All correspondence to and from Administration, Staff, and School Board concerning the Devil's Advocate article, "You and I Are Not Equal." Please include the email that Dr. Steinhauer referenced during Citizens Comments on October 21, 2013.
Yesterday, my RTK was granted in part and denied in part. Gillen Response I received 144 pages of emails. I had to print out many emails and redact personal information. I also tried to eliminate duplicate emails since many of them were sent to multiple administration and staff members.
RTK emails Part 1
RTK emails Part 2
RTK emails Part 3
DA senior athletes response I scanned this email separately since it seemed like the official statement from the Devil's Advocate.
I noticed that Elaine Cappucci was copied, but there were no email responses from her. Also note that communications which are protected by the attorney-client privilege do not meet the definition of “public record” under the Right To Know law. You won't see anything from the solicitor except a reply to Suzy Harouse's email. I will warn readers in advance that reading the emails gets very confusing and is time-consuming.
I want to thank the district for granting my request in a timely manner. I was pleasantly surprised.
November 4, 2013 7:39 PM The attached article was in the most recent edition of Central Catholic's student newspaper. This was written by a student, but not as an editorial. Still, I thought the contrast in messages between this and the Lebo piece was interesting.
-Submitted by Tess Scotti, a Lebo Citizens reader.
101 comments:
Professional Code and Practices for Educators.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter235/s235.4.html
Section 2709
http://www.safeschools.info/key-legislation/title-24-ps-education-article-xiii-a-safe-schools
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/http;//www.portal.state.pa.us;80/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_148494_1240829_0_0_18/Pennsylvania%20School%20Climate%20Standards%20-%20Draft.pdf
The most enlightened and responsible point of view came from the english teacher.
… I did discuss the article with my freshmen and senior students and let them know my feelings. Many freshmen students were very concerned about the article. The seniors were not as concerned. They had a “I was scarred so I get to scar” viewpoint on the issue. This response troubles me, of course…
BTW, this was never about the DA's right to publish
So you spent my tax dollars to learn....nothing.
So even the seniors seem to know that the article promotes the capacity of upperclassmen to "scar" the freshmen, but the administration is unwilling to consider this perspective. Despite this insight and letters from several concerned parents, there is a focus on the individual student, her intention, and the difficult balancing act the supervisor and the school district has in promoting first amendment rights.
There doesn't seem to be much concern about the impact on the students. In fact, at one point a teacher was told by the principal not to discuss the matter with her students and this mandate doesn't strike me as educational or ethical. How often are there mandates of silence in this school district? More often than we'd like to think is what I suspect.
8:53 pm. Thanks to Elaine, some of us have further information upon which to decide whether we want to educate our children in this sort of school climate. Thank you, Elaine; I am sure this blog entry alone required considerable work.
Timmy has to go.
7:48 that's just what we need--another Sablegate $500,000 buyout!
What we need is a complete overhaul of the board, whixh is suppose to oversee the operations and employees of the district.
They're suppose to represent... be the eyes, ears and voice of the stakeholders.
Not look out for architects, CMs, and contractors or administrators.
Yes, I have been saying that for a long time, 7:48 AM. Why the board chose to give Timmy a new contract is beyond me. They still haven't posted his 2013-14 goals on their website. http://www.mtlsd.org/superintendent/goals.asp
I am concerned with the DA response. This was the student's "opinion based on her observations" as mentioned in the third paragraph? I think if anyone is misguided here, it is the administration. Instead of advocating for the student, shouldn't they be advocating for the students, based on the author's observations? How can this be a teaching moment if the principal tells the teacher not to discuss this with her students? Thankfully, there was one teacher who was not afraid to come forward. Good for her! According to the US Supreme Court, "The decision of the school principal to prohibit the publishing of certain articles deemed to be inappropriate does not violate the student journalists' First Amendment right of freedom of speech."
Elaine
I received this in a personal email.
