Photo by ROGER LALONDE
Roger LaLonde Staff Roger Raymond, Charter School coach and athletic director, was surprised when 13 student-athletes took part in a salute they read to honor Raymond. Maddie Hague presented Raymond with the salute, autographed by many student-athletes at the annual Charter Student-Athlete Night in May, 2010. His attributes in working with kids is why the Marco Island Academy has named him its first athletic director, while Raymond also remains at the Charter School.
The Marco Island Academy will have plenty of name recognition with its first athletic director, Roger Raymond.
Raymond has been the first and only athletic director at the Marco Island Charter Middle School for 11 years. Raymond will continue his duties at the Charter School.
The Charter School Board gave Raymond the go-ahead at its Tuesday night board meeting.
“I wouldn’t have accepted the position if I thought it would harm the Charter School in any way,” Raymond said.
Jane Watt, Island Academy Chairwoman, is extremely pleased with Raymond’s acceptance.
“I’ve watched Roger develop a middle school athletic program that has been very successful,” Watt said. “He has shown that you can be competitive against larger schools with a small pool of athletes.”
Watt said she has talked with a number of kids who have been in his sports programs.
“They all really like him and that speaks volumes to me,” she said. “He is a good role model the way he works with the kids. I like the way he interacts with the kids, taking a participatory role. It is important to us to have someone like Roger as sports are a huge influence in kids’ lives.”
Raymond does not see his duties with the new school in conflict with the Charter School.
“It will be more of an extension of what I do now,” he said.
He will start his duties with the Academy on July 1.
His hiring comes a week after the Academy hired a principal, Chris Pellant, presently director of special services at Lakes International Language Academy in Lake Forest, Minnesota.
The public can take part in a meet-and-greet opportunity with Pellant in the Charter School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3. Student enrollment begins the same day, with enrollment packets available at the Charter event. They can also email to info@marcoislandacademy.com to request an enrollment packet.
Preliminary interviews for teachers begin on Feb. 3. Screening interviews have already begun. Applications can be done online at vchair@marcoislandacademy.com. Teachers should submit a cover page telling what position they have an interest in with their application. An update on teachers hired will be on www.marcoiaslndacademy.com
Hilton earns Diamond Award, 2013
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 44
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
From what I have heard Roger is a real nice guy, but come on, having him do two jobs and have an adequate physical education program in two schools, especially a high school is pushing the envelope, (one which has little money), a bit too far. World Class 0 Lely 21
livingonmarco writes:
how can Mr. Raymond do two jobs? Will the MICMS board allow him to work at the high school on their dime? This is gonna be a real problem. mark my words
freedomofspeech1 writes:
This is a desperation move on the part of the academy. They are realizing that no one will be attending this school so they recruit Raymond so that they have a built in PR man at the middle school. Unfortunately for the academy, even Raymond cant convince enough kids to attend this lame school. There are also other reasons the academy recruited Raymond....so they could use the facilities at the middle school. Again, everyone sees through their motives, but I predict Raymond will have no athletes to coordinate programs for and this lame school will flop!
Fossil writes:
Some people can actually chew gum and walk at the same time.
lauralbi1 writes:
Not to worry. We are filing our PAC papers, and doing all the busy work and will be circulating the Residential Buffer Amendment shortly. We expect over 3,000 signatures to get this on the 2012 Ballot. It will provide a 500 foot buffer between any Public or Charter High School and a Residential (single or multi-family) used lot. We are doing this as an Amendment to the City Charter so that it cannot be changed other than by vote of the people.
This is to define the buffer already included in the Marco Island Comprehensive Plan. We look forward to anyone inteersted in maintaining their neighborhoods to sign and circulate our petition.
We, as a Community, will finally get to vote on this issue.
Ed Issler
RayPray writes:
"Focus must be education, education, education."
A trillion $$$ already in federal funds to schools with zero result.
"It is a shame that high school graduates can not even do a simple rule of three and Adams is a beer not the second president USA history."
Even many adult have trouble evidently with the simple rule of three....
