Friday, February 28, 2014

Chicken Feet? Really?

We definitely did not see that one coming... Chicken feet sent to the Superintendent, the Chief Accountability Officer (aka the "data guy") and the Director of Registration!!! And they say it didn't bother them. OK, right... That begs the question "Then why were the police called?" 

On a much more productive note, the "Group of 10" was able to meet this week and made excellent progress on the proposals for an action plan to be presented to the STA and the board. Thank you to the volunteers who have made and will continue to make time in their schedules to work on this.

In conjunction with putting the plan together, the team agreed that the time is here to start cultivating parents, students and community members as activists. So...


If you are or you know of a student, community member, or parent who is
concerned about the escalation of disruptiveness and violence in the SCSD,
please, please, please contact us at scsdtakebackourschools@gmail.com.

The time has come and we need YOUR support. Remember, there is strength in numbers.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at
times of challenge and controversy."
-  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Another Incident at Lincoln!

How many more incidents will it take before parents rise up and say "Enough!" A thirteen-year-old CHILD was in school with a knife today, for heaven's sake!

Are we going to wait until the weapon is a gun?
Until someone is shot?
Until someone is dead?

Link to the Article in PS on the Incident at Lincoln


Parents, SCSD staff and community members
 
If you are ready to get involved and say "No More!"

Monday, February 24, 2014

Moving Forward

The "Group of Ten" volunteers from the Be Heard meeting will get together later this week to review and refine proposals for an action plan to be presented to the district and the board. The goal is to create a viable plan which can be implemented immediately to help reduce the violent and disruptive behavior that continues to plague the Syracuse City School District.

Contrary to the beliefs held by many community organizations,
this movement is not about punishment.
 
This movement is about ensuring that
all of the students
in the Syracuse City School District
have a safe and healthy environment to walk into
each and every day.

We hope that the district and the board keep open minds when presented with the final proposal. We also hope that they - and all of us - refuse to let the fear of what few may do, paralyze us into inaction when faced with questions of what is best for all.



Thursday, February 20, 2014

No Bias in this Commentary from Center for Community Alternatives? Yeah, Right...

Today a commentary from Marsha Weissman of the Center for Community Alternatives really sparked many to question her credibility in light of the fact her agency has at least two contracts in place with the district.

  • From the Post Standard on 1/30/14 in an article outlining programs that SCSD has put into place to "attack" discipline problems:
    ATLAS: Middle-school students who have been assigned through a superintendent's hearing attend the ATLAS program -- Achieving through Learning in an Alternative Setting -- at Lincoln, Clary and Grant middle schools. They receive a full academic program as well as social-emotional support and programs including aggression replacement training and moral reasoning from the Center for Community Alternatives. The program serves a total of 75 children at the three schools, and has a waiting list.

    Before this year, the district's alternative program for disruptive middle-schoolers were "BEST" classrooms -- for Better Expectations Start Today. They were in each middle school, but did not offer students a full academic experience with specialty teachers in each core subject. Cost to the district: $1,082,853.

    Post Standard 1/30/14
 
  • From the Post Standard on 11/13/13:The Syracuse school board tonight approved the establishment of a "student advocacy program" that will provide information and advice to students and families of students who are facing suspensions.

    The board gave approval to a $279,847 contract with the Center for Community Alternatives to create and operate the program.

    Post Standard 11/13/13

Given their level of involvement in facilitating the district's "alternative programs," Ms. Weissman should leave the commentary to others who are not making money by promoting those same programs.

And again, to stress, no one denies that these students need help and that in the long-term we ALL benefit from programs that nurture and support them so that they are able to be responsible citizens in their home school communities.

What we want is equal consideration for the
90% of students who come to school every day ready to learn
.

In a district with as few resources as Syracuse City School District, there needs to be a focus on the majority of the students and programs need to be put into place that - first and foremost - provide the majority of our students with a sound basic education.

