Ms. Rossi with all due respect, if the kids are lead in the school who is there to watch them? I know that faculty has no time in the morning to watch them. It is the parents job to drop off their children on time. If they do not then they need to be spoken too. When are we going to hold parents respondsable.

What you expect me to be responsible for my kids are you crazy.
Drop them all off at Tellier's house.
Don't hold the teachers responsible for any of their time and make sure the schools are open all the time.
I understand Mrs. Rossi now just like her husband give the unions everything they want and more and make the tax payers pay.

It doesn't take rocket scientist to figure this one out. Lets try something new, lets try having the parents responsible for their kids!

I agree on some counts, as in letting the children in at 8:45 on extremely cold days. (Under 30 degrees with wind) Parents need to make sure their children are dressed for the weather, do not get dropped off early (as to use the school as a form of child care) and ultimately take responsibility for their children. There is no doubt in my mind that if the time is moved up, some parents will take advantage and drop their children off earlier. There has never been such a lack of putting responsibility on parents (as well as students in many cases at the higher grade levels) then there is in this day and age. It speaks poorly of this generation.

One last note...Mr. Tellier apparently didn't pay attention in science class as things freeze at 32 degrees not 35...scary to think of those that make up our school committee.

I totally agree with the parent comments. I have children in Waddington and the parents don't follow policies because they think they are above it. For example, they let drop their kid off in the front door when they are supposed to line up in the morning thereby having some kids rooming the halls while the remainder are stuck outside. They are also not supposed to park in front of the school which makes it dangerous for people crossing but they still do because they are too lazy to park there car in the parking lot or side street and walk them in.

There policy does not indicate who is going to watch the children before 8:45. It shows the intelligence level of this committee. I guess we will just have Rossi and Tellier come in and babysit? Have the teachers volunteer to come in early on days less than 32 degrees. Rather than think about a situation and the impact of the policy they just have a kneejerk response to the crybaby moms that are too lazy to dress their child up properly.

My apologies to Mr. Tellier. I went back and checked my notes and he wanted the policy instituted for days less than 32 degrees, not 35 degrees. And his quote was that everything freezes at 32 degrees, not 35.

Just curious, what happens on rainy mornings? I'm sure the children don't have to stay out in the rain. ( One would hope!) Who watches them then? Seems to me the same policy that is enacted on rainy days could/should be enacted on freezing days. Just a thought from someone who doesn't have children in the schools but hates being out in the cold herself.

Lets be clear...this is an issue brought up by primarily the Oldham parents since Principal Barlow has had the kids line up before school at Waddington for a long time. This is done because there is no one to watch them. In regards to parents dropping off early for work...its not fair that they should rely on the school as a babysitter when the rest of us don't...If it becomes an issue with work for me...from being in the PTA, I asked a couple parents of my daughter's classmates if I could drop them off early at their house and they've had no problem. So on days when I have a meeting I drop them off around 8:25 at the parents house and then head to work. The parents should solve this issue themselves. No matter what time they are let in there will be parents trying to drop off early. Lets work on changing the policy of the parents first.

As far as the children being let in early, I feel that there are a lot of parents that have to make it to work at 9 am and because of the ridiculous time change in the school dept., they may HAVE to drop their kids off a little early to make it to work on time.(like at 8:45, if you're dropping your kids off before that THEN it's a parent problem especially if they're under a certain age) If there are people in the building and it is freezing out, this shouldn't even be an issue. Kids are not going to be allowed to roam the halls so the concern about who is going to watch them for 10 minutes shouldn't even be brought up. As far as Mr. Durfee's concern about Waddington school and being let in the front door and parking in front of the school, I never understood the problem with either of those two issues and I think it's ridiculous that anyone has a problem with it...if I am bringing my children to school, I should be able to drop off my children at the front door and it shouldn't be a problem. My child should be able to go into the front door and walk to his or her class. Why should I have to find a parking spot across the street and then walk my child all the way around to the back of the school?! It's not being lazy, it's just a waste of time! As far as people parking in front of the school and it being dangerous for people crossing the street, that can be solved by people using the CROSSWALK instead of walking across the street in between the cars!

James
Are you trying to make the parents responsible for their children? What has gotten into you?

This school committee (Tellier and Rossi mostly) are trying to make anything and everything the responsibility of the administration. They are in the pocket of the teachers union. You can only hope Charlie fully understands the seriousness of the problems. Watch closely.

Amanda
You are correct because rules don't apply to you only everyone else.

