To Not Seeing Forest or Trees:

You are committing ad hominem and name calling fallacies---one after another by constantly attacking your opponents with "goober", "idiot", "something is wrong with you", "you don't understand shit", etc., etc. These are not logical arguing points. You are digging a hole for yourself. If you are one of these "educational consultants" who gives speeches for a fee (as you have asserted above), you should certainly have many logical reasons and hard evidence to back up your assertions that this "staff development" is valuable. State them. Give hard evidence. Make a real argument. So far I haven't seen one. You are awfully defensive.

I think that when lots of federal money is earmarked for things like "staff development", the snake oil salesmen come out to take it.

love it!!!!!!!!!!! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

Beginning with the new Fiscal Year, ten percent of Box Tops will go towards flaky conferences.

A flash mob is planned at Dulles tomorrow at 11:30 for United Flight UA778,
IAD to MCO

Wear your spirit tees to show support for our dedicated Lovers of Learning, Dr. f Ivey and others!!





> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Due to the weather, Ivey's car wash is
> postponed.
> >
> > Gatehouse will be having a bake sale on Monday.
>
> > Please being One dozen baked goods, with
> > ingredients labeled, to room 1105.
> >
> > Although the conference attendees will be at
> the
> > Conference, those funds must be raised!
> > While dropping off your baked item, please pick
> up
> > you order form for Sally Foster, and Virginia
> > Peanuts.
> >
> >
> > Garza has yet to approve the Go Fund Me account
>
>
> This is GREAT. I think everybody should show up en
> masse. How about a 10 am Flash Mob of parents? I
> will make peanut butter cookies. They stock Epi
> pens.
>
> You have to park in the parking garage. You will
> be towed out front. The neighbors don't like
> people visiting FCPS taking their spots.

Not Seeing....

The unstructured days, due to meeting technical requirements of the law, is the time when kids come unglued. Three out of ten kids break rules, bully, destroy property on these days.

A kid at my school took the keys of a laptop. These aren't the keys that you can push back on.

Without our admins, the kid will sit in the office.
The counselors hands are tied; legally they need an Admin to enact certain consequences.


> Pshaw! Those tasks are all as done as they would
> have been in any other case. Try to keep up here.
> These extra days are phony days, staged only to
> meet the technical requirements of the law.

Teacher here.

I have a kid who was on suspension who is coming in on Monday to finish a final exam. So, yes, there are still things going on. We cannot absolutely close out until Wednesday. The SB said that there would be "meaningful instruction". There may not be a ton of it going on, but if a student is in a "make or break" situation, the teacher has to give them a chance.

Resentment towards Administrators......yep; feeling it this year when they are always out of the building!!

The school teachers deserve a Raise.
There are plenty of good employees working for FCPS who bust their asses; find a way to pay for a step increase and an adequate cost of living.



The "nice thing" that teachers would like their employer to give them is a RAISE (after so many years of not having money in the budget)

The conference to Florida is real.
My email to Ivey hasn't been replied to.

I am a teacher and spoke with my Administrator. The conference is in Florida on Model Schools.
This is not a secret. It was to have happened once the school year ended. Due to the numerous snow days, it concurs with the EOY.

Not Seeing Forest OR Trees Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> deFMm Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Actually I've been to the same hotels where
> this
> > is being held many times.
>
> Worked housekeeping for a while after you couldn't
> make airfare back to DC?
>
> > Among many others elsewhere. Including
> 'beautiful'
> > Cleveland. It sucked.
>
> It's getting pretty deep in here. Of course,
> people painted into corners often react in
> desperate and illogical ways.


Yeah, nobody around here in the tech industry servicing the government ever goes to these conferences and other similar events. It's some exclusive benefit offered only to the elite within their organizations. lol Derp.


>
> > This single facility in Orlando probably holds
> > more conferences in a week or two than
> Cleveland
> > does in a year.
>
> According to YOUR desperate wild-assed guesses?
> Somehow, I don't see that as best evidence. Maybe
> you should go learn more about both locations.
> Maybe you should go learn more in general. Might
> help keep you from looking like a hapless stooge
> on such a regular basis.
>

No, based on the fact that it (and others in Orlando) were purpose-built as one of the largest conference facilities in the country and their primary business model is as a destination to attract a constant stream of targeted conference business. Which they do very successfully.


