Wissahickon Elementary Redistricting Timeline, Committee Outlined
Elementary redistricting plan will be presented to the Wissahickon School Board on March 11.
At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Wissahickon School District outlined the elementary school redistricting timeline, according to a report in the Ambler Gazette. Redistricting needs to occur in the Wissahickon School District due to the closure of Mattison Avenue Elementary and the "shifts in attendance at the elementary level over the 10-year period since the district last realigned its boundaries."
A 14-person committee will "present a preliminary plan to the board March 11."
According to the Wissahickon School District website, the committee consists of School Board member, Barbara Moyer; Assistant Superintendent Christopher Marchese; Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Matthew Walsh, Director of Student Services, Kelle Heim; Blue Bell Elementary Principal Denise Fagan; Shady Grove Elementary Principal, Elizabeth Bauer; Mattison Avenue Elementary Principal Concetta Lupo; Lower Gwynedd Elementary Principal Nicole West; Stony Creek Elementary Principal, Gary Abbamont; and, according to a letter from Superintendent Judith Clark, the president representative from each of the elementary school's home and school association. Those parents include: Tara Graefe, Samantha Drossner, Kristen Fath, Michele Brooker Lee, and Brenda Doll.
There will be three public meetings for parents: March 18 at Mattison Avenue Elementary from 7 to 9 p.m., March 19 at Shady Grove from 10 a.m. until noon, and March 20 at Stony Creek Elementary from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. At the public meetings, parents are welcome to provide feedback on the redistricting plan. According to the Gazette's report, the meetings are "not school specific" and "parents are welcome to attend any or all three of them."
Parents can contact the school about the redistricting process at redistricting@wsdweb.org and Mattison Avenue Elementary parents can contact the district at mattisontransition@wsdweb.org. Information about the redistricting process can be found on the Wissahickon School District's redistricting page.
Jack
1:31 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
I didnt see any Hispanic representatives. Should we fila a lawsuit?
Jack
1:36 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
Post office is shutting down Saturday delivery to save money. There are no hearings on the issue just doing what makes sense(finally) saving the tax payers money. Should we file a lawsuit to waste money to fightsave instead of saving and putting it towards our kids to fund addtional educational programs?
Ms. Foster
2:25 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Hallelujah...finally someone else with sense!
penllynjohn
4:03 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
The same issue of The Ambler Gazette published an excellent Letter to the Editor opposing, point by point, with significant details, why Mattison Avenue should not be closed and the incompetence,distortion and double-dealing of the authorities responsible for that decision.
And yes, I am sure the Civil Rights Office of the US Department of Education, investigating discrimination allegations against WSD's leaders, Board,Administration,PTA ,etc. takes note of the abscence of adult Latino voices in redlining Ambler, (oops) "redistricting" WSD .
Anita Pieri
9:02 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Not surprised that the Ambler Gazette would take such position. Logic and common sense was never their forte. They are slowly going out of business along with the many other left wing press, such as the new York times and the philadelphia inquirer. The redistricting and the closing of Mattison makes perfect sense. Latinos do have cars and use them, I live in the same neighborhood and see them all the time. It will be fine. Instead of moving in 3rd grade, to a k-5 elementary school, they will have 5 solid years with the same teachers and friends. These schools are within minutes of Ambler. Some kids in more rural areas travel long distances on busses, so be thankful your kids are close by.
andthatsthetruth
10:19 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Anita, it wasn't the gazette that took the position. It was a letter to the editor that was published from a concerned citizen. Maybe you should have read the article so that you would be up to speed about what was mentioned?
"Latinos do have cars" yes some do - do you close your eyes when the mothers use to take all the nursery school kids , the strollers, and food carts to the ACME on foot? If they had cars, why would they be walking? Seems like a lot of trouble to me. Oh well they will get over it, is not the right approach to this situation either.
andthatsthetruth
8:08 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2013
I just find this amazing that all these things are happening and the procedure still keeps going forward. I am just wondering if law dictates that if decisions are made before final decisions, it doesn't get reversed? That the district just gets fined and it moves forward? meaning the fine just gets taken out of taxpayers pockets. If they are found guilty of the accusation is the board defunct? These are issues that haven't been pointed out here. The redistricting should be placed on hold until the US Dept of ED reaches a decision. Maybe the dept. needs to verbalize this a little stronger?
Karen Palmer
10:41 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013
It's appalling that the school board member appointed to this committee holds illegal board meetings. The administration apparently approves of this action AND is rewarding her with an all-expense-paid trip to San Diego to attend a conference in April (the time when she should be finalizing the re-districting plans). You all are paying over $3000 for her to learn and share her findings with others during the last 8 months she will have in office. Go to www.wsdweb.org and look at Monday's agenda. The public at large should learn of this appalling latest development.
Anita Pieri
11:59 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013
@andthatsthetruth, maybe they are walking because they have one car in the family. Isn't that the point, that this is a walking community and that is good for people who may not be able to afford 2 cars? My thoughts about the Gazette remain unchanged. They would put front and center any opinion that favored fanning the flames. Any other would be burried or not published at all.
andthatsthetruth
12:23 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Yes that is the point, that most of us in years gone by walked to school. You seem to have missed the SB meetings about bus transportation in the district. The fuel bill, not purchasing more buses or hiring drivers - they examined out sourcing bus services to lower expenses. Just imagine what the cost will actually be to increase bus service to other district schools from Ambler Boro that truly are not necessary.
This blog that you are on is about WSD and administration not The Ambler Gazette's reputation. If you feel this strongly start your own blog on the paper right on the patch website.
andthatsthetruth
12:00 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
I agree that the expense is probably not warranted, and should not be even entertained. Quite possibly if they would send another board member that is going to be around for a while.... it might be practical.
