Save Hillel

83 responses so far ↓

• 1 Anonymous // May 2, 2007 at 7:19 pm

  Mazel Tov. Parents start nominating !

• 2 Anonymous // May 2, 2007 at 7:37 pm

  I am so proud that the Board is inviting members of the parent body and interested parties to join in the process. Kudos to you Board Members!

• 3 In all fairness... // May 2, 2007 at 8:12 pm

  It’s important that we take into account a number of VERY important factors:

  1. There is no voting by proxy. The by-laws prohibit it. You must be there to vote.

  2. Before you book a babysitter, remember: There is only one vote per family, even if two people in the same family qualify to vote for 2 different reasons. It won’t help to try and stack the room with multiple voters from the same family.

  3. The above works both ways. Make sure that no one from the current establishment has a spouse in the audience voting from his/her seat.

  4. If you want to nominate someone for chair or vice-chair, it needs to be someone who has served on a standing committee of the school for a minimum of 2 years. According to the by-laws, here are the “standing committees”: Budget & Finance; Development; Trustees; Strategic Planning. You’ll need to find someone who has served on one of those for 2 years if you want to replace Rafa or Gil.

  5. At the meeting, nominees are permitted to speak in support of their nomination prior to the vote.

  6. It seems to me that Judy Dach has been secretary for an awfully long time. The by-laws say that other than the chair or vice chair, the limit for executive board members is 2 consecutive terms. Is she within the bounds? Or should she have been out a long time ago? Someone needs to look into that.

  7. Also on term limits: Board members not on the executive board can only serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. Make sure everyone is kosher there as well.

• 4 NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 11TH! // May 2, 2007 at 8:15 pm

  “Nominations by petition may be submitted to the Chairman or Secretary at least 25 days prior to the Annual Meeting (May 11, 2007). ”

  “The petition shall be signed by no fewer than 20 members in good standing and shall contain a statement by the nominee of his/her willingness to serve if elected”

  Parents you’ve got until May 11th to get petitions signed with 20 members supporting each candidate.

  If you don’t take an active role now, you have only yourselves to blame that you will have no role in the decision making process.

  I have a wish list of parents I’d personally like to see be nominated.

• 5 sara // May 2, 2007 at 8:33 pm

  To Nominations: Contact those parents on your wish list and/or people they know– people who can nominate them. Get the word out.

• 6 NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 11TH! // May 2, 2007 at 8:34 pm

  In progress…

• 7 NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 11TH! // May 2, 2007 at 8:38 pm

  ‘If you want to nominate someone for chair or vice-chair, it needs to be someone who has served on a standing committee of the school for a minimum of 2 years. According to the by-laws, here are the “standing committees”: Budget & Finance; Development; Trustees; Strategic Planning. You’ll need to find someone who has served on one of those for 2 years if you want to replace Rafa or Gil”

  You don’t want to replace Rafa. He’s listening.

  I’d like to see someone else move higher up in the ranks who’s already been on board for quite some time….

• 8 sara // May 2, 2007 at 8:42 pm

  Nomination: “In progress…” Way to go!

• 9 sara // May 2, 2007 at 8:48 pm

  Nomination: Re: the standing committess…are there lists of names…so people can know who is eligible… can the lists be posted here?

• 10 anonymous // May 2, 2007 at 9:14 pm

  Please note that this is a great step - -and yes, we need to move forward quickly to effectuate change.

  One thing should be noted - - this meeting is not the result of the blog or any other rumblings - “Following Hillel’s long tradition of open forum and parent involvement”

  This is the ONE AND ONLY ANNUAL PARENT MEETING that is required by the by-laws!

  We must make the best of it!

  This meeting will hopefully change the board composition - -however, it does not change the current events, the administration or atmosphere of the school. It allows us to take the first step to hopefully effectuate the rest of the changes we are all hoping and praying for.

  Carry one and move forward with lots of positive energy to accomplishing our goals!!!

• 11 NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 11TH! // May 2, 2007 at 9:14 pm

  Sara–I don’t understand your second question. Also, I don’t want to play my best cards to an entire audience. Not good strategy.