> > Likewise other more desirable locations. Which
> is why
> > they have them there. Because people will come.
> (Duh)
>
> Actually, it's because Disney itself is located in
> Orlando. (Duh)


Obviously. Location being more than simply geographic location. Central FL and the Nevada desert wouldn't be very appealing destinations in the Summer otherwise now would they. (Duh)


>
> > Especially the half-assed purely for-profit
> shows like this which
> > can't draw otherwise.
>
> You know, with all this experience and insight
> that you now suddenly claim to have, you should
> really write a book. There are thousands and
> thousands of organizations out there who are at
> this very minute getting ready to send staff off
> to professional development courses and seminars
> all over the country. But these are just a big
> fat waste of money according to you. You really
> should step in and point out to the experts just
> where it is that they are all going wrong. Either
> that or you should admit that all you are is one
> too typical fucked-up know-nothing been-nowhere
> loud-mouthed FFXU goober asshole.


It's not 'professional development' other than by the most stretched definition. It's (yet another) for-profit, commercial conference run by a group which sells it as a product. It's about the education equivalent of a hokey get-rich-quick in real estate seminar, not some academic meeting or NEA conference. i.e., Devry not Georgetown. It survives almost entirely on the basis of being a get-away to a desirable location for people who don't have to pay for it themselves where they can charge or write it off as a partially subsidized vacation for themselves and/or their families which they often drag along and extend their stays (also part of the Swan/Dolphin business model in particular).

if you really knew Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would like to see a list of what they use the
> County credit cards to pay for on these trips. I
> know in the past there have been unauthorized
> items purchased.....again no accountability


If this is indeed not a made-up trip, then it is probably too late to cancel it. It is probably already paid for, non-refundable, etc.

Somebody pull the records next month and post them here. Easily done. Ask for receipts, statements, etc.

This administrator trip is a failure on so many levels:

1) It is being taken at a time when teachers and students are required to be in school and are not altogether happy about being there since the days were added due to snow days. Yet the administrators somehow cannot change their long held plans to go to a conference out of state on those very days.

2) The conference itself is suspect since it is a commercial venture being run by a man who is clearly less than competent and who has come under much criticism nationally. It is also at a resort. One wonders if other more reputable staff development could be found.

3) The SB has stated that there will be "meaningful instruction" on the three added days yet they have approved the absence of critical staff for those days.

4) This all comes on the heels of a year when we were told (by Garza and the SB) that there was a budget crisis and that class sizes will be increased for next year.

5) The county is trying to implement a meals tax after increasing real estate taxes and sewer and water fees. This is not good timing for an administrator junket (do you hear this FCPS?).


All in all, this conference was not a good decision.

make better decisions Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This administrator trip is a failure on so many
> levels:
>
> 1) It is being taken at a time when teachers and
> students are required to be in school and are not
> altogether happy about being there since the days
> were added due to snow days. Yet the
> administrators somehow cannot change their long
> held plans to go to a conference out of state on
> those very days.
>
> 2) The conference itself is suspect since it is a
> commercial venture being run by a man who is
> clearly less than competent and who has come under
> much criticism nationally. It is also at a
> resort. One wonders if other more reputable staff
> development could be found.
>
> 3) The SB has stated that there will be
> "meaningful instruction" on the three added days
> yet they have approved the absence of critical
> staff for those days.
>
> 4) This all comes on the heels of a year when we
> were told (by Garza and the SB) that there was a
> budget crisis and that class sizes will be
> increased for next year.
>
> 5) The county is trying to implement a meals tax
> after increasing real estate taxes and sewer and
> water fees. This is not good timing for an
> administrator junket (do you hear this FCPS?).
>
>
> All in all, this conference was not a good
> decision.

+1000

"Make better decisions" summed this up nicely.
They also manage to find money for $1820 of umbrellas, $1500 of coasters, and $4602 of staff clothing.

