The Richwoods band (120+ students) are at Richwoods all dressed in uniform and waiting for the bus to take them to the Veterans’ Day Parade–as of 9:50 (parade starts at 10) the bus hasn’t arrived yet. Of course, Richwoods sits right next to the 150 bus barn. Buses, buses everywhere but not a bus to ride. What a shame! District 150 organization at its finest!
Add Sharon to the list of people who cannot seem to see beyond their own issue. You are the “New Voice” of D150 issues. Its a post celebrating Veterans Day, for God’s sake.
I guess I’ve become the “New Voice” of this particular issue.
So–the Richwoods band wanted to celebrate Veterans’ Day–I thought it was the appropriate place to put the information–just in case someone wondered why Richwoods wasn’t represented in the parade. You are the “New Voice” of what issue? I guess today–Veterans’ Day–is a great day to celebrate freedom of speech, right?
“I guess today–Veterans’ Day–is a great day to celebrate freedom of speech, right?”
No, its a great day to pay respect to those who made your freedom of speech possible.
You can’t truly understand how insignificant some of the things that we complain about (like a delayed bus) truly are until you’ve spent some time in someone else’s combat boots.
Bravo–That was my implication–that the veterans have protected that right for us. I was hardly comparing waiting for a bus to being in combat–what a ridiculous conclusion. I was simply saying that these young people were using their day off to celebrate the lives of veterans but they didn’t get the chance.
I wasn’t comparing waiting for a bus to combat, I was making a point about how insignificant it is to complain about waiting for a bus especially in a post meant to recognize Veteran’s Day.
I, for one, am very grateful for Veteran’s Day. All of my family, males and females, have served this country in one way or another and we are very proud of them. And we are thankful for this day to recognize their sacrifices. God bless them all.
Sharon: I was referring to being the “New Voice” of complaining about rampant cynicism. (I once joked that that commenter “New Voice” turned every CJ post into a rant about the museum, regardless of whether the museum was the post’s topic.) My point is this: You go to great lengths to criticize District 150 at every turn. You are a tremendous advocate for students and families, and I appreciate your passion. But even on an innocuous post about Veterans’ Day, you find an opportunity to slam the District. I just hope you are not being consumed by your anger and frustration.
Sharon – Wow! Thanks for posting that. I was at the Veterans Day Parade with a large group of people and we were all wondering why Richwoods Marching Band wasn’t there. I have pics of Manual, Woodruff, Peoria High, Brimfield and Notre Dame. No Richwoods. A late bus. Wish I could say it’s surprising. Bravo and Sud – you might consider it “insignificant” but I’m sure those kids didn’t. It crossed my mind ( as a bystander) that maybe they didn’t care. I feel guilty now that I even had that fleeting thought.
Thanks, Diane–I had begun to feel as though my patriotism were in question. Not a late bus–no bus. Also, I missed the parade because “my ride” was stuck at Richwoods so that her daughter wouldn’t be left without a ride home if the bus failed to show.
It was an awesome parade. I hope the Transportation Department does something to make it up to those kids. Perhaps a command performance downtown on the square with a pizza party following… Then they bill it to who ever dropped the ball.
This isn’t the first time that the bus barn has forgotten to pick up students for a parade. They forgot to pick up the PHS band for the Labor Day parade this year, as well. THe bands that were there did a VERY good job representing their schools and honoring the veterans.
Let’s see on Labor Day and Veterans’ Day, how many buses do you think would be requested? So the Transportation gets a request for three high schools, not four high schools. Don’t you think someone would say, “Maybe we’d better check to see if the order got lost somewhere along the line–let’s call someone from PHS, RHS.” Maybe look over to the Richwoods parking lot and wonder why all those cars are there on Veterans’ Day.
wouldn’t it be the band directors responsibility to schedule bus needs? shouldn’t the paid staff have been there at school by 9 if the parade was @ 10 and had plenty of time to “troubleshoot” if a problem like this arose? Sharon – what was the reason given to the parent?
Not to change the subject, but here is an interesting article about Norm Durflinger in the Morton Times. It offers some interesting insights on his reasons for taking the job. I met Norm for the first time yesterday after exchanging a series of e-mails over the past few weeks. He seems like an honorable guy and I was heartened by some of his ideas. Although he is pretty limited in how much impact he can have in just a few short months he does hope to begin to change the culture.
