Monday 9/19 Borough Council Meeting 7:30pm, Borough hall
Tuesday 9/20 Morrisville Matters Meet and Greet at Robert Morris Apts Community Room 7pm for Residents and Surrounding community. Lite Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday 9/21 Agenda Meeting School Board 7:30pm LGI room High School. Community members/parents can sign up to speak on relevant topics.
Thursday 9/22 Back to School night for Middle/High School at Morrisville and at the Bucks County Tech school as well 7pm
Something Fun: Saturday- 9/24/11---- Morrisville Flea Market at the Elks Club, 8-2pm Visiting Nurses Flea Market, N. Pennsy Avenue Snipes Flea Market, Bridge Street
For MHS Sports events please visit www.mv.org for full schedules
For anyone interested in viewing - Photos from the 2011 Morrisville Irish Festival can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Morrisville-Borough-PA/156974577671011 Have a great day everyone!
Riding in the bus down the boulevard And the place was pretty packed (Yeah!) Couldn't find a seat so I had to stand With the perverts in the back It was smelling like a locker room There was junk all over the floor We're already packed in like sardines But we're stopping to pick up more, look out
(Chorus) Another one rides the bus Another one rides the bus Another comes on and another comes on Another one rides the bus Hey, who's gonna sit by you Another one rides the bus
There's a suitcase poking me in the ribs There's an elbow in my ear There's a smelly old bum standing next to me Hasn't showered in a year I think I'm missing a contact lens I think my wallet's gone And I think this bus is stopping again To let a couple more freaks get on look out
(Chorus)
(cool sound effects)
Another one rides the bus
Another one rides the bus ow Another one rides the bus hey hey Another one rides the bus hey-ey-ey-ey ey ey eyyyyyy
The window doesn't open and the fan is broke And my face is turning blue (Yeah) I haven't been in a crowd like this Since I went to see the Who Well I should've got off a couple miles ago But I couldn't get to the door There isn't any room for me to breathe And now we're gonna pick up more yeaaah
Kids supposed to get picked up 6:30am. No Bus. No Info from home school till late.
Blast call from home school 7:42am saying "tech students sent home due to bus issue and would receive an excused absence". No explanation of what happend and no info saying whether there would be a return bus to take the kids home this afternoon who were lucky enough to get a ride.
Many kids had no ride, Bill Ferrara and Dave May went to MR Reiter to tell kids to go home, no bus.
Parents called school to talk to Transportation contact, instead we received call backs from Secretary (who unfortunately took the brunt of the nasty calls today). We did not hear till much later the driver for DVHS did not show up, they had no backup plan and Morrisville kids once again took the hit.
In meantime those kids who did not get ride now have an absense and are not eligible for perfect attendance (i called tech to see if this can be reversed, not fair to those kids again for the errors of the bus company. And yes, there are many kids at tech who have perfect attendance) Waiting to hear back. Also have to make up what they missed today and they were at the bus stop on time ready to go.
Just another typical day for Tech students since start of school.
Wonder if the bus will show up at the changed location tomorrow?
School Board Agenda meeting this WEdnesday 7:30pm, 3 minutes to speak on relevant topics for your child
My son hasn't missed a day of school since second grade. Something like this would have sent him off the deep end. (he would have been very upset). Thankfully, he is one of the students who have found their own way to school outside of what is offered by the Morrisville School District, so this didn't effect him or the kids he drives to school with him. I'm just shaking my head at this one. Guess having two busses this morning would have really counted. It upsets me that the kids had to go through such a stressful Monday morning. - Janet
After reading what I had written above, I see that it didn't exactly say what I meant. I was merely relaying how it has effected/continues to effect our senior. I realize has been a terrible situation for all of the children & parents for a long time. The kids well being regarding this situation has been every present on my mind. - Janet
yes the politically based message has been there on the front page since April pushing aside all student achievements and notable informatin relevant to parents and students
On the PSSA questions (again, correct me if I'm wrong), at last week's Super. meeting Bill Ferrara said that his PSSA scores presention would occur at November's school board business meeting. This meeting is scheduled for November 16.
Bill Ferrara said that his predecessor, presumably Dr. Yonson, used to release preliminary PSSA data earlier than this, but this data was subject to change, so he's not doing that.
I wonder, how much homework was done before contracting with DVHS for Tech transportation? DVHS apppears to be in way over their heads. This isn't rocket science! Why is it going so badly?
The only language these misers understand is $$MONEY$$.
