"In our infinite Wisdom", was my opening line in the 'Being present and accounted for at Village View' posting on this blog. For obvious reasons, I neither demanded nor required that anyone read my opinions. I left that to those who found themselves imbued with a sense of voyeurism similar to that of viewing an auto accident. Cloaked in my opinion and commentary was a community social experiment here at Village View. Unfortunately, it failed on every level and has played itself out to the point of absurdity. I and many others have been reviled and slandered, and the trading in barbed wire kisses through the various responses on this blog have suggested that many of you would have blown up the boat full of convicts in the Dark Knight film of last summer. The unintended anarchy was admirable, nonetheless.
In attempting to foster discourse about issues that, in my opinion, were worth ruminating over initially, I managed to frame it within the context of the school which my children attend. What I found, interestingly enough, was excessive anger, combative behavior, name calling, play yard swearing, threatening sentences, personal attacks, attempts at slander, irritated teachers and heated demands by the principal himself. All have conspired against a willingness on my part to share my opinion about issues for which we all share a common interest. I will be closing down this blog shortly, as the comments have moved in a meaningless direction, not worthy of further acrimony. If one of you prefer to keep it alive, please let me know. The last sentence of the same posting noted above was rather prescient, as I recently reviewed what I wrote. It states, "we may end up failing ourselves, even as we believe we know what is best for our children." In that area, we have done a most effective job.
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Absinthium,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what your particular grievances are however without framing some sort of resolution for the parents that are discontent or introducing a course of compromise for the establishment verbal fisticuffs was a predictable outcome.
Not to say that is your fault however no action designed to put pressure on the establishment has been proposed or even hinted at.
A meaningful reaction from the establishment always requires deliberate effective action. Only action can result in meaningful effect. If effect is what you were ultimately seeking than developing or proposing a plan of ACTION might have lead to a much more relevant Social Experiment.
I have found the blog very informative about parents and how they react to non-conformity. I am angered and shocked that the prevailing view seems to be if you do not like it here we are not interested in hearing about it and we want you to leave. Just as shocking is the fact that no one that shares your discontent has proposed anything else. I hope you do not leave Village View.
Adversity is healthy hopelessness however is not. Why not attempt to build consensus with the parents that want change on campus and apply pressure to AJ and the establishment?
Hello A Wolf,
ReplyDeleteI apologize for not earlier acknowledging your comments as they are of considerable interest. I regret to have gotten back to you so late.
In addition to great appreciation for the time you have taken in both reading and commenting on the posts, I found quite a bit of common ground. Action will indeed have the most significant effect on change, and, to great degree, that has already begun with your shared opinions and that of some others.
Interestingly, your suggestion to build consensus with the parents that want change on campus is exactly what I seek. My initial posts were motivated by conference with a number of parents, with whom discussions of this sort had become commonplace. I determined to lend a voice to many who felt as I do, but were either afraid, unwilling, or unable to express themselves regarding the challenges that confront the school.
Initially, I had cautioned some of these same parents to give AJ an opportunity to effect positive change at the school when he arrived. The intuitive nature of some of their initial comments troubled me, as it went against my belief that change presents opportunity for growth, and sometimes can be very positive.
Regarding your final sentence, this is an excellent cornerstone for building further dialogue. When would you like to start?
I have a question: If anyone were to organize a way or a place to meet, those of us who want to have a productive discussion would probably need to know how to stop that meeting from turning into a three ring circus. It's bad enough for those yelling on these blogs, it may be much worse in person. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteThe meeting should probably be held at a neutral location.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a formal sign up sheet at the door stipulating the rules of engagement. Simple, but to the point. Those not willing to sign or agree upon entry should be asked to leave.
Get all private email addresses.
1. Need for a moderator that everybody in attendance can hand vote to agree on- someone who is fair minded.
2. Allow one person at a time to speak
3. No slander, either directed toward individuals or school administrators.
4. Arguments will not be allowed to disintegrate into personal attacks
5. Someone should take notes
6. Constructive criticism should segue into suggestions for creating consensus.
7. Open forum at the end with ideas, creative or otherwise.
8. Determination for next meeting, if any.
These would be starting points.
Additionally, short enough time period that there is no time for digressions, filibusters, or rambling monologues. Maybe 60 minutes only. If there are those who wish to stay after the end of the meeting, that is different.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, all digressions, filibusters, and rambling monologues should be cut off as to keep order and move the meeting along.
Absinthium and other discontent
ReplyDeleteIs there a simple declaration each of you can post here that takes into account the failure or break down of normal channels for compromise with AJ and the establishment.
First I believe it is much simpler and will cut to the chase quicker, if a declaration that can be agreed upon here is established before any meeting takes place.
If you agree with the declaration show up, if not don’t.
Look any meeting where both sides show up is unnecessary and counter productive at this point. Both sides know what the others position is. What you really want to know is what is the level of discontent and more importantly what is the level of commitment for those that what to act.
Second it is always prudent when organizing in a non-permissive environment to keep one’s own counsel. Do not show up on campus looking to develop assets until you know what you will be asking of them.
Third any course of action should eventually involve the kids. It is their fight as well not just that of the parents. It makes little sense to me to attempt anything without them as it will not be profitable for them personally unless they are involved.
