“Courageous Members of the Hillel Community” writes in:
“THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT TRY MEN’S SOULS” (–Thomas Paine)
The members of the Hillel Community who are running on the slate for the new board are extremely disappointed that a few current board members (and their family members) have been calling to intimidate us and try to get us to stoprunning.
We are astonished that they are also calling the parents who have signed the petitions and that they have been reprimanding these parents for exercising their FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS!
They have bullied our teachers.
They have bullied this site administrator.
And now they are even bullying parents!!!!
What kind of example are the current leaders and board members of our school setting?
What kind of repressive atmosphere are these individuals seeking to create?
News Flash: This is not Cuba! This is not Stalinist Russia!
YOU DON’T SCARE US!
Can you imagine politicians calling their opponents and harassing them so that they would be too afraid to run? TRUE LEADERS DO NOT BEHAVE IN SUCH LOW AND CORRUPT WAYS.
The bullying must cease!!!
This is America. Freedom of Speech is protected by the Constitution of this United States.
The terror squad can continue to try to intimidate us all but we WILL NOT BACK DOWN.
We will not back down until order is restored.
We will not back down so long as teachers are forbidden to communicate openly and honestly with parents about the current situation.
We will not back down until a respect for academic integrity is re-established.
We will not back down until we see a large Jewish presence running the school once again.
We will not back down until a true atmosphere of CHESED (the key trait that defines Jews as Jews — passed down from Avraham Avinu) is restored.
We will not back down until Hillel begins to live up to its namesake, RAV HILLEL, who stated that the ENTIRE TORAH can be summed up in these words:
“Love your fellow as yourself, I am Hashem, your God” (Vayikra 19:18) (Klal Gadol)
Hashem has COMMANDED that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
INTIMIDATING OTHERS IS THE ANTITHESIS OF LOVING YOUR FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS AS YOU WOULD LOVE YOURSELF!!
WE SHALL OVERCOME!
PLEASE ATTEND THE JUNE 6TH MEETING AT HILLEL.
WE NEED YOUR VOTE IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED IN PUTTING AN END TO THE TERROR TACTICS THAT ARE DESTROYING THE FABRIC OF OUR SCHOOL!!!
153 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I signed a number of petitions – no one has called me. I kind of wish they would – they will get an earful!!!
Has anyone else posting here been called as a result of signing a petition?
2 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Thus far they are calling the parents they are most familiar with but that may change shortly.
Should they have the audacity to call you, PLEASE GIVE THEM AN EARFUL!!!!
3 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Bravo!!! Your courage is applauded!!!
We shall and will overcome!
Avi Frier – - are you listening???
4 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Bullies are usually the biggest cowards
5 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:46 pm
A BULLY IS ALWAYS A COWARD
They must be getting desperate
6 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 8:52 pm
It will be interesting to see if the phone calls continue –
…and who are the individuals making the phone calls – - ?….did they call you? Please – provide additional details.
…how are they getting the phone numbers – they are not available on the website?
7 sad parent // May 14, 2007 at 9:07 pm
can someone post the petition and the new slate
8 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:11 pm
The petition is posted – link is at the top of the page. If you are referring to the petition for an open meeting.
Apparently, the new slate has not been released by the school to the parent body.
9 Supportive parent // May 14, 2007 at 9:11 pm
The petitions they are referring to above are the ones needed to run on the slate. Each candidate must present a petition with at least 20 signatures of other parents on it to add their name. This petition was to be presented on Friday, May 11, to the chairman of the board, the head of the nominating committee and to the board secretary. These petitions would not be the sort to be posted to the website. The new slate will be posted or a link will be provided soon.
10 Supportive parent // May 14, 2007 at 9:19 pm
The parents taking the harrassing are actually those who are very good friends of the board members and relatives of board members who are doing the harrassing. If that’s how they treat their friends, how do they treat those of us they don’t know?
11 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:22 pm
The petitions (which had well more than the 20 required signatures, by the way) were submitted to the school on Friday.
THE CURRENT BOARD IS SUPPOSED TO PUBLISH THE NEW SLATE ALONGSIDE THEIR OWN SLATE.
WHY HAVEN’T THEY DONE THIS YET?
WHAT’S TAKING THEM SO LONG?
12 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Actually, the letter sent to the parent body was rather confusing and contradictory.
The initial page of the letter stated, “If you wish to add someone to this list, please submit a written nomination according to the procedure outlined on the following page. Nominations should be submitted to Pam Burd in the school office by May 11.”
The next page then outlined the procedure as follows:
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. Nominees who shall submit valid petitions shall be added to the slate. An amended slate containing the names of nominees by petition shall be mailed to the membership no later than 15 days prior to the election (May 22, 2007).
I do not believe the requirement as stated in post #8 is applicable.
Apparently, the general membership will have to wait until May 22 to know who will be on the revised slate.
13 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:25 pm
To reiterate:
The Vote is a SECRET BALLOT on June 6th
ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN IN THE SCHOOL (and is in good financial standing) CAN VOTE
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.
TEACHERS, YOUR PRESENCE THERE IS NEEDED.
Elementary school teachers are planning to attend. We hope the middle school and high school teachers will have the courage to show face too.
14 Hillel Parent // May 14, 2007 at 9:26 pm
It is incredulous that active board members are resorting to every political tactic (threats, retaliation, etc) to prevent democracy from moving forward.
Board elections are open avenues for concerned individuals to become INVOLVED to help define and change the future of HILLEL, hopefully for the better.
To initimidate, bully, and threaten the procedural process does nothing more than open up the vulneralbilities of those individuals who participated in the process that caused chaos at HILLEL.
We have a democratic process to evoke change. Let us move forward in this direction.
We must adhere to the appropriate process of change that is written in the bylaws.
We must NOT be intimidated by those individuals who consider themselves to be the power brokers who brought the calamity of Kohl, Druin, and Holden upon us.
Let us move forward with the knowledge that we are inherently right, strong, and know what is best for Hillel and the Hillel community.
Be resolute and make your voices heard; make your votes count.
15 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:28 pm
“Nominees who shall submit valid petitions shall be added to the slate.
An amended slate containing the names of nominees by petition shall be mailed to the membership no later than 15 days prior to the election (May 22, 2007). ”
There will probably be a separate link up prior to May 22 providing information about the members who are on the new slate .
It’s a work in progress. Please have patience.
16 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 9:50 pm
“The petitions (which had well more than the 20 required signatures, by the way) “….
….this is true. Many of the petitions I signed already had 0ver 20 signatures.
17 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Parents please make sure you show up to vote on June 6th and that you tell all likeminded parents to do the same.
We will prevail.
18 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 10:09 pm
WE have no choice – OUR TEACHERS NEED US NOW!
19 Hillel Teacher (more than 7 years) // May 14, 2007 at 10:17 pm
To all parents who have posted here, signed petitions to add names to slate, etc. THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!
20 Hillel Teacher (more than 7 years) // May 14, 2007 at 10:21 pm
And to our wonderful site administrator who has provided a means of communication: THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
21 Anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 10:29 pm
The parents being harassed “are actually those who are very good friends of the board members and relatives of board members”
The board members have been walking around telling everyone for months now (friends and relatives alike) that there are 3 sides to every story.
Ironically, it seems that the board cannot face the fact that just about everyone –including members inside and outside of the Hillel community and EVEN their OWN friends and relatives– seem to agree upon the same ONE SIDE OF THE STORY–that the school situation is one of utter disarray and in need of immediate remediation.
A major paradigm shift is in order.
It’s time to get out of denial and into reality.
22 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 14, 2007 at 10:31 pm
Ditto. Thank you to the site admin. for providing a forum that allows open democratic communication to take place! Thank you parents!!!!!
23 Avi Frier // May 14, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Could someone please fax me a copy of the proposed slate? My fax number is 954-337-2970
24 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 10:42 pm
IT HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED!
