This was sent to me by an anonymous parent:
The initial purpose of this site was to Save Hillel.
As a short recap….There were many issues that came about as a result of teacher non-renewals for the school year scheduled to start on August 20, 2007. Then there were elections amongst other changes, recruits, etc that were and are continuing to take place at the school.
This website became an outlet for those individuals who were not board members who had thoughts and issues that they felt were important enough to convey to the general population. The discussions and dialogues continued throughout the summer and heated up again when the news of the Androns’ departure was announced. This was a tremendous loss and it saddened many. However, the school’s personal loss was a wonderful gain for the community at large.
Things quieted down after this big event and people began to go on vacation.
As we move forward to next week when our beloved teachers go back to school, we will once again have the opportunity to share news, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions on how we can continue to make a positive difference.
We all have the ability to make a difference in the life of a child. We must take this responsibility very seriously. We all have a vested interest of some sort in our beloved Hillel, whether a parent, teacher, student, alum, member, donor or other interested party. Therefore, each and every one of us must do our part to SAVE HILLEL – for our Children, Our Teachers, and Our Community.
Important Dates:
August 13, 2007 – Teachers return
August 20, 2007 – Student begin the 2007/2008 School year.
To all of the current HILLEL students and teachers – - Hatzlacha Rabba – - may you have a wonderful and successful school year.
We will be watching (they will be reading) and we will be assisting in any way we can to Save Hillel and make it the special place it has always been.
192 responses so far ↓
1 Anonymous // Aug 17, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I am happy to report that thus far teachers are stating that they are being treated considerably better by administration than they have been in the past.
The morale is picking up a bit.
The scrutiny of the blog is indeed accomplishing its mission.
Kol Ha Kavod to the site administrator.
We expect for the derech eretz and appreciation to continue throughout the year.
The community is watching and listening.
2 anonymous // Aug 19, 2007 at 12:17 am
It has been refreshing to hear that the first week back has been a positive one. We hope that it continues this way for all involved.
We will continue to watch and listen. We will not let our guard down in light of the welcomed changes. We will need to continue to monitor the situation to make certain that the atmostphere and environment indeed remains this way and is not a facade.
We will do all we can to Save Hillel. We have and will continue to make a difference for all.
3 Anonymous // Aug 19, 2007 at 9:13 am
To save Hillel is to get rid of the Board and the unwanted administrators.
4 Anon // Aug 19, 2007 at 11:19 am
If what Anonymous is saying about morale picking up, let’s give the Board/”unwanted” administrators the benefit of the doubt and not wish for their removal. Maybe they’re finally listening.
If not, it’ll be known.
5 Good Wolf // Aug 19, 2007 at 4:25 pm
We hope that they listen.
I am now in a school where last year’s teachers in my specialty were dropped BUT everyone else was retained.
I am always a friend of Hillel and will watch with care and conviction. We did a good job, last year. This year is a fresh start.
Peace
6 Anonymous // Aug 19, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Thus far, all I can say is that the treatment has been more respectful in tone. At many schools respectful treatment of teachers by their administrators is a given that is taken for granted. Here it a welcome and refreshing change. How that attitude adjustment will translate into everyday practical and logistical issues remains to be seen. But at least, there has been a bit of a slight improvement that has been long overdue. It had better continue. Parents and alumni are in constant conversation with teachers taking the temperature of the situation.
Parents at nearby schools keep remarking how surprised they are that Hillel keeps “bleeding so many students”. According to parents at nearby schools the bleeding of students began about 4 years ago and has continued and continued. Perhaps this trend can be reversed.
7 Anonymous // Aug 19, 2007 at 7:55 pm
The unwanted administrators need to go. And so does the Board who put them there. Treating the teachers better is nice but the real issue is that a Jewish school should have Jewish leaders.
8 anonymous // Aug 19, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Everything in due time. Rome was not built in a day. Therefore, we cannot expect a total reconstruction over a summer.
We must start the year in a positive manner. We all will be observing each and every step.
We must stay vigilant and cautiously optimistic.
Good luck to all of the students and teachers as they begin the new school year tomorrow. We can effectuate change one day at a time and make a difference in the life of a child.
We will SAVE HILLEL!
9 Aviva // Aug 22, 2007 at 10:04 pm
The only negative comment I have heard is about scheduling. A number of middle and high school teachers have days without planning periods between classes (some are teaching 5 or 6 consecutive classes), and they are also expected to take on extra duties.
10 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 10:18 am
There are always negative comments. The school can’t please everyone all the time.
11 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:08 pm
I have heard the same problem about the scheduling.
Icebreakers/team building for teachers and administrators. Excellent.
Plasma TV in the teacher’s lounge. Nice but not necessary.
WORKING FROM 8 TO 4 WITH 6 CLASSES AND NO BREAK. UNHEARD OF.
12 Anon // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:11 pm
It’s not educationally sound for teacher’s to have zero time to plan, photocopy, call parents, reflect, etc. during a school day.
Stretching teachers so thin is not good for the STUDENTS.
13 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Plasma TV? I would prefer the tuition dollars were spent on better things. Watching TV can be done at home.
14 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Teaching is not like other professions.
It is ranked one of the most stressful of all jobs listed after Air Traffic Controller and Emergency Rescue Worker.
Carpeting, plasma TV, nice goody bags from the marketing firms..that’s all very nice, but not necessary.
It’s not good for YOUR CHILD to have a teacher in a classroom who has gone all day straight with no break.
What is necessary is having a teacher who is not so stretched thin that they have nothing left to give.
What is necessary is having a teacher who has been given some time to take care of many of the issues that must be taken care of outside the classroom on a DAILY basis.
People have no sense of this.
Conferencing with principals, other teachers, or holding staffings with parents on campus about particular students and their issues–when is that supposed to happen?
Planning. A teacher plans hours at home, but still needs time to tweak lessons in school. Lessons are organic and need fine-tuning and customizing to particular students and particular classes. When in the day is there time for that to happen?
Grading. Teachers grade on weekends and nights, but there simply isn’t enough time to do all the grading then, especially if you are Shomer Shabbat.
Photocopying. There is so much material photocopied daily. You have no idea how much personal time that takes. The photocopied material is a critical part of what takes place in the classroom.
These are only a few of the several things teacher need to do in the course of a day. There needs to be a planning period each day for some breathing time and some time to take care of such issues.
Of course, no one on the board has ever taught, so they are clueless.
Most of them wouldn’t last a day with 6 high school classes and no break, let alone an entire year…and yet, they have no problem exploiting others.
I guess they thought that the teachers would be too distracted by the new plasma TV to notice. They were wrong.
15 Good Wolf // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Hmmmm…that exactly right Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 5:39 pm .
I have five classes, three plannings and one office hour plus a 15 minute break and 45 minutes for a provided lunch eaten with students to discuss conversational teen things. I get home about 5:30 m-f (leaving to get to work by 7:30). I spend about 2 hours most evenings grading and another hour reviewing and reading for work. I must eat dinner and have family time and get some sleep, generally about 6-7 hours of rest per night. The weekends are running errands, house work, a little family time for religion and fun all around more planning and grading. Most of us who are teachers actually work about 65-70 hours a week during the school year. Teaching is all about doing a good work and preparing the next generation for its responsiblities.
16 anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Teaching 6 classes in a row does not go along with “Best Practices” which seems to be the catchword for the week. The teachers may be suffering but parents, remember, the students will suffer more.
17 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:31 pm
They are clueless! Good Wolf it sounds like you are the one who benefitted by moving to a much better place. Congratulations. You close one door and sometimes you open a much better one. G-d works in mysterious ways.
18 anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:31 pm
It seems to me this may go against labor laws in Fla.
19 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:35 pm
According to labor laws I believe you must be given an unecumbered lunch (no duties). I’m not sure for how long. I believe that may be the only break teachers are given and I’m not even entirely sure about that.
If teachers are not even being given a mere lunch break, then the school is absolutely breaking the law in the state of Florida.
20 anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Teacher hours are now 7:45 to 4:15—more than 8 hrs a day.
21 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:41 pm
It sounds like they don’t care about the quality of the education.
They just want a warm body in the classroom.
A babysitter.
Young, inexperienced, and CHEAP would be a definite bonus.
22 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:42 pm
“Teacher hours are now 7:45 to 4:15—more than 8 hrs a day.”
WHO NEGOTIATED THIS CONTRACT?
HOW IS THIS ETHICALLLLLLLLLLLL?
23 Anon // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Ethical? What do Ethics have to do with a Jewish educational institution?
“Torah values?”…yeah, right!
“Best practices?”…save the rhetoric for someone who buys what you’re shoveling.