"Whomever called Steinhauer out on his RIDICULOUS style of communications was spot on. ....same
unbelievably arrogant, rude and dismissive attitude. He even used the same type of juvenile "P.S....." comment after his signature in that email exchange too."
If parents want to share their emails with their personal information redacted of course, I am willing to post them here. Either submit them as a comment, or email them to me at EGillen476@aol.com
Elaine
Just a thought...
Would Mr. Copper's dismissive comment "don't roll your eyes at me" to a taxpayer be considered bullying during his reply to her concerns?
I concur with 9:22 am comment and the headmaster comment that Steinhauer's communication style is sarcastic, juvenile and highly aggressive -- even a headmaster with probably little to no background on Steinhauer had the same impression. Why aren't more people concerned about the impact of such a person on this community?
Perhaps the lurking pro-Steinhauer people can tell us what the rules are with respect to sharing emails from Steinhauer because I am sure he isn't afraid to take legal action against parents.
2:05 PM, that would be a good question for Dan Miller's RTK Information Session that is being held on Thursday evening. I am not sure how much water the MTLSD disclaimer holds, since I was able to get Timmy's email to the headmaster through a RTK. It is on page 4 of RTK emails Part 1.
Elaine
Someone needs to call WTAE, send web address for Elaine's blog, so they can do a live news story revealing this situation, and have the reporter go to the high school and ask to interview Steinhauer and what is he going to do about his own bad attitude. Also, who is the designated safety advocate mandated by state law and what is their name and school address. And request an interview with the advocate and what has been revealed thus far in their investigation into this matter!!!!
"When responding to harassment, the inquiry should be prompt, thorough, and impartial." Were the principal and the superintendent impartial to the student?
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Some student misconduct, regarded as bullying, which goes unaddressed may put schools in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws and may lead to school liability. Read the summaries under First Amendment and bullying.
Bullying and School Liability Case Summaries
PA Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies
PA Public School Code on Bullying
If a parent has a concern about safety, the superintendent will refer the parent to Cissy Bowman. If her response does not meet the parent concern, the request may go back to the superintentent if the parent(s) are assertive. At this point, the superintendent's aggressive communication style will kick-in (e.g. aggressive, deflective and highly annoyed, nighttime emails, etc). I suspect that he may also begin telling other school staff not to talk to you or email you about your concerns as I've seen that happen. So the parents with the safety concerns get the silent treatment combined with aggression from the superintendent. It's a lovely experience.
All of it needs to be a complaint with the PA State Department of Education! Will someone do the right thing and file a complaint to get to the bottom of this ??!!! Come on parents and advocate for the kids in Mt. Lebanon School District!!!! They need your support!
9:16 PM, how about you?
Elaine
My kids are adults now. They were both bullied. Can someone in the district with kids step up to the plate???!!!
My kids are adults now too. The people with kids are going to say they can't because they have kids in school. Then it becomes a mexican standoff. I guess that isn't p.c. I should say that no one comes out as a clear winner.
Everyone has an excuse.
Elaine
6:20 PM, do you have any emails that reflect Timmy's aggressive style of communication that you would be willing to share? "Aggressive, deflective and highly annoyed" also describes our school board directors' atitudes. No wonder Timmy received a 7% increase. They endorse his managing style.
Elaine
I said this before but it's worth repeating. This situation was and continues to be mismanaged by the school administration, headed by the superintendent.
In the mails, part 2, page 22, Dawn Begor's mail gives something to build on. It COULD have been a great opportunity to meet with the parent, discuss the points she makes and then resolve the issue with a letter to the editor or even another article that clarifies things. The administration, headed by the superintendent chose another path.
I am stunned, in light of the spotlight on bullying that is going on in the world today, that the administration, headed by the superintendent, didn't take the opportunity to turn this into a good teaching moment for everyone.
Thank you, Jack, for pointing that out. I am glad that I filed the RTK, so that people are seeing the true dynamics of this situation.
