This email was sent to the Hillel community. Please read their concerns. I have bolded the comment that specifically addresses this website as it is a completely valid concern.
Blueprint to Excellence Update
Vol. 1, April 20, 2007
Welcome to the first edition of Hillel’s Blueprint to Excellence Update. Much thought and effort were put into the creation of this strategic plan back in 2005. Now in its second year, we thank everyone who contributed to this plan’s development. Through these regular updates, we invite you to share in the process of bringing this plan to its full potential. As you can see from the few points below, results already are happening.
For the first time in years, a significant waitlist exists for the ‘07-’08 school year. After recently adding five more classes in various grades, a waitlist still remains.
Hillel was financially audited this year for the first time in the school’s history, proving financial accountability and responsibility.
Our entire ninth grade - all 85 students - will attend the annual Israel Trip later this month, along with Kesher’s entire ninth grade. This is a first.
Hillel recently announced a school-wide Jewish & Student Life Division for next year to ensure Jewish values and studies are infused throughout curriculum, programming and extracurricular activities. This department will be led by current Middle School Principal Frumma Rosenberg, supported by longtime Hillel family members.
A key goal in the Blueprint to Excellence is to foster a climate of frequent, open and comprehensive communication. This update is only one of the ways we will continue to provide transparency to everyone in the Hillel family - parents, students, faculty, administration, alumni and community. Our plan is a call for change. We know change is sometimes hard and that not everyone manages it in a positive manner. We encourage those with questions to respect the channels of communication and to act openly and honestly rather than through gossip or anonymously made statements.
The Board is confident in Hillel’s leadership and hopes you will join us in a strong show of support. If you have any questions, please always feel free to contact a member of the Board of Governors. You can reach us through the school at 305.931.2831 x126.
In the weeks ahead, we look forward to continuing our dialogue with you regarding Hillel’s Blueprint to Excellence. We thank you for your continued partnership as we move forward on our path to provide the finest Jewish education for our children.
Sincerely,
Executive Committee of the Board of Governors
Gil Bonwitt
Judith Dach
Michelle Diener
Joanne Papir
Rafael Russ
Rachel Sapoznik
Marty Scheck
Ellis Sinyor
Hedy Whitebook
Jorge Woldenberg
David Wolf
37 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:25 pm
The board is now in damage control mode as they anticipate our mailing campaign.
2 Anonymous 2 // Apr 20, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Note the date of this Blueprint to Excellence Update. And note two messages to parents in today’s Friday Message. Damage Control it is! And you have the dates of the Board’s actions as proof!
3 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 8:02 pm
The people directly responsible for hiring the Dean are Judy Dach and Joanne Papir.
Who is the Dean accountable too? Does he have any checks and balances? Does he undergo any evaluative process?
4 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 9:09 pm
If there is anyone who can get an Email list of the parents ; that help would be much appreciated.
Theodore Herzl once said “If you will it, it is no dream”
5 Anonymous // Apr 20, 2007 at 10:35 pm
“We encourage those with questions to respect the channels of communication and to act openly and honestly rather than through gossip or anonymously made statements.”
Board Members:
Stop posting anonymously on this site. Stop posting through your children. And stop pretending to be students when you’re not.
Practice what you preach.
You need to MODEL THE BEHAVIOR you wish for others to follow.
Your hypocrisy is simply astounding.
6 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Written after Shabbat:
Whether you go to Temple or Shul
The Blueprint updates are bunch of Bull!
Because during Shabbat it was written
Give us a break on ‘Leshon Hara’ or gossip even!
So Holden and dear Board
We just follow our traditions in honoring the Lord!
Ignore the propaganda
Our Torah and Shabbat are stronger, Davka!
Question: Who is Orthodox on the Board?
At least mention one name symbolically…
Why parents received your ‘Blue Print Updates email’ after Shabbat?
Anything published or written on Shabbat is worthless…
Sign the petition!
