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Livonia Observer; January 5, 2005
Topic Started: Jan 5 2006, 02:04 PM (2,695 Views)
fyi
Principal
Positiveparent
Jan 5 2006, 09:45 PM
And there it is.

On another thread there was a member that stated that they were afraid to post that they were for the LI because they didn't want the onslaught that always comes on this site to anyone that is not totally ready to get rid of the BOE and only see the negative side of this issue. Well, this string just went to that.

There are people that ARE affected by this plan AND are ok with it. You are letting other people stir your emotions. If you would for one second look at the LI from the 10,000 foot view and not just from your house, you would be able to see the positives and see that what is making some people unhappy really is for the good of the ENTIRE community. Schools MUST be closed. There is not a large enough population to sustain all of the current schools. Children need to be moved to the schools that are large enough to hold them. The k-6 model is a dinosaur and Livonia needs to keep up with the times.

Change is difficult for some people. People that get their energy from the "half-empty glass" outlook. It is going to happen, so it would be in the best interest of everyone to get on with their lives, accept it and make lemonade out of what you consider the lemons that you have been dealt.

Positiveparent,

This website is comprised mainly of people who oppose the LI. There is, however,
a topic on this site to list the main benefits of LI. Maybe you will feel more comfortable there. Feel free to post what your thoughts on that thread. The topic
is called: "What are the main benefits of the LI. Please list them all here."

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Want2move
Principal
Positiveparent
Jan 5 2006, 09:45 PM
And there it is.

On another thread there was a member that stated that they were afraid to post that they were for the LI because they didn't want the onslaught that always comes on this site to anyone that is not totally ready to get rid of the BOE and only see the negative side of this issue.  Well, this string just went to that.

There are people that ARE affected by this plan AND are ok with it.  You are letting other people stir your emotions.  If you would for one second look at the LI from the 10,000 foot view and not just from your house, you would be able to see the positives and see that what is making some people unhappy really is for the good of the ENTIRE community.  Schools MUST be closed.  There is not a large enough population to sustain all of the current schools.  Children need to be moved to the schools that are large enough to hold them.    The k-6 model is a dinosaur and Livonia needs to keep up with the times. 

Change is difficult for some people.  People that get their energy from the "half-empty glass" outlook.  It is going to happen, so it would be in the best interest of everyone to get on with their lives, accept it and make lemonade out of what you consider the lemons that you have been dealt.

Ok... sorry I didn't reply to the entire post, the only thing that stuck out to me was the lemon philosophy.

Paragraph 1:
I'm sorry if anyone is afraid to post here out of fear. I'm not sure what happened to them, but most of the more agonistic posts I've seen here have been by supporters who seem to want to pick a fight. As FYI states, this site is mainly for opposers of the LI. Any supporters who come here in an insulting or antagonistic way better expect some poo thrown their way. Anyone with good factual thoughts or opinions are welcomed and respected.

(edited by me)See the pinned post: Posting Under Different Screen Names

Paragraph 2:
I'm glad you have no problem with the plan...it's nice to hear everyone isn't as distraught over this as others, because it isn't a good feeling. Many people have looked at this proposal from every angle and have yet to find out how this is the best solution out there. The K-6 model a dinosaur? Well, it has worked for all the many years that Livonia Schools have been a well respected and desirable district, so I'm not sure I get that one.
As far as change, I understand the need, and I'm all for it. This change appears to be designed to keep a top heavy administration at status quo, while totally reconfiguring it on the children’s side. There are many good ideas for change out there as you will see if you browse through the many threads here. Had the BOE and Randy not waited until change was needed yesterday, AND included LPS parents(not a hand picked mostly LPS interested committee), I'm sure all of this negativity would have been avoided. They failed miserably in that respect.

Paragraph 3:
If you wish to let it happen, then by all means do so. Please do whatever you wish with your lemons (other than throw them at me), and I will do what I wish with mine. Feel free to elaborate as FYI suggested, and I promise to respect your opinions as long as they are presented in a "positiveparent" manner.
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fyi
Principal
They sure didn't waste anytime here. I thought MISTER Lessard said nobody wants his buildings???


School buildings offered for lease
BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA
STAFF WRITER


As Livonia Public Schools moves forward with its Legacy Initiative, the district is entertaining offers to lease out the elementary buildings scheduled to close next fall.

