An anonymous parent writes in:
The phrase simply means that just because something may look valuable, desirable or attractive, it does NOT mean that it definitely will be worth having once you discover its true nature. So basically, don’t rely on the superficial.
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD - The appearance of a thing or person can be deceptive.
As a loyal Hillel parent, I attended the annual dinner and found out how true this expression is. Holden, Druin and the propaganda machine at its best, selling us an image of a school that only exists in their own twisted mind and the minds of those women they managed to mesmerize. As the images and the words about our school kept coming, I kept thinking: “what school is he talking about?” Has he walked around campus? Does he know what’s really going on? Does he truly care about our Jewish community? Is he contemplating the future of our Jewish heritage and education into the day when he will no longer be here?
I don’t think so. In a few years he will be speaking on another stage, in another school, telling THEM they have the best school in the world.
Fellow parents: we are fools trapped in a sinking ship. The ship, unfortunately, is commanded by a group of blind and cynical men and women who, in their arrogance, insist on congratulating each other for a job well done!
Do you want the truth? Ask our teachers about the real state of our school. Some of our best educators are now leaving of their own volition. Draw your own conclusions.
For the sake of our children – we must stop them on June 6th!
Please come and have your say. Please come and vote. June 7th may be too late.
67 responses so far ↓
1 jonah // May 13, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Please!
2 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Yes, the words which he spoke are entangled lies. He knows not of what he speaks.
Accordingly, the five acres of land he spoke about were provided to the school many, many years ago. Due to a moratorium, we were unable to build or even convert and use as parking lots. There was only one parcel of land left to purchase occupied by an elderly man, who for years, refused to sell.
So, Dr. Holden, get your facts right - - -perhaps you can fool the newcomers to the school, but those of us who have been around for a while are on to your game and lack of knowledge.
…..additionally, as far as the theatre program - - the school has always had a top notch professional program, meticulously run by Dr. Michael Andron (a true PH. D. from a highly accredited school - NOT A DIPLOMA MILL) and the theatre of which you speak is not anything new to the community. It will be built on the land of the JCC and is part of their capital campaign for the future. It is actually a Cultural Arts center with two theaters, an art studio and a music room. So again - this is not a Hillel endeavor…..
As far as the night, yes there were over 400 people gathered. However, one must realize that the members of the Ma’ayan Society each received a table and were entitled to fill them with their guests.
As far as the speaker, she was phenomenal. ….and for those of you who missed it, you can find her on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brigitte+gabriel
So yes, I agree - - ALL THAT GLITTERS ISN’T GOLD. In this case, the outside is tarnishing as the inside is ripped apart.
Hopefully, June 6th will be the start of the new revolution - to take our school back to its roots of traditional torah/Jewish values, warmth, nurturing and caring!
With all of your support - WE CAN DO THIS - WE HAVE NO CHOICE!
3 Aaron // May 13, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Who is on the “new slate”? Someone please post (or contact me).
4 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 5:33 pm
To post #2: “Hopefully, June 6th will be the start of the new revolution.”
Think fiction: 1984 and Animal Farm
Think history: Boston Tea Party and Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Think Hillel! Save Hillel!
5 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Soon there will be a link to the new slate with information about each individual who is running.
6 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 6:17 pm
The Vote is a SECRET BALLOT on June 6th
TEACHERS, SECRETARIES, ADMINISTRATORS OF ANY SORT WHO HAVE KIDS IN THE SCHOOL CAN VOTE and if they are too uncomfortable to vote then their SPOUSES should definitely vote on June 6th.
This is imperative! EVERY VOTE COUNTS NOW.
TEACHERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THE MARKETING COMPANY DOES NOT SCHEDULE A TEACHERS’ APPRECIATION/ GOODBYE DINNER ON JUNE 6TH - - THEY WILL PROBABLY ATTEMPT TO DO SO AS A WAY OF KEEPING TEACHERS FROM BEING A LARGE PRESENCE AT THE JUNE 6TH OPEN MEETING.