25 anonymous // May 14, 2007 at 10:43 pm
If you are new to this site — the following link summarizes our core causes- OUR CHILDREN, OUR TEACHERS AND OUR SCHOOL
Please read: http://www.savehillel.com/2007/05/as-we-move-forward/
Again, let us be reminded:
The manner in which the board is communicating or not communicating with the parent body, community etc is unacceptable. The continued downplay of the information of the website, the intimidation tactics of a board member’s, and now the harrassment of either individuals who wish to run for the board or those who have signed such petitions is yet another attempt by the administration and board to create these intimidation and secrecy issues. Is this the school we have our children attend?
Teacher morale is very low; they are living in fear of their jobs. This is the worst situation in many, many years. Many feel they are not being respected by administration and are not being treated well. They have been verbally threatened by administration that there will be consequences from speaking with parents about the inner workings of the school. It is a difficult and uncomfortable environment in which to work. There are many long-standing teachers who are affected by these tactics – they are very unhappy! …and this affects the classroom and students – how can it not?
If the board truly wants to fix the issues, they should have an open meeting and be forced to address the issues. There are even board members posting anonymously as they are in fear of not being included in future meetings or losing their stature with the current board.
The inactivity on the part of the board is serving to hurt the school via the negative publicity throughout the community. The non-renewal of the faculty and the manner in which it was performed, has sent a clear message to the community.
Show up and stand up for our children, our teachers, and our school!!! Your presence is requested, welcomed, and encouraged!!! The only way to effectuate change is to make it happen. SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY!
OUR CHILDREN NEED US!
OUR TEACHERS NEED US!
OUR SCHOOL NEEDS US!
26 Avi Frier // May 15, 2007 at 5:51 am
Thank you, I have received the slate.
27 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 6:33 am
Interesting!
28 a teacher // May 15, 2007 at 8:22 am
Rabbi Druin told teachers not to come to the June 6 meeting. When that didn’t work, he told them not to speak. What is he (they) trying to hide. I smell fear
29 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:46 am
(((I wish to reiterate my comment from May 6th below. It was written the night after the HBHA Civic Award Dinner. It was inspired by seeing the continued behavior of the same people who are still running our school and those not allowed to be heard or involved tossed aside and traumatized.
In reading the recent postings I am proud of those of you who display courage ,effort and love . You act from a place of integrity. I applaud you each and every one. For those who read and agree but are afraid to step forward I reiterate my earlier comments below so that you find you do have the level of knowlege and strength to stand up even in the face of the fear of personal harm you may encounter in the act of saving your children confronting your board. Unite, grow your numbers and by so doing greatly increase your collective power and effectiveness and safety.
Our board stonewalled us. AH charmed and lied to everyone. You are not imaginging that something nefarious is occuring. It happened here . The actions are very similar. You ,however,appear to have a far more intelligent and courageous teacher,parent and student body. You have more insightful and proactive teachers who are willing to shield your children and themselves from actual harm. You must help your children and teachers now.You must create a critical mass of parents and teachers and students ( they are young -nonetheless-human beings who are the most helpless and deserve to be heard , honored as our future and helped )who when unified in purpose and action can unseat the board.
Yes, unseat the entire board.
Here – at the HBHA-the real power players behind the board either threatened and/or put incompetent “yes men/women” in those positions. Even if those people are wealthy, successful, charming etc, they are creating deep distress and damage with their tactics. When did being a Rabbi include being political even allowing harm to occur to keep their jobs rather than following G-d’s laws and doing the right thing? Ironically,even two of the compliant Rabbi’s have wives who are truly excellent teachers were still fired. I saw their pain at the dinner. Of course they had to go to such a dinner. Of course they endured it. They are wives who support their husbands. Many good people including a President of of a shul left town. Many good people left town and further weakend our community. Is leaving town the answer?
I ask you: When and how did menchlichkeit stop being as important as having money,power and influence? How can we allow the harm to our loved ones and our local Jewish community to occur ? Why do we allow it to continue if it is contrary to Jewish principles ? Fear? Greed? Laziness? Too busy? Thinking only of ones own needs? Learn from history. Remember the Judenrat who acted to save themselves. No matter what their intentions they did so at the expense of others.
Unite with enough strength and numbers and balance Chesed with Gevurah both internally and externally.
At the Civic Award dinner there was a revision of the school’s history and lack of kindness to those who were hurt by the actions of AH , the board and the behind the scenes power players. Essentially the same board is still in place. A couple of changes have been made but the only way onto the board has been and still is compliance.
You must remove your entire board. Even if they make gestures that appear to create a fix it will be a form of stonewalling. Remove every one of them if they stonewall. You must remove AH and his flunkies .You must remind the Rabbis that if they are indeed spiritual teachers and leaders of Jews of every denomination they must do the right thing even though they may be being threatened. I urge you each and every one to come together. Figure out what critical mass you need..Make the truth clear and make truly powerful effective changes.
Follow the money. See clearly where it leads you. Unify and convince them.)))
From May 6,2007
Tremendous, deep and incalculable damage was done here in Kansas at the HBHA to our best teachers and many of our most promising students by this former “head master”.
AH is charming, handsome, deceptive and deeply destructive. For the sake of your children I pray that you have the courage and integrity to unite and fire him before he ruins your school, traumatizes students, teachers and parents who see what he is doing clearly.He is clever and slippery however destruction will indeed occur if you sit back and do nothing to stop him. Fire him and his sidekicks as soon as is humanly possible. This includes Mr. B, who while “very nice” is indeed merely a loyal H flunkie. My heart broke when I heard he was also heading to your school to join his good buddy. The stage is again set and the both of them are unfortunately quite effective. Like a chess game the damage is more difficult to stop when their strategies are well planned, already several moves ahead, coordinated from several directions and have been practised . Like us, you also realized what was happening after the stage was already set.
Our best teachers begged for our help. Teachers were either continually intimidated or fired. Our children suffered deeply ( particularly those whose families were not the from the wealthiest power players to whom he cleverly catered) and many continue to suffer even after leaving the school. Parents deeply devoted to providing their children with a Jewish education were forced to withdraw their children. For many of us this decision was devastating but necessary to keep our children safe and not be stuck and helpless in a milieu of lying, intimidation,utter destruction and devastation . Parents dedicated heart,mind and soul to educating our children as clear thinking and kind human beings and Jews who would -with a good education and menchlich(decent) behavior- be able to continue our heritage , traditions, history and ethics. It is our job to teach our children . Check out the words in the Shema. Read Exodus and Deuteronomy in English (and if possible in the original Hebrew as translation is an interpretation) with your children . Read it as a family at the family table and put in full context and meaning of the words in the Shema. Pray that HaShem guide you and help you.
We failed to do that. As a result many,yes many, of us are still suffering.
The Board of Directors were at best either deceived or were incompetent. They created a wall and blocked any reasonable conversation . For that behavior I have no full understanding or explaination. Frankly, their behavior was inexcusable. Conjecture as you will within your particular set of circumstances. If your Board is not listening- as was the case here as well- then you also have a very serious problem.
Unite and wake up your Board. If they are decent human beings they will meet, listen, hear and find out the truth about what happened here. They will not get the truth from our Board. They will get the truth from many highly articulate and intelligent parents and teachers most of whom withdrew their children from the school with heavy hearts. All we can do is hope that there is a greater lesson to be learned from this issue.
I applaud your efforts and work to do this. You are a stronger healthier community because of your efforts.
Please let us who have been witness and been personally hurt by this man’s cruelty to teachers and students help you before more damage is done. Teach your children by example to have the courage to see reality and know that bad things happen when good people do nothing. You have no time to waste. While this may be construed as Lashon Harah it would be a far greater sin to withold this information.
We pray for the highest good for you, your children, teachers and the integrity of your school.