Elaine
Does the Super have a personality disorder ?
In light of yesterday's pummeling of the Steelers by the NE Patriots, i was taken back to a post by our Superintendent on Sept. 9th where he referenced a quote on "Standard of Excellence" by Coach Tomlin.
Its good to talk the talk, but eventually you have to walk the walk.
The Steelers didn't walk so much. Maybe crawled a little.
One hopes that our Superintendent's "Standard of Excellence" is only held up by throwing gobs of money at people and walls in hopes that'll stick!
That is funny that you said that. It finally dawned on me why the DA response said how disrepectful it was to call him Timmy. The mental kid on the cartoon, "South Park" is named Timmy. Google "Timmay" which is how his name is pronounced on the show.
Elaine
"The mental kid on the cartoon..."
Did you really refer to a cognitively disabled kid as "mental?" There are lots of disabled kids in the district. Who's the bully now?
Where do you get off criticizing the school board if that word is in your lexicon?
I am laughing because if you Google Timmay, that is the definition listed. Those aren't my words.
Elaine
I have never seen the program, so I wouldn't know that he was "cognitively disabled." Google Timmay and see for yourself.
Elaine
Correction--
"One hopes that our Superintendent's "Standard of Excellence" is (NOT) only held up by throwing gobs of money at people and walls in hopes that'll stick!"
So far, and this is only one person's observation, I'm hard pressed to see one initiative, one program or curriculum change initiated by our Superintendent that has improved the educational processes of our district.
Maybe I'm blind or too biased, removed to see the affects of his leadership that justify 7%+ salary increases in an economy where household incomes are stagnant or falling.
I'm willing to be educated, someone point out the justification for more money, more vacation time and bonuses to his staff for their work on the HS renovation.
Tweets, middle school pizza lunches and post-it notes just don't exemplify "Standards of Excellence" to me in an educational environment.
Then too we have incumbent school directors that have averaged $2 million budget increases crying to Harrisburg and to donors for yet more money!
Its no wonder the Almanac writes that Peters is the place to go now for a good education.
"Those aren't my words."
Not sure how quotes work? Of course they're your words: I did Google it.
Fine. You want to play this game?
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Timmay
I have never watched South Park because it is not my kind of humor. From what I hear, it is for mature audiences because of its crude humor. I don't think there is anything said on that program that is politically correct. So if you are looking for a description of a character from that show that meets your high standards, I don't think it is out there.
I have more compassion in my little finger than what the board and administration have collectively.
Elaine
Urban Dictionary
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Timmay
1. Timmay
The only word Timmy from Southpart uses to converse with outhers.
My name is Timmy = "Timmay timmay timmay timmay" (then a big smile)
by Irish Sancho August 10, 2006
2. Tim-may!
one of two words that Timmy, the mental kid from South Park, says
Timmy: TIM-MAY!
by PyroPenguin November 30, 2003
There are some serious things wrong with this school district. First off, if parents are to be truly empowered, they need a non-bullying, non-corrupt administration combined with an empowered PTA. I've looked around at other school districts that have achieved good things and they don't have their superintendent in a PTA Council position. They also don't have principals in those positions at the school level. So when parents start to unite in Mt Lebanon and say, "we need to change this", they go to their PTA and the PTA says, "no can do" because they have a principal or superintendent whispering to them, " you can't do that", even when other schools throughout the US are changing in ways that reflect healthy, positive school climates for kids. If the principal and superintendent get positions on the PTA, I want one on their teacher union council.
12:06 you are exactly right.
What you are rightly describing here in Mt. Lebanon is that we are letting the foxes guard the hen house.
People. If Steinhauer bullies principals and parents, what do you think he does to the Board of Education? There is something scary about this "educator".