• 12 NOMINATIONS DUE MAY 11TH! // May 2, 2007 at 9:15 pm

  Changing the board composition is a step desperately needed–get new blood in there people!!!

• 13 sara // May 2, 2007 at 10:19 pm

  Nomination: Certainly I trust your strategy.

  My question is about the standing committees. Do we have a list of the name of each committee and its members?

• 14 sara // May 2, 2007 at 11:58 pm

  NOW is the time to follow the wonderful words of advice by Ex-Executive Board Member– Under We Can Build the Bridge Together –Post #123:

  “It was only a few years ago that another group of individuals were unhappy with the Board Members—just like you guys—so they found a way to get themselves on the Board—They were smart like you guys and read the By-Laws-the same By-Laws as now–they realized if they have parents sign election petitions they could get themselves on the Board and replace other board members—they had parlor meetings and served chocolate chip cookies—they camped out at the front gates and put petitions in front of car poolers.

  I know this, because I signed one of the petitions—I was visiting the School, and the lady with the petitions ambushed my car. She was so persuasive that I had little choice and signed– and she had quite a nice smile….get it? They weren’t afraid of repercussions—it was fair and square and pursuant to our by-laws. And by the way, I do remember the name on the petition that I signed—because the name had quite a symmetry to it and I had never had hear it before—it was Rafa Russ!—yep, the current President.

  And there was no election– a few of the existing Board member candidates on the recommended election slate then folded their tents and stepped aside– because no one wanted an election.

  So find some parents or alums that want to step-up and join the Board and run for office. That’s how you get every ones attention and that’s how you get action.”

• 15 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:45 am

  Additional assistance from the ex-exec board member is welcomed.

• 16 Upset Alum // May 3, 2007 at 9:47 am

  They like quoting the by-laws, how about the one that says the dean must be shomer shabbat. Why doesn’t anyone bring this up at the meeting? Everytime this goes unnoticed it is an insult to the people who started this school, like the Dennis family, Zemels, Kanners, Baltuchs, Schecks and any other families I forgot to mention. Can someone please give me an answer?

• 17 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 9:53 am

  We do not have a dean - the board cirucumvented this by-law by appointing a head of school. Therefore, the requirement of being Jewish and Shomer Shabbat becomes irrelevant as we do not have anyone in that role.

  Interesting huh? That is how they got around that requirement. It should not have been permissible - it was a BY LAW for a reason!

  ….. and the people who wrote it knew what they were doing when they they wrote them!

• 18 worried // May 3, 2007 at 9:57 am

  There’s nothing in the by-laws that says the dean has to be Jewish and/or Shomer Shabbat. Was that changed? Does anyone have a copy of the old by-laws?

• 19 Upset Alum // May 3, 2007 at 9:58 am

  They knew but I personally know a-lot of them and never dreamed in a hundred years that their beloved school where they sent their children would ever hire a non-Jewish dean, head of school or whatever. The people who made these cahnges are unehtical because if head of school means dean then they would give the title “The Man” to circumvent. I would like to look at the by laws if anybody know where I can find them.

• 20 Akiva Cohen // May 3, 2007 at 10:07 am

  Bylaws that have been amended can be re-amended. They can also be amended in ways that make them harder to change again. For example, if enough people were elected to the board who cared to do so, it should be possible to not only amend the bylaws to require that the dean, head of school, or any new position of equivalent or greater authority be shomer shabbos, but that an ammendment to that new bylaw can only be accomplished by, say, a supermajority vote of board members (like a 2/3 majority) or a majority of parents at the annual meeting.

  But it all needs to start with getting people on the board. Do those of you in Florida have people in mind for those spots? You need to get it together - and quickly (only 8 days to go). You also need to identify which board members you would want to keep (like, apparently, Rafa Russ). As Bob the Builder would say (sorry, young kids, can you tell? - time to get busy, such a lot to do . . .

