We may have the Claymates taking on the new Wake school board.
In a blog post on his web site Thursday, Aiken says "he's extremely disappointed" by the election results. The former American Idol contestant and Leesville Road High graduate calls the new school board members “selfish idiots” and says he hopes the public can get rid of them before they “ruin the school system.”
“What happened to Wake County Schools?!?1,” Aiken writes. “Now that i have a kid i am so much more invested and I am EXTREMELY disappointed that so many selfish idiots ran and won seats on the school board. i hope we can get rid of them as soon as possible before they ruin my school system. Idiots.”
Aiken, who has a home in Chatham County, has a 15-month-old son.
The blog post could cause Aiken's loyal fans, the "claymates," to get more involved in school issues.
Aiken also touches on several other topics in his blog post, including former Miss California Carrie Prejean’s appearance on the Larry King show on Wednesday. Aiken makes a derogatory remark about Prejean.
I'd quote the exact words Aiken used to describe Prejean but this is still a family newspaper.
Prejean touched off a firestorm earlier this year when she said she was opposed to same-sex marriage. Aiken publicly acknowledged last year that he is gay.
UPDATE
Click here for the online story.
Click here for Saturday's article, including the response from new board members.
Comments
OT Alert: Community school example update
Mon, 11/16/2009 - 02:41 — TrailerParkGirlAfter all the unpleasantries from Mr. Aiken, I thought some might appreciate something more pleasant, so here are some examples, updates and IMO good ideas from the community schools where I grew up.
As some may recall the PTA of the 80% F&R ES had raised 2/3 of the funds (over $25K) needed for a new playground and school district decided to allocate additional funds to that school to cover the remaining 1/3 (and no people at other schools did not complain). So, the new playground was ordered and arrived. Now, how does it get installed? On a Saturday, all the school employees, 20+ miscellaneous volunteers, 9 Home Depot employees, 4 district maintenance department employees, 2 municipal utility employee volunteers, 2 city employee volunteers, 1 fence company owner and 1 excavating company owner came bright and early. Not sure whose equipment was what but there were at least four large pieces of equipment (bulldozer, bobcat, etc.) on site. One of the utility people helped unload the equipment in the rain for two hours while one of the city people removed all the stumps. The fence company owner dug all the holes for free and the excavating company owner provided all the dirt free. Everyone else pitched in with erecting the play structure, swingset and metal tables and seats. At the end of the day one very nice playground. As far as I can tell, cost of installation to the school was $0.
ALL students at the above school now receive breakfast FREE every day.
The same principal that gave the PRIDE speech has begun hosting monthy Breakfasts with the Principal. All parents and community members are invited to "come into the school just to visit and talk about issues on the minds of the community." If you bring two canned goods, breakfast is free, otherwise breakfast cost is $1.50 with all canned goods going to the local food bank.
One day this week all children and adults who bring two non-perishable food items with them will receive a free breakfast at all the schools in the district. Food items will be donated to the local food bank. Am I saying that school system funds will be used to cover the cost in order to help raise food for the local food bank? Yes.
As some may recall, after some tough questions from the BOE and shortly after a BOE meeting attended by a joint group of teachers and parents protesting the Superintendent's handling of negotiations with the teachers, the announcement came out the Superintendent would terminate his employment with the district. So, the search is on for a new Superintendent. (From the district wording) 'As part of this process, the Board is asking the school community to play an important role. One of the key abilities desired in a Superintendent is to help forge strong partnerships among teachers and students, parents and community. Therefore, the BOE will be providing opportunities for all interested parties to share their views. The Board is holding 11 different hour long input sessions over three days. Each session is targeted toward a group (ES teaching staff, secondary teaching staff, administrative staff, administrative support staff, other support staff, student representatives (student council reps), operational staff, community leaders and (3) sessions for parents and community members). All are welcome and participation is appreciated! If a meeting time other than the one for your target group is more convenient for you, feel free to attend. If you wish to attend more than one meeting, feel free to do so. If you cannot attend a meeting, but wish to participate please complete the online response form.' The Board is primarily looking for input in three areas: 1) what does the school system/community have to offer a candidate (I think school system/community is one area because in their way of thinking they are inseparable), 2) what are the districts changes and challenges for the next five years and 3) desired candidate profile.