Under the Legacy plan, supported by board members last month, the district will close seven schools and reconfigure grades into buildings for grades K-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12.

To contribute to an estimated savings of $1.5 to $2 million per year, the plan includes the potential to lease those school buildings set to close. They include: Adams, Hull, McKinley, Nankin Mills, Taylor, Tyler, Washington.

"We've had interest in several of our buildings," said Lisa Levesque, finance director.

While she's fielding questions about several locations, the district is currently discussing a possible lease for Washington Elementary.

"Plymouth-Canton did contact us about utilizing Washington throughout their construction process," said Levesque. "They're doing some building and they have a need for one elementary school for next year. We're talking. We'll see where it goes."

Parents and the Washington community have been notified of these talks, Levesque said.

While she called the Washington lease "the most definite thing we have in the works," no paperwork or recommendation has yet come before the school board. Levesque said the district is taking names and inquiries about all of its available property.

"We have an active community all around us," she said. "We're looking at all the requests we get."


Originally published January 8, 2006
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fyi
Principal
Anti-legacy group hires "high profile" attorney
BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA
STAFF WRITER


Citizens for Livonia's Future recently hired an attorney to assist in a potential recall of trustees on the Livonia Public Schools Board of Education, and other legal action.

Mayer Morganroth will represent the Citizens for Livonia's Future in an attempt to seek legal action and to pursue a recall of five school board members. They include board president Dan Lessard, and trustees Rob Freeman, Cynthia Markarian, Lynda Scheel and Kevin Whitehead. Trustee Joanne Morgan is up for re-election in May, so she will not be part of the recall. And Tom Bailey cast the sole vote opposed to the plan.

Morganroth's clients have included assisted suicide doctor Jack Kevorkian. "He's a pretty high-profile attorney," said Holly Burr, a member of Citizens for Livonia's Future.

She said Morganroth will look over recall petition language before it is submitted to Wayne County for approval.

The grassroots organization is seeking community members who would be willing to circulate petitions in the school district, should those documents be approved by an elections commission. "I get e-mails daily through the Web site," said Burr, who runs www.citizensforlivoniasfuture.com. "People are giving money. They want to help with the recall."

Citizens for Livonia's Future will host an open meeting 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at St. Mary's Community Room, 18200 Merriman Road in Livonia.


Originally published January 8, 2006


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fyi
Principal

LETTERS


Parents' transition only worry
After reading Danielle's (letter, Dec. 29 Observer) I am confident that Livonia Public Schools continues to provide a top notch education. I was "intrigued" to see a 7-year-old write such an articulate letter. Danielle's mastery of the English language is a testament to the quality education she has received from Livonia Public Schools. If her achievement level in other subjects matches her English abilities, perhaps she should skip a few grade levels bypassing fifth through eighth grade altogether.

Since after school activities are not on the chopping block, Danielle will still be able to play soccer and take dance classes. I'm not familiar with bus ball, but it sounds dangerous and should be left to the professionals.

Danielle can also rest assured that her sense of community involvement will not decrease. Her peers in the neighborhood will be with her during the transition from fourth grade throughout high school, and hopefully to whatever Ivy League school gives her the best scholarship.

Travel time is a legitimate concern; just as it is now for students who live on a boundary between two high schools, and may be forced to attend one not necessarily the closest geographically to their homes. Perhaps Danielle can use the extra time on the bus to get a jump start on her Masters thesis.

Why does this K-4 plan have to happen now? Danielle may need to spend a few extra minutes brushing up on local events. Over the past five years millions of dollars have been cut from Livonia's budget resulting in losses from administration to custodial levels, all the while maintaining class size. The demographic committee with its infinite wisdom has found a way to keep Livonia Public Schools among the best in the area.

Danielle will have no problem with the forthcoming transitions, it's her parents I am worried about.

Tim Vanecek

Livonia

Set an example for kids
This past year I have been watching and attending meetings with parents, community members, staff, demographics committee members, and board trustees. I am losing McKinley a school where I spent 7 years as a child and chair PTA events as an adult. I know the decision made by the school board has not been an easy decision at all for them to make.

I have always thought that if state shared revenue and enrollment continued falling short of rising costs we would have to look at closing schools. I know this plan has come with a lot of controversy on both sides opposing and supporting the plan. However it is very important that we make the transition go smoothly and put students first. If you are a parent you need to be involved in the transition process. It is your right to voice concerns challenge and participate in elections. That is something Americans can do freely that others cannot.

