I have begun a mailing list for my antimayoral control campaign. I was going to contact only my representatives. However, both the NYS Senate and the NYS Assembly have Education Committees. So I am also beginning to slowly contact the members of those committees. So far, I am doing this by e-mail. I know that we are supposedly paying dues for this, but no one at the UFT is opposing mayoral control or Mayor Bloomberg.
NEW YORK STATE SENATE (http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/Home?OpenForm)
Committee: Education
Chairperson:
Saland
Members:
LaValle
Seward
Morahan
Golden
Little
Lanza
Oppenheimer
Montgomery
Marcellino
Stavisky
Fuschillo
Schneiderman
Dilan
Sabini
Serrano
Robach
Huntley
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY (http://assembly.state.ny.us/)
EDUCATION COMMITTE
Education Chair Catherine Nolan
Members
Carmen E. Arroyo
Michael Benedetto
James F. Brennan
Karim Camara
Barbara M. Clark
Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Patricia A. Eddington
Steve Englebright
Aurelia Greene
Earlene Hooper
Susan V. John
Tom Kirwan
William B. Magnarelli
Alan Maisel
David G. McDonough
Joel M. Miller
William L. Parment
Amy Paulin
Phil Ramos
Bill Reilich
Bob Reilly
Joseph S. Saladino
Teresa R. Sayward
Robert K. Sweeney
Fred W. Thiele, Jr.
Harvey Weisenberg
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Re: Mayoral Control--Where's the Ball?
Dear Senator, Council Person, etc.
I am a registered Democrat. I live and teach in Myneighborhood, Queens. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for your excellent work on the part of the citizens of your district.
I am also writing to you because I oppose Mayoral Control of the public schools of our city. It seems to me that the New York State Legislature gave Mayor Bloomberg the ball and told him to run with it—expecting him to stop as soon as he crossed the goal line. Instead the Mayor has run out of bounds, off the field, out of the stadium, and is still running.
Please stop him and get the ball back.
Sincerely,
MS UNTAMED
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I am going to e-mail this letter to every democratically elected official who represents my neighborhood--City, State, and Federal.
I have thought about writing letters to public officials for a long time, but I wasn't sure how much good it would do. At this point I still don't know how much good it will do, but we are now in an election year. I may get more attention as an individual citizen/voter.
In the beginning I had a very long letter--most of it very angry. But then my teaching experience kicked in. I have decided to write many letters instead of one. Each letter will be as clear and concise as possible and carry some kind of mnemonic device, so that the point won't easily be forgotten.
No, I am not dummying it down for these officials. They are very busy people, who have many balls in the air. I want them to pay attention to the one that is affecting me.
I also want to keep it light. I will be writing to them often. I want them to look forward to hearing from me--not regard me as some kind of crazy stalker.
I will post each letter that I write on the day that I send it out.
I am a registered Democrat. I live and teach in Myneighborhood, Queens. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for your excellent work on the part of the citizens of your district.
I am also writing to you because I oppose Mayoral Control of the public schools of our city. It seems to me that the New York State Legislature gave Mayor Bloomberg the ball and told him to run with it—expecting him to stop as soon as he crossed the goal line. Instead the Mayor has run out of bounds, off the field, out of the stadium, and is still running.
Please stop him and get the ball back.
Sincerely,
MS UNTAMED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am going to e-mail this letter to every democratically elected official who represents my neighborhood--City, State, and Federal.
I have thought about writing letters to public officials for a long time, but I wasn't sure how much good it would do. At this point I still don't know how much good it will do, but we are now in an election year. I may get more attention as an individual citizen/voter.
In the beginning I had a very long letter--most of it very angry. But then my teaching experience kicked in. I have decided to write many letters instead of one. Each letter will be as clear and concise as possible and carry some kind of mnemonic device, so that the point won't easily be forgotten.
No, I am not dummying it down for these officials. They are very busy people, who have many balls in the air. I want them to pay attention to the one that is affecting me.
I also want to keep it light. I will be writing to them often. I want them to look forward to hearing from me--not regard me as some kind of crazy stalker.