Here's one opinion of the situation regarding public schools that I found interesting.
http://mobile.concordmonitor.com/search/4761898-108/system-parents-education-public
"Parents blame educators and educators blame parents. In principle, I agree with the educators. Parents are responsible for the education of their children. Therein lies the rub. The system almost allows zero parental influence upon it. Yes, we have representative school boards, PTAs and parent-teacher meetings. Yes, administrators have open-door policies. But when it comes to choices and influence and change, a parent has almost no power in the public system. The answer is in the money."
I WOULD ADD WE AS TAXPAYERS HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT DISTRICT EXPENDITURES, EVEN WITH 4,000 SIGNATURE PETITIONS.
Gee, wouldn't you think one of the two school board incumbents would be johnny-on-the-spot to justify their vote on Tim's pay hike, the day before the election.
Guess that tells you what they think of their constituents!
"Reasons, I don't need to show you no stinkin' reasons!"
I don't give a rat's behind about whether some cartoon characters name is Timmy or Timmay!
What I'd like to know is our school board candidates' thoughts or position on the following topic for instance.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/10/pennsylvania_house_passes_new.html
The fat that not one has made the slightest effort to fill me in on why I should GIVE them my vote or what they'll do with it tells me all I need to know about them.... They don't give a sh*t what I think!
So I'll be voting for the Howard brothers and Larry Fine. They at least make me laugh.
Hmmm... could the school board be afraid to speak-up because of some intimidation, perhaps?
Wait a minute are you suggesting possible retaliation if one speaks their mind openly?
Gee, people have been lobbying for signed comments and persobal appearances at board and commission meetings, some of those lobbyist are elected officials and board members that say there is nothing to fear. Now you're suggesting elected officials are afraid!
Sqy it ain't so, Joe!
This is an interesting idea.
A binding None of the above (NOTA) option on the ballot. Makes sense and hope our state representatives are monitoring this blog.
http://nota.org/washjm_nota.html
If anyone is interested in contacting the PDE, Michael Kozup, director, Safe Schools Office can be reached at 717.705.0353 or mkozup@pa.gov
Mary Dolan, who is a bullying counselor with the PDE Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, can be emailed at
c-mdolan@pa.gov
I can't find a phone number for Ms. Dolan.
As others have said here, Timmy, (or is it Timmay?) has not handled this very well. Threatening a headmaster with "I will contact you and your board in the near future." isn't someone who should be representing our school district. His arrogance is not becoming. Reading the emails from staff in the RTK, when all they say is that they read it or saw it, but do not follow with their opinion is sad. They are afraid to disagree. This man is not setting a good example for our kids.
Elaine
Elaine you are a bully.
Why, because she post links to the PDE or did she stuff someone in a locker and we haven't heard about it yet?
Elaine is not a bully! She provides info to all concerned! Get over yourself 4:29 PM
- - - OR COMPLAIN HERE ->
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/Complaints.aspx
That is leading by example. Thank you Central Catholic.
Grow up folks, there is nothing to complain about to the AG or anyone else. Saying that I will contact you is a threat? You must all be quivering in your homes, with loads of provisions in the basement waiting for the end of the world!
Someone is "stunned" that the Opinion article wasn't used as a "teaching moment"....what a joke! No matter what was done, or not done, you folks would find something to complain about. The SB is damned if they do and damned if they don't. Elaine, the pain, is the biggest bully out there.
So I will go vote tomorrow, with 5 in my home as registered voters. I will vote Brumfield, Birks, Rememly and all of the rest that you all despise.
This blog rocks. You have no idea, Elaine, how you help people here. Thanks to you and the school climate information you provided today, I discovered some very important facts that I can use to protect my children and other children who are going through these schools. Thank you.
8:55 pm You are fortunate that you haven't experienced anything worthy of a complaint to a higher level. However, if you have children here, consider yourself forewarned. Some of us who blog here are educators, lawyers, or professionals with expertise in these areas. You would be surprised by who you are telling to "grow up".
Thank you, 9:10 PM. I really appreciate your kind words.