If we have students who cannot succeed in a traditional classroom, they need to be removed... Removed to an alternative setting where they can receive the supports they need, but where they are not able to disrupt learning or injure their fellow students or teachers... Not a suspension - because we all know that they don't work - but a meaningful and valuable educational and social skills training experience that will set them up for success in the classroom and success in life.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Trying to Convert Rumors into Facts

What do you know about an incident at Corcoran? One involving basketball players, threats to a coach and his family, and a brave kid who stood up for the coach and has now been moved to private school because his parents were concerned about his safety... Many of you think this story needs to be told - publicly. We have contacts who are ready to tell the story, but we need facts. If you have them, please email us. Nothing will be released without your approval. Let this story be told!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Data Survey Results from the "Be Heard" Meeting

As promised, below are the results from the data survey conducted at the "Be Heard" meeting. We are sure that you have more to share. After all...

For every ONE person who attended the "Be Heard" meeting
at least NINETEEN others stayed home.

So keep sharing your stories. They WILL be forwarded to the "Group of Ten" who are creating the proposal for the School Board.


A Couple of Creative Ideas

These suggestions came to us recently...

Given the state of SCSD's budget, what if, in additional to advocating for lifting the freeze on foundation aid from the state and the cessation of the so-called "gap elimination adjustment," we also advocate for funding from the state Department of Justice to help bring alternative programs to life? An investment in our kids now to prevent them them from becoming future inmates. Has anyone heard of any states other than (allegedly) Alabama obtaining funding this way?

We've also heard that in the Atlanta School District, working with the court systems, parents are issued appearance tickets with an associated fine if their child is chronically disruptive, truant, or if parents are not coming to meetings/returning phone calls, etc. This method really holds parents accountable. And we're told it works! One teacher in the area who recently reached out to us relayed that if a parent is issued an appearance ticket once, very seldom does it happen again

What are your thoughts on these strategies for
increased funding and parental accountability?

What creative strategies have YOU heard about?.

As the "Group of Ten" from the "Be Heard" meeting starts to begin work on framing a proposal for the School Board, they'd welcome YOUR input. Submit your ideas here and we will forward them to the team.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Money Makes the World Go 'Round

Due to technical issues tonight, we are unable to provide the detailed results of the data survey conducted at the "Be Heard" meeting. Check back later in the day for those.

In the meantime, we keep coming back to the funding concerns. Because we need to be realistic and accept that any alternative programming proposals will require additional funding above and beyond that which the district has already committed to third-party providers. How do we get the funds we need?

We need to advocate not only for programming, but for the state to increase their foundation aid to the Syracuse City School District so that we can PAY for the programs.

No funds for new stadiums
No funds to build up recreational areas
No college education for felons

The time has come to invest in our kids. The money is there. It needs to be allocated using common sense.

Learn how you can effectively advocate for changes in the state government's funding formula. Plan to attend the advocacy workshop at H.W. Smith on February 25th at 6:30 pm.


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Please Keep Reporting

The floodgates have opened.

People are listening.

Don't stop now.

The "Be Heard" meeting on Thursday night was a powerful first step. More than 100 brave teachers came forward and shared concerns about inappropriate behaviors, violence, and lack of support from administration at both building and district levels. A synopsis of the results of the data survey that was done is below:
  • 11 complaints about language
  • 17 complaints regarding lack of consequences
  • 11 reports of safety concerns
  • 16 teachers report being fearful
  • 16 reports of physical violence
  • 5 reports of no support from administration
  • 8 reports that referrals are ignored or disregarded
  • 10 reports of property damage
  • 10 Complaints directly about the superintendent
  • 5 reports of threats being made
Details of the incidents will follow. But this is scary, scary stuff...

While the "Group of 10" work on the framework for the immediate action plan, we need to keep our stories in the forefront. Comment here. Comment on syracuse.com. Keep the pressure on!

Friday, February 14, 2014

No More Hiding!!!

After what was spoken about last night, the powers that be can no longer hide their heads in the sand and pretend that those who have spoken out in the press and at board meetings are reporting on isolated incidents. Because what we heard last night was the tip of the iceberg. For every one employee who was brave enough to come out and tell their story, another nineteen stayed home.

We hope that this is the beginning of an open and productive dialogue, focused on making our schools safe for ALL students and teachers. 

Post Standard 2/14/14:  Syracuse teachers gather to speak out on school violence, disruptions


We WILL take back our schools!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Oh, What a Night!

Even an approaching storm didn't deter determined Syracuse City School District employees from coming out and speaking candidly about the behavioral issues plaguing our schools.

Thank you to all of the
brave SCSD personnel who came forward tonight!
Your efforts are truly appreciated!!!