7 admin // Apr 21, 2007 at 8:58 pm
For the record, it was written before Shabbat and posted to this website before Shabbat as well. I, the site administrator, am Shomer Shabbat. That is why people cannot post to the board on Shabbat and everything gets reviewed after Shabbat ends.
8 mindy // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:15 pm
We WERE a school of excellence. We used to have a waiting list. We used to have a debate team–tournaments with other Jewish DAy Schools. We used to participate in the Intel Science Competition (mentioned in another posting on this site–formerly Westinghouse Competiton.). We used to have quality educators and leaders (e.g., Rabbi Stuart Grant, Dr. Jerome Levy). We used to……….
But people who think they “know education” took us down another path. Dr. Levy was not good enough. Rabbi Grant was not good enough. Beverly Buncher was, they said. And they are still saying they know education. WE WERE A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE. We did not need a blueprint…we lived in everyday with all of our students.
But some thought
9 mindy // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Correction: lived IT everday
10 Anonymous Parent // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Dear Admin,
No one is talking about posting the Updates to your site!
Look again: I talk about EMAILING parents with this new Propaganda AFTER Shabbat - the emails are stamped 8:15PM !!!
We are Shomer Shabbat as well!
11 admin // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:23 pm
I am not sure I understand what propaganda you refer to. The “Blueprint to Excellence Update” was emailed at 6:50PM on Friday, 4/20, which is before Shabbat started. Perhaps I do not understand.
12 Anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Yes… I’m sure you are right regarding posting on the site!
But all parents received an email with the Blueprint update stamped 8:15 as well -
I received it as a parent & checked with others as well…
13 admin // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:37 pm
The Hillel family is large. Sending the email to 3000 addresses would classify the hillel-nmb.net email system flagged as a spam account. From a system administration standpoint, Hillel had to break up the recipient list. I do question sending it on Shabbat as well, but to be fair, not everyone got it then. It was certainly written before Shabbat as well.
14 anonymous // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Dear Admin,
Why don’t you post my ‘Song’ upfront as I intended?
Again, I write on Emails during Shabbat NOT posting on your site…
15 admin // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Because you also posted it here and your assessment is inaccurate.
16 Shlomo Bolts // Apr 21, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I almost fell off my chair when I read this:
“We encourage those with questions to respect the channels of communication and to act openly and honestly rather than through gossip or anonymously made statements.”
“Respect the channels of communication”? You’ve got to be kidding.
Three years ago, within one week, the entire guidance department was fired; our current “blueprint for excellence” that included “nurturing” high schoolers was established; and decidedly un-”nurturing” measures such as hyperexacting hall monitors and “report your friends” were established. Three years ago, I know that students respected “channels of communication” and took up administrators on promises to meet with them individually. By meeting with students individually–who knows what was said in these meetings? who knows if it was true?–administrators were able to use the divide-and-conquer method and ride out the storm.
Because my fellow students were fooled into “respecting the channels of communication” three years ago, these current firings took place. If we begin to “respect” these woefully inadequate channels now, we will only be inviting another wave of firings three years from now.
Therefore, I would like to repeat my earlier urgings that no one should “respect the channels of communication”, and that no one should talk to the board or administration individually. The board needs to answer for its actions in a public manner.
To the board:
I would like to believe that you have at heart the best interests of my good friends, the current students. I am very interested to see how the recent firings were in these interests, and how they mesh with your “blueprint for the future”. I would like to believe that you have the noblest of intentions.
However, while all of your recent statements address the reaction to the firings, none of the statements that you have released addresses the reason for the firings: why so many teachers, why all at once, why now? Your deafening silence on these critical questions speaks far louder than your words. It leads me to wonder if you are hiding something too shameful to be revealed.
This statement is not gossip. To the best of my knowledge, it raises honest and logical questions. Furthermore, this statement is not anonymous. I am sure that you all know who I am.