7 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 6:36 pm
How does the vote work? Do you vote for individuals and the ones with the most votes win? Or is it a slate? Also, will we be voting for executive board as well? Finally, who will be counting the votes? Where is the oversight to ensure an honest election?
8 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Will new members have immediate input; that is, are they able to help us move forward for the coming school year?
9 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 8:02 pm
The quicker you vote these people in, the quicker they can make positive changes. Not every change can be implemented overnight (there are some legal issues involved) but they will ensure that the school will begin to get back on track as it traverses down a trajectory we all agree upon
10 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Are you able to shed any light on what you mean by legal issues?
11 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Marketing company??? Is this how our tuition dollars are being spent? Can someone validate this?
If so, where is the oversight of the monies being spent? Our teachers are in need of supplies, our children do not get snacks anymore due to budgetary issues?
Who is making this inappropriate expenditure decisions? Money spent on supplies and snacks for the kids to feed their brains is way more appropriate than a marketing firm. If there wasn’t so much dissent and so many people unhappy, a marketing firm would not be necessary!
Any thoughts?
This is pure rubbish!
IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE!
12 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Again, calling the attention of all who are reading to another teacher in limbo.
Post #53.
http://www.savehillel.com/2007/05/as-we-move-forward/#comment-1993
Where is the derech eretz from the top down?
THIS IS WHY WE ARE EMBARKING ON THIS MISSION - - FOR THE SAKE OF OUR TEACHERS AND OUR CHILDREN.
13 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I don’t know who approved the budget for the marketing firm or how much is being spent (perhaps the equivalent of 11 non-renewed teachers’ salaries), but the school has definitely hired marketing consultants.
We believe it was the marketing company’s idea to provide teachers with last week’s appreciation breakfast amd that they told the school to make sure to invite teachers to the school dinner last week. Some key teachers were invited at the last minute 2 weeks ago to attend the school dinner free of charge. Teachers have not been invited in past years. Clearly, the school was trying to show parents how well they treat their teachers and that teachers in this school are so happy, but again, “all that glitters…..”
14 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Parents and teachers you better have that house stacked in our favor on June 6th if you want to see a change.
You better tell every possible likeminded parent that you trust right now that we desperately need them to show up and vote on June 6th. You’re going to have to keep reminding them so they don’t forget.
Tell them that they cannot attend the ballet that night. They’ve got more important things to do. It’s do or die.
15 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Questionable spending all over the school:
The first thing Holden does upon his hiring is kick out Alicia, who has been faithfully and cheerfully serving our school’s front office for more years than I’ve been a parent (> 16 years), put her in a corner of the former Bet Midrash, and build himself a glass castle.
The classrooms are too noisy due to an old air conditioning system.
Classrooms do not have any of the technology you see in other schools - computers in every room, SMART boards, etc.
The facility looks old and in disrepair.
But there is money to fund a marketing company to shout to the world how well we’re doing.
16 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 10:37 pm
“Fellow parents: we are fools trapped in a sinking ship. ”
Fools no more. We are fighting back! Thanks to this site, we have been given a forum for communicating with each other and gaining information. And make no mistake about it - information is power! Why do you think the secret society known as the executive board will not meet with the parent body? He who has the information has the power. Now we are gaining power and fighting for our school.
17 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 10:50 pm
REITERATION!!!
It is obvious that the priorities of the school are skewed! Our teachers cannot order supplies, the fieldtrips are reduced, etc.
However, we have money to hire a marketing firm??? We have money to invest in new school logos? WHERE ARE OUR PRIORITIES???
We would not need a marketing firm if the Head of School did not begin to dismantle the very foundation this school was built upon.
The teachers who were invited to the dinner were invited by parents or board members either for teacher appreciation week or because they had extra seats. Remember the Ma’ayan members each had a table to fill.
If this was a marketing ploy - it is most interesting - and ingenuine! ….It will certainly be an eye opener for our teachers. The event was cultish at best! Even many of the teachers who attended commented about the lies that he told in such a believable manner. HE CAN’T
FOOL EVERYONE!!!
