What is "The Zone" at Dwight Morrow High School"?

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The Englewood Schools Tour: 5th Stop Dwight Morrow High School

Dorian Milteer is principal of Dwight Morrow High School. Dr. Carlisle called him as we all climbed out of the school bus. We waited outside for him to greet us and conduct the campus tour. As we entered the main hallway I was astounded at how dark and dismal it was. A former classmate and now coach of the basketball team sat in the far right corner against the wall. He wore a sweat suit in the traditional maroon and white Raiders colors. I did not recognize him until he approached me as we left the main office. I could not see him there in the darkly lit corner. The principal said it was because there are no windows. There were no windows in 1969 either, but the hallway was not that dark. There was not sufficient light to photograph any of the historic plaques in the lobby. Certainly with the many advancements in technology we should be able to light a hallway. The lack of illumination made me uneasy standing in the vestibule of my own Alma Mater. The dismal climate created by a lack of light should be rectified immediately.

Inside the office this poster was the first thing I noticed. The Quote of the Week stands in the center of the office. "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." Marian Wright Edelman.

At right, Walter Jones looked on as we observed a Math class that was described as inclusive, because it was a mixed level group. There were 2 teachers, one for the content area and one for in class support. It was stressed that the in class support person aides everyone in the class when needed. The teacher made a mistake in writing a problem on the chalkboard and was corrected by a student. One must conclude that the student was paying attention and clearly understood the lesson.

 It should be noted that the upstairs hallway is more brightly lit than downstairs. We spent some time in the library/media center that is being remodeled. As a student, that was my favorite room in the entire school. I loved sitting on the window seats and peering out the windows. It was a great place to read and study. Some panels in the room are being torn out altogether, because of decay and insects in the plaster behind the wood.

The room is filled with old books and furniture that will probably be discarded. The contractors were working busily as we visited. The air was thick with the smell of plaster and other chemicals used in the renovation process.

The stuffy area was a mess, but it was good to see the work being done. I was present at several meetings when our then Superintendent decided that we did not need libraries. I remember asking him if it was possible to take a computer screen to the many places a book could go. He did not have an answer for me. He was permitted to single handedly dismantled the libraries. As I reflect on my question, I realize that it is entirely possible now, but not affordable.

In contrast to the dismal and dark entrance to the main building, what used to be Martin Luther King Jr. Hall (Academy@Englewood) is a brightly lit area. The student commons area is located directly to the left of the modest lobby area. The commons area was mostly empty. There was no real worry of getting students in pictures, because they were not seated in the study area. I was concerned about the vast, bright emptiness so I asked the question. I wanted to know if students from the traditional High School were allowed to use this area. I was assured that they would be made welcome as long as they were well behaved. I later learned that is not possible, because DMHS students are on a totally different schedule and would never be able to show how well behaved they are or are not. In retrospect the brightness of the area at right made me realize that a good coat of paint would also help to brighten the hallways of DMHS. A fellow visitor was well known by the Commons area attendant. They embraced and posed for a photograph. Another point of reference, DMHS does not have a common area.

We made our way upstairs to Dr. Hall's World Studies class. He was described as being the type of teacher who might very well teach in a college or University. That description was very interesting given the size of his room. The room was so tiny that the students were literally sitting on top of each other. There was no doubt that the Dr. knew exactly what he was doing. A student was asked to explain the day's lesson. She responded with the lesson's objective without hesitation. They were watching and reacting to a slide projected on a small screen. Book bags were stacked against a wall making it difficult to find space to stand. There was no air. Being ashmatic and diabetic, I was forced to leave almost immediately. As I stepped into the hallway, I remembered the room. It was formerly a book closet back in the days when numerous textbooks needed storing. "Our best and our brightest" were being instructed by a college level teacher with a Doctorate Degree in a book closet. I suggested to both Dr. Carlisle and Mr. Milteer that Dr. Hall should have a larger classroom for the comfort of  himself and his students.

We were running out of time. Dr. Carlisle had devoted most of his day to us. The Bio Medical lab was the final destination on our tour. The teacher, Claire Kennedy did not have a class and spent the time discussing the HS Musical. Coming from a district where the Arts had enjoyed a degree of distinction before the Governor's cuts I was  not impressed. Englewood has not embraced the Performing Arts. This was evident in the showing made by dancers who appeared at the last school board meeting for the primary reason of collecting money for tickets. It was not  a temptation to purchase, because although they wore their Capezio heels and dress rehearsal costumes they were reluctant to perform anything. They also giggled an awful lot in a way that trained student perfomers seldom do.

Back at Liberty School where the board offices are located. Dr. Carlisle was asked for a follow up meeting with all persons from the tour. He rushed off to his duties and the visitors conducted a meeting in the parking lot. We all decided to request a meeting with Dr. Carlisle. He has agreed to a follow up meeting. As of now I do not know the date or time. I assume his secretary will contact us all soon.

On the right  is a photo of our original tour group. We  also had a meeting in the parking lot after our visit. I recommend the tour to anyone interested in learning about Englewood's schools. The tour was referred to as a "Dog and Pony Show". The concept is very understandable, because it was superficial. What else could it be? I am glad that I participated. I would like to suggest that all members of the Board of Education take the same tour. This time the Eagle School upstairs from the Board offices should be included. The Vincent K. Tibbs Child Development Center is a feeder school for the Kindergarten program at Quarles Child Development center and should  also not be ignored.