• 21 Academic integrity is never a “non-issue”. // May 3, 2007 at 10:30 am

  Academic integrity is never a “non-issue”:

  If you want to verify Mr. Holden’s credentials (or lack there of) call the only certifying body of California Coast University since 2005:

  The Distance Education and Training Council in Washington DC. Ask Rachel Scheer, Information Specialist, if a “doctorate in education” from 2001 is or will ever be accredited.

  Her number is 202 234 5100 ext 100.

  When she tells you that degree will never be accredited by the US Office of Education (not now, nor retroactively), then you will know why this degree falls under the Florida Statute 817.567 (making false claims of academic title).

  This Statute has been a Florida Law for over ten years. You can google the online Florida Statutes and read it. Because someone’s lawyer says it doesn’t apply is mis information. (just as the “silly legal note” against the admin’s first ammendment rights is mis information)

  A law on the books is a law to be followed unless it is challenged in court and changed.

  You can call your House or State Legislator and ask about this law. You can also call the State of Florida Education Office in Tallahassee and ask to speak to their education lawyer.

  Oregon has the same law and it is punishable in both states as a misdemeanor in the first degree.

  You can also check the Dissertation Abstracts database, located through university libraries, for Mr. Holden’s dissertation: it is not there.

  Only scholarly works from accredited doctoral programs are accepted into this database. You would look under his name, and year of graduation.

  To further verify Mr. Holden’s credentials, you can call the Kansas Department of Education in Topeka.

  The number is 1 785 296 3201. Ask for teacher certification. You will find that Mr. Holden does not have a doctorate listed as a credential. If you ask if a doctorate would be accepted by their state from California Coast University 2001, they will tell you NO.

  Even though Mr. Holden was not hired because of a doctoral credential, and it was not a requirement for hire, he still violated Florida Statute 817.567 since he submitted the title of Ed.D.as a credential on his resume: hence fraud in this state.

  Now, parents and other stakeholders who would like leadership with true academic credentials can, as the very wise, former exec board member suggests, go into the parking lot and have petitions signed to appoint tribal leaders who can find a new chief, preferably one from “the tribe”.

  Academic integrity is never a “non-issue”.

• 22 In all fairness... // May 3, 2007 at 12:41 pm

  does ANYONE know what happened at this morning’s meeting???

• 23 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 2:07 pm

  According to SACS, academic integrity is a non issue as far as SACS is concerned

  As long as the Head of School has a Masters in Educational Supervision or Leadership, their requirements have been met

  They said to call a reporter or demand an open meeting with the board

• 24 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 2:07 pm

  SACS does not care about the fraudulent Ed.D

  Call Pat Wentz to verify yourself

• 25 What came out of the meeting this morning? Who Will Be Running Hillel Next Year? // May 3, 2007 at 3:14 pm

  Board Members, Please let us all know Which Prinicpals and Adminstrators Will be running our school next year? We hear there was a meeting this morning now its in the afternoon we haven’t heard anything yet. Please put this on the website. Who is in power for next year we really want to know.

• 26 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 3:21 pm

  Standard 3.3 of SACS calls for
  a member school to follow all state statutes:

  Violation of Florida Statutue 817.567 (making false claims of academic title) thereby violates Standard 3.3 of SACS.

  Did you inform Pat Wentz that the Head of School claims title from an institution unaccredited by CHEA and therefore the US Department of Education?

  Did you also inform Pat Wentz that California Coast University was cited by the US Senate and the General Accounting Office in 2004 for providing doctorates to under -qualified, under -educated individuals ?

  Did you call the Board of Education in Topeka Kansas and ask the credentials listed for this individual?

  If you did, you would find that a doctorate is not among his credentials and the Kansas Board of Education would never accept one from a regionally unaccredited institution.

  SACS most certainly would care about a fraudulent degree since in our state, it is a
  crime.

  SACS clearly cares about academic integrity: else they would not have a standard for Institutional Integrity.

• 27 sara // May 3, 2007 at 3:39 pm

  Thank-you for calling SACS. Pleas call SACS again…with this additional information. Also, approach from Florida law–misrepresentation— the false claims.

  And find out what Holden’s master degree is in. Is it in educational supervision or leadership?

  SACS recommends our asking for an open Board meeting. See posts under “ACT!”

