Laurence Aronstein, Glen Cove Superintendent of Schools speaks at Coalition for Glen Cove September 2005 meeting |
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At the September meeting of the Coalition for Glen Cove Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laurence Aronstein spoke about the strengths of the Glen Cove school district and of plans to improve the education of every student. Dr. Aronstein introduced Anael Alston, the new principal of the middle school. 35 new teachers and 11 new administrators and supervisors have been hired this year to replace people who have retired or left the district. The new Alternative High School, which meets at the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club, has opened smoothly. Since the 5th graders have remained in their elementary schools, the now smaller Finley Middle School has been running well with fewer students. The administration is committed to work with students, teachers, and parents to engage every student. Parents can read to children from the time they are born right up through high school and can start very early to discuss behavior and responsibility. With adult examples and leadership students can take responsibility for their own behavior while they are in school and throughout life. Parents can encourage students to do their homework well and can resist the temptation to do it for them. People, including students, need to be challenged with tasks of increasing difficulty and increasing responsibility. Young people can learn to cooperate with each other, with parents, and with teachers. Teachers have been invited to apply and participate in a leadership academy to prepare them for administrative positions so that more administrative appointments can be made from within the district. Glen Cove students will also have more formal training in the philosophy and practice of leadership. Published results from Milwaukee public schools in which 90% of their students are eligible for free or reduced price lunch and 90% are minorities but 90% pass state standards in reading show that every student can be brought up to a high level if offered suitable programs and teaching. Dr. Aronstein commended the Glen Cove School Board for their leadership, responsibility and cooperation in their discussions with each other and with members of the administration. The Board understands that its function is to set policy and not micromanage the day-to-day operation of the district. The administration is committed to be respectful, civil, understanding, and cooperative in its interaction with the students, the teachers, the staff, the parents, and the unions, Administrators and teachers have been asked to answer their phones before the third ring and to respond to every call or inquiry within twenty-four hours. Administrators will be available for discussion with audience members for ten to fifteen minutes after each School Board meeting. Respectful dialog can resolve most misunderstandings. Since the physical environment influences the way people behave toward each other, it is important to maintain buildings, playing fields, and school grounds. It is important to show students that damaging property, writing graffiti, and smoking on or near school grounds is antisocial and illegal.
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