Teacher Talk

Commentary on education in Fairfield County

Are We Crazy? The Answer May Be Yes

Friday, March 22, 2013 by:Charles Costello

It took me far too long to come up with a title for this post, so I borrowed the “Are We Crazy” from a segment last night on “The O’Reilly Factor.”

Here’s what we’re teaching the kids these days.

First, we had the story of New York Islanders fans who cheered when Pittsburgh Penguins’ superstar center Sydney Crosby was hurt in a game last month at the Nassau Coliseum. Then, as the New York Post’s Phil Mushnick reports, things got worse:

And when Crosby, among the most talented players in the NHL, skated off for medical treatment, those Coliseum patrons chanted, “Crosby sucks!”

The Islanders will be moving to Brooklyn in 2015. Crosby and the Penguins will, once again, be headed to the playoffs this spring.

Next up, we have the braniacs at Duke, who sunk real low when the Blue Devils hosted the North Carolina State Wolfpack. The New York Daily News reports:

Tyler Lewis, a freshman guard for N.C. State, lost his 83-year-old grandmother, Margie Campbell Lewis, to complications from pneumonia on Feb. 1.

During Thursday night’s game in Durham, the Cameron Crazies — Duke’s junk-talking student section — relentlessly heckled Lewis with chants of “Bilbo Baggins” — the boyish guard is listed at 5-11, 157 pounds — and “Past your bedtime!”

Lewis was shooting free throws in the beginning of the second half when a group of students began shouting, “How’s your grandma?” according to an N.C. State sports reporter, a Wolfpack player and Lewis’ dad.

To cap it all off, I hope you all got a chance to read Scott Ericson’s piece in the Greenwich Time a few Sunday’s back commenting on the latest examples of outrageous parental behavior.

After you read about the father who was removed from a soccer game for berating an official, or the father who confronted a referee on the court during a basketball game, pay attention to Ericson’s commentary on these occurrences and others:

Why embarrass your child, yourself and your community?

I will spare you the, “what are we teaching our kids?” routine because it has been said before and, quite frankly, I think the students who see such behavior already know it’s stupid.

This behavior has become the norm. I could go on.

Categories: Commentary, General

No Spin on Head Start

Thursday, March 14, 2013 by:Charles Costello

I’m all for early childhood education. I think all kids should have to opportunity to attend preschool.

Therefore, Head Start, the government funded program, is an important part of the education establishment. Only one problem, it may not work.

Here are some facts, compliments of Bill O’Reilly, the Fox News Channel host of “The O’Reilly Factor,” and the bestselling author of — among other books — Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, and — to be released September 24, Killing Jesus.

This year, the American taxpayer will fork over about $571 billion dollars to pay for educating children in the nation’s public schools. All told, the country spends close to $16,000 per student every year on primary through college education. That’s the highest per student spending rate in the world…

Over the past 48 years, the feds have spent close to $200 billion dollars on Head Start. But there’s one big problem: the program is not working…

According to a recent study by the Department of Health and Human Services, by the end of third grade, Head Start children remain academically disadvantaged compared to their same-age peers. So why did the president not mention that? Why is he still pounding the drum for more funding on a program that is not cutting it?

O’Reilly proposes a few common sense solutions I’m sure we can all agree on.

It is certainly true that poor children have a much tougher academic road than affluent kids. And smart educational policy can close that gap. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush told me the reason Head Start is not delivering is that it doesn’t concentrate enough on reading. In many school districts, it is primarily a baby-sitting service.

As a former high school teacher and a student in a class of 60 urchins at St. Brigid’s grammar school, I know that education is all about discipline and motivation. Disadvantaged students need extra attention, a stable school environment, and enough teacher creativity to stimulate their imaginations. Those things are not expensive.

Categories: Education in the U.S.

Losing a Great Opportunity

Sunday, March 3, 2013 by:Charles Costello

In a front page story in today’s Greenwich Time, Hearst Connecticut Newspapers asked the four members of Greenwich’s General Assembly delegation — Fred Camillo, Livvy Floren, Scott Frantz, and Steve Walko — to give their position on possible gun law proposals.

Connecticut’s General Assembly is taking up the issue of gun control following December’s tragic school shooting in Newtown.

The four local legislators would not commit to positions, with the exception of Camillo, who gave a yes vote on one of the eight issues they were asked about and a no vote on another.

I’m about as anti-gun as you can be. I don’t see a need for them.

But here’s the deal: There are those people who will never support even sensible gun control reform. The NRA, for example, acted and spoke in a deplorable way following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

But there are many others, like myself, who would support gun legislation. But here’s what bothers us: Why is there little talk of mental health? To the credit of our local papers, every time they’ve mentioned the need for gun control, they’ve also stated that we need to look into the mental health aspect as well.

But too many in big media, and too many on the left, fail to address the issue. Why? Probably because they see it as being politically incorrect to do so. Or because they associate guns with Republicans and here’s another way to be partisan.