• 28 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 4:20 pm

  I spoke to head honcho at SACS, Pat Wentz and told her all of this.

  Holden has a Masters in Education.

  I would imagine it’s in leadership or supervision.

• 29 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 4:27 pm

  Again, SACS does not care about Academic Integrity. Call the head honcho Pat Wentz yourself.

  This is an issue for the press or the board to deal with.

  They would only care if the Masters were fraudulent…and it’s not.

  It’s in education so I imagine it’s in Supervision or Leadership.

  Since you people are so unsatisfied, why don’t you call yourselves. Either do something or stop complaining.

• 30 Anonymous Parent // May 3, 2007 at 4:51 pm

  There was a future administrator at the circle at dismissal today talking to the kids & telling them he would be at Hillel next year. Anyone know anything about this?

• 31 anoymous // May 3, 2007 at 4:59 pm

  It came to our attention that Rabbi Saks a present middle school Judaics teacher had applied for the position of Assistant principal in both Middle and elementary school. He was turned down for both positions even though he has been a qualified principal in the past.

• 32 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:03 pm

  Unbelievable! His credentials were probably too good and he would not tolerate the totalitarian rule so he could not be hired. The only people apparently who are qualified are those who will can be controlled!

  Hopefully, there will be individuals requesting signatures for nominations tomorrow at drop off!!!!

• 33 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:06 pm

  As far as the Master’s degree of the current head of school:

  Masters in Education (School Administration) Washburn University Topeka, Kansas - 1996.

• 34 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:13 pm

  Masters in Education (School Administration) Washburn University Topeka, Kansas - 1996.

  Exactly. He satisfies SAC’s Requirements.

• 35 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:20 pm

  Academic fraud would clearly not be ignored by SACS. Academic integrity is a value at the forefront of any reputable education institution and/or accrediting agency. This is why the Dean of Admissions of MIT resigned immediately following the revelation that her credentials were fraudulent.

  Where do you think the information about the violation of the Non Public School Standard 3.3 came from ? This information came directly from SACS. You obviously did not provide Pat Wentz with all the appropriate information.
  Of course an individual with a Master’s degree could lead a school.

  What is at issue is the character of a leader who would cut corners to claim a degree that was not diligently earned.

  Moreover, what can one say about an individual who would not only list a doctorate on a resume from an unaccredited school, but would do so and boast about a perfect 4.00 gpa from such a program?

  Each state has its own educational statutes. Not every state has a statute like 817.56, but our school is in Florida and fortunately, our state does take academic integrity and its violation very seriously.

• 36 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:28 pm

  What other administrative decisions were unveiled today? These decisions were presented to and obviously accepted by the board members. Apparently, they accept whatever is dished their way. It is obvious they do not buck or question the “Head of School.”

  If they did, it would only stand to reason that the school would not be in this predicament and some of the decisions would not have been permitted!

  Wouldn’t you think?

• 37 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:28 pm

  WHAT DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND. I SPOKE TO THE HEAD OF SACS TODAY!!!!!! I EXPLAINED ALL OF THIS….YOU’RE REFUSING TO LISTEN

• 38 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:32 pm

  THEREFORE, PICK UP THE PHONE YOURSELF AND MAKE THE CALL. IT’S ANNOYING ALREADY

• 39 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:37 pm

  The previous posts are obviously responding to Post #34.

• 40 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:40 pm

  The way to affectuate change is to have a solution. SACS may not be it. Perhaps the state attorney or the Florida Department of Education is an alternative to explore.

  The solution is to make a change to the board. Gather those signatures and march on til election day.
  The solution is to speak up and be heard - - keep raising the issues.
  The solution is to get more and more parents involved.

• 41 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 6:50 pm

  “The solution is to get more and more parents involved.”

  YES!!

• 42 worried // May 3, 2007 at 6:54 pm

  I agree 100% with post #39.

  Having Holden brought up on fraud charges might remove a symptom, but it would do absolutely nothing for the cause.

  The focus needs to be on ousting the members of the current board who are bringing down the school, and replacing them with new blood.