Obviously a marketing firm is need to combat the inappropriate actions undertaken by the Head of School who has been given unchecked authority to employ whatever tactics he feels are appropriate.
Keep in mind - many affiliated with his prior employer have attempted to warn us on numerous occasions. These people have absolutely NOTHING to gain by providing such information - - THAT SHOULD TELL US SOMETHING. Wouldn’t you think?
The firm is combatting the following:
Lack of academic integrity - Head of School CV with invalid credentials
Degradation and Intimidation of our teachers
Low morale of faculty and staff
Hostile and threatening atmosphere - secrecy and deception
Hiring of additional Non-Jewish Administrators
Inappropriate evaluation policies and procedures
Re-configuration of the middle school to include the 6th Grade
Appointment of unqualified, inexperienced lower school principal to the position being vacated in June
Associate head of school’s disrespect towards parents and teachers
Inappropriate contract renewal process
Reconstitution of faculty calendar removing all teacher work days
Elongation of the school day for teachers and administrators without additional pay
Interim placement of Rabbi Kaplan as a show piece and the hiring of a principal (3 weeks prior) who is also NON-JEWISH from the Kansas School - for loyalty purposes since there is so much dissention
…..and so much more….
We cannot allow this to continue - we must continue to bring the issues to the forefront.
THE SCHOOL DOES NOT NEED A MARKETING FIRM AS THE BEST MARKETING IS WORD OF MOUTH.
The school needs a board composed of individuals who have the gumption and inclination to admit they have made a gross mistake in judgment in the hiring process and take action to correct this immediately.
The school would not need to expend money that can be used to educate our children for marketing services or legal fees.
If the appropriate qualified Jewish Dean were hired to run the school, then there would not be dissent, these issues would not be in the forefront, in the community or in the media. ….and word of mouth would be our best form of marketing.
By the way, it has recently been said that the Hyman Brand school did not become a school of excellent due to Holden - this was accomplished by the Principal who had been there and left to another Jewish Day school. The Hyman Brand school happened to achieve the status after Holden got there but NOT because it was his idea or his leadership that made it so. As a matter of fact, the principal moved on to the next Jewish School and accomplished the same task - that school also became a Blue Ribbon School. He went from Hyman Brand to the Epstein School in Atlanta!
AGAIN - - BOARD MEMBERS - - CHECK YOUR FACTS - - -FACTS MEAN MORE THAN RHETORIC!!!
DO IT TO BENEFIT YOUR CHILDREN!
18 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 10:53 pm
As you may already know, poster #15 - he no longer occupies the glass fish bowl he built - he moved because too many people could see him and be aware of his actions. People could see his comings and goings - his car parked - - with the Kansas tags (Fla law requires change within 30 days of residency) Why do you think he has still not gotten Florida tags and complied with State law???
So he moved to the high school and relocated Rabbi Druin to the glass office.
19 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Yes. And he SOUND PROOFED HIS OFFICE TO!
Begs the question…WHY?
Reiteration is important, especially for newcomers to the site
20 anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Secrecy, deception, lack of academic integrity, inappropriate spending - -
Insubordination!
Grounds for immediate termination.
PLEASE HELP OUR TEACHERS who have been victimized by this administration!
21 Anonymous // May 13, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Help them by showing up to vote on June 6th!
22 Mindy // May 13, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Who has the power to allocate funds for a marketing firm? Is is confirmed that a marketing firm was hired?
Some of issues listed in post 17 appear to fall under SACS Standards for Nonpublic Schools.
Another post addresses this.
http://www.sacscasi.org/region/standards/nonpublic2004.pdf
“See especially 5.7, 5.11, 9.1, 9.2, 11.1, 11.3″
23 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 2:05 am
also SACS 3.3 Following state statutes and governance.
24 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 2:24 am
This leadership is not by any means “glittering gold”…
But rather it has the characteristics of typical fake, costume jewelry.
Just like costume jewely, it may look good when you first wear it.
But eventually, it starts changing color and tarnishes. Pieces start braking off and it becomes very difficult to wear or return.
