can solve "ALL" the district's problems. I have never received as much SPAM mail as I have recently, it seems to me that my kids can get more places on the Internet, and, oh yeah, even the kids that whose parent's didn't sign Acceptable Use Policy forms were able to surf as they please. I sure hope that MHS is happy with him because he sure does seem to be bending over backwards for them. I am sure glad that the morale of our IT department is at an all time high (hint the sarcasm).
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Guided reading has been an absolute train wreck, plain and simple. We're asked to have research to guide our instruction, but it's obvious that no research went into this switch. I quite honestly believe that all those who were involved in this situation should be made accountable to it. Everyone with a shred of education (which includes all TEACHERS) knows that miscues and running records are maintenance tasks for struggling readers. And now I'm hearing that they're already moving to make huge changes again next year. Our central office is totally and absolutely incompetent.
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OHS has problems but you may not want to generalize that ALL programs and classrooms at OHS are a mess. One elective department has steadily grown over the last 10 years from two teachers to six due to more and more students signing up for classes. They must be doing something right.
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Sheryl, Jennifer, and Betsy = three hard working ladies. There is always someone who wants to bring others down. How pathetic!
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"Since the arts programs are so successful, maybe we should transfer all the gay teachers into the content area classes." Whomever wrote this should be ashamed. I sure hope you aren't a teacher and shaping young minds with your narrow mind. I had not idea that you had to be gay to be in the arts program.
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Please expand on what materials you need for Guided Reading. Our school has made it the #1 priority and our resources are amazing. Our library if full of not only books for guided reading but professional literature for teachers to read. It sounds like a site problem to me. What do you need exactly and are you asking the right person?
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If you want to tell Sheryl White something, why don't you grow a set and tell her yourself.

OHS is still a mess; just visit any program or classroom or walk the hallways...
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does it matter? the new person will be gone in less than 24 months.
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"Since the arts programs are so successful, maybe we should transfer all the gay teachers into the content area classes." The above is a ridiculous comment highlighting several blatant discriminatory stereotypes which should offend any educators reading this "blog."
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I heard trouble is brewing in the MSH band department. I know my daughter has had enough of the director, and his clear favoritism of the guys.
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Sheryl, Jennifer, and Betsy do not = Abraham, Martin, and John.
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The implementation of Guided Reading has been a major frustration all year. We simply do not have enough resources to implement this reading component like central office wants. As classroom teachers, we are trying and we will make it work, but we need more POSITIVE support from PDT's and PDC. I don't want to "Fake it till I make it". I want to do my job correctly. If teachers ask for the research that supports guided reading, then please provide it. Teachers ask for the research so that they can refine their practice, not to discredit the reading framework.
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r the admin. interns still around? maybe they could run the schools.