I will post each letter that I write on the day that I send it out.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Going Public
I have been thinking about the suggestion to publicly expose the principal of my school on this blog. I have visited the websites and blogs of other teachers who do just that. They use their own names and the names of principals and assistant principals. (See http://www.teacherabuse.com/). I applaud the courage and honesty of these teachers. However, I have decided not to follow their example for now, and I will give my reasons.
1. This is not just about Principal S.T. vs. Me. This is about Bloomberg/Klein vs. every teacher and student in the New York City Department of Education. What is happening to me is happening throughout the five boroughs. I feel that using real names would divert attention away from the pervasiveness of the problem.
2. The Principal involves children in her war against me without regard for their reputation. Take for example the incident involving Randy R.. I wouldn’t be writing about it if she weren’t trying to use it as evidence of how unprofessional I am. Every 8th grader in my school knows all about the Randy R. incident. They all know his real name. He’s famous. Anyone who knew the name of my school could stand outside at dismissal time and engage in conversation with some of the 8th graders. It would take this person about two minutes to find out the real name of Randy R..
3. Visitors to the blog should be able to give their opinions without worrying about being held responsible for comments about a real person. For example, no one can be sued for saying that Principal S.T. is a T-Rex Bitch.
4. . Let children have their childhood. Without real names, there is little risk of students finding their way to “Untamed Teacher”. Adults who use children in their wars with other adults are child abusers. Unethical administrators like Principal S.T. are using children to do the dirty work of harassing and framing teachers. Most teachers, including myself, try to protect students from Bloom/Klein fallout.
However, I do agree that this Principal should be reported and held responsible for what she has done. I have already sent letters to Union Officials and to the Chancellor’s Office to no avail. I have decided to report my concerns to the publicly elected officials who represent this neighborhood. I live here and I teach here. I can walk over to my council person’s office and hand-deliver a letter.
The only thing left to do is to write the letter.
1. This is not just about Principal S.T. vs. Me. This is about Bloomberg/Klein vs. every teacher and student in the New York City Department of Education. What is happening to me is happening throughout the five boroughs. I feel that using real names would divert attention away from the pervasiveness of the problem.
2. The Principal involves children in her war against me without regard for their reputation. Take for example the incident involving Randy R.. I wouldn’t be writing about it if she weren’t trying to use it as evidence of how unprofessional I am. Every 8th grader in my school knows all about the Randy R. incident. They all know his real name. He’s famous. Anyone who knew the name of my school could stand outside at dismissal time and engage in conversation with some of the 8th graders. It would take this person about two minutes to find out the real name of Randy R..
3. Visitors to the blog should be able to give their opinions without worrying about being held responsible for comments about a real person. For example, no one can be sued for saying that Principal S.T. is a T-Rex Bitch.
4. . Let children have their childhood. Without real names, there is little risk of students finding their way to “Untamed Teacher”. Adults who use children in their wars with other adults are child abusers. Unethical administrators like Principal S.T. are using children to do the dirty work of harassing and framing teachers. Most teachers, including myself, try to protect students from Bloom/Klein fallout.
However, I do agree that this Principal should be reported and held responsible for what she has done. I have already sent letters to Union Officials and to the Chancellor’s Office to no avail. I have decided to report my concerns to the publicly elected officials who represent this neighborhood. I live here and I teach here. I can walk over to my council person’s office and hand-deliver a letter.
The only thing left to do is to write the letter.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Harrass This
December 20, 2007
Mr. Z.
As you well know, the events of Friday, December 14, 2007 occurred as follows:
1. During science class in room 327, Randy R of class 8B asked to go to the bathroom. As he was leaving the room, a condom full of liquid fell out of one of his pant legs.
2. I called for security staff who responded immediately and took Randy R. out of the class.
3. I called the custodian who came immediately and cleaned up a cloudy white liquid from under Randy R.'s chair and along the aisle where he had walked.