The only alternative you have : is to replace it.
25 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 2:25 am
This leadership is not by any means “glittering gold”…
But rather it has the characteristics of typical fake, costume jewelry.
Just like costume jewely, it may look good when you first wear it.
But eventually, it changes color, pieces start braking off and it becomes very difficult to wear or return.
The only alternative you have: is to replace it.
26 Supportive parent // May 14, 2007 at 8:00 am
The “temporary” high school modulars have been there for years. They are moldy and crumbling. Most of the time the air conditioning does not work. Our children and teachers are trying to do their best in a “sick” environment. Meanwhile, the executive offices are completely remodeled and even have flat screen tvs!!! What does this indicate?
27 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:44 am
It means that the priorities are messed up. There are self-serving interests that are obviously not in the best interest of our key stakeholders.
The very reason we are taking action on behalf of our children and teachers!
28 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Academic Integrity
If we want Hillel’s students to exhibit Academic Integrity both here and when they move on to college, the leadership of Hillel needs to model this construct. The Head of School needs to set and live this “Gold Standard” of education.
Parents need to ensure that this educational “Gold Standard” glitters on June 6th by voting for a board who believes that there is no place in our school for academic dishonesty .
Academic Integrity is never a non-issue.
Ten Principles of Academic Integrity
By Donald L. Mc Cabe and Gary Pavela
1. Affirm the importance of academic integrity.
Institutions of higher education are dedicated to the pursuit of truth. Faculty members need to affirm that the pursuit of truth is grounded in certain core values, including diligence, civility, and honesty.
2. Foster a love of learning.
A commitment to academic integrity is reenforced by high academic standards. Most students will thrive in an atmosphere where academic work is seen as challenging, relevant, useful, and fair.
3. Treat students as ends in themselves.
Faculty members should treat their students as ends in themselves–deserving individual attention and consideration. Students will generally reciprocate by respecting the best values of their teachers, including a commitment to academic integrity.
4. Promote an environment of trust in the classroom.
Most students are mature adults, and value an environment free of arbitrary rules and trivial assignments, where trust is earned, and given.
5. Encourage student responsibility for academic integrity.
With proper guidance, students can be given significant responsibility to help protect and promote the highest standards of academic integrity. Students want to work in communities where competition is fair, integrity is respected, and cheating is punished. They understand that one of the greatest inducements to engaging in academic dishonesty is the perception that academic dishonesty is rampant.
6. Clarify expectations for students.
Faculty members have primary responsibility for designing and cultivating the educational environment and experience. They must clarify their expectations in advance regarding honesty in academic work, including the nature and scope of student collaboration. Most students want such guidance, and welcome it in course syllabi, carefully reviewed by their teachers in class.
7. Develop fair and relevant forms of assessment.
Students expect their academic work to be fairly and fully assessed. Faculty members should use–and continuously revise–forms of assessment that require active and creative thought, and promote learning opportunities for students.
8. Reduce opportunities to engage in academic dishonesty.
Prevention is a critical line of defense against academic dishonesty. Students should not be tempted or induced to engage in acts of academic dishonesty by ambiguous policies, undefined or unrealistic standards for collaboration, inadequate classroom management, or poor examination security.
9. Challenge academic dishonesty when it occurs.
Students observe how faculty members behave, and what values they embrace. Faculty members who ignore or trivialize academic dishonesty send the message that the core values of academic life, and community life in general, are not worth any significant effort to enforce.
10. Help define and support campus-wide academic integrity
standards.
Acts of academic dishonesty by individual students can occur across artificial divisions of departments and schools. Although faculty members should be the primacy role models for academic integrity, responsibility for defining, promoting, and protecting academic integrity must be a community-wide concern–not only to identify repeat offenders, and apply consistent due process procedures, but to affirm the shared values that make colleges and universities true communities.
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION PUBLICATIONS, INC.
830-D Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803-1081
29 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Academic integrity is a question for the Office of the State Attorney - Fraud Division!
