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fringe
Citizen
Username: Fringe
Post Number: 824
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 8:18 am: | 
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While Annie belted out "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" marvelously on the CHS stage, Super H and his followers spent the weekend struggling to contain yet another challenge to the school's current administration.
Readers may recall recent posts regarding the appearance of large numbers of students and parents at the last BOE complaining about the CHS administration. A comment by a BOE member after the meeting indicating that it had been purely political posturing pertaining to the forthcoming tenure vote on Principal Pollack seemed to summarize the BOE's reaction. And, as with most previous displays of public dissatisfaction, it was quickly forgotten - except by the speakers. Apparently by Thursday a meeting was organized followed by a larger one on Friday, the latter attended by Super H. The tone and calls for a student walk-out on Wednesday were enough to spur him to alert his folks over Saturday to develop a response strategy.
Monday saw the administration hosting a swirl of meetings, but no comprehensive plan or announcements of support (perhaps with the ironic exception of the CCR). A prevention strategy seems to have evaporated replaced by a softer concern for student safety and an expressed desire to make the event a learning experience.
Typically, various BOE members and administrators are denying any responsibility for the situation, identifying instead one or more BOE candidates and a CHS teacher or two as the principal agitators.
Comparing notes on the statements at the 7 March BOE meeting, the exact nature of the complaints is murky, and a list of demands has not surfaced publicly. Given the district's high visibility some TV news crew will, no doubt, enlighten the region Wednesday night. Perhaps Sbenois will provide live coverage on MOL.
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jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 1197
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 9:18 am: |
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And are you doing a little rain dance to make sure those clouds turn into a storm?
Reminds me of that song from Avenue Q - the one about Schadenfreude. A few of the (more printable) lyrics illustrate the concept:
Schadenfreude lyrics
Right now you are down and out and feeling really crappy
And when I see how sad you are
It sort of makes me...
Happy
Happy?!
Sorry, Nicky, human nature-
Nothing I can do!
It's...
Schadenfreude!
Making me feel glad that I'm not you.
…
D'ja ever clap when a waitress falls and drops a tray of glasses?
Yeah...
And ain't it fun to watch figure skaters falling on their asses?
Sure!
And don'tcha feel all warm and cozy,
Watching people out in the rain!
You bet!
That's...
Schadenfreude!
People taking pleasure in your pain!
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marie
Citizen
Username: Marie
Post Number: 1281
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 9:29 am: |
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Is this the latest ploy to get rid of Rene Pollack?
I hope the BOE candidate(s) and CHS teacher(s) who have encouraged this student action will be directly involved in keeping the students safely organized in a peaceable walk out and demonstration.
In any case, my child will be staying home tomorrow.
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Candy
Citizen
Username: Candy
Post Number: 132
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 10:26 am: |
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Fringe..... Can you tell us what is supposed to happen with this "walk out?" Do I need to be concerned about sending my child to school tomorrow? Are they expecting trouble?? WHAT IS GOING ON??? |
Candy
Citizen
Username: Candy
Post Number: 133
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 10:31 am: |
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In addition...... I happen to like Mrs. Pollack, and hope she is tenured. With my third child now attending CHS, I will say that this principal is one of the few positive things that has happened to that school in many years. I have had a few meetings with Mrs. Pollack, all with positive results and good feelings. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 3450
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 12:11 pm: |
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A few people (teachers) have some assinine agenda against Pollack. Don't they remember what school was like before, with the revolving-door principals? Did they forget about the bomb scares? |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 376
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 1:55 pm: |
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The 2 or 3 sentences my CHS student has shared about this indicate that it's intended to be very peaceful, even dignified. The names he has mentioned in relation to it are sensible and reliable people. I wouldn't have any concern about sending students to school tomorrow, but that's always a personal family decision. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 3451
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 2:22 pm: |
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what's peaceful and dignified about a walkout that is aimed against the principal? This is a disruption of the school day, and is about as stupid as a bomb scare. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5866
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 2:54 pm: |
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It's not nearly as harmful as a bomb scare.
