A dramatic turnout for tonight's SCSD Board of Education meeting, including concerned parents and community members, representatives of local activist organizations and (happily) many, many representatives of "Be the Change." So many people attended that not everyone was able to get into the board room until after a group of students receiving awards left.
As expected, it appeared that a few people who spoke may have been "planted" to sing the praises of the District. We also heard from a Fowler parent and a McKinley-Brighton parent each of whom decried the district's communication - or lack thereof - about issues critical to those schools, namely the probable phase-out of Fowler and the gun incident at McKinley-Brighton, respectively.
But the majority of speakers were there to address the recent escalation of violence in our schools and the District's response and future plans. And while there was much emotion on both sides - and an unfortunate perpetuation of an untrue rumor regarding warehousing 1,000 students in what some compared to a "mini-prison" - when pared back to its essence, most speakers were in agreement with the following points:
- Students learn best in a chaos-free environment
- We have a community problem that requires everyone to pull together
- Violence in our schools is not acceptable
- Increased suspensions and warehousing of students is not effective
The biggest surprise of the evening was the unveiling by the Superintendent of several "new" recommendations to provide immediate help to students and teachers.
- The addition of 14 sentry positions at elementary schools for the remainder of the school year. Eight additional sentry positions would be created in the K-8 schools next year.
- Continuation of Twilight Academy programs to help high school students who are over-age and under-credited.
- Expansion of the foster grandparent program through PEACE Inc. in every first and second-grade classroom in the district.
- Expansion of a middle-school alternative program with the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection to 180 students. The program would have a coordinator, teachers, teacher assistants, guidance counselors, social workers, sentries, a nurse and a substance abuse counselor.
- Middle and high school transition teams comprising a social worker, a counselor and a Hillside youth worker to help students entering and exiting alternative programs.
- The conversion of 20 positions to behavior specialists to provide support to students.
- New and upgraded security cameras at the middle and K-8 schools.
- A liaison to coordinate between classroom teachers and instructors of "homebound" students.
- Restoration of clerical staff in schools to a 250-1 student-to-staff ratio. This is in response to concerns that teachers' calls to the office requesting assistance aren't answered promptly due to the limited number of clerical workers who may be involved other matters.
We were saddened by all of the negativity in the meeting tonight, especially when it was directed at our teachers and staff by some of the speakers or when it manifested itself with rude comments as teachers left the room for the night (or so we heard). Thank you for doing so much for our kids with so little thanks and for holding yourselves to the highest standard tonight. You guys rock!
So... We still have a long way to go, but we are being heard. In the next few weeks, representatives from "Be the Change" will be meeting with the District and community organizers to find common ground and learn how we can all work together to improve our district.
Thanks to all who have supported
and been a part of this movement!!!
and been a part of this movement!!!
You have been heard!
Why is it not newsworthy that so much negativity and finger-pointing is once again lobbed directly at those on the front lines, the teachers? Is it not painfully obvious how the SCSD administration is passing the buck on the very real, very serious and very much escalating violence and threat in every school, at every level? While it IS a step in the right direction to place sentries in every elementary school, has everyone forgotten how many sentries were let go, in the past? Are we making sure that each genre of the media is informed with the daily reports coming to this site? It would be a start. The public needs to know the scale at which the violence and consequent chaos reigns. The PUBLIC is from where the pressure needs to come. We in the know can continue to spread the word, however, the KIDS deserve the power of the PRESS behind them.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. The more press, the more pressure on the Superintendent and the Board. Remember, the Board can fire her and we can elect them out! Contreras likes photo ops...and so does the Board. Padding their resumes so they can move on. It makes me sick. They need people in these positions that actually CARE about our kids and our community. Every time something positive happens, the principal is moved on to a "better" position. Then...surprise...the school goes down hill again. Do they even want the SCSD to get better or is it better for them financially if it doesn't??
