I’d like to ask you all a question. Assume this website didn’t exist as a vehicle for change. However, you all see the need to effectuate some change somehow.
What would you do?
We are very fortunate to have this website to discuss problems, but unfortunately the people who can make things happen do not like what’s being said here. The problem is that the people posting are consistently dwelling on the issues that the board may not be able to necessarily act upon. I can’t say I completely disagree with what people saying, but I am the one who ends up hearing from both sides and one needs to pacify the other. It is not my responsibility to respond on anyone’s behalf, and I am not here to become an intermediary for your causes.
Here’s what I need to say:
To this website’s regular posters: please post. Don’t stop. However, stop beating at a dead horse. This website may not be productive if it is seen at the present as an instrument where people consistently complain, EVEN if your concerns are valid. The problem is that not everything can be solved overnight, and not everything is necessarily going to be heeded to (unfortunate as that is). Look for ways to produce change under the assumption that this website is not here. Remember, this is a public website and people are reading this. While that is our goal, there is an important goal of mine to save Hillel and to focus on the positive at the school. I’m sure there are positive things to say, right?
To the board who reads this site: Representatives among you are contacting me. Instead of calling me, address everyone. Send me a letter and let me publish it. Let us know that you acknowledge the concerns. Without any official statements, everyone is left to assume, and the comments said herein are counterproductive to any positive efforts.
This site remains up because I respect and honor the teachers, my educators, the individuals who have made Hillel thrive in my day. That is where my loyalties lie.
Thank you.
21 responses so far ↓
1 We all agree with you! // May 6, 2007 at 7:26 am
We all agree with you. We have to give you all the credit for starting this website. The Board and Parents and Teachers need to work together. A meeting should be called once in for all.Parents and Teachers want answers. Board Members Hold a Meeting so the person running the website could be less stress.This Website has saved our teachers jobs. So We also need to give back to her.Make it easy on all and the Website will have better topics.
2 Anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 8:23 am
“The problem is that the people posting are consistently dwelling on the issues that the board may not be able to necessarily act upon.”
There is one very simple thing the board can do - we’ve all said it - and yet they consistently refuse:
LISTEN TO THE TEACHERS.
Why are they so afraid to do this? The teachers went through a lengthy evaluation process - have the Heads of School been similarly evaluated? I’m not talking about by the board - I’m talking about by the staff. Allow them to express what it is like to teach at Hillel today. Whether their teaching is affected by the feelings of fear and intimidation that some have expressed here. Whether they have been treated with disrespect. Whether the administration is approachable and welcomes participation in decision making. Whether they feel there is open and honest communication. Heck - if they even ENJOY coming to school anymore.
I have two challenges for the Board:
1) Do the research. You’ll find that schools run by intimidation, mistrust, and decision making that is only at the top are not the successful schools. Successful schools are places that encourage collaborative processes, where there is frequent positive interaction between teachers and administrators, where there is a positive atmosphere based on mutual trust and respect.
2) Survey the teachers. You guys seem to like numbers - get some statistics! Allow the teachers to tell you what Hillel is really like today. Use a Likert survey instrument and see where our school falls on his scale of 1-4. 1 is a school that has been described by the teachers that have posted here - lack of trust and confidence in teachers, decisions made only at the top, staff forced to work with fear, threats, and punishment, teacher-administration interaction that is limited and based on fear and mistrust. A 4 (the most desirable) school is one in which admin had complete confidence and trust in teachers, communication flows up, down and across, teachers are motivated by participation and involvement in setting goals and appraising progress, and there is extensive friendly admin-teacher interaction with a high degree of confidence and trust. Why won’t you let the teachers report to you on the efficacy of the current administration and whether they are creating a positive school environment that is proven by research to lead to high student achievement? What are you afraid of?
3 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 8:25 am
Though it must be difficult for the board members to continue to read the comments posted - as they have been elected to oversee the aspects of the school, it does not negate the fact that they are in a position to effectuate change. ….and yes, things cannot take place overnight - however, the inaction on their part is tantamount to their acceptance of what the head of school has done! This is grossly unacceptable.
Don’t allow the board to say - oh, give us time, we can’t do it overnight - these are procrastination tactics for them to bide their time and continue along this path.
There have been many who have written and who have called - nothing has been done!