4. I informed you immediately of the incident as soon as the class was over.
5. I called the mother, Ms. R., informed her of her son’s behavior, and asked her to consult her husband and then call me so that we could set up an appointment for both parents to meet with a counselor and with me.
I made no unprofessional statements, but behaved in an absolutely calm, professional manner throughout the whole affair. My response and the quick response of security and custodial staff meant that the rest of the students went on with their studies quietly.
No one behaved badly during this affair except Randy R.
As you well know, the actions of Randy R. constitute sexual harassment against me and all other females in the classroom. I had not intended to file sexual harassment charges against Randy. I felt that Randy was exhibiting inappropriate behavior that might be a call for help. I was waiting for his parents to meet with a counselor to decide what was best for Randy.
However, due to the fact that allegations have been lodged against me, I have changed my mind. If your intent was to intimidate me into silence, your letter has had the opposite effect.
I am formally lodging a complaint of sexual harassment against me and the underage females in the class on that day.
I am formally lodging a grievance against the administration of I.S. 666 for trying to intimidate me in an attempt to cover up a case of sexual harassment so that the SCHOOL REPORT CARD GRADE will not go down.
MS UNTAMED
December 20, 2007
Mr. Z.
As you well know, the events of Friday, December 14, 2007 occurred as follows:
1. During science class in room 327, Randy R of class 8B asked to go to the bathroom. As he was leaving the room, a condom full of liquid fell out of one of his pant legs.
2. I called for security staff who responded immediately and took Randy R. out of the class.
3. I called the custodian who came immediately and cleaned up a cloudy white liquid from under Randy R.'s chair and along the aisle where he had walked.
4. I informed you immediately of the incident as soon as the class was over.
5. I called the mother, Ms. R., informed her of her son’s behavior, and asked her to consult her husband and then call me so that we could set up an appointment for both parents to meet with a counselor and with me.
I made no unprofessional statements, but behaved in an absolutely calm, professional manner throughout the whole affair. My response and the quick response of security and custodial staff meant that the rest of the students went on with their studies quietly.
No one behaved badly during this affair except Randy R.
As you well know, the actions of Randy R. constitute sexual harassment against me and all other females in the classroom. I had not intended to file sexual harassment charges against Randy. I felt that Randy was exhibiting inappropriate behavior that might be a call for help. I was waiting for his parents to meet with a counselor to decide what was best for Randy.
However, due to the fact that allegations have been lodged against me, I have changed my mind. If your intent was to intimidate me into silence, your letter has had the opposite effect.
I am formally lodging a complaint of sexual harassment against me and the underage females in the class on that day.
I am formally lodging a grievance against the administration of I.S. 666 for trying to intimidate me in an attempt to cover up a case of sexual harassment so that the SCHOOL REPORT CARD GRADE will not go down.
MS UNTAMED
December 20, 2007
Randy R.
Today I received this letter. This meeting is set at the very end of the day before vacation. This is a pattern. Since Adila was sent to the Rubber Room, I have received a negative letter one or two days prior to every vacation.
December 19,2007
Ms. UNTAMED,
Please meet with me on Friday, December 21, 2007, at 12:45 PM, in the principal's office regarding an allegation of unprofessional statements made by you on Friday, December 14, 2007. Your period seven class will be covered by a substitute on that date.
You may be accompanied, at your option by the UFT chapter leader, or his designated alternate, as this meeting may lead to disciplinary action.
As per our discussion during period four today, Ms. R. , parent of Randy R. of class 8B requests the following:
Do not speak to Randy R. for any reason not involving instruction.
Do not attempt to contact any family member other than Ms. R., mother.
Do not attempt to contact Ms. R unless in the presence of an administrator.
Sincerely,
Assistant Principal R. Z.
December 19,2007
Ms. UNTAMED,
Please meet with me on Friday, December 21, 2007, at 12:45 PM, in the principal's office regarding an allegation of unprofessional statements made by you on Friday, December 14, 2007. Your period seven class will be covered by a substitute on that date.
You may be accompanied, at your option by the UFT chapter leader, or his designated alternate, as this meeting may lead to disciplinary action.
