At last night's school board meeting, Trewyn teachers stepped up to the mike to speak out against what they call "an attempt to tear down Trewyn and Manual Schools".
The teachers felt that comments that are made on the blogs and at last week's school board meeting were based on the comments of a few disgruntled employees who were not giving a clear picture of the culture of their school.
They spoke to the positive measures being taken in health services, security, teacher quality, and the dedication and commitment of the Trewyn staff. They closed with a challenge to those who have placed a thumbs down on the students and believe that Trewyn is a zoo with untrained animals. The challenge is to come down to the school one day a week, for six weeks and they will see that they are making a positive difference for youth. The comments were said to have been made on behalf of several outraged parents, upset co-workers and students.
What is confusing is that the first teacher who spoke, mentioned violence and then seemed to also mention an agreement that schools throughout the District have not to discuss it. She stated that Trewyn is by far not the only school with violence and discipline issues; the problem is rampant throughout the District. She made it clear to state that this included the schools north of War Memorial. For that reason, she seemed to feel that it is unfair to continue to slam Trewyn for a problem that all schools are facing.
Now I am left wondering, what is the real story on violence in our schools and is there a cover up as to how bad the situation really is?
The teachers felt that comments that are made on the blogs and at last week's school board meeting were based on the comments of a few disgruntled employees who were not giving a clear picture of the culture of their school.
They spoke to the positive measures being taken in health services, security, teacher quality, and the dedication and commitment of the Trewyn staff. They closed with a challenge to those who have placed a thumbs down on the students and believe that Trewyn is a zoo with untrained animals. The challenge is to come down to the school one day a week, for six weeks and they will see that they are making a positive difference for youth. The comments were said to have been made on behalf of several outraged parents, upset co-workers and students.
What is confusing is that the first teacher who spoke, mentioned violence and then seemed to also mention an agreement that schools throughout the District have not to discuss it. She stated that Trewyn is by far not the only school with violence and discipline issues; the problem is rampant throughout the District. She made it clear to state that this included the schools north of War Memorial. For that reason, she seemed to feel that it is unfair to continue to slam Trewyn for a problem that all schools are facing.
Now I am left wondering, what is the real story on violence in our schools and is there a cover up as to how bad the situation really is?
3 comments:
I believe that only one Trewyn teacher and one parent spoke. They were both reading from a letter that was sent to Karen and Jeff Adkins-Dutro by Trewyn Assistant Principal Charlie Warr in response to their comments at the last board meeting (a copy of which I have). Since he was present at the meeting, I wondered why he didn't address the board himself. At no time did anyone refute any of the incidents mentioned in their comments. No one denies (or should they) that good things happen at Trewyn and Manual--that's the whole point of our complaints about the discipline problems at the schools. The students who are prepared to learn just should not be hindered by the constant problems in the classroom. I'm not sure what has to happen to convince people that these situations are occurring. To label it all violence is a mistake. The majority of the problems are the constant disruptions caused by some students--emotional outbursts that must be handled, taking away instructional time, etc. The incidents of physical and mostly verbal attacks on teachers certainly seem to be on the rise. Most of the violent behaviors (fights, etc.) occur among students--and often teachers trying to stop the fights get caught in the crossfire. I never object to teachers who stand up to support their students and the good things that happen at their schools--that side of the story needs to be told, also. I know how they feel--I spent most of my life defending Manual from the unfair stigma always attached to it. However, the problems in these schools are severe and something just must be done about it. In my own speech last night I stated that both the principals and teachers need support and directives from the board and central administration to address these problems. I know that if there is one student (and usually there are more than one at a time) that requires special attention either to calm them down or to write referrals to get them out of the situation, instructional time is lost. Way too much time is lost--that's the main problem.
QUESTION: Why do I always have to try a second time to match the word verification?
About the comment comparing Trewyn to a zoo with untrained animals--those were Gigi's words (the speaker who is also one of my former students). At no time did Karen use those words in a comments two weeks ago--nor would she ever. Gigi left before we had a chance to talk to her because I did want to know what prompted her to use those words.
Violence? You bet! Come with me to Peoria High for lunch and I'll show you at least 2 fights, if not more, while teachers look the other way, and I'll show you how these young girls and boys disrespect everyone around them.
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