Save Hillel

72 responses so far ↓

• 1 Another Teacher // May 16, 2007 at 9:03 am

  Here! Here!

• 2 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 9:11 am

  It’s time for them to go

• 3 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 10:33 am

  A standing ovation for our teachers.

  You are the very core of what has always made HILLEL special and you are the reason we have stayed…..and Now YOU ARE THE REASON WE HAVE EMBARKED ON THIS MISSION TO SAVE HILLEL!!

  Make no mistake, we the parents have fire in our hearts for you and your efforts and will not be blinded by any eloquence, deception, incompetance, and the lack of integrity, caring, or heart exhibited by the Head of School or the Associate Head of School - Judaic. We, unlike the board, will NOT and cannot be fooled.

  For the love of our teachers, for the love of our school, and most importantly for the love of our children,we will prevail!

• 4 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 11:19 am

  ATTENTION TEACHERS:

  YOUR PRESENCE AND WORDS WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE AT THE MEETING ON JUN 6:

  Significant parents have requested that teachers come to the open board meeting - - it is imperative that teachers open their mouths to make two things crystal clear if we are to push a new agenda and regime change through:

  1.Teachers need to state emphatically at this meeting that THE TEACHER EVALUATION PROCESS THAT WAS CONDUCTED WAS AN UNETHICAL ONE as it violated Best Practices as cited by all the research put for by the ERIC database, a research repository that it under the auspices the US Department of Education

  2. Teachers should strongly urge THAT A SLOT FOR TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD BE CREATED. Parents would like teacher representatives to join them on the board but they would like for teachers to initiate the request.

  _____________________________
  BEST PRACICES FOR TEACHER EVALUATIONS IN A NUTSHELL:

  1. Teachers are supposed to have input in the way the evaluation process is designed– They didn’t.

  2. The people conducting the evaluations are supposed to be knowledgeable in the specific subject area of the teacher they are evaluating–They weren’t.

  3. It is imperative that pre and post conferences take place–They didn’t.

  4 FORMAL evaluations require the evaluator to observe the class for the ENTIRE DURATION OF THE CLASS PERIOD–This did not happen.
  (Walking in for 5-20 minutes does NOT constitute a formal observation–such a short span of observation constitutes an INFORMAL evaluation.)

  5. Being FORMALLY evaluated for 15 consecutive days (never mind informal observations conducted during the year) by so many different administrators (especially by ones who were non-renewed or demoted or removed from their current positions) is unheard of in any reputable institution of learning in this country. I challenge someone to prove otherwise.

  6. A couple administrators who knew this process was not the proper way to conduct evaluations but were too afraid to defy the dean informed a couple of us that they were instructed not to give anyone above the score of a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5 –5 being the highest–so that we wouldn’t take the scoring personally. So what’s the purpose then?

  Doesn’t it make Hillel look bad to employ teachers who are all merely 3’s on a scale of 1 to 5?

  7. When teachers were upset with their scores, several complained to the evaluators and had their scores raised. What a joke.

  8. A formal evaluation of a teacher is supposed to evaluate the pedagogical efficacy of the instructor in a classroom setting–in other words, “can this person teach or not”–it is not supposed to score a teacher on the manner that he keeps his attendance records. Such minutia and irrelevant factors were included in the overall rating of the teacher.

  9. The firings had no correlation to the ratings of the evaluations. Some teachers with 5’s got fired. Some with lower scores were kept.
  Since the ratings were arbitrary to begin with, however, this fact is immaterial.

  It, therefore, stands to reason that personal agendas prevailed in the firings since there was no easily discernable correlation between who got fired and the rating he or she received.

  Since every aspect of the evaluations conducted was certainly unethical, it stands to reason that the purpose of this farce was to intimidate and harass teachers. And the administration indeed succeeded, for the most part, in intimidating the majority of teachers.

• 5 Akiva Cohen // May 16, 2007 at 12:47 pm

  If you want to understand “love of Hillel” and the reason I have it, and the reason I’ve always come back to visit when I get a chance to be in Miami - watch this video (which was made for my brother’s class reunion):

  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1917615463796330046

  That is the essence of the Hillel I remember, the essence of what Hillel should be.