A few years ago, FCPS paid $50k to have the Disney institute provide leadership training. They even got Mickey mouse ears after completion.

Now everyone treks to FLA for this???

I thought we were the best shool district. If so, what can the shithole school districts in Florida teach us?

What is the total cost and who is going?

If there is an expert.....which I doubt, it would be cheaper to fly them here.

Bake sale 10am Monday at Gatehouse in the lobby. Sign-up sheet-

Brownies

Cupcakes

Snickerdoodles

Chocolate chip cookies

Oatmeal cookies

Gluten-free anything

Peanut Butter cookies (peanut lovers have rights, too)

Doughnuts




You should be able to get back in time to meet your kids at the bus, even on mini Monday

... coming back tomorrow full of insights, ready to work, ready to lead those in the trenches, inspirational and visionary.

^ That doesn't sound like a SMART goal.

did I hear about a flash mob 11:30 am Sunday at Dulles? How would we know who they are?

a good question to always ask oneself is if this would look OK on the front page of the newspaper

According to the overview, they'll be delving into the new 'common core' objectives. But wasn't VA one of 6 states that are not adopting that curriculum?

11:30 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> did I hear about a flash mob 11:30 am Sunday at
> Dulles? How would we know who they are?


They'll be the ones with sunburns dragging kids wearing Mickey Mouse ears.

Check their social media and that of their family for pics at the park. lol

$ 575 for the basic conference, not including the pre-conference, or the post-conference, or the 49. immersion sessions (each), not including transportation or lodging. But they do get morning coffee and a pastry. Did they really say that round-trip shared van service is 36 per person? And if you'd like to stay at the swan dolphin it's 226. per night.
The good news is that they take payment in the form of credit card or purchase order.
So how many of our people are attending?

Correction, CC, VA is one of 5 states not adopting the common core. Phew.

Actually, they don't leave until tomorrow. The conference is June 22-25. Sounds like they might get quite the send-off.

Again, they should have cancelled once it was obvious that we'd have school during the conference. It would have cost $50.00 a person to cancel before May 26, but that's so much better than the thousand or so it's costing per person for a conference whose main focus doesn't apply to us! "Cancellations received prior to May 26 will be refunded less a $50 processing fee." Even if the money is from Title Somenumber and earmarked for professional development, there are much better ways to spend it! For shame!

Instead of teachers getting a few more bucks, Bill Daggett relaxes in his oceanfront house that was featured in Country Living:

http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/beach-house-decorating-ideas#slide-1

$$$ Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> $ 575 for the basic conference, not including the
> pre-conference, or the post-conference, or the 49.
> immersion sessions (each), not including
> transportation or lodging. But they do get
> morning coffee and a pastry. Did they really say
> that round-trip shared van service is 36 per
> person? And if you'd like to stay at the swan
> dolphin it's 226. per night.
> The good news is that they take payment in the
> form of credit card or purchase order.
> So how many of our people are attending?





I think 300 people should each submit a FOIA request on this trip.
Anybody up for lurking in the ticketing area at Dulles tomorrow morning and seeing how many people we recognize?

Additional Bake Sale added to United Airline departing area.

Support our Admins. By dropping off baking goods prior to 11:00. Last minute permit application through the TIA process.

Several office staff will set a booth up. Free Will donations only!

See you at Dulles in the AM.

nighty night Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> See you at Dulles in the AM.


This would be so awesome to have a bunch of people at Dulles and National today as they leave for Florida, holding up signs, with Channel 7 there to interview people going through TSA.

Call the press Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> nighty night Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > See you at Dulles in the AM.
>
>
> This would be so awesome to have a bunch of people
> at Dulles and National today as they leave for
> Florida, holding up signs, with Channel 7 there to
> interview people going through TSA.


All talk, nothing will happen, they get a free trip to Disney World, you will be back to babysitting for the next 3 days and guess what, they will be doing it again soon. No oversite, no shame, that's how the FCPS Admin mob rolls.

And this inspires teachers to be better . . . especially when they know those "promotions" are merit based . . .

I am tallying up about $2000 a person for this boondoggle. Per diem, transportation, etc.

I am working on a sign right now. Anybody else up for it?

