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Steven DeVaux May 11, 2013 at 10:42 am
Thank you Stan. Glad you we're bullied too much by the courtesy nazi's. The First Amendment is still…Read More in effect for now. I don't know why they're quoting the 5th. Nobody is incriminating themselves as far as I can see, but that's just me. Who knows?
InterestedBrookfieldResident May 11, 2013 at 12:02 am
We're talking basic courtesy here and nothing about the Fifth Amendment. Every board member has…Read More his/her own email address. It makes perfect sense to go directly to the source instead of on a thread that only a handful of people read.
Susan Balla April 29, 2013 at 09:26 pm
I think this is fantastic about Brookfield. I am a 1970 graduate of Brookfield. We were just the…Read More third class to graduate from that school. We did not have a football team. We did not have a good school band. It was a combination of Junior High and Senior High. We got most of our teachers from the south and not from our northern schools. Most of the time senior were more interested in whose number was going to be called for the draft. We only had 125 kids graduating. Now we lost seventeen people from our class. Three suicides, many illnesses and car accidents. Many of my classmates have stayed in the area. Very few moved away.
Steven DeVaux April 25, 2013 at 04:34 am
No mention of Brookfield in the statewide article.…Read More
http://blog.ctnews.com/trending/2013/04/23/trending-where-the-best-high-schools-are/
Is Bivona a legend in his own mind?
Steven DeVaux April 25, 2013 at 12:32 am
That would only spark State Representative David Scribner from Brookfield tointroduce a bill in the…Read More assembly to prohibit it
Deane Renda April 24, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Fantastic! WMS is very proud of all of our students that participated. Good luck at Jasmin, Mae,…Read More Jacob, Matt, Amelie, Kylie and Matt and the high school Performance Team in the World Finals at Michigan State.
Randall M. Young April 15, 2013 at 11:53 am
Justin T. Young - University of Cincinnati, Aerospace Engineering
BuckWheat May 8, 2013 at 05:49 pm
Gotta love the internet.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/527289-brookfield.html
Ray DiStephan May 8, 2013 at 11:09 am
Hello Art,
Thanks for the thoughtful comments and questions.
The Distance Learning program lost…Read More momentum because schools could not agree on a compatible daily schedule and yearly calendar.One year one school pulled out and the next year another school pulled out until it just became no longer viable.
We had a full class of students as we provided the teacher, but other districts had much fewer students. It became very difficult to provide student support outside of the classroom.
I am doubtful that any schools use this format any longer as online/virtual high schools have replaced this older format.
I hope that helps.
Steven DeVaux May 8, 2013 at 01:04 am
The didn't decrease the budget. They decreased the Super Sized budget increase. In doing so they may…Read More have knocked off the cost of one referendum....something Newtown didn't do.
Michelle May 2, 2013 at 01:12 pm
I think this is just a wonderful way to recognize and give thanks to Brookfield's finest. Brookfield…Read More police officers are dedicated to our community and do a job well done. This is an outstanding token of appreciation by our students, faculty and administrators. It is nice to see this lovely gesture.
Steven DeVaux May 6, 2013 at 08:26 pm
Doug,
A good suggestion is not paying the politicians and diverting that money to benefits the kids…Read More in town. Washington and Hartford are full of paid politicians - does Brookfield have to be a "wanna be" too? They could donate their payments back to the town and be a volunteer like everyone else. Why don't they?
By the way, thank you for signing your full name.
Steven DeVaux May 6, 2013 at 08:22 pm
Nicole,
Did your parents bestow you with a last name or do you simply lack the honesty to use it…Read More due to shame of some sort? It appears you do like, nor support diversity and are challenged when opinions different than your own are expressed. It is most interesting that you appointed yourself spokesperson for "most".
I find that the development of four corners offers the opportunity to close the wide gap that exists in Connecticut and is an outstanding project to clean up the Brownfields that exist at the same time.
Communities change over time with resettlement of people. Brookfield isn't any different. Welcoming large extended families of people new to America is the American way. Unless you are a native American (and if you are I seriously applaud you) this is how your forebears came about in this country. Are you wishing any less on others? If so, why?
Jeff Albarn April 15, 2013 at 01:40 pm
Absolutely makes sense to install a police presence in every single school in town. It's no…Read More different than installing locks on the school door...albeit with associated costs on a grander scale...Let's work to eliminate the countless ":assistant to the assistant" administrative roles in our government and schools if we have to, but it's the one thing that the inhabitants of Brookfield could vote through that could be an visible, appropriate response to the events that precipitated this conversation. Does it create more of a "police state" like John Mainhart proposes? Perhaps, but no more than already exists...I would offer a police presence in schools develops a respect for the badge and a better sense of security and would be an adequate response rather than posturing about costs and the fear of a receding Newbury that really hasn't existed in 225 years... Gary Gramling, Joey Lamparelli, and Maureen Will were all repurposed at points in their respective careers to address a growing need to develop a relationship with the youth, and this is no different. It's now time to more than have one of our finest donning a McGruff the Crime Dog costume...
