Bridgewater Soccer Mom's view of the world

Had another encounter with the BRRSD. This time it was an e-mail exchange with Cheryl Dyer, the Assistant Superintendent. She has consistently shown an interest in improving the educational quality of Bridgewater Raritan schools and knows that it will take a lot of work. It seems she would rather have the teachers better trained to help a broader contingent of kids in the classroom. I am concerned that her plans are unrealistic. But she has a head on her shoulders, knows her stuff and really has sold me on her hopes to improve the district. Let's see what she can do!

I met with C's Principal today. She will move into the next school this fall and this was my first encounter with the school. Although, Mr. D. couldn't wave a magic wand and get her into the coveted e-program (nor did I request that), he took time to read her report card, look at her test scores and acknowledge that she needs extra challenge. For the first time since we have been in Bridgewater, I have felt like the Principal has taken me seriously. It's about time! He promised to place her with an appropriate teacher. He also admitted that she seems bright enough to manage in E. Nice guy! Productive meeting. Helpful response. Why can't the administration of BRRSD and the BOE be as open to helping kids? Why does it always take a fight to get any attention? Why is it so hard to get into these programs? Again: why is it so elitist here in Bridgewater? I bet it is easier to get into one of the ivy league colleges than the gifted programs in Bridgewater! (Just googled it, a...

Five years ago this week we moved to Bridgewater, NJ from abroad. "We" are my husband T, my 10 year old daughter C and my 7 year old son N. My "real" initial is E - L for short. T and I chose this town over several others in the area based on its reputation for great schools and relatively low property taxes. After 5 years I am not sure we made the right decision. Tonight, in my inaugural blog, I will whinge about one aspect of the schools. My children attend the Bridgewater Raritan Regional School District (BRRSD) and while they have been happy for the most part, BRRSD consistently disappoints and frustrates me, providing fodder for future blogs! I begin my blogging career by questioning the BRRSD e-program. Why is it so hard to get into the academically advanced programs in Bridgewater? Why can't they ease the restrictions and let more kids in, try it out, then drop down if they don't perform well enough? Why does it have to be so elitist? What will the c...