Everyone better just STFU and pay your goddamn taxes! I, AND ONLY I, decide how to spend taxes. You taxpayers are my property, and I'll decide how much fruits of your labor that you'll be allowed to keep!

Principal not there 4 kids Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Interesting news, if true.

You people have noodles between your ears.

@The Realist:

If this is your idea of reality, I hope you don't have any kids. Your reality is a very depressing one. Are you happy?

anybody get out to Dulles this morning?

Even the noodle-people aren't that stupid.

sightings? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> anybody get out to Dulles this morning?


I'm on this flight. Still listed as on time but no plane here yet, so it's likely going to be delayed. Paul Wardiniski working the crowd. Head count is hard to say - but I'd say 20+ - maybe more.

The Admin at my school is flying out of National

DCA to MCO

He promises to say hello to Mickey for us.
This guy wears a tie with Disney themes on it all the time.

YnKJ7 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> sightings? Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > anybody get out to Dulles this morning?
>
>
> I'm on this flight. Still listed as on time but
> no plane here yet, so it's likely going to be
> delayed. Paul Wardiniski working the crowd. Head
> count is hard to say - but I'd say 20+ - maybe
> more.



Send pictures! Anybody bring doughnuts?
Can anybody run down to National and make a scene?

From gate c23 @ Dulles. Airline begging people to check carryons. Fcps admins help not at all. Such community minded people.

National Airport Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Admin at my school is flying out of National
>
> DCA to MCO
>
> He promises to say hello to Mickey for us.
> This guy wears a tie with Disney themes on it all
> the time.


Maybe he can find a job while he is there,, oh wait, private industry expects results and can actually get rid of the lame and non productive dead wood

Humans with mouse ears instead of a mouse with a human ear . . . I guess Bill Daggett is right to be worried about the future of our schools . . .

parents,
Please keep your kids home this week.

There won't be learning going on.

Just the wild kids, out of control per usual!

Just arrived at MCO. I'd say 1/4 to 1/3 of that flight was administrators, so maybe 40 - 50 on the flight. Now some could be from other districts.

flyer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just arrived at MCO. I'd say 1/4 to 1/3 of that
> flight was administrators, so maybe 40 - 50 on the
> flight. Now some could be from other districts.

PROVE IT.

Waiting for bags at claim 22. Will they all take taxis or did they arrange for a more affordable shuttle bus? Or maybe rental cars for everyone to really run up the tab?

Is up and posting

I was dropping my Mom in Law off at National.

Flying United.

There was a group of women holding carry on bags with a logo, Go Green STEM.

We waste so much paper at my school, I assumed that they weren't FCPS.

I didn't check the Starbucks to see if any Admins were there.
No flash mob either.

At least there is the bake sale at Gatehouse on Monday!

We are still missing gluten-free items.

Bake Sale 10am at Gatehouse Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We are still missing gluten-free items.

Can they be store bought, gluten free? If that's okay, I can bring 2 dozen gluten free.

Too busy cutting Bix Tops for Schools to bake today!

It doesn't really matter on anything as long as what you bring is very expensive because FCPS personnel like really expensive things that other people provide.

flyer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Waiting for bags at claim 22. Will they all take
> taxis or did they arrange for a more affordable
> shuttle bus? Or maybe rental cars for everyone to
> really run up the tab?

Shuttle bus I think. Lost sight of the wolf pack, so nothing more to report. Orlando out.

Nobody has been able to prove that this is a real situation.
It is gossip until somebody can prove what is going on.

You can't make this stuff up.

Even if it were not happening the last 3 days of school, it would be newsworthy just because it's such a worthwhile conference.

Call the office of any school within the Lee Pyramid. They will confirm that the Admin. is on travel to the conference in Florida.

Yes, some have already posted on social media today.

Call Lynbrook ES and ask the office for the principal, Mary. She departed today. Has the full support of her staff ....because she was upfront and told everyone at a recent school staff meeting.

Ok lets break this down for all the non County worker types so we can better understand this.


When school administrators retire, they look to a new source of revenue for themselves to supplement their comfortable pensions. They get together with other like individuals and form a small consultant company that puts on seminars for working school administrators. This way they can spend money on lots of different things to gain "legitimate" tax breaks while being able to write off all kinds of items.

