Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1979-01-31, Page 25Class size eonee. s parents vot Parents of grade'one students at Hillcrest Public School, Teeswater, who are concern- ed that their children's education might be suffering due tothe size of the class, told the Bruce County Board of Education on January 23 that they feel "intimidated" by the board. ' Alan Weinstein, Teeswater, spokesman for the parents, told the board that the parents, admitted with embarrassment that they "feel intimidated by this board." "In fact, said Weinstein, "we feel that we ate trespassing by coming before' you. Likemany parents, we feel ,we have no right and no proper way to contribute to educa- tional dialogue." The delegation . of parents .at the board meeting, were there to express their .concern that 35 pupils in the4grade one class at the school is too many. While the board tries to limit primary classes to fewer than 30 pupils, the policy is not to split a class until there are 40 children. . . Ron Hill, Hillcrest Public School principal, told the board he has tried to find ways of easing the grade one crowding. One teacher takes 11 slower children for 35 minutes a day for special instruction and eight students are with another teacher for 20 minutes each day. The parents. had expressed their concerns by letter in October, to the 1978. board chairman, Lloyd Ackert and-- Education 'Director Jack Bowers. Mr, Ackert replied to the letters himself, at that time, outlining board policyand he..did not present the letter to ,the board. "We believe thatthe voice of every single parent writing to the board should be 4eard by all board members, whether the parents speak in person or whether the parent speaks merely • through.,. a letter," Mr.. Weinstein told the board. . "We were distressed. to learn that our lefter had not received a viewing .by this board., If it is present policy . that parents' letters are not normally presented to the board, we would request that: such a policy be reviewed," he said : "We.feel in .an inferior position to adtiiin- istrators, board members,.; principals and because he felt it was an teacher. We feel that merely by voicing . problem. concern, by feeding into the board, we are "When something is already decided by being disruptive, noisy and impertinent," board policy, you don't take it back to the • Mr. Weinstein said. board for re -affirmation,'' he said, • He added, "there should be no place for He told the parents at the .board meeting these feeling's'. in the relations between that he was amazed they felt embarrassed to parents andtheir boards of education. There should be an easy flow of discission that makes no`one uptight, so that we, parents can feel included in the decision making that effects our children." He asked the board. "to find ways to open lines of communication between parents and the board and administrators." ,. at the progress of the children as compared Mr.: Ackert replied that it was his job as with children in other schools and found the chairman last year to seled't material he felt Hillcrest children were at comparable levels required board. attention. and their -reading level was up said Ackert. Hesaid the parents were informed of the He said the board' has nopolicy regardini. board policy of not splitting a class until 40 the use of parent volunteers.in:.the. classroom.:... students were in one room, in his letter, and to assist teachers: Before the Bruce County theywere also aware they could appear Schools would allow volunteers intothe before the board. classroom, the board would have to consider Mr. Ackert told the Sentinel Monday he the matter and establish a policy. didn't take the parents' letter to the board". CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 administrative come before the board. "Your statement is. utter nonsense and I just can't accept it. I also do not apologize in any way, shape or form," he said: Mr. Ackert told the Sentinel that a careful study was made of .the class situation when hereceived the parents letter. They looked 811, A. Year ..in 'Advan'ce 521.50 To U.S..A....and Foreign WEIDN'ESDAY, FEBRUARY- 7, 1979 • Ingle Cop) 25c 20 PAGES.: Va ntines march Gordon Farrish and his sister, Christina, will skate as pairs in the Valentines March, at the Luciknow Figure Skating Carnival on Sunday afternoon at 1.30. The club has chosen a Valentine's theme for this year's carnival which Will feature senior and junior skaters as candy hearts, Valentines and cupids. • [Senthtl Staff Photo] !UT centre Three friends opened business,' together on :Thursday, February 1, on L'ucknow's' main street, The day marked the re -opening, of Cedarhill Garden . Centre under : new management: • The managers are Diane Hackett, Barb Hein), and Jan Langlois. The girls have been friends land belong to the Lucknow.. Kinette Club. . Diane and her husband Barry, ha.d purchased the business from Larry, Cowan who . had operated it With his grocery business. ' On New Year's Eve Barry asked Barb and Jan if they•would be interested' in going into business with Diane. 'Not even Diane knew he was going to make the suggestion. The change in management and ` ownership evolved from there: They have been concerned that it might make or break theirfriendships.' but there's been no problems, yet."it's be fun," says. Jan. They have - cleaned the shelves ',and rearranged the layout.of`the. store, but they have no plans to change. its rustic charm. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 1' 7, 9 Co-op executive The new executive for the board of directors of the Lucknow District Co-op was elected at a directors' meeting on January 30. They are, president, Robert Irwin; vice president,. Leo • Murray; secretary, Bill Andrew and directors, ' Charlie Wilkins, Doug Cameron, Austin Martin, Merle Gunby, Bill Scott, ' Bill -MacPherson.