So there are some examples from a community schools system - doesn't seem like a ruin to me.
This will go down as the fruitiest
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 08:39 — g88ky07and most laughable moment that happened this entire school board campaign. And I really didn't think we'd ever top the Cathy Truitt soap opera!
John's comments in response to this joke were SPOT on and had the group I was with laughing in the floor!! Thanks John, best medicine we had all day!
As stated below, I believe Clay, the "Ellen" of NC, has committed an illegal boo boo! His mommy too for not reporting it AND the board of elections for allowing it to happen! I think it's called voter FRAUD, but the authorities can determine that.
As for Clay baby, tell you what "Mr. Invisible", since your career ended as fast as it started, and you've now gone on to total obscurity and while no one wants to book you because you have nothing to offer, maybe you'll want to recant your clueless babble before you get that knock at the door!
Now let me finish my laugh HAAAAAAHAAAAAAHAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAA...........................what a riot!
I thought Tedesco's response
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 19:45 — RevHiDI thought Tedesco's response was amusing, but for different reasons. I personally don't like Clay's music, but have to admit that coming in second was much better than winning for his career. He lost the short term, but he was surely more successful in the end. That fact completely undermines Tedesco's response, which was admittedly less snarky than Clay's blog post. (If that says much...)
I was not impressed with Clay's manner of expressing himself. I don't like it when those sorts of attacks are hurled at the NAACP or outgoing school board members either.
That is one of the most
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 10:15 — Janie123That is one of the most ignorant statements in the entire list of comments.
You are obviously afraid of gay people....that in itself is horrid. AND, you know nothing about Clay Aiken, but babble about him as if you do.
Come on......there is nothing wrong with discussing this, just be sure you know what you are talking about before you look more foolish.
How about doing some research on voting rules in NC so you don't say things like voter fraud.
How about knowing something about Clay Aiken's career before you say lies about him.
From you tirade, it is obvous that he is much more intelligent than you and must be more successful.
This "failed" star..........hmm........jusr raised over 1/2 million dollars for kids with disabilities......have you done that??
This "failed" star is a UNICEF ambassador for education.
This failed star just finished 2 runs, starring in a broadway show.
This "failed" star sold over 6 million albums, wrote a best selling book and was in the finale of the most popular sit-com on TV.
It you don't like him, that is your right to say, just like it was Mr. Aiken's right to say he didn't like the school board members. BUT, please.........don't talk about what you know nothing about!!
INstead of ranting, why not tell us why you voted for the school board and why you believe Clay is wrong. Now, that makes sense.
Your fetish for Mr. Aiken
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 13:43 — g88ky07is obvious. Could we call you a "claymate"?
Sure, he's done some good things, good for him and those who will benefit, but making cracks like he has about people he doesn't know, in a system he has no relevance in, trumps most anything I can point to about him. I don't follow his career, could care less about a karaoke singer, but when he slams people I do care about then he's fair game oh claymated one!
I think he will be looked at thanks to someone calling attention to it and if he voted illegally someone will be held accountable. Sorry if that hurts your feelings. Blame Mr. Aiken!
We've been fighting this battle for a looooong time so for you and your karaoke "star" to chime in at this time is irrelevant and we could care less! We're going forward with the people Mr. Aiken called "selfish idiots"!
I call them saints!
And P.S. you have no idea what I know! ;c )
Huh?
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 12:01 — Bob_SconceI've done some research on voting rules. Please look at N.C.G.S. 163-275(1):
Section 163-57 determines if you're legally qualified to vote in a precinct -- basically, you have to live there.
Aiken lives in Chatham County, yet apparently voted in Wake County.
At minimum, it appears that Aiken voted someplace that he wasn't entitled to.
Good
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 13:17 — Janie123Glad you looked it up.
Now, do you know that Mr. Aiken even voted??
I just hate to see anyone made a scapegoat by so many people when all he did was state his opinion.
Everyone here can state their opinion. I just think it is wrong to rake someone over the coals over and over.
Perhaps Mr Aiken could have used more tact, however, people here are repeating themselves with ignorant statements over and over. ENOUGH!!
