We are doing a perfectly adequate job maintaining the status quo. My question is, “Is this really the best we can do?”
As a small town, with access to tremendous resources, I believe that if we commit our time, talents, and aspirations, we can create a place that displays true leadership. A place that I am proud to call home. A place that better aligns with the aspirations of a better tomorrow.
I have developed a five phase improvement plan that includes;
A. Restructuring of the schools.
B. Bicycle lanes, and associated traffic mitigation.
C. Rent-A-Veg, Sustainability, trees, native species, shade, habitat restoration.
D. Extra curricular engagement, family friendly activities, and inclusion.
E. The Glass Alliance
A. School Restructuring
The main objective with this proposed restructuring is the positive integration of technology, and innovation, with the goal of preparing children for the world as it exists, and into the future. This will be accomplished through the integration of imagination, science, and engineering.
There are four components to this plan;
I. I propose that we establish one of the elementary schools as an early childhood campus. This campus would include a robust preschool program (essential to closing the achievement gap), and serve children through grades 2 or 3 (dependent on space).
II. The Middle School. I believe the concept of warehousing children of adolescent age in isolation, to be a failed model. Most people I know recall their experience of Middle School as a time of suffering that they, “made it through.” Neurologically, children of adolescent age perform best when they have someone to model for (younger children), or someone to model after (older children, and adults). I propose reappointing the Middle School Campus to serve students in grades 2 (or 3) through grade 6, as a STEAM centered campus.
III. The High School. Grades 7 and 8 would transition to the high school, a model employed by many private schools. The high school facility is designed to meet the needs of children of their size, and abilities, and aligns well with the needs of students in grades 7-12. I propose the development of a robust cooperative learning program for students in high school. This can be accomplished through partnership with local businesses, corporations, trades, and volunteerism. I believe cooperative opportunities to be distinctly useful in the modern age, where the only constant is change. Cooperative opportunities help students to assess the world, as it exists, and to begin to unravel what their role within it may look like. Students spending less time in classrooms, and more time learning in the world, will help to ease the growth of the student body.
IV. I would also propose the integration of shipping containers as easily convertible spaces for study. From the design of the unit, to the ultimate use of the space. These inexpensive media can provide an interesting engineering project of study for the student body. I am inclined to imagine the spaces for use as Science labs, art studios, and workshops, but I believe the development of programs of study should be student led.
B. Bike Lanes
Developing an infrastructure where alternative forms of transportation are invited will be an important component in the effort to reduce congestion, invite activity, and create a more pedestrian friendly community. I believe that, as a community, we all benefit from less traffic congestion. We should send a clear message that we are dedicated to the safety of our children, and community, and that we work actively to reduce the number of reckless speeding drivers who take advantage of our town.
It would be nice to see the development of a physical boundary to improve the safety of our existing bike lanes (painted white lines are not an adequate safety measure), as well as the development of additional bicycle friendly routes.
It would be an interesting learning experience to recruit engineering input from our youngest residents. I propose the development of a design challenge for Milton Public School Students. Students would be invited (with parameters), to develop a bike lane boundary, composed of re-purposed materials, that can be easily removed seasonally.
C. Rent-A-Veg
I dream of living in sustainable community.
Rent-A-Veg is my primary project of focus this season. “Rent-A-Veg” is meant to be a catchy, ironic name for a concept that I’ve developed. The objective of the project is to increase the presence and consciousness of sustainable living practices through the creation of a network of involved, and invested farmers, partners, greenhouses, nurseries, naturalists, horticulturalists, beekeepers, landscapers, arborists, and gardeners. The goal of this work will be to establish our town as a model for sustainable living and responsible development.
We will accomplish this work through multiple means. Neighbors will be invited to participate as members of Rent-A-Veg. Examples of projects; raised vegetable beds, bee friendly gardens, fruit trees, chicken keeping, and bee keeping. Rent-A-Veg will be available to help anyone who is interested in learning about moving toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
D. Family Friendly Activities
As the mother of five children, who vary in age, from preschool to high school, and interests, from bugs to The Beatles, I am constantly on the search for an activity that has something for everyone, the Holy Grail. I have yet to find it. Wide open wild places are probably what best suit us, so surviving in the urban wild proves challenging. In any case, I have a few ideas that I think will be fun for the whole family.
I. Swing Dancing lessons with accompanying big band music. I believe life needs more dancing.
II. Flag Rugby. This is meant to serve as a gentle game, designed to build camaraderie. I am particularly fond of the thought of lateral passing as a metaphor for life, something we could all do well to bear in mind. The game has a lovely rhythm.
III. Boating. It would be positive to see a boating and kayaking program for our residents.
IV. Olmsted’s Day. I would love to see a celebratory day honoring Frederick Law Olmsted, where we pay homage to his legacy of green space and artful vision. On this day we would do well to live our lives in a way that aligns with Olmsted’s vision, and celebrates his contributions.
E. The Glass Alliance
In this program, local businesses and restaurants would partner with a glass manufacturer. Businesses and participating customers would utilize a glass container exchange. The main objective of this project is to reduce the amount a styrofoam and plastic that enter our waste stream.
Ms. Is 