Elaine
Thanks to EG for the update from Central Catholic. She's right; the two pieces, while addressing a similar topic (Seniors dealing with Freshmen), have dynamics that are completely different.
It is rather obvious that the more "mature" piece is the one from Central Catholic; at least from an adult's point of view. The "Viking" article comes across as written by someone with a maturity beyond his or her station in life. Still, I wonder if both articles were presented to the students of both schools which one would the kids pick. I have a sneaky feeling that Seniors in both schools might gravitate toward the DA article simply because of the satire and the "been there, done that" experience. The Freshmen, on the other hand, might say they like the DA article best (to save face), but reassurances such as those given in the Viking article are probably what they really want to hear - and read. Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe it's just the school teacher coming out in me - I don't know; but that "sick in the stomach" feeling of an 8th grader entering high school on day one hasn't changed in the last hundred years.
There is one other thing we should all take into account: Central Catholic kids have one thing going for them that Mt. Lebanon students do not; an institutionalized moral compass. No, I'm not saying Mt. Lebanon kids have no morals; in fact, I believe you can have morals and not be religious. However, logic tells me that kids in a setting where morals are part of the life of the institution are probably less likely to be bullies, and probably are more "civilized." And, no, I am not Catholic.
There needs to be a complaint! It is desperately needed. Someone needs to step up to the plate!
Oh really 9:13? I have 5 kids, and I have on occasion, had concerns that were addressed. The problem with folks on this blog, is that they want things their way or no way. There is no thoughtful discussion. All that is done is disrespectful name calling along with righteous indignation.
I too, am a professional, with expertise in this area.
Very cool that you have the Central Catholic editorial. I have been struggling with how to reconcile my perspective on these issues, having been raised by a mother who went through Catholic schools, with the behavior and mindset of some of the folks I have been encountering within the district. I am not saying "let's go Catholic" but I am genuinely worried that the ship is astray here in Mt Lebanon.
I am a past educator from the Pittsburgh Public School System. We did not engage in any kind of bullying of our students. We would have been fired! We had high standards and treated all of our kids with respect. There are many teachers in Mt. Lebanon that could not hack it in the city schools. I taught 1400 kids per week in music education. I have no sympathy what so ever for teachers in Mt. Lebanon. They are spoiled rotten.
Hey 8:55/9:33 - Quit trolling this Blog and take your perfect Lebo Bubble attitude somewhere else if you don't like what you read.
9:33 pm. I see what you are saying... that there needs to be thoughtful, respectful discussion. I agree with you. But there are also some folks who refuse to follow the rules or respond to the concerns of citizens.
For example, let's use the prevailing use of recess withdrawal as punishment within the elementary schools. I've raised this issue with multiple principals, teachers, etc. as a professional and a parent. I have been told "sorry, it works", in contrast to the prevailing opinion of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other well known groups that have issued policy statements based on tremendous empirically validated research on the subject.
Today, however, I learned that Mt Lebanon has a wellness policy stating that recess withdrawal cannot be used for disciplinary reasons. Yet, all of the teachers and principals I have approached are using it that way. What am I supposed to think? My trust is seriously weakened. Historically, I have held educators in the highest esteem but I need some repair work here. What would you do to address this concern, 9:33 pm? I've written the emails, I've provided the literature, and I've advocated for kids. Where does this concern go?
10:05 Thanks for proving my point!
10:11 I guess that I would need to know much more about your concern. How often is this used as a punishment? Is is one child over and over, or across the board? None of my kids had this used as punishment, my youngest is now in Middle school however.
I would think that if it is used once and it works, it wouldn't be harmful, but if it is used multiple times with the same child, there would be a problem. I would also want to know if the Child has an IEP, and what is written in it as to rules infractions.
So in the end, I can't say where to go for the concern, as I don't have all of the information.
It goes to The State Department of Education in the form of formal complaints with documented evidence, As well as the ACLU for civill rights discrimination, Need I say more? Speak up and do the right thing!
