Comments for Citizen's News

Comment on Woodland makes Newsweek rankings by iheartbf

iheartbf — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:28:53 +0000

The ranking is meaningless, but Region 16 will tout it to parents hoping to provide the illusion of a quality education. One problem is government education across the nation has been “dumbed down” so much that mediocrity is now accepted as excellence. Moreover, the primary cause for the failure of U.S. students to compete internationally is weak math and science curricula. The statistics that should matter to parents are what percentage of seniors accepted into college can perform first year work without taking remedial classes, what percentage of students finish their degree in four years, and where does WRHS stand on the various international comparative tests that are given. Region 16 spends more than $15,000 per student annually, and they’re looking for more money again from tapped out taxpayers. They should not be allowed to point to this report as evidence that we’re getting our money’s worth. We aren’t.

Comment on Woodland makes Newsweek rankings by bf06403

bf06403 — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:06:31 +0000

“more than 5,000 high schools were invited to submit information for the ranking, which is open to all public high schools in the country, and nearly 2,500 schools responded. A total of 2,000 high schools made the list.”

So, ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE we’re either 1429 out of 2500 or out of 2000 depending on how you look at it.

My comments may be laughable to some – but as was said years ago, READING IS FUNDAMENTAL. The only ignorance being spewed here is hte preaching that being in the TOP SEVENTY ONE PERCENT (or rounding favorably, being 7th best out of 10) on this list {which IS what the article is about} is worth bragging about.

While Woodland does really have plenty of things to brag about, ANYONE can do the math and see that scoring higher than 571 but lower than 1428 simply isn’t one of them.

Comment on Woodland makes Newsweek rankings by TSpagnola

TSpagnola — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:17:12 +0000

You do realize there are over 16,000 recognized high school institutions in the U.S. correct? Your ignorance spewed across the comment section of this ‘site’ is at times truly laughable.

Comment on Beacon Falls woman pens tale of her life by goe-anita

goe-anita — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:52:32 +0000

Congratulations Liz — I do hope you reach those who can benefit by your story and ultimately your success. Wishing you the best. Anita

Comment on Woodland makes Newsweek rankings by bf06403

bf06403 — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:26:34 +0000

With so many things to be excited about at Woodland, is being number ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE on any list really noteworthy ? What is that teaching ?

Comment on Community snapshots by magslef1986

magslef1986 — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:12:26 +0000

OOF!!
that girl is not from Naugatuck, she lives in oakville, ct with her grandparents and goes to school in oakville, ct with my daughter. She couldn’t possibly be a Homework Helper, she needs help with her homework. Is that what parents do these days? lie to get their kids into competitions. Who wants someone like that representing their state? she certainly is not the wholesome girl you want as Miss Connecticut Pre-teen

Comment on School board trims spending plan by bf06403

bf06403 — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:07:46 +0000

“The board removed $85,000 for replacing the boiler at Long River. The boiler will still be replaced this year, but will be done so under an energy savings program from Connecticut Light & Power.”

and

“The trimming of the increase was aided with a $32,000 savings in health insurance. “We were able to negotiate a lower fee with our broker who has been working with the district for quite some time,” Vice Chair Donna Cullen said.

These beg the question – why was this $117,000 in the budget that went to referendum in the first place if the projects can be completed without the $117k ? It seems to be an examples of very poor stewardship of the money proposed to be paid by the taxpayers in Beacon Falls and Prospect.

Comment on Letter: Former clerk replies to letter by mkrenesky

mkrenesky — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:02:57 +0000

As the former clerk I am afraid that Ms Classey has forgotten a number of things she is passing off here as the truth.

First, the Board of Finance owns the Town Budget, not the Board of Selectmen, or as Ms Classey implies, the 1st Selectman. For years the 1st Selectman has collected the department requests, formulated those requests into a draft budget, which is then handed off to the Bd of Finance to fashion a budget to bring to the public. It rests with the Bd of Finance to schedule and administer the budget workshops and set the public hearing date. The Bd of Selectmen are guests at these workshops. The notion that it is a “joint” meeting is not entirely true, but has been called this for many years.

The 1st Selectman did just what was expected of him and presented a budget to the Bd of Finance. The Bd of Finance (and public) pushed back with changes and the 1st Selectman responded with a revised budget, which was not his responsibility, and he attempted to bring a near zero increase forward. It was the Bd of Finance that decided to increase elected officials salaries that included a “50%” increase to the 1st Selectman’s salary line item. Apparently the Bd of Finance agrees that the 1st Selectman’s position is not fairly compensated for the many, many hours the job requires.

Ms Classey’s further retorts on the Build Inspector’s increase is equally off base. This is not a salary increase, but an increase in the number of hours that the Building Inspector will have to work to meet unfunded mandates from the State. Not having a understanding of all the Building Inspector does, she mistakenly tries to tie this to just new construction. There are many additional things that are inspected yearly.

Like Ms Classey I also do not support this budget and urge everyone that can, attend the public hearing on May 22nd.

Comment on Click here for upcoming events by mkrenesky

mkrenesky — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:42:20 +0000

I have been receiving many calls regarding availability of tickets to the Dr Lori Show this Friday (May 17). There will be plenty of tickets at the door, so bring yourself and many friends for a fun evening.

Comment on Click here for upcoming events by mkrenesky

mkrenesky — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:05:41 +0000

Beacon Falls Pharmacy selling tickets to the Dr. Lori
Antique Appraisal Comedy Show. Go to http://www.DrLoriV.com for information on Dr. Lori.

Show tickets: $20.00
Item for Appraisal: $25 (it’s more fun if you bring an item and be part of the show, but the show is entertainment all by itself.