Last year, I opened my valedictory address by speaking of the tremendous value and strength of the Hillel community. This great community was not informed of the recent firings, and has been alternatively ignored and defied as sincere questions were raised over the past month. Based on my personal knowledge of the community’s value and strength, I urge you to reconsider. I am confident that the Hillel community, if consulted, will provide extremely valuable advice as we build toward the future. I am equally confident that, if you continue to defy the Hillel community, it is strong enough to defeat you.
I look forward to hearing your reply, and would be happy to help Hillel move forward in any way possible.
17 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 12:41 am
I have heard-this is not confirmed-that Judy Dach’s doctorate is in Anthropology.
Why are she and Joanne Papir being entrusted to make so many educational decisions that affect the future of Klal Yisrael? What qualifies them to be able to make these decisions?
18 anon // Apr 22, 2007 at 1:53 am
Confirmed Judy Dach’s Doctorate is in Anthropology. I know for sure. . Joanne Degree isn’t in Education. She went to school to become a Dental Hygienist.We need to make our school better. Kol HaKavod to the site maker!
19 anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 7:47 am
During the May, 2004 US Senate Hearings on Diploma Mills and Unaccredited Universities, where California Coast University was cited as an unaccredited institution, one of the “concerns raised by witnesses regarding the issue of diploma mills” was the issue of:
Job Qualifications: “They are unfair to employers who hire employees thinking they have the knowledge, experience, and qualifications to perform certain jobs when in fact they don’t.”
US Senator Daniel Kahikina, US Senator for Hawaii testified in 2004 that:
“As a former teacher, I am alarmed because I understand the threat diploma mills pose to the integrity of our educational system…Diploma mills fail to provide the rewards and returns of a true education.”
Hiring and then covering for a Head of School who does not have “a true education” does not pave the way towards a Blueprint to Excellence: it paves the way for losing Hillel’s SACS accreditation.
The Non Public School Standards for SACS Accreditation 2004 demand that:
3.3 The school complies with all applicable statutes and governmental regulations.
Florida Statute 817.567 (Making False Claims of Academic Degree or Title) is applicable to individuals who use the title of “Dr.” (Ed.D.) while claiming a doctoral degree from a university not accredited by the US Department of Education. To do so is a misdemeanor in the first degree punishable by one year in jail, $1,000 fine and revocation of a professional license.
California Coast University was not recognized by the Distance Education and Training Council until 2005, prior to 2005, all degrees or certificates from California Coast University are not accredited.
Moreover,
SACS demands:
5.11 Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices.
Does anyone reading this web-site think it is ethical for an individual to submit a resume for the position of Head of School to a SACS accredited school while holding an unaccredited and thereby fraudulent doctorate?
“I didn’t know” as an excuse doesn’t cut it. Any true professional in the field of education should and would know the difference between an accredited degree and an unaccredited degree.
There are multiple resources available to verify academic credentials. On-line searches to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), DETC.org, US Department of Education, and the Oregon office of Degree Authorization are good places to start.
There are several books available as well such as: Degree Mills: The Billion-dollar Industry That Has Sold Over A Million Fake Diplomas (Paperback)
by Allen Ezell (Author), John Bear (Author)
Education Board Members: Next time, do your homework…
Academic Integrity in Never a “Non-Issue”.
20 concerned // Apr 22, 2007 at 3:21 pm
is the letter-writing campaign moving forward?
21 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 3:30 pm
the school is trying to stop it from moving forward by threatening site admin with legal action even though the site admin has zero connection to the campaign
we also need money for the mailings . without more help and funds this may not happen
22 admin // Apr 22, 2007 at 3:31 pm
I have asked any individuals involved to stop the letter-writing campaign because of a cease and desist notice that I have received today.
The individuals to my knowledge who were in possession of usernames and passwords have been asked to destroy this information. I am also am asking that any other individuals in possession of usernames and passwords that originated from this website do so as well.