DeleteWell, it's a start. The entire culture of (appropriate vs. inappropriate) classroom behavior needs to change - was this addressed at the meeting? Also, what was negatively said about the teachers at the meeting? They need support (to be able to do their jobs) and deserve respect. Where was this coming from? Can someone respond? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood question - exactly what WAS said about teachers? And did anyone at all stand in defense of teachers when these negative remarks were made? Does the Board just sit there, idly, as pot shots are taken? Important to remember than silence implies consent! Perhaps it would be a good time for a well-written letter to the editor, revealing exactly what teachers (and other support staff) have to deal with, on an everyday basis, including the frequency and numbers of incidents. The vast majority of the public still have NO realistic idea of just how much it goes on, to what degree and regularity, and with what numbers of students. Most people would be shocked to hear the numbers and frequency. We need to PUBLICLY speak up in defense of teachers, lest these accusations are allowed to remain, implying truths. Perhaps the STA would like to offer their well-respected voice? If these actual numbers were published, including the number of staff injuries, including assaults on administrators with fists, feet, pens, brooms, and whatever can be thrown, perhaps this might incite a bit more PUBLIC OUTRAGE (and this is what it is going to take!). If anyone knows of parents who are sufficiently outraged, they should be encouraged to write their letters to the editor, as well. Since there is relative safety (and reassurance) in numbers, perhaps groups of parents could sign these letters. It's all a numbers game, and we need to increase these numbers with visibility in the PRESS. Remember,the Superintendent goes to extremes to control and prevent press coverage of incidents: bad press about what is REALLY going on is the LAST thing she wants!
DeleteStatistics is the path! It floors me that two of the speakers intimated that well though there is violence in the schools and weapons nothing major has happened so what's the problem. It also floors me that a group of people sitting in back row of main room made snide comments as some teachers left early due to another SCHOOL-RELATED obligation. At a meeting where many speakers were discussing lack of respect in the schools they were still unable to control themselves and maintain civility! Why yes, they were supporters of Ms. Contreras.
DeleteThe STA would do a great service in the furthering of safety in the schools with the publication of the stats stated above: teacher injuries, types of incidents, etc. Yes, the SI has stated that additional supports will go in place. These take time and REFERRALS. Keep in mind that MANY referrals convienently get LOST.
I agree with a speaker who stated that teachers should tell children they are loved. However, I also believe that for students who are behaving violently, disrespectfully, and/or disruptively that it is appropriate to tell the child that their behavior is jot appropriate. Unconditional love and support can be given while establishing and enforcing Codes of Conduct!!!
The message must be sent and enforced that if you "choose a behavior you choose the consequence.". The level of consequence dictated by the behavior!
I know someone who literally wrote 19 referrals in a single day and NOTHING happened...5 minutes later they were sent back to class and she just had to continue dealing with the verbal abuse. Disgusting and shameful that the board does not care enough about the rights of EVERYONE...only concerned about the rights of those doing harm.
DeleteI love the Be the Change idea, but it would have been nice had we taken the time in this post to recognize that a large group of our kids were highlighted for something very positive rather than "So many people attended that not everyone was able to get into the board room until after a group of students receiving awards left.' The kids that won the math and science competetion and the kid who was named 1st team NYS in Hockey - those are really positive moments for our kids and SCSD. Fight the good fight, people, but don't forget that a bunch of our kids are doing great things!
ReplyDeleteWe were unaware that there were going to be awards presented last night to students, unfortunate timing.
ReplyDeleteCan a petition be started asking for the resignation of Contreras? Can something be sent to the press letting them know about the crazy amount of incidents that really happen? There are alot of things that the public doesn't know about, simply because police were not involved. Someone should give the list on this site to the press and have them push the Board and Contreras for answers!
ReplyDeleteContreras has created so much division and destruction as she has tried to pull the okey doke on so many. She is using the community leaders to push their agendas and will drop them like a bad habit. She is already trying to run...getting to hot for her. She has applied at jobs in Tampa, FL-didn't get it, Memphis, TN and Atlanta, GA. She got her salary and perks and now is leaving a huge mess for another to clear up. She is running because many are not backing her with all her Broad Academy ideas. Hmmmm, this academy is not even accredited, she doesn't even have a doctorate. Please! If one doesn't have a validated degree, how can she push students to get a degree she never earned. SMH.
DeleteSo many call her the queen...why, that is too much of a status to reward a fake. She is stepping on this district...why shoukd she care, she has no children or relatives in it! If she cares so much about SCSD...wjy not apend a day in each school, without camera man and no entourage. What is she scared of? She has no problems with students and staff being on the battleground. Is she too good to get dirty? Of course, because miss priss has a bulletproof and soundproof office that is locked...hmmm. I even noticed how she quivers when she speaks...that is the sign of a fake, a liar, a con!