A few more: Why not go after video games, which are more violent today than ever? Why not go after movies and television shows that glorify violence? And why not go after certain types of music that promote violence?

Perhaps Michelle Obama answered that question for us last week when she took part in the Academy Awards.

The media, Hollywood, and our schools are in love with Mr. and Mrs. Obama. And we all know that they stand united on the big social issues of the day.

Maybe that’s why you never hear about the other things that need to be addressed along with gun control.

Categories: Commentary

You CAN Build That!

Thursday, February 14, 2013 by:Charles Costello

Here’s a lesson on why you should never say to someone, “You didn’t build that.”

When Greenwich received news last summer that scores had improved on both CAPT and the CMT, school board chairman Leslie Moriarty said the following:

“I think it’s a testament to all of the students that they’ve made some progress toward what we thought were aggressive goals,” school board chairman Leslie Moriarty told the Greenwich Time. “The results are different than previous years when we’ve said the results have been stagnant or declining. It is gratifying to see the result of several years’ effort to turn them around.”

The “several years’ effort” refers, in part, to when Steve Anderson was school board chairman. His tenure ended when Moriarty was elected chair in 2011.

“I think at first blush they’re good numbers,” Anderson told the Greenwich Time last summer. “I think the key is that three years ago, two years ago, last year we were saying we have this school improvement plan and it needs time to percolate. … We’re not at our goals yet and we didn’t expect to get to our goals in one fell swoop. I’m still optimistic and realistic that we can get there.”

You see, that’s education. In fact, that’s life. Things don’t happen overnight. They’re not handed to you on a silver platter. Results are part of a process. That process is what makes life worth living. If you work hard, you’ll achieve your goals.

I’ve said all along that Anderson did a fine job when he was board chairman. The same can be said for Moriarty. These are two individuals who get it. They understand that progress takes time.

You see, you can build that.

Categories: Commentary, Greenwich Board of Education, Greenwich Public Schools

Steve Young: ‘Greenwich High School Is the Best I Have Ever Seen’

Thursday, February 7, 2013 by:Charles Costello

Steve Young (ESPN photo)

In the third installment of Hearst Connecticut’s three-part series on Steve Young, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback and Greenwich High School graduate shared his thoughts on the high school.

“Palo Alto High School touts a great program and sends many of their graduates to Stanford. But I don’t care; Greenwich High School is the best I have ever seen. You have free time; it holds you accountable and it really prepares you so well for college. I was a mature adult by the time I went off to BYU and it was 100 percent due to GHS. I’d put my high school education up against anyone’s.”

I got to know Steve’s mom, Sherry, when she was working at the high school. Wonderful family. It’s no surprise Steve grew into the champion he is, both on and off the field.

Categories: General News, Greenwich High School

Greenwich Animal Control Open House

Monday, January 28, 2013 by:Charles Costello

Greenwich Animal Control – the single most important organization in town – will be hosting an open house and anniversary celebration this Sunday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, located at 393 North Street.

Kermit with his mom and dad at Greenwich Animal Control's open house in October. (Photo from Helen Neafsey's Woof! blog at blog.ctnews.com/woof)

Here is our letter to the editor (in response to a front page article Erin we were featured in) that appeared in last Sunday’s Greenwich Time:

The truth about pit bulls

To the editor:

We would like to thank Greenwich Time and staff photographer Helen Neafsey for the New Year’s Eve article about pit bulls (“More pit bulls need adoptions”).

As the article stated, we adopted Kermit a little over two years ago. When people tell us how lucky Kermit is to have found a good home, we remind them that we’re the lucky ones. Kermit is a wonderful dog.

We’d also like to thank the good folks at Greenwich Animal Control. Bill Petersen, Suzanne Carlin, and Stacy Rameor are local heroes. There’s not an organization in town more important than this one, and its staff deserves a great deal of credit for bringing these animals in, taking care of them, and working to find them homes.

According to the shelter, there are currently eight dogs available for adoption, seven of which are pit bulls or pit bull mixes. It’s time we educate people about the pit bull. A society that’s quick to label everyone and everything as intolerant displays great hypocrisy when it allows pit bulls to be victims of discrimination and stereotypes.

To learn more about the pit bull, and the other dogs and cats available for adoption, we urge you to attend Greenwich Animal Control’s open house and anniversary celebration, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shelter is located at 393 North Street.

Kermit and his friends at the shelter look forward to seeing you there.

There’s no greater need for education than in the area of teaching people about the true nature of pit bulls.

We hope to see you at the shelter on Sunday.

Categories: General

Lessons from UConn

Sunday, January 13, 2013 by:Charles Costello

Good article in Saturday’s Greenwich Time about UConn President Susan Herbst’s address to the Ridgefield League of Women Voters.

Herbst’s remarks serve as a great reminder of how important public speaking is – and once again reinforce the value of the Public Speaking course offered at Greenwich High School.