24 Good Wolf // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:31 pm
They are clueless! Good Wolf it sounds like you are the one who benefitted by moving to a much better place. Congratulations. You close one door and sometimes you open a much better one. G-d works in mysterious ways.
Yes, it does seem that way and so far everyone is very nice and well focused on the kids.
Yes, for me, Hillel was a wonderful experience (up to where the contract didn’t get picked up) and I was really happy there.
It seems like for every door that closes g-d has opened a window or another door.
The school I am in is full of huge windows and a lot of light.
25 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Baruch HaShem.
26 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 7:52 pm
“some are teaching 5 or 6 consecutive classes), and they are also expected to take on extra duties.”
This sounds like it is against the law.
Maybe not the letter of the law but certainly the spirit of the law.
Wouldn’t be the first time Hillel has allegedly disregarded the law, ethics, or integrity.
Why is anyone surprised?
27 anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Remember we were told if you don’t like it WALK.
28 anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Some did walk. Others had opportunities to walk but made poor choices. Our kids were too important to us.
29 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Do the teachers teach 5 or 6 classes everyday or does it change every day? Does every class meet every day?
30 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 8:32 pm
The administrators are working very hard and have improved their attitudes. Thankfully, they are no longer the issue.
However, the issue of the unethical schedule must be addressed by the board.
It is immoral, pedagogically unsound (translation: VIOLATES “BEST PRACTICES”), and is completely unacceptable.
I’d like to hear what the US Department of Education’s database clearinghouse ERIC has to say about this. This schedule is a total violation of Best Practices.
Our children will suffer the most in the end.
Board of Directors, you are being called upon to address this situation immediately.
Put your money where your mouth is.
Do you want to make Hillel a school of excellence? Do you want to improve teacher morale?
Yes?
Then fix that schedule ASAP!
31 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 8:34 pm
“Do the teachers teach 5 or 6 classes everyday or does it change every day? Does every class meet every day?”
If there is even ONE day that teachers go all day straight with no break, it is ONE DAY TOO MUCH. Period.
32 Anonymous // Aug 23, 2007 at 9:30 pm
How did the Administrators change their attitudes? Most of them have only been there for 4 days?
In the HS or middle school, how can a teacher go all day without a break? Doesn’t the whole HS or Middle School have lunch at the same time?
You mean teachers have no breaks for lunch or bathroom?
33 Anonymous // Aug 24, 2007 at 5:29 am
By law, people are required to have a lunch break. Do teachers have one? Teachers need some planning time every day. Do they have it?
34 Anonymous // Aug 24, 2007 at 5:30 am
“How did the Administrators change their attitudes? Most of them have only been there for 4 days?” Thus far they are not using intimidation or rudeness as a way to lead. That’s a change even if it’s for over a week now.
35 Anonymous // Aug 24, 2007 at 10:31 am
If by law, the teachers or any other Hillel employees are not getting a lunch break they are entitled to, then they should complain to the FL Dept. of Labor. That’s the best place.
36 Aviva // Aug 24, 2007 at 2:55 pm
By my calculations, 40 and 1/2 hours per week required to be on campus…does not, of course, include the number of hours teachers spend at home correcting papers, etc. monday -thursdays = 8 and 1/2 hour days.
37 Anonymous // Aug 24, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Aviva,
The teachers who go all day straight on certain days of the week..do they take a lunch break and if so, for how long?
If you are working 8.5 hours day (on campus…not counting what you do at home) is that against the law?
Why did anyone sign such an exploitive, unethical, contract that violates Best Practices?
38 US Dept. of Education Educ. Database // Aug 24, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Teacher Working Conditions that Matter (EJ771011)
Author(s):
Leithwood, Ken; McAdie, Pat
Source:
Education Canada, v47 n2 p42-45 Spr 2007
Pub Date:
2007-00-00
Pub Type(s):
Journal Articles; Reports – Research
Abstract:
To advance understanding of the issues concerning teachers’ working conditions, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario commissioned one of the authors to do an analytical review of literature on teachers’ working conditions.
This resulted in the publication, “Teacher Working Conditions That Matter: Evidence for Change.”
The framework for this report is based on the premises that teachers’ feelings and knowledge are the immediate “causes” of what teachers do and that many of these internal states are significantly influenced by the circumstances in which they work.
Evidence points to the influence on teachers’ work, and in some cases, also on student learning, of eight specific internal states: (1) Individual sense of professional efficacy; (2) Collective sense of professional efficacy; (3) Organization commitment; (4) Job satisfaction; (5) Stress and burnout; (6) Morale; (7) Engagement or disengagement (from the school and/or profession); and (8) Pedagogical content knowledge.
The analysis identifies the working conditions which evidence suggests have a significant influence on each of these internal states.
Put the Oxygen Mask on Yourself First (EJ751470)
Author(s):
Whitaker, Judy
Source:
Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers, v82 n1 p34-35 Jan 2007
Pub Date:
2007-01-00
Pub Type(s):
Journal Articles; Reports – Descriptive
Abstract:
Educators are like their colleagues in business in that they experience long, stress-filled days at work and then go home to hurried and rushed family schedules. For some people, every moment of every day is rushed. They rush to the doctor, hurry to take children to the soccer game, eat on the run. It is go, go, go from sunrise to sunset.
Recharging the Disposition to Lead (EJ767318)
Author(s):
Wasicsko, M. Mark
Source:
Principal Leadership, v7 n8 p27-29 Apr 2007
Pub Date:
2007-04-00
Abstract:
When describing a favorite leader, people frequently struggle to express the deeply meaningful and personal relationship they had and the life- and career-altering impact that relationship had on them.
During the last 30 years, the author has asked teachers about their most effective leaders, and he has come to the conclusion that it is not so much what the leader knows or does that makes the difference, but rather who the person is.
The leader’s human qualities and disposition combined with his or her knowledge and skills enable that leader to transform the lives of teachers and students and create a school culture that invites all to learn and grow.
In this article, the author provides a few modest suggestions for a summer renewal plan to help restore the spirit of principals and reenergize them so that they can create and maintain an optimal learning climate for teachers and students.
39 Anon // Aug 24, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Board Members It is time to help your teachers. Help them now. Don’t wait to much longer. We want the teachers to be happy. If the teachers are happy your children will be happy. We want to start the new year with good thoughts and everybody to be happy. Board Members you need to help our teachers they teach our children. Talk to your new adminstration and have them change this for our teachers. We want our teachers to be happy and all the children who go to Hillel Day School to be happy and go to school and have a nice smiling teacher..Today have a meeting get this moving. Don’t wait to much longer..Dr.Holden Help the teachers now.We hope you all listen to all this.
40 Anonymous // Aug 24, 2007 at 5:20 pm
What would make everyone happy? Was everyone happy last year? Be sure to look at both sides. Did the school get 100% from everyone last year? Or were certain things too lax? Did certain people take advantage and didn’t give the students 100% of what they should have?
41 Anon // Aug 24, 2007 at 6:26 pm
First of all nobody has been happy in the last 2 years. I wonder Why? Maybe you should check about your Adminstrators how they treated teachers and Parent’s.The Teachers of Hillel Always gave the Students the best education they could get.But Think about working with Dr. Holden and Rabbi Druen hasn’t been easy on these teachers. We all feel for the teachers all we want our Teachers to be treated good so they could work normal hours and be happy. I hope the Board looks at this and talks to Dr. Holden and Rabbi Druen and all his 100 Adminstrators he has working for Dr.Holden.Wake up don’t let this go we don’t want another year like last year . What happend in the High School last year was out of line when Dr. Holden and Rabbi Duren thought he could say bye bye to The best of the Best teachers Hillel has and parent’s and students and didn’t let it happend and also thanks to this website that has is trying to save Hillel. This person who is charge of the website is the one who is helping all.. .Thanks to you we could help our teachers at Hillel. We care Teachers.Board Members Help now!!!!!!!!
42 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 10:05 am
“Did the school get 100% from everyone last year? Or were certain things too lax? Did certain people take advantage and didn’t give the students 100% of what they should have?”
Being too lax on certain people vs. having an exploitive schedule where teachers have zero planning time are 2 completely separate issues.
Don’t confuse the issues or throw a red herring into the discussion.
In schools nationwide, teachers are given daily planning time. This is unheard of. If a few teachers last year did not use that time to plan but were unwinding instead, then what you fail to realize is that recharging one’s battery is critical to being more effective when you walk back into the classroom.
Some people just don’t get it. Probably because they don’t teach high school. And if they did, they wouldn’t last a day. How clueless can you get?
Many of our parents on the board who create these slave driving schedules don’t even work.