Drop your kids off at the appropriate time and at the appropriate places, if you can't make time for you children, well I don't and nobody else has and answer for that however the problem falls with the parent and not everyone else. If you as a parent can't follow simple instruction or are to good for rules and regulations what are you teaching your kids. GROW UP.

What do the children do for recess on cold days? Do they stay inside or do they go out? Come on parents, dress your kids for the weather.

I believe there are signs and a yellow curb in front of Waddington and Principal Barlow has often had a police officer direct the cars away from there. When cars park in front you have issues with kids getting out onto a main street which has lots of traffic and the cars obstructing the visibility of people crossing. In addition, you are not supposed to go in the front door unless you're late or for some legitimate reason like to meet with the teacher. Why should there be kids roaming around the hallways when the rest of the class is lined up outside waiting to be let in by the teacher. By the way, the teachers often use that time before class begins to meet with parents and to prepare the classroom, so to have "better than the rest of us" mom drop there kid of early in the front door is wrong and against the rules. But the rules don't apply to you or the rest of these moms, you do what is easiest for you...like dropping off early and then when you are inconvenienced...you complain.

"S"...what is that supposed to mean...the rules don't apply to me just everyone else?! This is not a question of following rules, it is a question of if the rules implemented are worthy enough to be followed. I personally believe that there are a lot better things the principals and school committee should focus on then what door my child goes in in the morning. For example, if I don't want to drag my 6 month old out in the freezing cold to walk my child across the street, I should be able to drop them off in the front! Letting the kids in when it's freezing 10 minutes early shouldn't even be a question...it's basic ethics...you don't leave a kid outside freezing I don't care what the parents reason is for dropping them off a little early! As far as the "grow up" comment...how about "growing up" and leaving a name instead of a letter to respond to...

Who decides if the rules are worth following? Is that you? The truth is is doesn't matter what the rules are you are going to do what you want and the heck with everyone else anyway. Oh well!!!!

I think the point is being missed. The children are allowed to be dropped off at 8:45, so there is no change in time. They are already supervised outside, so it is only a matter of shifting the supervision inside instead. There is no cost, and it has nothing to do with unions. I am confused as to what facts theses comments are addressing.

Prior to this year, the kids lined up inside in the All-Purpose Room at Oldham when temps dipped below 32 degrees (or wind chill made it feel below 32 degrees). There was never an issue with this, either from a supervion aspect or logistical standpoint. Currently the standard according to the policy as written is that of a "reasonable man", which allows the principals' discretion in making the determination. The policy change would now make it a more concrete standard. There have been days when the children were allowed in during dire temps or rain (inclement weather) and there has been no issues. The policy seeks to make a uniform policy for the District.

Exactly...its not a question of following the rules because they don't follow the rules...its already starting...Now instead of going in at 8:45 instead of 8:50 (which I might add they often already do if its raining or really cold), Amanda wants 10 minutes so she can get to work. I now want 15 minutes early and I want to drive behind the school with my car to drop/pickup my child...because I don't want to waste any time and I'm a good driver so there is no reason I shouldn't be allowed. I think the complaining parents are really trying to get them let in before 8:45 because they often on bad weather days already let them in at this time. I think this is more about the parents...when I'm standing out there, the kids are talking and playing with each other and they don't care. My daughter actually wants to get in line early even when its cold. Lets be honest...its SUV mom that doesn't want to get out and drop them off at the right time and right spot.

Actually, it is not true. I am one of "those moms" that contacted the School Committe because of my concerns. I am not looking to drop my kids off early and I am not looking for free babysitting. The kids stand in line, they are not allowed to run around and play to keep their blood pumping and their tempertaures up. It is cold standing out there exposed to the wind, I know because I stand out there with them. If it is plausible to allow then to wait inside, out of the elements, why not allow it? It costs nothing, and it is safer and healthier for our children. I fail to see how I just became "a SUV mom" that is only looking out for my convenience because I am a concerned parent. In addition, this is already the practice at most schools, including the High School, Middle Schools and most other elementary schools.

I remember when I was in elementary school we were allowed in early on rainy and cold days and were supervised by the principal or any teachers that were there early. What is the big deal, it is common sense, if it is freezing out let the kids in, if its raining out let the kids in. It is not an every day occurance. Most schools have a gym/cafeteria, or designate one room for the kids to go to on days of inclement weather.