What are these SB members brainstorming about? They have created this fiasco and should have all the strategy figured out. We voted these people into SB and we have a right to hear what they have to say and how they handle things. That is why there are public meetings. I can't help but think that when they had these private discussions, it was related to the community and how angry we all have gotten over the handling of these issues. They have stuck their necks out too far. And they are going to reap consequences for doing so. The awful part about it is that we as taxpayers will pay for their misdoings and bad judgement.
Anita Pieri
1:54 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Actually, I didn't start the discussion about the Gazette, but thanks for telling me what I should or shouldn't do. Sorry that people differ in their opinion. Regarding the walking school, Mattison avenue, why is it that each and every day when I pass by at dismissal time do I see cars lined up around 3 blocks with parents picking up their children? I'm sure the cost of having a few more busses far outweighs the cost of running an entire building, just guessing.
WSDWEB mother
1:54 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Why is there such a furor when redistricting involves Ambler residents? Several years ago, Wissahickon redistributed students due to population growth and space issues in the elementary schools. Kids were moved from one elementary school to another. Buses were rerouted. No one complained -- and -- the kids were just fine, mine included.
Anita Pieri
2:46 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
I will tell you why webmom, we now live in a world where people think that if they want it, no matter what the reasons why it is not practical, they should have it. Furthermore, you dare not agree with them, they will unleash a fury of vengeance as you may have seen towards school board members and those that dare to think otherwise. I blame my generation of baby boomers that have raised a generation of kids, not all, that want it their way or the highway. Don't say no to them, no matter what the ramifications. They will call you racist, and every other insult they can throw at you, no matter the truth. The truth matters not. Everything is theirs and they want it. I suspect it will continue until this country hits a wall financially and then reality will change forever. I am afraid for them frankly and wonder how it will all play out.
Binger Svensolf
2:15 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Andthatsthetruth needs a purpose. Run for the board and fix it.
Stop the madness
5:04 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
finally some sanity!
thanks Anita and WSDWEB Mother for bringing some practical real world thoughts to this otherwise left wing progressive web site.
thought I was on an Island
Anita Pieri
7:04 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
@stop the maddness, you are not alone, we are out there, but I fear that we are reluctant to speak. Fear not, speak your mind and don't let this insanity take over. They are the left progressives and whether on a national scale or local, it beats the same drum. Take a page from Benjamin Carson that dared to speak his mind at a prayer breakfast at the Whithouse. Watch it, he is brilliant and courageous.
Ms. Foster
2:36 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Stop the Madness - you are not alone. I am in favor of redistricting. Our children will be fine. What really gets me is that everyone is fighting to keep the school open...what are you going to do when you child has to go to 4th grade? Are you going to argue that Mattison then be changed to a k-5 school...NO! Your child will be sent to another school in the district where they will have to make new friends, get used to a new school and teachers. What are all the parents going to do when they have to send their child to 4th grade?
I would rather my child be in a K-5 school then have them have an issue with trying to get used to a new school, kids, teachers, etc. in 4th grade.
Karen Palmer
7:14 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Isn't this article about redistricting?
Why is everyone holding on to the work of activist parents who are involved in the school district with such venom? Thankfully, the federal DOE understands what a few parents realized and we can move on.
I expect that you will attend tomorrow's meeting, then, and look forward to seeing you there. Our work has just begun.
Stop the madness
7:43 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
What a waste of time, resources, and tax payer dollars Karen. You should be ashamed, but of course you aren't.
Why not help the community by getting the kids ready for what's ahead in the coming years? You will lose this silly, self serving battle of yours.
You Libs only care about how much you can TAKE and not about how much you can GIVE back.
You are relying on the DOE to further your goals. That is laughable.
Karen Palmer
9:05 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
You're sad and represent so many things that are wrong with our society with your gross generalizations and name calling. I look forward to learning who you are so that I can look you in the eye to determine if there is any sense of humanity left in your dark soul.
Liz Kunzier
8:59 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
Little kids, and a chance; that's what we're talking about. The Magic that happens when a community truly cares about the people who live there. That's it, I'm sad for those of you who don't get it.
Stop the madness
9:10 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
so if we don't agree with your agenda, we don't care about the 'Little kids'??
Give me a break.
Don't be sad for us Liz. We're just fine .
Ms. Foster
2:48 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
This is all just common sense....some people just lack it.
Anita Pieri
5:28 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
As my dear Mother used to say, "common sense is not that common".
andthatsthetruth
12:08 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
If you put the kids back into ALL the original schools from the original redistricting that created the 4th grade move NONE of this would be happening. Looking at it statistically & financially, it would be cheaper to get it right. Common sense should have been used years ago when they split the schools the way that they did & doing it again. NOT just with Mattison. I am truly surprised that the other parents ( from the elementary schools) haven't responded to any of this discussion ~ except probably most have pulled their children out of district to the "other taj mahal " down the road. &Ignore the BS. I attended WSD over 40 years ago they moved us around every 3 years. They shut down the K-6 Spring House School & had it condemned or so they said, built the original LG & sold SH to Gwynedd Mercy. HUH?Bldg Original still used. LG roof leaked & it still continues to. Conveniently now Admin Bldg. 2 Jr Highs - split the SD right down Morris Road. Never did any repairs at Ambler Jr High, had that condemned & built the MS that they say isn't right - although there are plaque awards on the walls that indicates that PA approved the updated learning facility as future friendly. Common Sense? It's research ladies! My statement is Anita, " They got book sense & no common sense. " The reality of this whole situation is that in your own homes you are dealing with what you have - making the best, they don't need to be adding more debt. There's no $ saved with this agenda.