One thing is certain, however. Come September, kids will be coming to the doors of our schools and need an education. We most set a good example for them and make our schools the warm place they are today. The future of the Livonia Public Schools lies with both those who are against the plan and support the decision coming together to make Livonia communities come together ensure and enhance educational opportunity and excellence.

John Grzebik

Livonia

Plan builds program for kids
To 7-year-old Danielle Wojcik: I congratulate you on your remarkable letter. IF you did write it, you have an amazing vocabulary and your written skills are far beyond what one would expect from a second-grader.

To answer some of your concerns about the upcoming changes in the schools: although you won't be in the same school as your sister, remember you would have only been in the same school for two years. Your sister will be fine.

You worried about missing soccer and dance at Hull after school. Everyone your age will be at the 5/6 school, so your classes may meet there or the time may change or there may be another after-school activity for you.

I have two sons and live by Roosevelt. My youngest transferred to Webster in third grade. We made this change because it meant a better program for him, even though it also meant a long bus ride. My son loved his new school and never complained about riding the bus. He didn't know any kids when he changed schools. You will be riding the bus with all the kids from your fourth-grade class. You worried about what you would do on the bus. My son tells me most talk. He doesn't recall any major traffic or bus problems.

At his new school he met lots of new friends. He went to school with them from third grade through high school and still gets together with them regularly, even though they attend different colleges.

My older son attended Roosevelt then went to Riley. He was very disappointed to find that two-thirds of the kids he knew from junior high were off to different high schools. That is one problem that the new school system will prevent.

Kids need music, art, foreign language and physical education. They are important for the development of the mind and the body especially in this global world. That is what this new program is all about -- building the programs for our kids, not just keeping our buildings.

I have answered your concerns. Now mom and dad can start reinforcing the positives of this new change. Their support and confidence in your ability to succeed in school, on the bus and in life will go far in making the upcoming changes easy and exciting, not worrisome.

Janet Ellis

Livonia

It's beyond elementary issues
I am a Livonia Churchill sophomore, and I would like to express my views on the letter sent from "Danielle Wojcik," if she even wrote it. Think about the reason for schooling. So, you can learn, go to college and have a good life. A very crucial and important step in this process is high school. Currently, the elementary schools are not the only ones suffering.

College admission is extremely important, without that then you can forget about your future. On these admissions sheets, you will hear that after-school activities are vital to get into that special college. Yet, this is becoming harder and harder. For the past couple of years the school system has not been offering activity buses. This is a horrible change. Having to fend for ourselves for rides is a chore, with the whole family being busy, etc.

At around $2.15 a gallon, gas is becoming an even scarcer resource. Wanting to reserve it and to not spend it frivolously is tough; especially to find out that the club meeting only lasts 15 minutes, if you manage to get a ride.

Also, it is hard to learn when it is so cold. We can now wear our coats in some classrooms because several teachers told us that the heat is staying lower to save money.

Lastly, we all hear that sports are a very important part in life, teamwork, "practice makes perfect," and reaching goals. Now, however, Livonia has instituted pay to play, costing $100 for sports and $50 for some extracurricular activities including marching band and Student Council. It is hard to imagine paying $100 to run around in circles for track or $50 to express your ideas for a better school.

And to the mother or father of Danielle Wojcik, you can write an amazing 7-year-old's letter, who knew a child can create such intricate metaphors and precise grammar! Since, I remember learning the basics of metaphors in MIDDLE SCHOOL in the Livonia school system. Wow! How can you fool your child's teachers?

The Legacy initiative is a good idea. Not having to pay for the maintenance of these not-fully utilized schools, might allow the school system to afford the activity buses or stop pay to play or even turn up the heat a few degrees. There is a lot more involved in this issue, than just the elementary schools.

Kelly Breslin

Livonia


Originally published January 12, 2006



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CKlockner
Principal
Ok people, get busy and write letters to the Observer.
300 words or less.
Remember the BOE members are smiling and patting themselves on the back after reading letters like these.
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fyi
Principal
It's a bit one-sided this week. I agree
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Grant1
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We have just begun to fight!
fyi
Jan 12 2006, 09:22 AM
It's a bit one-sided this week.  I agree

To be fair to the letter writers I would have to say that they have been a bit one sided for those of us against in the past papers. But here is an excerpt from the editor on the letter that was commented on by several from the 7 yr old.