They live leisurely wealthy lives with time to do whatever they want, and yet, their conscience doesn’t bother them that they make underpaid and overworked teachers deal with over one hundred kids daily with no break at all. I’d like to see these board members hack this. Yeah, right.
Let my people go.
43 sad parent // Aug 25, 2007 at 4:26 pm
This is nonsense. The teachers I have spoken to are pleased and not complaining. They find the school cleaner and more organized than ever and have stated that the new high school principal is kind and professional. The teachers were aware of the change in the hours and breaks and these changes were part of their contracts.
I was critical of the administration last year but am willing to wait and see what happems thsi year. A few of the teachers that were misreable last year and felt mistreated are enjoying going to work. By all means, we need to keep vigilant but let’s not create problems where none exist.
44 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Parent, You and I are not talking to the same teachers. Not all the teachers are affected by this. Only some got stuck with crappy schedules approximately once a week based on the logistics of the scheduling. That doesn’t make it right. This is not nonsense parent. You go in and try it yourself and then come back and tell me it’s nonsense. What chutzpah you have.
Also, our tenth grade students are sitting without an English teacher all week long. Parents are getting antsy. Is this nonsense too, sad parent?
What’s nonsense is your dismissal of real issues.
45 anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 8:46 pm
From what I hear things are better except for these 5 and 6 in a row classes. None of this was in any contract agreement. Don’t confuse the issues. Happy teachers make happy students. Something must be done and it must be done soon to help the teachers in this situation.
46 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Here! Here!
47 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 8:55 pm
The 8 and a half hour work day in addition to the million hours teachers work at home is also irksome. Teachers aren’t asked what gets put in the contract. It is shoved down their throat because there is no one looking out for them. They either sign or leave.
48 anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Okay-so now everyone knows about this problem. Is the board going to do anything about it? Why should they? They got their mandate. This is a good trial case to see if they really are interested in helping the teachers or if everything they ever said is just blowing smoke.
49 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Exactly. If the board really cares they will fix this problem. We will wait to see what they do.
I believe they meet sometime next week.
Unfortunately, some of the teachers’ biggest advocates will not be at that meeting.
Let’s see what the board comes up with. We are eagerly awaiting their response to this issue.
50 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2007 at 9:46 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/24/education/24charter.html?em&ex=1188187200&en=c697a6aa7123cf5c&ei=5070
51 sad parent // Aug 26, 2007 at 9:03 am
#43: The Board was aware and approved the increased teacher hours as a way to reduce the budget. I am not agreeing nor disagreeing with this approach but the teachers knew about the changes last year. What I said was nonsense was the talk about going to the Dept of Labor and comments such as “Many of our parents on the board who create these slave driving schedules don’t even work”. these inflammatory comments dont help the situation. I have spoken with over a half dozen high school teachers and while they have more classes, they are, for now, pleased with the change of atmosphere in the school. I cannot speak for all the teachers, nor can you. But if this blog is to stay effective, cut out the hyperbole and stick with the facts. I would be upset if my child didnt have an english teacher but it is not the first time this has happened.
we have much to be vigilant about. all I suggested is that we stick to facts, not insults.
52 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 9:48 am
Here are the facts parent. You haven’t spoken to enough teachers in the middle and high school.
If teachers go without any break at all , including lunch, the school is breaking the law.
The fact is that for 20 thousand a year, kids deserve not to fall behind in English.
The fact is that this is the litmus test for the board to prove that they really want to make a difference.
None of this is hyperbole. It is understatement if anything.
I don’t know if you are on the board or not. If you are, here’s your chance to make a difference.
If you are just a regular parent, here’s your chance to still make a difference.
Thank you.
53 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 11:12 am
Why doesn’t the board open a proper channel for grievances to be aired within the school so that these issues don’t have to be broadcast to the entire world in order to communicate? Very bizarre.
54 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 2:45 pm
What exactly is “just a regular parent”? So ok, we don’t like the Board and Administration, and now “just regular parents” aren’t good either?
55 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 3:05 pm
We should hope that parents who are not on the board and are “just regular parents” (I don’t why anyone would read so deeply into that expression as to take umbrage at it) get involved and apply to those committees that the board extended to them so that they can make their voices heard in an effective way. Writing on this blog may not be enough. Thanks parents.
56 Anon // Aug 26, 2007 at 4:10 pm
The Board of Governors meet this Wednesday August 29,2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillel Day School. Board Members is this an open meeting for all to come to? Could non members and Teachers come to this? Please let us know as soon as you can.We want to start the year with good things.
57 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 6:00 pm
According to the Michelle Amselem and Helen Broide, the immediate weeks after the elections, only 2 parents expressed a desire to join committees that the board invited parents to apply for. If parents are truly interested in making a difference for their children and their children’s teachers, then I hope they will consider applying for positions on commitees and seeking ways to get involved. We need more parents who care involved on the board.
58 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Did those two parents get accepted? I know someone who applied and never heard again from anyone.
59 Anonymous // Aug 26, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I only know of one parent who applied.
That parent was told to wait until after the summer.
That parent would be a tremendous asset and has all worked on board committees in the past.
If she is not accepted once again, then one can question whether the board is sincere in their invitation or not.
Regardless, more parents need to try to get involved through appropriate channels. If they are then turned away, everyone will know beyond a shadow of a doubt where things stand.
For now, let’s be positive and assume that the board extended the invitation in earnestness.
Parents we need your help involvement.
60 Anon // Aug 28, 2007 at 8:18 am
Board Members so could Teachers and Parents attend the Board Meeting on August 29,2007? Please let us all know. It will be a good way to start the new year.
61 Anonymous // Aug 28, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Do any Board members actually read this?
62 Anonymous // Aug 28, 2007 at 4:27 pm
The marketing firm reads this.
63 Anonymous // Aug 28, 2007 at 4:54 pm
There are def a few board members who read this. I don’t think an open meeting is necessary. They just need to fix the schedule issue. Everything else seems okay.
64 Anonymous // Aug 28, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Shouldn’t scheduling be up to the Administration?
65 Anonymous // Aug 28, 2007 at 8:16 pm
The schedule must be rectified on the days where there are too many classes taught with no break. Administration and the board can play this game of passing the buck back and forth to one another on this issue. Ultimately, the buck stops with the board.
66 fly on the wall // Aug 29, 2007 at 7:21 am
In the public schools, where the days are around 90 minutes shorter than at Hillel, they do not allow teachers to be scheduled full days of teaching without a lunch break PLUS planning periods.
Ironic… They bought the teachers a plasma TV that they didn’t need to begin with. Then they made SURE they’d never need the TV by scheduling them in such a way that they never have time to set foot in the teachers’ lounge!
67 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 8:35 am
Well, Hillel is not public school. Plus I believe most teachers do not have that heavy schedule so there is plenty of time to watch TV.
68 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 3:53 pm
It’s ironic that only some teachers get stuck and not others. That doesn’t seem fair at all.
It’s not just in public schools that teachers get lunch and planning every day…it’s in virtually every school across the country…Hello?????
Anybody home?
69 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Again, if teachers are not being given lunch time, the law is being broken.
Law being broken = lawsuit.
70 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 4:12 pm
So who is going to step up and sue?
71 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Is it true that some teachers go without lunch on certain days?
72 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 4:30 pm
If there are a group of teachers deprived of lunch even for one day a week they can band together.
That’s called Class Action Lawsuit.
73 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 4:59 pm
The Bad News:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal law (Fair Labor Standards Act) does not provide for meal and work breaks. Here is some information from their website at http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/flsa/faq.htm:
“The [Fair Labor Standards Act] does not require breaks or meal periods be given to workers. Some states may have requirements for breaks or meal periods. If you work in a state which does not require breaks or meal periods, these benefits are a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee (or the employee’s representative).”
There is no provision made in the Florida Statutes to provide standard work breaks or meal breaks unless the employees are minors. You can find information about work breaks for minors in the “Child Labor Law Handbook” .
For additional information about Florida labor law issues, you can contact the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation’s toll-free labor law helpline at 1-800-342-3450.
Some interesting tidbits:
Top Five Employer Mistakes Under the FLSA
Some of the most common FLSA mistakes made by employers are easily identified and remedied. Whether you have five or five thousand employees, here are five mistakes you should try to avoid.
By Steven Siegel
————————————————————Ever since the Fair Labor Standards Act’s revised regulations became effective August 23, 2004, overtime has become a hot-button topic for employers and employees alike. Worse, it has also become a prime target area for plaintiffs’ attorneys, because even with the revisions the FLSA is an extraordinarily difficult statute to comprehend and comply with.
