bdit

We can respectfully agree to disagree; For our program, every director is on the same page or they won't work here for very long. Each one understands their job description, which is they are to work with the HS band and assist (included in their stipend). The HS directors do the same and assist at the MS (we are assigned to one of our MS each morning). You are not allowed to pick and choose what you do and don't want to do (i.e. "I just want to teach MS and go home at 2:45"). We all cover for each other when one has to be out of the building, etc, we all share the same curriculum, and our MS collaborate with each other so that when our 8th graders enter the HS, they are all on basically equal footing. That means that the HS directors don't have to spend time and go back and re-teach things that they should already have been taught. They know their scales, rhythm studies, how to sit, etc. I don't have a part of my freshmen that are "with it" from one MS, then another group of freshmen that are way behind. And then I have to spend a bulk of the class time explaining how we do things. It's worked tremendously well.

It is absolutely your obligation to serve as a "good feeder." I know of many places where people have been reassigned or let go because they weren't on board with the total vision. Those of us that have been around for a while know exactly what I'm referring to. Have that kind of attitude at a place like Carmel or Lafayette, and see how long you last. It may work at a place where the expectations are low, but that's about it.

um, but that's what they are...........................like it or not. Where does my HS band come from? The middle schools that "feed" me. Although I have one MS teacher that needs to be reassigned due to poor performance (but that's another story for another time).

For what it's worth, Bands of America will let you combine (as long as you're in the same district, which you are). You could also do festival class or exhibition in KY, if you chose so. Also, I would be pushing for the 10% rule of enrollment for your HS classes. I think TNHS is around 700, so you can do the math. And I always had a set number of freshmen that I would be expecting from feeders (meaning I would start losing my mind if that number fell below; for me, if I wasn't bringing in 25-30 freshmen per year, something was wrong). Also, I would advise you to stay at least long enough to get tenure (complete your 4th year, and teach there your 5th). Then, if you do decide to move districts, you won't have to start all over. You would just need to complete one year at the new district to get your tenure back. Many newer teachers in KY don't understand how that works. If you teach somewhere for 4 years, and then leave, you have to start all over again. OR if you teach somewhere and get tenure, then leave for another position and teach there for one year ONLY, then leave AGAIN, you have to start all over. Tenure is HUGE in today's landscape of things. Jmo

As it appears to me, and I don't know your total situation, your schedule seems to be the major elephant in the room. It's good that you have a positive relationship with your counselor, but if you are STILL having scheduling issues, then it is up to him/her to fix and address it. I've always said, "I don't mind if the student has to make a choice, but I don't want it to be forced." If it's forced, it's a lose-lose. The middle schools that feed you are directly related to your enrollment at the HS. You may need to talk to your superintendent if you keep getting pushback for needing to be involved with the middle schools. That may give you some indication if they truly want a band program (or not). Then you would know if you're just spinning your wheels and need to get out of there. Nelson County has had some success in the past with their program (before the split), but it was never the size that it should have been based on the enrollment. As an outsider, it appears to me that the middle schools (or K-8..........who still does that??) are the first issue, and then the scheduling at the HS being the second. Edit: I would also like to think that your asst principal would be on board with helping you, although his band programs were never really stellar (meaning he may not understand what it takes to truly succeed).

Make best friends with your counselor, the secretary, and then the administration. Scheduling can make you or break you. Preferably, you need to be on a 7-period day or at least a modified block where u can have band year-round. This one is a biggie: you MUST be directly involved with your feeder programs (and vice-versa). If you have a schedule where you are stuck at the HS all day, it’s not going to work like it needs to. I don’t know if any major, highly successful programs in KY, IN, or TN where the HS director only teaches one or two classes of band at the HS (and then A and H, etc). Jmo

nope............

Not the "correct" decision..................the "easy" decision..................... Kind of funny how the best bands in the nation (IN and TX) are still having camps and providing their students with the best experience possible.

I know there's a few more contests sprinkled in and around the state. I also see where KY is still playing football......and cross-country..........and golf............and volleyball...............because KHSAA has a plan (and I understand the financial part). Sure would be nice to be having band............and not being expected to just have a "pep" band. Such a disservice to our students.

Lot of people are in agreement about that individual. I feel sorry for those that have had to deal with it. KMEA has proven they won’t do anything once they encounter a barrier. Their answer is to just cancel it. Proof being with the state conference and all-state already being cancelled. It’s truly maddening.

That job is for the HS assistant. Think that person left for the East Hardin middle job, which surprises me, because that is only a 1-year gig as of now. That whole side of Hardin seems to be in such disarray now.

Work "with," definitely not "for." They work "for" the Hardin Co Board of Ed, and are assigned to each building and its principal. I know what you were referring to, though 😎

Is this a serious question?

You are totally and unequivocally missing my points, and twisting them to fit your agenda. You’ll vote for Biden, and I’ll vote for Trump. It’s all good 😁.

Someone has to educate these new teachers coming out, because it’s certainly not the universities in my area. Most of the ones that are coming out or student-teaching are either coat-tail riders or just flat out lazy. And you have no idea what my credentials are......plenty of fake accounts on here 😎. And not sure where you get that I’m “arguing.” Just stating my opinions. I can also guarantee you that our (see, it doesn’t belong to me) program will not get cut either next year, or the year after that. My admin is fully behind us and our students. Anyone else also notice how the vote yesterday was 17-0 in favor of keeping hopes alive? Looks like they all went to vote for the best interests of their students. All we did was vote to bail on ours.