They come up with a new learning techniques, most likely unproven, and are able to claim they have reinvented the wheel in education techniques. They then advertise these seminars and host them in popular venues that have plenty of attractive side trips such as good golf courses, good restaurants and bars, and fun things to do if the participant choses to bring their family with them .

This is not just exclusive to schools. Law Enforcement , Public Safety and other local government agencies have similar out of town conferences put on by similar "experts". Rarely does any of the information provided at these conferences ever get disseminated to the lower tier employees. In stable financial times they were maybe not ethically correct but other than hurting the morale of subordinants, they were a cost of doing business.

When for over a year I have heard and read about how the school does not have enough operating funds, I would certainly have thought a new Superintendent would have changed the frivolous spending. Apparently not. I will contact my County Board member to reconsider rubber stamping next years school budget.

Please do contact County Board Members. I don't think that there is much they can do.

No auditing; no accountability for the most part

keeping it simple Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ok lets break this down for all the non County
> worker types so we can better understand this.
>
>
> When school administrators retire, they look to a
> new source of revenue for themselves to supplement
> their comfortable pensions. They get together with
> other like individuals and form a small consultant
> company that puts on seminars for working school
> administrators. This way they can spend money on
> lots of different things to gain "legitimate" tax
> breaks while being able to write off all kinds of
> items.
>
> They come up with a new learning techniques, most
> likely unproven, and are able to claim they have
> reinvented the wheel in education techniques. They
> then advertise these seminars and host them in
> popular venues that have plenty of attractive side
> trips such as good golf courses, good restaurants
> and bars, and fun things to do if the participant
> choses to bring their family with them .
>
> This is not just exclusive to schools. Law
> Enforcement , Public Safety and other local
> government agencies have similar out of town
> conferences put on by similar "experts". Rarely
> does any of the information provided at these
> conferences ever get disseminated to the lower
> tier employees. In stable financial times they
> were maybe not ethically correct but other than
> hurting the morale of subordinants, they were a
> cost of doing business.
>
> When for over a year I have heard and read about
> how the school does not have enough operating
> funds, I would certainly have thought a new
> Superintendent would have changed the frivolous
> spending. Apparently not. I will contact my County
> Board member to reconsider rubber stamping next
> years school budget.

If they are posting on social media then put some stuff out here and name some names.

Everybody who is pissed should FOIA the trip for their particular administrators. You have the right to know and you don't have to be considerate.

1000+++ FOIA requests should keep them really, really busy and I would bet somebody would get the idea.

Does anyone know the name or sponsor of this Tripp?

I see nothing on the FC contract registry.

Hellooooo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You can't make this stuff up.

Yes, you can. It's easy. Especially when the audience is noodle-heads.

keeping it simple Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> In stable financial times they were maybe not ethically
> correct but other than hurting the morale of subordinants,
> they were a cost of doing business.

Real nice phony butthurt, babe, but I see you are actually too subordinate even to know what the proper word for it is.

FCPS is underfunded. That is a simple fact. Ignoring it will not make it go away. Tone up your act.

Why no contract? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone know the name or sponsor of this
> Tripp? I see nothing on the FC contract registry.

You mean the whole thread is just a troll-hoax? Wow...

OK

For all you non-believers

Just called Lee HS. Assistant Principal Kristen McNamara and Director of Student Activities Lori Barb are in Florida for a conference. If you dont believe me, call yourself. 703-924-8300.They are with Francis Ivey, Director of Cluster 5

Did you really FCPS gives a shit about how they spend your money or how "bad" it looks given the state of economy? Seriously?

Please

"Does anyone know the name or sponsor of this
> Tripp? I see nothing on the FC contract registry."


They don't make contracts for trips. You're going to have to look in another pot. They have lots of pots.

Gym Teacher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> keeping it simple Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > In stable financial times they were maybe not
> ethically
> > correct but other than hurting the morale of
> subordinants,
> > they were a cost of doing business.
>
> Real nice phony butthurt, babe, but I see you are
> actually too subordinate even to know what the
> proper word for it is.
>
> FCPS is underfunded. That is a simple fact.
> Ignoring it will not make it go away. Tone up
> your act.