Why do you think Mr. Aiken dislikes the new board? Why do you like them? That is what is important.
Here's the link
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 14:58 — TrailerParkGirlHere is the link that shows he voted in person in Wake County on October 6th. Ownership of an address can be verified through the Wakegov property records site and the address listed on the voter information is deeded to Clay Aiken's mother and has been since 1986 (link below) who has stated that he does not reside with her. I imagine this is where Clay grew up and when he first registered to vote this is where he resided. The concern is why has he not updated his voter information and why he is still voting at his old address. Doesn't seem plausible that he was still living with Mommy last month.
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/VoterInformation.aspx?id=C789D4E69D84AD5D5E36561135445DF5
http://services.wakegov.com/realestate/Account.asp?id=0113714&stype=owner&owner=parker%2C+faye&spg=1&cd=01&loc=8608++LANGTREE+LN&des=LO240+STONEHENGE+II+SUB+SE9+BM1980%2D113&pin=0798013851&page=1
Additionally, several Clay supporters have said he made the comment on a private blog. It is not private. It is a publically accessible internet site.
http://www.clayonline.com/clay/member/clayaiken
BTW - The property information was listed on another blog, but rather than link that I linked the wakegov information because the comments both for and against on that blog are beyond immature.
Fairly certain
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 13:38 — Bob_SconceSee elsewhere in this thread. It's a matter of public record that a 30-year old named Clayton Aiken voted in October, listing an address in the Leesville area, which I presume to be his parents'. Now, I suppose that's possibly a completely different Clay Aiken. But, I doubt it.
Celebrities are in the public eye. Aiken went out of his way to publish his opinion, and used his celebrity status to induce people to read it. (had it been "Fred Jones from Fuquay's blog," nobody would have cared.) So, he's inviting criticism, and shouldn't be surprised when he gets it.
Sorry, I didn't see the
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 14:13 — Janie123Sorry, I didn't see the previous post about knowing that Mr Aiken had voted. I just can't read through some of the muck.
I am sure that Mr. Aiken is not surprised when he gets criticized. But, I am not sure I agree that he expected the words from his private blog to be brought to the newspaper. He did not go out of his way to get it published. He was posting on his private fan club page and about many things. That someone thought it was necessary to send the statement and link to the editor is not him using his celebrity.
It is sad that if you read most of the comments here, they are so much worse than what he said. I wish that we could get beyond the name calling and have some of the readers actually discuss the school board and the good and the bad.
I am sure that is what yu would want too. If Mr. Aiken calling the school board names, is not a good idea, the same goes for others. So lets all stop and make this a place to discuss.
...
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 14:18 — SideburnsJanie,
There have been years of discussion on this blog about the school system and school board. Where've you been? It's too bad it took some drivel about Clay Aiken to get you to tune in.
Ah..........but then maybe
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 14:34 — Janie123Ah..........but then maybe that is a good thing. Perhaps there are more people now interested in what is going on. And, actually, I have read here many times. Hard to believe, but I usually do not comment
But, my comment was not really about what happens here. I am sure that this is an excellent site to get information. I am talking about the influx of people commenting yesterday and today who are only here to say nasty things. That is sad.
Whether it is Clay Aiken or you or me........name calling is not a good thing.
Crazy
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 21:32 — Janie123It is a shame that this thread has become nothing but a place to call people horrible names.
What would have made sense if there could have been an intelligent discussion about the school problems.. Clay's comment should have started a lively debate on the topic. Instead, the thread has been invaded by people who only want to cause problems.
It is beyond the comments of Clay Aiken. It has become "lets say as many bad things as we can and score points for our guy."
Shame on the author for allowing this to get out of control.
heh...
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 04:18 — Bob_SconceWhen the conversation starts with calling the incoming board members idiots, where do you expect it to go?
"Clay's comment should have
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 23:26 — woodstock"Clay's comment should have started a lively debate on the topic."
That is the most absurd comment of the entire thread. Aiken's childish and uninformed comment was that people he has never met and who hold views he knows nothing about are "selfish idiots." You think THAT is supposed to start a "lively debate?" It is not even worthy of consideration.