???
u2cane writes:
I didn't realize you needed an athletic director to wrestle with a gopher tortoise. Now they just need a few kids to buy into their daycare, I mean school. I think Roger realizes that he has a good thing at the real middle school and doesn't want to leave and end up without a real job, so he is gonna try and double dip. Good luck with that sir.
Brisla writes:
I didn't realize that his current job was so undemanding that he could take on another full-time job with the same hours.
RayPray writes:
Yes, I have observed that, in general, very little is demanded from employees of the Police, Fire Department, and other arms of our local government and municipal establishment.
It's a sweet life indeed!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Brisla,
Didn't you know that is the way a World Class school is accomplished you have one person doing two or more jobs by the use of mirrors.
Now with a little smoke we can have a real magic act.
NEW LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBJECT TEACHERS.
Science teacher....had a parakeet, hamsters or a turtle when growing up.
English teacher....Can complete a crossword puzzle.
Math teacher.....Has all ten fingers.
Language teacher....knows how to say "thank you" in more than 3 languages.
Art teacher....can draw matchbook figures in more than one color.
School nurse.....Can open a box of Johnson and Johnson bandaids.
History teacher....Very old with Memory Required.
Guidance Counselor....Crossing guard experience required. Can do both jobs without a conflict of time.
Custodian....Any parent who has the time. Must supply own broom and mop.
RayPray writes:
Very funny!!!
However,
"Math teacher.....Has all ten fingers.
This might violate the ADA law.
How about >> Math teacher...own a TI80 calculator where the battery still works?
u2cane writes:
Ocram, very funny!
I also think the school nurse thing is covered. After all Jane has pharmaceutical rep experience so she will pass out free samples when kids have a problem, in addition to her other responsibilities.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Thank you Ray and u2Cane for your suggestions :)!
Had time to think of a couple more qualifications for catagory of outstanding instructors.
Music Director....Able to "whistle a happy tune".
Computer Lab Instructor.....Unable to find someone whom the kids know less than.
Economics Instructor.....Don't even attempt to go there!
Librarian.........Classic Commics needed, we don't have any books to catalogue.
Assistant Principal......Hopefully has secondary experience the Principal can learn from.
RayPray writes:
"Cheer-leading is more important than a humanistic education."
Unfortunately true!
"To err is human, but remain in error is a sign of stupidity."
"...no one...knows about Cicero."
I've encountered this saying before.
In fact, I believe it the official motto of our City government!
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
livingonmarco writes:
what is really funny about this whole thing is the principal of the charter middle school thought he was going to be the principal of the high school. he can't even do his job at the middle school. he seems to have lost his steam. maybe it is time to replace him - send him out.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Ms. Herzili,
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is."
Winston Churchill
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Once again, this appears to be an attempt by a proponent to spread lies and mistruths in order to perpetuate their own.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
MarcoIslandWomen,
Thank you for repeating my blog and in fact, proving it to be true.
Is_It_True_Partially_True_Or_Not_True (Inactive) writes:
MarcoIslandWoman,
You becoming my hero. People will praise in your honor when Academy gots built. I will be their to make your aquaintanence. Thank You.
LadueVGilleo writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
freedomofspeech1 writes:
Why would the principal of the middle school leave for an unproven school. Why would he leave to be the principal of a school that will probably have less than 100 kids attend. MARK MY WORDS....THE WORD IS OUT THAT THE PEOPLE OF MARCO ARE SMARTER THAN YOU THINK AND WILL NOT BE BAMBOOZLED INTO BELIEVING THIS IS WORTH ATTENDING. VERY FEW PEOPLE WANT TO PUT THEIR KIDS IN TRAILORS FOR THE NEXT 3 OR 4 YEARS!
freedomofspeech1 writes:
Anyone that attends the middle school is quite aware of the athletic directors REAL reason for being there....it has nothing to do with athletics....he will have the same interest at the academy....
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
They really think that they, the MIA, can put this over on the people of Marco Island. WRONG!
The vast majority of the folks living here are here because they worked hard all of their lives and were successful in their endeavors. They all got broadsided by this group of people who think that they "know better" than everyone else.