How quickly you all forget that Central Catholic was the site of one of the more grotesque episodes of hazing in WPIAL history. And I'm surprised that Elaine has failed to mention this year's well-publicized incidents of abusive freshman hazing at USC - her model school district.
Dave Franklin
And since this blog will never share news like this, I thought I should share the following post that appeared on the District's website in August:
"This year the high school welcomed the incoming freshman class with a new program to help with the transition from middle school to high school. The program is called Linked Crew, a high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. Last spring 95 sophomores and juniors were selected as Link Crew leaders through an application process with their goal to mentor incoming freshman. High School counselor Mrs. Shelly Saba applied and won a grant that funded a four day Link Crew training program for unit principal Ms. Erin Wright, math teacher, Mr. Mike Locke, and Mrs. Saba to attend. As positive role models, Link Crew Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school and help facilitate freshman success."
Dave Franklin
Mr. Franklin, I'm missing your point.
The USC district suspemded the three seniors and a judge dismissed further charges.
Elaine, I don't believe ever argued for accepting bullying, in fact I believe she supports quick response and the elimination of bullying practices.
So just what picture are you trying to paint, mr. F?
10:11. Thankfully, my kids are well behaved but they suffer due to the use of recess withdrawal for discipline because often if 1 child misbehaves, the whole class loses recess. Repeatedly. Likewise, some kids who need recess very badly due to a high activity level, are punished for the activity level by withdrawing recess. This only makes the problem worse. Personally, if there is a policy that says, "this can't be done" and the schools are doing it, even when asked not to, I think that's a problem. Don't you? Try reading the AAP Policy Statement on recess. Maybe it will convince you that recess was created for a reason. My gosh, aren't we land of Mister Rogers? What happened to the love of children for being children?
Hi Dave - We saw the Link Crew information. Doesn't it strike you as incongruent with the opinion page of the DA?
Likewise, I played sports at USC and agree that hazing is an issue. Truly saddened to see that it still goes on and is probably only worse.
I already warned my oldest kid that there's no need to endure swirlees and other forms of hazing. They were stunned at the description.
Dave. Let me put it to you this way. Those kids you want to play on turf --yes those kids -- they are not getting recess because they are too excited. Do you agree with that policy? I think they would play *better* on turf if they got to run around a little during the school day. Every day. Not just on days when everyone has been perfect.
If you are worried about the impact of rained out soccer games on kids' self-esteem, then you should be *really* worried about how recess is being used in the schools.
As much as Mr. Franklin likes to deflect, this is about the Devil's Advocate RTK and the district's attitude toward concerned parents.
Elaine
11/4 8:55pm
Nice try at trolling. You shouldn't be so obvious next time.
I dont understand Franklin's post. So Lebo is "better" because there had been a hazing incident at Central Catholic? What about the teachers in Lebo who have been busted in recent years for their behavior? Pretty convenient, Dave. That's like selective moral relativism.
You're an apologist for our school board and district because you need them. You need them to achieve your ridiculous and unpopular agenda of installing turf on fields. What you dont understand is that due to your history of posting on this blog half-truths and red herrings, nobody takes you seriously. Why not start your own blog so we can see how many people agree with you? Oh.....that's right. Whoops.
Great points Dave. Thanks for reminding everyone.
Looking forward to the new turf. Thanks for all your efforts!!!
Going to vote now while the wingnuts cry in their coffee.
8:02--maybe you can explain what a wingnut is. I mean, let's face it--you troll the website and then use a term that is, by now, boring and stale, kind of like your posts. So please, define wingnut and how you arrived at a point where you think it's ok to label people. If you're the kind of person who supports Dave Franklin and his efforts, it's no wonder he's not gaining any traction.
Dave, do you condone this?
RG, the Central Catholic article and comment came from Tess Scotti. I had to check with her before posting her name. Perhaps if I had done that sooner, Dave Franklin and his odd obsession to discredit me would have not tried to hijack the conversation.