Publius April 15, 2013 at 01:03 am
If the desire was to keep our children safe, statistically, the best use of money would be to…Read More install seat belts in the school buses. Instead, we're going to deal with a short term reaction to an unpreventable event by committing to a long term expansion of the police force, with the attendant benefit and retirement expenses.
School is the place where we will prepare our children for the future. As we are in this pattern of response, that future will inevitably move us closer to being a police state. We may as well get them used to having a policeman watching their every move from a young age.
John Mainhart April 12, 2013 at 03:22 pm
I respect those souls who want to protect their sons and daughters, but I am greatly concerned that…Read More all our answers to violence seem to enlarge our already too large police state in this once free country. Many times our focus on being safe erodes our freedom and ,makes us more fearful ,of our ,fellow human beings. I believe confronting our fears in this way will make us regret the country we have created.
Steven DeVaux April 10, 2013 at 10:19 am
This is an outstanding opportunity for real estate investors looking for an 8% annual return on…Read More their money through guaranteed section 8 housing payments from the federal government. Brookfield has set itself up as a perfect inccubator for a rapidly growing section 8 housing market, especially all the new condos. More bedrooms allow for larger/extended families to flourish.
Steven DeVaux April 10, 2013 at 10:14 am
Actually, due to section 8 vouchers coupled with low income housing, the schools are attracting…Read More families looking for a cheap way to acquire an education for their children. Brookfield's education budget is ballooning with English As A Second Language (Mandarin not being the first). Real estate investors and new American families are clearly moving on this opportunity
Aaron Boyd (Editor) April 10, 2013 at 04:50 am
Heard a question from a reader tonight about not being able to see the totals for some of the…Read More smaller departments when compared against the total budget.
In order to see just one department at a time, leave the search box (the second box) blank and just choose a department from the drop down menu (the first box) and click 'search.'
Steven DeVaux April 8, 2013 at 10:40 am
Neither does the Board of Education apparently Paul. There are no economics or financial folks on it…Read More as it is.
paul gonzales April 8, 2013 at 02:53 am
i would be willing to bet you that a student who has taking a language any language for 3 years…Read More would have a hard time having an intelligent conversation in that country. where as if you took a 3 month course on your own time an money you would fair a lot better- DO AWAY WITH ALL LANGUAGE STUDIES AN PUT THat MONEY TO BETTER USE SUCH AS ECONOMICS= young people have no clue on how the monetary system works. domestic an global the education system needs a over hauling enough said
Kevin O'Connor April 8, 2013 at 02:15 am
I should also point out that French is already taught in the district and Italian was up until a few…Read More years ago.
long time resident April 2, 2013 at 02:00 am
If you can't afford the Mandarin, then move (to Glastonbury).
long time resident April 2, 2013 at 01:55 am
Ray, what corporate / business world meetings have you attended?
long time resident April 2, 2013 at 01:53 am
Thank you John. As a former BHS teacher and administrator, you are truly an EXPERT on what the high…Read More school needs. Thank you for your insight. Too bad our BOE members are more interested in the betterment of their children than the rest of public. Watch the rats run when their child is out of school.
John Mainhart March 23, 2013 at 04:50 pm
Good idea. I believe what makes for a good school is the values, including discipline, the teachers…Read More have, not the rules of the state.
Steven DeVaux March 22, 2013 at 03:56 pm
They won't be high performing for long if they have less school.
Robert Lee March 23, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Do you know definitely that the laser pointer WILL NOT Harm or damage the retina of the students…Read More eyes?
Elizabeth Brown March 23, 2013 at 08:36 pm
Only thing I can think of illegal to do with a laser pointer is rape.
Steven DeVaux March 15, 2013 at 08:15 am
What about private alternatives to Brookfield schools for super achievers?
Steven DeVaux March 13, 2013 at 09:19 am
They talk about "outplacement" as if it kids were chattel. And they only speak of schools…Read More the state physically controls. Keep the School Security Advisory committee from creeping into Connecticut and Brookfield's best schools, it's private ones that show record results when kids move on after 12th grade. Private schools don't want - or need - the town's First Selectman or Police Chief in their business of nuturing kids to perform at high levels or get a religious education. That's the last place that needs political hacks.
Steven DeVaux March 13, 2013 at 09:26 am
Agreed. It was the heart and soul of Four Corners for decades. Peachwave and Subway are never going…Read More to replace that.
Steven DeVaux March 8, 2013 at 03:09 pm
Brian,
Spoken like a true apologist for the school administration and the Board of Education.
Wondering March 8, 2013 at 03:05 pm
Learn how the system works. I make sure I pick up the phone when the school number shows up because…Read More if I don't, the computer system will dial my number again. And since I have both my home and cell phone registered on the system, I got the call twice. If you were still involved with the schools, you would know that.
Steven DeVaux March 8, 2013 at 02:57 pm
The gun control fanatics don't. They don't even want folks to have a cross or compound bow.
Steven DeVaux March 6, 2013 at 03:18 pm
These kids are built by bullies, both school administrative as well as students. Eliminate the…Read More bullies and you eliminate the problem. It's a hard job when the school administrators are a large segment of the bullies and do nothing but look the other way instead of stopping it.
