04-02-2010, 12:01 PM
moveit Wrote:As a teacher who received a RIF notice I was deeply moved by the passion, curiosity, and determination of my students during the code 'white' which was being treated like a code red. There was a lot happening during that period at WHS and it was an educational moment for the students to understand the complicated world of negotiations, bullying, intimidation, impending lay-offs, fear of losing relationships forged with teachers, as well as the ability to protest peacefully. I did not witness any fights just students marching and demonstrating their alliance with their teachers. It was really a wonderful thing for our kids to be involved in. It is very sad as we moved toward Small Learning communities and advisories in order to forge important personal relationships with the students to see the very same administration who integrated these methods knock it down and validate the mistrust the kids already have in the adults around them. I hope this can come to a peaceful outcome and the very good teachers at WHS can continue on their 'mission' work in this deserving community.
This WAS a teaching moment for the kids. They were protesting in peace. Isn't this what our country was founded on - peaceful protest. I can assure you that the teachers were not behind this. They are to scared and dehumanized. Also THE KIDS AT BROOKSIDE DID PARTICIPATE but it is being covered up by the adminstration. The students at Brookside were as involved as the Washington kids but despite the Administrations' claim that the we are 2 buildings but 1 school that couldn't be farther from the truth. The Washington Campus is the unwanted step-child. It is only a matter of time before we go back to 2 High Schools - the good one Brookside and the bad one Washington. Open your eyes don't blame the victims the kids and the teachers put the blame where it belongs on the School Board and overpaid Administration. Maybe someone can answer a question why did Batiste improve a LEASED VEHICLE?