Herbst said what she’d like to see is students learn the art of debate — which involves gathering, then shaping facts into a position and listening to opposing points of view — in school and at home.

That’s exactly what happened when students organized, researched, and participated in four debates prior to Christmas break. Students had control over all aspects of the debates. They chose the topics, teams, and format. The topics were the legalization of marijuana, the drinking age, Corbo’s or Rinaldi’s, and gun control.

Praise for UConn Coach Kevin Ollie

Time to give credit where credit is due.

UConn basketball coach Kevin Ollie has been a big hit in his first season on the job. He was rewarded a few weeks ago with a five-year contract extension, and from everything we see and read, that’s well deserved.

Yesterday’s win over No. 17 Notre Dame was impressive. So are the things people – media, players, recruits, parents, etc. – say about how good of a person he is, about his work ethic and commitment to success, and about his faith in God and family.

Education is in desperate need of more Kevin Ollies.

Categories: General, Greenwich High School, Lessons, NCAA

2012 Heroes in Education

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 by:Charles Costello

With a local tilt, a quick and incomplete look at 10 Heroes in Education for 2012.

William McKersie, Greenwich Superintendent of Schools: From the positive nature of his words and actions, to the leadership he’s displayed, McKersie has been a hit from day one. May that continue for many years to come.

Greenwich Public Schools: Make no mistake about it, standardized test scores are an important measure of student success. Not the only measure, but they count. We can’t run from the results when they’re not up to par and then celebrate them when they’re good. Having said that, 2012 confirmed what we already knew: Any talk of Greenwich Public Schools being in decline was about as credible as saying the same thing about Peyton Manning. Test scores are up. We’re doing fine.

Dwight Wall, Greenwich High School English Teacher: If Elias kept records on education, Wall would own just about every one. He’s been a teacher for over 50 years, and, God willing, he’ll be around for 50 more.

Steve Anderson, Greenwich Board of Education: One day, he’ll write a book. For now, he’s too busy serving the needs of students, parents, teachers, and the Greenwich community. In other words, continuing to do what he does best.

Leslie Moriarty, Greenwich Board of Education Chair: For a strong first year serving as board chair. The board was wise to keep her in that position.

Greenwich High School Unified Sports: The program, now in its third year at the high school, is one of the school’s true treasures. A nod to the Board of Ed for its continued support and recognition.

Greenwich High School: For its tribute to Newtown. 3,000 packed the Student Center honoring the Newtown community with thoughts and prayers. The GHS Chamber Singers performed Amazing Grace. Amazing, indeed.

Rob Adams, WGCH Sports Director: For continuing to treat every game he broadcasts as if it was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. For over a decade, Adams has been the voice of Greenwich sports. Good broadcaster. Good guy.

Greenwich Animal Control: There’s no organization in town more important than this one. Bill Peterson, Suzanne Carlin, and Stacy Rameor are local heroes. And a nod to Greenwich Time’s Helen Neafsey, who keeps us all informed about the local pet scene. If you think teaching kids how to read and write is hard, try teaching adults the truth about pit bulls. Greenwich Animal Control, and Neafsey, are doing their part.

Fordham University: No list is complete without mention of my alma mater. I’ll go with Fordham here for cancelling a scheduled appearance arranged by the College Republicans (I had no idea such a thing was allowed on a college campus!) by Ann Coulter. After the university’s president, Fr. Joseph M. McShane, expressed his disapproval, the College Republicans rescinded the invite.

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Hit and Run…

Do yourself a favor and check out CNN’s Piers Morgan. I’ve grown to really like his intelligent and independent style…

I’ve been watching the Jets since the mid 1980s, really started to become a fan when Jerry Jones broke my heart and fired Tom Landry, and I’ve been to a bunch of games. Still, I don’t like what the Jets did to Tim Tebow this year…

I’m as anti-gun as they come, but shouldn’t we also be talking about mental illness, and society, movies, music, etc…

Gather around your computers everyone. I want you all to stop for one moment and consider what we’ve seen the past three weeks in Newtown. In the midst of such tragedy, the real winner is faith. Religion is playing the central role in the recovery. Instead of calling on government, we’re calling on God…

Speaking of government, and specifically President Obama, he did a wonderful job responding to Newtown. So did Governor Malloy…

Imus signed on for three more years. As good as he is on the radio, he’s doing great work at the ranch…

I don’t know what was better, what the Giants’ Victor Cruz did for the Pinto family of Newtown, or what Tom Coughlin said about his star wide receiver.

“Incredibly proud of what he’s done. That family will remember that all their days. The fact that he went and did that speaks volumes about what he has inside.”

Cruz, by the way, attended Paterson Catholic High School in New Jersey…

Happy New Year!

Categories: Commentary, Greenwich Education, Greenwich High School, Greenwich News, Greenwich Public Schools

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