Good Afternoon:
 
Let me begin by stating that I hope this new school year has started well for you and your child.  I am sure as we advance through the months much will be explored and learned. 
 
For those people who have reported difficulties with the timing of the buses during this first week of school, I thank you for your patience.  As reported in my last message, I have met with the district's transportation department many times and a number of adjustments will be implemented as of Tuesday, September 8th.  Our hope is that this addresses the issues of which we are aware.  Making these changes also allows us to establish an acceptable routine as it relates to transporting our children both to and from school.  The district's website (www.rsd17.org) has been updated to reflect the changes that will take effect on Tuesday.
 
For the purposes of clarifying what I can best characterize as misinformation regarding transportation that is circulating in our communities, I wish to share that the district did utilize the services of an independent, transportation consultant this year (and during the 2007-2008 school year) to route our district using information provided to him by our transportation officials.  After the routing was completed by the consultant, each route was then reviewed by our transportation department.  As a result of the reviews, a number of changes were made specifically to address such things as the length of runs, configuration of certain streets and roads, areas where turning a bus is difficult and other related issues.  The bus routes were not created in isolation by one person.  Unfortunately, when the routes were implemented a number of issues arose which necessitated corrective action on our part.  I, along with others have attempted to address each and every person who has contacted us.  We have also worked with the district's drivers and schools to initiate changes that will have a positive impact in the areas where we know need improvement.
 
As this week passed, another issue emerged which has quickly divided our parents as well as residents of our towns, state, and nation.  The issue to which I am referring is the planned program of President Obama speaking to his intended audience of school aged children on Tuesday, September 8th at 12:00 noon.  As I reflect upon what has transpired around this planned event in such a short time frame, I cannot help but wonder if what I have witnessed is truly indicative of the current state of our political stability as the single greatest nation in the world.  I appreciate and respect differences among all of us and I can say with a degree of certainty that schools have been placed between a "rock and a hard place." With that said, I have received many messages over the past two days in which people have made their wishes known as to whether or not their child or the children in our schools would participate in viewing the President's address as scheduled.
 
After much research, deliberation and discussion, each school is sending home a brief explanation today of how its administration and staff will utilize the President's presentation and materials that correspond to his remarks.  At the high school level, the broadcast will be aired and used as a part of an already scheduled advisory period.  Students with written, parent permission (and students 18 years of age or older) will be given the option of not viewing the taped broadcast when it is shown.  Those students, who do not participate, will participate in another advisory exercise.  At the middle school, the broadcast will be taped and used as a part of an already scheduled flex period.  Again, students with written, parent permission will be given the option of not viewing the taped broadcast and will participate in another already planned flex period activity. At the elementary school level, the broadcast will be taped and used by classroom teachers according to an agreed upon schedule with each Principal.  Prior to the activity being implemented, parents will be notified and extended the option of not having their child (children) participate.  If some children are not participating when the presentation is shown, they will participate in a suitable, alternate activity approved by each Principal.
 
It is my understanding that the President's staff plans to post his remarks at http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/  sometime on Monday.  It is also my understanding that the materials that correspond to the President's remarks and titled "Classroom Engagement Activities" on the website noted above were revised as of this morning.
 
In the event you have any questions regarding what is written above, please feel free to contact the Principal of your child's school. 
 
In closing, I wish to extend to you and your family my best wishes for a restful Labor Day holiday.
 
I remain.

Very Truly Yours,

Gary
Gary S. Mala
Superintendent of Schools
Regional School District 17
(860) 345-4534
http://www.rsd17.org
"Transforming Teaching and Learning"
     

 

 

A reminder that the 2009-2010 school calendar is posted at www.rsd17.org.
 

A reminder that the district utilizes the Honeywell Instant Alert system to communicate with parents during times of emergency or to deliver messages of high importance.  Please be sure that you are registered with Honeywell (link available at www.rsd17.org) and have indicated how you wish to have messages received.  If you have questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact the Principal of any one of our schools for assistance.  
 

If you wish to have announcements included in any Weekly Message or if you have any suggestions regarding the Weekly Message, please contact Gary S. Mala, Superintendent of Schools at gmala@rsd17.org.