Why is the current board rushing to install a new interim super two weeks before the new board members are sworn in? I know there was some sort of timetable laid out this fall, but can't we do something about it? The voters have spoken that they want NEW ways of doing things--what can we do to make sure some of their old mistakes are not repeated, and the baggage handed to the new board members to clean up?
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I hear things are looking up at Zia! That's great and is due in part to an experienced interview committee who selected Mr. Hendee for the position. Too bad the integrity of the interview process was not maintained when Ms. Aranda was selected by her long-time friend Liz Marrufo although the committee recommended another, actually several others -- anyone other!
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As for Joyce Aranda I believe she was fourth choice! There was a fifth. She is now referring to the high schools and the principals as "my" high schools and "my" principals. Get over yourself Ms. Aranda, the success of OHS defines your abilities.
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We should be so lucky as to have Sheryl White be our Superintendent. I know she has been asked to apply for the position and has always refused. Why is it that we attack people who work hard and go above and beyond? Try to remember that she is doing two jobs right now.
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Sheryl White has provided more focused instructional improvement for this district at the elementary level than anyone in years! Maybe she would have been a better choice than what we are currently dealing with.
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Sheryl White does NOT have to be reminded that she is not the superintendent. She knows it and prefers it that way. Do not blame Sheryl White for doing her job. She was placed in the position of having to make decisions by Liz Marrufo. This district is in such turmoil. We have to get involved and turn it around. I am a parent and I work at administration. I know what goes on.
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I just heard from a teacher in Alamogordo that Dr. Knight, the superintendent there has resigned. Word is he is looking to come to Las Cruces. Surely, this will not happen as the school system there has been unhappy with him for quite some time. We definitely don't need another reject from somewhere else!!!
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Who are the candidates for Interim? Gotta start googling...
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Has anyone noticed how well our district's Spam delivery device is working? I didn't used to get much Spam, now I get incredible advice on stock tips, my love life, and what medications to take. What a gift! I bet our new Information Services Director will be getting a raise and a new title soon. Where would all of us little people be without the expert guidance and careful attention to detail of those who have been given the gift of supervision and management of the Las Cruces Public Schools? We would probably be bogged down with all of the necessary textbooks to teach our classes, giving the CRT in April when we can teach all of the requirements, utilizing our planning time to work on units with our grade level instead of getting another keen new idea from our PDT that we need to implement right away without additional time, textbooks, or guidance. I'm so glad that the Peter Principle is alive and well in our administration or else we would probably be doing nothing more than our jobs and teaching the kids.
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Duh, Sheryl White is a great & loyal employee. I think she is doing a amazing job in spite of Liz and Joyce. Hang in there!
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Just keep reminding Sheryl White of the fact that she's not the super. She reads this blog, trust me, I know.
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Used to be that I could tell the different clicks at my high school. Now the jocks have become the gangsters, too, while the academic preps have decreased in numbers. Why is that?
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Sheryl White would actually be a great superintendent, or at least Supt for Instruction. She is among the few people in the instruction office downtown, with Jennifer Amis, who has a global picture. Good going Sheryl, Jennifer and Betsy Bennett. The rest? Let's hope that they'll learn from these others.
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Will the 2 new girls be able to hold their own against Lonnie, the condommander?
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Dennis Zamora is already destroying his department, don't let another Zamora create havoc. One is chaos, two is destruction.
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Since the arts programs are so successful, maybe we should transfer all the gay teachers into the content area classes.
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Sheryl White and her PLT cronies have been running the schools for the last few years.
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Could someone please tell Sheryl White she SHOULD be our superintendent! She would do a much better job than the one we got now or had in there!!!
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Discretion has certainly never been Mr. Zamora’s middle name, but how blatant to be bragging about how the sped director has arranged things so that Zamora's wife will soon be re-hired as a sped administrator. Can we afford one more Zamora in charge? Probably not a good idea considering the disciplinary action she was on when she resigned so quickly from LCPS several years ago.
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I can't say anything about those that didn't go out and vote. I did vote, and I'm happy with the results. I'm an employee of the district who is extremely unhappy with the board, and am glad others felt this same way. The good thing (and I use that word slightly tongue in cheek) about low voter turnout in any school related election is that the teachers alone can swing the vote. This is a perfect example of that, I'm willing to bet that the teachers alone ousted Dr. Wooden. In this case apathy worked out for the teachers of the LCPS, because we're the ones that have to work under these morons.
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Can someone please remind Sheryl White that she is not the superintendent.

Yes the voters have spoken. A resounding apathetic yawn. Look at the raw numbers.

Blogger Comment: That is the unfortunate reality of School Board elections. Those who care, will and do vote. The rest? Well - no votar, no voce.

THE COMMUNITY HAS SPOKEN

The victories are decisive. The voters sent a message to the Board of Education. There is light at the end of this long debacle and reign of terror.

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Regarding the appointment of Joyce Aranda...I heard that Al Ioerger was the first choice of the interviewing committee, and that Ms. Aranda was the last of all the candidates. Truth or no truth?