Our policy on running them hasn't changed, but it's worth reminding readers and writers that letters must have a name, address and phone number. We do verify letters. Once in a while we doubt the person who signed the letter actually wrote it. In one recent case, we could tell that a 7-year-old hadn't written a letter identified as being by her. However, since it came from a parent, the tactic seemed to be taken for effect and it seemed so obvious as not to be deceitful.

Seemed so obvious as not to be deceitful?

Just writing it and signing as your child is being deceitful, and dosen't gaurantee that everyone can tell deciet from lies from the truth

Look what the BOE and LPS has wrought - parents writing lies and signing them as thier children.
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fyi
Principal
I couldn't obtain the letter written from the child's prospective on-line, but it was a letter against the LI. Basically, how the LI would effect her if it went through.
It was classic.
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fyi
Principal
Here it is:

SERVING THE CUSTOMERS?

My name is Danielle Wojcik. I currently attend Hull Elementary School.
If this K-4 plan moves forward my little sister Colette (3 years old) and
I (7 years old) will never go to the same school at the same time.

Dad says that we moved here to be close to our school, where there is
much community involvement. Examples includes sixth-graders to help
us cross the streets as crossing guards, and parents who help us read at
school. My soccer practice and dance class are at Hull also.

Studies have shown that smaller schools with fewer transitions are the way
to go. The demographics committee with it's infinite wisdom have chose the
largest schools with the most transitions.

I'm sure that the demographics committee has developed plans for my
extracurricular activities. Remember that you are planning to take one
half of my daily outdoor recess time away (for fifth and sixth grade) and
preventing me from my soccer, baseball and dance classes, since I will
be on the bus. It's probably quite a few years or decades since you were
sitting in a class waiting to get some energy out on a school playground.

Extracurricular activities could include: Bus ball, Basket Bus Ball, Soccer
on a Bus, Practice New Musical Instruments on a Bus, Tailgate Parties
Behind a Bus, Foreign Language on a Bus, or better yet, Learn Frustrated
Driver Language Tied Up in Traffic Behind a Bus Approaching a 1,000-plus-
student 5-6 school.

Why does this k-4 plan have to happen now, or ever? What has the school
board been doing until now? Our decline in school enrollment did not occur
in the past two months.

You may have some questions of your own, such as how a second-grade
student would be so intrigued about this plan. My dad couldn't quite
answer all these questions. After a few moments dad said that maybe the
demographics committee hasn't found their real calling in life. Maybe they
are gifted engineers and cranking out 1,000 widgets from one (fifth- and
sixth-grade) factory would be the most efficient and profitable way of
business.

Or maybe they should work at a self-service gas station. I immediately
corrected dad. A self-service gas station serves the customer, not the
gas attendant

Danielle Wojcik
Livonia
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Administrator
Administrator
Thats great stuff. Todays letter writers really took the bait. They just didn't get it. I think the Observer has been pretty balanced altogether. I'm not sure if they sent anyone to last nights meeting though. I'd be surprised if they didn't with that many people attending.
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Grant1
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We have just begun to fight!
supposedly they did send a reporter
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Livonia Voter
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Principal
Positiveparent
Jan 5 2006, 09:45 PM


Change is difficult for some people. People that get their energy from the "half-empty glass" outlook. It is going to happen, so it would be in the best interest of everyone to get on with their lives, accept it and make lemonade out of what you consider the lemons that you have been dealt.


Or, I can engage in the democratic process and use the constitutional tools provided to us all to make my own changes.

Of course, if you don't like my changes you can engage in a debate to change hearts and minds.............

..........or develope a taste for lemonade.


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Grant1
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We have just begun to fight!
Livonia Voter
Jan 13 2006, 10:52 PM
Positiveparent
Jan 5 2006, 09:45 PM


Change is difficult for some people.  People that get their energy from the "half-empty glass" outlook.  It is going to happen, so it would be in the best interest of everyone to get on with their lives, accept it and make lemonade out of what you consider the lemons that you have been dealt.


Or, I can engage in the democratic process and use the constitutional tools provided to us all to make my own changes.

Of course, if you don't like my changes you can engage in a debate to change hearts and minds.............

..........or develope a taste for lemonade.

Too sour for me
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Livonia Voter
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Principal

Frankly, I can't stand the stuff.

And I've always hated that that phrase. Too defeatist.


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