30 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:47 am
When they are finished, there won’t be many teachers left!
31 another mom // May 15, 2007 at 11:37 am
Here’s the point that our current leadership is missing:
Hillel already had the formula for academic excellence.
It’s called Judaic studies.
It is precidely BECAUSE of Hillel’s strong Judaic studies that out graduates are admitted to excellent colleges.
It is well known that the in-depth study of Chumash and Talmud increases students’ critical thinking skills. These skills then transfer
to math, science, social studies, etc.
Our Board and administration are looking to the outside world for their standards of excellence. IB programs are not the answer. Our precious Torah holds all the answers that we need.
To those of you who are dumbing down our Judaic studies program in favor of more secular pursuits: THINK AGAIN!
We can undestand Holden choosing this path – heck, he can’t even spell Purim!
But our fellow Jews on the Board? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
Those of you on the Board who have young children should also think about the message you are sending to them. Take some advice from us veteran parents who have the luxury of hindsight and can see the results of the Jewish education we struggled to provide. Here’s the advice: Children don’t listen to your words; they learn from watching your actions. You are sending a clear message now, to your own children and everyone else’s, that Judaism is secondary. Think ahead a bit and envision the choices your own children will make based on what they learn from you. Will you have Jewish grandchildren in your future? Not if you continue to show that Ivy League college admissions is more important than studying their heritage, or that Jews don’t even know enough to be able to run our own school. Think very carefully what the results of your actions will be. Study after study has proven that the single most important determinant in keeping our children Jewish in this great, free, secular country of ours, is Jewish education. Why are you trying to destroy that in favor of a misguided “vision”?
Look to your own Torah for the genuine “BLUEPRINT TO EXCELLENCE”. The real deal. Show your children by your actions what it is you truly value.
32 Hillel Teacher for 7 Years // May 15, 2007 at 11:43 am
Rabbi Druin has no right in forbidding teachers to attend open board meetings.
I have attended open board meetings with some of my colleagues in past years and our presence was welcomed by Dr. Levy and Dr. Zakon.
Neither of them had anything to hide!!!!!
We need to return to an atmosphere of open communication, professionalism, and collegiality once again!
It’s a free country and all members of this community– including teachers– have a right to participate in the process that affects our fates even if we attend as passive spectators.
No one has the right to tell us not to show up.
The fact that a Hillel Administrator could issue such a gag order is absolutely appalling!!
Indeed, this is not Cuba or Stalinist Russia!!
HOW DARE HE????????????????????????
I, for one, plan to be there.
I encourage teachers to join me in droves. They can’t fire all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
33 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 11:49 am
You are so right Mom!
THE TORAH IS THE ULTIMATE BLUEPRINT TO EXCELLENCE
We need to see a return to prioritizing teaching Torah and Torah values – - equally important, we need to see our leaders modeling Torah values through their own behavior.
They need to model excellence by living and breathing Torah traits. Chesed would be a good place to start!
Kind actions speak volumes – - much louder than insincere, phony words!
It’s time to put THE COMPASSIONATE JEW
BACK IN JEWISH EDUCATION!
34 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 12:13 pm
TO THE TEACHER FOR 7 YEARS:
KOL HAKAVOD!! Encourage all of your colleagues to attend – - strength in numbers.
You will be supported!!!!
THE BOARD NEEDS TO KNOW!!!
They need to take advantage of the expertise of the veterans. Without the veterans our country would not be free – Israel would not be independent. Without our forefathers, where would we be.
Respect those who came before you rather than disrespecting them and what they built.
Derech Eretz!
This information is not gossip. It is statement of fact.
35 CHANAH SENESH // May 15, 2007 at 1:09 pm
“Children don’t listen to your words; THEY LEARN FROM WATCHING YOUR ACTIONS.
You are sending a clear message now, to your own children and everyone else’s, that Judaism is secondary.
Think ahead a bit and envision the choices your own children will make based on what they learn from you.
WILL YOU HAVE JEWISH GRANDCHILDREN IN THE FUTURE?
Not if you continue to show that Ivy League college admissions is more important than studying their heritage, or that Jews don’t even know enough to be able to run our own school.
Think very carefully what the results of your actions will be.
Study after study has proven that the single most important determinant in keeping our children Jewish in this great, free, secular country of ours, is Jewish education.”
JEWISH EDUCATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO COMBAT ASSIMILATION AND ENSURE THAT OUR CHILDREN KNOW ENOUGH TO PREVENT ANOTHER HOLOCAUST FROM EVER OCCURRING.
36 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Do the leaders of this school even know who Chanah Senesh was……………………………?
37 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 1:24 pm
perhaps they can read about her:
http://www.jewishmag.com/55mag/senesh/senesh.htm
38 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Kol Hakavod to the Teacher for 7 Years!
Encourage all of your colleagues to show up! We will support you – - it is our purpose.
The need for secrecy and deception is overwhelmingly evident at the school. The question remains – - WHY?
Why can’t teachers speak freely – - it is at the heart of all academics. Why are administrators telling teachers not to come to the meeting and if they come = not to speak – - WHAT IS IT THESE PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF?
THE TRUTH!!!
The TRUTH WILL PREVAIL!
39 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 1:40 pm
WE ARE MOVING INTO THE LIGHT–THE LIGHT OF TRUTH–THE TRUTH WIILL PREVAIL!
40 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
–Maya Angelou
WE TOO SHALL RISE!
WE SHALL OVERCOME!
41 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 2:56 pm
The board is scared
perhaps for reasons people haven’t mentioned
42 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Can you provide some insight?
What reasons? Please explain.
43 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Wondering the same…….
44 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 5:07 pm
schools make several decisions and not just academic ones
45 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:09 pm
such as… ??????
Are you saying there have been other questionable decisions?
Ethical or legal issues????
46 Hillel Teacher's Association "Wanna-Be" Member // May 15, 2007 at 5:24 pm
It seems almost ironic that at Hillel, for many years, we have been conducting an anti-bullying campaign. Now it appears that this same type of bullying behavior is actually occurring in our adult sector. Our administrative leaders… the culprits. Check out the following and see if what we are experiencing fits within the “parameters” of the definition:
What is adult bullying?
Adult bullying in the workplace has been extensively studied in Scandinavia (Björkqvist, Österman and Lagerspetz, 1994; Björkqvist, Österman and Hjelt- Bäck, 1994; Einarsen and Raknes, 1991, 1997; Einarsen and Skogstad, 1996; Leymann, 1990, 1996), in Germany and Austria ((Niedl, 1995, 1996; Zapf et al, 1996) and in the UK (Adams, 1992; Crawford, 1997; Lewis, 1999; Quine, 1999; Rayner and Höel, 1997). In an overview of this research, Rayner and Höel (1997) group bullying behaviours into the following categories:
· threat to professional status (e.g. belittling opinion, public professional humiliation, accusation regarding lack of effort);
· threat to personal standing (e.g. name-calling, insults, intimidation, devaluing with reference to age);
· isolation (e.g. preventing access to opportunities, physical or social isolation, withholding of information);
· excessive overwork (e.g. undue pressure, impossible deadlines, unnecessary disruptions);
· destabilization (e.g. failure to give credit when due, meaningless tasks, removal of responsibility, repeated reminders of blunders, setting up to fail).
Sound familiar??
47 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 5:30 pm
The mysterious veiled messages in posts #38 and #41 are disturbing. What else is the Board hiding?
Avi Frier – we turn to you once again. Maybe you can poke around and uncover whatever it is our poster cannot say.
48 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Financial improprieties?
49 August is hot // May 15, 2007 at 5:53 pm
That’s an understatement.
50 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Failure to comply with SACS standards re: hiring, evauation, etc?
51 Mindy // May 15, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Typo corrected:
Failure to comply with SACS standards re: hiring, evaluation, etc?
