Schools & School Committee

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MFD

School Committe Performance Evaluation of Superintendent Taymore - August 18th

Well – it’s that time of year when our school committee submit their performance evaluation of our school superintendent at their August 18th meeting. Talk about a useless piece of business! We all know from the past 3 years, all these clowns do, with...

Views: 241 Replies: 2

Last Post: Aug 12, 2015 7:06pm
by Dad

Outraged

ALeibowitz/MFPress: Taymore won't provide documents unless Kourkoumelis pays $7,638.75

"Taymore wrote that the district would begin gathering those documents if and when Kourkoumelis paid the district a fee of $7,638.75" By Aaron Leibowitz aleibowitz@wickedlocal.com August 06. 2015 2:41PM Superintendent Taymore clarifies why records are 'protec...

Views: 510 Replies: 19

Last Post: Aug 11, 2015 10:15pm
by Sick irony

parent of MHS grads

Time for all to step up for the truth, for the kids!

Glad to see that more are seeing the truth. Where are the letters to the editor or more people showing up at Public Participation? Plenty of adults in the community know about this corrupt administration and don't have any children in the schools to worry about retal...

Views: 400 Replies: 2

Last Post: Aug 7, 2015 7:50am
by Also agree

MFD

New Report Shows that Billions Spent on Professional Development is Largely a Waste of Money!

If you have listened to our School Superintendent at Committee meetings, you would think that the the hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent in our school district for professional development of our teachers was the answer to improving our schools. These effor...

Views: 286 Replies: 4

Last Post: Aug 5, 2015 5:52pm
by Getting worse

nauseous

Pure Unadulterated Bilge

http://takingnotesinmelrose.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=41 Please let's hope this one does not run for reelection! Enough!!!!

Views: 308 Replies: 3

Last Post: Aug 2, 2015 9:54pm
by Parent

Parent

Thorp's Public "Apology" for Breaking Law

Here it is from the district IQM2: Statement of School Committee Chairperson Kristin Thorp April 14, 2015 Meeting of the Melrose School Committee The Melrose School Committee held a special meeting on Thursday, February 12, 2015. One of the agenda items liste...

Views: 1189 Replies: 20

Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 9:30pm
by La Cosa

Really?

Attempted Cover Up of Federal Investigation

Saw Kristin Thorpe's 'apology' from Tuesday night. Looks like the school committee and the superintendent believed they could keep a federal investigation secret from the rest of the city.

Views: 3125 Replies: 75

Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 9:12pm
by Shameful

Bad Business in Melrose

Aaron Leibowitz: Subcontractor reportedly violated wage laws at MHS

No vetting by Grover and her Energy Commission or city solicitor Van Campen, and of course they deny any responsibility though they must have seen the labor contracts. July 31. 2015 9:54AM Subcontractor reportedly violated wage laws at MHS By Aaron Leibowitz al...

Views: 224 Replies: 3

Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 8:06am
by citizen

MFD

Spring 2014 State MCAS Data Now Available On-Line

Well folks, the spring 2014 MCAS data is now available on-line at http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/achievement_level.aspx?linkid=32&orgcode=01780000&orgtypecode=5& and it ain't pretty! The school committee meeting of Tuesday, Sept. 23rd, will discuss the results...

Views: 3077 Replies: 74

Last Post: Jul 29, 2015 8:54pm
by Parent

Laughable

Here are 10 signs that your child is in a failing school district:

This from the Huffington Post. Melrose satisfies all ten. Including the last one where we have a convicted felon volunteering to help with civics here in our hamlet! 1. The large majority of your teachers have less than five years of experience- The best sch...

Views: 571 Replies: 8

Last Post: Jul 27, 2015 2:38pm
by Geezer

MFD

New Comer in the Race for School Committee

Looks like someone new to Melrose recently pulled papers for a seat on the school committee, Jaime McAllister-Grande. But please, don't hold your breath thinking that this person will be an "impartial" member given her connections with senior city and school official...

Views: 637 Replies: 10

Last Post: Jul 22, 2015 3:03pm
by chem

The Drift

Another MHS Success Story

The suspect in the death of an elderly Chinatown woman is a 2011 graduate of Melrose High School via the METCO program.

Views: 645 Replies: 7

Last Post: Jul 21, 2015 12:49pm
by Incorrect

Melrose Parent

Class/Student Supplies Requested by Principals, Continuous Fleecing of Melrose Parents

So in addition to ever-increasing Property Taxes, Trash fees (which are actually added taxes but cannot be claimed as such thanks to the manner--probably illegal--these fees were constructed by mayor), outlandish and unreasonable Water/Sewer bills, PTO dues, Athletic...