Fortunately, some of the most common mistakes made by employers are easily identified and remedied. Whether you have five or five thousand employees, here are five mistakes you should try to avoid:
1. Believing salaried employees are automatically exempt from overtime
Just because you are paying an employee a salary, no matter how large, does not mean that he or she is exempt from overtime. Each individual employee must qualify for one of the specific exemptions provided by the statute. Other less common exemptions include the executive exemption, administrative exemption, professional exemption, computer-employee exemption and outside sales exemption.
Each exemption has specific tests, and each employee to whom you pay a salary must be evaluated to see whether the exemption applies. Don’t forget that job titles and job descriptions aren’t the determining factor any more than paying a salary is—just because you call someone a manager or an assistant manager and pay them a salary does not mean they qualify for the exemption. The courts and Department of Labor construe all of the exemptions narrowly, and the burden of proof always remains with the employer.
http://www.workforce.com/section/03/feature/24/50/34/index.html
74 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 6:10 pm
The cheaper way would probably be to file a complaint with the State Dept. of Labor. So if it’s true, then they should do it, otherwise let’s move on.
75 Anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 7:35 pm
move on to what???????
76 anonymous // Aug 29, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Talk to the teachers. They’re worn down from the Preschool to the Highschool. They need help or there won’t be anyone left standing by the end of the year. That might make the administrator’s decision easy re: who to retain. Only the strongest survive. Maybe Darwin was right.
77 fly on the wall // Aug 30, 2007 at 2:17 am
So no laws are being broken. We got that. But is this the way that a school of excellence should conduct itself? The most successful organizations are those that give their employees lots of recharge time. No one expects the board members to be educators, but for God’s sake, they’re business owners! Don’t they get it?
78 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 9:33 am
Sure they get it – in business you get two weeks of vacation.
79 fly on the wall // Aug 30, 2007 at 4:23 pm
and lunch breaks and bonuses and company picnics and other things that keep the employees happy and productive. that’s how the companies succeed!!
80 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 5:40 pm
But at Hillel when you do get a lunch break, you get a free hot meal. And lots of Jewish holidays (with days before and after). Try working in the business world where you need to use all your two week vacation days for the holidays. No work place is perfect.
81 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Some of the teachers go without LUNCH BREAKS on certain days. I’ve now spoken to them. They are not writing on this blog. They haven’t even read the blog. They are simply planning not to return. It’s just too much for them. And these weren’t even the teachers who were “fired” or in question.
This is a scheduling snafu but they just can’t go seeing 100 kids a day without a break to pee or eat.
82 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Also, having meetings during lunch or duties is no lunch break at all either.
Even the cutthroat business world treats its employees better than this institution does.
Where is the Chesed? They better start practicing those “Al Chets” now.
83 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 6:54 pm
“Talk to the teachers. They’re worn down from the Preschool to the Highschool. They need help or there won’t be anyone left standing by the end of the year. That might make the administrator’s decision easy re: who to retain. ”
EXACTLY RIGHT.
84 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Hillel is a very cold, cold uncaring place.
Very sad.
85 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I don’t know why any teacher should care about children of parents who clearly don’t give a hoot about them.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?”
86 anonymous teacher // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Unfortunately, that’s where we’re at and you’re all right about the “cold, uncaring place” It is sad for everyone involved.
87 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Teacher,
I am really sorry you have to work in these conditions.
The school has become so cold and uncaring –our teachers have only been warm and caring.
Very sad indeed.
88 anonymous teacher // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Hasn’t the idea always been to get the old out and the new in. This year may just do it.
89 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:17 pm
That’s pretty sad considering how difficult it’s been to find replacement teachers , especially in critical shortage subjects.
It’s more sad that they don’t treat human beings and teachers the way they should be treated.
THEY TREAT THEIR OWN PETS BETTER.
90 anonymous teacher // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Despite what some may think-teachers are human beings.
91 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:19 pm
I’d like to see them not give their pets food or drink or time to pee all day.
You would call that cruel and unusual punishment.
But if you treat a teacher that way, it’s just fine.
Teachers are the lowest ranking members on the food chain in this society. Lower than dogs.
Inexcusable.
92 Good Wolf // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:20 pm
But for that decision in March by them I would still be there….
93 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Teachers are more than human beings
They hold the keys to the future of the next generations.
94 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Karma.
95 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 7:39 pm
How can anyone teach where the Board, Administration and parents don’t care about you? There must be better places to teach than Hillel.
96 Good Wolf // Aug 30, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Maybe they just don’t know how to care…
97 Anonymous // Aug 30, 2007 at 11:34 pm
They really and truly just don’t care.
98 Anonymous // Aug 31, 2007 at 8:26 am
It’s very sad that it’s come to this. What ever happened at Wed. night’s Board meeting?
99 Anon // Aug 31, 2007 at 8:32 am
The reason why Hillel Teachers are unhappy this year is because of scheduling and more duties and classes. This is because of budgetary problems.There seems to be a top heavy Adminstration in the entire school.Perhaps the money should have gone into hiring more teachers and not into hiring more Adminstrators.After all teacher are the ones who teach our children and make it the school of excellence it should be.
100 Anonymously // Aug 31, 2007 at 10:23 am
To Anon:
Perfectly, simply, and honestly said. In a nutshell, these are the issues. Add to all of this, a longer day.
101 Anonymous // Aug 31, 2007 at 10:44 am
The school has been top heavy with Administrators for years. Both on the academic and business side. Years ago there were no long list of principals, assistant principals, specialists, business people and lets not forget – special chefs! Without top notch teachers and top notch administrators to put together the programs, it’s hard to attract top notch students who are really the ones (the students) who make the school shine and bring the school all the nachas!!
102 anonymous // Aug 31, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I have spoken to teachers in all levels of the school this week. They tell me they were told not to complain. Their burden has increased. They say that the quality of the new administrators varies from excellent to inept. As far as they know nothing was done about scheduling problems at the board meeting. In short, we’re back to square one.
103 Anonymous // Aug 31, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I’m sure the Board does not see a problem with the schedule. Whatever happened to the new Middle School Head of Judaics? I heard he left after two or three days.
104 Anonymous // Aug 31, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Who was that again?
105 Good Wolf // Sep 1, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Please…
106 Jeremiah // Sep 1, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Sigh…are THEY at it again?
107 anonymous // Sep 1, 2007 at 11:26 pm
The middle school individual was Rabbi Goldberg. Apparently, they said in their carefully scripted communication …..by Ms. Marketing….. that he resigned on August 24th just before the beginning of school.
As far as timing…..it is unconsciounable that teachers are not being provided planning days, lunch breaks, or even 15 minute breaks to refresh themselves, grab a coffee, go to the restroom, call a parent, etc. It is unbelievable the schedule under which they are expected to operate.
Certainly, these executive board members understand the labor laws and how productivity is higher when employees are able to take breaks and have lunch. It is normal in the course of a business day to be alloted a 15 minute break in the morning, a 15 minute break in the afternoon and at least 30 minutes for lunch. Most places provide an hour. The research shows productivity is increased under such conditions.
Unsure about what you all know or want, but it is certainly preferable to have a refreshed, well fed teacher in front of the kids than one who is ready to drop.
Executive board: Why don’t you role play for a day and see how this schedule functions? Perhaps then you will see how dysfunctional it is and how our teachers are unable to strive perform to the best of their abilities as they are not working under appropriate conditions.
….so nice that the teacher’s lounges have plasma tvs. However, many teachers have commented that they are useless as teachers are unable to appreciate them as they do not have breaks or any occasion to even go to the teacher’s lounge. The money could have been spent someplace else.
The uniform debacle is another abomination of leadership. How does a Jewish day school decide to mandate a uniform provider located 1 hour north west of the school, not open on Sundays, with no website? Then, have parents place orders and not have them delivered timely and try and hold the children accountable to be in full uniform when the uniforms have not been delivered? Honestly, who’s bright idea was this? Not only is the whole process inconvenient and unnecessary, the shirts are very expensive and of sub-standard quality. Shame on them! More than a new logo to “bring pride to the school,” we need an administration who truly cares about the teaching staff and the conditions in which they work.
….and what did they do all summer? Why are so many classrooms in the elementary school closed due to a mold problem – could this not have been taken care of during the summer? Many of the elementary parents are fuming. First their children are displaced from their rooms, then the parent back to school night is postponed indefinitely due to the classroom closures. If the students are in other rooms to learn, why would the back to school night have to be cancelled? Apparently, Ms. Marketing had advised that it would not be a good public relations plan to have the parents at the school with so many classrooms closed. Those elementary parents are interested in learning who their children’s teachers are and what they will be learning. WHAT IS THAT? Why should they suffer and be put off?
