First, we wish all our readers a merry Christmas. Also, a reminder that tomorrow we will be naming our "Citizen of the Year."We also want to provide an update to our readers who have not yet read the minutes of this month's Dorchester School Board meeting.
Dorchester Public School principal Brian Redinger has been appointed as superintendent for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years. At the Dec. 19 school board meeting, a 6-0 vote by board members paved the way for the leadership change that will occur at the end of the current school year.
The Times has not received word on whether a new principal has yet been hired or if there are candidates for the position.
The Times has not received word on whether a new principal has yet been hired or if there are candidates for the position.
In other developments from the Dec. 19 meeting, Dorchester parent Deanna Sand presented a fundraising idea to use the bricks from the 1927 school building after it is razed in May 2008. The school board gave its approval and designated Sand to lead the committee in charge of the fundraiser. Superintendent Don Pieper plans to visit with local auctioneers and form a committee to oversee the school auction planned for May 9, 2008. The auction will feature items from the old school building.
Dorchester Area Community Association (DACA) president Carol Olson asked board members about the concept of combining the community and school libraries in the new school building, scheduled for completion in September. School officials agreed to inquire on the feasibility of the idea with the architects overseeing the school renovation, and to follow up with Olson following the consultation.
School board members running for re-election in 2008 have until Feb. 15 to file their paperwork. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.
The idea of combining the community and school libraries in the new school building is in interesting idea. That concept was also discussed in Sidney, NE when I lived there a few years ago. For some reason, the idea was never implemented. However, the library staff is an excellent group of individuals, and I am sure they would not mind visiting with you about their experience. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe previous comment is from DC Husker. Sorry about the anonymous signature.
ReplyDeleteI think there should be one more dance in the old gym. Maybe it could be held the last weekend of April or first weekend of May. Or maybe a couple of dances for the different generations. I'd like to see one held for those who graduated in the 80s. We could start off the night by playing the best song ever made!
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea, "Class of 86." You will notice we have made your suggestion the topic of our latest reader poll.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we must disagree with you on your choice of music.
This is the best song ever produced.
For an example of a combined public/school library, you can look at St Paul. The project was completed about 10 years ago, so there would definite examples of advantages and things that would be done differently.
ReplyDeleteThe best song is here
Thanks, "Mike" and "DC Husker".
ReplyDeleteDorchester would be wise to examinine the experiences of other communities that have already tried to merge city and school libraries.
We at the Times support the idea.
all of you have it wrong. the best song in the history of man can be found at http://youtube.com/watch?v=mKZ6XCGk28c
ReplyDeleteVillage Dweller - I agree -- The House of the Rising Sun is the best.
ReplyDeleteIam glad they found on new one, but I have to thank don, for stepping in, thanks for all you have given to our school. Long live don pieper.
ReplyDeleteOK, kids. If there's going to be a dance in the old gym before it's torn down, I want one particular song to be played. This song played when I received my first kiss from the lady I eventually married. Also this song would seem appropriate as a farewell song to our Old Gym with holds so many memories.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Ed Sullivan clip. It's been a really great shew! (Yes, that's how he really talked!)
ReplyDeleteWay to go, anonymous (directly above). I've always been secure in my masculinity until I saw that music clip. Are you sure your first kiss didn't come from another guy?
ReplyDeleteSeeing and hearing the "best songs ever" submitted by the old folks above make me glad I graduated when I did!
ReplyDeleteI think that Redinger really needs to steps it up as superindent because the way the kids treat the school, I feel that their needs to be a way to punish them for trashing what is so pricless to others. SO I hope that he can step up to the plate like Mr.G. Kids knew not to mess with him because we many knew that he didn't put up with anything. SO for the sake of the new school, please step up and show us what you are suppose to be doing as the superindent..
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous above: I'd argue that is the job of the parents. So many single mothers today have kids that are out of control. I don't have kids in the school system, but when I did the fathers of students wouldn't put up with kids who acted up. Maybe its time that a group of fathers form a group to help coach and take part in other activities. These kids need father figures. Some of their moms werent smart enough to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Anonymos and CJ.
ReplyDeleteBut i can tell you coming from the era of Mr. G. His punishments were not to just out of the shoot suspend a kid. From what I've been hearing that's what Redinger loves to do and it don't take much to happen. Think about it, make a 15 or 16 year old child sit at home all day with no parents "SMART"??? Then I've heard that he told one of the student's this year actually that he would be better off to just quite school, GREAT leadership!
On another note about the single mom thing give some credit to the single dad's who do take care of their children because you no what it takes 2!
get off the redinger kick..............