30 Diane Weber // May 14, 2007 at 11:47 pm
Post #17- you should check you facts before you post here. The School of Excellence Award received by HBHA was received in 2005, THREE YEARS AFTER DR. HOLDEN ARRIVED. It was not initiated by the previous Head of School; it was due to Dr. Holden’s educational leadership that this highly regarded award was earned by HBHA.
If you are going to post what you think are facts, you should check them out first.
31 Hillel Teacher for 7 Years // May 14, 2007 at 11:55 pm
At this point in my lengthy career, I have taught in 2 schools that have received Blue Ribbon Awards.
This honor is not as big of a deal as one might think.
Cosmetics play a large role in the earning of the award and Holden is a master at putting on the right show and making sure his school is window dressed to look the part.
Did HBHA also hire a marketing company?
32 Hillel Teacher for 7 Years // May 14, 2007 at 11:59 pm
All that glitters….
33 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 12:06 am
“Just like costume jewely, it may look good when you first wear it.”
“But eventually, it changes color, pieces start breaking off and it becomes very difficult to wear or return.”
That doctorate degree is already green below the surface…as it gets further exposed to the light of truth, its true colors will ultimately reveal themselves for all to see –That gold plating is eroding and wearing thinner and thinner with each passing moment
34 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 12:11 am
“The School of Excellence Award received by HBHA was received in 2005, THREE YEARS AFTER DR. HOLDEN ARRIVED. ”
Were those who awarded the honor aware of the fact that Mr. Holden holds a fraudulent degree and, thus, does not serve as a model of academic integrity or integrity period ? I’ll bet not!
35 Another Teacher // May 15, 2007 at 12:49 am
Hillel’s academic record speaks for itself.
BEFORE HOLDEN ARRIVED, our students easily gained admission to top tier universities including Columbia, Duke, Cooper Union, Northwestern, Tufts, Brandeis, Washington University, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and Harvard.
Hillel has been a school of excellence primarily on account of its incredible student body and outstanding faculty.
Who knows how much more abuse this outstanding faculty is willing to put up with?!
________________________________
A PREVIOUS POST SAYS IT ALL :
In the last decade think of how much administrative turn over there has been…
In terms of HS Principals: Dr. Levy is forced to resign and dies in his sleep of a heart attack a couple months later; the golden years are then followed by: Dr. Fein, Beverly Buncher, Chaye Kohl…and now Holden’s friend from Kansas, Mr. Tymony Bonnilla
5 High School Principals in 10 years.
Think of how many deans in the last decade: Finkelstein, Dennis, Bloom, Barbieri, and now Holden
5 Deans in 10 years.
Think of how many excellent administrators, guidance counselors, and teachers left the school in the last 10 years (Bald, Liebersfeld, Zakon, Gorin, Fishbein, Gallup, L.Cohen, Enis, Lieber etc.)
Most of them left because they were either pushed out or tired of dealing with all of this nonsense–no matter what the official reason given was.
It seems that every new wave of administration targets and purges its own victims–especially, when the new dean –dubbed the “Axman” at his previous school– comes in and is not looking to recruit from within–( Soon the school will be overrun with his cronies.)
Teachers walk around in perpetual fear of stating what they really think. It doesn’t matter how many glowing letters from students or powerful parents they have in their files or portfolios. No one is safe.
The administrative and teacher turn-over tells the whole story.
In successful establishments and institutions of learning there is very little turnover–certainly nothing close to what we’re seeing here.”
_________________________________
Again, who knows how much more abuse this outstanding faculty is willing to put up with….
36 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 6:41 am
To the board…..
Are you listening yet????
Our teachers are speaking! Our record speaks for itself….
Soon you will price yourselves out of the market just to cover the shortfall being caused by departing families.
Enough already - buy our the contract and move forward.
Hire a qualified Jewish administrator and return Hillel to its stature and glory!
….and to the new families who think that you know how to run a school……
Hillel is not a place where you send your children for upbringing - - it is a Jewish center of excellence and has been for the last 35 years. It had an excellent track record prior to your initiation to make it like a Pinecrest or University School. It provided a strong traditional Jewish education - - not just an identity.