Really??
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 10:26 — Janie123And how do you know that Mr Aiken never met the board members??
So, what you are saying is that you think Mr AIken is uninformed about the topic?? honestly, that is the most absurd comment. Do you really think he would say anything if he was uninformed.
It is OK to disagree with him,,,,,,,but most of the people commenting on this thread are not on point. They just think its fun to call him names and such.
Mr. Aiken is an intelligent man who probably has spent more time than most studying the school board and its members.
What is you opinion and why is Clay wrong?? Answer without bashing please.
"And how do you know that
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 11:19 — woodstock"And how do you know that Mr Aiken never met the board members??"
This, I assure you, is an absolute fact.
"So, what you are saying is that you think Mr AIken is uninformed about the topic?? honestly, that is the most absurd comment. Do you really think he would say anything if he was uninformed."
I absolutely think he spouted off about something he has no clue about. It is obvious that Aiken is uninformed, and apparently you are too. Only 54.2% of ED students graduate in Wake County; drop out rates are unacceptable, especailly for black and Hispanic students; qualified poor and minority students are denied entry into advanced math courses, and parental concerns are routinely ignored. The new school board members are highly intelligent and concerned citizens who are opposed to this sorry state of affairs are champions of positive change; they deserve respect, not ridcule from a D-list celebrity.
"Mr. Aiken is an intelligent man who probably has spent more time than most studying the school board and its members."
You are joking, right? LOL He did not cite one single fact or issue, he simply resorted to immature name-calling. If he is intelligent, he has povided no evidence of it.
Thanks
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 13:32 — Janie123Now, at least we are talking about the problem. That is what is important.
By the way, Mr. Aiken has met with some of the board members. I now that for a fact.... not all of them. One of them has been his acquaintance for many years.
The quote that was brought over by the author was incomplete.
Mr. Aiken was giving a list of a few thoughts to his fan club....he even said these are just random thoughts. It was not an expose on the school board. None of the things he said were deep discussions.
He also talked about his contacts.......it was a silly blog for his fans and really on a private board.
I hope you have the opportunity to meet him some day and have an intelligent conversation with him. Next time, go to one of his National Inclusion Project meetings and see what this intelligent man is doing for children.
Aiken does not know nor has
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 17:42 — woodstockAiken does not know nor has he spoken to any of the new board members who he insulted. If he knows a board member, you must be referring to soon-to-be former board member Patti Head. She is (was) a big part of the staus quo and one of the reasons voters voted so resoundingly for change.
If Aiken cares about children, why does he support the discriminatory practices of the current Wake school board? Why does he support a graduation rate of 54.2% for poor students. Why he support policies that are counter to the desires of parents? Why does support current efforts that rip children from their neighborhoods to attend schools 18 miles away from their homes? If he is intelligent -- which is still just a claim at this point -- he needs to start proving it and speak to the issues rather than slinging juvenile insults. I will admit that he has the means and platform to actually provide a benefit, yet so far he has only created more division.
The fact that he had to
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:04 — GetaBrainThe fact that he had to resort to name calling reveals how well his school educated him. Aiken just needs attention.
He knows he can't get media attention with his music "career" so he has to have tantrums to get noticed by anyone other than his few fans that remain who will make excuses for him with their last breath..
Clay Aiken is disappointed *GASP*
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 18:37 — GetaBrainDo we really care what Aiken thinks? If he is a product of what he considers a "good" school board then I'll take this new school board over the old one any day.
Aiken apparently doesn't think voting matters unless those he votes for wins. He is ready to get rid of newly elected officials because they don't agree with his views.
Didn't Aiken attend a school very near his neighborhood?
Hypocrisy.
I am extremely disapointed
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 17:42 — Voice_of_Reason_That you consider this a news story (or even worthy of comment).
Sorry Mr. Hui, I call it as I see it.
...
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 16:45 — SideburnsHui,
Are you sure Aiken lives in Chatham County? It appears he voted in the Wake County Oct 6th election and has a Wake County address.
http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/VoterInformation.aspx?id=0CDF24C16FFBC570CF6A8930D8FFB612
Hmm...