Steven DeVaux March 7, 2013 at 05:43 am
So why isn't the School Safety Advisory Council helping to make transportation of Brookfield…Read More students safer like other towns are? For example:
http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2013/03/06/news/doc51380e26babd4251202478.txt
Steven DeVaux March 6, 2013 at 06:05 pm
If you want to understand the hows and whys of this committee, please go to:…Read More
http://www.vlrc.org/articles/110.html
Wondering March 6, 2013 at 12:26 am
While I disagree with Mr. Delia on many issues, I believe that he has the best intentions when it…Read More comes to the safety of children, clearly has extensive experience in the security field, and will be very vocal if he believe that this committee is not willing to discuss all reasonable steps to protect our children. I wish him all the success in this activity.
Concerned Taxpayer March 5, 2013 at 06:45 pm
I could not agree with you more Mr. DeVaux. I have a friend who asked the first selectman office a…Read More few weeks ago about the commitee and they did not know anything about it but took her name if a comittee was formed. Needless to say she was not called. The town does not really want any feedback from its citizens and taxpayers. They already have what they want to do and who they want to use to do it.
Shane March 5, 2013 at 10:57 pm
The concerned father of three refers to Brookfield Police Chief Robin Montgomery as being a woman.…Read More News Flash! He's not. Priceless. The "concerned father" seems to sound like a sarcastic and dismisive noise maker rather than a concerned anything. The Town is considering School Resource Officers. I could give 100 reasons why this is the right thing to do, but I won't... because its simple common sense. Brookfield is a town that I truly believe in. We are in good hands with Chief Montgomery, Officer Gramling, and Mr. Zucci. Enjoy
John Q. Public March 5, 2013 at 10:09 pm
It takes a community to raise a child, and it takes a Neighborhood Watch to keep them safe. Visit…Read More www.nnwi.org or www.usaonwatch.org to learn how Brookfield parents and grandparents can organize a neighborhood watch over our schools.
Brian March 5, 2013 at 08:55 pm
You lost any credibility when you refer to Chief Robin as "her" and "she". If…Read More you did have kids in the school system you would have gotten an automatic call talking about what the schools were doing within hours of the incident to protect the Brookfield kids. And have recieved them many. many times over the next few days.
Stopped reading after that because nothing you say could be trusted as any informed opinion on the matter.
Steven DeVaux March 10, 2013 at 03:05 pm
Indeed, all valid concerns that should be addressed by the new Brookfield Security Advisory…Read More Committee, The entire Brookfield Board of Education and the entire Brookfield Police Commission and Brookfield Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectman's "Kick the Can Down the Road" approach was shocking to read about.
Paul Barbara March 10, 2013 at 01:48 am
Answer me this one question, why don't we have at minimum unarmed guards walking the perimeters of…Read More our schools, watching over recess and manning our main school entrances? It's been three months since Sandy Hook. How could you possibly claim our schools are safe. Placing a school secretary, or an existing staff member, at the front door asking for licenses is not security. For goodness sakes, dish out the $12 an hour already! Have one single individual who is trained in security at each school. We only have four schools, how do you rationalize bit doing the bare minimum. You have only addressed reactive safety options like alarm buttons and glass reinforcement film, not proactive safety options. And why didn't you mention the SRO's ... are we getting them or not?? They should be considered a resource, not an option. I can't imagine your new social worker disarming a shooter. Get with the program already. This is the world we live in, wake up Brookfield!
Steven DeVaux March 5, 2013 at 02:15 am
Kevin,
You haven't even tried to serve the community, being too selfish yourself.
John Swenson March 10, 2013 at 03:52 pm
Its all about two things: a) the line of sight for BOTH the driver and the pedestrian b) increased…Read More volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Development on White street is a double edged sword. The city loves the tax dollars from businesses, and the state loves a lovely, growing bucolic setting for its campus, but the street is four lanes now. Think about it ...tasty fast food and available parking is waiting there just on the "other side" for busy students, professors, and administrators trying to get to and from classes or meetings on time. Line of sight...its horrible in that area for a number of reasons...Time for city planners, engineers, business owners and a campus president to do more than add another crosswalk...better lighting and slower speeds never mind an architect who knows about putting waiting pedestrians in safer places set back from the roadway are a start for any new development. All those competing interests can coexist if a little planning and public safety comes before the almighty dollar.
Steven DeVaux March 6, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Video on the student crossing bridge with license plate identification and signage warning people…Read More are being videotaped could make it safer and heavy fines for violations on not giving the right of way could go a long way in both proactively and reactively teaching drivers what not to do.
Ida Clark March 6, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I was hit by a car in 1983 on White Street in front of Westconn. I was attending school there at…Read More the time as well. I survived and suffered a concussion and other injuries. That was then, this is now.....to say the least, it seems to warrant some sort of preventative measure......as over the years it has statistically revealed a major "hit" concerning stident/pedestrian safety issues. The question is, do we need one more statistic to make this change a reality?
Ida Clark, Brookfield
Newsweek Ranks Brookfield High 10th Best in CT
17 Recommend Aaron Boyd (Editor)