52 August is hot // May 15, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Absolutely.
53 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 6:30 pm
hmmmmmmmmm …A+
54 Avi Frier // May 15, 2007 at 6:36 pm
“Avi Frier – we turn to you once again. Maybe you can poke around and uncover whatever it is our poster cannot say.”
My intention here is not to dig up dirt; rather it is to focus on the positive.
The positive here (in my eyes; correct me if you think otherwise) is how a small group of alumni have banded together, enlisting the support of parents and teachers, to make changes in their alma mater. From where I’m sitting, they don’t seem to have a vested interest or a hidden agenda (they’ve graduated and don’t have kids yet; some of them aren’t even in Florida any more), which makes the story all the more positive.
Is there negative here too? Plenty. Just read the posts on this site; many of them are fraught with negativity. But if the people who are working for the betterment of the school are successful (and we’ll know soon enough if they are), there will be no need whatsoever to report on negative things that would only serve to hurt the school and further smear its reputation.
If they are successful, it will suffice to speak in general terms, simply to say that they were not happy with the direction of the school and are looking to implement positive change.
Remember, this web site was named “Save Hillel.” Think about the things you say here; ask yourself whether they serve to help save the school or whether they might help to destroy it.
As for me, it’s not my job to save or destroy Hillel, but wouldn’t it be that much better if I could report on a story in such a way that, without concealing anything the public needs to know, serves to promote the former instead of the latter?
That being said:
I have no idea what was meant in the post that says: “The board is scared perhaps for reasons people haven’t mentioned”
Some people have taken this to mean that the poster knows of some shady dealings going on. I hope this is not true. I have no intention of poking around to discover what the poster hasn’t said, because it would be a wild goose chase. There’s no information to go on, no real “tip,” just a veiled accusation that may or may not have come from someone who knows anything about what’s going on at Hillel.
If I were to receive credible information that someone is dipping into the coffers and misspending Hillel money for their own personal benefit, I would be all over that like white on rice. The public would have a right to know, and it would reflect negatively on the person/people involved, not the school as a whole.
Remember the bus vandalism scandal a few years back? The school was not implicated, it was an outside vendor. The exposure saved the school from being further ripped off by the vendor, and the public had a right to know.
But, I repeat: I’m not going digging for dirt based on the musings of an anonymous blogger. If you have something to say, post it here or give me a call at 954-987-2720 ext 18.
If not, might I recommend that you do as I am doing: focus on positive change and keep unsubstantiated accusations out of the public eye.
55 Icecube // May 15, 2007 at 6:44 pm
GO TO THIS WEB ADDRESS TO FIND OUT WHAT THE BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD DO!
http://www.slack-time.com/music-videos/Pop-Music/Kelly-Clarkson/Walk-Away.shtml
56 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Positive change is coming. It’s sometimes helpful to be aware that people who act with such a tremendous amount of secrecy and silence and that those who attempt to intimidate or bully others into remaining silent often do so because they have something BIG to hide (bigger than issues concerning firings and hirings).
What is or isn’t being hidden is irrelevant now. Just knowing that certain board members are very afraid empowers us to forge forward and continue to make positive changes without allowing them to deter us from our efforts.
Absolutely true…we should keep unsubstantiated accusations out of the public eye. We just may want to file our private musings somewhere in the back our minds to remind us that what we are doing is right and good and that a bully is always a coward.
57 Another Teacher // May 15, 2007 at 7:02 pm
“a teacher // May 15, 2007 at 8:22 am
Rabbi Druin told teachers not to come to the June 6 meeting.
When that didn’t work, he told them not to speak. “
Rabbi Druin:
How do you plan to get me not to speak? Maybe you should put an actual muzzle on me and the rest of us. Maybe we should all walk into the meeting with muzzles on to show you that we are not “insubordinate” and are following your orders by adhering to your gag order. That would make a heck of a statement to the community!
You don’t scare me at all.
You weren’t successful in firing everyone you sought out to fire and from what I understand YOU’RE THE ONE who has been put on notice by the school so take note!!!
Your days are numbered. Maybe it’s time you start looking for another job.
Nobody here wants you around.
Can’t you take a hint already???????
58 sara // May 15, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Where is Holden? Word is that he is “away” for at least one week (perhaps two).
59 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Looking for another job? or is that wishful thinking?
60 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Kelly Clarkson is right…they should all walk away with dignity while they still have the chance to.
None of us are going anywhere. We plan to see this thing through to the bitter end –and mark my words– This will come to an end and it will end in our favor. Doesn’t matter how long it’s gonna take. We will stand our ground.
They should walk right now…
61 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:17 pm
If all the teachers just click their ruby red slippers three times at the meeting…will that help?
62 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Follow the yellow brick road
63 A TEACHER // May 15, 2007 at 7:22 pm
A clarification for Avi Frier: The bus incident several years ago unfortunately did NOT completely involve an outside vendor. It was a trusted member of the Hillel family who colluded with the outside vendor for their joint financial benefit, and ended up in jail. Your point however, is still well taken.
A teacher left a message at school almost two weeks ago explaining that she wanted to run for a board position and no one ever called her back…
Has anyone clarified whether in fact teachers REALLY can vote at the June meeting?
Does anyone know where Adam Holden is? We were told today that he will be away for two weeks…?
64 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Teachers can vote if they have children who attend the school (and they are in good financial standing)or they can have spouses vote for them
Secret ballot
65 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Kelly Clarkson is right…and she makes it sound so simple too
None of us are going anywhere.
We plan to see this thing through to the bitter end and mark my words– This will come to an end and it will end in our favor. Doesn’t matter how long it’s going to take. We will stand our ground.
We’re just starting to get warmed up now.
The ball is really rolling behind the scenes. Less talk and more action.
They should walk right now…while they can still do so with some of their dignity intact.
The longer they delay the inevitable, the more difficult they are making it for themselves in the long run.
66 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 7:32 pm
A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ALL OF THE ALUMNI WHO MADE ALL OF THIS POSSIBLE
WITHOUT YOUR WORDS, EFFORTS, CARING, AND COURAGE THE BALL WOULD HAVE NEVER GOTTEN ROLLING
67 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:33 pm
The teacher who wanted to run for the board position, had made a meaningful donation to the school, and was still not called back as promised.
68 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:35 pm
A section of the board should be opened up to teachers
Donation or no donation
Why hasn’t the board called back?
They say they want calls and then they don’t return them?
They need to stop running and hiding and face the music
69 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Don’t know if you all know this, but a new uniform policy for high school has been thrown on us again and will be introduced at a meeting tomorrow night. Supposedly administrators, parents and students were all involved in the decision making. No names were given. They have already posted dates for uniform sales, as if it is a done deal. Now it will be another way for Hillel to look like a parochial school or the elite private school that the board wants us to be. What about individual identity? What about the students who are already abiding by the dress code? Punish the few who break the policy. What about the constant expense every time they change the dress code? There was no parent survey on this. Once again, parents are locked out of the process.
70 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Heck, if a teacher isn’t afraid to leave his or her name for the board to return a phone call why is the board afraid to call a teacher?
The epitome of cowardliness!
71 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Yes, big meeting tomorrow night to have the new uniform policy shoved down our throats!
Uniforms – - no longer will you be able to purchase them and have the logo sewn on – - NOW you must purchase from them. ADAM SAID!
…. and they did away with colors – elementary – no more light blue….
middle school – - no more red……
….and for those who already purchased next years clothing when it was on sale – - TOO BAD – you can only use til January…. Isn’t that wonderful. There is a total disregard and respect for the parents – only the administration and the board counts.
Again, where are our priorities?
Yes to poster #54 what about that constant expense? The answer is, they don’t care – YOU HAVE NO CHOICE. So, you have this in addition to the increased tuition.
This entire situation is incomprehensible.