So, does anyone know what the daily cost per student is for the tech school? On a per diem basis, each day of non-performance by the very much for profit DVHS provided bus run should result in a 100% daily rebate of all lost tuition monies.
If the negotiated contract does not have this provision, then the school district's CPA leadership is failing and the business administrator should be fired.
If the administration knew early this morning that the bus wasn't coming they should have chartered a bus...LOL sorry I forgot who I was talking about.
The Morrisville School District administration deciding that the Morrisville tech school students are having an excused absence day seems a bit rotten to me and should be out of their ability of what they can and can not do with regards to the kids who attend the tech school.
Since Tech is a key topic today, following up on a post of mine from Aug. 25 (see below), does anyone know anything more about the next PDE-Tech-MSD hearing Mr. Buckman said was scheduled for September? We're well into September now. I forgot to ask at the Super meeting.
Jon said... Another thing I learned last night from what Mr. Buckman said about the Tech School.
Although the MSD Board paid $522k to the Tech School at the 6/29/11 Board Meeting, this, combined with $151k the MSD Board paid early in the 2010-11 school year, is still $95k short of what Tech determined our share to be under the funding formula.
If you thought when the MSD Board made the $522k payment that the Tech saga was over, apparently it's not. Mr. Buckman said something about the next PDE hearing on this topic being in September.
Which makes sense, because the way the MSD Board portrayed it when the $522k payment was made, it was based on MSD's own calculations of what it thought was fair, and not the Tech funding formula. Also, it would be MSD's basis for payments in 2011-12 and future years too. So I can see that if Tech feels MSD is not abiding, and will continue to not abide, by the funding formula (as screwy as it may be), Tech would want to put a stop to that rather than let it slide.
Yes, but does he know it? In today's BCCT, by Kate Fratti.
Morrisville nurtures a poet
Michael Vizsolyi was an only son raised by a single mother who knocked her brains out working to put food on the table and pay the bills.
Among those bills was tuition for Mike’s schooling. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Morrisville, then Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville and then Penn State.
Because Barbara worked so hard, her son was on his own a lot, he said. He’s not complaining about that. Looking back, Mike says he’s entirely “thankful.”
He’s grateful, first, for the care and the attention his mom paid to providing his education. Mostly, he’s thankful for the time he had to read and read and read some more.
“I was a bit of a loner,” he says. Sure, he played some Little League. Played ice hockey, too. But books, well, they were his closest friends.
And that’s paid off.
Based on the recommendation of poet Llya Kaminsky, HarperCollins has published Michael’s book of 60 contemporary love sonnets, “Lamp with Wings.” The book was released Sept. 13.
Mike and his mom are celebrating the accomplishment equally. She dropped me an email to crow about her son’s good news. It was her good news, too.
Today, the author lives and works in Brooklyn. He’s married to fellow writer Margarita Delcheva, who had her own book published in her native Bulgaria.
It was Margarita who inspired Mike’s winning poetry. She’d gone home to take care of some family matters in Bulgaria, leaving her greatest admirer pining for her for five months. “I was bored, sad, lonely,” recalls Mike.
So, he wrote a few love poems just to manage missing Margarita. Wasn’t long before he had a whole stack of poems to share with her when she got home, and he’d be darned, if some weren’t darned good.
Michael met Margarita when he attended graduate school at New York University, where Mike studied under Serbian-born poet Charles Simic.
The poems he wrote for Margarita weren’t just from his heart, but written well enough that Mike knew he’d be proud to have them read publicly. He put them in manuscript form and entered his work in the 2010 National Poetry Series judged by Kaminsky, an award-winning poet and author of “Dancing in Odessa.” And that’s how Mike won the HarperCollins publishing contract.
Mike composes all of his poems with pen to paper or on a typewriter. No computer. He likes the feel of scratching his thoughts out and the sound of clacking keys. Mostly, he prefers the inability to just delete his work like he could do on a computer. Better to track the process of his writing, draft after draft.
Kaminsky said of Mike’s work: “(It) is erotic the way Catullus was erotic, and Mayakovsky. The voice is arrogant and tender, it goes ‘on the nerve,’ as Frank O’Hara told us the poet must. This book will knock your socks off. This is real poetry.”
What a hoot to be acknowledged for your gift. And Mike says his gift for writing goes back to all the reading he did at the Morrisville Library and to Holy Trinity teacher Patricia Fallon, who introduced him to writing poetry.
“She had us write poems in limerick form,” Mike recalled. He won third place in a fifth grade contest at the little school.
He was on his path. He’s taught poetry at NYU and also to pediatric patients at the NYU Medical Center. Who knows what future poet he might inspire?