• 6 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 1:19 pm

  Thankfully, the teachers are no longer intimidated now that the parents and alumni have stepped up for them.

  It’s time for everyone to step up now and take this school back!

  Please attend the June 6th open board meeting.

  We will prevail.

• 7 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.

• 8 A TEACHER // May 16, 2007 at 3:26 pm

  “In all fairness” is correct. I, and several of my colleagues plan to attend June 6th, but our presence alone is considered by many of us to be a dangerous action. There’s no way that teachers can speak out at the meeting! The most we can hope for is that by attending in mass, albeit a silent mass, our presence will make the point that we care about the school and that more than anything else we want to “save Hillel”.

• 9 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 3:27 pm

  There are some (including parents) who are courageous enough to voice these sentiments but if teachers don’t stand up and back them up then they’re not going to do it. You can’t leave people to hang out to dry.

  Parents can do it all by themselves. They need teachers to echo what they’re saying.

  If you’re tired of being a victim and being abused now is your chance. If you realize that it’s one teacher gone today and maybe you’re gone next April, then now is your chance. If you don’t stand up for each other and for yourselves now, who will be around to stand up for you next April?

  It’s now or never.

  Don’t rely on the alumni to fight this battle again next April. They’ve already gone above and beyond the call of duty.

  Don’t expect people to save you if you’re willing to do very little to save yourselves.

  A parent may speak first but you need to speak too. Otherwise you’re stuck with Druin and Holden for a long, long time. You make the choice.

• 10 Anon // May 16, 2007 at 3:33 pm

  A large teacher presence in and of itself will speak volumes.

• 11 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 3:58 pm

  First, it must be ascertained whether teachers will be permitted to actively participate in this meeting at all.

  When a teacher asked to run for the board, that individual was never contacted about whether or not running for a slot was even possible.

  What is the protocal for the meeting?

• 12 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 4:00 pm

  Perhaps teachers need to form a union. Private institutions do have unions.

• 13 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 4:03 pm

  Getting a slot on the board might be a good first step in ensuring teachers will protected in the future from the arbitrary whims of the dictator of the moment

  baby steps

  Help those who are trying to help you

• 14 In all fairness... // May 16, 2007 at 4:07 pm

  “There are some (including parents) who are courageous enough to voice these sentiments but if teachers don’t stand up and back them up then they’re not going to do it. You can’t leave people to hang out to dry.”

  That’s not fair to say. You expect teachers to risk their entire careers to be heard, and equate it with parents who are risking… what exactly ARE the parents risking?

  No, the parents must speak on behalf of the teachers.

• 15 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 4:08 pm

  Well if they don’t, good luck to you

• 16 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 4:14 pm

  Teachers would probably be willing to discuss
  SACS Sandard 5.7 :

  There is an appropriate system of employee evaluation and assessment that includes confidentiality for
  each staff evaluation or assessment.

  SACS Standard 9.2:
  Communications among and between school staff, stakeholders, and alumni are clear and effective.
  and

  SACS Standard 3.3 :
  The school complies with all applicable statutes and governmental regulations.

• 17 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 4:50 pm

  All this preparation is wonderful assuming that the board is going to afford the parents the opportunity to speak and voice their concerns.

• 18 mental health // May 16, 2007 at 4:51 pm

  Agreed.

• 19 a teacher // May 16, 2007 at 4:56 pm

  I hope Avi Frier will be at the meeting. They wouldn’t dare try anything illegal or immoral while the press was there. He’s not stupid.

• 20 sara // May 16, 2007 at 5:01 pm

  RE: post #15: To anonymous underlined and everyone reading these posts:

  The Board, not the teachers, should be looking into/discussing these issues. Not to be taken lightly.

  Additional Information from SACS: Nonpublic School Standards for Accreditation.

  RE: Middle School Composition. In light of Duke University research (February 2007) re: grade 6 being part of middle school

  3.10. The administrative head of school promotes the use of relevant data and research in making curriculum, instructional, and organizational decisions.

