Vote Medford 2005

Q7: Remaining in Touch with School Reality

To remain in touch with the reality of Medford's public schools, how often do you visit classrooms, attend PTO meetings and speak directly with teachers?

Could you give specific examples of your recent activities?

Blackburn: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

Ms. Blackburn declined to take part in this questionnaire.

Brady: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

I am constantly involved in the schools. As secretary to the School Committee, I review bills before confirmation is brought before the entire committee. Therefore, I know what is being spent in our schools. I often go to various events held at schools and visit the schools frequently. I know all the principals, department heads and many of the teachers. Over the years I have had the opportunity to ask questions and the discuss perspectives on the schools. I also talk to parents on a regular basis sometimes about concerns and sometimes to get input on an idea.

Cincotti : Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

I have always bin in touch with our teaching staff on a one on one level not necessarily just at PTO's having no children of my own in this school system, moreover I am costly engaging in dialog with many boy's and girls that may seek my council, as they come thru my place of business

Cugno: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

The advantage I have is that I substitute teach for the city and I get to go into the schools on an everyday bases. I do not only see things through the eyes of a parent but also as a teacher. I have been volunteering since my oldest was in kindergarten and now he is a high school senior. Whether I substitute or not I have always tried to attend PTO meetings. When that is not possible I make sure I call someone that has attended the meetings and that way I can keep in touch with what is going on. I have always been the type of parent to keep in touch with all the teachers on a regular basis. I will speak directly to the teacher and when it becomes a little more challenging to track everyone down I request progress reports to find out how my child is doing.

As far as recent activities I'm involved with the McGlynn K-8 and Medford High Schools Site Councils. I'm a room parent in two (twins) second grade classes. I'm also in the process in organizing their classroom directories and participating in their fall craft day.

DiGiantommaso: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

Attended award ceremonies, music and choral recitals, school functions at the Curtis/Tufts. For example, attending the Thanksgiving Dinner put on by the staff and students. Judged the talent show at the McGlynn. Volunteered to read in different schools. Attended special events, the DARE Program and Graduation. Have visited all the schools in my tenure on the School Committee.

Kulik: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

As a parent of two children in the Medford Public Schools, I am in touch with what is happening at their schools every day. I attend all PTO meetings and as many school social events and principal coffees as possible unless I have an unavoidable conflict. I regularly speak with teachers and administration in the school courtyard or at homework and curriculum nights.

I have worked directly with Superintendent Roy Belson to develop solutions to several issues, including bus discipline problems, choice of teaching styles, and problems related to the merging of different elementary school cultures as we transitioned to the new schools. I regularly attend Medford School Committee meetings, and often speak with Mr. Belson and other school officials on an ad hoc basis.

In addition, I participate in several classroom and school email forums. I'm a founding member of the citywide PTO support group and welcoming committee. I was the coordinator of the Medford Math and Science Parent Involvement Project, and still occasionally participate in Math and Science nights at the different elementary schools. I'm on both the Brooks School and Medford High School site councils. And, I'm active with various sub-committees at both the Brooks and Andrews schools.

As a school committee member, I will make it a point to meet at least twice per school year with the parent groups at each of the schools at all levels to discuss issues they may have. I will encourage all the other school committee members to join me.

Pompeo: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

I visit schools regularly.  I attend Fine Arts concerts, assemblies, Dare graduation ceremonies.   I am a Veteran's Day speaker.

Skerry: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

Being employed full time as a criminal investigator I find that being a member of the school committee is a great job and I enjoy watching our students partake in athletic contests, science fairs, plays, musicals and academic awards nights.

I make it a point to visits the schools often to keep abreast of what are students are doing and Listening to faculty and staff on making the Medford Public Schools the best that they can be. As a former teacher in Medford, many of my former colleagues are quick to notify me of happennings and situations that need to be tendered to.

Van der Kloot: Q7 - Remaining in touch with school reality

I am a very active member of the school committee and make every effort to be a familiar face at every school. At the outset, it is important to note that it is the role of the school committee to make policy NOT to micromanage the schools. Thus there is a fine line of being respectful to the schools, parents, and staff and allow the schools to function without inappropriately inserting oneself. However, that being said, I think one of the strengths that I bring to the school committee is being visable and being able to assert appropriately. For example, last year, the parents at the Roberts Elementary School were becoming increasing frustrated by traffic and other concerns. I attended a PTO meeting and heard their concerns. After I relayed the issues to the Superintendent, both he and the asst. Superintendent got involved the very next morning and issues were resolved.

I also make it a point to attend sports events and concerts on a regular basis. This allows me the opportunity to see our students progress and also keeps me attuned to concerns that arise. Perhaps the best example I can give is the most recent. When my mom was at the hospice just a few weeks ago, I returned a phone call from a PTO member who needed some help setting up a candidate's forum. After I had a discussion with the Superintendent, the city-wide PTO was given permission to set up the forum which will take place on Nov. 1 at the McGlynn School. I very much appreciate being invited to events and make every effort to attend. By being visable, I am able to learn the concerns of students, teachers, administrators, and parents and work to resolve issues that arise.