The Straight Scoop

The Straight Scoop...Monthly Editions

THE STRAIGHT SCOOP - OCTOBER 2009

 

Scoop #1 District staff’s children DO NOT have to follow the districts “Dress for Success” dress code – FALSE

 

All the district students including staff’s children (Superintendent, Principals, Teachers, etc.) must follow the “Dress for Success” dress code. The last Friday of each month ALL students have a “Free Friday” where they do not have to meet the logo requirements of the dress code.

 

Scoop #2 There are problems in Brewster schools. - FALSE

 

Over the last few years Brewster School District has taken steps forward to upgrade curriculums and academic programs. In fact, Brewster is one of the few schools that offer advanced math classes where students can actually earn college credit! We have Ag, music, art, elementary P.E., journalism, and a caring, highly trained staff!

 

We have a student advocate who advocates for all students as well as an equity and resolution committee to resolve conflicts if they arise in our district. We also have talented counselors in both our schools as well as a graduation specialist who helps make sure all students know what it’s going to take to graduate from high school!

 

Please help spread the good new that great things are happening in Brewster Schools! Information about programs and district curriculum can be viewed online!

 

We encourage you to visit our website (www.brewsterbears.org) & become a fan of our FACEBOOK page! Be sure to visit our schools to learn more!

 

 

 

 

THE STRAIGHT SCOOP! - March 2009

 

Scoop #1 The school district moving to a 4 day school week – FALSE

 

The state’s $6+ billion dollar deficit and our districts estimated $800,000 budget deficit is forcing the district to look at money saving alternatives in order to maintain high quality academic programs. We are only gathering input from parents and the community in an effort to see if it would be supported and a viable option if the state continues to not fully fund public education. Initial financial research shows that the district could save over $100,000 by saving in the areas of transportation, food service, and utilities.

 

 

Scoop #2 The high school is planning to cancel core subject classes next year  – FALSE

 

The high school does not have any plans to cancel classes. In fact, students must earn a minimum of 19 credits to graduate from Brewster High School. Some of these credits are earned from core subjects classes which are mandated by district policy and the state’s graduation requirements. Many students in vocational and college tracks earn 24 credits or more which is above the state and district minimum!

 

Scoop#3 Students are not being disciplined at the high school- FALSE

 

Superintendent Chavez, the building principals, and student advocate work hard to make sure discipline is fair, consistent and confidential. This year if inappropriate behavior is a lesser offense students are given in-school suspension. Ultimately, our goal is to keep students in school. However, discipline is progressive and students who do not consistently follow the school or district rules may find themselves suspended for periods of time from school. Gang activity will not be tolerated in Brewster schools.

 

 

January - 2008

Scoop #1 The levy committee is moving the levy election to March rather then February– FALSE

 

The levy committee was only considering this ballot move to March because the February ballot asks voters to select a political party. In February, if voters opt not to select a political party THEY CAN STILL VOTE on the levy somewhere on the ballot. Please look over your ballots closely and vote! Thank you!

 

Scoop #2 The district has purchased laptops and TV’s that were not in the district budget – FALSE

 

Purchases of computers and TV’s were planned in this year’s budget. Superintendent Chavez changed the purchase from desktop computers to laptops computers. He feels strongly that mobile computing is the future.

 

He was also directed by the court order to make the district’s schools more “family friendly” and engaging. The TV’s found at the front entrance of the elementary and in the high school commons allows parents and community members to see some of the amazing student art work, events, and activities that happen throughout the school year. Parents, students, and community members can be seen enjoying short videos of student events & activities throughout the day.

 

December

Scoop #1 The preschool program is up and running - True.

 

Our preschool program is up and running. Our goal is to offer a high quality preschool program to help ensure students are ready for kindergarten. To keep our commitment to customer service we have started an additional preschool classroom so that more students will have this opportunity.  For information on this FREE morning program please contact the elementary office. 689 - 2581

 

Scoop #2 Parents without home Internet access now have a computer in the high school commons and the elementary – True

 

To help keep with our districts theme of customer service we now offer “Parent Information Centers” in both the high school commons and elementary so that parents can use skyward to view student grades (middle and high school only) and attendance as well as browse the district website for information. These computers are limited to view only these two areas.

 

Scoop #3 The student advocate advocates for all students – True

 

Superintendent Chavez and the board have made it clear the district’s “Student Advocate” shall advocate for all students P – 12. It is important that “all students” have someone to talk to if they feel their rights have been violated.

 

Scoop #4 All district staff are required to complete diversity training - True

 

Yes, all Brewster staff (Administration, Certified, and Classified) are required to complete diversity training. They are busy working their way through an online training program.

 

November

Scoop #1 Open Gym will no longer be allowed – False.

 

Open gym is something that keeps kids busy and out of trouble. This is something that will continue. However, during the summer months gyms are closed for a period of time because of reconditioning. Please contact Deb Riggan for more information. 689-3418.

 

Scoop #2 The new football lights were paid for using levy money – False

 

The football lights were paid for by a combination of an ASB donation and a loan the school received. As a result, attendance has tripled because of having these lights in place. School spirit and community involvement have also increased. The bear backers are offering for $6.00 a plate a home style dinner at 5:30 p.m. Please join us for a family friendly dinner & evening of football!

 

Scoop #3 The dress code is not being enforced – False

 

One of Superintendent Chavez’s goals this year is for district to set the tone in regard to discipline & dress code. Students must follow the district dress code or they will have to change into sweat shirts and/or pants. Students may also turn clothing inside out. Images or symbols of gang paraphernalia will not be allowed on school grounds.

 

Scoop #4 Local levy dollars have allowed the district to put music and art back in the schools. – TRUE