Says the person who gets 60,000 a year to watch kids shoot a bow and arrow.

tggjk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For all you non-believers

I'm guessing that's pretty much everybody at this point. Even the noodle-heads are turning against you.

> Just called Lee HS. Assistant Principal Kristen
> McNamara and Director of Student Activities Lori
> Barb are in Florida for a conference.

Too much name-dropping, troll. It's just a cover. All over-played. Where's a believable link to the actual conference? Don't you have one? Hmmmm?

> Did you really FCPS gives a shit about how they
> spend your money or how "bad" it looks given the
> state of economy? Seriously? Please.

Pack it up, troll, and head out of town with your tail between your legs. You're toast here.
.
Attachments:

get a real job Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Says the person who gets 60,000 a year to watch
> kids shoot a bow and arrow.

You actually thought I was a gym teacher? God, you goobers are one ignorant bunch! No wonder the trolls have such an easy time with you.

don't try to deny Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They don't make contracts for trips. You're going
> to have to look in another pot. They have lots of
> pots.

I'm sure your claim for the total number of pots will turn out to be at least one more than the number of pots found NOT to be reporting any charges at all related to this made-up trip, regardless of how large that number might become. That's how trolls and fraudsters work.

Anybody who travels on our dime has to submit for approval prior to the non-local trip. The current Regulation 5310.9 says this is done through Online Travel. Reconciliation of expenses is to be submitted through Online Travel within 30 calendar days of return date. Every single record and receipt is public record. You all paid for these trips. Everybody has a travel claim. This is basic stuff. Particularly if you know the names, this is not tough. If you don't, ask for everybody who went on the trip and hope that they will be honest.

To obtain these records, send an e-mail to Brandynn.Reaves@fcps.edu. Ask for the information approving the trip(s), showing the approving officials (principal, director, Assistant Super, etc.). If you want all the supporting information, receipts, accounting data, whatever, put that in there, also. You don't have to say why you want it. You close with thank you very much, put in there how you want to receive the records (email, disc, paper in the mail) and sign very truly yours with your name, address, and contact phone number. You have to be a Virginia resident and not in jail to use this.

You should have your records within 12 working days, not counting the day you submit the request. Remember they have 4-6 weeks to turn in final receipts. You could at least get the approving document(s) now.

Any reimbursements to the employee are direct deposit, so you would need the accounting entries to see this, or a statement in the Online Travel records.

Any fee for these records should not break your bank account and will be well worth it.

The more people who do this the better.

IF this whole thread is a hoax, you have just had a Civics lesson.

How did the bake sale at Gatehouse go this morning? Will they have to set up a GoFund Me account or did the parents pull through and raise enough for the supposed junket to Florida?

Read they were still looking for gluten-free items as of last evening.

Game's Over, Troll Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> tggjk Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> Too much name-dropping, troll. It's just a cover.
> All over-played. Where's a believable link to
> the actual conference? Don't you have one?
> Hmmmm?

Model Schools Conference - http://www.cvent.com/events/22nd-annual-model-schools-conference/event-summary-6616a1a49681447aa6508967e90f3f61.aspx

It's at the Swan. Conference room rate - 229/night. Conference fee is around $500, with lots of add ons

Do we need to auction off a car for this? Is there a local dealer willing to donate a Mercedes or Lexus to provide for these administrators?

The kids are free in the afternoons this week to sell raffle tickets...

Pm3dF Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Game's Over, Troll Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > tggjk Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > Too much name-dropping, troll. It's just a
> cover.
> > All over-played. Where's a believable link to
> > the actual conference? Don't you have one?
> > Hmmmm?
>
> Model Schools Conference -
> http://www.cvent.com/events/22nd-annual-model-scho
> ols-conference/event-summary-6616a1a49681447aa6508
> 967e90f3f61.aspx
>
> It's at the Swan. Conference room rate -
> 229/night. Conference fee is around $500, with
> lots of add ons


Plus travel, meals, and other adds and expenses.