Today, Mike still is addicted to fiction. Right now, he has Russian classics on his nightstand.
In the meantime, he works teaching ice skating and ice hockey to kids and adults in Central Park. Another bit of his Morrisville childhood he cherry-picked to enhance his adult life.
Barbara Vizsolyi couldn’t be more proud. And why not? She committed herself to the care of her son and he’s not just flourishing, he’s writing love poems to the current woman in his life. There’s not much more a man or his mother could hope for.
Sorry. There is no way that the PSSA district scores presentation would be pushed off (by the current school board and administration) until after the election unless they are not what the SOC schoolboard was hoping for. Based on this I am speculating lower PSSA test scores this time around. I hope I am wrong but I can't imagine that Mr. Ferrara and the SB woulld not take full advantage of presenting anything positive as soon as possible being this is an election year.
I agree. I hope PSSA scores are up, especially at the High School, but you're right that this seems like a sign that they're down. Concerned citizens need to keep an eye out for when the results become public, and not wait until November for the Administration's presentation.
Hopefully, the BCCT will do their usual PSSA article outlining results in the various local districts. Last year's article came out around Sept. 15, 2010. Scores seem slightly later this year, but surely by early-to-mid-October we should know.
So According to the BCTHS anyone from Morrisville who missed today was marked as an excused absense and Kevin Gentilcore agrees that these kids should not be penalized for a bus issue but they really cannot mark someone as present when they are not. They said the Tech parents should definitely address this with our home school and ask for a resolution between the two schools. For now the excused absense will stand on their end 'but' if one of those students has perfect attendance and that is the only mark on their record they will make sure they get credit for the 'perfect' record. Tech Parents, if your child missed due to lack of transportation, contact the school, go to the baord meeting Weds 9/21 and 9/28 7:30pm each to speak on their behalf
Bucks County Technical High School recently achieved accreditation by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all 8 areas: Automatic Transmission & Transaxle, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering.
Our automotive program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry and we were evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Our automotive technology program has skilled instructors and the latest tools and equipment. Now, more than ever, our graduates will be prepared to enter productive, entry-level positions.
We are proud of this coveted recognition and our ability to produce competent technicians and employable students so desperately needed by the automotive industry. Congratulations on this excellent accomplishment
BCTHS recently received distinguished recognition from the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of Pennsylvania (IMTC) as a "Silver Partner" for the delivery of curricula that addresses the skill standards developed by the Center. Out of 27 high schools, community colleges and Universities surveyed, BCTHS is the ONLY technical high school in Bucks County that received this honor. CONGRATULATIONS!
Parents/Community members of Morrisville, You have another chance tomorrow night to meet with your candidates for School board at Robert Morris Apts. Community room, 7pm. Lite Refreshments will be served. Wanda Kartal, Ted Parker, Damon Miller and David Stoneburner of MORRISVILLE MATTERS will be there at 7pm to answer questions and talk about platform and the issues facing our district and kids. Any questions call our hotline at 267-798-6916
Last night my son, who is a senior at the tech school, is in all honors, and has perfect attendance, had to locate and pay someone to take him to school this morning because he was afraid to use the bussing system provided by the Morrisville School District. It was understood that if he could not locate someone to transport him, my husband was going to stay home from work, (without pay) to get him there. This is not something my son or our family should have to worry about. We pay school taxes to ensure this kind of stuff.
Anonymous above, please come out to the Morrisville Matters meet and greet tonight at Robert Morris apts starting at 7pm. The community room entrance is behind the main building located on Bridge street. As parents we feel your pain and I do personally since my son is a Junior at Tech. Communication, respect for kids and parents and planning ahead for the future are key components not currently used by this board. We hope to meet you tonight. You can reach us via our Hotline at 267-798-6916 or email at morrisvillematters@yahoo.com.
Thank you Wanda Kartal Ted Parker Damon Miller David Stoneburner
It can't possibly be comforting knowing they didn't show yesterday and have had various snafus since Day 1 this year.
The district asks kids to be there at 6:30 am every morning and BE PROMPT - the least they can do is ensure that a properly sized and equipped bus arrives, is prompt, and knows the route.
Busses arrived on time at the new pick up location on Tuesday. Thank Goodness as there were a few more kids there than had been due to some car issues.