The Englewood Schools Tour: 4th stop Janis E. Dismus Middle School

Carmen MacchiaAbraham Alarcon

These two men represent the guiding team at Janis E. Dismus Middle School. Mr. Alarcon is acting principal.  Mr. Macchia is a retired Blue Ribbon principal brought in by Dr. Carlisle to help reorganize the school. It is curious that even though he is only acting principal his picture is the only one pictured on the homepage of his school's website alongside his goal for students in the school. Janis E. Dismus is already showing signs of change. They too have a reception desk as you enter. This area needs work and they should probably build a permanent reception desk in the same area. We visited the Middle School 2 times. I will not separate the visits now. We were not expected on our  first visit. It took place during the lunch periods so we did not see much more than the facility.

In the above photograph Dr. Carlisle demonstrates that he is on a first name basis with the people that he has delegated to guide the Middle School climate in a more productive direction. Even though he always wears a suit he demonstrates that he is willing to get down in the trenches with the worker bees and help solve some of the real problems faced by the Englewood School District. He has shown that he has willingness to learn. The ladies below had just finished serving lunch to the entire school and were a little perplexed as to why I wanted to take their picture. Employees such as these ladies very often undervalue the importance of their services.

On the wall outside the office is a collage of names. Beside this collage is a slogan that reads "Caught Being Kind". Students who demonstrate kindness towards others are singled out and given the honor of having their names included on this collage. This means that even if you are not an A student, you may be recognized for your strength of character and kindess towards others. I like that. Janis E. Dismus is headed in the right direction. It is going to be a long road one step at a time. 

Above is an area dedicated to the National Junior Honor Society high achievers. The Student of The Month area is above a case that I would like to see some athletic trophies in one day. The areas for both are much more formal than in the past. It is a more attractive display. Throughout the building there are signs of change. I must also note that this building is much cleaner than it used to be. Much cleaner.

Students created the "Helping Hands For Japan" mural to show solidarity with Japan because of the troubles wrought by the earthquake and Tsunami. Projects like these help students to develop social skills crucial to becoming caring nurturing human beings.

The most impressive change was the transformation of the Middle School Library. It is so refreshing to have an Educational leader who believes in the fact that every school in the District needs a library/media center. The very thought that a school system would allow the libraries to become such desolate places has been bothering a lot of residents for years. Many of us remember when this new approach to libraries was introduced to our system. We were powerless to do anything as we watched the heart of our school buildings fall into benign neglect. In a very short time new life has been pumped into this area.

Finally, the flag at the end of the hall is a magnificent addition to the hallway. Janis E. Dismus Middle School is well on its way in appearance to becoming a fantastic facility. There is a lot of work that must be done that cannot be seen with the eyes. We hope that the same rigor that was shown in changing the look of the school will be utilized to affect change to the curriculum and student achievement .

The Englewood Schools Tour: 3rd Stop Dr. Leroy McCLoud Elementary School

Michael Brown is the clean cut principal of Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School. Grades 4, 5, and 6 attend this school. We were met at the reception desk by Limona Wright who is part of building security. The welcome desk in each school is a very positive step in the right direction towards improving school climate. One of the parents inquired about visiting a regular classroom. The answer was that there was no regular class. Mr. Brown agreed to show us what was close to what he thought she wished to see. It included students with various labels including the "Ivys". I did not know that these labels were also being used to identify and separate our children at this level. I was surprised when we walked into the room. The teacher was one of my former students. It was not a set up. I had never met Mr. Brown before in my life. I had heard my neighbor speak of him, because he was principal in her son's school.

We were taken to the left as we entered the building so we did not get to see very much of the new wing. I wanted to see the Library. It is really nice from the outside.

Dual Language is still emphasized. Dr. Carlisle seemed proud of a teaching team that consisted of a Social Studies and Language teacher. The shortness of the visit did not allow us to see any of the lesson. .

Dr. Leroy McCloud Elementary School's website homepage does not include a vision statement. It lists the district mission statement only. I expected a statement at this level that would naturally grow out of the ones already indicated in the lower grades. This was disappointing because vision statements should not disappear as the students grow older. They should become less general. Perhaps this is something that should get a bit of attention. The Mission of the Englewood School District is to provide educational excellence by creating a learning environment that empowers all students to achieve the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and to master the academic and social skills necessary for success as individuals and as members of a global community.

The Englewood Schools Tour: 2nd Stop Grieco Elementary School

                             Jeff White

Grieco Elementary School is located on Durie Avenue directly across the street from the football field and stadium. It includes instruction for grades 1 through 3. We were greeted in the atrium by Jeff White, the principal. He was in his shirt sleeves, covered in ID badges and immersed in the daily activities. The pristine school was buzzing with activity. Several classes passed as  we waited in the lobby area. The receptionist area provides a pleasant place to greet visitors and to secure the building entrance. 2 members of the security personnel were on duty in the sunny area. It is probably a chilly duty for the receptionist in winter months. We visited several classrooms. The strong emphasis on the Dual Language Program was still obvious. We were only there a short time. The students seemed engaged and responsive in the classes we visited. They were well behaved in the cafeteria and halls. It is a beautiful facility with a grand entranceway and the children seem very happy.  I have one issue with the atrium area. It is an Elementary School. As a precautionary safety precaution the second floor balcony area needs rethinking and should be secured more effectively. 

I was especially impressed with the room to the right. That is a magnificent view of 

Winton White Stadium.  I do not know how the room is used, but it would make a great place to relax andb lunch. I am glad my neighbor signed me up for this tour even though the visit was short and covered only a tiny preview of a day in the life of Grieco Elementary School.
The following vision statement appears on the school's homepage.

The Vision of Grieco School is:

To develop and maintain an atmosphere that is positive, caring and respectful;

            To foster a love of learning that encourages creative problem solving, risk taking, and critical thinking in our learning community;

To create an environment in which students are able to integrate knowledge and learning into daily life in preparation for the 21^st century and to embrace and respect cultural diversity;

To allow each person to achieve his/her potential through a community of collaboration in which he/she will become a contributing member of society.