Wake up - - if you do not like what Hillel has always been - - LEAVE! Stop trying to change a proven commodity - you are destroying our school!
37 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 6:44 am
“BEFORE HOLDEN ARRIVED, our students easily gained admission to top tier universities including Columbia, Duke, Cooper Union, Northwestern, Tufts, Brandeis, Washington University, University of Pennsylvania, MIT, and Harvard.”
When these admissions’ reps come to Hillel next time, or meet or ask about the Head of School at college fairs, what are they going to think of Hillel’s reputation?
Are there any parents in the school who are going to apply their children to California Coast University, the institution where even today, you can take open book tests at home with a “friend or minister proctoring you”?
Are any of the Board member’s children considering this option? Or, are their children already graduated and therefore unaffected by this educational con artist?
Marketing firm? Are you kidding?
38 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:49 am
To Ms. Weber: If your school (HBHA) was a big fan of Dr. Holden - why did they not try and retain him?
Why did they make part of the search committee mission to find a JEWISH Head of School?
39 another mom // May 15, 2007 at 11:09 am
re post #36 and attempts to make Hillel into a Pinecrest or University School:
bringing the IB program to the High School is not the answer to excellence -
Hillel already had the answer with its strong Judaic studies curriculum.
It is well known that students who study Chumash and Talmud in depth have a tremendous advantage in terms of critical thinking skills, which carries over to all other areas of study.
Why do you think there are so many brilliant Jews in all professions?
Instead of dumbing down our Judaic curriculum, or making it optional, strengthen it! For those who do not want this, please go to Pinecrest and University School.
The Board is seriously misguided. They are taking our strength - our precious Torah and the writings of our great sages - and are delagating them to second tier importance. A division for “Jewish life” - NO!!! The school should live and breathe Jewish life. An assistant Head of School in charge of the “Jewish side”? NO!!!! There is no “Jewish side”. Every corner of this school should spell Judaism. The Head of School should provide the Jewish leadership that parents are looking for, not admit that he doesn’t even know how to spell Purim!!
BOARD MEMBERS: LISTEN!!!!!
The parents are telling you that we DO NOT want a Pinecrest, we DO NOT want your idea of excellence, we DO NOT want a non-Jew running our school. We DO want a solid Jewish education for our children, and we have confidence that the education they receive will also lead to success in the secular world. We DO want our children to be taught and led by Jewish role models who teach them, not only math and social studies, but how to be honest, responsible, generous, caring, kind to others. WE WANT OUR JEWISH SCHOOL AND JEWISH VALUES BACK!!!
And to those parent leaders with young children who have weakened the school by going with the wrong “vision” : Be warned. By destroying our Jewish school you are increasing the chances that your own children will pick up on your message that Judaism is only of secondary importance, and will bring you home non-Jewish spouses. You’ll find as your children grow that they don’t listen to what you say - they watch what you do. Your message to them now is loud and clear - we Jews don’t know how to run a school and the Jewish part of the school isn’t all that important anyway. We’ll let the non-Jews decide what’s best for us.
Take some advice from those of us who have been there - whose children graduated from Hillel - and the results we can see from the strong Jewish education they received.
40 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 12:54 pm
EXCELLENT QUESTION:
“To Ms. Weber: If your school (HBHA) was a big fan of Dr. Holden - why did they not try and retain him?
Why did they make part of the search committee mission to find a JEWISH Head of School?”
We eagerly await your reply, Ms.Weber.
Another Excellent Question:
“Are there any parents in the school who are going to apply their children to California Coast University, the institution where even today, you can take open book tests at home with a “friend or minister proctoring you”?
Are any of the Board member’s children considering this option?
Or, are their children already graduated and therefore unaffected by this educational con artist?”
Judy Dach’s own child left Duke University because it was not Jewish enough for him and switched to Yeshiva University!!!!!
Now I ask you this: If Judy’s son were attending the Hillel of today that Judy has created (i.e. with a preponderance of Non Jews running the show) would her son be prepared to enter YU?