Her man's been gone For nearly a year He was due home yesterday But he ain't here
Her man's been gone For nigh on a year He was due home yesterday But he ain't here
Down your street your crying is a well-known sound Your street is very well known, right here in town Your town is very famous for the little girl Whose cries can be heard all around the world
Fa la la la la la Fa la la la la Fa la la la la la Fa la la la la
We have a remedy You'll appreciate No need to be so sad He's only late
We'll bring you flowers and things Help pass your time We'll give him eagle's wings Then he can fly to you
Fa la la la la la Fa la la la la Fa la la la la la Fa la la la la Fa la la la la la Fa la la la la la
We have a remedy Fa la la la la la la We have a remedy Fa la la la la la la We have a remedy Fa la la la la la la We have a remedy Fa la la la la la la
(spoken)
We have a remedy. We have!
Little girl, why don't you stop your crying? I'm gonna make you feel all right
My name is Ivor I'm an engine driver I know him well I know why you feel blue Just 'cause he's late Don't mean he'll never get through
He told me he loves you He ain't no liar, I ain't either So let's have a smile for an old engine driver So let's have a smile for an old engine driver
Please take a sweet Come take a walk with me We'll sort it out Back at my place, maybe
It'll come right You ain't no fool, I ain't either So why not be nice to an old engine driver?
Better be nice to an old engine driver Better be nice to an old engine driver
We'll soon be home We'll soon be home We'll soon We'll soon, soon, soon be home
We'll soon be home We'll soon be home We'll soon We'll soon, soon, soon be home
Come on, old horse
Soon be home Soon be home Soon We'll soon, soon, soon be home
We'll soon We'll soon, soon, soon be home We'll soon be home Soon be home ...
Why is this political BS allowed on the school website and allowed to knock out parent info and student stories ...
REPORT FROM MORRISVILLE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT BILL HELLMANN, CPA:
It bears repeating: Being a member of a local school board is both a rewarding and difficult job, especially because a responsible school board believes it is necessary to strike a balance between providing a good education for the children and paying the bills.
If you are reading this, .....and it goes on and on****
you can read the rest yourself if you want I was not going to repost the whole political speech again so they could BS us more
Mr. Farrell seems to be fond of telling people to leave the politics out of it while telling who to vote for/not vote for at the same time.
I used to respect Mr. Farrell but that was before he sat as a school board director. I'm hoping its that he was changed into the disrespectful, abrasive person he is today by being on the school board and not that he was actually hiding that person inside for so long before becoming a director.
Mr. Farrell's hypocrisy, both before and after his school board stint, is well documented. His 2-year school board term didn't make him, a man of about 70, the way he is. School board's a rough gig, but it ain't that rough.
Q: Who did Mr. Farrell say (in public) called him and asked him to run for school baord?
A: Marlys Mihok.
There's more, but that's about as much as you need to know.
53 comments:
Meetings coming up This Week:
Monday 9/19 Borough Council Meeting 7:30pm, Borough hall
Tuesday 9/20 Morrisville Matters Meet and Greet at Robert Morris Apts Community Room 7pm for Residents and Surrounding community. Lite Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday 9/21 Agenda Meeting School Board 7:30pm LGI room High School. Community members/parents can sign up to speak on relevant topics.
Thursday 9/22 Back to School night for Middle/High School at Morrisville and at the Bucks County Tech school as well 7pm
Something Fun:
Saturday- 9/24/11----
Morrisville Flea Market at the Elks Club, 8-2pm
Visiting Nurses Flea Market, N. Pennsy Avenue
Snipes Flea Market, Bridge Street
For MHS Sports events please visit www.mv.org for full schedules
Feel free to add on
For anyone interested in viewing -
Photos from the 2011 Morrisville Irish Festival can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Morrisville-Borough-PA/156974577671011
Have a great day everyone!
Thanks!
The Tech Bus didn't show at all today?
HAVE MERCY
BEEN WAITING FOR THE BUS ALL DAY
HAVE MERCY
BEEN WAITING FOR THE BUS ALL DAY
I GOT MY BROWN PAPER BAG AND MY TAKE HOME PAY
HAVE MERCY
OH THE BUS BE PACKED UP TIGHT
HAVE MERCY
OH THE BUS BE PACKED UP TIGHT
WELL I PLAN TO GET ON I HOPE TONIGHT OH
RIGHT ON
THAT BUS DONE GOT ME BACK
RIGHT ON
THAT BUS DONE GOT ME BACK
WELL I'LL BE RIDING ON THE BUS 'TILL I CADILLAC
Riding in the bus down the boulevard
And the place was pretty packed (Yeah!)