Beckie you are not SUV mom...that was referring to Amanda who parks in front of Waddington school just like the Mom's that don't follow the rules for Oldham's one way road and parking. Beckie the point isn't being missed...I may be wrong but I thought Tellier's motion was to let the children in 15 minutes before start of school which would be 8:40. (I'll have to watch the meeting again) But the teachers don't come in until 8:45. At Waddington, they already let them in at 8:45 when the weather is poor. Which is fine because teachers are there...but parents will just drop off at 8:40 and have the kids line up for 5 minutes so in my mind nothing will be changed for the kids, just the parents. The parent at the meeting made it seem that at Oldham they previously would be let in upon arrival (no matter what time) and obviously that would be a supervision issue. I understand that the clarification would be great (i.e. 32 degrees or less let them in 5 minutes early)...as long as it is 8:45...but this will not change the kids lining up outside which I think the intent of the argument was.

What does this all come down to? As ususal...this generation has become one,that basically do not hold their children or themselves responsible for anything. It is the generation of "entitlement," that feels whatever is easiest for them is what should become the rule. It's also the generation of, "my child never does anything wrong." If they are doing poorly in school, itis the teachers fault. (and no I am not a teacher) as a matter of fact I am as anti-union as one can get...unions served their purpose many years ago (but that is a subject for another day)
Basically we have a generation of parents (not all...but many) that don't want to take responsibility for their children, and find it's much easier to let someone else do it. Along those same lines, these parents are the same one's that don't seem to feel that rules apply to them. As a previous comment noted, what kind of example are they setting for their children. What they continually do is go through life (excuse the language) wiping their childrens ass, so that the child never has to become responsible for themselves. A poor example of parenting at its worst.

I agree with all the comments about parents - suggest all you working Mom's and Dad's arrange with your employer to come in a little later-it was your decision to have children, and the world should not have to work around your schedules. I'm a parent too, and have been there and done that, so can note with experience.

Seriously? Why is everyone missing the point here? You are allowed to drop your children off at 8:45 to wait outside. All anyone is trying to do here, is move the waiting children from outside into the school. This is not about a sense of entitlement, poor parenting or lack of responsibility. This is simply about a move in location.

Read the article again. Chrissy Rossi stated

"sharpen" the policy to tell parents not to drop their kids off before 8:45am, but that if they did, the students would be let inside during cold weather.

"You can't control the parents, you can at least help the kids," she said.

The East Providence School Committee is considering a new policy for how to handle children who arrive at elementary school early on cold days.

I think that means they are saying open the school earlier. So yes they are saying open the doors earlier for children that arrive earlier.

From standing behind Waddington every morning with my child...I can say it won't matter what time is set because the kids will still be dropped off roughly 5 to 10 minutes early by their parents. They will still be subjected to the cold. So to me it is a large part due to parenting because the policy won't prevent the kids from waiting in the cold...but good parenting will. This happened before the time change and it is still happening...and will continue to happen until the parents take responsibility. I just think its a case where the policy won't solve the problem...but parents can solve this...and yet another example of wanting government to solve problems that can be solved by ourselves.

I agree...but I could say the same thing about a measly 15 minute recess...look at the furor that caused with the union teachers and the soccer moms...or even a measly few moments to fill out a data form...the debate is still raging. I guess a few minutes really matter to unions.

James that is so true. If the teachers union actually cared about the education of the East Providence student body as much as the majority of the teachers do we would be in good shape.
Are they really insulted because the administration wants to hold them accountable for their time? I don't know of any job anywhere that a professional is not held accountable for what they are doing week to week, day to day or hour by hour. That is a most ridicules argument however this school committee sides with the union how foolish is that. If the school committee decides they want to set education policy the students will loose. As it is right now the majority of the teachers who want to do a good job are being stifled by the union to be quiet, but the school committee (Chrissy Rossi) echos everything they say and does everything they want.

S, your argument would be more credible without so many grammar and spelling errors.

S, teachers were against the recess change (teachers taking the children out or monitoring during recess time) because it violated the contract. A group of people can only be violated so many times before they can no longer walk without pain. If the so-called main reason this action was initiated was due to problems at recess, then the aids that are hired need to have better training to manage student behavior inside and outside the classroom. Many can, many more cannot. As for the recording of the newly reacquired fifteen minutes of non-recess supervision, teachers were insulted. Of course they were. This was not for data collecting purposes. This was a wounded Superintendent trying to implement yet another pointless, waste of time mandate that serves no purpose. If Dr. Cirillo really wants to mow what teachers do during those 15 minutes, perhaps he needs to actually visit a school now and then...when there isn't press following him. The last time I saw him, he was standing outside a classroom on the cell phone. Not once did he enter, say hello, inquire what was going on, or even show an interest.