You make the call!!!! We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!!
By the way, what did happen at the board meeting?
108 Anonymous // Sep 1, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Yes. There is mildew and mold in the school.
This indeed calls for a class action law suit.
At the former Harbour House that used to exist in Bal Harbour, the tenants banded together and won thousands of dollars for the mold problem.
Someone should get the health inspector in ASAP and get those attorneys ready.
Kids get sick from mold. If teachers get sick, no one cares, of course.
What were the board members doing all summer…exactly what they’ve been doing until now. Absolutely nothing.
The few good people on that board can’t make headway against the majority of cronies who could care less about education and serve that board just to feed their egos and have a tax shelter for their money.
They don’t care about teachers.
They treat their pets better than they treat their teachers.
It is certainly an abomination.
They shouldn’t forget the law of the universe: What goes around comes around in one form or another.
I don’t know what happened at the board meeting other than I believe the mold problem was discussed.
109 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:25 am
I hope the lower school parents are happy now – they strongly supported the Board and the Administration.
110 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:32 am
The lower school parents will go ballistic if they hear there is mildew and mold in the school. Ballistic.
111 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:40 am
If it’s true that they canceled Back to School nite because of the mold, everyone will know.
112 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:18 am
The ridiculous and unheard of schedules that some teachers must endure are a result of the money being paid to the top heavy administration. Rumor has it that even the inexperienced administrators are being paid big bucks equal to about what 2 teachers are making. Surely if their salaries were put back into the pot that would help the teacher overload. As far as the blog saying “we will be watching” it appears that all the population is willing to do is watch. The teachers are once more in peril and if nothing happens there will be an even bigger turnover than this year.
113 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:39 am
It is true – see for yourself!
By the way, multiple classrooms are closed – not just room 52!
Communication dated 8/27/07
Dear Hillel Parents,
As shared last week, we retained an air quality control company to test for mold on Hillel’s campus. We write today with the update we promised you last Wednesday.
We decided to test all classrooms of the Lower School’s two-story building upon the detection in Room 52 (announced last Wednesday). While only light elevations were found by the air quality controller, we have chosen to clean every room over the next two weeks to apply the most proactive, effective maintenance method.
Hillel closed some rooms today and will be cleaning all rooms proactively over the next two weeks. Our classrooms continue to be safe environments. We anticipate all to be fully operational in the days ahead, upon approval from the air quality controller. Decisions are based on their expert advice.
We are confident that children will not be exposed to an unhealthy environment due to mold. Possible reactions are similar to allergy symptoms. At all times, Hillel has remained and continues to be in line with federal regulations and health codes.
Again, these inspections are results of the summer’s annual campus evaluation through which we assessed, cleaned and renovated all buildings. These specific results came in today; we are sharing the news with you immediately.
To maintain our safe, healthy campus, we have postponed Lower School’s Back to School Nights currently scheduled for August 28 and August 30. Kesher’s August 29th Back to School Night also is postponed. We will advise as soon as we reschedule these special events.
With the school efficiently shutting and treating the rooms, trust that this situation will be resolved within days.
Thank you for understanding that this is an ongoing process with real-time implementation. We uphold our promise to maintain open communication and to provide information as soon as it develops. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child’s principal. Thank you for your continued partnership with Hillel’s administration, faculty and staff; our shared priority always will be the well-being of our children.
Sincerely,
Hillel Administration
___________
Communication dated 8/22/07
Dear Parents,
We trust your children’s first week of school has been enjoyable and successful thus far. Our goal has been to create as smooth a transition as possible as we step into the new year, and we hope we are doing so. Upholding our commitment to maintain open communication with you, we write today to inform you of events that recently transpired at Hillel.
Every year, Hillel conducts a campuswide building inspection upon the start of a new school year to maintain a safe, healthy environment for students, faculty and staff. When we received results of this year’s inspection yesterday, slight elevations of mold were detected in one classroom (Room 52).
Although the amount is common to South Florida buildings, Hillel immediately closed the room and retained an air quality control company to test other rooms on campus. Hillel is cleaning and treating the room. We anticipate it to be fully operational by next week.
Possible reactions are similar to allergy symptoms. At all times, Hillel has remained and continues to be in line with federal regulations and health codes.
Thank you for understanding that this is an ongoing process. We will update you when and if necessary. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s principal. Thank you for your continued partnership with Hillel’s administration, faculty and staff; our shared priority is the well-being of our children.
Sincerely,
Hillel Administration
114 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:39 am
There will be a big silent turnover. The brutal schedule is making dishrags out of some of our best teachers. They will leave quietly next year. I don’t think anyone cares, but they should because they are going to lose some of Hillel’s finest.
115 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:51 am
BOARD MEMBERS/EXECUTIVE BOARD and ADMINISTRATORS – - – TAKE NOTE!!!!
If you think teacher slots were difficult to fill this year. Including one high school
English class that did not even have a teacher the first week – - – IF THE HORRIFIC SCHEDULES OF OUR TEACHERS ARE NOT APPROPRIATELY ADJUSTED TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE BREAK-TIME AND PLANNING – THEN YOU’D BETTER START RECRUITING NOW!!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
116 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:18 pm
In terms of the mold issue, did they inspect the high school building? And what about the middle school one?
There was most definitely mold in the classrooms that are in the corridor on the same side of the high school guidance department right above the air vents.
Every so often as the ceiling panels turned green and then brown and then black, the maintenance would come replace them, but no one ever cleaned up the mold.
Is it only the lower school that is entitled to be in mold free classrooms?
117 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Teachers please note: There is life after Hillel! After putting up a good fight if you feel you must leave – there are many fine schools that would be happy to have you. Over the years many teachers have been asked to leave or have left on their own and everyone is doing fine. The Board and Administration cares about the school, parents care about their children. You need to take care of yourselves.
118 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 12:57 pm
That is quite true. The teachers who left over the years are much happier elsewhere. Why be a glutton for punishment? I am sure teachers will leave if this type of treatment continues.
119 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Our teachers are fine educators and we need them now more than ever. Please….things can get better if we continue to speak up and bring issues to the forefront!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!!!
120 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 6:56 pm
THEY read this blog and it gives them ammunition so they know how to color the truth. But no one can put a good face on the grueling schedules of some of the teachers. YOU want a school of excellence-you better change these conditions. If you think the students are going to get the best education under these circumstances THINK AGAIN. Even if they were making more money these conditions would not be tolerable. Also the guidance depts and support staff are suffering as a result of the cuts of their people. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? Are all the parents ready to see the truth yet? Mold in the elementary rooms. That’s just the beginning of the troubles. It seems the problems of last year are getting better but the school has more wide spread troubles now. The teachers are the ones in the trenches every day. It is important to keep them happy. Mos tof them are miserable now. Talk to the teachers to get a true reading. Just remember they were told not to complain so some may be afraid to tell the truth. If you try you can figure out what’s really going on. If it doesn’t change you can kiss the school goodbye as we all know it.
121 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 8:47 pm
It is true – - the teachers are miserable – they are unhappy. They all went in with a positive attitude and hoped for a good year. They, unfortunately are now exhausted, they have absolutely no time to plan (there are no teacher work days), they have no time to even relax for 30 minutes in their lounges (with plasmas) as they are not permitted break time. They grade papers at home as there is no time during the day to get this done. They are low paid and hard workers. They are the true backbone of our school.
We MUST DO SOMETHING.
THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION MUST HEED THE WARNING – - IT IS NOT SMOKE – IT IS FIRE.
122 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Is this true for all teachers from pre-K to 12th grade?
123 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Many of the veteran teacher have already begun looking for jobs for next year. Many had jobs on the table this year but wanted to give it one more shot for the sake of the children.
Unfortunately, they do need to think of themselves as well. Many have a vested interest in the school they love. However, they must love themselves first.
We are going to lose our beloved teachers if WE do not help our teachers attain a conducive work environment. Make NO mistake OUR children will suffer if our teachers do not get some relief. The research speaks for itself.
The Boston Teacher union contracts provide for the following: All teachers in middle and high schools will be scheduled for 240 planning and development minutes per week. Teachers will have planning and development time each day and will be scheduled in blocks/periods of continuous time that are no less than 40 minutes in duration. (there is a different amount for elementary teachers).
TO THE ADMINISTRATORS: HOW MANY MINUTES DO OUR TEACHERS GET?
TO THE BOARD: AS BIG EXECUTIVES, YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE DAYS YOU SPEND IN MEETINGS, NO WORK GETS DONE. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES!!!!!
We must do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!!!