  There is nothing more important than that right now. Get out there and gather those signatures!!!

• 43 worried // May 3, 2007 at 7:10 pm

  And another thing:

  Whoever keeps beating the dead horse of SACS, enough already!!!

  It has already been clearly stated that SACS doesn’t care. So quit arguing the point here. Call SACS if you don’t like it!

  But more importantly: what if SACS actually DID care? Or what if you could, with your ranting and raving, convince them to care? Is that really what we want?

  If Hillel loses SACS accreditation, all of our efforts here are for nothing. You can forget about our new slate of officers being able to accomplish anything because the school’s entire focus, instead of mending what the past few years have screwed up, will be to regain the SACS accreditation!

  We’re here to Save Hillel. If you insist on pissing off SACS, start your own web site. You can call it Destroy Hillel.

  Now let’s move on.

• 44 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 7:11 pm

  Worried:

  THANK YOU!!!! Ditto to all you’ve said.

• 45 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 7:13 pm

  Changing the board and getting more parents involved is the key.

• 46 Aviva // May 3, 2007 at 7:51 pm

  Yes, a board change and more parent involvement. BUT, if fraud has been committed , then we could get rid of Holden. Not as a SACS issue..not a threat to our accreditation, but a legal issue. It would be perceived as saving our school. Can we find out if fraud has been commited. Whom do we contact?

• 47 Anonymous Teacher // May 3, 2007 at 8:30 pm

  Aside from the religious issue, the fraudulent degree issue, the faulty evaluation issue, there’s one more issue that is clear and present…the way he spoke to our teachers. Board members have to care about that!

• 48 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 8:45 pm

  Unless someone has the gumption to call attorneys about this, I don’t see the point in further discussing it. All talk and no action is kind of ridiculous already.

• 49 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 8:58 pm

  Has anyone told the board how he spoke to teachers? I’ve told one…who have you told?

• 50 Anonymous Teacher // May 3, 2007 at 9:00 pm

  Anonymous: In regard to your question…no one…yet

• 51 mentalhealth // May 3, 2007 at 9:01 pm

  Sigh….

• 52 Anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 11:14 pm

  to anonymous teacher:

  The board members don’t care. Word is they are 100% behind Holden. Will not even consider any other opinions. Very scary.

• 53 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 11:31 pm

  The environment in which our teachers are functioning is unconscionable. They have been stifled. They are afraid to talk to anyone. They have been threatened on multiple occasions.

  The one and ONLY reason they have to live in the world of secrecy is because there is obviously something to hide. If there wasn’t then it would not make a difference if people were talking. This type of environment is for those who are doing inappropriate things.

  If things were appropriate, there would be no reason for people to be threatened.

  The teachers are treated disrespectfully. They are not being treated as the professionals they are. Our teachers are degreed professionals with years of experience. They have always provided a nurturing, encouraging, and warm environment for our children.

  Now the new administration is operating the school in a cold, distant manner. It is unwelcoming and unfriendly. The teachers are trying very hard to not allow this new environment to affect them or their classrooms. This is not a fortune 500 company - - this is A JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL.

  We must work together to restore the respect and dignity for our teachers. We must insist that administration treat them with the utmost respect. Without these teachers, you may as well lock the gates.

  A CHALLENGE TO THE BOARD - - SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT!

  Return our school to the wonderful, warm nurturing HILLEL family we once were and hire a new professional JEWISH caring administration to instill our traditional Torah and ETHICAL values as well as an excellent secular education.

• 54 TEACHERS - PLEASE COMMENT // May 3, 2007 at 11:36 pm

  I’ve been trying to figure out how it is that Holden has the Board so brainwashed despite all the issues that have been raised. Then it finally hit me. The people on the Board are mostly business people. They are thinking like business people. Balanced budget, fund raising goals reached…..A school is not a business. A school is about teaching and learning. The Board needs to hear more from teachers in order to know the effect he has had on the staff.

  Anonymous teacher - can you tell us more? Can you persuade other teachers to post anonymously so the Board can know the effect Holden has had on the staff and on teaching and learning?

