"Why don't parents get angry?"
It is a question we've all asked. Tonight I actually thought about it. And I think I know why...
We all see it every day - the violence, the disrespect, the disruptiveness - whether it is in school, in the news, or on this blog. And because we see it all the time, we assume everyone else does too.
We need to realize that parents don't. Plain and simple. They don't see it every day. How could they? Many aren't in the school with any regularity and some deliberately don't see it because they don't want to.
And the only way they will see it, is if it is unavoidable.
That's where we come in.
We can all sit by, wringing our hands and bemoaning the apathy that exists in our community. But if we fail to act, we become part of the problem. We must act - publicly and loudly. We must make a conscious decision that the safety and education of the students entrusted to the Syracuse City School District - and in turn our building staffs - is of the utmost importance. That we can no longer stand by silently and watch and entire generation of students set out on a path to nowhere.
We need to be the change!!! We need to speak out PUBLICLY. We need to give parents the information that they need so that they can get as angry as we are. We have reporters ready to talk to anyone who will go ON THE RECORD or to a LARGE ANONYMOUS GROUP.
Until we speak out, we cannot expect parents to get angry - because how do you get angry about what you do not know?
My school has been a mad house this week! I can't even begin to compile all the stories of disrespect, children running out of classroom, children screaming, crying and trashing classrooms as well as the office. We continue to focus on how teachers can do better, how we will make the lessons more engaging and if the students know their goals and objectives, Its all a dog and pony show, We cannot teach and children cannot learn with these constant disruptions and chaos!.
ReplyDeleteAs an administrator, I truly feel for the tremendous demands on our staff. Students are becoming increasingly bold in telling teachers AND administrators to "suck" various body parts; loudly arguing their innocence when caught red handed; some parents yelling at US for suspending their darling child. Please know, things will can improve with the joint efforts of building level staff and admin. We are all in this together! We need support from the powers above to effectively meet the needs of all students; emotionally and academically. What we have NOW is NOT enough!
ReplyDeleteThen why are adminstrators not standing up for the teachers? Why do they not say something to the powers above? Why do they not just say "NO" to the parents, advocates, and the Super?
DeleteI agree we need to work together, but please do not tell us, show us. Put you foot down in the schools and let the lawyers come and see the truth. Let the Attorney General come to these school so he can see with his own eyes what is happening. Then ask him "We" can ask him,"Why this kind of behavior should be allowed?" Lets see what BS he can come up with. Lets ask him what would happen if someone threatens, hits, bullies, verbally/phyically assults him, his wife, or his kids. I bet he would have a different approach then.
I would love to work at your school. It sounds like you totally understand what a classroom teacher deals with on a daily basis. I wish you would speak up at a principal's academy!
DeleteYou - the Blog writer - I know who you are - "ARE AMAZING." What a writer you are - powerful, passionate, and to the point. I (and MANY others) are with you...I hope that many people find and read your words!! Because - YOU CAN MOVE PEOPLE.....THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU - FOR CARING SO MUCH......
ReplyDeleteWOW...we're even getting administrators to speak out.....welcome to the movement - the movement to "Be The Change" and "Take Back our Schools" - We will be successful if we also get some brave administrators to walk with us. Because, we all want the same things, right? Safe schools where children can learn...
ReplyDeleteThere certainly is not administrator support in our building... or even a true understanding of what we are dealing with. A student was climbing, running, slapping other students and letting drooling onto other student's heads... the office was called, an administrator came in and told me that they would not rescue me and that I needed to figure out how to manage. One incident in a hundred this school year.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed so much emphasis on how to protect the teachers...but what about the secretaries etc. Unfortunately they deal with the students oftentimes more than the teachers. There needs to be more concern shown for other staff and not just the teachers. STA is for the teachers....where is CSEA and Unit 9 fighting alonside for those staff members. Too oftwn you see out-of-town organizations comi.g in and making changes...working with administrators teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, etc. But what about the office staff which truly are the backbone of the schools. Don't count them out for they are the ones that know the most of what is going on in the school.
ReplyDelete