Couldn't find a seat so I had to stand
With the perverts in the back
It was smelling like a locker room
There was junk all over the floor
We're already packed in like sardines
But we're stopping to pick up more, look out
(Chorus)
Another one rides the bus
Another one rides the bus
Another comes on and another comes on
Another one rides the bus
Hey, who's gonna sit by you
Another one rides the bus
There's a suitcase poking me in the ribs
There's an elbow in my ear
There's a smelly old bum standing next to me
Hasn't showered in a year
I think I'm missing a contact lens
I think my wallet's gone
And I think this bus is stopping again
To let a couple more freaks get on look out
(Chorus)
(cool sound effects)
Another one rides the bus
Another one rides the bus ow
Another one rides the bus hey hey
Another one rides the bus hey-ey-ey-ey ey ey eyyyyyy
The window doesn't open and the fan is broke
And my face is turning blue (Yeah)
I haven't been in a crowd like this
Since I went to see the Who
Well I should've got off a couple miles ago
But I couldn't get to the door
There isn't any room for me to breathe
And now we're gonna pick up more yeaaah
Another Tech bus issue this morning...
Kids supposed to get picked up 6:30am. No Bus. No Info from home school till late.
Blast call from home school 7:42am saying "tech students sent home due to bus issue and would receive an excused absence". No explanation of what happend and no info saying whether there would be a return bus to take the kids home this afternoon who were lucky enough to get a ride.
Many kids had no ride, Bill Ferrara and Dave May went to MR Reiter to tell kids to go home, no bus.
Parents called school to talk to Transportation contact, instead we received call backs from Secretary (who unfortunately took the brunt of the nasty calls today). We did not hear till much later the driver for DVHS did not show up, they had no backup plan and Morrisville kids once again took the hit.
In meantime those kids who did not get ride now have an absense and are not eligible for perfect attendance (i called tech to see if this can be reversed, not fair to those kids again for the errors of the bus company. And yes, there are many kids at tech who have perfect attendance) Waiting to hear back. Also have to make up what they missed today and they were at the bus stop on time ready to go.
Just another typical day for Tech students since start of school.
Wonder if the bus will show up at the changed location tomorrow?
School Board Agenda meeting this WEdnesday 7:30pm, 3 minutes to speak on relevant topics for your child
No mention of tech bus issue on district website. Does mention new location of pickup starting tomorrow as the second item in the news items.
But what's at the top of the list of news items? Answer: REPORT FROM MORRISVILLE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT BILL HELLMANN, CPA. "It bears repeating....."
Shameful.
I saw that. I couldn't bear repeating it though.
Sorry about the Tech Bus situation.
PSSA scores --when will ours come out?
I'm starting to see other districts release results.
My son hasn't missed a day of school since second grade. Something like this would have sent him off the deep end. (he would have been very upset). Thankfully, he is one of the students who have found their own way to school outside of what is offered by the Morrisville School District, so this didn't effect him or the kids he drives to school with him. I'm just shaking my head at this one. Guess having two busses this morning would have really counted. It upsets me that the kids had to go through such a stressful Monday morning.
- Janet
PSSA scores schedule info
September 7:
Individual Student Reports (reading, math, writing and science) arrive in the districts.
September 20:
Release of district/school PVASS data site: https://pvaas.sas.com.
Data interaction (eMetric) site available at https://solutions1.emetric.net/pssa/.
September 27:
Online District and School Summary Reports are available at https://solutions1.emetric.net/pssa/.
http://www.pdesas.org/Main/News/313158
After reading what I had written above, I see that it didn't exactly say what I meant. I was merely relaying how it has effected/continues to effect our senior. I realize has been a terrible situation for all of the children & parents for a long time. The kids well being regarding this situation has been every present on my mind.
- Janet
yes the politically based message has been there on the front page since April pushing aside all student achievements and notable informatin relevant to parents and students
The last week has revealed big cracks in the facade to many who were previously unaware.
On the PSSA questions (again, correct me if I'm wrong), at last week's Super. meeting Bill Ferrara said that his PSSA scores presention would occur at November's school board business meeting. This meeting is scheduled for November 16.
Bill Ferrara said that his predecessor, presumably Dr. Yonson, used to release preliminary PSSA data earlier than this, but this data was subject to change, so he's not doing that.
he is holding it off till after the election surprise surprise
Wanda, it might be a good idea for the Morrisville Matters group to contact Gema from the BCCT about the bus situation.
I agree. Its went from being a bad situation to a very bad situation for the kids and their families at the hands of Stay on Course. Contact the BCCT.
Two messages were left for Gema this morning she was not in the office
I wonder, how much homework was done before contracting with DVHS for Tech transportation? DVHS apppears to be in way over their heads. This isn't rocket science! Why is it going so badly?