72 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 8:56 pm
“Supposedly administrators, parents and students were all involved in the decision making. ”
“What about individual identity? ”
Mah Nistanah Ha layla Ha Zeh?
73 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:04 pm
That’s what they always say. I’d like to know which parents were involved.
Personally, I don’t plan on buying any new uniforms yet. Who knows what will happen after June 6. It ain’t over till it’s over.
74 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:06 pm
It’s just getting started…We’re just getting warmed up here…
Don’t waste your money.
We all know that the only parents who were probably consulted were those who sit on the board…and only a select few board members at that!
75 August is hot // May 15, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Can’t get the Kelly Clarkson tune out of my head…
76 Aaron // May 15, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Could someone please post all the details on the new uniform policy?
77 Anon // May 15, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Kelly Clarkson is right….
None of us are going anywhere. We are just getting started. We are going to stand our ground to the bitter end.
They should quit delaying the inevitable and walk now while they still can do so with a bit of their dignity intact.
WALK AWAY quietly and discreetly while you still can! Your time is running out.
78 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:38 pm
We’ve got bigger fish to fry than uniforms right now
79 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:42 pm
With all the non-Jewish administration changes…
Will Kippot still be part of the uniform?
80 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 9:52 pm
http://hillel-nmb.org/Back_To_School/back_to_school.htm
click on the division of the school that interests you. It is listed under Dress Code.
81 sara // May 15, 2007 at 10:03 pm
It seems to me we need to hear some wise words from someone like Rabbi Dr. Stuart Grant (who , by the way, is still very much misssed), who can explain the dynamics of what is going on. All of this is so surreal… a Jewish Day School having a discusssion about non-Jewish administrators. Alumni, parents, and teachers being threatened, etc, etc.
One good thing I think I feel…..following the suggestion of our ex-executve board member, the parents were successful in getting new and WELCOME names on the slate. A big accomplishment in a short period of time. I think these same wonderful and committed-to-Hillel parent swill be able to also accomplish getting a large voter turn out. And then…….
82 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:06 pm
“Boys’ kippot can be any style, except satin, and MUST be worn throughout the day”.
Why was this statement only on the Upper School Dress Code list?
Kippot will not be mandatory in the Lower and Middle School?
83 sara // May 15, 2007 at 10:16 pm
No yarmulkes except in high school??? No Jewish administrators???
Then….there is NO Jewish school……What is going on????????
Are we or are we not a Jewish Community School? The pupose of the Board is to uphold the tenets of our JEWISH Day School…not change them.
84 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Hold on……
Let’s not forget our purpose.
Everyone must wear a Kippah except of course, the Head of School – - he is exempt – - his is not Jewish and has been determined that he does not have to wear it – - NOT EVEN OUT OF RESPECT – - interesting?!
There has been no change in the rules for the students. Obviously an oversight in the code.
Let’s get back to the issues at hand.
85 A TEACHER // May 15, 2007 at 10:36 pm
FYI- Parent representatives, students, teachers, and administrators worked for several months on the dress code that will be presented tomorrow night. It was not a rash decision made by just a few people. Over 20 people served on the committee from all of Hillel’s population and the financial issues related to the uniforms were taken into consideration. In fact, it was one of the few “democratic” committees that functioned with everyone from all the divisions, from all the various groups working toegther. The committee worked very hard. It’s not fair to lump the dress code with the other “issues’ of the moment.
86 Bambi // May 15, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Working for a Jewish school has been interesting as a teacher, finally some place with morals and ethics and standards I can relate to!
Public school is the pits…
87 sara // May 15, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Yes, you are correct…….Accept my apologies.
88 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:47 pm
in all fairness,
According to Jewish Law, non Jews should NOT be wearing kippot.
It’s wrong to ask them to do so and in most religious schools that I’m aware of the non Jewish teachers do not wear them.
89 Anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Thank you to the teacher above for setting the record straight about the dress code.
It’s reassuring to know that the process in the decision making was indeed a fair one.
90 min // May 15, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Begs the question….how many Jewish Day Schools have non-Jewish administrators……
91 anonymous // May 15, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Though it may have been a democratic process – - what was the purpose or reason for the change?
What is wrong with the current Hillel Uniform? Why, when people have multiple children and recycle the uniforms, does the school now decide that everyone needs to expend money to re-purchase uniforms and can no longer use what they have?
Why is it being mandated only purchase from one vendor? Why are parents being forced to buy at a higher price than they can on sale or at discount stores?
Why does the school expend money on redefining its logo and these types of extra items when our teachers need supplies? Is this money being appropriately expended when our field trips are being cut and limited?
Is this such a necessary expense? It appears to be an issue regardless of the process undertaken.
92 Bambi // May 15, 2007 at 11:02 pm
FYI I chase the boys with no kippots and make them put them on.
93 mental health // May 15, 2007 at 11:14 pm
How can the Administration sleep at night?
94 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 12:29 am
In every school across the country the number one topic of discussions in faculty meetings is dress code. Whenver there’s a lull in a meeting some teacher invariably always brings up how unhappy he or she is with the way the kids look. It’s quite ridiculous. I think we shouldn’t focus on this minutia. Let’s stick to discussing the real issues.
95 headmasterdisaster // May 16, 2007 at 11:06 am
Well said by # 33:
Quote-”"We need to see a return to prioritizing teaching Torah and Torah values – - equally important, we need to see our leaders modeling Torah values through their own behavior.
They need to model excellence by living and breathing Torah traits. Chesed would be a good place to start!
Kind actions speak volumes – - much louder than insincere, phony words!
It’s time to put THE COMPASSIONATE JEW
BACK IN JEWISH EDUCATION!”"
Again well said # 33. Kol HaKavod!
—
In the early years at the HBHA our Rabbi, a Jewish Head of School, did that. Subsequent Rabbis similarly modeled how to incorporate Jewish law and ways of thinking into our modern everyday world.They were shomer shabbat, kept kosher and when there was a relational,moral or ethical issue made a point to be available and met personally with students . They used all opportunities to create an amazing environment infused with Jewish Chesed/Gevurah/Torah/Talmud principles at the core of their teaching, decision making, thinking and even discipline.
To this day, some decades later, I still remember how they handled daily issues or conflicts and remember how they applied Torah to our lives. I am still at my core guided by those lessons taught with kindness and respect. The fact we were only 12, 13 or 14 years old and were respected as thinking young adults was and still is powerful for me. These are lifelong lessons of good. I am grateful for those moments which led to powerful lessons and opportunities to learn and think as a compassionate Jew.
On the other hand,AH would blow off issues and penalize the students if an issue occured. He or his chosen teachers/henchmen demeaned our children as ” just middle school students ” whose age precluded taking seriously their pain, actions, feelings and ultimate well being . Students who were bullies (but from certain families) were protected. Eventually, parents and students from even influential families who made effort to positively interact with the school- but by attempting to have intelligent conversations with AH- were driven away . Some of our best and brightest parents were alienated ,their children suffered leading to the cause of the end of conversation or fixing problems. Rational conversations – rather even attempts to politely discuss seriously important issues -led to retaliation against our children. Fear tactics led to a form of submission for mere survival in that milieu. Brilliant mothers and fathers were castigated and made to feel very unwelcome and were covertly maligned and marginalized.
The spirit of Hashem and Torah used to permeate our experiences and thought processes. To lose that because of AH’s “leadership” and replace it with distractions and fear created an incalculable unquantifiable void. No, it was beyond void, it was an evil- a destructiveness.
In the early years, even though we faced a myriad of serious power issues that manifested as forms of hierachical pegging of families (ie: based on their level of wealth, degree of religiosity, Multi-Generational American families vs post WWII immigrants ( Greeneh), German,Polish, Russian country of origin/ancestry , choice of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform , Zionism and any other flavor of Judaism, and the self agrandizement of founding families vs everyone else) we were more respectful to each other. We utilized our frontal cortexes , Torah based thinking and analyzing. These discussions were encouraged and ultimately healing.