124 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 9:32 pm
In every school across the nation, teachers have a minimum of 4 hours planning time over the course of a week plus a minimum of 35 minutes for lunch daily.
This is unconscionable.
125 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:22 pm
The children won’t suffer since those parents who realize the loss, will take their children to other schools. Hillel’s loss will be a huge gain for other schools. Excellent students and teachers.
126 Good Wolf // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Although I have a good situation, now….I miss Hillel BUT when I read what is going on!!!!! I do a slow burn.
Teachers are human beings and deserve more than lip service. Yes, plasma tvs are nice and all as is the wood cabinetry….
Planning time is essential!
Bathroom breaks are essential!
Lunch is essential….(actually, even considering where I am now I wish that I could pop in for take out for lunch, my digestion is suffering…)
:^{
127 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Many parents have stayed in hopes that things would get better. They believe in the Jewish Day School and they believe and love Hillel.
There is absolutely NO reason things can’t change and get better. They must. .and G-d willing they will.
The board must know that people will not wait forever and will not sacrifice themselves or their kids.
Hopefully the BOARD and the ADMINISTRATION will heed our call! HOPEFULLY they will make a well needed change.
This is very serious. It is 100% verifiable fact!
….and by the way, if the board wants to read some very interesting data…..the New York school system is ONLY using veteran teachers to staff the schools that were not achieving high academics. Their extensive research has shown that the new teachers are inexperienced with classroom management and differntiated teaching skills and therefore are unable to achieve.
Let’s make the right decision and fix the issue! We need to work together to do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
128 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:44 pm
The veterans who the students rave about are the life’s blood of the school.There has been a drain of too many veterans that alumni miss. The school cannot afford to lose more.
129 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Agreed! It is time for the administration to step up to the plate and make some adjustments – - QUICKLY! Before it is too late.
Once the adjustments are made – - you will be commended!
Please, let’s do all we can to SAVE HILLEL!
130 Anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:56 pm
The administration needs to re-adjust the schedule. It will be time consuming for them, but the results will be well worth it. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING????? Do they even care? I don’t why the teachers don’t go on strike already.
131 anonymous // Sep 2, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Striking will hurt our students and is not in the best interest of the teachers at this point. As a teacher advocate, it is not a recommended practice. That is not to say that it won’t happen. At this time, we are taking a wait and see approach.
We are hopeful and confident that appropriate adjustments will be made and that will end the issue. However, if not, our plans will adjust and modifications will be made.
We all must work together to SAVE HILLEL and move it to regain its excellence!
132 fly on the wall // Sep 3, 2007 at 8:02 am
From post #82: “Where is the Chesed? They better start practicing those “Al Chets” now.”
Or “hail mary’s” as the case may be.
133 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 9:42 am
Good point – they better start practicing AL Chet’s and Hail Mary’s now because they have a lot of atoning to do..What happened to: “Do unto others”…????????
These people who run an religious educational institution are hypocrites who do not practice what they preach.
They do not practice the Biblical value for which the namesake of this very institution, Hillel, claimed that the entire Torah rests upon.
Ironic that other schools are more compassionate than one named after our great Sage “Hillel” who told us we must Love our neighbors as ourselves.
The Day of Atonement is around the corner, folks.
Which book will G-d be inscribing you in for this year?
According to the Torah, teachers are supposed to be treated with the utmost respect…where is the respect and compassion here?
Working people to death like dogs harkens back to days of the Industrial Revolution when the upper classes milked the working class for everything they could.
Not giving someone even a half an hour to take lunch after a teacher sits with over 100 children all day long?
This is the stuff documentary films are made of.
Who knew this kind of exploitation still takes place in America in the year 2007?
Morally reprehensible. Totally incomprehensible.
134 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:40 am
I hear that at least one teacher was offered a job right now but decided not to take it. The teachers involved are still hoping things will change for the better. Is this the right decision?
Who will make the changes and when? If not soon, I have heard that they could change their minds. Unlike the administrators, many of the staff know each other and so know what’s going on in all divisions. Some have told me that the problems cut across divisions and the bad feelings cut aqcross all divisions too. If things don’t get better soon the school will have to look for lots of teachers and administrative assistants too.
135 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:47 am
The problems cut across every division from the lower to the middle to the upper school.
136 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:50 am
Try being an immigrant farm worker or doing roofs in South Florida during the summer. Let’s not go overboard here.
“Who knew this kind of exploitation still takes place in America in the year 2007?” You must be kidding!!
137 Ivory // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:50 am
We hope #133 that we we be in the good one!
138 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:55 am
tHE teachers went to school for many years so they wouldn’t be immkigrant farm workers or roofers. Be reasonable yourself.
139 Another Teacher // Sep 3, 2007 at 11:02 am
Really, who is being unreasonable…Roofing , Picking apples all day versus Being ON FOR OVER 100 KIDS A DAY WITH NO BREAK
There are many people who’d agree that laying bricks or picking apples would be easier…why do you assume teaching is a picnic #136?
Clearly you have never taught a day in your life
140 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 11:04 am
To my knowledge, roofers take lunch.
141 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 11:18 am
Do you have any idea how much roofers in South Florida make a year in this post-Katrina world?
Ten times more than teachers. Plus they get lunch.
142 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Hopefully, this too shall pass and pass quickly. Teachers cannot keep this kind of schedule and increase productivity and output. It is just not possible.
G-d willing the board and administration will heed our call and make appropriate changes. They say want to make things right. Let’s see if they mean it!
143 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 5:19 pm
“Working people to death like dogs”?????
Migrant workers having an easier time than teachers in a day school?????
Who is being unreasonable now?
Last I looked at the schedule, Hillel teachers have off for every erev yom tov, every yom tov, legal holidays, winter break, and summer vacation.
180 days of work a year – admittedly long days with additional work to take home – does not qualify for working people to death like dogs.
Please don’t insult working parents by claiming your lives are so much more difficult than theirs.
You will lose the support of parents if you persist with overly dramatic rantings.
Teaching is a hugely demanding under-appreciated under-paid profession. Everyone knows that. But it is what it is. Those who enter the profession do so with open eyes. If they find they don’t like it or the demands are too great or the conditions too dismal, they move on.
It might be time to ask yourselves a question: If teaching students all day long is so miserable (worse than laying bricks or picking apples or working on a hot roof all day), then why are you still doing it?
144 Another Teacher // Sep 3, 2007 at 6:20 pm
You are asking the right question parent. Many won’t be doing it too much longer at Hillel. Many have job offers elsewhere. Bank on that.
145 Anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 6:32 pm
There are different types of exploitation.
One type does not minimize the other.
I would not categorize who suffers more.
Suffering is suffering .
Mistreating others is wrong in any situation .
To say that it’s okay to mistreat teachers because manual laborers with no skills, no degrees, and no rights (often illegal workers who have no choice) are treated even worse is the most ridiculous logic I’ve ever heard.
The logical fallacy is this: TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE A RIGHT.
It’s funny how some people will use any rationalization to ease their conscience so they don’t feel guilty or complicit in the exploitation of another human being.
I never thought I’d hear the day that teachers who are professional and often as knowledgeable as attorneys and scientists would be equated on the level of manual laborers.
These postings reveal the way some parents think of teachers = teachers as expendable labor. Treat them like you treat your servants…although I’m sure even their maids, nannies, babysitters, and roofers take a lunch break…the hypocrisy is simply astounding.
Rationalize it away all you want.
Call the suffering “ranting”.
No matter what you call it and no matter how you try to explain it away, it won’t change the fact that it’s just plain unethical and wrong.
146 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Teachers, it has become obvious that the board does not want to do anything to help..They want all the teachers who have a problem with the status quo to leave so they can bring in their robot-like, easy to train in their ways, newbies. Quality of education is secondary, despite what they say, as long as their groomed followers will be the teachers. The students know a good teacher when they see one and the parents and general school community should as well. Those of us in any form of education know the difference too. But who cares as long as you save $ at the staff’s expense and the new ones will follow their master’s words and not give any trouble because they don’t know any better.
147 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Let’s take a step back.
Teachers are the most valuable asset in our society. They are the lifeblood of our school and our society as we know it. Without teachers, where would we be?
The analogy made to the manual labor was not intended to belittle teachers. The intent was to say that even those who are not professionals by trade are provided with better working conditions than our beloved teachers. There was NO malice intended. The point was that there are better working conditions i.e breaks etc for even those individuals who do not have as difficult a task. That was it!
TEACHERS – - YOU ARE VALUED BY THE PARENTS, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI! That was and IS the purpose and mission of the website – - to SAVE HILLEL for our TEACHERS AND OUR STUDENTS.