Thanks, Tess for sharing a refreshing point of view from another high school.
Elaine
Get your facts straight 9:33
1.) This was my first post on this string
2.) wingnut = You
3.) I arrived at this point just in advance of your last post
4.) Oh, one last thing...there will be turf. Great job Dave.
Boring and Stale? Pizza lunches, post it notes, Timmy? Pot, kettle, black
Isn't that nice, 8:02 agrees with Mr. Franklin and just can't walk away without making disparaging remarks about people just because they don't agree with them.
Some amazing thought processes going on there.
12:39 PM, the people who say that I only write about Susan Morgans and the PIO will disagree with you. I wish you folks would make up your mind and pick one topic that I exclusively blog about.
But you are right, 12:39 PM. Timmy's antics are getting boring. It is unfortunate that he is getting paid a Williamsburg Park dog crap full of money for declining PSSA scores, aggressive and arrogant writing style, and total disregard for students' needs and parents' concerns.
I have offered a solution, but no one wants to hear it. Get rid of Timmy and hire Dr. Davis as his replacement. He's got it together.
Elaine
12:39--yes, boring and stale, just like your repeated attempts to somehow cause emotional distress or ire or whatever with readers. If you don't like what you read, you're welcome to go away. You still haven't explained your wingnut quip, either. Why are you avoiding it? You were tough enough to type it and hit "publish your comment". So be tough enough to explain it.
1:49 PM, I did receive an explanation to the wingnut quip. I took it down.
Elaine
I'd be interested in reading the explanation of the 'wingnut' quip.
Betting it is priceless.
2:07 PM, not crazy about putting it back up, but I did just for you. It is at 10:01 AM.
Can we drop it please?
Elaine
I think there are more inflammatory remarks because Elaine's blog is gathering momentum. More people are reading and commenting. This translates to more truth telling.
Oh, Dave, you knew better than to post anything!
What it comes down to is that all schools have issues whether public or private, whether in large districts or small. We are fortunate to have a district funded well enough to provide the high school students with an independent newspaper. Yes, we pay the taxes that provide such amenities. Yes, as taxpayers, we have the right to speak up when we feel those monies are not being spent properly.
But this all began as a discussion over an opinion piece in the high school newspaper, whether that piece was appropriate or not, and whether the district response was appropriate. I do not see that anyone who previously disliked Dr. Steinhauer has been convinced that he or any other administrator has acted strongly enough. I do not see that any supporter of members of the administration has been convinced that more needed to be done.
Perhaps it all comes down to this: use articles as this one as teaching moments in your family. We discussed it at the dinner table, and other parents should as well. If there are actual incidents of hazing that you felt harmed your child, bring that to the attention of the coaches or teachers and then the administration, properly working your way up the ladder. Listen to the answers you receive. And if you feel they violate a district policy (as recess retention seems to do), keep moving up the ladder. But were the responses concerning this article truly "dismissive and uncaring?" Or is it that we feel we deserve the big retraction/apology right away, no discussion? Has the next issue of the DA been published yet? Do we really know what the full response within the school is? Rumors of teachers being prevented from discussing this in class are untrue.
I follow this blog because Elaine does seem to spend more time than any of us rooting out various issues in the district and municipality. I seldom agree with her, but I admire her tenacity and energy. This site is a forum for discussion, and in that it certainly serves well. I only wish that more open minds were contributors.
And I regret my final sentence. That was hypocritical of me, and I apologize.
Destitute, just as I expected it to be, Elaine, but it is enlightening to see how some people think, or perhaps... don't think.
Lets take Mr. Franklin's post at 11:12 for instance.
With great wit he writes: "And since this blog will never share news like this, I thought I should share the following post that appeared on the District's website in August:"
He doesn't have a clue that by submitting a comment that shares news -- which he claims your blog will never share-- he proves all by his lonesome how inaccurate and illogical his comment is!
Interesting paradox you've created for yourself Mr. F.