AH was the first HM who did not go to Bar or Bat Mitzvahs of the students here in Kansas. He had great excuses. However, it was an important action that the School’s head used to make a major point in celebrating each student’s transition to adulthood- even speaking from the pulpit about the student. AH would not show up or make or even fake an honest effort to come. He would designate the non jewish lower school principal or later a lower school Judaic teacher for that “task”. Hearing hearing a non Jew talk on the pulpit about Jewish wisdom at such a powerful time for each student was quite odd.That being said her presence was very appreciated and certanly better than no representation from the shcool. Nonetheless,it paled in comparison on many levels to what had been .
AH disappeared alot. He was unavailable much of the time.His priorities were his own. He always had a good excuse.He systematically marginalized the Jewish portion of our children’s education.In years past we students ( now alumni) worked hard to do well in both our secular and Judaic studies. It was not either or… it was and. Judaic and Secular. We excelled. We got into top Universities.We thought and we could write well with logic and empathy.
Where is AH now in this time of crisis?
I urge that if/when you meet with him DO NOT let him set the adgenda. Do NOT let him lead the meeting. Do NOT let the board do this either. This is crucial. Have them sit and listen to you.
As a unified solid group stand together, prioritize the issues, stay on topic and use your collective power. Please remember during the meeting that AH is quite clever. He speaks half truths, which leads to division, causes confusion and then is able to deflect the issues brought to the meeting. Be aware of this ahead of time so you can spot any of his methods of discussion and be prepared to keep focus on the meeting as a unified group with important issues and solutions you have agreed upon ahead of time.
AH also distracted us with the pseudo issues of uniforms you now face. Our dress codes used to be based in Torah’s Laws. Every day we had to learn how to make discisions about how to honor those laws. We had to think! We bought clothing based on decisions regarding the fabric, modest styles, length , gender appropriateness and what was not in keeping with that was learned and honored. All males wore kippot.
We learned the laws with kindness and respect in that daily exercise. We talked. We disagreed. We found common ground where we could. We were not sheeple.We acted with ( admittedly varying degrees of) honor and respect for our elders,teachers, students,fellow Jews and non-jews based in the laws of Hashem ( laced with some Talmudic interpretation).
How can we in Kansas help you?
96 Hillel Alum Parent // May 16, 2007 at 12:23 pm
They are going to make high school seniors buy new clothes to be worn for half a year? That doesn’t make sense. And what’s wrong with satin kipahs?
97 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 1:13 pm
There are much larger issues at stake then the dress code–the future of where this school is headed is paramount urgency
Let’s all stay focused on the bigger picture and not miss the forest for the trees please.
Stay focused!!!
98 mental health // May 16, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Tree One: Teacher Evaluations process
Tree Two: Teacher Observation insanity
Tree Three: Teacher Contract demnation
Tree Four: Administration stratfication non-sequitur (see comic in Sun Sentinel)
Tree Five: Dilbertiism (see comic in Sun Sentinel under “Dilbert”)
Tree Six: Weeds Weeds Weeds
= Forest glade
99 mental health // May 16, 2007 at 9:35 pm
This school has been so good to so many of us in many different ways…from the teacher who broke her knee to the other teacher who had maternity leave to very long term people…
we are glad to have been at Hillel.
100 merry // May 16, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Hillel has been a good place for a lot of people!
101 anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Yes – - has been – - but is it still?
102 Anonymous // May 16, 2007 at 11:42 pm
It will be again!!!!!!
103 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 6:32 am
We are waiting!
104 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.
105 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 9:37 am
agreed! Let’s do it!
106 Anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:42 pm
“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.”
Show up to vote June 6th so you can get exactly that!
107 anonymous // May 17, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Spread the word and link the site.
108 bambi // May 18, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Just do it!
109 Mindy-- Today's Kol Hillel and Slate // May 18, 2007 at 4:51 pm
In today’s Kol Hillel is invitation to parents to come to the meeting/to vote. Recommended (recommended by Governing Board) slate is given. Names with asterisk (*) are up for renewal or election.
Where is the list of NEW nominees? Please explain how this works.
110 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 5:04 pm
The list will be coming out early next week .
Probably on Monday
111 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Can someone please print for us the names with the astericks that are up for renewal.
Thank you!
112 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Officers
Rafa Russ – Chairman
Gil Bonwitt – Vice Chairman
Treasurer – Jorge Woldenberg
Secretary – Judy Dach
Parent Board
Helena Broide
Diana Mundlak
Joanne Papir
Michael Shalom
David Wolf
Non-Parent Board
Anita Lapco
Sherri Webwohl
Rabbi/Dr. Ezra Levy
Rabbi Avrohom Lipszyc
This is NOT the new slate for election – this is the current nominated slate – - NOT the ones that were submitted by May 11th.
DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONFUSE YOU!
The new slate should be provided, according to the by laws by no later that May 22.
113 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 5:55 pm
WHO IS UP FOR RENEWAL?
114 Mindy-- Today's Kol Hillel and Slate // May 18, 2007 at 6:12 pm
these names are *
OFFICERS: Russ, Bonwit, Dach
PARENT LIST: Broide, Mindlak, Papir, Shalom, Wolf
NON-PARENT LIST: Lapco, Lebwohl, Levinson, Levy, Lipszyc
115 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:22 pm
The exec board is up for renewal…?
116 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:23 pm
This is going to get really interesting.
117 Mindy-- // May 18, 2007 at 6:26 pm
These are the names with the “stars”
118 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:38 pm
So the dynamic duo of Papir and Dach are up for re-election. The parents MUST NOT let that happen. They are destructive to the moral fiber of the school. Come out and vote. The future of the children is literally in your hands.
119 In all fairness... // May 18, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Technically, they have until Tuesday to send out an amended slate.
From the bylaws…
D. Nominations by Petition
Nominations by petition may be submitted to the Chair or Secretary at least twenty-five (25) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The petition shall be signed by no fewer than twenty (20) Members in good standing and shall contain a statement by the nominee of his/her willingness to serve if elected. Nominees who shall submit valid petitions shall be added to the slate. An amended slate containing the names of nominees by petition shall be mailed to the Membership no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the election.
120 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:42 pm
That is right!
All of the individuals listed in post #112 are up for renewal!!!
They are working hard to tout themselves and blow their horns. The big event they had was filled with tables that were given to the ma’ayan society members. There were board members calling parents to invite them to go because they needed to fill tables.
What on earth does it mean “a recent land purchase allows for multi million dollar renovation and expansion of a five acre campus?
A purchase allows for a renovation? HUH?
The land next to the school has been owned by the school for YEARS. There was only ONE plot of land left to be acquired. WHO ARE WE TRYING TO FOOL NOW?
Hello to the BOARD – - THE PARENTS ARE NOT FOOLS! WE KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON – - STOP FILLING PAPER WITH OUR MAILBOXES WITH LIES!
Hillel has always had extra curricular acitivies, athletic programs, and teams.
Enough with the rhetoric – let’s get to the truth – - you have hired a NON JEWISH HEAD OF SCHOOL WHO LACKS ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF JUDAISM AND THEREFORE IS INCAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING OUR SCHOOL’S MISSION. YOU ALLOW HIM TO CONTINUE TO RECRUIT NON-JEWISH ADMINISTRATORS AS YOU CONTINUE TO CHANGE AND MINIMIZE THE JUDAIC CULTURE OF THE SCHOOL.
Let’s get down to business my friends….
contact your friends, fellow parents, teachers, and alumni.
When people continue to live in a bed of lies – they soon are unable to even speak the truth as they become tangled in a web and are unable to distinguish between truth and lies. The web becomes to entangled and the stories then begin to change.
This deception has got to stop and must stop NOW!!
Wishing you and yours a restful and peaceful Good shabbos!