Views: 594 Replies: 11

Last Post: Jul 17, 2015 3:39pm
by MFD

patricia wright

String Shut Down

This is the second time I've had to shut a string down in this forum. The person who continually posts other peoples posts was at it again and I had to shut the string "What Kind of School System Does Melrose Want" down because that same poster (trying to be cleaver...

Views: 452 Replies: 8

Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 5:59pm
by District Freefal...

A new beginning

Horace Mann Playground Reopens Tomorrow

The hard work of Horace Mann PTO, HM Parents,and other generous benefactors has finally come to fruition as the new park opens tomorrow at 6 PM. See you there!

Views: 1450 Replies: 42

Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 10:16am
by Hey Donna

Late to the Party

School Committee Meeting

Watching the school committee meeting right now with my husband. What is it with Driscoll? She believes she's saying some insightful thing praising the schools while saying nothing at all! My mother always warned that people who are over the top in lavishing comp...

Views: 192 Replies: 2

Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 10:03am
by mvmms

patricia wright

Best Wishes

Effective immediately, Mr. Ireton has decided to retire from operating and maintaining the Melrose Messages Board. As with all things in life, we move on to seek new opportunities. Richie has decided that after seven years, it’s time for him to pursue other...

Views: 703 Replies: 12

Last Post: Jul 10, 2015 11:54am
by Title examiner

ColorBlind

Truth be told - RACISM

June 9's SC meeting should be an eye opener. The art teacher who spoke during public comment and was brutally shut down by Thorpe had refused to comply with the Fine Arts Chair's suggestion to separate students of color. This is the true reason for the termination o...

Views: 1554 Replies: 27

Last Post: Jun 23, 2015 9:00pm
by Oops!

Override Mythology

SC to Vote to Approve a Pot of Money for Superintendent to Give Administrative Raises, Tuesday

Show up and write letters to protest this travesty: SchoolCommittee@CityofMelrose.org The administration wrings its hands complaining that it doesn't have enough money to fund basics, like enough kindergarten teachers, and while it has known all along it has $48,...

Views: 1202 Replies: 32

Last Post: Jun 22, 2015 9:26pm
by IRS violation?

Melrose Arts Advocates

Show up tonight to advocate for the Music Program @ 7 p.m.

The Music program is at risk with the plan to change A Block, eliminate prerequisites for Orchestra and Band, and lump all the band and orchestra instruments & equipment into the orchestra room during the next year. Come help, please! The chair is not competently adv...

Views: 810 Replies: 32

Last Post: Jun 19, 2015 1:59pm
by The Numbers Don...

parent

The Exodus Begins Anew

from today's SchoolSpring on the district website: Public Postings Date Job Title School/Site Jun 8 Director of Science, Technology and Business -- Various -- Jun 4 School Social Worker - Anticipated (split position) Originally posted Apr 27, 2015 -- Var...

Views: 732 Replies: 6

Last Post: Jun 18, 2015 10:39am
by ???

Roosevelt Mom

teacher appreciation should be EVERY DAY!!!

Our Teachers are amazing!! Our kids are so fortunate!!! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!

Views: 533 Replies: 4

Last Post: Jun 13, 2015 7:55am
by Melrosian

Citizen

Time for the Public to Step Up and Put an End to Bullying by School Officials and their Operatives

https://vimeo.com/126328111 6:36 Tuesday night's shameful and personal attack by city employee Martha Grover against SC member CKK. It's on us now, especially if we ever hope that good people will step up and run for office ever again here. Do nothing and guara...

Views: 980 Replies: 48

Last Post: Jun 9, 2015 10:05am
by Agree

Curious

Melrose Education Foundation Violating Tax Exempt Rules?

Two of the foundation directors are in my sphere, another one somewhat less so. All three act as if the foundation is their personal soapbox to get what they want politically. They're all about working for the override, what happens with school committee. I don't kno...

Views: 428 Replies: 12

Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 7:24pm
by IRS watching

Community

GM Letter Explains New Approved Teacher Contract

February 11, 2014 Here are a few notes about the contract with the teachers which you will consider tonight. I could write many more. It’s unfortunate that the School Committee and the Administration didn’t engage with the public prior to negotiating...

Views: 1810 Replies: 54

Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 5:33pm
by Just doesn't ge...

Seashore

Rats Leaving the Sinking Ship

from just a few postings to this all of a sudden (and it's only beginning): http://www.schoolspring.com/jobs/?employer=11073&status=20,30 Public Postings Date Job Title School/Site May 6 Spanish Teacher - Long Term Substitute (remainder of year) Melrose V...