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 19:23 — Bob_SconceGoogling "Clayton Aiken Chatham" yields a big 'ole house in Chatham county. I have to believe that he lives there and not in the $300K, 2300 sq ft place in Raleigh where he's registered.
Is that voter fraud (which, to my recollection, is a Class I felony in Wake County)?
even steven
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 20:16 — SDR256Will there be low level government employees sneaking around on back porches, peeking in windows and sorting through garbage to establish residence as Lacy families were terrorized this year? I mean, all things being equal and all. The law is the law.
What? Did I miss something?
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 07:40 — fiestamomDid that really happen?
Yes, I do know of people
Sun, 11/15/2009 - 12:36 — lacyparentof3Yes, I do know of people that did have Growth Mgmt show up on their property to investigate the validity of their transfers.
Soap Opera
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:04 — SDR256You know, with the whole pre-election melodrama of Cathy Truitt, NAACP, runnoff events I was thinking it was like a soap opera. I just couldn't believe that what seemed a fantastical 'conspiracy theory' ended up being so close to the truth. And so, somehow, the fact that a real tabloid micro-celebrity shows up after the fact is somehow fitting for the death-throes exit scene of this soap opera.
Exit stage left the protagonists.
Hmm...
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 13:56 — Bob_SconceWhat is it about celebrities that makes them feel qualified to publicly comment about things they know little about? And, what is it about celebrities that makes others care what they think?
There are people who oppose the incoming board. Why does anybody care that Clay Aiken happens to be among those people? "Oh. CLAY AIKEN thinks it, so it *must* be true" ??
Homer Simpson's wise words
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 15:50 — fiestamomBob, I give you Homer Simpson's sage advice:
"Hollywood stars, is there ANYTHING they don't know?" :)
Bob, don't you know our betters in Hollywood know better than we do?
someone said he is a
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:15 — Maymeg79someone said he is a licensed teacher and has an education degree on the comments section...anybody know if this is true?
I think Hui would have mentioned this in the news article as it is much more relevant than Aiken's remark about Carrie Prejean...
Yes, it's true
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 15:56 — mediawatcherHe does have an education degree (UNC at Charlotte, 2003) and taught at Brentwood Elementary School. He also heads an educational foundation that has granted millions of dollars for summer camps for inclusion of special children, along with serving as an UNICEF Ambassador for the Education of Children Worldwide. Just because a reporter SHOULD have mentioned Clay's educational qualifications, experience and interest in the subject doesn't mean that the reporter did. Reporters are good at controlling the tone and slant of an article by the omission or inclusion of selected information.
So, Aiken has education
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:49 — woodstockSo, Aiken has education experience. Then why does he support a 54.2% graduation rate for poor students, systematic and institutionalized discrimination of poor and minority students, unfair and descriminatory practices in the placement of students in magnet schools, wasted time on the bus for many students, shameful drop-out rates among blacks and hispanics, and an arrogant status quo school board that ignored parental concerns? He obviously spouted off before getting the facts. Not a very good example for someone who preaches understanding and tolerance.
That's all nice
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 16:59 — Dadof3I'm glad to see he's doing more than hurling insults at a situation he doesn't understand. And, yet, it's all only relevant due to his American Idol appearance. I'm glad he has qualifications above the required moxie for a talented public performance but otherwise, I'm filing this note along side the Prejean tape and Kim and Jon (or whoever they are.)
I think we got 3 visitors from his army? Is that the onslaught we've braced for? Alas, Wake Co. remains intact.
Interesting
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 16:30 — TrailerParkGirlThen maybe he should explain why he called the newly elected BOE members that want to raise academic achievement for ALL students instead of just shufflig them around idiots and why he supports continuing educational practices here in Wake County that leave Wake County with the largest achievement gaps in NC.
As Clay is so interested in education in his former county, then he must know that Wake County's economically disadvantaged and minority student scores have decreased relative to state averages since 2000, that only 54.6% of ED students graduate here, and that WCPSS has intentionally discounted expected academic growth for those students. Guess as he called the new BOE members who want to improve that situation 'idiots', Clay must be an elitist who does not care about those kids. Either that or he's the idiot for spouting off without understanding the reality of the situation.