Lowest common denominator. Oftentimes you get even less than what you pay for.
Twy a tweet?
Gema Maria Duarte: 215-949-4195;
email: gduarte@phillyBurbs.com;
Twitter: @deadlineduarte
The only language these misers understand is $$MONEY$$.
So, does anyone know what the daily cost per student is for the tech school? On a per diem basis, each day of non-performance by the very much for profit DVHS provided bus run should result in a 100% daily rebate of all lost tuition monies.
If the negotiated contract does not have this provision, then the school district's CPA leadership is failing and the business administrator should be fired.
I guess maybe we should have gone with First student bus company after all Bill
If the administration knew early this morning that the bus wasn't coming they should have chartered a bus...LOL sorry I forgot who I was talking about.
The Morrisville School District administration deciding that the Morrisville tech school students are having an excused absence day seems a bit rotten to me and should be out of their ability of what they can and can not do with regards to the kids who attend the tech school.
Meh. These things happen. And happen. And happen. And happen. And ...........
The fence that was supposed to be installed at Grandview --- was it???
No.
When you can't get your act together to even get the kids to the Tech School it makes you look like your running a tight ship.
NOT!
Since Tech is a key topic today, following up on a post of mine from Aug. 25 (see below), does anyone know anything more about the next PDE-Tech-MSD hearing Mr. Buckman said was scheduled for September? We're well into September now. I forgot to ask at the Super meeting.
Jon said...
Another thing I learned last night from what Mr. Buckman said about the Tech School.
Although the MSD Board paid $522k to the Tech School at the 6/29/11 Board Meeting, this, combined with $151k the MSD Board paid early in the 2010-11 school year, is still $95k short of what Tech determined our share to be under the funding formula.
If you thought when the MSD Board made the $522k payment that the Tech saga was over, apparently it's not. Mr. Buckman said something about the next PDE hearing on this topic being in September.
Which makes sense, because the way the MSD Board portrayed it when the $522k payment was made, it was based on MSD's own calculations of what it thought was fair, and not the Tech funding formula. Also, it would be MSD's basis for payments in 2011-12 and future years too. So I can see that if Tech feels MSD is not abiding, and will continue to not abide, by the funding formula (as screwy as it may be), Tech would want to put a stop to that rather than let it slide.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Yes, but does he know it? In today's BCCT, by Kate Fratti.
Morrisville nurtures a poet
Michael Vizsolyi was an only son raised by a single mother who knocked her brains out working to put food on the table and pay the bills.
Among those bills was tuition for Mike’s schooling. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Morrisville, then Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville and then Penn State.
Because Barbara worked so hard, her son was on his own a lot, he said. He’s not complaining about that. Looking back, Mike says he’s entirely “thankful.”
He’s grateful, first, for the care and the attention his mom paid to providing his education. Mostly, he’s thankful for the time he had to read and read and read some more.
“I was a bit of a loner,” he says. Sure, he played some Little League. Played ice hockey, too. But books, well, they were his closest friends.
And that’s paid off.
Based on the recommendation of poet Llya Kaminsky, HarperCollins has published Michael’s book of 60 contemporary love sonnets, “Lamp with Wings.” The book was released Sept. 13.
Mike and his mom are celebrating the accomplishment equally. She dropped me an email to crow about her son’s good news. It was her good news, too.
Today, the author lives and works in Brooklyn. He’s married to fellow writer Margarita Delcheva, who had her own book published in her native Bulgaria.
It was Margarita who inspired Mike’s winning poetry. She’d gone home to take care of some family matters in Bulgaria, leaving her greatest admirer pining for her for five months. “I was bored, sad, lonely,” recalls Mike.
So, he wrote a few love poems just to manage missing Margarita. Wasn’t long before he had a whole stack of poems to share with her when she got home, and he’d be darned, if some weren’t darned good.
Michael met Margarita when he attended graduate school at New York University, where Mike studied under Serbian-born poet Charles Simic.
The poems he wrote for Margarita weren’t just from his heart, but written well enough that Mike knew he’d be proud to have them read publicly. He put them in manuscript form and entered his work in the 2010 National Poetry Series judged by Kaminsky, an award-winning poet and author of “Dancing in Odessa.” And that’s how Mike won the HarperCollins publishing contract.
Mike composes all of his poems with pen to paper or on a typewriter. No computer. He likes the feel of scratching his thoughts out and the sound of clacking keys. Mostly, he prefers the inability to just delete his work like he could do on a computer. Better to track the process of his writing, draft after draft.