  RE: Teacher Evaluations
  5.7. There is an appropriate system of employee evaluation and assessment that includes confidentiality for each staff evaluation or assessment.

  RE: Adam Holden
  5.11. Professional ethics are strictly observed in hiring practices.

  RE: Our Current State of Affairs
  9.2. Communications among and between school staff, stake holders, and alumni are clear and effective.

  RE: Vision for Hillel: A “Pinecrest-type” School or a Jewish Community Day School (with the high academic standards—both secular and Judaic– we have always had). RE: personal agendas and behavior toward alumni

  The governing authority establishes policies to ensure no conflict of interest between duties to business, professional or parental roles and duties to the school.

• 21 In all fairness... // May 16, 2007 at 5:16 pm

  “Well if they don’t, good luck to you”

  No, good luck to the students and teachers of Hillel.

  They are the ones who will suffer.

  I am not a teacher. I was involved with the school in the past, but I haven’t been involved in nearly 10 years. My only interest here is in pointing out the obvious.

  “I hope Avi Frier will be at the meeting. They wouldn’t dare try anything illegal or immoral while the press was there. He’s not stupid.”

  Do they have to allow him to be there? He’s not a ‘member’ and the bylaws don’t say anything about outsiders being permitted at the annual meeting.

  FYI: Technically, the bylaws don’t necessarily allow teachers to be there either.

• 22 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 6:42 pm

  We are all members of the community and entitled to be there.

  Those who care should be there.

  I’m concerned with the Election Results…are they going to be tabulated fairly? Who is in charge?

• 23 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 6:48 pm

  “I am not a teacher. I was involved with the school in the past, but I haven’t been involved in nearly 10 years. My only interest here is in pointing out the obvious.”

  Anyone who was involved in the school in the past and has dedicated some of the best years of his or her life for the betterment of the Hillel family (i.e former parents, teachers, administrators who STILL care) is more than entitled to be at the meeting.

  They have EARNED the right.

  (I know for a fact that several of our former teachers, administrators, and parents are reading this blog religiously because they still care.)

• 24 In all fairness... // May 16, 2007 at 6:58 pm

  “I’m concerned with the Election Results…are they going to be tabulated fairly? Who is in charge?”

  Here’s what the bylaws say:

  3. Ballots
  The Nominating Committee shall prepare ballots and adopt election procedures such as verifying Members’ status, distributing ballots, counting votes, etc., which procedures shall be in accord with the compiled Laws of the State of Florida and the rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.

  So, here’s what RRO has to say about voting by ballot:

  Voting by Ballot. The main object of this form of voting is secrecy, and it is resorted to when the question is of such a nature that some members might hesitate to vote publicly their true sentiments. Its special use is in the reception of members, elections, and trials of members and officers, as well as in the preliminary steps in both cases, and the by-laws should require the vote to be by ballot in such cases. Where the by-laws do not require the vote to be by ballot, it can be so ordered by a majority vote, or by general consent. Such motions are undebatable. Voting by ballot is rarely, if ever, used in legislative bodies, but in ordinary societies, especially secret ones, it is habitually used in connection with elections and trials, and sometimes for the selection of the next place for the meeting of a convention. As the usual object of the ballot is secrecy, where the by-laws require the vote to be taken by ballot any motion is out of order which members cannot oppose without exposing their views on the question to be decided by ballot. Thus, it is out of order to move that one person cast the ballot of the assembly for a certain person when the by-laws require the vote to be by ballot. So, when the ballot is not unanimous it is out of order to move to make the vote unanimous, unless the motion is voted on by ballot so as to allow members to vote against it in secrecy.