Views: 1233 Replies: 36

Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 12:09pm
by Thanks, Dr. P an...

Melrose Parent

Kingergarten Fiasco: Realtors Purposely Misrepresenting Melrose as Having Neighborhood Schools

Nicole Morse May 4 at 12:58pm Kindergarten placement letters are being delivered today! I basically attacked our mail man. smile emoticon Jill Demsey Does anyone know who we should speak to directly to revisit this practice? Is anyone going to the school c...

Views: 1394 Replies: 23

Last Post: Jun 2, 2015 8:42pm
by Update please

What Are They Covering Up ?

"Stress Management" ???

There hasn't been one quote, blog piece, article or update about the "Stress Management " Session held last month. The MEF and MHS PTO sponsored the event and promoted it in the media. I was unable to go because I work 3-11. I haven't heard one thing about what hap...

Views: 527 Replies: 10

Last Post: May 31, 2015 7:52pm
by DebbieD

The Town Crier

State Rep. Fights School Gas Leaks

According to the Melrose Free Press ( 5/21/15), Rep. Paul Brodeur has proposed two bills in the House of Representatives that would require carbon monoxide detectors "in all structures using fossil-burning equipment or has enclosed parking." The second bill wo...

Views: 271 Replies: 4

Last Post: May 31, 2015 12:49pm
by Pay to play

MFD

Special School Committee Meeting Tonight at 7PM

Heard that the SC is holding a special meeting tonight in the Aldermanic chamber to review the moves needed to accommodate the 5.3 million dollar Resource Area Construction to start soon. Evidently the lack of adequate input by stakeholders on the movement of program...

Views: 1053 Replies: 33

Last Post: May 30, 2015 9:52pm
by Malden Experienc...

OVERRIDE

Secrecy, mismanagement, manipulations and abuse of power equals "No Confidence" in the politicians of Melrose. Voting No on the OVERRIDE !

Views: 1528 Replies: 37

Last Post: May 30, 2015 9:15pm
by BIG BANG THEORY

Disgusted by Grover's tactics

New Low for Melrose

Martha Grover has sunk Melrose to a new low. She's always played the shrew but she used to badmouth and insult others to her friends and others who could stomach her.She goes to school committee and now the paper gushing nonsense about Driscoll and attacking Kour...

Views: 1066 Replies: 29

Last Post: May 14, 2015 8:32am
by Taunt a 2nd Time

Melrosian

Wonderful Former Melrose Educator: Bob Bachelder, at 89; led dual lives in classroom, on bandstand

Not so long ago, fully credentialed and deeply qualified administrators and teachers defined our school system. It was an honor to work for him. This gentleman was at the top of the list, and may he rest in peace: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2015/0...

Views: 242 Replies: 0

Last Post: May 12, 2015 10:31am
by Melrosian

mhs

List of Colleges of MHS Accepted Students

A message from MELROSE HIGH SCHOOL Today is a special day: We are announcing the list of colleges that have accepted Melrose High School seniors. This list is really something to be proud of: This year, as every year, our Melrose High students have been accepted i...

Views: 1790 Replies: 52

Last Post: May 11, 2015 6:32pm
by List

Retired Citizen of Melrose and Taxpayer

Only 10 Minutes on Agenda for Public Budget Hearing!

How can this School Committee look itself in the mirror??!!! Ten minutes allotted for the "Public Budget Hearing"! And Public Comment at 9:40 p.m. AFTER they've deliberated and voted on a number of things. It's outrageous and shows their true intent. 4/28/2015 7:0...

Views: 640 Replies: 17

Last Post: May 8, 2015 7:56pm
by Barbara Global

Your tax dollars at work

Mayor's Offfice Employee Publicly Attacks Residents in Violation of SC Rules

If you haven't already heard, a City employee who's salary is funded with your tax dollars, publicly slandered a sitting School Committee member/resident of Melrose who has worked tirelessly to expand public input and transparency within the ethically challenged sitt...

Views: 980 Replies: 36

Last Post: May 7, 2015 10:11pm
by Allan Tobin

Dismayed

Calling for Civility and Common Decency

In a town like Sudbury someone actually cares enough to point out "dismissive" behavior, or "interrupting" or "rude" or "hostile" behavior. Meanwhile in Melrose, a twice-elected official like Mrs. K, is routinely dismissed, interrupted (by the chair, by the mayor, by...

Views: 219 Replies: 2

Last Post: May 5, 2015 5:20pm
by Dismayed

Bozo and his Clowns

School Committee votes against your voice being heard...again!!!