23 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 3:33 pm
for the record, addresses obtained were from parents who got the addresses off the school website
the school gave them the password. the information did not come from this website.
the mailing campaign has no connection to this website whatsoever. we have been asked to stop it, however.
24 admin // Apr 22, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Please stop the campaign. Otherwise, Hillel and its legal counsel will assume that I have facilitated this campaign which I have specifically distanced myself from from the start. I have nothing to do with it.
25 anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 4:38 pm
You are not responsible for the action of others and that order can only pertain to you as these individuals do not work for you either as employees or contractors. You legally can exert no control and no one can hold you accountable for the actions of others.
This is preposterous! That order may pertain to you but you are not accountable for individuals working on their own accord!!!
There is absolutely no legal defensibility for that. How would a qualified lawyer expect you to exert control over individuals who you do not know or direct. This is ridiculous!
26 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 4:40 pm
For the record, the list of addresses was obtained by a parent. All parents have access to the school website , its username, and its password. That information was furnished BY THE SCHOOL to the ENTIRE PARENT BODY.
27 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Hence, there is no legal leg to stand on.
28 Aaron // Apr 22, 2007 at 9:49 pm
They may not have a legal leg to stand on, but speaking from experience, they don’t need one. All they need to do is “out-lawyer” the site administrator. Laywers cost money…
29 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Truthfully, there are so many lawyers involved in Hillel, it probably is not costing a dime. It is a scare tactic. There is nothing, absolutely nothing they can do. Blogs are all over the internet and there is not much that can be regulated unless they are illegal, in violation of law, or perpetuating fraud. None of which is being done.
Furthermore, the admin cannot be held accountable for the individuals who post independent blogs as they do not work, represent or act under the direct or indirect control of the admin. Therefore, she cannot be held accountable.
These are the very bullying tactics that got the school into the current predicament.
Ruling by intimidation.
30 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Any parent could have embarked on such a campaign. There is absolutely nothing that can be done to stop it. Similar to home owner boards - there is nothing to preclude an individual from sending mail to all members.
31 Anonymous // Apr 22, 2007 at 11:22 pm
It is actually parents who have now taken over at this point. Let us not discuss this issue any longer. Be patient and don’t bring it up again. It is underway.
32 Aaron // Apr 23, 2007 at 8:50 am
What I meant was “Lawyers cost money, and I am sure that we don’t want the site admin to deal with that expense.”
33 Anonymous // Apr 23, 2007 at 10:07 am
No. We don’t. Let’s not forget there are tons of Jews who are lawyers on both sides of this debate. It is not wise for either side to start escalating the conflict into the legal arena. It will be costly and time consuming for both sides. There are already people who have offered their services in defense of teachers and admin. if things were to escalate. Let’s not go down that road. Everyone right now is acting within totally legal bounds.
34 mirclegrowplant // Apr 25, 2007 at 10:21 am
This whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth, kind of like the time I had to go to a barbeque and there were pork ribs….(I ate salad).
35 Anonymous // Apr 25, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Sorry about the current turmoil in your school it does bring difficult emotinal times in our beloved HBHA. Just one question for Dr. Holden (you may double check his crentials)
while during his administration did HBHA gained or lost students. During his administration the school increase or decrease donations. But mainly, during his administration what happened to those families that really care for the school and they were committed to provide jewish education to their children, they left.
Next step in your school is to experience frictions among parents, teachers, and students.
He is trying to implement the same failed model of education, school of excellence by sacrificing teachers and pay cut, IMAK, and change titles of administration to Dean of—–. I pray to G-d that the school board think very careful in their future decisitions because it could destroy your wonderful school as Dr. Holden did for the ours.
36 anonymous // Apr 25, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Posters, take note - - this last posting is very troublesome!
37 Akiva Cohen // Apr 26, 2007 at 10:25 am
Aaron - lawyers don’t necessarily cost money.
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