The band director makes the arrangements, but if the transportation department drops the ball, it’s not the band director fault. I believe the same thing happened last year at the Labor Day Parade to Woodruff. They waited and waited and no bus showed up. If I were a Richwood’s High School parent, I would call transportation. Maybe if they get enough phone calls and complaints, maybe they will hire qualified people to schedule……
I believe the band director has stated that he filled out all the appropriate forms–I’m sure he did everything in his power to contact the appropriate people this morning–and they were all there by 9 a.m. A bus would require a bus driver–so if the driver hadn’t been notified to appear on a holiday, finding a bus driver might not be all that easy.
Diane, Durflinger went to meetings in Chicago this week with members of 150 admin and the union (including Jeff). I agree that Durflinger will be an honorable man and will do his best.
Unfortunately, based on our own experience, I fully realize that unpredictable bus service is not an abberation at D150. If someone cannot consistently have a bus at a certain place at a certain time, then they should be replaced with someone who can. Boom done.
“Not to change the subject”, Really? Because this post was in honor of Veteran’s Day and just about EVERY comment was hijacked to discuss some RIDICULOUSLY insignificant crap about a late school bus. A hand full of people were respectful enough to stay on topic while everyone else obviously finds the D150 bus schedule more conversation worthy. I can’t flippin’ believe this.
11Bravo–So why not end this post with a fitting tribute to veterans. I must admit that I miss the ROTC assembly at Manual–I always had those wonderful feelings when the song for each branch of the service was played by George Graves’ Manual band. Did you go to the Veterans’ Day parade or pay tribute in some other way?
Here are some cool photos from yesterday’s parade (sans Richwoods Marching band) and the ceremony at the WWII Memorial following. Awesome day! http://www.facebook.com/album......0a7eb6795e
And not to be understated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bob Michel Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic the day before. This clinic will be located out on Orange Prairie Road next to Rave Theatres and offers a vastly expanded and enhancement of Veteran’s medical services.
Thanks, Diane. I just put this on PJS site–
I’ll just throw this out. It might not be the Transportation Department’s job to catch oversights or errors. However, on a holiday when very few buses are scheduled to run–probably only enough to get the high school bands to the parade–wouldn’t you think that someone would have wondered, “Why isn’t Richwoods on the list–maybe I’d better check just to be sure?” That might be over and above the call of duty–but teachers are asked to do that every day–why not the Transportation Department? I am still not clear on the chain of command–did someone on Wisconsin Avenue receive this request, which then was to be forwarded to the Transportation Department after the request was approved? Who would that person on Wisconsin Avenue be?
Just joking (I think) but would this be one of Mary Davis’ duties that has not been reassigned?
In light of the greater importance of Veteran’s Day, yes it was insignificant. But, if you think the D150 bus schedule is more important than honoring the service of the finest men and women in this country then that is your prerogative to say and do whatever. That is of course what they sacrificed for, regardless of the fatuity with which you choose to exercise it.
11Bravo–what is wrong with you–the kids wanted to do all that you suggest. We are just saying that didn’t get the chance. You still haven’t answered the question: What did you do on Wednesday to honor the veterans? If the kids had been going to Chuckie Cheese and the bus didn’t show up, yes it would have been insignificant.
my wife wants me to ask – should a spouse be a direct reflection of why I would (or wouldn’t) vote for a candidate? diane? General? Congressmans’ Schock significant other?
11bravo: You are right. I understand what Sharon was saying, but her post belonged under 150. Its not worth getting into a debate with them about it. You aren’t ever going to change her mind or others’ minds but most people get what you are saying. When you’ve lost loved ones to war you get that a bus not showing up is insignificant.
So I wish he had told that–of course, I understand–also, understand why 11Bravo didn’t and why I should have assumed–but didn’t. Of course, where I put the comment wouldn’t have made that much difference–the post isn’t sacred; a life lost to war is. Sorry!
Many of those veterans must be rolling over in their graves with what’s going on in this country today.
The Richwoods band (120+ students) are at Richwoods all dressed in uniform and waiting for the bus to take them to the Veterans’ Day Parade–as of 9:50 (parade starts at 10) the bus hasn’t arrived yet. Of course, Richwoods sits right next to the 150 bus barn. Buses, buses everywhere but not a bus to ride. What a shame! District 150 organization at its finest!