My 10th grader told me it's about a policy, not the principal. I'm not at all assured that she's right. I'm sure there is "diversity" of opinion about what it's about. |
soresident
Citizen
Username: Soresident
Post Number: 234
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 5:00 pm: |
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My CHS student reported on a broadcast on CNN (Columbia Cable Network) news today that was shown to all of CHS. There apparently was a student council meeting this AM at which one student organization presented a list of grievances/topics of concern. There will be an assembly tomorrow apparently to address some of these issues. It was not clear whether the walk-out, apparently scheduled for 1:25, is still on. |
mypointofview
Citizen
Username: Notyoume
Post Number: 2
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 5:04 pm: |
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tom is right it is not about the princaple. Rumors say that it started because of discommunication about the MLKA. The walk out is turning into students who want to be heard. I believe it is a walk for students rights. There have been different ideas that students have been talking about for years, and the students were just pushed aside, it looks like they got someones attention now! |
silkcity
Citizen
Username: Silkcity
Post Number: 303
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 5:19 pm: |
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Is it principle or principal? In this case, the answer matters and isn't clear from the context. |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 3452
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 5:56 pm: |
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okay, one of my kids said that the organization that presented grievances is the MLK club. They're against levels, but were very vague about what they want to accomplish, but say they want to eliminate educational barriers. They say there is too much racism going on. My child is in disagreement with this. He says it is not about race, it is about the will to work hard and get ahead. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5870
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 6:03 pm: |
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Oy. My kid said it's because the school has ceased all MLK education. Now I'm sure she heard wrong. Talk about a game of Telephone! |
Concerned07040
Citizen
Username: Concerned07040
Post Number: 36
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 6:50 pm: |
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I will send my child to school at CHS tomorrow because I know he will be safe. We will talk about the potential walk out, but it is his decision about participating.
There are many issues of concern at CHS. You may have personal opinions about Ms. Pollack, or not. However, I urge you to ask your students, or neighbors who have students, about the perceptions of how kids are treated.
One example: several years ago Ms. Pollack made a unilateral decision to cancel evening events because there was a disturbance at one concert. Since that time, there have been "select" evening activities allowed. Has the MLKA been allowed to hold their programs? Not in the same numbers as other organizations.
We have a CHS administration that is ready, willing and able to REACT to a crisis, but is not willing to communicate, dialogue, discuss issues at other times. That should concern each and every parent, student and taxpayer in this community!
Concerned07040 |
juju's petals
Citizen
Username: Jujus_petals
Post Number: 35
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 6:57 pm: |
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I'm all for responsible acts of civil disobedience. I just hope the high school students are aware that one of the principles of civil disobedience according to Thoreau, the Rev. Dr. MLK and Ghandi is the willingness to submit to the consequences of the protest.
I participated in a sit-in in high school (I'm not that old -- just went to a hippie high school) and when we learned that we'd get zeros for any class quizes, etc. for any class we skipped for the protest, we slipped back to class one by one. So, first, I actually hope there are consequences and, second, I hope the protesters agree to accept them mindfully and peacefully.
Power to the People!
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tom connelly
Citizen
Username: Brightontom
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 7:57 pm: |
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Could this be tied into the lawsuit, or am I reaching? |
talk-it-up
Citizen
Username: Talkitup
Post Number: 112
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 9:23 pm: |
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It doesn' really sound like anyone really knows what this is about:
1) Is it about leveling.
2) Is it about Ms. Pollack.
3) Is it about the claim that the MLK club has not been able to hold as many(?) events as other clubs? ( and I really do not now how such a statement is made without documentation )
From all the statements above, it does not sound like the students or adults are clear about the reason fr this protest.
Are the posts above supporting the "power of protest or "the reason for the protest"? And at this point I do not understand the reason.
I for one will suport Ms. Pollack. I for one feel at this time it is up to "all" parents to support the principal. I for one want to see documentation for some of the statements noted above. I for one do not want to think twice about the possible "situation" that may occur in school tomorrow as I have to second guess sending by child to school.
Is this the open minded "diverse" community that it is supposed to be?
What exactly is going on? |
happyman
Citizen
Username: Happyman
Post Number: 265
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 12:15 am: |
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Tom-
I don't think it is a reach. I heard bits and peices of the lawsuit as the reason for the "walkout." For sure, the communication problem is on BOTH sides of the issue! |
silkcity
Citizen
Username: Silkcity
Post Number: 304
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 6:00 am: |
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I was at the Board mtg, and I was amazed to see and hear that the well of student anger is as deep and wide as it is -- think Grand Canyon. While the issues seem fuzzy on the board, some of the specific issues mentioned the mtg made more sense (not the general racism stuff, more about particular incidents).