We are a partnership and intend to continue to bring the ISSUES TO THE FOREFRONT.
We are advocating on your behalf. ….and to those individuals who do NOT share this mission…..YOU are in the wrong place.
TEACHERS – - WE LOVE YOU – OUR CHILDREN LOVE YOU AND NEED YOU.
We are here to SAVE HILLEL!!!! YOU ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR SCHOOL!!!!
We will continue to work towards your cause.
148 Another Teacher // Sep 3, 2007 at 7:57 pm
I would just like to say thank you to those parents like anonymous lower case and others who have cared to make their voices heard on behalf of their teachers who are not in a position to speak out at this time.
You are truly the righteous amongst us. Kol Ha Kavod.
149 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 8:04 pm
We will continue to do this! It will get done and together we can all make a difference!
SAVE HILLEL!!!
150 Ivory // Sep 3, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Just as reminder; yes the school year is 180 days BUT grading can take about 15 – 20 hours each week (English or Hebrew longer because of the reading and English because of verifying on-line that the work is opriginal to the student (a few bad apples…), lesson planning usually another 10, research about 4 hours, parent calls at least 2 hours (for wonderful achievement as well as where is the homework). Then if you are Religious, forget doing Saturday grading time unless you are a Christian, then don’t talk about Sunday either!
…So that adds at least thirty hours to the time-card already…planning time at school can be wonderful but is often taken up with photocopying and sometimes duties…
Most teachers I know put in at least 70 hours a week during the school year (180 days becomes at least 36 weeks, depending on holidays)…we need the summer breaks…the hardest three weeks start the school year and the next hardest two weeks finish the school year because those need more hours of time. I just spent 12 hours today working for my school on stuff and about six hours in the previous 2 days…
151 Another Teacher // Sep 3, 2007 at 8:55 pm
You are so right Ivory Tower. I will be up until one am grading this evening.
70 hours? Try at least 80.
I wonder if the hotshot parent who shoots off his/her mouth really works from 6 am to 1 am without taking a break for lunch. Somehow I doubt it.
For those parents (i.e. attorneys) who work these type of insane hours, they are financially compensated. (Attorneys today are making a minimum of 200 bucks an hour). It’s so easy to make others work harder than you’re willing to work yourself for very little pay.
152 Ivory // Sep 3, 2007 at 9:02 pm
I really should be grading my papers even now but, it is getting late and I have a huge commute and have put in so much time already!
The school I am in does give me a bit of planning time…so far…
153 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more. Teachers have the hardest jobs in our society for the least amount of pay. Personally, you are commended for continuing to do so each and every day.
However, doing so without breaks, lunch or adequate time allotted for planning and grading is not acceptable. Granted no school can provide all the time needed to do all that is required but breaks and some planning time is all that is being requested and it is NOT unreasonable.
Hopefully the board and administration can understand the time requirements and make some adjustments to assist all of the teachers in every division of the school so that adequate break time and planning time may be afforded to you and your colleagues.
We appreciate all of the efforts and hard work – - and the “we” accounts for many. There are always rogue individuals who, no matter what is said – disagree. But that is life.
You are appreciated and we will work together to make sure the environment and atmosphere can be appropriately adjusted and better suited for our teachers. We like you want to do the best for all involved.
SAVE HILLEL!
154 anonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Save Hillel – Save the Teachers
155 AAonymous // Sep 3, 2007 at 10:04 pm
“We are advocating on your behalf. ….and to those individuals who do NOT share this mission…..YOU are in the wrong place.”
I don’t think this was necessary to say. The blog should be open to all.
156 anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 9:44 am
Unnecessary perhaps – but the truth is that we are looking to move in a positive direction and bring the issues to the forefront. There is nothing positive about the current scheduling issues – however the site is to assist the teachers and not denegrade them.
Apologies..
157 KC HBHA // Sep 4, 2007 at 10:30 am
It would be very wise of you to get rid of Holden as soon as possible. Before HBHA in Kansas City he decimated a Catholic high school, then HBHA and now you. He does quash dissent. His policies arae flawed. HBHA was at 350 when he came. It is now below 200. The same thing is happening to Hillel. Perhpas if you are strong enough, form a viable committee, and start the process to oust him. Otherwise, this blog will turn into “sour grapes.” Furthermore, it is not beyond “Holdenites” to be processing disinformation on this blog.
158 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 1:45 pm
KC HBHA – How did you get rid of him? And why wasn’t be done before he caused damaged to the school? Why did the school hire him in the first place?
159 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 5:39 pm
HBHA Kansas…
we are definitely suffering the effects of Adam Holden.
One of our best teachers left before he ever arrived when they heard he was coming.
Others have left because of him too. Most notably our superstar theater directors.
He will no doubt slash more salaries come March.
For now, however, the fault lies with the board– not Holden.
The board approved a schedule where certain days of the week teachers are mandated to teach 5-6 consecutive classes without a single break–not even for lunch.
Past administrators protected teachers and kept the board in check. They insisted that teachers teach only 5 classes. At that time the notion that teachers would teach with zero planning time and no lunch break was unfathomable.
Now, in order to save money, in order to pay bigger salaries to administrators, and in order to avoid having to hire more teachers, teachers are being dumped on like never before.
The workload is fierce and very few care.
We even have one parent who thinks that teachers are melodramatic for thinking this is unreasonable and that they should thank their lucky stars that Hillel deigns to treat them as well as the manual laborers in the building. Hey, do the custodians take a lunch break?
I don’t know whose genius this decision was, but
ultimately the buck stops with the board.
They better fix this problem quickly if they don’t want to lose any more “greats”.
160 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Does the Board have any say in the class scheduling? I find it strange that they would. I would think that’s totally the responsibility of the Administration.
161 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 5:53 pm
The board approves it.
162 anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 6:06 pm
It is not whether the board has any say in class scheduling. It is whether the board really cares? !
… and if they do, then they need to step up to the plate and demand explanations and changes. After all, as in all organizations, the board is ultimately responsible and accountable for the decisions of the school – or company. We will hold the board accountable – the community will hold the board accountable and the parents will hold the board accountable.
Truly, these people should care regardless of what division their children are currently in – -ultimately these changes will affect them and everyone!
We actually thought we were headed for a good year….. so much for wishful thinking.
HOLD THE BOARD ACCOUNTABLE!
SAVE HILLEL!
163 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Every year there has been talk from the board of having teachers teach 6 classes and every year the principals explain why teaching 6 classes is a ridiculous load for teachers.
6 classes IN A ROW –WITH NO LUNCH BREAK–simply inconceivable in a pre-Holden world. No principal in the past would have allowed this to happen.
The past principals tried to align their practices with BEST PRACTICES.
Now there is no one looking out for teachers.
The majority of our administrators are newcomers. Therefore, they are yes-men and yes-women. They cannot fight battles for their teachers. First of all, many of them don’t even know their teachers nor do they have any feeling of connection to them. Second, they are too new and too eager to win approval from their higher ups to dissent.
We are at an all time new low in terms of ethical treatment of teachers at this institution.
If for some reason, this scheduling nightmare is merely an oversight, it needs to be fixed immediately to restore some of the good faith that was starting to return at the onset of the school year.
164 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 6:18 pm
What are the chances of anything positive happening? I haven’t seen any positive changes happening even with the valiant efforts of those parents last year who pushed for the vote.
165 Ivory // Sep 4, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Sigh…
166 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 6:36 pm
The parents who pushed so hard and tirelessly for change last year have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Hillel wears people down. Parents and teachers alike.
We can’t expect them to keep fighting such a tiresome battle.
How many parents are even aware of what really goes on at the school? Very few.
Unfortunately, it is only with parent awareness that change gets pushed through.
I don’t know if there’s enough of a critical mass here to make a difference but is incumbent upon us to try anyhow.
“INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE” –MLK Jr.
167 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 7:10 pm
It’s time to face facts.
We heard from the Kansas city folks who predicted exactly what would happen at Hillel.
The board heard all of this, heard the outcry last year, heard the 1/3 vote against them, read the blog all year.
They continue to unconditionally support their administrative team.
There is no chance for change.
Hillel is not what is was and will never go back to what it was.
The only choice left is to get out.
Teachers and students alike.
Leave the school to those who want it as it is now.
You can’t stop change if that is what the majority wants.
Let them have their school.
168 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Sad but true
169 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Agreed! Time to make plans to move on. One one door closes, another one opens.
As someone mentioned before, there are many other places where parents/students and teachers can go. We are lucky to live in a community that has choices.