  In some cases black balls and white ones and a ballot box are provided for voting, where the question can be answered yes or no. The white ball answers yes, and the black one no. But in ordinary deliberative assemblies the ballots are strips of paper upon which are printed, or written, yes or no, or the names of the candidates, as the case may be. These ballots are first distributed and are afterwards collected by tellers, either by being dropped into a hat or box by the members, who remain in their seats, or by the members coming to the ballot box and handing their folded ballot to a teller, who deposits it in the ballot box. In the latter case it is necessary for the tellers to see that no member votes twice, which in large societies can be best done by checking off the names from a list of members as the ballots are deposited. The ballots should usually be folded so that if more than one is voted by the same person the tellers will detect it in unfolding the ballot. In satisfying themselves that only one ballot is voted, the vote may be exposed if the ballot is not folded.

  When every one appears to have voted, the chair inquires, “Have all voted who wish to?” and if there is no response he says, “The polls are closed,” whereupon the tellers proceed to count the ballots. If in unfolding the ballots it is found that two have been folded together, both are rejected as fraudulent. A blank piece of paper is not counted as a ballot and would not cause the rejection of the ballot with which it was folded. All blanks are ignored as simply waste paper, and are not reported, the members who do not wish to vote adopting this method of concealing the fact. Small technical errors, like the misspelling of a word, should not be noticed if the meaning of the ballot is clear. For instance, if at the trial of a member a ballot was written “guilty,” every one knows what was intended. In all cases where the name on the ballot sounds like the name of one of the candidates it should be so credited. If a ballot is written “Johnson,” or “Johnston,” or “Johnstone,” it should be credited to the candidate whose name is one of these: but if there are two candidates with these names and no eligible member with the name on the ballot, it must be rejected as illegal, or reported to the chair, who will at once submit the question to the assembly as to whom the ballot should be credited. If these doubtful ballots will not affect the result, the tellers may make their full report without asking for instructions in regard to them, placing these doubtful votes opposite the exact name as written on the ballot. Votes for ineligible persons and fraudulent votes should be reported under the heading of “Illegal Votes,” after the legal votes. When two or three filled-out ballots are folded together they are counted as one fraudulent vote. The names of the candidates should be arranged in order, the one receiving the highest number of legal votes being first. In reporting the number of votes cast and the number necessary for election, all votes except blanks must be counted. Suppose the tellers find 100 ballot papers, 4 of which are blank. 1 contains two filled-out ones folded together, and 50 are cast for a person who is ineligible because of having held the office as long as permitted by the constitution: the tellers’ report should be in this form:

  Number of votes cast…………………. 96
  Necessary for election……………….. 49
  Mr. A received………………………. 37
  Mr. B received……………………….. 8
  Illegal Votes.

  Mr. C (ineligible) received…………… 50
  One ballot containing two for Mr. D, folded
  together, rejected as fraudulent…….. 1
  The teller first named, standing, addresses the chair, reads the report and hands it to the chairman, and takes his seat, without saying who is elected. The chairman again reads the report of the tellers and declares who is elected. In the case just given he says there is no election, stating the reason. If no one is elected, it is necessary to ballot again, and to continue balloting until there is an election. The chairman should always vote in case of a ballot Should he fail to do so before the polls are closed. he cannot then do it without the permission of the assembly. When the tellers report, they should hand the ballots to the secretary, who should retain them until it is certain that the assembly will not order a recount which is within its power to do by a majority vote.

• 25 In all fairness... // May 16, 2007 at 7:11 pm

  The Washington Jewish Week just posted this story about the hiring of Beverly Buncher in their neck of the woods:

  http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=7154&TM=52527.73

• 26 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 7:34 pm

  Who tallies the votes?

  I don’t trust some of the people on this board as far as I can throw them.

• 27 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 9:23 pm

  …and yes, another wonderful school has landed one of our administrators - - …and they have recognized and hired her for her strengths and connection to Judaism….

  WOW

• 28 mental health // May 16, 2007 at 9:32 pm

  you can say that again!

• 29 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 11:43 pm

  The votes are tallied by a 3rd party auditor

• 30 Mindy // May 16, 2007 at 11:48 pm

  Avi Frier does not have to be in the room (if he is not welcomed). He can be outside the door, in the parking lot, etc. Many many people will make certain he “hears” what he needs to hear and “sees” what he needs to see.

• 31 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 12:25 am

  For the Love of G-d, of course Avi should be there!

