On Fear...

For months we have heard about how fearful employees of the SCSD are - afraid of students, afraid of administration, afraid of parents...

AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT

The funny thing about fear is that it can become a habit. One that immobilizes us, leaving us frozen and unable to act. And eventually the fear wins.

But today, right now...

WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FACE THOSE FEARS -
STARE THEM DOWN

to break the habit and take a stand.

Are you going to seize that opportunity and vote with your conscience? Do what you know is right? Or will you continue to allow fear to rule your life? And for what?

THERE IS NO REASON TO BE AFRAID

Voting is anonymous - and it stays that way. Your signature indicates that you voted, not HOW you voted. Be true to yourself and your conscience. Let your voice - all of our voices - be heard loud and clear.

Staying the Course

The strongest people stand by their convictions, even in the face of what they fear most. We must all stay strong and remember that the future of all of the children of the SCSD are depending on us. Trust our instincts, our education and our experience.

Things Are Getting Interesting...

Ever watch Saturday Night Live? Back in the 80's the was a recurring character who had a cable access show called (I think) "Coffee Talk." The character's tagline?

"Talk amongst yourselves."

We All Make a Difference!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." 

- Margaret Mead, anthropologist

Even when it seems that things are quiet, activity is always bubbling just below the surface. Our job is to continue churning away even when it feels that we are the only ones. So, even when it is most quiet...

• continue speaking the truth,
• being patient, and
• having faith. 

Our collective voices WILL make a positive difference for the kids and staff in the Syracuse City School District. 

Courage

A few thoughts on courage...

"Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage."

- Confucius, philosopher

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."

- Mark Twain, author

"Courage is fire, bullying is smoke."

- Benjamin Disraeli, politician

"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened."

- Billy Graham, minister

"The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity."

- Rollo May, psychologist

And a final one...

"Let us go forth with fear and courage and rage to save the world."

 - Grace Paley, author

When faced with fear, do you have the courage to stand upfor what you believe  - what you know - to be right?

Thank You, Max Ruckdeschel!

We admire and applaud your courage in refusing to support the status quo anymore. The Syracuse City School District Board of Education has an obligation to the students in this district to govern with honesty, integrity and independent thought. You demonstrated that independence this week, not only refusing to fall into lockstep with the plans of the only direct report of the School Board - the Superintendent is indeed the Board's direct report, not their boss - but openly and honestly expressing concerns that reflect those of the Board's stakeholders.

Board members please take note: Your job IS to manage the superintendent. When 3,000 teachers and SCSD staff members are speaking in unison - with parent and community support - begging for help, it is time for you to stand up and take notice. Something is going horribly wrong in this district and there is a profound crisis. Do you have the courage to stand up and ask questions or have you been infected the Broad Virus - perhaps contracted on Broad Academy-sponsored "retreats?"

Happy Teacher (and ALL staff) Appreciation Day

We've been a little quiet on the blog - but active in the movement - but we wanted to take a moment to let our dedicated SCSD teachers know that we appreciate all that you do every single day. Thank you for sticking with it in spite of the major challenges we are experiencing.