They need to take a stand, remove the two administrative hires and move on. Appoint Rabbi Kaplan as an interim dean and embark on a search. We currently have excellent faculty in place - if we can restore their confidence in the system, a new administration and the board - everything else will fall into place. ….but the board must take action. …and the fact these administrators are under contract….all contracts can be terminated.
If additional administrative support is needed, certainly CAJE or Lookstein can and will assist for the sake of the school.
It is obvious the board members calling the webmaster are doing so in an effort to intimidate. The only communications sent are vague. The problem is that there is currently some amount of dissent among the board members - those who wish to ignore the events (in essence) agree with the tactics of the head of school and those who agree with the individuals posting on this site. Therein lies the dilemma. There is no UNITED front. Those who dissent, sit in a difficult spot amongst their fellow board members and friends. It is a challenge.
The board has been challenged - it is time effectuate appropriate change and take back our school to drive it in a positive united direction. This can only be done if there is a change in adminsitration! You are implored to stand up and make this change for the sake of our TEACHERS and STUDENTS and on behalf of the many parents calling for such change.
The decision to make change lies within the board - - they need to take action for the betterment and survival of our school.
To our teachers…..we love you and appreciate all you do each and everyday for the benefit of our children. We acknowledge the challenge you face working in this most difficult environment and are working to try and effectuate change.
Board response is welcomed and requested.
Parents, community members, and alumni please weigh in on this and the previous post - TAKE ACTION AND STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE!!
4 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 10:18 am
I agree that we should stand up for what we believe in. I believe in respect for educators and students. This week the College Book Awards Assembly was held: a true honor for our school, its students and their families. While I risk being accused of “beating a dead horse”, unfortunately the “horses” are still running, and not for the Kentucky roses. While Rabbi Kaplan, Mr. Levisman, Mrs. Roberts and the teacher/ presenters, offered heartfelt sentiments and kvelled over the students, neither Rabbi Druin, nor Mr. Holden seemed very interested in the event. In fact, neither administrator stayed throughout the awards assembly.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, here is recap of this assembly, offered as an example of what the teachers have been experiencing throughout the year. Hopefully, on June 6th, the parents will give their teachers a new Board and in turn a truly educated Jewish Head of School, who can kvell over them and their students.
Respect
What has happened to respect for education in our school?
The Head of School briefly attends the prestigious “College Book Awards Assembly”.
He sits facing the audience, eyes turned downward, musing over paperwork; barely acknowledging the beautiful ceremony that unfolded in front of many other eyes: except his.
Finally, he is called to the podium and offers words, rather than feelings for his presentation: then he abruptly leaves the Beit Midrash.
The Head of School does not stay to kvell over the wonderful accomplishments of his kinderen.
How could he? These are not, and never will be his kinderen.
His most recent “alma mater” did not offer a book award.
How could it? His degree was not and never will be considered an accredited doctoral program.
What has happened to respect for Jewish education in our school?
5 Anonymous Teacher // May 6, 2007 at 10:19 am
Thank you. Post #1 says it all. I was going to offer the same suggestions. Survey the teachers about the warm nurturing environment that the mission statement promises. Conduct an evaluation of administrative staff. On this, teachers are well equipped to comment. Behind the smoke and mirrors, there is “Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide”.
6 admin // May 6, 2007 at 10:27 am
Thank you. This feedback is important.
To the board (once again): The ball is in your court. It is not in mine. You will need to take what people have said herein and act. I am not your representative for this mission. If teachers feel that they have been wronged, have a meeting to address points stated within this site. The five-minute meeting you held over spring break was not enough: it is not sufficient to give a Dvar Torah, ask “any questions?” and then end that meeting because your teachers are obviously too afraid to ask.
The fact that you have frightened me to shut down the site temporarily last night — when I don’t even live in Florida — means that the work environment that my teachers are currently in must be hell. I implore you to have a heart. These teachers are here to educate the children because they love the children. Teaching is already a thankless job, and that’s even worse at Hillel, it seems. I’ve created this website to show many that their job is not being done in vain, but it is your obligation to rectify the problems mentioned on this website.
At the same time, issues brought up about SACS/credentials need to be dropped on this website. It’s a dead issue, and this website will do nothing to help that cause.
7 Anonymous Teacher // May 6, 2007 at 10:32 am
Oops! correction…I was commenting on post #2.
