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Health & Fitness

Common Core Informational Session

To the editor,

The Watertown, Belmont, Newton Republican Committees and   the Massachusetts Republican Assembly (MARA) Chapter 5 would like to extend our appreciation to the Common Core Study Group for conducting a truly informative seminar about the Common Core Curriculum on Wednesday March 12th at the Watertown Public Library.

Dr. Sandra Stotsky, former member of the Common Core Validation Committee, spoke about why she refused to sign off on the standards and share her concerns for our children and communities.

Jamie Gass of the Pioneer Institute shared in detail how Common Core was developed and why there is some national opposition to the new centralized standards. 

Mary Aliegro, Member from the Liberty Chalkboard stated that all Massachusetts school age children would ultimately be mandated to participate in the newly adopted national Common Core standards and data collection program. She focused on: Who created this program. Who voted to adopt it. How it lowers Massachusetts’s teaching standards. Who will be collecting personal data about our child and why? The programs cost.

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Dr. Mitchell D. Chester, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education was invited to speak on the benefits of Common Core and Massachusetts’ present role out plans. Sadly, he did not answer the invitation. Nevertheless, a chair was made available for him to sit with the rest of the panelists, in case he wanted to show up and defend the program.

The session was recorded the Watertown Cable Access Channel, and should begin airing shortly. So if concerned citizens and parent weren’t able to attend, we urge you to watch on T.V.

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You can also get more information at WWW.LibertyChalkboard.com.

State Representative Jonathon Hecht accepted our invitation sent to all Watertown Public Officials. Also Medford City Councilor Robert Penta, hearing of the event, braved the weather to come inform himself on behalf on behalf of the children and parents of his community. Their dedication was noted and their attendance greatly appreciated by the audience.

Finally a special thanks to Steve Aylward for planning organizing the event, MA-GOP Statecommittee members, Lisa Barstow and Rachel Kemp, who assisted me in hosting the event on behalf of the sponsors.

John DiMascio

Vice Chair Watertown Republican Town Committee
President MARA Chapter 5

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