• 55 sara-- Another challenge to the board // May 3, 2007 at 11:54 pm

  To post #54: It’s almost Shabbat. The past 2 Shabbats have brought new items to this site. You bring up a most interesting angle– business vs. a place of learning.

  To Post #53: Fraud has been committed. This is another challenge to the board: How can you deny/ignore this? What are you going to do about it?

• 56 anonymous // May 3, 2007 at 11:59 pm

  There is an almost robotic effect at the school. The staff and administrators are programed how to respond to comments, questions, etc. There is no longer a thought process. The responses are Adam said, Adam wants, this is the way Adam said it has to be.

  No one is left to think for themselves. This further contradicts a true academic environment, one in which there is free thinking and learning. ALL HAIL TO THE CHIEF.

  This is the effect this head of school has. How could it not affect our students and classrooms.

  Our faculty and staff are in fear of losing their employment (source of income) that they use to support their families. Their work days are being extended, their teacher work days have been removed from the calendar (even public schools have teacher work days). By the way, does this mean they will be paid substantially more money for extended hours? Are they provided breaks?

  There are not enough hours in a day as it is and Friday dismissal is being pushed back to 2pm. This is utterly ridiculous. Have they forgotten that parents work - - and 2:30 on Fridays was early enough but 2pm is way too early.

  This year school ended on Wednesdays at 3 instead of 3:40 and next year Fridays at 2 instead of 2:30. …..and, by the way, no more February vacations.

  These are only a few of the new calendar items.

  Other changes: the dress code is also modified in all 3 division- - no more light blue shirts are permitted - - this is no longer an acceptable color. ..oh, and no more purchasing from Target, Sears, Landsend, GAP, Old Navy etc as they are not APPROVED vendors of shirts that can be worn. All of this information is posted on the Hillel Website under the Back to School Link.

  This is no longer the school that we have known over the last 30 or so years. This is a new era - - perhaps a Communist Day School as a opposed to a Community Day School.

  You decide.

• 57 sara--- If it weren't so sad, it would be funny // May 4, 2007 at 12:13 am

  So, Post #56; I visited the Hillel website Back to School Link. . .

  Under Approved Dress for High School:

  “All accredited university/college sweatshirts”

  Anyone laughing?

• 58 Board Members we want a Change for next Year. // May 4, 2007 at 12:28 am

  Board Members,We need to see what we could do to make this school better. Did you ask your teachers how Rabbi Druen talks to them also? Between Rabbi Druen and Dr. Holden we need to make a change. We want a school that will be nice for all to come to and students will be happy to say they go to Hillel Community Day School. Parents call Board members and saywhat you need to say. Your calling will help. It will make a difference in your childrens education and school.

• 59 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 12:29 am

  Ironic - isn’t it???

• 60 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 12:35 am

  Rabbi Druin is quite disrespectful and rude. These actions are not only to teachers but to parents and visitors. He has no manners or social grace. He only talks to the big supporters. He does not waste his time with the common-folk.

  The teachers do not care for him or his mannerisms. Rabbi’s generally are respectful and command a presence. This is no the case here. Perhaps in the non-Jewish school where he served as the Jewish program administrator environment - this behaviour and these actions were acceptable. However, at our school - they are not acceptable and should not be tolerated.

  Usually administrators have higher credentials and experience.

  Unfortunately, this is not the case here. So was there any due diligence in the review of this Rabbi’s resume? Were his credentials validated and verified in the same manner as those of the infamous “Dr. Holden?”

  Would the board - please answer these questions???? Oh, perhaps not - -the Rabbi talks to the board - they are the “IN” group.

• 61 A TEACHER // May 4, 2007 at 6:58 am

  Dear anonymous#56- FYI- I want to assure you that not all teachers are programmed, mindless robots,quaking in their boots. I know of several teachers who have posted on this web site, and will continue to post- more than you can imagine. Some do chose to stay anonymous because they’re fearful of their jobs, but others chose to stay anonymous because they are professionals who feel that, although there’s a lot wrong with the current Hillel and we do want changes including a Jewish head of school, as PROFESSIONALS we feel it’s inappropriate to comment by name. We are salaried employees of Hillel. Many/most of us feel a strong commitment to Day school education in general, and to Hillel specifically. We’re certainly not here for the money. We’re here because we adore the kids (shout out to all the alumnae from this anonymous teacher who loves you and is soooooo proud of y’all), believe in the future of Day School community education, and really want to help with the current situation - but as professional teachers don’t know what to do without hurting the institution and the students.