The smartest thing that the Academy should do is attach itself to Lely and provide both what they think they can provide for their children and at the same time have their children attend a real high school, one that the children will benefit from and remember into their adulthood. (A problem may be though, that they, the MIA, burned their bridges by continually bad mouthing Lely.)
Can you imagine, as a 15-18 year old attending a trailer park high school for those years of maturation and coming out of it with positive memories which they would have been able to have if they attended a real high school?
Parents should not be fooled by thinking that an inexperienced group overall, as the one you have, can come close to providing this! Maybe a 1 in 10 chance. Are you really willing to bet you kid's future and memories on this?
High school is supposed to be one of the best times in growing up. (I bet it was for most of you as it was for me.) If these parents think that they can provide a superior educational model, although very disproven at this time, then let them provide it in the best setting for all children, theirs and others attending Lely.
RayPray writes:
"People will praise in your honor when Academy gots built."
Maybe, with high solemnity, they can entomb your ashes ashes beneath a rear tire of one of the used trailers there.
Is_It_True_Partially_True_Or_Not_True (Inactive) writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
AFulcher writes:
The Academy is incredibly lucky to have secured Roger Raymond as their AD. Anyone that knows Roger Raymond or anything about his credentials & accomplishments, knows that 2 jobs is NOTHING. For those who are naysayers... ask the naysayers about the Marco Island Charter Middle School when it faced the same adversity. The present students and their parents thank you for forging through.
The future really does belong to the brave.
AFulcher writes:
Also just wondering why those who believe so strongly in freedom of speech, don't sign their names?
Ian_Curtis writes:
Then there are those that want a charter school because they can no longer lie about where they live to get their younger child into Barron Collier like they did for their older child.
AFulcher writes:
I'd be pleased to share our acceptance letter mailed to our Marco Island address with you! Not sure who you are but, if you knew me you would know that honesty & integrity is my moral compass, just as I am sure it is yours.
freedomofspeech1 writes:
MOVE TO NORTH NAPLES....IF YOU LIVE ON MARCO SEND YOUR KIDS TO LELY....YOUR KIDS ARE NO BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSES!
Jojo writes:
Lely offers a plethora of extra-mural clubs and activities such as yearbook, debate, student council, Spanish national honors society, color guard, Key Club, foreign language club, National Honors Society, Step Club, Poetry Club, Art Club, Photographic Club and newspaper and green group clubs.
Sports at the school include football, soccer, athletics, swimming, golf, cross country, volleyball, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, track, tennis, wrestling and cheerleading.
I am sure you will find all of these and more at the Academy.....yeah right
ajm3s writes:
I wonder if it was the same reason the authors of the Federlist Papers did so under pen with the script of Publius?
Because they wanted to discuss the content and not the authorship.
I hope this will be taught at the Charter High School.
PB writes:
Congratulations Mr.Raymond. I have no doubt that you will give your usual one hundred and fifty percent to ensure the fundamentals of any sport that may be offered at the Marco Is. Acadamy. Our children have been privileged to have played sports under your leadership. Besides the basic fundamentals, you have also taught them self respect,respect for others,sportsmanship and lasting memories of their achievements.Thank you for all of the time and hard work you have given to our children. Good luck in your added endeavors.The Academy has made a good choice, and is fortunate to have you.
reallifeswfla writes:
Charter High School is a pipe dream. Dream on Jane Watt, methinks you snacked on some of those pharmas you were pushing.
Good luck on your gopher tortoise covered school site next to the good people of Horr's Island and other condos. Sure they are going to love the trailer court you are going to build next to their pleasant homes. And as for Tract K, sign the petition and prohibit them from using the eagle site for the high school. In this time of a poor economy, and with Lely High close by, now is not the time to waste taxpayers money (that's us) on a new high school.
waterday writes:
People can be so heartless and attack another human being without truly knowing the individual. Our family did have children attend the Marco Charter Middle School and know Mr. Raymond. This is a person who puts kids first and works countless hours at part time pay. For the record, Raymond's work ethic is something that most lazy Americans could never do half of. He is a marathon runner, up before sunrise, A.D. of Charter, small business owner, on boards that help the community, and gives back countless hours off the clock to this Island. Do you really know Roger Raymond? and what makes this man tick? It is work and his work ethic and helping the community he lives it! Marco could not have picked a better person for this job and this man knows how to roll up his sleeves and work! As far as the comment above, I had children in Marco Charter, so please tell me what the "Real Reason is" as you are wrong!
freedomofspeech1 writes:
Anyone that attends the middle school is quite aware of the athletic directors REAL reason for being there....it has nothing to do with athletics....he will have the same interest at the academy....