What will the teachers do during that fifteen minutes? The same things they have always done: correct papers, call parents, work with students, analyze test scores, record data, untangled Elmo cords, pick up math manipulative from the floor, meet with teachers, plan lessons, set up for the next lesson, erase the white boards, check planners, sharpen pencils, get materials from the stock room, work with students, meet with the principal, help a teacher with a problem, study for an after school student program, fill in report cards, answer a note from a parent, respond to a note from a student, hang up work on bulletin boards...just to name a few things. Oh, and if there is time, use the bathroom. Is it really necessary to require a dedicated professional to fill in a checklist to prove the time spent is of value? Maybe even a fifteen minute break where a teacher just sits in quiet and rests for a few minutes...without interruption and decompressed, rejuvenated, and relaxes. Visit a classroom.

Oh, and I see a few spelling errors of my own, but I will blame the iPad for that...dealing thing changes the words on my and there is no back button.

See...dealing thing? What the heck is that? Ok I am done.

I guess I am not the only one to make errors in spelling and or grammar, its good of you to point them out for us both. I could have also blamed spell check for mine but nope, I took responsibility for them and choose not to place blame anywhere but hey that’s me.

Now stop the run on about all the wonderful things you do. I fully understand what the majority of the teachers do and do well. My point here is that for you to take a second and but a check mark on a piece of paper is not asking too much. All professionals are asked to account for their time, why should you be different. Many write weekly and monthly highlights and must do’s.
As far as having teachers supervise recess, that in no way violated any contract and you know that as well as anyone. The mere fact that you as a professional does not understand that you need to be accountable for you time is troubling to me.
All professionals are busy and take work home, some are on call day and night however all are still held accountable for their time.
I still do not find it insulting in anyway to be held accountable I actually enjoy it as it is my time to let everyone know what I have accomplished and what I plan to do. I like to earn my pay and let everyone know what I have done to earn it.

Actually, it did violate the contract. And in no way did I imply that I was not in full aware that teachers need to account for time. I am glad that you enjoy making a checkmark next to a predetermined list of activities that your superior deems to be important...you must do very well at your job and earn your pay. I guess the slobs who have devoted their lives to educating the next generation will just have to suck it up and continue to endure the phenomenal support from the public. Now, I would love to continue this all-to-familiar conversation...but I have mid-year reading tests to record, math CBMs to score, a Science class for which to prepare, and GLEs to align. Check, Check, Check, Check.

I think the East Providence Teachers should look at Greece or other socialist countries and realize that they are bankrupting us all. 60 Minutes had a great story about how municipalities are the next great disaster (like the sub-prime mortgage crisis), and public service pensions and other benefits are the leading cause. The unions and the teachers (especially the retired ones) don't want to accept any reasonable change to their 'contract'. Remember this when we are broke like Central Falls and there is no money for anything.

I have to fill a weekly timesheet with specific items to account for every minute I worked which gets reviewed by my boss and even the clients can request the hours worked for backup....I guess its a little different in the real world. Its unfortunate because as a parent I respect teachers so much but then an educator like Jo or Val Lawson actually opens their mouth and speaks about violation of contracts to play with children at recess and the rest of their union garbage and all you can do is cringe and shake your head wondering what the nation builders are building our nation into....I guess the United States of Central Falls.

James, teachers complete weekly lesson plans which are passed in to the principal. These lesson plans indicate the times and lengths of lessons for each day of the week. So, you see, we have a daily, hour to hour Timesheet. And, my mouth is closed while I type. By the way, playing with the children outside would be fabulous. That's not the issue. It was actually wonderful to head outside during the nice days. However, that fifteen minutes is used for work. And, yes, contract is an issue when it keeps getting violated. Again, spend a good day in a classroom, please. Educate yourself. Teaching is NOT like the real world. You are absolutely correct.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what makes parents like me cringe about union teachers...it takes 100 words about violations of your contract and personally insulting your superintendent before you admit taking your second graders out during recess was fabulous and wonderful. Welcome to the United States of Central Falls!

You really just don't get it.

I guess Val Lawson told you to stop writing on here

People need to come out and support this administration and now allow this school committee to follow along with the union bullies. Because that is what the unions are trying to do is bully the tax payers and get evening thing they want.