On Teacher convention canceled
Posted on October 28 at 11:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The Thursday of convention week has, in recent years, been a work day, and the Friday has been a break day. As mentioned in an earlier post, teachers are asked to determine their use of time for Thursday, and I wanted to mention that teachers use one of their two given PERSONAL days, not a SICK day to just have the day off.
Also, teachers may use ERT time, which is "earned release time", to have the day off. ERT is earned for those little extras like attending a planning meeting after contract time, volunteering at breakfast club, facilitating an after school club, etc. It's offered for many things, but can only be used when no students are present, such as a work day without students or to leave work once the kids are gone instead of at 3:45 if they have an appointment or family obligation.
Many teachers historically have chosen to work in their classroom for the day, to get organized, create materials, collaborate with colleagues, or do grades (end of first quarter is next week!). I would imagine it is actually a nice gift of time.
On Save Janesville Schools fundraisers under way
Posted on May 17 at 10:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Just to clarify, it's the Monroe Student Council collecting the pop tabs. However, Monroe PTA did approve a donation from their organizaiton at their meeting tonight.
On Monroe Elementary evacuation goes swimmingly
Posted on September 23 at 6:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Way to go, Monroe Staff and others involved! I am proud to have a student at your school and that they were in such capable and caring hands.
I'd like to point out that the last sentence is incorrect. "A water main break in the same general area occurred in January 2006, but school was not in session that day."
**School WAS in session that day for the rest of the district, but because the water main broke before the day started, Monroe students did not report to school. Staff was required to report to Marshall and had to do whatever work they could, setting up shop in their library.
On How generous are health care benefits for teachers?
Posted on September 17 at 9:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Didn't school board member Hesselbacher discuss this at the meeting on tues? Teachers have 80/20, $300 deductible per family or $100 individual, and no vision insurance. I know she mentioned other things that aren't exactly "Cadillac" or top of the line or totally free.
Posted on June 19 at 11:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There actually are several K-5 classroom teachers who were selected to go as a leader of their building, because they are seen as an exemplary employee, and have since left the district. Those "leaders" chose to leave for better districts, and it's a lost investment. I do know that administrators from the ESC can help keep costs down by substituting in classrooms for the teachers that attend these conferences, but oftentimes that didn't happen. Not sure what a sub makes for two days, but if they keep sending teachers, they should use the district administrators/coordinators/support staff whenever possible!
On 2 Janesville principals retiring
Posted on April 16 at 5:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Congratulations, Susan. You have had a very accomplished career and brought a lot of wonderful things to Janesville schools. Best wishes!
On Janesville School Board considers budget
Posted on March 31 at 1:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I must add here that at my children's school they ask for field trip money, t-shirt money, or milk money 10-14 days in advance. They need to arrange chaperones, so in no way could they be asking with such short notice. Maybe the notes you are getting are reminders because for some reason the first note was misplaced or didn't make it home the first time.
I agree with the beloit teacher who said arrangements can be made for those who cannot pay. Our PTA has a contingency or scholarship fund for just that purpose.
On Smart kids, helpful parents mark Monroe Elementary's 10th science fair
Posted on February 11 at 10:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a Monroe parent, I'd like to thank the community businesses, also, that helped make the Science Fair possible. Without their support and generous contributions, the Science Fair committee would not be able to rent tables or purchase trophies. And yes, I helped my two children with their projects and displays, but when the consultant came along, I stepped back and they did all the talking about what they discovered. The most important thing is quality family time we spent together working on projects, discussing them, and being at the Science Fair as a family. I am proud to be a Monroe parent! 10 years of science fairs is a fantastic accomplishment. The parent committee (not through PTA) works hard to make this all come together, and it was wonderful once again!
Page 1 of 1
On Where'd your Dad work?
Posted on January 10 at 11:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
My dad worked at Beloit Corp, and when they closed (another big company gone in our area!!!), the parent company offered him something in Appleton. He was 50 at the time, and I hate that he and my mom had to move at that point in their lives, just when grandbabies were being born! He'll retire from there and may move back to southern Wisconsin where most of the kids and grandkids are. Who knows, they do like it in the Fox River area, and may stay there, too.