  We don’t permission to take the school back.
  We’re just doing it!!!

• 32 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:19 am

  Parents should know that most of the new teachers that are being considered for middle and high school are not certified.The public schools wouldn’t hire them.

• 33 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:25 am

  Parents are worried about the qualified teacher shortage

• 34 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:34 am

  Which teachers, specifically, are you referring to? Those who are there or new ones who are applying?

• 35 Michael Newman // May 17, 2007 at 9:42 am

  If teachers will not back up what parents are saying or even speak first and allow the parents to back you up, this whole thing is going to fail. Teachers are taking for granted that parents are up to speed on all the issues. That is certainly not the case. Just because you read what is going on daily on this website does not mean that parents do the same. Actually, I would guess that they probably don’t, and therefore, they don’t know all the issues. Taking my assumption as true, how are the parents by themselves going to speak on your behalf without knowing all the issues? It’s time for teachers to FINALLY display their outrage publically to get the parents to understand personally the predicament. Teachers have to get the parents to WANT to help them by telling sympathetic stories and portraying all the absurdity that is going on like how money is being spent. After all, it is the parents’ money and I am SURE they would rather it go to hiring excellent teachers than building up a new administrative office.

• 36 Michael Newman // May 17, 2007 at 9:50 am

  Also, if it is true that Teachers are being told not to attend the meeting and to keep quiet, I think 20 parents should call the school (I say 20 because it seems like we got at least this many signatures to get our nominees on the slate) and ask whether teachers have been told this, and to express their outrage at the fact that teachers are not being allowed to speak up. The more the school realizes that this is public knowledge, the less the school will try to blatantly intimidate the teachers. Perhaps a threat from these parents that if teachers are fired because of their role at this meeting, they will remove their kids from the school as they do not want to support an institution that uses intimidation tactics and has a lack of intergrity at its foundation. These are not lessons to teach one’s kids.

• 37 merry // May 17, 2007 at 3:16 pm

  anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:19 am

  Parents should know that most of the new teachers that are being considered for middle and high school are not certified.The public schools wouldn’t hire them.

  This needs to be said again and again! A certified teacher is costs more BUT is qualified to teach and has taken teaching classes and behavior management classes and diversity recognition classes and learning strategies…and has had to work hard to get a certificate. We are always up-grading to meet the students needs.

  Uncertified teachers are not certified because:
  1. They have never taken a teaching class or HAVE NOT PASSED the State Exam.

  2. Are in career change mode and are studying for the tests (not taken yet).

  3. Have certification in another State but it is not yet transfered (this is dicy but Florida gives them a year to get the provisional).

  4. Sometimes they do not have a college degree.

  5. Sometimes they have lost certification for a variety of reasons…

  Go figure.

  Merry

• 38 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 4:06 pm

  99 a teacher // May 17, 2007 at 8:01 am

  Judy Dach, who brought us the scholar from the Maharishi University and the one from the other unacredited school must be voted off the board. Who knows what else she has in mind for the students, parents, and teachers of Hillel. Let’s get someone who can make a positive difference. We don’t have to bring in professionals from all around the world. We have them right here. We need board members who can recognize the Jewish talent in their own midst.

• 39 Mindy // May 17, 2007 at 4:20 pm

  Do you have absolute proof re: the lack of certification? This is a serious issues..one which falls under SACS. Throughout the years, Hillel HAS employed new-to-Florida teachers…those certified in another state. There is NO transfer of certification..no reciprocity. These new-to-our-state teachers must meet State of Florida requirements: apply for a temporary certificate, complete a specified number of courses (each application is reviewed individually), and pass state exams– all within a specified period of time. The high school has also employed those with college and/or university teaching experience. Hillel has considered these candidates in light of their POTENTIAL to work with adolescents. Having a master’s in a field (e.g., math, history) and experience in teaching the subject at the college/university level does not mean the person will be an effective high (or middle) school teacher. The same certification steps apply…. those coming from college/university level must adhere to Florida Department of Education steps to earn certification for middle or high school.