This is not typical of our era or even our community, so I think the parents need to ask if these administrators are serving our kids at all -- this demonstration shouldn't be happening b/c it should have to happen. The supt should maybe learn a little about taking consequences for his actions, as well... |
Concerned07040
Citizen
Username: Concerned07040
Post Number: 37
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 6:45 am: |
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I was also at last week's BOE meeting. You are absolutely correct, Silkcity. The posts on this board do not reflect the depth of the communication gap that exists at CHS.
There is a lack of trust in the school community that reaches from the superintendent directly across Academy Street to the principal's office. How did this happen? A major cause: the culture of telling the community what they want to hear, while ignoring the voices inside the building who have a dissenting point of view.
Teachers at CHS are deeply troubled by the lack of dialogue. I understand they have asked, repeatedly over the last two and a half years, for opportunities to discuss issues of race and educational parity, discipline and how to make things better. Their efforts have been rebuffed, over and over.
You have passionate students who care about CHS and their education. You have dedicated teachers who want the best for CHS. Apparently, you also have a principal who will say whatever is convenient at the time while she exhibits a double standard in her treatment of students and staff.
Concerned07040 |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 3453
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 8:48 am: |
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Concerned: Re: your post above about the cancelling of some evening events. Certain events attract a crowd (not necessarily CHS students) that almost always end up in fights outside with the need for police intervention. Usually these are MLK events. WHy are there more often behavior issues around these events, than say the all-school musical or a band concert.
The night last year where the woman was turned away at the door of a night time event (MLK club sponsored), she had a small infant. THe school was trying to protect her. Imagine if something had happened to that small child. The admin can't win for losin.
Sure, there could be a lot more dialog, and it should stress acceptable and non-acceptable behavior. Unfortunately, there are a few loud voices that want to cry race every time this subject is broached.
Respectfully and IMHO. |
Hoops
Citizen
Username: Hoops
Post Number: 99
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:55 am: |
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Just a moment ffof.
What are you saying - that the MLK club schedules unsafe events?
That the students in the club are looking for trouble or are trouble makers?
I dont get your point. What events do the MLK sponsor that 'attract a crowd'?
I think your post is inflamatory, prejudicial against the members of the MLK club. |
Hoops
Citizen
Username: Hoops
Post Number: 100
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:51 am: |
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Just to clarify my position on this - one club is not the issue here. If there is a student protest at this time it is due to the conditions and expectations that the students are concerned about.
Its not as if this is out of the clear blue. The administration - principal and superintendant have been criticized over and over for shortcomings in their communications and also for the deteriorating conditions of the high school. Electives are being lost, teachers have fled the system, the no confidence vote, the double lunches, the sense of disarray and disorganization.
There is a lot that is a problem. If the student body feels that it has to step up and show that it is not happy then by all means a demonstration is in order |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 1903
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:57 am: |
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I thought that most of the difficulties with evening activities were related to sports events? As in disgruntled fans? Or outsiders looking for a fight? How does the MLK club bear responsibility for what non-club members do at sponsored events? Sure they might sponsor events that allow for discussion of controversial topics but many of us might see that as a good thing. As in, if we can get this stuff out into the open and dispell myths, we might not have to use our fists to sort out our differences. And it does not make the club responsible for others' behaviors.
Cathy |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 3455
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 1:47 pm: |
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I never said that MLK was responsible and Hoops, I never said what you said I said in your post above. sheesh. It's jsut that some events seem to attract a crowd that often (not always for pete sake) causes more than a minor ruckus outside. The evening event last year where the lady was turned away witht he baby was, I think, an MLK fashion show or talent show. The events in and of themselves are fine, but I'm sorry, why are there fights going on outside of these events? It happens at MMS too. I'm just saying what I see.
According to my son, the call to action on CCN news yesterday was by the MLK club. Along with what I posted above, yesterday at 5:56, my son also said that the person speaking for the MLK club said to the student body something to the effect that 'this administration is racist and if you know what I'm talking about you can join us'. My kid was completely turned off by this. And by the way, it is by no means all of the student body who wants to demonstrate.
ps. I like what juju petals said above. |
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