ReplyDeleteYou wouldnt let people come on here and cut down Ehlers, but they can take cheap shots at Redinger.
The guy is doing his job.
Maybe if the people knew what was going on at the school they would give him a break.
A computer lab full of computers were destroyed by some idiots....and now the lab is shut down for student use. We are spending millions on a new school and these few destroy what we have. They should be kicked out and have to option enroll into Crete, or wilber, or someplace else.
This is probably the same group who got busted for "weed" on wednesday. And we worry about the hispanics that are having parties downtown. Give me a break.
Open your eyes people and look at what is going on in this community. There are serious problems with some of the young people in this town. Better get a drug and alcohol program started soon or its going to get worse before it gets any better. With some of these types, why would we want them to stay in Dorchester.
Give redinger a break, and if he needs help filling out the paper work, give me a call.
I don't see how any of you can sit here and say that is doing a horrible job.
ReplyDeleteFirst, Have you ever been to the school and seen what kind of kids he has to put up with? Yes, that is part of his job, but these kids don't listen to anyone. They wouldn't even listen to G, who you guys think it the greatest.
Second. The school doesn't have the place or the amount of people to keep these kids in school for a punishment. So if any of you would like to come up there and run a punshiment hall for these kids, then step up and do it. You think hes doing such a bad job, but theres no way you guys could handle them either.
So. I think Rediger is doing a fine job. And i should know, I'm a student there.
p.s. I thought this website wasn't allowed to do personal attacks on people? I think they BLOGGERS need to do a better job! =]]
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous:
ReplyDeleteWe agree that the comments above are questionable. However, we also acknowledge here is a thin line between launching a personal attack and critiquing the job of a public figure in a community.
We have a delicate balancing act here at the Times. It's beyond Journalism Ethics 101.
For the record, we support the decision to hire Brian Redinger as the next superintendent. That said, we don't know of all the ongoings at the school.
The firsthand accounts provided by some is of interest to our broad readership.
We will continue to monitor and screen blatant personal attacks on all individuals, private and public. Also, we continue to ask all readers to use common sense and courtesy when posting their remarks.
Please be mindful that even if you are posting annoymously, you must still live and get along with your fellow Dorchester area citizens.
To Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteMr. Redinger DOES NOT suspend students for no reason (although the student often believes they are doing nothing). If you would like to come to the school some day and see what goes on in the school and/or classrooms, please come!! The school has rules and students need to follow them. If they don't there should be consequences. If you would like to monitor an in-school suspension room, please volunteer.
As for the comment towards telling a student he/she would be better off quitting, come and see the behaviors of some of the students. They have NO motivation towards learning nor any respect for themselves or others. They refuse to listen to any authority figure. The only thing they care about is ruining the learning of others. Is if fair for the students who wish to learn to have to put up with the behaviors of those students who are trying to ruin it for them? Teachers are doing everything possible to motivate students to learn and be successful, but for some, the traditional school setting may not be the answer. There are other options out available.
Finally, let's not slam single mothers or single fathers for the misbehaviors of kids. There are kids that are misbehaving that have both parents in the house. What happened to the times when I grew up and parents backed the teacher and gave their child a consequence for misbehaving? If I got in trouble at school, I got in twice as much trouble at home. That doesn't seem to be the case in some situations.
Before you go bashing Mr. Redinger or the school, please visit and see what's going on. There are issues that need to be dealt with. Suspension is not the only consequence given, but sometimes it is the best one and fits the misbehavior.
In response to "80's Grad"
ReplyDelete"
This is probably the same group who got busted for "weed" on wednesday. And we worry about the hispanics that are having parties downtown. Give me a break. "
I would propose that before making general accusations about others, especially minors, that people have the facts, not inuendo rumors, and assumptions. Not all of these incidents were committed by the same individuals. People, especially kids, make mistakes, and can learn from them. I'm sure they are no different then some of the adults in this community when they were young, they just didn't get caught.
I would hope that individuals that post on this forum are adult enough to realize that kids make mistakes, and remember that for every finger you point at someone, there can be five pointing back at you.
I am assuming that the new "superintendent" has done his "job" as principal and already has found the individuals who committed the destruction of the computer lab. If he hasn't, why not? Isn't that his job? And if he hasn't why has he been hired as superintendent? Because no one else applied? Or it was pushed through by the "powers that be"?
There is an element that has been coming from other schools (transfers) that is changing the schools environment. I think it is policy that needs to be addressed before anyone is nailed to the "cross".