• 40 In all fairness... // May 17, 2007 at 4:37 pm

  This is what Holden does. He saves schools big bucks by firing veterans and hiring kids fresh out of college who haven’t had time to get certified, so they know they’re going to get paid less.

  From the Florida Jewish News:

  “Holden was praised by supporters in Kansas City for balancing the school’s budget; according to the school’s IRS filings from 2003, his efforts brought the school’s payroll from $2.3 million to $1.9 million, an unprecedented 18% decrease in human resource expenses. “

• 41 It's not always the number of years that makes the difference..... // May 17, 2007 at 5:17 pm

  Let me share my story:

  I was hired by Hillel with no teaching experience but a strong, newly discovered passion for teaching after working for many years in related fields.

  I replaced a teacher new to Hillel but who had taught for many years. She couldn’t handle the Hillel students.

  I stuck out the very difficult year with some successes, some failures.

  At the end of the year, I was not invited back because, I was told, the school needed teachers with more experience.

  Can you imagine trying to find a job after that?

  I was blessed by a principal at another local school who saw a spark in me. In the positive, supportive atmosphere at that school, I thrived and grew. Within two years I was not only a beloved and respected teacher, receiving accolades from both students and parents, but was given leadership opportunities as grade level chair and department chair. I also completed not only the requirements for Florida Professional Certification, but also a Masters degree. I was sent to leadership conferences from which I brought back wonderful ideas that I introduced and implemented at my school. My well-managed classroom is alive with differentiated instruction, exciting projects, integration of technology, and students living up to high expectations. I received a perfect rating on my most recent observation, and my students perform at extraordinarily high levels on standardized tests.

  I share all of this, not to toot my own horn, but for your consideration.

  How many excellent teachers has Hillel non-renewed because of their unwillingness to mentor or for politically motivated reasons?

  Although I was initially very angry with my non-renewal, I now see that it was a gift.

  Unfortunately, it was Hillel’s loss.

• 42 ivory tower // May 17, 2007 at 6:49 pm

  I too am saddened by the lack of renewal. Last in First out or politics.

  I was at another school a few years ago where there was a really excellent teacher who the kids loved who was not renewed and was replaced by a teacher-aide, the reason that person was given was that that person had taken off too much time for a funeral.
  She has not worked as a teacher since. She had signed a non-compete and it doesn’t expire for another two years. She is working with an accountant as an assistant, and she is totally p.o’d.

  In other words, sometimes you get shafted and sometimes you get lucky #38.

• 43 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 7:06 pm

  It’s true that there are veteran teachers who are burnt out and should not be teaching anymore and there are new teachers who are nothing short of amazing.

  What makes a great teacher is passion; passion for their subject, passion for sharing it with students, passion for helping students realize their potential, passion for helping children grow up to be respectable citizens (and in our case, good Jews).

  Hillel’s problem is in making judgments based on the politics of the moment, as evidenced by the non-renewal of some of the most passionate teachers in our school.

• 44 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 7:23 pm

  Just because someone has taught and is a veteran teacher does not make that individual synonymous with being a burnt out teacher. As a matter of fact, research indicates that those veteran teachers are the best mentors of the new teachers. The team approach creates unprecedented opportunities for the old and the new to exchange. The veterans to mentor the new and the new to bring new ideas to the table. Additionally, through professional development, veterans stay current and up to date with the latest and greatest in their respective fields and specialties.

  What defines a burnt out teacher? One who does not cowtow to the parents when their child does not thrive or attain straight “A’s”

  Or is it that perhaps the child is not up to standard or have the ability to handle the dual curriculum.

  You see, Hillel is not for everyone - a dual curriculum presents challenges for teachers but also for the students. It is easy to blame the teacher and the school but harder to realize that perhaps, your child is of issue and cannot handle the rigor.

  Let it be said that our veteran teachers are excellent - and far from burnt out - - perhaps they have been burnt and disrespected by the administration and, at times, students and their parents. Just because someone is a veteran does not make them Burnt OUT.

  There is an intrinsic value to incumbents who understand the system and the art of delivering curriculum in a dual curriculum environment.