Kaminsky said of Mike’s work: “(It) is erotic the way Catullus was erotic, and Mayakovsky. The voice is arrogant and tender, it goes ‘on the nerve,’ as Frank O’Hara told us the poet must. This book will knock your socks off. This is real poetry.”
What a hoot to be acknowledged for your gift. And Mike says his gift for writing goes back to all the reading he did at the Morrisville Library and to Holy Trinity teacher Patricia Fallon, who introduced him to writing poetry.
“She had us write poems in limerick form,” Mike recalled. He won third place in a fifth grade contest at the little school.
He was on his path. He’s taught poetry at NYU and also to pediatric patients at the NYU Medical Center. Who knows what future poet he might inspire?
Today, Mike still is addicted to fiction. Right now, he has Russian classics on his nightstand.
In the meantime, he works teaching ice skating and ice hockey to kids and adults in Central Park. Another bit of his Morrisville childhood he cherry-picked to enhance his adult life.
Barbara Vizsolyi couldn’t be more proud. And why not? She committed herself to the care of her son and he’s not just flourishing, he’s writing love poems to the current woman in his life. There’s not much more a man or his mother could hope for.
Sorry. There is no way that the PSSA district scores presentation would be pushed off (by the current school board and administration) until after the election unless they are not what the SOC schoolboard was hoping for.
Based on this I am speculating lower PSSA test scores this time around. I hope I am wrong but I can't imagine that Mr. Ferrara and the SB woulld not take full advantage of presenting anything positive as soon as possible being this is an election year.
I agree. I hope PSSA scores are up, especially at the High School, but you're right that this seems like a sign that they're down. Concerned citizens need to keep an eye out for when the results become public, and not wait until November for the Administration's presentation.
Hopefully, the BCCT will do their usual PSSA article outlining results in the various local districts. Last year's article came out around Sept. 15, 2010. Scores seem slightly later this year, but surely by early-to-mid-October we should know.
If this Tech Bus fiasco is growing pains .....
how big is it gonna get?
So According to the BCTHS anyone from Morrisville who missed today was marked as an excused absense and Kevin Gentilcore agrees that these kids should not be penalized for a bus issue but they really cannot mark someone as present when they are not. They said the Tech parents should definitely address this with our home school and ask for a resolution between the two schools. For now the excused absense will stand on their end 'but' if one of those students has perfect attendance and that is the only mark on their record they will make sure they get credit for the 'perfect' record. Tech Parents, if your child missed due to lack of transportation, contact the school, go to the baord meeting Weds 9/21 and 9/28 7:30pm each to speak on their behalf
From BCTHS website
AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM NATEF ACCREDITED
Bucks County Technical High School recently achieved accreditation by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all 8 areas: Automatic Transmission & Transaxle, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, Engine Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering.
Our automotive program was evaluated according to strict standards set by the automotive industry and we were evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Our automotive technology program has skilled instructors and the latest tools and equipment. Now, more than ever, our graduates will be prepared to enter productive, entry-level positions.
We are proud of this coveted recognition and our ability to produce competent technicians and employable students so desperately needed by the automotive industry. Congratulations on this excellent accomplishment
CONGRATULATIONS TO BCTHS MECHATRONICS PROGRAM
BCTHS recently received distinguished recognition from the Industrial Maintenance Training Center of Pennsylvania (IMTC) as a "Silver Partner" for the delivery of curricula that addresses the skill standards developed by the Center. Out of 27 high schools, community colleges and Universities surveyed, BCTHS is the ONLY technical high school in Bucks County that received this honor. CONGRATULATIONS!
Great work Wanda thank you! Let there be a proper bus there on time tomorrow morn.
Parents/Community members of Morrisville, You have another chance tomorrow night to meet with your candidates for School board at Robert Morris Apts. Community room, 7pm. Lite Refreshments will be served. Wanda Kartal, Ted Parker, Damon Miller and David Stoneburner of MORRISVILLE MATTERS will be there at 7pm to answer questions and talk about platform and the issues facing our district and kids. Any questions call our hotline at 267-798-6916
Last night my son, who is a senior at the tech school, is in all honors, and has perfect attendance, had to locate and pay someone to take him to school this morning because he was afraid to use the bussing system provided by the Morrisville School District. It was understood that if he could not locate someone to transport him, my husband was going to stay home from work, (without pay) to get him there. This is not something my son or our family should have to worry about. We pay school taxes to ensure this kind of stuff.
