Manchester Ward Six school board candidate Jon DiPietro has released the results of a survey he launched shortly after announcing his candidacy for office. The survey collected answers regarding priorities and opinions on a range of issues from spending to communication to education quality.
DiPietro: Releases survey results
In a statement issued yesterday, DiPietro said survey takers identified “Standards & Curriculum” and “Classroom Sizes” as the top two issues. “Budget and Spending” was ranked third. The school district’s reputation seems to have some tarnish on it, too. DiPietro said eighty five percent of those who took the survey disagreed with the statement that the district, quote:
“motivates residents to move and to stay in the city.”
Perceptions of education quality seem to be best at the elementary level and worst at the middle schools, according to the survey. Said DiPietro, quote:
“One of my campaign mantras is ‘In God we trust, all others bring data.’ I wanted to know what concerns my constituents had regarding (the) Manchester School District. I’ve since visited hundreds of Ward 6 residen(ts) and their remarks largely echo these sentiments, particularly concerning standards & curriculum and class sizes.”
We’ve linked to all the results from this news read at Girard at Large dot com. It’s an interesting read.
Smoking Ban: To be extended to another Manchester Park?
The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen will meet tonight, as will several of its committees. There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot on the agenda, though the process of allocating state funds for road and bridge projects is clearly underway. Also on the agenda is a new labor contract with the union representing employees at the Manchester Water Works. You should also expect a move to expand the ban on smoking in downtown parks to Kalivas Park. We’ll keep an eye on it.
Announces award winners
Right to Know N H is the recipient of this year’s Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications First Amendment Award. Attorney Gregory V. Sullivan will receive the school’s Quill & Ink Award. They will be recognized at the 15th annual awards event on Oct. 5th at the Palace Theatre. The featured speaker will be story-teller and columnist Garrison Keillor, best known for creating and starring in the long-running radio program “A Prairie Home Companion.”
Saad: Will accept for RTK-NH
Established in 2013, Right to Know N H is a nonprofit, nonpartisan citizen coalition that works to make state, county and local government more open and transparent. Group President David Saad and other members testify on public access and right to know proposals in the General Court and work to educate citizens and public officials about their rights and responsibilities under the Right to Know Law.
Saad has been a guest on the Girard at Large Radio Show on two occasions. We’ve linked to his interviews from this news read at Girard at Large com. Interview 1 and Interview 2.
News from our own backyard continues after this.
It’s coming
Patriot Week is on the horizon! What’s that, you ask? Well, starting on September eleventh, the anniversary of the terrorists attacks, and ending on September 17th, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution – Constitution Day, Patriot Week is meant to renew America’s spirit by celebrating First Principles, the Founding Fathers and other patriots, vital documents, speeches and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history.
Patriot Week began as a response to the commercialization and loss of meaning of traditional national holidays. It invigorates American citizens’ appreciation and understanding of their nation’s spirit. It began when 10 year old Leah Warren pounded on a restaurant table and demanded that her father, Judge Michael Warren, whom we’ve interviewed, and her start a new celebration of America.
Warren: American renewal
They’ve done just that. Said Warren, quote:
“In this time of discord and hyper-partisanship, Patriot Week provides the opportunity to remind us all of what unites as Americans.”
We’ve linked to their Web site where those who wish to join the celebration can learn of the wide variety of initiatives and events, including: a Patriot Festival, professional development for teachers, daily rituals anyone, anywhere can do, 5k runs, 9/11 commemorations, the American Foundations Seminar, courthouse student activities, a National Library Initiative and OOOHHH sooo much more! Be sure to click in and have a meaningful celebration as America prepares to celebrate the two hundred thirtieth birthday of the Constitution. Yes, we have the link. It’s Patriot Week dot Org.
While supplies last
Now, from Patriot Week to Christmas! The Manchester Historic Association is pleased to announce this year’s holiday ornament pays tribute to the Amoskeag Millyard, featuring the Jefferson Mill’s clock tower. Each year the association produces an original, limited edition brass-plated ornament that celebrates Manchester’s history. These unique, detailed ornaments are handcrafted in the United States by the same company that makes the annual White House Holiday Ornament. They make perfect tree decorations or gifts for the holidays and for many other occasions. Each comes in a decorative box. The ornaments, including those that remain from prior years, can be found in the Millyard Museum Shop and online. The ornaments are just twenty five bucks. We’ve got the link.
That’s NEWS from our own backyard! Girard at Large hour ___ is next!