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Regarding Lonnie's recent vote on the district's sex education policy: this BUD"S for you... downright stupid!
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If the state-wide testing is so damn important, why do our students have so many interruptions to their classes this quarter?
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Lonnie is a boil upon our intellect!
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LCPS Bored of Education...the Super Bowl of Losers!
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LCPS would greatly benefit from hiring Mr. Herb Torres as interim superintendent. He has experience as a teacher, site administrator, central office administrator, and superintendent of Silver City Schools, as well as keeping current in public education while teaching at NMSU in the EMD department. I hope the mess our district has become doesn't scare him off!
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I heard from several sources its only a matter of several weeks before Dennis Zamora chalks up another victory by eliminating the last surviving mature member of his department. I am not a big fan of Mr. Peace(although my school misses him) but I am a fan of justice. Zamora has been carrying this grudge for nearly a year and spent a great deal of company time devoted to his obsession. Somebody needs to investigate his tactics other than his immediate supervisor. If I was his supervisor, I would have terminated his position a long time ago. Unfortunately for him, nobody wanted him as a teacher. He was constantly transferred around the system. Wake up Central Office!! He will eventually find another victim.
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I heard from several sources its only a matter of several weeks before Dennis Zamora chalks up another victory by eliminating the last surviving mature member of his department. I am not a big fan of Mr. Peace(although my school misses him) but I am a fan of justice. Zamora has been carrying this grudge for nearly a year and spent a great deal of company time devoted to his obsession. Somebody needs to investigate his tactics other than his immediate supervisor. If I was his supervisor, I would have terminated his position a long time ago. Unfortunately for him, nobody wanted him as a teacher. He was constantly transferred around the system. Wake up Central Office!! He will eventually find another victim.
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LCPS would greatly benefit from hiring Mr. Herb Torres as interim superintendent. He has experience as a teacher, site administrator, central office administrator, and superintendent of Silver City Schools, as well as keeping current in public education while teaching at NMSU in the EMD department. I hope the mess our district has become doesn't scare him off!

The word on the street is that Herb Torres will be the interim Superintendent due to his connection with Lonnie Briseno through the local catholic diocese.
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What's the current status on the Sonia-gate? The next step is arbitration. The last hearing was before the Board of Education, so it was foregone conclusion that they would uphold their own decision to terminate her. An independent arbitrator will now try to settle the issue.
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What does it take to survive, as a teacher in LCPS? First of all, when interviewing for a teaching job here, don't reveal all of your talents. Confess competency in teaching, but don't overwhelm your potential principal with your confidence. Appear to be a dutiful person who will do as the principal says, and be devoted to the administrator who may be kind enough to provide you some security in your job. So you get the job... now what do you do? Never let on that you have a brain that works without inspiration provided by your principal. Be pleasant to your fellow teachers, but don't rock the boat. If you're worrying about the kids who are functioning many grade levels below their age and placement, don't communicate those feelings to anyone else. Don't try to get by with using advanced teaching techniques, to bring your students up to grade level... and don't try to discuss such things with other teachers, or administrative staff. You'll be labeled a trouble-maker, and the enemy of everyone. If you happen to notice another teacher whose students are learning, and seem to be happy about it, concoct some criticism of that person and communicate it to your principal. The principal will be proud of you for giving the information to him/her, and will likely reward you by elevating your feeling of security in your position. Be sure that, at grading time, you give good grades to all of your students. Do not expect to have discipline in your classrooom. Make the experience livable, for students and teacher... by entertaining the students with movies, treats, and unrestricted social communication. If you have any ambition to become an administrator, don't reveal that to anyone. Get your administrative credentials at a remote university, preferably in some foreign country, and keep that information out of your resume. If you have had experience as an administrator, don't apply for a teaching job in LCPS. Above all, your principal hates the prospect of competition.

For Lonnie's plan to work, all homes and schools would need to remove all televisions, radios, and computers...anything of technology. For abstinence to work effectively, all children must be devoid of any outside influences. The parents and the church will provide all the education that every child will need to make intelligent and informed decisions about their bodies and overall health. What power! Wasn't this the basis for some former and/or current war?
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Maybe Lonnie would prefer kids to learn about sex like I did...looking at my brother's Playboy magazines with my cousin and a friend and smoking a cigarette, while hiding out in the basement of our youth center. But, he does have something about parents properly teaching their children numerous important life lessons like: how to roll a joint; how to score some weed; how to smoke a pipe; how to effectively use crack; how to elude the cops, how to self-medicate; how to call in sick to the job-if they have one; how to physically, sexually, and emotionally abuse spouses and children. Yep...that's mighty-good, old-fashioned, religious values! Good thinking, Lonnie!
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Real-Life Game Score: Trojans: 1 Lonnie: 0