Anonymous above, please come out to the Morrisville Matters meet and greet tonight at Robert Morris apts starting at 7pm. The community room entrance is behind the main building located on Bridge street. As parents we feel your pain and I do personally since my son is a Junior at Tech. Communication, respect for kids and parents and planning ahead for the future are key components not currently used by this board. We hope to meet you tonight. You can reach us via our Hotline at 267-798-6916 or email at morrisvillematters@yahoo.com.
Thank you
Wanda Kartal
Ted Parker
Damon Miller
David Stoneburner
Were the buses OK today?
It can't possibly be comforting knowing they didn't show yesterday and have had various snafus since Day 1 this year.
The district asks kids to be there at 6:30 am every morning and BE PROMPT - the least they can do is ensure that a properly sized and equipped bus arrives, is prompt, and knows the route.
Busses arrived on time at the new pick up location on Tuesday. Thank Goodness as there were a few more kids there than had been due to some car issues.
Board Agenda meeting tonight 7:30pm LGI room
'Showing my age again.'
You are forgiven. ;-)
THE WHO
A Quick One (While He's Away)
Her man's been gone
For nearly a year
He was due home yesterday
But he ain't here
Her man's been gone
For nigh on a year
He was due home yesterday
But he ain't here
Down your street your crying is a well-known sound
Your street is very well known, right here in town
Your town is very famous for the little girl
Whose cries can be heard all around the world
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
We have a remedy
You'll appreciate
No need to be so sad
He's only late
We'll bring you flowers and things
Help pass your time
We'll give him eagle's wings
Then he can fly to you
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la
Fa la la la la la
Fa la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
We have a remedy
Fa la la la la la la
(spoken)
We have a remedy.
We have!
Little girl, why don't you stop your crying?
I'm gonna make you feel all right
My name is Ivor
I'm an engine driver
I know him well
I know why you feel blue
Just 'cause he's late
Don't mean he'll never get through
He told me he loves you
He ain't no liar, I ain't either
So let's have a smile for an old engine driver
So let's have a smile for an old engine driver
Please take a sweet
Come take a walk with me
We'll sort it out
Back at my place, maybe
It'll come right
You ain't no fool, I ain't either
So why not be nice to an old engine driver?
Better be nice to an old engine driver
Better be nice to an old engine driver
We'll soon be home
We'll soon be home
We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home
We'll soon be home
We'll soon be home
We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home
Come on, old horse
Soon be home
Soon be home
Soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home
We'll soon
We'll soon, soon, soon be home
We'll soon be home
Soon be home ...
Dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang, dang
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
Cello, cello, cello, cello, cello, cello
I can't believe it
Do my eyes deceive me?
Am I back in your arms?
Away from all harm?
It's like a dream to be with you again
Can't believe that I'm with you again
I missed you and I must admit
I kissed a few and once did sit
On Ivor the Engine Driver's lap
And later with him, had a nap
You are forgiven, you are forgiven, you are forgiven ... (ad lib)
You are forgiven
Why is this political BS allowed on the school website and allowed to knock out parent info and student stories ...
REPORT FROM MORRISVILLE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT BILL HELLMANN, CPA:
It bears repeating: Being a member of a local school board is both a rewarding and difficult job, especially because a responsible school board believes it is necessary to strike a balance between providing a good education for the children and paying the bills.
If you are reading this, .....and it goes on and on****
you can read the rest yourself if you want I was not going to repost the whole political speech again so they could BS us more
Why? Because they CAN.
As Mr. Moral Code (aka Bill Farrell) is fond of saying, leave the politics out of it.
By politics, he means anything HE thinks is politics.
If it suits him and his buddies, it somehow isn't politics to him.
A man with priorities so far out of whack doesn't deserve such a fine automobile.
Mr. Farrell seems to be fond of telling people to leave the politics out of it while telling who to vote for/not vote for at the same time.
I used to respect Mr. Farrell but that was before he sat as a school board director. I'm hoping its that he was changed into the disrespectful, abrasive person he is today by being on the school board and not that he was actually hiding that person inside for so long before becoming a director.
I think the whole Farrell family is full of disrespectful, abrasive members.
Mr. Farrell's hypocrisy, both before and after his school board stint, is well documented. His 2-year school board term didn't make him, a man of about 70, the way he is. School board's a rough gig, but it ain't that rough.
Q: Who did Mr. Farrell say (in public) called him and asked him to run for school baord?
A: Marlys Mihok.
There's more, but that's about as much as you need to know.
Some moral code, huh?
Just look at what his kid does for a living. That should tell you everything you need to know about the moral code of the Farrell household.
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