  I’d like to repeat the suggestion made elsewhere on this site that when people post anonymously they just indicate if they’re a parent, student, teacher, alumnae, concerned community memeber, etc.

  Shabbat Shalom to all.

• 62 Anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 7:21 am

  Re post # 54:

  G0 back and read the blueprint to excellence update (it is under the archives on this site).

  It is almost all about financial considerations.

  Oh - except for this:

  “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.”

  Why the need for such a department in a school where Jewish values and studies were always infused infused into all areas? Isn’t that the reason we are here? Are they trying to tell us that something is going to change so as to make such a department necessary? BOARD MEMBERS - Please inform us why we all of a sudden need this department?

  Re post #57:

  Nothing surprises me anymore. The ironies of the whole situation are too much to believe.

  Re post #60:
  “He does not waste his time with the common-folk.”

  I can echo a similar experience when trying to speak with Rabbi Druin. He cut me off and seemed too busy to hear me out. More than once.

• 63 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 7:45 am

  Sara:

  You are right. Under cold weather, the Hillel Dress Code allows:

  “All accredited university/college sweatshirts”

  I guess the board did care about academic integrity at one time. Now they appear more concerned with justifying why they hired two head administrators who hope for global warming…

• 64 Teachers Speak up also . We the Parents will help you.. // May 4, 2007 at 9:03 am

  Teacher, Don’t be scared speak up. You won’t loose your job. Board Members want to hear from you also. Get a group and speak to the board. Parents will support you. We care about you.We need our teachers. We want them to be happy.Call today and don’t wait.Don’t let Rabbi Druen or Dr. Holden talk down to you all. You are the ones who make our school and take care of our children.. SO teachers be strong and we are with you.We hope you will be all happy soon with changes. We hope for a much better Hillel Community Day School.

• 65 another mom // May 4, 2007 at 9:24 am

  Right now the wonderful teachers are the ONLY reason to remain at Hillel. Please know that the parents respect and value you tremendously. We all know that you are the ones who make the difference in our children’s lives. Please speak up - we will support you. Please do not allow any administrator to put into question your value!

• 66 Mazel Tov Isaac Sapoznik on his Graduation From College. // May 4, 2007 at 11:14 am

  Mazel Tov Isaac Sapoznik on his graduation from College. We thank Isaac for doing such a great job with Hillel Day School. Please come Join our Hillel Board. They need you more than ever. Hillel needs people who are smart and speak like you.

• 67 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 4:48 pm

  Mazel Tov and all the best!

• 68 Anonymous Teacher // May 4, 2007 at 5:29 pm

  As some of you suggested, teachers need a meeting with the board. We are well aware of this. Once again, the board has to initiate this meeting. Perhaps some parents can put some pressure on board members. I think because Hillel has become more of a business, the “parent” voice may speak louder than the “teacher” voice.

• 69 Anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 5:43 pm

  Just in case you think the Board isn’t monitoring this site-

  check out today’s update to the Blueprint for Excellence (just arrived in my email). Suddenly they are talking about student achievement, not finance.

  Coincidence?

  It seems the message of business vs. school was heard loud & clear.

  Parents, teachers, alumni, community members - continue to post!!

  To the Board - YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE TEACHERS!! IF THEY HAVE IN ANY WAY BEEN DISRESPECTED BY THE HEADS OF SCHOOL, THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED. WE PARENTS WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!

• 70 Anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 5:50 pm

  On the subject of ironies -

  Today’s Kol Hillel:

  Holden on the topic of Teacher Appreciation Week:

  “the same teachers who shape the very
  lives of those we love the most are often undervalued.”