121 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 6:43 pm
The slate will be out and probably available online too
parents are well aware of the dynamic duo
122 Icecube // May 18, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Hope so!
123 Mindy-- // May 18, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Dynamic duo, indeed. Have been wielding their agendas for years and years and years and…..
124 Another Teacher // May 18, 2007 at 7:03 pm
“YOU ALLOW HIM TO CONTINUE TO RECRUIT NON-JEWISH ADMINISTRATORS AS YOU CONTINUE TO CHANGE AND MINIMIZE THE JUDAIC CULTURE OF THE SCHOOL.”
yes…I think most of us agree that 5 Non Jewish administrators is a problem
Mr. H is amazing! but we need to make sure that the majority of administrators stay Jewish…no disrespect to Mr. H of course!
125 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 7:04 pm
“Dynamic duo, indeed. Have been wielding their agendas for years and years and years and…..”
Nice people. Utterly misguided.
126 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Please talk to your colleagues and unite them for this cause. Please ask them to post the injustices taking place at school – in an anonymous way.
Parents, teachers, alumni and the board all need to know the truth and how you all have been affected.
This is our chance to SAVE HILLEL for our children, our teachers, and the community!
127 Another Teacher // May 18, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Rabbi Druin is a very big problem and he is JEWISH
I have more credentials than he does
128 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 7:15 pm
We all do!
He is a disgrace. Since his arrival, not a good word has been said about him. It is unfortunate. He too is not qualified. He lacks the experience, tact, and political acumen – just to name a few… However, he is the only one – his brothers – the sofer and the teacher are both lovely, respectful, well liked and apparently respected! He too has to go!
The two heads of school need to be removed and replaced. This has been a recurring theme.
Please encourage your colleagues to provide things from the “teacher’s perspective.”
We need to SAVE HILLEL!
129 Another Teacher // May 18, 2007 at 7:16 pm
He and Holden have done a tremendous amount of damage – - it’s time for positive change
130 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Yes, it is evident – - it is sad, but it is NOT over.
June 6th will hopefully be the turning point.
However, I caution all readers of this blog – - they are carefully scripting their messages:
“Just as these updates foster an atmosphere of open communication, our upcoming Annual Meeting is a forum that allows us to share important information with Hillel families and further connects school members. This meeting is called each year to pass the Board slate and to vote on and install the incoming Board of Governors. We encourage all school members to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 6, 7:30 PM, at Hillel. ”
They are communicating it is THEIR FORUM to allow them to inform us – - it does NOT say they allow or encourage two way communication.
Beware – - and Be Aware! They can’t fool everyone! WE ARE SMART AND ON TO THEIR DECEPTIVE BACKHANDED PRACTICES.
131 Another Teacher // May 18, 2007 at 7:24 pm
“All of the individuals listed in post #112 are up for renewal!!!
They are working hard to tout themselves and blow their horns. The big event they had was filled with tables that were given to the ma’ayan society members. There were board members calling parents to invite them to go because they needed to fill tables.”
This strategy is working. Many parents don’t want to do anything to hurt the feelings of their friends who sit on the board.
We need to tell parents what we tell our students before they vote for student council members:
This election is not a popularity contest!You don’t vote for someone simply because he or she is popular or a nice person. You vote for who will do the job best!
Parents should not be okay with the fact that most teachers are scared and unhappy and that their friends on the board allow this to continue.
Their friends on the board may be nice people but that is not enough of a reason to let them run a school.
132 anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 7:27 pm
You are 150% correct!
Mobilize your colleagues – -
Parents – -listen to the wise teacher!
When the school is ruined or your child suffers because of what is being done to the school – - your friends will not care. They are only concerned with themselves and their children.
WE MUST DO WHAT WE CAN FOR OUR CHILDREN – - OUR CHILDREN RELY ON US – -
DON’T LET YOUR CHILDREN DOWN! Teach by example and show them how to stand up and fight for what is RIGHT and for what you believe in – - be their role model.
It is worth it!
133 Another Teacher // May 18, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Thank you parents who care enough to try to help the teachers and children out by creating a healthier, more nurturing, and loving environment
134 Anonymous // May 18, 2007 at 8:38 pm
RESPONSE TO KANSAS:
Our board stonewalled us. AH charmed and lied to everyone. You are not imaginging that something nefarious is occuring. It happened here . The actions are very similar.
You ,however,appear to have a far more intelligent and courageous teacher,parent and student body.
WE HAVE A MORE COURAGEOUS ALUMNI BODY–particularly this site administrator, a true hero !!
A special thank you to the site administrator first and foremost for providing the ONLY channel of communication available to ALL concerned parties – - Without this channel, we would have suffered the exact same fate as HBHA (who we hope is on the path to recovery and is in our prayers);
THE ALUMNI ARE THE ONES (along with the current students who staged protests on campus before they were silenced) WHO MOBILIZED THIS COMMUNITY AND MADE US ALL AWARE!!
A special thank you to all the alumni who wrote in on behalf of their teachers – - if not for them we would never have mobilized;
A special thank you to every member of the HBHA community who cared enough to take the time to write in to help us and inform us;
A special thank you to the parents who have now taken over and to the few current board members who had the courage to stand up for what was right from DAY 1 despite all the backlash they got from the rest of their fellow board members;
All of these individuals are responsible for bringing us to this point!
“IT TAKES A VILLAGE”
Let’s make sure the word gets out that we need votes June 6th so that we can all succeed in SAVING HILLEL
135 Wise Words: HBHA Kansas // May 18, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Tremendous, deep and incalculable damage was done here in Kansas at the HBHA to our best teachers and many of our most promising students by this former “head master”.
AH is charming, handsome, deceptive and deeply destructive.
For the sake of your children I pray that you have the courage and integrity to unite and fire him before he ruins your school, traumatizes students, teachers and parents who see what he is doing clearly.
He is clever and slippery; however, destruction will indeed occur if you sit back and do nothing to stop him.
THIS INCLUDES MR. B, WHO WHILE “VERY NICE” IS INDEED MERELY A LOYAL H FLUNKIE.
My heart broke when I heard he was also heading to your school to join his good buddy.
THE STAGE IS AGAIN SET AND THE BOTH OF THEM ARE UNFORTUNATELY QUITE EFFECTIVE.
Like a chess game the damage is more difficult to stop when their strategies are well planned, already several moves ahead, coordinated from several directions and have been practiced . Like us, you also realized what was happening after the stage was already set.
Fear tactics led to a form of submission for mere survival
OUR BEST TEACHERS BEGGED FOR OUR HELP. Teachers were either continually intimidated or fired.
Our children suffered deeply (particularly those whose families were not from the wealthiest power players to whom he cleverly catered) and many continue to suffer even after leaving the school.
BRILLIANT MOTHERS AND FATHERS WERE CASTIGATED AND MADE TO FEEL VERY UNWELCOME AND WERE COVERTLY MALIGNED AND MARGINALIZED.
Some of our best and brightest parents were alienated…
Parents deeply devoted to providing their children with a Jewish education were forced to withdraw their children. For many of us this decision was devastating but necessary…
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WERE AT BEST EITHER DECEIVED OR WERE INCOMPETENT. They created a wall and blocked any reasonable conversation . For that behavior I have no full understanding or explanation. Frankly, their behavior was inexcusable .
In reading the recent postings I AM PROUD of those of you who display courage ,effort, and love . YOU ACT FROM A PLACE OF INTEGRITY. I applaud you each and every one.
For those who read and agree but are afraid to step forward I reiterate my earlier comments below SO THAT YOU FIND YOU DO HAVE THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND STRENGTH TO STAND UP EVEN IN THE FACE OF THE FEAR OF PERSONAL HARM YOU MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE ACT OF SAVING YOUR CHILDREN BY CONFRONTING YOUR BOARD.
