A New Approach

From the Journal..


Principal seeks to create a supportive, positive climate
Carmela Cotter urging teachers to take ownership of school

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown High School’s new principal, staff and students are all working together to create a stronger sense of family at the school on Breiel Boulevard

“It’s four years of not just academic development, but also of social and emotional development, and a chance to grow up in a really supportive and positive family-like environment

Her goal for the school is “to make this the most positive climate that we possibly can. Make it possible for the teachers to do their best possible work and the students to feel relaxed and comfortable, and to be able to excel

IF THIS WAS NEEDED, I'M WONDERING WHAT KIND OF SHAPE THE HIGH SCHOOL WAS IN WHEN NEWELL WAS RUNNING THE SHOW???? WAS THERE AN ENVIRONMENT OF "FAMILY" UNDER NEWELL'S DIRECTION?

One example of positive behavior supports is demonstrating respect for one another, Cotter said.

“One of the things that we’re doing right now that the entire building is practicing is directing kids, say for instance, to get to class on time in a very constructive manner instead of hollering and yelling. What we are saying to them is, ‘You need to get to class on time because we have important work to do everyday,’ ” she said.

UMMM.....DON'T KNOW THAT THAT WILL WORK ON HARD-LINERS MS. COTTER. HARD-LINERS USUALLY DON'T PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO THE KINDER/GENTLER WAY OF APPROACH, DO THEY? IT MAY BE "IMPORTANT WORK" TO YOU, BUT DOUBT THE REAL PROBLEM KIDS CARE THAT MUCH ABOUT THE WORK AND WILL DISMISS THE MESSAGE YOU ARE TRYING TO SEND.

She will do an outstanding job of working with both internal and external groups to build on our strengths and address our challenges. I’m excited and very fortunate to have her on the team.”

LET'S HOPE SO MR. RASMUSSEN. TIME WILL TELL. RESULTS WILL TELL IF SHE WILL BE EFFECTIVE. AT THIS POINT, WE CAN DO NOTHING BUT WAIT AND SEE IN A YEAR OR TWO. IF THE DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS CONTINUE. IF THE GRADES AND PERCENT PASSING REMAINS LOW, IF THE SCHOOLS DON'T MOVE TO EFFECTIVE, IF THE INDICATORS REMAIN STUCK ON 10 OF 26 FOR TWO OR MORE YEARS FROM NOW, PROBABLY NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AGAIN ON A NEW APPROACH.

on the face of it, simply trying to create a positive atmosphere at Midd High School would seem trite but I think it goes to the heart of the issue - compulsory education creates a situation where a lot of the people in school don't want to be there.

In many respects, I don't blame them.