80's Grad : "A computer lab full of computers were destroyed by some idiots....and now the lab is shut down for student use. We are spending millions on a new school and these few destroy what we have. They should be kicked out and have to option enroll into Crete, or wilber, or someplace else. "
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the same group who got busted for "weed" on wednesday. And we worry about the hispanics that are having parties downtown. Give me a break.
The definition of libel is provided below. Something also to consider is that you are discussing minors. I am surprised that this post was allowed on a "monitored" forum. I would be very careful about allowing such posts. Someone could take offense and take legal action. This is a public forum.
li·bel (lbl)
n.
1.
a. A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation.
b. The act of presenting such material to the public.
2. The written claims presented by a plaintiff in an action at admiralty law or to an ecclesiastical court.
tr.v. li·beled or li·belled, li·bel·ing or li·bel·ling, li·bels
To publish a libel about (a person). See Synonyms at malign.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dorchester Times will not publish any posts threating or hinting at legal action against us or any member of the community. We have a lawyer on staff, as well as a staff member with training in journalism ethics. We think we do a pretty fair job in monitoring comments.
ReplyDeleteBased on our observations in Dorchester and elsewhere, modern society has become far too litigious.
Those who bring petty lawsuits are usually no better than the obese, out-of-work drunkards who line up and buy lottery tickets.
Same mentality. Same ethics.
Both deserve to be ignored.
I know of a number of parents that have volunteered to help out at the school. With that said, not one initiative has been set forth to take these parents up on the offer...so to say go sit in an in-school suspension...does not apply...one more note on the "new-superintendent"...remember this "absolute power, corrupts absolutely"...it may behoove him to learn the word "delegate"...as in if some teachers can't handle their classrooms...RETIRE...if his work load is to great, delegate, some responsibility...as for the post about legal action against the Dorchester Times or a member of the community...i see no hint in that whatsoever...merely a definition to the word "libel" which is exactly what a previous post has done of some kids that made a HUGE mistake...especially when everyone knows the kids involved and their parents by name...so with that said this is not Denver where you may not even know your own neighbor...everyone pretty much knows everyone in this community...the parents of these kids involved and the kids themselves I seriously doubt are evil people...quite simply there is something to be said about adolescent ignorance...or have we all lived such a pure life that we can pass judgement on someone else...isn't there some reference to "judge not lest ye be judged" and also "before you work on the splinter in your brothers eye, you had better work on the beam in your own"....i think thats biblical...but then again I'm just an "average joe"...whom has also made some dumb mistakes in my adolescent years (thank god i learned from them)
ReplyDeleteAverage Joe:
ReplyDeleteIf there were someone dumb enough to draw a suit for libel, there would be no way they would win.
1- Many of the posts are anonymous, so good luck there, not going to win a suit against them: "A California court ruled that bloggers are protected under the same "Shield Law" as journalists when it comes to being asked to reveal sources."
2-A website and its owners are protected as well: "The 1996 Communications Decency Act protects web sites from being sued over content that is posted by users, but not from self-generated content." --surely haven't seen the Village Dweller name anyone out.
3-No specific student is being attacked, so none of them can bring forward any sort of suit, unless they want to fess up to being the "idiot" who crashed the computer lab. --Redinger would be the closest person to having some sort of a suit, but he still would be likely to win. He's a public figure.
Good job Village Dweller, you are doing a good job of monitoring. I also have a fair share of journalism ethics classes under my belt. Keep it up. :)
-k
again, for the record there was never any threat of a lawsuit in my post...as for ethical journalism, it was never my intention to question village dweller on monitoring I apologize if that is how it was taken...my point is the moral issue of discussing minors...especially when everyone who read this knows who they are...
ReplyDeleteagain for the record...it was never my intention to question ethical journalism or the monitoring actions of the powers that be...I am sorry if it was taken that way...my question is it morally ethical to discuss such matters involving minors...especially when everyone knows who the kids are involved...
ReplyDeleteI apologize for the "double" post...I didn't think the first one went through...sincerely, average joe
ReplyDeleteDon't speak for everyone Average joe. I actually have no idea who any of these students that are commiting crimes are and I'm sure there are others who don't know. That being said, this should not be a taboo subject because they are minors. Do you see actions like this being avoided by real newspapers (no offense to the Dorchester Times:)? Nope. Remember when those minors stole all of those guns from Scheels? That was newsworthy, so it was going to be printed. In Dorchester, these actions by a group of minors is also newsworthy. Let the people of Dorchester talk about it!
ReplyDelete-k.