At the SCSD Be Heard Meeting tonight at St. Daniel's Church, organized by Bill Scott and Heidi Teska, guest speaker William H. Scott spoke to more than 100 non-supervisory SCSD personnel and led them through a data survey with some upsetting results...

  • More than half of those in attendance had been assaulted by a student at some point in their career
  • All had been cursed at and/or verbally abused
  • Only two could state that they see members of downtown administration in their building with any regularity
  • Referrals that go nowhere
  • Kids sent to the office only to be sent back to class within minutes
  • And it went on and on...

A listening panel consisting of Common Councilors Nader Maroun and Bob Dougherty, newly-elected School Board Commissioner Dave Cecile, and School Board President Pat Body, was present to hear first-hand the stories of assaults, disrespect, alternative programs that do not work, feelings of being unsupported by the district administration, the need for programs that reach children even as young as pre-K age, and what it's like to try to teach amid chaos.

And they appeared to be surprised by some, if not all,
of what they heard.

Then the discussion moved to need... The immediate need for alternative settings, the need for a baseline expectation of conduct, the need to have support services in place, the need for support from downtown, the need for security support from the police department...

There is much that needs to be done, including putting together a formal plan for immediate action to be brought forth to the appropriate personnel. More meetings will take place, but what a fabulous start!

Stay tuned here to learn more about how you can get involved in the
Take Back Our Schools Movement.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

No One Remembers the Ones Who Didn't Stand Up

Think of leaders you most admire. Who might be on that list?

Nelson Mandela
George Washington
Harriet Tubman
Susan B. Anthony
Rosa Parks
Lech Walesa
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gandhi

One of the things they all have in common is their willingness to stand up for what they believe in. Not necessarily because they were the bravest people out there, but because they realized that they would lose more by NOT acting.

Now is the time to make that decision for yourself. Every choice we make has consequences, both intended and unintended. After examining the possibilities, if you believe that you have more to lose by not acting, please join other non-supervisory SCSD personnel who feel the same way at:

SCSD Be Heard Meeting
St. Daniel’s Church
3004 Court St.
Thursday, February 13th
5:00 PM

Although many building administrators, central office leaders, and community advocates share our concerns, this meeting is open only to non-supervisory staff that work in the buildings. We ask that this stipulation be respected, as this is not a public meeting.

Participants will give input on a plan to address the present safety crisis in the Syracuse City Schools. The meeting will not be about criticizing the superintendent or district leadership. It will not be an attempt to work around STA’s role in protecting teacher’s rights.

We are making the assumption that there is the need for immediate action to make our schools safe and that there is no plan for this. We are filling that vacuum. We are concentrating on one single issue as stated in William Scott's commentary:

Making buildings physically safe for students and teachers.

This will be a proactive meeting intended to develop the framework of a plan that will be submitted through established channels to be considered by the SCSD Board of Education. However, the process will provide for a safe way for participants to let their need for such a plan be known. If you participate, you will become part of the solution to a very serious problem.Together, we will formulate a plan that will be presented to the board and the superintendent. Follow up meetings may include other stakeholders.

We will have some trusted “guest listeners” at our meeting who will bear witness to the integrity of our process and help to carry the story of our efforts forward.

The agenda will be as follows:

1. What this meeting is about, and what it is not about
2. Specific events that demonstrate the need for an immediate plan
3. Data check
4. Input into refining the plan
5. Strategies to keep costs to a minimum
6. Determine leadership to officially refine and present the action plan to the district

If you plan to attend this meeting, please let us know using the email link to the right.

Monday, February 10, 2014

A Message From Jo-anne Grandinetti

We received this note from Jo-anne Grandinetti, whose story many of you may be familiar with...

"Thank you to all my friends and colleagues who have come forward with their stories of assault. We mention the courage it takes to speak the truth.  When I spoke at a board meeting last fall
(After my assault) I spoke from the heart, looking for answers to my concerns but there were no answers. Now that so many are coming forward with more disturbing stories of assault I have to believe that some one, somewhere will listen and understand the urgency of change. I have met with Sen. DeFrancisco, had a conference call with congressman Maffei . They are both aware of the problems in the SCSD. I approached both gentleman looking for guidance and support for change.  I have to believe that they will be there for us as we move forward.  We need to stay focused and remember that we only want what is best for all our students.

