Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Bark Less, Wag More

So what are you thinking about the 'Bark Less, Wag More,' theme proposed by the Apple meeting? Some questions come to mind for me. One is, will those who are proposing this behavior become models for civility? What will folks do when the matter of funding central office is pitted against funding the schools again, as is bound to happen? Are we supposed to stay silent and smile, but gag with frustration? Will the superintendent be required to wag also, to actively listen to her staff and to work with them in a positive way? Or is the wagging only imposed on those of us who disagree with the top honcho and her fan club?

14 comments:

  1. So, if you're a flea on a dog you like, you expect tail wagging?

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  2. Let's all sing Kumbaya....

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  3. New Agenda for BoE Meetings:
    1. Kumbaya
    2. Group Hug
    3. Pledge of Allegiance to Susan Marks
    4. Praise Supt. Marks
    5. Attack the Unions
    6. Create More Jobs in Central Office
    7. More Praise of Supt. Marks
    8. Adjourn to Fat Cat to attack BoE members who weren't smiling sincerely enough during meeting.

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  4. LOL! Love it! Keep it coming!

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  5. Yes, yes. All hail civility!

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  6. Hey, 7:16-- SMILE WHEN YOU SAY THAT, DARN-IT! We're in Happy Land now.
    Well, at least until November 9th.

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  7. Good to finally see a political blog where folks are funny but not cruel.

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  8. I've actually been present a few times when unprovoked verbal attacks have been launched by people against someone else simply because they disagreed. Also, it seems to me that Dr. Marks wasn't even in Norwalk yet or started the job when people started firing their assault weapons. I've seen it on both sides of the table.

    Many times, it's simple things like allowing someone to finish what they are saying, or actually complete the question they are trying to ask without jumping down their throat.

    Other times, it's simply recognizing that the person who doesn't agree has his or her reasons that are just as valid to him or her as your own.

    If you want to sing Kumbaya, fine with me. Call me when you're done.

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  9. For what it's worth, we have a superintendent who wants to be "liked" and can't handle answering a tough question. If that's not bad enough, she surrounds herself with a bunch of people so desperate for a seat at the table that they kiss up to her and act as her attack dogs.
    A real leader would have reigned them in. Instead, we get to have our BoE lectured about "civility" by the least civil people in Nor-whack.

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  10. All these blogs sound like a female who use to work as the director of English..... Mmmmm?? You need a life. I want to start a blog about all the things you do and your life. You are an ignorant person. Let's put your daily life on a blog but no one would read it because you are a loser!! (: Someone from central office tells you inside information which is there opinion or half the story and you blog about it?? Are you 15 in high school again?? Grow up lady!!

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  11. I'm not sure to whom you refer, but you are dancing with libel, the written "publication" of a defamatory remark or remarks which injure a person's character or reputation. If you are referring to me, you are wrong. I am also not the union leader. I would hope that we all refrain from libelous remarks. If it is not true, don't hit the publish button. Sorry that this blog has caused you so much anger.

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  12. The one word that has caused every Mayor, Superintendent, Common Council & BOE member in Norwalk to run and hide from over the years has been "redistricting". It is long overdue and needed in Norwalk. It has been a successful action taken by many public school districts. It would resolve many of the current problems we face, including providing substantial cost savings. Finally, I have often wondered why the BOE has relied so heavily on the input of "stakeholders", like principals, union leaders and parents to dictate how the business end of education should be run. What qualifies these people to run a multi million dollar business? It seems to me that they should have their entire focus on what is taking place in the classrooms and supporting things at that level. The head of the unions should not be made members of budget committees, as they have in the past. How insane is this Dr Marks and BOE? No one is holding a gun to anyone heads forcing them to continue employement with the Norwalk BOE. If any of Mr. Ditrio's or Mellions member don't like the conditions of employment, they can leave. If parents of students don't like the way a school is run or the policies & procedures established by the BOE, sell your house and move or find a rental in another town. Some people just need to get over themselves.

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    Replies
    1. Your post probably should have been under the topic '10 Milion'........I don't think anyone will see it here. I can move it to the budget discussion, with your permission. Just hit the reply button and let me know.

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    2. By all means, move it under the topic you suggested. Thank you.

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