Webster Wave

I was at the library on Saturday with my daughter and found copies of the Webster Wave in the children's section. There were several student articles about the facilities planning process. Some were informative and some included interviews with teachers, parents, and other students. The articles that included interviews, expressed opinions opposing K-3. It seems students and parents do not want K-3 in the Webster area.

The newspaper is very well produced and the student reporters have much to be proud of. I spoke to Mr. Fitzhenry of the ONW and he stated that there are grants available for other schools to start a student-run paper. I would encourage others to consider what Webster has accomplished. This is a great way for students to have ownership over something they can be proud of. It promotes analytical thinking, improves writing and interpersonal communication skills.

One last note was an article done by a young lady named Brooklyn Keller. She wrote an article entitled Two Board Candidates Talk To Wave. I remember the call from Miss. Keller. She had a very good list of questions and seemed quite skilled at interviewing. I was very impressed with the conversation. Below is the article by Miss. Keller.

The Board of Education is in charge of what schools do. They make decisions on how schools run. Mrs. Michelle Monte and Mr. Tom McDermott are running for Board of Education.

McDermott is running for Board of Education because public education is very important. He wants to make good decisions for schools and students. McDermott has been a member of the Board of Education for six years.

McDermott wants to complete facilities planning and continue to make teacher time priority after school. He wants to support grade level benchmarks.

If cuts had to be made, McDermott said, "I would move away form having small elementary schools and change the number of grades in each building."

McDermott wants Webster Wave readers to know, he "listens to both sides. He tries to treat people with respect." McDermott "works hard on what's best for the students."

Monte is running for Board of Education because she thinks she needs to overcome budget problems. If elected she will make sure the long range facility plan moves schools forward. She wants to keep the buildings up to standards at a reasonable cost.

Monte would visit the schools twice or more a year.

If Monte had to make cuts she would talk with community foundations to try to raise money for programs.

Monte want the Webster Wave readers to know that she cares deeply about education. She wants what's best for students, schools, and teachers.

McDermott and Monte both hope to get elected to the Board of Education.