170 Anonymous // Sep 4, 2007 at 7:54 pm
All losses are gains not recognized. The universe is unfolding as it should. Thankfully, there are more and more choices. Sunny Isles will have a Jewish themed charter school next year. These are new times.
171 Ivory // Sep 6, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Change is often painful but in the end there is something new and worthy often.
172 KC HBHA // Sep 6, 2007 at 7:13 pm
He pursued the Florida job and told us he was leaving.
173 Anonymous // Sep 7, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Have all problems been solved?
174 Anonymous // Sep 7, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Hardly.
175 Carrot Top // Sep 7, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Ditto.
176 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 8:19 am
It is interesting in the discussion of unconscionable schedules that no one has brought up the earlier 2:00 dismissal on Fridays this year.
If you are not Shomer Shabbos, you have an entire afternoon to sit on the beach or do whatever you need to do. If you are Shomer Shabbos, no problem getting ready on time.
Let me describe to you what some working parents who are Shomer Shabbos and do have to work for a living deal with at work. First, you likely will not be hired for some jobs once you fess up at the interview that you have this situation. Don’t mention it at the interview, and you face a can of worms later. You need to negotiate an early schedule for Friday, creating resentment among bosses and co-workers who would also love to leave early on Friday. Then you have to make up time during the week by skipping lunch hours – you usually can’t stay late because you can’t afford a nanny to pick your kids up from school. Then you have the pleasure of rushing home on Friday after a long and busy week to make Shabbos in what can sometimes be under a half hour in the winter months. Of course you are cleaning the house as well, since you can’t afford a maid.
The point is that every job has its challenges. Some teachers at Hillel have, in the past, used their planning periods to run errands or exercise at the JCC. Many of us never have that luxury at our jobs. Teachers receive a hot Kosher lunch for free every day. Many of us nibble protein bars througout the day because we’ve given up our lunch hours so we can leave early on Fridays.
By the way, the reason you can’t afford the maid or nanny that some of the teachers on this site are assuming every parent has, is because you are struggling to pay tuition to give your kids a Jewish education. You are sacrificing so your kids can be taught by teachers who say things on this site like why should they care about your child if you don’t care that they are being worked to death like dogs.
Oh – another thing people do in the business world. When their jobs don’t suit them, they try to find another job and move on. One lesson learned over many years and many jobs is that no one is irreplaceable.
177 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:17 am
Thank you for posting such enlightening information.
We are so clueless about the real world. Without you, #176, we’d all be in the dark.
Here is the lesson that most are learning:
No JOB is irreplaceable.
S. Florida is experiencing a critical shortage in almost every area of learning. That means when you switch to public schools you get an additional bonus for teaching in a critical shortage area. English, science, math, reading, etc. These are all critical shortage areas.
Who asked for a 2 pm Friday dismissal?
It is undeniably unconscionable to see over 100 kids in a day with no break to pee, photocopy, or take lunch.
Public schools : EVERY day is a 2 :3o dismissal. EVERY day you get a lunch break. Where EVERY day your rights are respected. If administrators attempt to dump more on you, your union represantative puts an immediate stop to it.
And if public school is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of wonderful private schools out there as well where former Hillel teachers report being MUCH happier.
Prestigious private schools of S.Florida give lunch EVERY day and treat their teachers with more respect.
Amazing that the non-Jewish world has more respect for educators than this Jewish one.
It is only Hillel that views teachers as servants and doormats that can be stepped on at will.
Thanks for your enlightening post. It certainly does reconfirm what everybody already knows: Time to move on to greener pastures, no doubt.
Indeed, there is life after Hillel.
178 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:39 am
Most people are expected to be working all the hours they are on the job.
And many people in different professions work very hard for very little pay. And take work home on a regular basis.
Not everyone is a $200 per hour lawyer.
In most schools, teachers are expected to be working even when they are not in class. Planning, grading papers, communicating with parents, meeting with colleagues. A teacher from Krop told me last year that some teachers were teaching 6 periods a day.
In most schools, teachers do what they have to do to make their school excellent. To them, teaching is not just a job with benefits but a mission, a passion. Those who don’t feel that way anymore are not doing their students any favors by coming to school with bad attitudes. Many teachers decide they can’t do it anymore and find second careers.
In most schools, administrators regularly show their appreciation to teachers and make them feel valued. Not just for PR, but because they know the teacher in the classroom is the single determinant of success for students. Not administrators, not new programs or divisions, but teachers.
The Hillel being described here is a toxic environment. Some teachers who have posted here need to rethink their commitment to being educators. The board is completely misguided and is led by people who do not understand what actually happens in classrooms all day long. Administrators don’t seem to understand good leadership or what is needed to achieve true excellence.
Hillel will never be excellent until all parties can come to an agreement about what an excellent school looks like. Until all voices are heard and all disagreements discussed.
The bullying, threats, and accusations have created an environment that no parent would want their child in and no teacher would want to practice their profession in.
The current blueprint will not fix these problems. It is just a band-aid on a deep, festering wound.
179 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:41 am
“Public schools : EVERY day is a 2 :3o dismissal. ”
Check your facts. Not true.
180 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:46 am
Other schools in S.Florida welcome veteran teachers with experience over newbies who are inexperienced (and readily malleable for Holden and the like).
Other schools in S. Florida list their by-laws on their website and actively seek out participation of all the stakeholders…
unlike this school that claims they want parents to join their committees to join the board, but then when parents step forward, they make parents jump through so many hoops that it’s not worth it anymore.
Why would parents who have already served on board committees in the past have to be fingerprinted in order to serve on committees now?
It seems the school is not really interested in soliciting more parent help beyond the help of their cronies and their “yes-men”.
Interesting that many of these parents on the board detested cronyism when they thought past administrators were practicing it by showing loyalty to certain teachers/counselors who were their cronies, and yet, now, the board members themselves are the ones guilty of protecting their cronies at all costs–even to the detriment of the school.
Why are they not embracing and actively soliciting more parental contributions from diverse groups within the parent body?????
Quite simply, because they don’t want it–despite whatever they say to the contrary.
Yes, it is time for parents, students, and teachers to move on to a place where their voices are heard, appreciated, and solicited.
Many have great contributions to make.
Hillel’s loss will be the gain of all nearby community schools.
181 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:47 am
Public schools are 2:30 dismissal daily.
Why don’t you check YOUR facts
http://www.dadeschools.net
I can’t speak for the charters but I can speak for MDPS.
182 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:48 am
Public schools – kids come to school with knives and guns. Some have no food at home and come to school hungry. Many don’t speak English. Some are pregnant, drug addicted, or both. Classrooms are loaded with ESE kids because of least restrictive environment laws. And you are expected to write lesson plans with strategies to help all of these students. By law.
183 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 10:57 am
Public schools in this area like Highland Oaks and Krop do not have the problems you speak of.
Please stop the melodrama.
Ask Gary Feilich or Jessica Fishbein or Mayra Licther what teaching like Krop is like.
They will tell you a very different story.
A new public high school is opening here on Biscayne Landing near FIU north.
The students who live in this district are pretty financially well off.
DUTY FREE LUNCH BREAK EVERY DAY:
see page 2
http://www.utofd.com/UTD_NegotiationsContracts/2006-2009Contract/2006-2009CONTRACT-Bookmarks.pdf
184 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 11:08 am
Former Hillel teachers who are now at Miami Country Day and Pinecrest report that they are happy.
“As someone mentioned before, there are many other places where parents/students and teachers can go. We are lucky to live in a community that has choices.”
Amen.
185 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 11:09 am
There is also a former art teacher at the Nova University School. A phenomenal art teacher. Best Hillel ever had. She is happy too.
186 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 12:10 pm
So from the sound of many of the comments above, it seems like the start of the second exodus except not from Egypt.
I say look forward for a better personal future. Let’s pray that the new year brings peace, health and fulfilling jobs (wherever you might be, whatever you might do) for each of us.
187 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Amen.
188 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 12:30 pm
The exodus will begin at the conclusion of the school year if those schedules are not properly adjusted.
Several teachers were unaffected by the scheduling problem so it remains to be seen whether the exodus will be a mass one or a small one.
189 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Either way, people should do what’s best for them and their families.
190 Anonymous // Sep 9, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Agreed.
191 Ivory // Sep 10, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Exhaustion can lead to loads of problems. You must do what matters the most first.
192 anonymous // Nov 22, 2008 at 10:13 am
In response specifically to #146… you are right. They do not want teachers with voices. They have a few this year, and I guarantee they will be gone before the year is up, perhaps before the end of the first semester. My son was interviewed by Mr. Bonilla this week and coerced into saying negative things about the teacher he respects and appreciates dearly. What is going on at this insane place??