Sometimes, it is OK to just laugh
Today was "welcome back" day for many of the D11 teachers and staff. The welcome back ceremony traditionally takes place in the Doherty High School auditorium. What was once supposed to be a motivational ceremony designed to prepare teachers for their first day with students has brought such memorable moments as Sharon Thomas talking about a "one-eyed titty banger" and Terry Bishop wooing the crowd with his rendition of "Country Roads."
According to to teachers who attended today's event, the entertainment was the best that it has been in years. The visual alone is enough to lift one's spirits.
John "it's all about me" Gudvangen, the most unaccomplished board president that D11 has ever seen, placed the teachers into a deep slumber with a rambling 25 minute speech that contained the same empty platitudes that Gudvangen is known for speaking. But the best was yet to come. Was it his discussion of the academics? No, he never mentioned that. Did he touch on his plan for making D11 great? Of course not - what plan? Did he promise to show leadership for a declining district for a change? Now that would be funny, but it didn't happen.
As Gudvangen was finishing off his yawner, Bishop and his band prepared to play once again. Much to the surprise and pleasure of everyone who was looking for a reason to laugh, Gudvangen sauntered off stage, then returned, accordian in hand. Witnesses said that it was a site to behold - Gudvangen performing a little jig and playing his little accordian. I suppose that if anyone was looking for a way to take the attention away from the dismal performance of so many of D11's schools, this was one way to do it. The good news is that for those who can't visualize the humorous scene in the Doherty gymnasium, it will probably be shown on D11's channel 16.
Tim Gill, your purchase of the accordian player from the Old North End was priceless.
According to to teachers who attended today's event, the entertainment was the best that it has been in years. The visual alone is enough to lift one's spirits.
John "it's all about me" Gudvangen, the most unaccomplished board president that D11 has ever seen, placed the teachers into a deep slumber with a rambling 25 minute speech that contained the same empty platitudes that Gudvangen is known for speaking. But the best was yet to come. Was it his discussion of the academics? No, he never mentioned that. Did he touch on his plan for making D11 great? Of course not - what plan? Did he promise to show leadership for a declining district for a change? Now that would be funny, but it didn't happen.
As Gudvangen was finishing off his yawner, Bishop and his band prepared to play once again. Much to the surprise and pleasure of everyone who was looking for a reason to laugh, Gudvangen sauntered off stage, then returned, accordian in hand. Witnesses said that it was a site to behold - Gudvangen performing a little jig and playing his little accordian. I suppose that if anyone was looking for a way to take the attention away from the dismal performance of so many of D11's schools, this was one way to do it. The good news is that for those who can't visualize the humorous scene in the Doherty gymnasium, it will probably be shown on D11's channel 16.
Tim Gill, your purchase of the accordian player from the Old North End was priceless.
posted by Craig Cox | 4:19 PM
8 Comments:
Craig, I can't tell you how much your opponents remind me of my home turf...that's the "Republic of Boulder", but the Boulder Valley School District was top notch, the city never has been. I'm trying to keep my mind open that D11 can redirect itself from the direction it's going now, back to the direction it lost when people like yourself were escourted out. It's apparent society is on a corrupt path and they are blinding themselves from sound visions like yours. It was a pleasure to meet you at Sail the other night.
Not only is it not motivational any more, these rah rah sessions take valuable time away from teachers trying to get ready for the school year. Find a teacher or staff person whose school had work done over the summer and who had to pack up everything last May. Then ask him/her if their time would have been better spent listening to the Terry and John show, or getting themselves prepared for school. Like union membership dues, something voluntary would reveal very few who would attend. When it's mandatory though, well I guess that's the only way they can get a crowd, especially now that no one shows up at BOE meetings.
Sad, are you a teacher? If so, why isn't your representation telling the board and admin that this event is worthless? To complain outside of official channels isn't going to change a durn thing - you have GOT to speak up!
Better yet, let your position be known, with you departure from CSEA and to PACE. You'll get more coverage for less money and you won't have to push Tim Gill, Jared Polis and Pat Stryker's agenda!!!
Craig, This is a little off subject - I'm curious how George Marin was chosen Pricipal of Freedom Elementary and if anyone is keeping track of how this school is coming along (outside D-11 board members). Also, it would be interesting if someone investigated the number of families not choosing to go to this neighborhood school and why. A poll of families that decided to stay and what their current thoughts are now that school has started would be just as interesting. Compare the above with McAullife Elementary parents and see if there's a big gap.
Interesting that you would bring that up. I have heard some interesting talk about people staying away from Freedom due to "principal issues." That is worth a deeper look. Any information that you can share would be welcome. There should be more on this shortly.
It seems the principal's reputation was in place prior to him receiving Freedom. Along with this and Penrose's 'average' status, we're amazed he was chosen to open such a visible school. This is one aspect many would like explained. Also, which entity was in charge of deciding the new Principals - was it the school board, the superintendent, etc.? What influences were made to hire Mr. Marin over other Principal's, especially ones in charge of schools with higher ratings than Penrose's? Is anyone watching over him and holding him accountable for his past and future decisions regarding Freedom (one look into the Kindergarten primary color rooms would know mostly all 'red', 'yellow', or 'blue' colors in one place can start a riot - if he can't oversee a simple color scheme properly....)? Do you know anyone who attended the official 'ribbon cutting'? It was extremely unorganized, unimpressive and in the end the public was not allowed inside to tour the school (unless you were a Kindergarten parent). This goes against Mr. Marin's statement on the D-11 website in the 'Principal's Message' section: "The many months of planning and construction have all been spent with one clear focus, to create an elementary school in Wagon Trails that belongs to the community. What I mean by that is – this is your school. You are always welcome. " Hmmmm....... However, the D-11 'officials' were allowed a tour. We would like to know their 'inside' thoughts on this school, were they impressed? Maybe you should take a tour, if you haven't already, to form your own opinion. Yes, we would definitely like to see more on this shortly....
This is one parent of a child who attended Freedom who can tell you first hand that George Marin is not the right choice for Freedom, let alone any elementary school. I witnessed first hand his berating and threatening of a child while I waited in the school office. Granted, I do not know what this child did or how old, but rest assured that the tone and manner used had no place in an elementary school. After witnessing this I now know that it was not only my child he treated this way. I have had further encounters with George Marin that have convinced me to file a formal compliant with Pat Ring, his supervisor according to D11. Given the horror stories I have heard about D11 I do not really expect it to go anywhere, but I can not just let it go anymore. Once I have filed the compliant I will be sure to come back and post the entire compliant in full along with any response I get.
As you read in the Gazette over the past few days, educators go out of their way to cover for each other. Marin is a "favorite son" of Terry Bishop. I agree with you that you will likely have no resolution to your complaint, but I am glad that you have filed one. It is good to have that record.
Post a Comment
<< Home