Perhaps you are just being hateful and using ill attempts to try to halt progress, if so,it is not working.
Before you say stupid things, please check out Roger Raymond's credentials and accomplishments. Congrats to a wonderful man. I am certain that Marco will have an excellent sports program at this high school in the building years that follow.
capt1black writes:
25 years:
Although our opinions differ about the need for a charter high school, I agree 100% about Roger. There is no one who puts in more time and energy to the youth of Marco than Roger.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
People have the right to protect their home values. ("Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" is in the Declaration of Independence, not the right to a private education.) To even put someone down for that shows the lack of concern you have for others.
All parents should have a conern for their children's education. But they do not have the "right" to anything other than what is offered to others in the sense of public education. Do these parents really think that their kids are better than those at Lely? If they do, let them not use public tax dollars and open a private school and be done with the charade.
What happened to the Klabautermann brag that he was the first to call for a referendum? It would have made a whole lot more sense in the beginning before all of these meaningless claims of "World Class" etc. appeared in print, by something that has not even got its foot in the door of reality.
JenniferTenney writes:
I was shocked at reading some of the above comments. As President of the Board of the Marco Island Charter Middle School, I want to say that I have the utmost respect and am so grateful for the wonderful job that Coach Raymond does for our school. He seems to have endless energy and hours to put into a day and goes above and beyond the call of duty again and again. He even helped me organize a 5K to help raise funds for the school this fall! As a board, we did not feel like it is our right or duty to tell a wonderful employee what he can or cannot do on his off hours and I personally have every confidence that he will continue to do an exceptional job for our middle school. He is a true asset to our school and the community, as is Mr. Abounader, and I am proud and honored to work with them.
Ocram (Inactive) writes:
Dear Ms. Tenney,
You may be absolutely correct about the professionalism of Coach Raymond, but you are missing the point. In all realness, how can the Academy profess to be World Class on their website and have, as you put it, a physical education coach that is going to be doing the job at the High School in his "off hours". A high school physical education curriculum, to be up to any worthwhile standard needs a great deal more than that. Once again the students will be short changed by the lack of real experience which your leaders have constantly shown.
What you are getting is a "World Class" snow job.
livingonmarco writes:
Mrs. Tenney: you say he will do this job in his spare time. Are you for real? He will do the high school job on your dime and use your school for the high school work. Isn't this a conflict of interest? And if it isn't can all the other employees at Marco Charter get paid by you and the school board and do their "other job" as well? Oh that is right - you have support staff who do the same thing currently.
Islanderguy239 writes:
you have no idea what your even talking about...you always post the most ignorant comments, always complaining about something, why dont u walk the beach, be quiet and enjoy your retirement
lelysnativeson writes:
Mrs. Tenney, I’m as equally shocked. How could Mr. Raymond and the MICMS Board allow themselves to become pawns of the Academy and Mrs. Watt? Was this a ploy by Mrs. Watt to bring Mr. Raymond’s good name to garner credibility to their Academy? As a graduate of Lely, I thought you would have a firsthand experience of this great school and be a proponent of your Alma mater. It is well known that your boss Mr. Woodward is the attorney for the Academy and I hope that does not influence your future decision making process. Please support Lely and I hope Mr. Raymond withdraws his name and association with this group. Your support of LHS today will make a diffrence for many years to come.
RayPray writes:
"you always post the most ignorant comments,"
If you spent more time focusing on your cushy City job, you wouldn't be stalking my evidently rather close-to-the-bone posts....
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