The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that the meeting will be larger than expected, and louder than anyone needs it to be. From some of these posts, perhaps some are not able to control themselves. My idea would be to hold the meeting somewhere large enough and have some security to bounce people, or maybe organize a meeting and invite Mr J - maybe in the MPR, and show him how many of us have a problem, and which specific issues he needs to address with us. We can record the meeting - are any parents connected to the Register or other local paper? Put him on the spot, bring as many parents as will come - on both sides, and lets have it out. If he passes blame elsewhere, it will be recorded. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have seen and experienced with Mr. j....leaves me little hope for compromise on his end. I think the district is where he gets his support and we should go to the district as a group. Not sure how getting the kids involved as some have suggested will accomplish much at this point.
ReplyDeleteMamaof2x2
ReplyDeleteYou are not sure if involving the kids will accomplish anything? Maybe you have not studied your opposition.
Brevity has never been one of my strong points.
In 1986 at my home town’s one and only high school a betrayal took place. The response from the students is something I have always been proud to have been apart of.
In 1986 the Student council was approached by the Principle and recruited to aggressively campaign, persuade, encourage, and convince the rest of the student body to show up and do their very best on the upcoming State testing. In turn if the goal set by the District was met for improvement the students would receive a certain amount of extra funding for the 1986 senior dinner dance as well as extra funding for the Junior Senior prom of 1987.
The student council work to pumped everyone up. Most of the student body showed up and did their every best.
Senior dinner dance rolls a round however the results of testing are still not in. The Principle goes to the student council and lets them know there will be no additional $ for the senior dinner dance as promised. (The testing goal had been achieved by the way)
That is when the Juniors in student council put their response in action. Two representatives went to the School Administration and told them this. We the student council will campaign, persuade, encourage, and convince the student body to intentionally TANK every State testing exam that was put in font of them until things are made right. And we did.
At first the council’s demands were mocked. Then the State testing scores came out for 1987.
The Teachers were the first to act. They began to plead with the student body to “Ignore the council do your best! It is your school you are only hurting yourselves!” Apparently it was hurting the teachers much more than the students because this had no effect.
My first year on the council we were threatened with disbandment if the exam of 1988 was tanked. This did not work either.
From 1987-1991 my High School had one of the lowest State testing scores in the entire State. The three years I was at that School we went through three Principals.
The District had no mercy for a Principle that could not control a bunch of high scholars and this was way before No Child Left Behind.
My younger Brother was Senior class President in 1992. Neither the students nor the then current Principle could tell you a single name of anyone on the student council of 1986. But the impact they were still having was going to result in a second consecutive year of failure for the new young principle. The hand was writing on the wall.
The Principal cut a deal with three members of the student council my brother the senior class president being one of them. Everyone including the Teacher’s came up with cash. Prom was at a five star resort. I had graduated and was in college but I came back and took a junior to the prom. It was plush. And from the pictures I have seen the Senior Dinner Dance of 1992 was not to shabby either.
The one and only condition was that was placed on the council was this. You must be humble. There will be no claims victory by the council. They were getting this reward because they were “a great group of kids.’ Testing for 1992 was stellar compared to prior years. The Principle keep his post and the Teacher were happy and an injustice had been resolved.
Grant it we were 16 and 17 years old and we did it of our own volition but you have to work with what you have.
Now I understand that this week a similar State testing will take place at Village View.
It would take a statistically small number of students to accomplish a similar effect at Village View in the light of No Child Left Behind.
Now before you get all worked up think about it just don’t react.
These State tests really are about the Schools anyway not your kids. These tests have no long term impact on their outcome in life unless you allow it to.
However it will have a serious impact on the District, VV School Administration the Teachers and the Goose-Stepping parents that are screaming at the Discontent to leave and find another school.
The effect will be on ranking, funding and possibly pay if I am not mistaken.
And since the best battle plans are always multifaceted; after the testing pull your kids out of school at least two to three weeks early this school year. Research it find out how many days they can miss without retention. Your kids will love you for it. Start summer vacation early. Just make sure you do not sign anything saying that they are going to do independent study or anything like that. You want to make sure they do not get paid for that empty seat.
The third and most important thing is MAKE SURE YOU ALL COME BACK NEXT YEAR!
Then if no compromise is sought by your opponents do it all over again but add two to three days before or after scheduled vacations next year as well.
I can hear the Teachers, AJ and the PTA screaming
‘You are using children as weapons for your Agenda you should not involve the kids!’
No YOU are holding someone else’s children hostage to your Agenda without compromise. And of course it involves the kids they should be involved and know why as well.
Mamaof2x2 and discontent Parents so you say gee-willickers this is not a very POSITIVE thing to do. I can’t possibly do something like this it is not my nature.
Well what is your desired effect? To give your child a voice in some of the issues you have no control over or is it to simply have a positive outlook on what is happening to them.
Believe me this would have an effect. It is the most venerable point of your opponents. A great portion of the year is a build up for these tests it is especially critical to AJ’s view at the district level.
You can all debate if this type of action will result in a positive or negative until the cows come home.
However this will have an effect. And that is something your blogging without action will never do.
Mama2x2 Now I am not saying you should do this. Frankly I am not sure any of you are really ready fight a battle like this yet. I get the impression you all want to talk more. However if the discontent decide to put a plan like this one into action I would be happy to lend the support of my Lions. I would ask them to aide in persuading, encouraging, convincing other little Lions to do the same. This is an example of how one would get “kids” involved and what type of impact “kids” could have.
I can come up with another if you like.
O yes and Mama2x2 I almost forgot my younger Brother Aaron you remember the Senior class President that brokered the deal in 1992 between the Student Body and the School Administration.
Well Aaron went Cancun for his senior trip that year without having to pay a dime. I am sure there is an abuse of power lesson some where in there as well.
Now I have heard it all.
ReplyDelete