I am guessing $1999.99 per person.

brackets, anyone? Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am guessing $1999.99 per person.


Easy. I'll take the over at about $3,500 all-in as billed through.

Do we have some FOIA volunteers? The more the merrier....

I peg it at $2750.

I still think this is a hoax.

But fun just the same.

I am out until some records show up here or in the newspaper.

Senior prank!

It is on hold for most employees! Teachers cannot even get the registration for attending a state conference for their content paid.

That's the kiss of death for the state professional groups. It sucks that those groups are not being supported while something in Florida that is uber commercial is. I know exactly what you are talking about since my own state group has been decimated. Those groups are very valuable since you actually interact with people in OUR STATE who use the same curriculum and tests (and deal with similar problems). AND the money spent stays IN THE STATE.

teachers teach teachers Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's the kiss of death for the state
> professional groups. It sucks that those groups
> are not being supported while something in Florida
> that is uber commercial is. I know exactly what
> you are talking about since my own state group has
> been decimated. Those groups are very valuable
> since you actually interact with people in OUR
> STATE who use the same curriculum and tests (and
> deal with similar problems). AND the money spent
> stays IN THE STATE.


Well, yeah... But you don't have free shuttle service to six championship golf courses, a Biergarten, and the Tower of Terror.

Homer
Model Schools conference?


I know so many people there! !! Have fun!


Amy

-------------------------------------------------------
> tggjk Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > For all you non-believers
>
> I'm guessing that's pretty much everybody at this
> point. Even the noodle-heads are turning against
> you.
>
> > Just called Lee HS. Assistant Principal
> Kristen
> > McNamara and Director of Student Activities
> Lori
> > Barb are in Florida for a conference.
>
> Too much name-dropping, troll. It's just a cover.
> All over-played. Where's a believable link to
> the actual conference? Don't you have one?
> Hmmmm?
>
> > Did you really FCPS gives a shit about how they
> > spend your money or how "bad" it looks given
> the
> > state of economy? Seriously? Please.
>
> Pack it up, troll, and head out of town with your
> tail between your legs. You're toast here.
> .

Call Lynbrook ES
Principal Mary McNamee is at the Models Conference with Frances Ivey.
703-866-2940



-------------------------------------------------------
> OK
>
> For all you non-believers
>
> Just called Lee HS. Assistant Principal Kristen
> McNamara and Director of Student Activities Lori
> Barb are in Florida for a conference. If you dont
> believe me, call yourself. 703-924-8300.They are
> with Francis Ivey, Director of Cluster 5
>
> Did you really FCPS gives a shit about how they
> spend your money or how "bad" it looks given the
> state of economy? Seriously?
>
> Please

It's hard to believe that all of the professional development ever needed couldn't be done locally. FCPS must be a HUGE buyer of teacher professional development - they can't schedule classes or seminars for people in the empty schools? What are all of the teacher and staff development days built into the school year for?

Without records, this is all conjecture.

how much was spent on this conference?

what was the cost per person?

will any of these numb administrators implement their new models?

can the school system afford a new model?

All that ever comes of these admin conferences are school-based faculty meetings and trainings where we are "taught" how to implement the new best thing in education. We end up half-reading a new text that the school buys for us, listening to a couple of already trained teachers (admin-proteges) gush about how wonderful the new thing is, and then figure out on our own how to document our implementation of the new thing, all while continuing to try and teach the same way we always have.

Education doesn't change. Someone who knows how to do something figures out (with assistance from colleagues they trust and admire) how to be effective at teaching others how to do it. Simple.

FCPS should be in the practice of attracting effective teachers and staying out of their way in the classroom.

I came to FCPS because the salary/benefits were attractive and I had the opportunity to work with bright students. Getting in was competitive. I'm not certain that those coming after me are experiencing the same.

how so Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's hard to believe that all of the professional
> development ever needed couldn't be done locally.
> FCPS must be a HUGE buyer of teacher professional
> development - they can't schedule classes or
> seminars for people in the empty schools? What are
> all of the teacher and staff development days
> built into the school year for?


Empty schools? Bwwahahahaha. That's funny.

What don't you understand about.....