Contreras the CON is up!
Contreras does have a relative at Porter in K. He is in the class with the uncredentialed teacher in a class of 16 kids. Well, maybe 15 kids now. A child in the class got into a tussle with her son/nephew and that child was moved out of the class. BTW...Contreras lives in Frazier district. Hmmmm. Oh, and she did not get Atlanta job.
DeleteThe four points of agreement mentioned above are good places to start. They're all good points and really should form the nucleus for continued dialogue and action. All the stakeholders should be involved, with strong representation from the teachers. I say this because teachers are the critical cog in the wheel as they are the ones on the front lines delivering instruction, interacting with the students. It is important to remember they are not dealing with one student at a time ; they deal with many students with many different needs simultaneously, all of which cannot be accommodated by one adult. It is challenging to say the least. So we have to have layers of support for them and the students, as well as the families, too. I think if the will is there, people can come together and craft a plan that will provide these layers of support for the students and the teachers (as well as other staff). I think this can be done, challenging as it is, but it requires some good will, honesty, and trust. I think we can focus on the needs of the students and the integrity of the classroom/learning environment at the same time. They're not mutually exclusive.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add that the PTO at our school decided to write a letter to the Board advising them of our "concern" over the amount of violence and chaos in our district. We shared our thought that while all kids need and deserve a quality education, maybe kids just need to be taught differently. Body responded with an email saying that the Board takes this very seriously and so does the Superintendent, who will be contacting me to discuss this. Of course, I never heard anything from Contreras...big surprise. Maybe if all the PTO's can write something they will understand that there are more parents vested in this issue than they realize. Just a thought...more numbers equals more pressure on them.
ReplyDeleteThe PTO's are a great way to get the message across to the Board and Supt. They would bring some needed heft from the parents. Every one of them should write a letter to the Board. Absolutely. And yes, I don't think there is anything wrong with telling children to show respect, behave in a way that the teacher can teach and the students can learn, and frankly, that their job IS to learn (and that their education is important). Behavior is important - in all walks of life. If one child is disruptive here and there, it may be minor. However, when there are 4 or 5 kids acting out in a class, it is major. Or when one student is repeatedly disruptive day after day, it is major - not minor. When the teacher isn't able to teach and the students' learning is interrupted, it is major. So there must be a balance of interests, and I hope it will be achieved. The district has many wonderful kids and dedicated teachers. I hope all the parties involved can rise to the occasion!
DeleteI think that as John King and Contreras should get married and move to a different country...or planet. Both have the same agenda...further their career by ruining our children!! Common core is backfiring and King does not have the integrity to admit it was a mistake. Instead, his ego is more important than children! Contreras' plan is also backfiring and will result in the death of a child. One has got to question whether the increased incident of weapons in the school is a backlash from her DO NOT ENFORCE DISCIPLINE ON ANYONE policy! Students now bring wespons because they know the schools are an extension of the street. Like King, she too does not have the integrity to stand up and say this is not working and we need an immediate change to save our schools, protect our students, and to protect our teachers! Public opinion of both King and Contreras would skyrocket. People would rally around them and have open discussions on how we could all help!
ReplyDeleteAll those commenting on this blog need to take the time to read "Pedagogy of the Oppressed", then I think you should all take about a month to do some introspective reflection on your mental state, and then finally regroup and talk amongst yourselves before speaking in public and make some concrete decisions on how best you can first help yourselves before attempting to formulate answers on what's best for the community of which you are a part. If you are a teacher, you need to figure out how you achieved academically and not build sound characters, if you are a parent my suggestion would be to reveiw your own childhood, your parenting and most importantly what you can do now to prevent your child having your issues. If you are both a teacher and a parent...do both. You see at the end of the day, it is quite difficult for those who hardly see the human picture to truly provide answers for humankind. Instead you may succeed at provide answers that has kept this country at the lowest level of civility for all. Syracuse will not be stopped from its liberation, regardless of your efforts to utilize symptoms of its state as your weapons against finding solutions for us all, yes, you included.
ReplyDelete