  Our NEW TEACHERS WERE INEXPERIENCED AND NOT QUALIFIED for this environment. Read the website - - I believe this was very prevalent in the Elementary School.

  …and until these parents understand these concepts - they really should not continue to comment on the abilities or capabilities of our FINE PROFESSIONAL FACULTY (with the exception of a few new ones who will NOT be returning next year).

• 45 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 7:33 pm

  Do not judge teachers based on their years of experience:

  Young teachers have something to offer as do veteran teachers. Judge the teacher as an individual. New teachers with potential should be mentored. Veteran teachers who are effective should be cherished.

• 46 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 7:34 pm

  anonymous with a lower case

  i hope we all can meet you some day

• 47 Another Teacher // May 17, 2007 at 8:30 pm

  Teachers are taking for granted that parents are up to speed on all the issues. That is certainly not the case. Just because you read what is going on daily on this website does not mean that parents do the same.

  Parents are astounded when I tell them of things happening on campus.

  Many do not read the blog or have dismissed the blog as not being credible because that’s what the administrators or board members have told them; they become extremely dismayed when they learn from an actual teacher’s mouth that all that has been reported here is indeed true.

  The only way parents can help teachers is if the teachers inform them of what is happening.

  Many parents care and do want to help.

• 48 merry // May 17, 2007 at 8:42 pm

  more than you know!

• 49 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 8:47 pm

  Teachers, Parents, Alumni - - -

  EVERYONE NEEDS TO SPREAD THE WORD! EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS WITH THE LINK.

  TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

• 50 ivory tower // May 17, 2007 at 8:49 pm

  This mess is enough to make me feel ill at times; I seem to be running through the pepcid ac pretty quickly!

• 51 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 8:50 pm

  many of us have been ill from this - -

  BUT IT IS A MOST WORTHY CAUSE!

  KEEP THE FAITH!

• 52 Mindy // May 17, 2007 at 8:58 pm

  to post #48: Do you mean LOTS of parents want to help? Or do you mean parents need more information?

• 53 ivory tower // May 17, 2007 at 9:24 pm

  I would, in a naive sense, have thought that hard work and good results equal a contract.

  :^(

• 54 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:34 pm

  Mindy: I mean that every time you tell even ONE more parent what is truly going on that’s ONE more parent you’ve won over to our side and ONE more parent who will vote a new board in.

  At the end of the day, every single ONE of those votes adds up not to mention the fact that those parents tell their friends who tell their friends and so on and so forth..

  The board members have a lot of good friends. Their friends naturally believe what they’re told. Why wouldn’t they?

  But when teachers privately and discreetly begin to open their eyes, they become very dismayed.

  Get the word of mouth out there. The most powerful word of mouth comes from the teachers themselves. They are the most credible people around. If they are silent, then parents really think there’s nothing wrong. Many parents believe that now that the 3 have been re-hired, everything is fine again.

  There are others who know better and are fighting to make big changes. Help them help you.

  We are all in this together and everyone must do his share. No risk, no gain.

  June 6th is around the corner. Spread that word. Nothing is more powerful than word of mouth.

• 55 Mindy // May 17, 2007 at 9:52 pm

  #54: Thank-you. I have spoken to some…will speak to more……..

• 56 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:14 pm

  Great!!

• 57 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 12:46 pm

  The lies that were told to the board about specific teachers are astounding. Some of the board members still believe them to be true!

• 58 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 2:42 pm

  It is unbelievable - - continue to spread the word and provide the link for all to see.

• 59 bambi // May 18, 2007 at 4:22 pm

  Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 12:46 pm

  The lies that were told to the board about specific teachers are astounding. Some of the board members still believe them to be true!

  What lies, specificially?

  Defamation of Character is illegal and can result in action.

• 60 Icecube // May 18, 2007 at 6:48 pm

  Tell us!