Something you emphatically claim will never appear on Elaine's blog, appears there because you wrote it.
So are you wrong Mr. F about being right or right about being wrong?
To Kim Ressler, thoroughly enjoyed reading your comment. I do agree with most of Elaine's positions though not so much on the DA issue.
But, you're are right on open minds contributing. The 'gotchas' like the previous example just get in the way of intelligent debate of our community issues.
Ms. Ressler, though no fan of Tim's, I do think the administrations 'hands off' reaction to the Opinion piece was appropriate.
On the subject of bullying and how to react to or control it is a seperate discussion.
Are there any prohibitions that would prevent say, Tim, submitting his thoughts on the piece, his reaction to it and why he agreed or disagreed with the complaining parent in the paper?
It could be a huge learning moment for everyone.
3:02 I suppose posting pictures and soliciting juvenile responses is another paradox for you to contemplate today.
3:27 You touched on the issue with Dr. Steinhauer. He is "hands off" and if you request, as politely as possible for him to engage, you will suffer the WRATH of $&%^$. Been there, done that.
No 3:59, I feel sorry for someone that has no appreciation of satire.
I didn't think the photo you're referring to ranked up their with the policical satire of Thomas Nast, but I understood it.
4:24 PM . You definitely sound like a ultra right wing nut! Who are you to go around threatening people?????
You need to step back and count to 100 to calm down!!!
Or go and see a therapist for counseling!!!!
4:24, you're spot on in that there is a group that will jump all over anyone that has the slightest criticism of Tim or the district.
Wonder what they fear?
5:01 PM, threat? I don't see a threat. I see a parent who is frustrated with Timmy and is forewarning us, just as a blogger did last night at 9:13 PM.
I will be writing about the process of filing a formal complaint to the PDE later this evening.
Elaine
5:01 PM They fear the truth will come out!
Perhaps Dr. Steinhauer, Ms. Dawn Begor, and the author of the DA editorial should spend two hours on a Saturday afternoon walking around the high school track without talking to anyone. That would give all of them time to reflect on their poor behavior and the black eye the school district is taking because of their behavior.
Oh, Tim, don't expect a private school's board to react to a thing you say. They will just laugh at you for contacting them and not waste their time responding to a public school administrator.
I agree with you in part, 9:14 PM. Timmy needs to reflect, but the principal needs to reflect along with him. I don't think Dawn Begor did anything wrong. Looking at all the emails and knowing what her role is, I think her hands were tied. Brian and Timmy were the decision makers in this situation. Neither did an impartial review. Well, Timmy hadn't seen the article after it went to print until, what was it, Monday? Brian said he knew the student and decided that it was satire. Why wasn't Dr. Davis asked? He IS the assistant super of the secondary schools. It seems like he was kept out of the loop.
Elaine
If teachers/administrators invited parents to come in and talk when a crisis like this occurs, and avoided "taking sides" immediately, perhaps situations could be resolved more peacefully. Email doesn't work for these types of situations.
I see your point of view, Elaine, but Ms. Begor should realize bullying is a problem in our district. The 236 posts on your blog were a record response by far and support my point of view. Perhaps Brian should take the walk too because he knew the student and decided it was satire. Would it have been satire if he didn't know the student? So I will amend my earlier post to include Brian in the Saturday afternoon two- hour walk too.
I commend the teacher Elizabeth Tighe for taking these issues so seriously and for thoughtfully discussing them and listening to her students opinions in such an earnest and compassionate way. Also, I admire how she expressed her concern without attacking and was aware of how a letter to the editor could unecessarily upset the student author as it could easily be (mis)perceived as an attack. That is an insightful, sensitive, and intelligent teacher. If only the administration could follow Ms. Tighe's lead....
12:19 pm. Ditto regarding Elizabeth Tighe. I've also seen her speak at Commission meetings on behalf of her neighborhood. Speaking truth to power, Elizabeth.
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