Did I miss it in the article? Which day is the rally? View Comment

I hope that if my future teen ever breaks a door, that there will be consequences. I hope that if my future teen is intimidating others that there will be consequences. I hope that if my future teen is ever intentionally part of a mob that there will be consequences. I hope that if my teen is ever doing anything like this, especially when safety is at risk, that I will be made aware. I hope that I am raising my future teen to never need to feel like being part of this kind of insanity and that good choices will be made... But if good choices aren't made, I hope there is a clear and intense lesson that will make the next set of choices better. It's not the police's job to parent, whether that means saving a teen's clean record or reinforcing proper behavior... But it is their job to protect others and others' property. People were being intimidated and property was damaged. Arrests should have been made. That said, I can't imagine how the police could have made arrests with only one officer on duty... Safety first. Complaints about taxes should not be trumping keeping our citizens safe. Norwalk is hiding quite a bit behind budget for every answer to every poor decision. Time for some creative problem solving and fewer excuses. I can only imagine being the mom who packed all morning for a wonderful day at the beach with 3 kids under 7, a cooler full of juice boxes and special meals for each kid, trekked all the beach stuff and umbrella down to the shore, sunscreened her kids, and then hoped to enjoy her family's freedom for the day. To be scared and intimidated and needing to "wrap it up in a hurry"... How awful... I'm sure "that mom" (at least one!) was there that day. I can only imagine her feelings as she threw the sandy towels in the washing machine at home. Way to attract the people we want here to Norwalk... Ugh. First the schools, now the beach... Please stop embarrassing us and make some changes... View Comment

I think it's important that we refocus on what proper education (and I don't just mean dotting i's and crossing t's and the three Rs, or improving standardized testing scores) can do for our city, which includes keeping the crime rate down, increased student and guardian involvement in volunteerism and philanthropy, and reduction of fees for town wide vandalism. I think our seniors would be willing to pay a few extra dollars now for their safety and a better community, than have to pay for rebuilding in the future after their city is destroyed. I find it humorous to say that seniors are moving to Florida solely for the taxes, in response to the fact that famillies are moving out because of the school system. To say that seniors move to Florida for tax purposes only is missing a few points... like the weather, the abundance of senior communities and the fact that many of their friends either have a full time or winter home there! (I also think the seniors who have (grand)children in the schools would be appalled by what goes on there. ) It is quite a different story for families who have a nice home, and are settled in a community, having to pack up their children and home to make a major change in their lives at a critical time in their children's development, separating them from friends, activities and communities, because the education they are receiving is sub-par and on the verge of being a disgrace. Without many of our caring, dedicated, and child-focused educators, this system would have crumbled completely long ago. The more you strain these folks who have worked hard for the children for the selfless satisfaction of seeing them succeed and grow, the more you tell them to stop doing the little extras that make this system survivable. We need to be resuscitating those folks, not trying to see at what level they'll break. Don't throw money at it with no plan... and stop spending so much time and money creating plans that are never implemented. Start getting some good business sense and forward vision and actually making it happen..... and NOW! We don't have time left to save this city's education system. If it degrades and further, it's over. Let's start making a real difference in how our children are educated, and start reaping the benefits of great student citizens now... View Comment

This is very impressive! I'd love to bring my daughter on a tour to learn how it all works!!! View Comment

I'm willing to live and let live and share my (small) property with the animals who have been displaced by our idea of a perfect yard, highway system, etc. Any wildlife reading this, party at my house. Please just be careful crossing the street. View Comment

AWESOME crossing guard. We're very lucky to have him. Let's take care of him... please slow down! View Comment

Any update on Ward Street? It's ridiculously unsafe now that school is back in session. View Comment

Nice to see this article, but would have loved to hear about Tracey School and West Rocks Middle School, both of which made enough progress to be mentioned, and maybe even have some quotes from their representatives. We need to start hearing from ALL of the schools, not just the ones active in PR. Thanks for the article... View Comment

Tracey School is a neighborhood school in a very diverse community. The teachers, staff and students do a fantastic job of keeping Tracey condusive to learning, clean, safe and a "home" for the school community. Through strong leadership, Tracey's PTO has been able to provide some wonderful experiences for the students. I know $10,000 would go a long way in enhancing those efforts! Please vote for Tracey! View Comment

Well, since you asked... The folks at the games sitting in fold out chairs that you mention should count their blessings. If they are able to spend quality time paying attention to pursuits their children love, and supporting them, they have a gift worth more than gold. I find it sad when parents complain about "having to go to watch a game." If they are spending that time in those chairs focused on the children and becoming part of the team with their children, they are adding value to their children's lives - what could be more important? Perhaps they should think about the parents who don't get to be with their children because they have 3 jobs, or because their children are away for visitation with an ex-spouse every-other weekend, or who can't get to the game because they are in traffic returning from court trying to keep their home out of foreclosure... or all of the above. If these parents could come out of themselves and really be present for their kids, they would be honoring all of the parents who can't be there by offering an example of strong family life. And heck, they might even notice the children whose parents can't make it and give an extra cheer or two for them - maybe even bring them an orange slice as a refreshment at half time.... And to that end, maybe they can think about the kids that are not there; the kids whose parents couldn't afford the outrageous prices for most team events; the kids who have to work to keep food on the table in their homes; the kids who are having to grow up too fast by raising their siblings; the kids who have parents who don't or won't care enough to be bothered with raising them and are on the streets making the choices that suit them in the moment... Put your phones away, get your carmel lattes, sit down, and watch your child in all of his/her glory. The laundry will wait. View Comment

Thanks for the update, Daily Norwalk!! View Comment

I would LOVE to hear what the delay is on Union Ave.... View Comment

All over Norwalk we are missing opportunities to MAKE money. This is a great example. Not only can you partner with other institutions, but you can offer the planetarium to the public... from birthday parties to field trips for other districts... Maybe even barter for Norwalk Schools field trips elsewhere... No one is making an effort here. Are you telling me that in the race for Science in our country that there is not a single Federal Grant that would cover this and more - maybe even hire Mr. Mackenstein an assistant? This is crazy. No one is looking for a grant, or any other way to bring money in - they're simply cutting... What is happening in Central Office? (FYI, the elementary intervention aides are being cut because no one renewed a grant. Wow.) In addition, just take a look at the equipment in the photo... Depreciation alone would make selling it a bust, not to mention the unknown demand (needing specialized training and real estate). My guess is it would end up packed up in a box in City Hall anyway. Let's not even mention dishonoring the mayor for which it was named. This program is one that should be touted as a Marketing and PR point for Norwalk Public Schools. Somehow many parents in Norwalk itself don't even know about it. Moira wrote this beautifully and captured the essence of lazy decision making happening in our City. I am truly heartbroken that our city and schools are being eroded through mismanagement. View Comment

I love this quote: third-grader Anthony Milone was struck that "important people" like Mayor Richard Moccia and State Sen. Bob Duff came to his school. "If it was not important to read, I do not think they would take time to come to our school," Anthony will not be feeling like it's important to read if our elementary libraries become a shambles. How dare anyone even speak of cutting librarian hours? View Comment