Topic
Views
Replies
Last Post
Melrose City Hall and MEF Ethics issues
This is a direct quote from the State Ethics Commission guidance on improper activity:
Example of violation : An employee of the Massachusetts Cultural Council is also the director of a non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing art in public spaces. The non-p...
Views: 257 Replies: 2
Last Post: Aug 13, 2015 8:38am
by Step up and file
by Step up and file
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: 278 Replies: 2
Last Post: Aug 12, 2015 7:06pm
by Dad
by Dad
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: 542 Replies: 19
Last Post: Aug 11, 2015 10:15pm
by Sick irony
by Sick irony
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: 438 Replies: 2
Last Post: Aug 7, 2015 7:50am
by Also agree
by Also agree
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: 318 Replies: 4
Last Post: Aug 5, 2015 5:52pm
by Getting worse
by Getting worse
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: 348 Replies: 3
Last Post: Aug 2, 2015 9:54pm
by Parent
by 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: 1217 Replies: 20
Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 9:30pm
by La Cosa
by La Cosa
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: 3210 Replies: 75
Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 9:12pm
by Shameful
by Shameful
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: 271 Replies: 3
Last Post: Aug 1, 2015 8:06am
by citizen
by citizen
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: 3210 Replies: 74
Last Post: Jul 29, 2015 8:54pm
by Parent
by Parent
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: 617 Replies: 8
Last Post: Jul 27, 2015 2:38pm
by Geezer
by Geezer
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: 677 Replies: 10
Last Post: Jul 22, 2015 3:03pm
by chem
by chem
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: 683 Replies: 7
Last Post: Jul 21, 2015 12:49pm
by Incorrect
by Incorrect
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: 635 Replies: 11
Last Post: Jul 17, 2015 3:39pm
by MFD
by MFD
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: 493 Replies: 8
Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 5:59pm
by District Freefal...
by District Freefal...
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: 1479 Replies: 42
Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 10:16am
by Hey Donna
by Hey Donna
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: 225 Replies: 2
Last Post: Jul 11, 2015 10:03am
by mvmms
by mvmms
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: 737 Replies: 12
Last Post: Jul 10, 2015 11:54am
by Title examiner
by Title examiner
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: 1589 Replies: 27
Last Post: Jun 23, 2015 9:00pm
by Oops!
by Oops!
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: 1245 Replies: 32
Last Post: Jun 22, 2015 9:26pm
by IRS violation?
by IRS violation?
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: 857 Replies: 32
Last Post: Jun 19, 2015 1:59pm
by The Numbers Don...
by The Numbers Don...
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: 781 Replies: 6
Last Post: Jun 18, 2015 10:39am
by ???
by ???
teacher appreciation should be EVERY DAY!!!
Our Teachers are amazing!! Our kids are so fortunate!!! THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!
Views: 568 Replies: 4
Last Post: Jun 13, 2015 7:55am
by Melrosian
by Melrosian
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: 1028 Replies: 48
Last Post: Jun 9, 2015 10:05am
by Agree
by Agree
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: 474 Replies: 12
Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 7:24pm
by IRS watching
by IRS watching
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: 1897 Replies: 54
Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 5:33pm
by Just doesn't ge...
by Just doesn't ge...
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: 1275 Replies: 36
Last Post: Jun 6, 2015 12:09pm
by Thanks, Dr. P an...
by Thanks, Dr. P an...
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: 1433 Replies: 23
Last Post: Jun 2, 2015 8:42pm
by Update please
by Update please
"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: 568 Replies: 10
Last Post: May 31, 2015 7:52pm
by DebbieD
by DebbieD
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: 316 Replies: 4
Last Post: May 31, 2015 12:49pm
by Pay to play
by Pay to play
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: 1093 Replies: 33
Last Post: May 30, 2015 9:52pm
by Malden Experienc...
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: 1563 Replies: 37
Last Post: May 30, 2015 9:15pm
by BIG BANG THEORY
by BIG BANG THEORY
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: 1107 Replies: 29
Last Post: May 14, 2015 8:32am
by Taunt a 2nd Time
by Taunt a 2nd Time
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: 291 Replies: 0
Last Post: May 12, 2015 10:31am
by Melrosian
by Melrosian
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: 1874 Replies: 52
Last Post: May 11, 2015 6:32pm
by List
by List
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: 674 Replies: 17
Last Post: May 8, 2015 7:56pm
by Barbara Global
by Barbara Global
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: 1017 Replies: 36
Last Post: May 7, 2015 10:11pm
by Allan Tobin
by Allan Tobin
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: 254 Replies: 2
Last Post: May 5, 2015 5:20pm
by Dismayed
by Dismayed
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: 1707 Replies: 55
Last Post: May 2, 2015 11:08pm
by Just Stop
by Just Stop
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: 1701 Replies: 33
Last Post: Apr 30, 2015 9:36am
by Resident
by Resident
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: 1025 Replies: 24
Last Post: Apr 22, 2015 9:19pm
by List
by List
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: 438 Replies: 13
Last Post: Apr 22, 2015 9:10pm
by What?????
by What?????
$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: 5362 Replies: 116
Last Post: Apr 20, 2015 9:15am
by Let's Go For a ...
by Let's Go For a ...
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: 470 Replies: 8
Last Post: Apr 18, 2015 9:00am
by not exactly
by not exactly
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: 561 Replies: 3
Last Post: Apr 17, 2015 4:22pm
by Parent
by Parent
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: 708 Replies: 10
Last Post: Apr 17, 2015 1:01pm
by wrong place for ...
by wrong place for ...
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: 1503 Replies: 35
Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 7:16pm
by William Gorman
by William Gorman
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: 332 Replies: 3
Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 4:27pm
by Parent
by Parent
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: 353 Replies: 3
Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 4:19pm
by Amazed
by Amazed
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: 691 Replies: 23
Last Post: Apr 16, 2015 10:43am
by Suggestion
by Suggestion