8 admin // May 6, 2007 at 10:38 am
Sorry — you really can’t respond to a numbered post given that there were others that were posted earlier that have been sitting in moderation. I would suggest that you quote the person and post instead of referring to a number.
9 mentalhealth // May 6, 2007 at 11:25 am
As the Admin knows, we put our students FIRST.
Teaching is not an ego-trip. Teaching is like breathing and is a spiritual condition: you must teach in order to live right.
If you teach well, your students will learn and learn to love learning.
I think this says it about teaching the best (and learning):
Max Ehrmann
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with G-d,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
10 Anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 11:42 am
To the Board:
Would you, in your businesses, make decisions without having the data to support them?
GET THE DATA!
MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS!
By refusing to listen to the teachers, you are, once again, devaluing them, and feeding into the negative culture at the school.
11 Save Our Jewish Day School. Listen to all of us... // May 6, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Board Members are you listening to all these comments about your current Adminstrators. We all think its time to Break Up Contracts. Let’s Start the Year with New Adminstrators that care about Our Jewish Education, At our Hillel Community Day School. Keep Rabbi Kaplan as your Principal or Administrator don’t let him go. We need him more than ever now. He knows our Students and Teachers and Parents better than Dr.Holden and Rabbi Druen.
12 admin // May 6, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Instead of focusing on firing people (that’s why this website was created: to counteract those actions), let’s focus on promoting capable administrators from within. Let’s focus on treating the teachers — the essence of the school — with the utmost respect and dignity. Let’s focus on making work environment that the teachers work within a nurturing one.
Hillel’s successes are ultimately defined by its teachers and the quality of education. If freedoms are being stifled, the quality of education diminishes.
Let’s move forward to improve education, but that starts with creating a loving environment for the teachers.
13 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Admin:
Your gift to the teachers for appreciation week was keeping this website alive. Your gift will allow alumni, parents and other stakeholders the chance to hear the stifled voices of our teachers. Perhaps hearing these voices will effectuate the needed change on June 6th.
14 THE SECRET // May 6, 2007 at 7:59 pm
THE LAW OF ATTRACTION
*If you focus on what you don’t want, you will end up getting more of that very thing.*
Focus on what it is you DO want. BELIEVE that what you want will be realized.
Create the picture of the school as you envision it ideally. If enough people start creating the same image and maintain intention of seeing it manifest in the Universe, the Universe will ultimately bring it to fruition.
Break the negative cycle and start creating the positive now…What positive things do you want to see created now?
15 anonymous // May 6, 2007 at 8:02 pm
The board needs to stand up and take the heat for the irreprehensible decisions and actions they have taken and have allowed the administration to take under their watch. It’s time for change!
So to my fellow bloggers…..
Continue to post -
Bring the issues to the forefront. The fact that they find the website so troublesome gives credence to the fact that they are reading and taking note of the issues and thoughts of the HILLEL parents and community.
We must continue to bring the issues to the forefront for the sake of our beloved teachers (IT IS TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - - LET THE TEACHERS KNOW - THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS APPRECIATE THEM) and for the sake of our children (THEY ARE OUR FUTURE)!!!!
Let’s build on our foundation and continue to move forward for our cause (it is a meaningful cause!)
16 Anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 12:54 am
I’d like to request that someone post a report on the event of May 10 for those of us who could not make it.
17 Hillel Teacher (more than 7 years)-- I am ahsamed // May 10, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I am a Hillel teacher. I am ashamed. I am ashamed that I did not stand up for my three colleagues when their contracts were not renewed. I am ashamed that when threatened, I did not speak up. I am ashamed that I signed a contract without knowing the work hours. I am ashamed that I am allowing myself to continue to be in an environmnet which is not conducive to promoting mental health. I am ashamed that I am hoping that others ( parents, alumni) will do what I lack the courage to do. And I am ashamed that I do not have enough courage to put my name to this posting.
18 Anonymous // May 10, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Hillel Teacher: You are not alone. You are just more honest than most.
19 another veteran teacher // May 10, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Ditto to I am ashamed
20 Bambi // May 13, 2007 at 9:20 am
Honesty is good, Hillel Teacher (more than 7 years)– I am ahsamed // May 10, 2007 at 2:13 pm ….. your position like so many others is between a rock and a hard place….
21 Baa Baa Black Sheep // May 19, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Courage is a hard thing
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