• 61 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:57 pm

  Forget defamation of character - the violation of the State Statute by the Head of School of Chapter 817 - Fraudulent Practices - Statute 817.567 Making false claims of academic degree or title.–

  The following is the consequence for such acts:
  (3)(a) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

  (b) In addition to any penalty imposed under paragraph (a), a violator shall be subject to any other penalty provided by law, including, but not limited to, suspension or revocation of the violator’s license or certification to practice an occupation or profession.

  This is abominable and the board just turns their head! They are guilty of gross negligence in the action of due diligence validating the information provided on the resume of Holden.

  Is this how they validate information and perform background checks of individuals working with our children?

• 62 bambi // May 19, 2007 at 9:40 pm

  I know I was back-ground checked out the yin-yang when I applied to Hillel to work. I even had to show my diplomas, I took that as evidence of a thorough process and was pleased to do so.

  I have a double B.A., teacher certification, and a lot of classes and seminars to polish my teacher “apple”…
  I would never in ten million years dream in my worst dreams of claiming something that was not true.

  Ethics…ethics…ethics…

  So what happened with the Big Bad Wolf?

• 63 Baa Baa Black Sheep // May 19, 2007 at 11:06 pm

  whose afraid of the big bad wolf

  You know, he never looks at anyone.

• 64 Hillel Teacher for 25 years // May 20, 2007 at 2:20 pm

  Rabbi Druin must go he is the one who stand behind all the problems in Hillel.

• 65 Hillel Teacher for 25 years // May 20, 2007 at 2:21 pm

  Druin is a fake he must leave Hillel before it’s too late for us.

• 66 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 3:31 pm

  This sentiment is unanimous.

  Rabbi Druin..take a hint and walk away……..

• 67 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 3:46 pm

  He probably doesn’t want to - - who would hire him - - he has No CREDENTIALS.

  ….AND THE OTHER ONE HAS FAKE CREDENTIALS AND IS A FRAUD.

  WHAT A COMBO!

• 68 Anon // May 20, 2007 at 3:59 pm

  why did our school pay so much money to move him down here

• 69 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 4:06 pm

  Apparently because they don’t think there’ s a soul in this country who CAN DO what he CAN’T DO.

  This is the second administrator we imported from another country who failed us miserably. The last time at least someone had enough brains to tell the person to leave right away. Why are we waiting so long to dismiss this one? It’s time for Druin to go now.

  We don’t need administrators to be imported from S. Africa or Australia. We’ve got qualified people right here.

• 70 Mindy // May 20, 2007 at 5:07 pm

  The mind frame is “the further away (geograhically), the better the person must be. ” Same with bringing in people to lead teacher workshops. Spend big bucks to fly people in and house them. Wine them and dine them. Ignore local resources, and even worse, ignore resources at Hillel.

• 71 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 5:10 pm

  So long as the Head of School has his toys and trips - - it does not matter that the kids have no field trips

  All work, no fun. What kind of nurturing environment is that? Show us the research!

• 72 Another Teacher // Jun 1, 2007 at 5:47 pm

  Excerpts of Adam Holden’s Friday Message:

  “Those who attended Wednesday’s high school graduation will testify to just how wonderful the event was.

  The Class of 2007 is a fine group of students and the product of the genuine partnership between school and parent.

  The significant achievements of this senior class would not be possible without the support of the students’ passionate Jewish families. By choosing to instill the values of a strong Jewish education across both general academics and Judaic studies, you as parents have invested well in the future of your children and also in the future of the Jewish community. Thank you for affording us the honor of partnering with you. ”

  HAS ANYONE NOTICED A CONSCIPUOUS OMISSION?

  HAS ANYONE NOTICED THAT HOLDEN NEVER ONCE SAYS THANK YOU TO THE TEACHERS ?

  SO REVEALING!!!

  While the word “school” may IMPLY “teachers” and may imply that Holden deigns to include teachers in his thanks and praise, his word choice belies his true belief–namely that it is “the school” i.e. those who run the school (himself along with several of the current board members) who deserve the credit for partnering with parents to achieve these wonderful results.

  NO MENTION OF THE WORD TEACHER ANYWHERE…and therein lies the entire problem…teachers are NON ENTITIES.

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