• 71 sara--- More Propaganda // May 4, 2007 at 6:13 pm

  From the Blueprint to Excellence Update:

  “As you can see, all of these advancements fall in line with or are results of our strategic plan. ”

  NO, these advancements are NOT the results of YOUR strategic plan. Merit scholars. Silver Knights Nominees. Renowned guest speakers. All are not new to Hillel. All in place for a long time…. started, encouraged, and supported by previous Boards, previous administrators, and teachers working together.

• 72 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 6:15 pm

  He had to do this - - if you notice - the text he writes does not even fill the front of the page. It was out of obligation not sincerity! Obvious wasn’t it.

  Though the truth be told - - - it is the teachers that make HILLEL - and it is unfortunate that their warmth cannot heat up the frigid environment in which are now forced to work!

• 73 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 6:17 pm

  All of the communication - Board and Admininstration is in response to what we are doing.

  Though they continue to downplay its existence - it can and will continue to make a difference - - continue to spread the word!

• 74 mentalhealth // May 4, 2007 at 6:40 pm

  I, in truth, believe that it is time to stop turning the other cheek and grab the hand that has struck and go nose to nose with those people and say, “Stop right now and reinstate those contracts!”

• 75 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 7:02 pm

  ….and - - the announcements and clear communication from the school have not been forthcoming - about the decisions regarding who will be the administrators of the various divisions of the school for next year.

  Lots of talk and no real action from the board. They are most unimpressive with their passive nature and the permissability of the allowing the head of school to take full reign - - they too must be in fear of him as are our beloved teachers.

  It is so sad.

  Shabbat shalom!

• 76 Anonymous Teacher // May 4, 2007 at 7:11 pm

  I just read Dr. Holden’s message in the Kol Hillel concerning his appreciation of our fine teachers. WOW! What a schmoozer!!

• 77 anonymous // May 4, 2007 at 7:35 pm

  Quite a hypocrite!!! Actions speak louder than words!!!! ….and his actions reveal his true colors.

• 78 mentalhealth // May 4, 2007 at 7:38 pm

  Yep. I figured as much.
  Anonymous Teacher // May 4, 2007 at 7:11
  pm

  Peace be to you all!

• 79 Anonymous // May 5, 2007 at 1:14 am

  Teachers–

  It is clear that you are all in agreement. Teacher morale is low and it is apparent that what teachers want may not be accomodated any time soon, if ever.

  What ACTIVE measures can you take at this point to help yourselves ?

  I don’t think there’s a teacher out there who doesn’t agree…The question is: What are you going TO DO ABOUT IT?

  Will the world come to an end if you are vocal and you get fired? PROBABLY NOT.

  Is it better to walk around silent, quaking in fear, miserable, like battered men and women or is it better to unite and fight your battles in a rational, diplomatic way?

  You all sound like robotic, zombies, who are half dead anyway…why don’t you put up a fight- -

  IF WE MUST DIE:

  If we must die, let it not be like hogs
  Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,
  While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,
  Making their mock at our accursed lot.
  If we must die, O let us nobly die,
  So that our precious blood may not be shed
  In vain; then even the monsters we defy
  Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!
  O kinsmen we must meet the common foe!
  Though far outnumbered let us show us brave,
  And for their thousand blows deal one deathblow!
  What though before us lies the open grave?
  Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack,
  Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

  –Claude Mckay

  Go down with some dignity - - at the very least.

• 80 Was that a Joke What Dr.Holden Wrote in The Kol Hillel? // May 5, 2007 at 8:04 am

  I agree Dr.Holden didn’t mean anything he wrote in the Kol Hillel. That was such a joke. The Board needed to tell him what to write. We need New Adminstrators for next year who really care about our teachers.Because who makes our school? Teachers are the one who teach our kids.

• 81 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 12:35 am

  Yes.

• 82 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 12:37 am

  We need to honor our teachers this week and let them know how much we do appreciate them. Parents, Students, Community members, etc - everyone needs to let the teachers know that we recognize what they do each and every day for the children ( they are our future)!

• 83 Aaron // May 6, 2007 at 8:59 am

  Could someone post a link to the Kol Hillel?

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