-

-

-

cost Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> how much was spent on this conference?

$0. The thread is a hoax.

The trip is one issue. But the smoothies,coasters,staff clothing, pizzas are another matter. Those items are paid for by vending machine profits, not from educational funds. They generally are given to staff members for teacher appreciation week or school openings. If you divide say the coaster amount by the number of staff it comes to $6.13 each. It would be interesting to note what funds paid for the Florida workshop. Don't begrudge a teacher a coaster or a smoothie. They are the ones holding down the fort for these three days of babysitting due to unreasonable seat time mandates.

FC Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Those items are paid for by
> vending machine profits, not from educational

Who decided that vending machine profits, or parking fees, or any other miscellaneous income gets to be siphoned of on this bullshit stuff? It's all revenue and it should go to the schools mission, not t-shirts and coasters. I'd be more sympathetic if it went to benefit students in some way - a book bag or gloves for the kid that can't afford them, or something like that.

Why not. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FC Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Those items are paid for by
> > vending machine profits, not from educational
>
> Who decided that vending machine profits, or
> parking fees, or any other miscellaneous income
> gets to be siphoned of on this bullshit stuff?
> It's all revenue and it should go to the schools
> mission, not t-shirts and coasters. I'd be more
> sympathetic if it went to benefit students in some
> way - a book bag or gloves for the kid that can't
> afford them, or something like that.



Regulation 5810 specifies what goes into this fund and says that the principal can use the money for anything they feel is appropriate. It is posted on the School Board website. Wasn't that a bad idea! This has gotten totally out of control. Now everybody thinks they are entitled to all of this.

I think the regulation needs to be re-written.

I know teachers work hard but they work for the government, and people who work for the government need to understand that having the taxpayers buy them umbrellas and coasters and meals and presents several times a month out of taxpayer dollars is not part of the deal. You sacrifice that when you agree to work for the public. It 's not that we don't appreciate what you do for our children. We do. Thank you so much. It is called ethics and the limits of the laws on use of public funds. Are there any government teachers out there?

I suggest applying for work at Georgetown Visitation if you don't like working for the government.

We still don't have concrete proof that this Florida thread is not a fake. It is just a bunch of people writing things on the Underground.

I can understand teachers not wanting to ask to see their supervisor's travel claim. So, ask a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or family member to do it. Anybody who lives in Virginia can do this, as long as they aren't in jail.

The ECA figures are NOT fakes. They have been submitted to the School Board. Patty Reed has them.

Once someone submits a FOIA, subsequent requests for the same info are free of charge.

Th first person will be charged but not others.

I am shocked that garza signed off on this.....dumb, dumb, dumb....

She will pay dearly for it next year when she asks the BO'S for more money.

Save yourself some money an email your school board member for h details. They won't refuse you.

Vending machine profits, parking pass money, lost textbook fees, retained tuition (yes, some kids pay tuition), monopole rental, use of public building fees, etc. (this is what goes into the ECA) should be educational funds. They aren't appropriated funds, but they are funds generated by use of the schools/grounds/School Board-owned books, etc. Public money,

The ECA means Educational Contingency Account. That's EDUCATION, and a lot of people think that is NOT parties and presents and runs to Dunkin' Donuts and lunch at Bazin's for staff. Why do the staff think this is appropriate use of public funds? How did it evolve to this?

The use of the funds needs to be clarified by the legal staff and the administrators. The sooner the better.

If a tree fell in an empty schoolhouse, which residents were being taxed to keep open, would it make a sound?

Why is the school empty? is it because the staff are all outside having a BBQ from Famous Dave's courtesy of the taxpayers?

Somebody FOIA the travel approvals for this supposed trip extraordinaire-

Frances Ivey (yes, she would have had to have her application approved)
Mary McNamee
Kristen McNamara
Lori Barb

and post them here. The reports should be back by mid-July.

There are so damn many pro bono legal people out there who love to argue with the school system. Let's go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If there isn't something here by mid-July you are all a bunch of wusses.

?Florida Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We still don't have concrete proof that this
> Florida thread is not a fake.

That's because the thread is a hoax. As in total wall-to-wall sham.