My name is Jack McAvoy, older brother of Joanne and Patricia McAvoy who lost their lives in an automobile accident 50 years ago on the date above. I wonder if any readers still remember two of the most wonderful sisters a brother could ever have, and I’ll bet two of the nicest friends one could ever know. Joanne was 17, Patricia 15. I can’t thank the Bee enough for posting this In Memoriam. As a regular reader of the “Way We Were” feature from my home in Pennsylvania, I wondered if any mention would be made of the accident as the sad anniversary approached. It was not (so far anyway), and I totally understood because that’s probably not the place to recount such a tragic event. And then . . . then I clicked on Obituaries and saw that the precious memory of these dear girls is still alive in their hometown thanks to this newspaper with a heart. I am so moved. If anyone knew them, you would understand why. On the chance that a former classmate/friend might want to visit their grave site, they are interred in St. Rose Cemetery very close to the entrance. Take the road to the right just a little way and you’ll find the headstone close to the road. If anyone reads this and remembers, I thank you for any kindness you might have ever done for them. Chances are they were kind to you as well. That’s the way they always were. RIP, Joanne and Patricia. I love you both.
Hi Jack, I just read your touching, heartfelt wring about Joanne and Patricia. My name is Laura Schiller Mackay. I went to Immaculate with Joanne and Patricia. I lived in Newtown and Joanne , Patricia and I rode the bus together. Joanne and I were close friends. She often stayed overnight at my home. I remember my Mom telling us to stop giggling and go to sleep. Jack I would love to talk with you. I remember that day so vividly. It would be so nice if we could talk and share our love of Joanne and Patricia. This is my number if you would like to talk, 541 324-6582. Jack, hoping to hear from you. Laura Schiller Mackay
Unfortunately as voter turnout continues to decline the chances of it increasing also decline. The LC and BOF already know that the budget will be approved by virtue of the low turnout so why try to make smart decisions? The so-called referendum is essentially just a rubber stamp. They will continue to increase the budget by 2-5% every year because it's low enough to not cause a pushback under the cover of "inflation" and "maintaining the schools." Sending the budget to vote with 9% turnout is meaningless and a waste of resources on April 23rd.
I have seen Mr. Pisani repeatedly assert in the pages of the Bee that Newtown schools are "testing at a failing 64.9%". I'd be curious if he could elaborate on this statistic, as I have been unable to verify it independently. Which test exactly is our school system failing? How do our schools compare to other towns? How does our score compare to historical measures? It's very hard to draw conclusions from a single data point, so here are a few more data points to think about for context: Newtown is consistently ranked among the top 20 school districts in CT by the US News and World Report and Niche, which consider a range of performance metrics in their rankings; on average, Newtown students perform similar to, if not better than, students in neighboring school districts on standardized math and reading tests; the only data point on the CT Department of Education District Report Card where Newtown "fails" -- that is, falls behind the state average -- is access to art instruction. I'm glad the council member has acknowledged in this letter what taxpayers in high-performing (and high-spending) school districts like Darien, New Canaan, and Westport already know: "School funding does impact student achievement." Please keep that in mind when you vote this week!
My name is Jack McAvoy, older brother of Joanne and Patricia McAvoy who lost their lives in an automobile accident 50 years ago on the date above. I wonder if any readers still remember two of the most wonderful sisters a brother could ever have, and I’ll bet two of the nicest friends one could ever know. Joanne was 17, Patricia 15. I can’t thank the Bee enough for posting this In Memoriam. As a regular reader of the “Way We Were” feature from my home in Pennsylvania, I wondered if any mention would be made of the accident as the sad anniversary approached. It was not (so far anyway), and I totally understood because that’s probably not the place to recount such a tragic event. And then . . . then I clicked on Obituaries and saw that the precious memory of these dear girls is still alive in their hometown thanks to this newspaper with a heart. I am so moved. If anyone knew them, you would understand why. On the chance that a former classmate/friend might want to visit their grave site, they are interred in St. Rose Cemetery very close to the entrance. Take the road to the right just a little way and you’ll find the headstone close to the road. If anyone reads this and remembers, I thank you for any kindness you might have ever done for them. Chances are they were kind to you as well. That’s the way they always were. RIP, Joanne and Patricia. I love you both.
Hi Jack, I just read your touching, heartfelt wring about Joanne and Patricia. My name is Laura Schiller Mackay. I went to Immaculate with Joanne and Patricia. I lived in Newtown and Joanne , Patricia and I rode the bus together. Joanne and I were close friends. She often stayed overnight at my home. I remember my Mom telling us to stop giggling and go to sleep. Jack I would love to talk with you. I remember that day so vividly. It would be so nice if we could talk and share our love of Joanne and Patricia. This is my number if you would like to talk, 541 324-6582. Jack, hoping to hear from you. Laura Schiller Mackay