Add Sharon to the list of people who cannot seem to see beyond their own issue. You are the “New Voice” of D150 issues. Its a post celebrating Veterans Day, for God’s sake.
I guess I’ve become the “New Voice” of this particular issue.
So–the Richwoods band wanted to celebrate Veterans’ Day–I thought it was the appropriate place to put the information–just in case someone wondered why Richwoods wasn’t represented in the parade. You are the “New Voice” of what issue? I guess today–Veterans’ Day–is a great day to celebrate freedom of speech, right?
“I guess today–Veterans’ Day–is a great day to celebrate freedom of speech, right?”
No, its a great day to pay respect to those who made your freedom of speech possible.
You can’t truly understand how insignificant some of the things that we complain about (like a delayed bus) truly are until you’ve spent some time in someone else’s combat boots.
Bravo–That was my implication–that the veterans have protected that right for us. I was hardly comparing waiting for a bus to being in combat–what a ridiculous conclusion. I was simply saying that these young people were using their day off to celebrate the lives of veterans but they didn’t get the chance.
I wasn’t comparing waiting for a bus to combat, I was making a point about how insignificant it is to complain about waiting for a bus especially in a post meant to recognize Veteran’s Day.
I, for one, am very grateful for Veteran’s Day. All of my family, males and females, have served this country in one way or another and we are very proud of them. And we are thankful for this day to recognize their sacrifices. God bless them all.
Sharon: I was referring to being the “New Voice” of complaining about rampant cynicism. (I once joked that that commenter “New Voice” turned every CJ post into a rant about the museum, regardless of whether the museum was the post’s topic.) My point is this: You go to great lengths to criticize District 150 at every turn. You are a tremendous advocate for students and families, and I appreciate your passion. But even on an innocuous post about Veterans’ Day, you find an opportunity to slam the District. I just hope you are not being consumed by your anger and frustration.
God bless our veterans. May the ones who lost their lives during war times rest in peace.
Sharon – Wow! Thanks for posting that. I was at the Veterans Day Parade with a large group of people and we were all wondering why Richwoods Marching Band wasn’t there. I have pics of Manual, Woodruff, Peoria High, Brimfield and Notre Dame. No Richwoods. A late bus. Wish I could say it’s surprising. Bravo and Sud – you might consider it “insignificant” but I’m sure those kids didn’t. It crossed my mind ( as a bystander) that maybe they didn’t care. I feel guilty now that I even had that fleeting thought.
Thanks, Diane–I had begun to feel as though my patriotism were in question.
Not a late bus–no bus. Also, I missed the parade because “my ride” was stuck at Richwoods so that her daughter wouldn’t be left without a ride home if the bus failed to show.
It was an awesome parade. I hope the Transportation Department does something to make it up to those kids. Perhaps a command performance downtown on the square with a pizza party following… Then they bill it to who ever dropped the ball.
This isn’t the first time that the bus barn has forgotten to pick up students for a parade. They forgot to pick up the PHS band for the Labor Day parade this year, as well. THe bands that were there did a VERY good job representing their schools and honoring the veterans.
Let’s see on Labor Day and Veterans’ Day, how many buses do you think would be requested? So the Transportation gets a request for three high schools, not four high schools. Don’t you think someone would say, “Maybe we’d better check to see if the order got lost somewhere along the line–let’s call someone from PHS, RHS.” Maybe look over to the Richwoods parking lot and wonder why all those cars are there on Veterans’ Day.
How hard can it be to have a bus driver at a certain place at a certain time? Seriously? It’s not like they are putting a man on the moon.
wouldn’t it be the band directors responsibility to schedule bus needs? shouldn’t the paid staff have been there at school by 9 if the parade was @ 10 and had plenty of time to “troubleshoot” if a problem like this arose? Sharon – what was the reason given to the parent?
Not to change the subject, but here is an interesting article about Norm Durflinger in the Morton Times. It offers some interesting insights on his reasons for taking the job. I met Norm for the first time yesterday after exchanging a series of e-mails over the past few weeks. He seems like an honorable guy and I was heartened by some of his ideas. Although he is pretty limited in how much impact he can have in just a few short months he does hope to begin to change the culture.
http://www.mortontimesnews.com.....ton-region
The band director makes the arrangements, but if the transportation department drops the ball, it’s not the band director fault. I believe the same thing happened last year at the Labor Day Parade to Woodruff. They waited and waited and no bus showed up. If I were a Richwood’s High School parent, I would call transportation. Maybe if they get enough phone calls and complaints, maybe they will hire qualified people to schedule……
I believe the band director has stated that he filled out all the appropriate forms–I’m sure he did everything in his power to contact the appropriate people this morning–and they were all there by 9 a.m. A bus would require a bus driver–so if the driver hadn’t been notified to appear on a holiday, finding a bus driver might not be all that easy.