BTW some of our special children go to year-round schools here so they don't have the same opportunities to attend summer camps as special children outside of Wake County.
Hui felt it was more
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:44 — IrinaHui felt it was more important to point out that Clay is gay than to get some relevant facts out there in his article. Maybe next time he'll write a more informed article. One can dream.
It mattered in this case
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 20:31 — KeungHui (author)It mattered in this case because of the remark he made about Prejean.
Did it really? Where did
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 22:46 — mediawatcherDid it really? Where did he say he called her a dumbass because he's gay? Or because of her stances on gays? Maybe he watched her on Larry King where she actually did act like a dumbass, as witnessed by millions of TV viewers. No, YOU jumped to a conclusion that his remark was somehow related to his sexuality. Notwithstanding obvious public opinion, not everything in the world is related to a person's personal sexual preference. You missed the mark on this one.
We got it. You like Clay.
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:02 — woodstockWe got it. You like Clay. No one cares.
Well that was an
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:19 — mediawatcherWell that was an intelligent response. And really irrelevant. The point is factual reporting by, you know, finding out the facts rather than jumping to conclusions based on what the reporter thinks he knows.
Did you say something about
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:37 — woodstockDid you say something about "finding out the facts?" You are kidding, right? You mean like Aiken did before spewing his insulting and ignorant nonsense?
Maybe you could share your advice with Clay
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 23:34 — TrailerParkGirl"finding out the facts rather than jumping to conclusions"
Maybe you could share that advice with Clay. Just a thought.
There is a difference
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 00:16 — mediawatcherThere is a difference between a private citizen expressing an opinion and a reporter working for a newspaper reporting something as fact without substantiating it as a fact. An opinion just an opinion and is based on a person's feelings. A report in a newspaper should be based on substantiated facts. This one wasn't. And it's quite appalling that every person posting here is expressing his opinions but don't seem to understand that Clay himself has a right to do the same thing which is exactly what he did.
Take a breath. No one
Sat, 11/14/2009 - 07:47 — woodstockTake a breath. No one questioned Aiken's "right" to say anything, they are just pointing out that his comments are childish and uninformed...which is their right.
Disagree
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 22:59 — Bob_SconceI didn't see the Larry King episode, but here's a description from Examiner.com:
Gay marriage was mixed up in the Larry King episode. It's possible that Aiken wasn't responding to that. But, the fact that he is gay makes it more likely that he was responding to that part. If the question had been about, say, Paula Abdul, the fact that Aiken was on American Idol would also have been relevant.
OT-alert (or rather a REAL topic)
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 13:20 — AngelaWThe Harlem Children’s Zone , a high-profile New York City initiative that combines charter schools with wraparound community services for minority students and their low-income families, is showing dramatic academic gains that effectively close the black-white achievement gap in most categories examined, a new study finds.
http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/11/12/12harlem.h29.html&destination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/11/12/12harlem.h29.html&levelId=2100
do I understand him
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:53 — Maymeg79do I understand him correctly in that he asserts that socioeconomically diverse schools lead to more school conflicts?
He's kidding right? Or I'm misunderstanding?
my stomach just turned...
not sure on the impact of nutrition and medical care
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:21 — stacy123these would only be if the need was currently being unmet. I would be surprised if they were not covered by medicaid already and presumably wouyld qualify for foodstamps or get more food from foodbanks etc. But on the food point it is a fact (and from my personal experience) that some parents are so out there that they do not ask for public assistance (or do not know they are eligible) much less where the local food bank is
Take a closer look at the school in Harlem
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 13:59 — NCParentYou need to realize that the school you're talking about provides medical and nutritional support for the kids who attend. Which is a HUGE part of the reason why it's successful. We can have great teachers teaching at risk kids, but if they don't get enough to eat at home or preventive medical care, it's still not going to be enough.
sounds familiar
Fri, 11/13/2009 - 14:26 — TrailerParkGirlThis school sounds like the community schools concept that John Tedesco supports.
http://www.4wakekids.com/index.php/brand-new-thinking
Clay Aiken should try learning about WCPSS' achievement gap and what the new BOE members actually stand for before he spouts off.