WOULD HE EVEN WANT TO?????????
How ironic that she is making decisions for other people’s children that are not in alignment with the values she has imparted to her own kids.
Several parents I know with young children who are considering sending their children to Hillel are infuriated that the school is no longer being run by a large enough Jewish presence (as in the fact that next year’s High School Principal, Middle School Principal, Assistant Middle School Principal, Assistant Elementary School Principal, and Head of School are not Jewish) or a compassionate enough Jewish presence (as in Rabbi Druin) to justify their making this enrollment decision. They are now looking elsewhere.
41 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 2:06 pm
This is in epidemic proportion, the number looking to go elsewhere!
Perhaps that is why tuition was raised - -they foresee a huge shortfall.
42 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Stay tuned for the “spin” regarding enrollment and numbers for next year.
43 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Some board members have already privately acknowledged that the numbers have dropped
44 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 4:38 pm
We know what it will take to bring the numbers up— very easy and simple solution……..
45 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Not necessarily - - it is going to take an overhaul of the administration and board to get back on the right track.
This is certainly not simple but will definitely be worthwhile.
Remember, this is for our teachers - - who were performing long before these administrators took over! They are terrorizing them.
It is time to take our school back.
46 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Between the number that left and the number who chose to stay and fight for our school, the Board cannot help but see what they are up against.
47 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:03 pm
We are taking back for our teachers who should no longer have to walk in fear and for our children who are entitled to the best JEWISH education we can equip them with.
We are taking the school back !
48 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:05 pm
They are well aware and they are very, very scared
49 Diane Weber // May 15, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Post #31- Since the No Child Left Behind Law was inacted in 2002, the guidelines for application for the No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Award have changed.
“On July 28, 2002, the Secretary of Education announced that schools singled out for national honors will now reflect the goals of our nation’s new education reforms for high standards and accountability.
The No Child Left Behind—Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.”
Only 50 private schools receive this prestigious award every year. Why don’t you read the US Department of Education web site for more information?
50 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Why didn’t your Head of School at that time, earn his doctoral degree from a school accredited by the US Department of Education? Didn’t he read their website?
51 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Ms. Weber - YOU HAVE NOT ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS..
If your school (HBHA) was a big fan of Dr. Holden - why did they not try and retain him?
Why did they make part of the search committee mission to find a JEWISH Head of School?
52 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Ms. Weber: Defending your blue ribbon school is wonderfully commendable - you should be most proud.
You see this is not what is of interest to us at this time. We are interested in retaining our school’s image, its reputation, its traditional Judaic Torah values and most importantly its beloved teachers. None of which can be accomplished by the Head of School who apparently lacks academic integrity and an understanding of Jewish Values.
Please do not continue to skirt the issue.
If your school (HBHA) was a big fan of Dr. Holden - why did they not try and retain him?
Why did they make part of the search committee mission to find a JEWISH Head of School?
If you’d like - we’d be happy to ship him back
53 Hillel Teacher for 7 Years // May 15, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I think it’s great that HBHA won a Blue Ribbon.
Let us not delude ourselves: The honor of that award is due in large part to HBHA’s outstanding faculty and not Adam Holden.
It is the teachers who made receiving that accolade possible.
Several of those teachers were probably on board long before Holden arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, several of those same teachers who helped the school win the award are probably no longer around the campus today.
Teachers from HBHA have written to this site and described for us what the working environment in Kansas was like and it doesn’t sound any different from what we are currently experinecing in Miami.
It is the students and teachers who suffer most when the teachers they love and learn from most are nonrewed with no good reason.
I have worked in 2 schools that have earned the Blue Ribbon.
It’s great to be working in a Blue Ribbon award winning school but it’s really not as big of a deal as one might think.
(I’m far more impressed by the universities to which our students gain acceptance.)
54 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Here! Here!
55 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Ms Weber–You guys can gladly have him back. Doesn’t sound like HBHA wants him
56 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Awards are nice, but a Jewish education is priceless.
Holden is destroying our Jewish school.