'OUR DAY BEGINS TO END THE DAY
WE BECOME SILENT ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER'

- Martin Luther King, Jr."

Thank you, Jo-anne!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

When Is Enough, Enough?

Throughout the day, we've talked to and heard from teachers all over this district have come to realize that the time IS here.

Enough is enough!

No more letting a few unruly students sabotage the education of those who are there to learn. No more allowing students or administration to bully teachers. No longer will fear and intimidation rule.

You say you are afraid of what you'll lose. We have already lost so much. Is there really that much more to lose? The time has come to think about what you'll gain. What we'll all gain.

And most importantly,
what will the students in the Syracuse City School District gain?

So, if you are ready to be a part of the change you want to see in this district, we welcome Syracuse City School District non-supervisory staff to attend a meeting on Thursday, February 13th at St. Daniel’s Church on 3004 Court St at 5:00 PM. Participants will give input on a plan to address the present safety crisis in the Syracuse City Schools. This meeting was inspired by an outpouring of staff and parents who reacted positively to the Post Standard commentary by William H. Scott.

Although many building administrators, central office leaders, and community advocates share our concerns, this meeting is open only to non-supervisory staff that work in the buildings. We ask that this stipulation be respected, as this is not a public meeting.

Together, we will formulate a plan that will be presented to the board and the superintendent. Follow up meetings may include other stakeholders.

We will have some trusted “guest listeners” at our meeting who will bear witness to the integrity of our process and help to carry the story of our efforts forward.

The agenda will be as follows:

1. What this meeting is about, and what it is not about
2. Specific events that demonstrate the need for an immediate plan
3. Data check
4. Input into refining the plan
5. Strategies to keep costs to a minimum
6. Determine leadership to officially refine and present the action plan to the district

If you are non-supervisory district staff and you are interested in attending this meeting, please let us know, using the email link to the right.

Are You Ready?

If you heard the call, would you answer it? We keep hearing that people are scared and we understand it. When you live in a climate of fear and retribution, it is often easier to do nothing than to take a stand. BUT... Imagine where we would be today if our greatest leaders had been to afraid to stand up and take a stand? Would you have the right to vote? Would you still be riding on the back of the bus? Would our nation even exist? We have a chance to make a difference now. If we stand together in great numbers we cannot be ignored and we cannot be punished.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Post Standard Commentary

"Behavior 'crisis' in Syracuse city schools calls for 'immediate, decisive action" by William Scott, guest columnist


Many people have forwarded this commentary to us today. His call for immediate and decisive action to be done in tandem with the rewriting of the Code of Conduct and while giving the "alternative" programs time to be tested, evaluated and revamped  (as necessary) is BRILLIANT!!! And obvious, it seems to so many of us.

Setting boundaries and limits in the school to
ensure the safety of students and staff is a necessary first step.

Our teachers have too much on their plates right now with tightly scheduled academic days and a rigorous new curriculum to allow one or two children to "hijack" the classroom and compromise the education of the other twenty-five kids. Providing supports and structure to help those kids whose behavior at school - and in the community - is inappropriate is also necessary for their future academic and social success.

We believe that the way to end the school-to-prison pipeline is to reach these kids early and teach them that they have options and help them to create a path toward their goal.. But... it needs to be done in a way and a setting, with counseling and academics, that does not further disrupt the students who come to school every day to learn. Always with the goal of bringing these students back into a traditional classroom.

This will help ALL kids to be successful.

How many of you support these initiatives in William Scott's commentary? How do we let the administration and the Board of Education know of our support? What are you willing to do? If you are willing to come forward and help with the cause, email us. The time is now and momentum is on our side.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Teacher Stabbed at Lincoln

We are hearing conflicting information about this incident. We pray that the Post Standard is correct and the teacher is not seriously injured.

And we are heartened that the district and the paper are reporting the incident. And that this accused was arrested.

Students need to know that this is NOT acceptable behavior in school -
or anywhere else for that matter.

Now we wonder which of the alternative programs that Superintendent Contreras touted last week will be the one to help this child? And what supports and interventions will take place in her home? And while she is getting the help and support she needs to behave appropriately in school and out of school, how do we keep other students and teachers safe?

Syracuse City School District take note...

This is high profile. You've been on a media blitz about all the programs that are in place to help kids like this one. Don't let her down. We will be watching.