As per our discussion during period four today, Ms. R. , parent of Randy R. of class 8B requests the following:
Do not speak to Randy R. for any reason not involving instruction.
Do not attempt to contact any family member other than Ms. R., mother.
Do not attempt to contact Ms. R unless in the presence of an administrator.
Sincerely,
Assistant Principal R. Z.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
KIDS FIRST
I had my meeting with Assistant Principal Z this morning at 7:45 AM. My UFT Chapter Leader was present.
The Assistant Principal asked me if I had given my students their report card grades prior to report cards being distributed.
I replied that I had.
He asked me how I had given the grades.
I replied that I had gone around the classroom writing the grades in the students' lab books. (I had also given them the option of writing the grades on any piece of paper they handed me.)
The Assistant Principal then told us that a parent called the school complaining that her child had come home crying because she had been embarrassed in front of her classmates. According to the child, I had announced everybody's grade publicly.
I was not allowed to know which child lied to her parents about me, or which mother complained about me without talking to me first.
The Assistant Principal then said that he had carried out an investigation and that the students in the class had verified my manner of giving the grades, and backed up the fact that I had not announced grades publicly.
You might think that I am happy about the way this matter was handled by the administration. I am not.
They talked to the kids before they talked to me. When they couldn't find witnesses to support the complaint, they had to give up. Then they contacted me.
This is a new understanding of KIDS FIRST.
My word is only as good as the number of 13-year-olds who agree with me.
I don't feel good. I'm going to bed.
The Assistant Principal asked me if I had given my students their report card grades prior to report cards being distributed.
I replied that I had.
He asked me how I had given the grades.
I replied that I had gone around the classroom writing the grades in the students' lab books. (I had also given them the option of writing the grades on any piece of paper they handed me.)
The Assistant Principal then told us that a parent called the school complaining that her child had come home crying because she had been embarrassed in front of her classmates. According to the child, I had announced everybody's grade publicly.
I was not allowed to know which child lied to her parents about me, or which mother complained about me without talking to me first.
The Assistant Principal then said that he had carried out an investigation and that the students in the class had verified my manner of giving the grades, and backed up the fact that I had not announced grades publicly.
You might think that I am happy about the way this matter was handled by the administration. I am not.
They talked to the kids before they talked to me. When they couldn't find witnesses to support the complaint, they had to give up. Then they contacted me.
This is a new understanding of KIDS FIRST.
My word is only as good as the number of 13-year-olds who agree with me.
I don't feel good. I'm going to bed.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Investigate the Investigators
I found the following letter in my mailbox as I left the school building on Friday. They love to leave letters like this on Friday afternoon or on the day before a holiday.
November 30, 2007
MS UNTAMED,
Please meet with me on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at 7:45 AM in the principal's office regarding an allegation of verbal abuse.
You may be accompannied, at your option, by the UFT chapter leader, or his designated alternate, as this meeting may lead to disciplinary action.
Sincerely,
Assistant Principal Z
I'm fine with any investigation with regard to anything I may have said to any student.
I also want investigations.
I want the President and Vice President of the the United States investigated for possible High Crimes against this this country and its citizens and against the Nation of Iraq and its citizens.
I want Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein investigated for possible civil and human rights violations.
I want every Principal in the city to be investigated regarding emotional and psychological abuse of teachers during the Bloomberg administration.
So let the investigations begin!
November 30, 2007
MS UNTAMED,
Please meet with me on Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at 7:45 AM in the principal's office regarding an allegation of verbal abuse.
You may be accompannied, at your option, by the UFT chapter leader, or his designated alternate, as this meeting may lead to disciplinary action.
Sincerely,
Assistant Principal Z
I'm fine with any investigation with regard to anything I may have said to any student.
I also want investigations.
I want the President and Vice President of the the United States investigated for possible High Crimes against this this country and its citizens and against the Nation of Iraq and its citizens.
I want Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein investigated for possible civil and human rights violations.
I want every Principal in the city to be investigated regarding emotional and psychological abuse of teachers during the Bloomberg administration.
So let the investigations begin!
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