Once again, Carrie Kourkoumelis eloquently attempted to restore the people's right to be heard at School Committee meetings in Melrose on March 17th. What has been a disastrous couple of years for transparency, open and public deliberation, and civility for the sch...

Views: 1617 Replies: 55

Last Post: May 2, 2015 11:08pm
by Just Stop

parent

SC Actually Admits Violating Open Meeting Laws

Couldn't believe what I heard. KT actually mouthed the words that the School Committee "regretted" violating the law (she paraphrased it to be some sort of mild euphemism, but still....). Jerry had them by the short hairs apparently or they would never have admitted...

Views: 1662 Replies: 33

Last Post: Apr 30, 2015 9:36am
by Resident

Happy News

College Congrats

Looks like the Melrose school system is doing something right! As the college acceptances are rolling in I am hearing about acceptances and enrollments in Harvard, Yale, Annapolis, Amherst, Colby and Brown amongst others ! Nice testament to the school, the students...

Views: 980 Replies: 24

Last Post: Apr 22, 2015 9:19pm
by List

Mhs parent

MHS below state average for AP scores

http://403vx628u78g1sx42w46scuxz4w.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/12/MHS-Five-Year-School-AP-Score-Summary2.pdf Right from the district "data dashboard": % of Total AP Students with Scores 3+ (passing scores) 2010 68.7 Melrose 72.8 Sta...

Views: 393 Replies: 13

Last Post: Apr 22, 2015 9:10pm
by What?????

Completely Agree

$5,300,000.00

MELROSE — An important downtown business owner is telling Mayor Robert J. Dolan this week to forget dumping $5.3 million into Melrose High and instead concentrate on more parking spaces. Steven Trulli, co-owner of Whittemore Hardware, writes in a letter th...

Views: 5204 Replies: 116

Last Post: Apr 20, 2015 9:15am
by Let's Go For a ...

Kindergarten parent

Kindergarten

So I was surprised by the influx of kindergarteners in the schools this year - looks like they will need 2 extra classes in the fall. Wonder why so many this year? Is it the free K incentive (I know other towns are charging 4k) is it the new developments near Oak Gro...

Views: 428 Replies: 8

Last Post: Apr 18, 2015 9:00am
by not exactly

School Clothes?

Dress Code

This morning I saw hundreds of MHS students walking down Main Street towards the HS. I'm not sure where the procession started or the purpose of the walk. As I sat in stopped traffic along with other drivers to allow safe passage, the refrain in my head was "What a...

Views: 525 Replies: 3

Last Post: Apr 17, 2015 4:22pm
by Parent

A matter of time

Pending Office of Civil Rights Investigation

Say it isn't so. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights finally looking into the institutionalized intimidation and retaliation against complainants here at Melrose Public Schools? Who knows more about this? Anyone?

Views: 666 Replies: 10

Last Post: Apr 17, 2015 1:01pm
by wrong place for ...

MFD

Chairwoman Thorp Fed Up with Openness – Kicks Kourkoumelis off Subcommittee Assignment

Did you hear during the January 6th school committee meeting that Chairman Thorp has not re-appointed Ms. Kourkoumelis as chair of the Facilities/Finance Committee? Ms. Kourkoumelis was commended by members for her accomplishments on the committee that evening and...

Views: 1449 Replies: 35

Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 7:16pm
by William Gorman

MHS

Beloved Teacher Eason is Honored with MHS Science Scholarship

By Jessica Sacco jsacco@wickedlocal.com April 08. 2015 1:33PM Beloved teacher Eason is honored A former Melrose High School teacher may be gone, but her memory will forever live on through the achievement of her students. The family of Susan Eason is fina...

Views: 298 Replies: 3

Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 4:27pm
by Parent

MHS Student

Beauty and the Beast

Hi everyone! Next week Melrose High School will be performing "Beauty and the Beast". There are over fifty student actors and crew members that have been working to make this show a stellar production. Performances will be April 10th (7pm), April 11th (1pm & 7pm), an...

Views: 281 Replies: 3

Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 4:19pm
by Amazed

Senior parent

Community service

Does anyone know of any place where a graduating senior can catch up on community service hours? Unfortunately this particular senior has let the community service requirement go down to the wire. I understand that the requirement needs to be completed by May 1 in...

Views: 654 Replies: 23

Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 10:43am
by Suggestion

MHS Parent

Saugus students using Melrose addresses

Heard today that there is a new 11th grader at MHS using a Melrose family's address. They ran a poor girl of color out of town to Malden a couple of years ago. Have to be in the club and they turn the other way apparently like everything else in this city....

Views: 698 Replies: 10

Last Post: Oct 2, 2014 1:14pm
by Gross

Melrose Cares: Open Community Dialogue