Parents are working hard to get rid of him and the Board that continues to support him.
We are not looking for awards - we just want our Jewish school back.
Our awards come when we see the outcome of giving our children a Jewish education.
57 • HBHA teacher wrote in on "Are Qualified Administrators..." // May 15, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Ms Weber:
Have you read what the HBHA faculty member has informed us…You’ve earlier stated that we shouldn’t take the words of HBHA students and parents seriously…should we dismiss what the teachers there had to say too?
These people have nothing to gain from selflessly taking time out of their personal lives to warn us. They are good samaritans or rather good Jews watching the backs of their Jewish brothers and sisters - - a practice that has ensured Jewish survival (we Jews comprise less than 1% of this earth’s population. It is nothing short of miraculous that we have survived dispersed and persecuted all over the globe) for thousands of years.
“HBHA Teacher // Apr 12, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Shalom to all of you. I wanted to share with the Anon Parent (who as stated didn’t bother using a real name either) that during the reign of Dr. Holden, fear was the name of the game. It was common knowledge that he had spies, and that teachers were called into his office if they were overheard voicing dissent, and even threatened with their jobs. We also had to fill out confidentaility clauses that were “non binding” but ominous enough. I have no doubt that people using their names here will be dealt with in the Facist state that Dr. Holden runs. The School above all doesn’t mean the students, but the institution - as long as the wrapping was pretty,and there were photo ops, what happened to the students didn’t matter. We lived in fear that we would lose our jobs over nothing, and the “yes men” were the ones who got promoted.
To all that post here, continue to do so, and stay annonymous for your sake and the sake of your children. Its just safer that way - trust me I know!”
MS WEBER: DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR OR RING A BELL? IT SOUNDS ALL TOO FAMILIAR TO US
58 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:26 pm
It is apparent that history is repeating itself.
Ms. Weber is not going to comment because she too must live in fear of the dictatorial ruler.
Teachers of Hillel - Fear no more - Come to the meeting on June 6th. Do not let any other school event or offering deter you from what you know is your calling.
By the way, is Holden in Kansas now? He seemed to have disappeared - - even with meetings scheduled on his calendar - -
Strange huh?
59 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:28 pm
We will take this school back! Make no mistake!
60 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 9:33 pm
“BOARD MEMBERS: LISTEN!!!!!
The parents are telling you that we DO NOT want a Pinecrest, we DO NOT want your idea of excellence, we DO NOT want a non-Jew running our school. We DO want a solid Jewish education for our children, and we have confidence that the education they receive will also lead to success in the secular world. We DO want our children to be taught and led by Jewish role models who teach them, not only math and social studies, but how to be honest, responsible, generous, caring, kind to others. WE WANT OUR JEWISH SCHOOL AND JEWISH VALUES BACK!!!”
“For those who do not want this, please go to Pinecrest and University School.
The Board is seriously misguided. They are taking our strength - our precious Torah and the writings of our great sages - and are delagating them to second tier importance”
Joanne Papir took one kid out and placed him in Pinecrest. Why doesn’t she just join the board there instead?
61 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 10:35 am
…and so many more have done the same.
62 In all fairness... // May 16, 2007 at 1:57 pm
It is one thing for teachers to post anonymously on this web site.
It is a far different matter to stand up at a public meeting and speak one’s mind, especially when one needs to worry about feeding one’s family.
What can we do to protect the teachers who are courageous enough to speak at the June 6 meeting? They’ve already been threatened by Druin that they’d better not speak up. How can we protect the teachers from what might be waiting for them on June 7?
This is a question that must be answered concretely, or I can tell you for sure that not one teacher will get up and speak.
63 merry // May 17, 2007 at 11:28 am
If we could we would!
64 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 8:50 pm
G-d Willing - there will be enough parents at this meeting that teachers may provide them with the information to disseminate.
65 Icecube // May 18, 2007 at 6:51 pm
There is hope!
66 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Spread the word to SAVE HILLEL!
67 bambi // May 19, 2007 at 9:43 pm
We gotta try harder here folks!
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