UNITE, GROW YOUR NUMBERS AND BY SO DOING GREATLY INCREASE YOUR COLLECTIVE POWER AND EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY.
YOU MUST CREATE A CRITICAL MASS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ( they are young -nonetheless-human beings who are the most helpless and deserve to be heard , honored as our future and helped )WHO WHEN UNIFIED IN PURPOSE AND ACTION CAN UNSEAT THE BOARD.
LEARN FROM HISTORY. Remember the JUDENRAT who acted to save themselves. No matter what their intentions they did so at the expense of others.
FIRE HIM AND HIS SIDEKICKS AS SOON AS IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.
Please let us who have been witness and been personally hurt by this man’s cruelty to teachers and students help you before more damage is done. Teach your children by example to have the courage to see reality and know that bad things happen when good people do nothing. YOU HAVE NO TIME TO WASTE.
We pray for the highest good for you, your children, teachers and the integrity of your school.
____________________________
AMEN!!!!!!! Fellow Members of the Hillel Community: Learn the Lesson of History before it is Too Late!
136 Wise Words: HBHA Kansas // May 18, 2007 at 9:47 pm
Thank you to the HBHA parent who wrote in.
Also: Thank you also to poster #95 HBHA Alum
Some of us missed your post. It showed up much later for some reason…
I encourage you all to go back and read this post as well!
137 STUDENT BODY AT HILLEL // May 18, 2007 at 10:00 pm
“YOU MUST CREATE A CRITICAL MASS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ( they are young -nonetheless-human beings who are the most helpless and deserve to be heard , honored as our future and helped WHO WHEN UNIFIED IN PURPOSE AND ACTION CAN UNSEAT THE BOARD.)
The students on campus are on our side – - some have signed petitions of their own — the contents of which cannot be disclosed at this time
The students on campus stand silently by our side
They too have been silenced
Stay tuned!
138 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 9:44 pm
In these past few weeks I have attended several events at Hillel. The picture is always the same: administrators rush to the side of any board member or powerful donor they can locate and engage in long conversations, completely ignoring the rest of us. I have not once been greeted, welcomed, smiled at, spoken to, or even acknowledged by any administrator.
As for the board and their disgusting letter that ruined my Shabbat (I hope everyone noticed how they took credit for Tiffany’s beautiful Silver Knight accomplishment by claiming it was a result of their blueprint), I have only the following to say: they are either very very scared because of financial improprieties that have been alluded to on this site (who has a company car?), or they are allowing their pride and arrogance to get in the way of any clear thinking. The fact that they refuse to see the damage they have caused and continue to spew the same rhetoric makes me think the latter. Any sane, thinking person would have realized long ago that their “gift to Jewish education” is , in reality, a Trojan horse filled with destruction.
139 bambi // May 19, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Tiffany did her own work and is a beautiful determined intelligence (brilliant) with an incredible focus on what is right and what needs to be done! Her accomplishments are a source of pride for those of us who have taught her and nutured her and encouraged her.
Tiffany is a Silver Knight because she worked for it.
Tiffany is a gifted soul.
She is her own person and earned her own accomplishment through a process intellectual discernment.
—–not some blue print only pulled together this year.
Education, good education, is a process which builds on results….its like climbing a mountain and choosing the best path.
Tiffany did that!
140 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 9:59 pm
the board should note that the lessons Tiffany learned at Hillel that enabled her to receive this recognition ARE THE VERY THINGS THEY ARE DESTROYING AT OUR SCHOOL!!
141 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Please re-read the Kol Hillel. The people whose names have an asterisk are EITHER up for renewal or first time election. Some of them have not yet been on the Board.
142 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Too true.
To win the Silver Knight Award, you must engage in hours upon hours of community service and demonstrate the CHESED that now seems to be lacking.
One of Tiffany’s greatest tzedakah projects that she helped raise money for was the Chicken Fund. The Chicken Fund was originally started by Rabbi Raab’s (inspired by his mother). You can ask Dr. Roni Raab at the Hebrew Academy to tell you the story of how his grandmother got the idea to begin this fund. Leslie Peiken made it her mission (with help from Lois Perlman) to keep the fund alive. Tiffany dedicated her efforts to collecting money for it.
How nice to see that the students of two Jewish day schools — Hillel and Hebrew Academy — devoted efforts this year to collect money for the Chicken Fund.
These Torah values: “Tzedakah Tatzil Mi Mavet” are the true essence of defines our community.
This is the first year in many years that the Silver Knight committee decided to honor students from Jewish day schools. Daniel Redlich at the Hebrew Academy also won Silver Knight the award.
Kol Ha Kavod to all students who make the Jewish community of South Florida beam with pride.
143 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 10:56 pm
Clearly, the legacy left behind by people like Rabbi Raab, Rabbi Bald z’l, Dr. Levy and so forth set an example that our students are still following to this very day!
These leaders are the essence of Hillel. We need more leaders who revere Torah values and want to see Judaic values taught as a major focus of the curriculum once again.
144 good wolf // May 19, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Self-less service to those who are deserving.
145 Anonymous // May 19, 2007 at 11:32 pm
To our board members:
Ask yourselves what kind of example our children are seeing from the leadership you have put in front of them?
Don’t expect any Silver Knights if, G-d forbid, our students turn out to have the character and values of our current head of school.
It makes me sick to my stomach.
If it weren’t for the stellar teachers that I am expecting next year I would already have removed my family from this ailing school.
Should the unthinkable happen and the current leadership remain, a huge exodus of families should be expected.
146 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 1:49 am
Children as young as elementary school have repeatedly commented on how Dr. Holden is ruining their school. How he should be spoken to and removed. Not to mention what the middle and high school students are saying.
To think the board can continue to ignore the voices of our children is dangerous.
To think the board can continue to ignore the outcry from our teachers is even more disconcerting.
To think the board can continue ignore the signals and warnings being so selflessly provided by our colleagues from Kansas is irreprehensible.
To think the board can continue to ignore the voices of the parents who are holding them accountable for their leadership roles is inexcusable.
To think the board can continue to operate in a vacuum and be allowed to do so is utterly ridiculous.
…. and to the parents, alumni, teachers, students, and community leaders who are so aptly supporting the cause for change and return to our roots – - – together we can and will make a difference.
IT IS OUR DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO SAVE HILLEL – - FOR OUR CHILDREN, FOR OUR TEACHERS, FOR OUR COMMUNITY, AND IN THE NAME OF THE FOUNDERS OF THIS GREAT SCHOOL!
WE WILL SAVE HILLEL!
Spread the word!
147 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 7:09 am
To think that the board can continue to believe the lies they are spreading is scary.
To think that the board can continue to support a leadership bereft of any integrity or character says a lot about their own values.
This board must be taken down. They are too blind too even see the destruction they have wrought.
148 anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 9:17 am
AGREED!
149 Hillel Teacher for Too Many Years // May 20, 2007 at 11:49 am
AGREED!!!
150 Supportive parent // May 20, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Today’s Neighbor’s section of the Miami Herald listed the valedictorians, salutitorians and notable students from all the private schools in Dade County. Hillel’s used to be listed, too. But now the marketing effort is devoted to other things. Why don’t our best and brightest deserve recognition in the local paper like those from every other private school in town? Are the marketing people too busy to pay attention?
151 Anonymous // May 20, 2007 at 10:54 pm
That’s why they just hired the Marketing Firm. To do big time damage control. How silly. They can do damage control themselves free of charge by just listening to what the constituency has to say and involving more members in the decision making process. Instead they are just spending more money. Our tuition dollars at work.
152 anonymous // May 21, 2007 at 7:05 am
Their priorities are misguided by a Head of School who is a fraud – - what do you expect. …and our board of smart people have obviously lost their minds.
153 Adam Holden Head of School Must Go // Jul 22, 2007 at 6:07 pm
poster 29/135 …what a shame that you were so correct