Diane, Durflinger went to meetings in Chicago this week with members of 150 admin and the union (including Jeff). I agree that Durflinger will be an honorable man and will do his best.
Unfortunately, based on our own experience, I fully realize that unpredictable bus service is not an abberation at D150. If someone cannot consistently have a bus at a certain place at a certain time, then they should be replaced with someone who can. Boom done.
“Not to change the subject”, Really? Because this post was in honor of Veteran’s Day and just about EVERY comment was hijacked to discuss some RIDICULOUSLY insignificant crap about a late school bus. A hand full of people were respectful enough to stay on topic while everyone else obviously finds the D150 bus schedule more conversation worthy. I can’t flippin’ believe this.
11Bravo–So why not end this post with a fitting tribute to veterans. I must admit that I miss the ROTC assembly at Manual–I always had those wonderful feelings when the song for each branch of the service was played by George Graves’ Manual band. Did you go to the Veterans’ Day parade or pay tribute in some other way?
Here are some cool photos from yesterday’s parade (sans Richwoods Marching band) and the ceremony at the WWII Memorial following. Awesome day!
http://www.facebook.com/album......0a7eb6795e
And not to be understated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bob Michel Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic the day before. This clinic will be located out on Orange Prairie Road next to Rave Theatres and offers a vastly expanded and enhancement of Veteran’s medical services.
http://www.facebook.com/album......9ebbdea6b6
God Bless the Veterans and God Bless the Peace Makers.
Sud,
Looks like you defeated your own purpose. YOU hijacked this post to take a jab at me.
SHAME ON YOU!
Sharon, I pay tribute every day. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it.
Here ya go, Bravo:
http://www.pjstar.com/homepage.....ets-parade
Let’s have some fun. Go to the comments section and post that you think this little bus foul up was “ridiculously insignificant”! Hah…
Thanks, Diane. I just put this on PJS site–
I’ll just throw this out. It might not be the Transportation Department’s job to catch oversights or errors. However, on a holiday when very few buses are scheduled to run–probably only enough to get the high school bands to the parade–wouldn’t you think that someone would have wondered, “Why isn’t Richwoods on the list–maybe I’d better check just to be sure?” That might be over and above the call of duty–but teachers are asked to do that every day–why not the Transportation Department? I am still not clear on the chain of command–did someone on Wisconsin Avenue receive this request, which then was to be forwarded to the Transportation Department after the request was approved? Who would that person on Wisconsin Avenue be?
Just joking (I think) but would this be one of Mary Davis’ duties that has not been reassigned?
In light of the greater importance of Veteran’s Day, yes it was insignificant. But, if you think the D150 bus schedule is more important than honoring the service of the finest men and women in this country then that is your prerogative to say and do whatever. That is of course what they sacrificed for, regardless of the fatuity with which you choose to exercise it.
11Bravo–what is wrong with you–the kids wanted to do all that you suggest. We are just saying that didn’t get the chance. You still haven’t answered the question: What did you do on Wednesday to honor the veterans? If the kids had been going to Chuckie Cheese and the bus didn’t show up, yes it would have been insignificant.
11Bravo said: “In light of the greater importance of Veteran’s Day, yes it was insignificant.”
I’ll buy that.
my wife wants me to ask – should a spouse be a direct reflection of why I would (or wouldn’t) vote for a candidate? diane? General? Congressmans’ Schock significant other?
11bravo: You are right. I understand what Sharon was saying, but her post belonged under 150. Its not worth getting into a debate with them about it. You aren’t ever going to change her mind or others’ minds but most people get what you are saying. When you’ve lost loved ones to war you get that a bus not showing up is insignificant.
So I wish he had told that–of course, I understand–also, understand why 11Bravo didn’t and why I should have assumed–but didn’t. Of course, where I put the comment wouldn’t have made that much difference–the post isn’t sacred; a life lost to war is. Sorry!