Hartford Connecticut – Principal’s tough love, high expectations gets kids into college

Now this is what I am talking about. I seen Principal Perry on Black America 2 on last night and I heard him on Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network on this morning (Sunday July 26, 2009). Rev. Al is going to invite him back to do a longer show.

Principal Perry stated this morning on NAN that the system must stop putting the problems on the parents. He said we have bad teachers and bad principals who are holding our children back. Damn I love it. You see when I say it in Edgecombe County our safe Negroes say I am crazy. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

Principal’s tough love

Principal Steve Perry doesn’t believe in cursory inspections. For him, every single detail matters. T’s are always crossed, I’s are always dotted. Shirts are always buttoned and tucked in.

During his daily morning hallway inspections, he reprimands a student not wearing the Capital Prep school approved sweatshirt with a "That’s not our gray." He then quickly peers into another classroom to witness a student acting up. "Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Don’t do it!" he warns sternly. The student retorts "Why not?" Perry knowingly looks at him and simply says, "You’re the upperclassman" and with that, the student sheepishly walks away. (CNN)

See related:

Tarboro NC – Voices of Many (Speakers stress parental involvement)

Tarboro NC – Watch Video Voices of Many Meeting with Principals Marc Whichard and Sylvia Cobb

                      Marc Whichard

Sylvia Cobb

Video – Click on Pictures.

See related:

Tarboro NC – Voices of Many (Speakers stress parental involvement)

Wake, Edgecombe Parents & Pimps – Outside the Box Blog by Venita Peyton

Tarboro NC – Voices of Many (Speakers stress parental involvement)

I am damn sick and tired of folks making the main thing the wrong thing. Many Voices is trying to partner with Edgecombe County Public Schools. However the articles continue to mislead folks as if we want to fight them.

I have been an advocate for students, parents and educators since 1993 long before I had any children in the ECPS system. It was 1998 when my first child entered into the system.

It pisses me the hell off when folks like board member Attorney Teresa Bryant and Tarboro Town Councilman Pastor Rev. Roy Gray takes the floor and talk about what worked for them. Bryant talked about she had caring parents and Gray talked about he put around 6 children through ECPS and his wife is a retired ECPS educator. That is fine however the meeting is not about them nor their children.

The problem today is  the parents who need to be at the meetings do not attend and I have been a part of that discussion with groups I have served on such as the School PTO and the School Improvement Team at G.W. Carver Elementary School and South Edgecombe Middle School in Pinetops. I have served on the ECPS Board of Education Advisory Council also where we met at different schools within the district.  I have also received certificates of graduation for participating in the yearly (PESP) Parent Education Studies Program through the NC Justice and Community Development Center Education Leadership Institute.

So many times the main thing get lost because some folks confuse the real issue at hand. The parents that attended the meeting on last night did not fit the description that Bryant and Gray were talking about because I feel confident that the parents who attended are involved in their child’s education. So their spill was a waste of my time. Times have changed and many of the parents of today birthed children when they were children and therefore the cycle has been broken as it pertains to the parents that Bryant and Gray spoke about.

It is of my opinion that the majority of the children who act up in school are those who do not have the parents that Bryant and Gray spoke about. It is of my opinion that when those children act up and since their parents are not involved, parents such as myself and others who are involved we get treated as if we fit the description of the parents who are not involved so we are all lumped together. I admit that some involved parents go to the school in frustration some times however someone in the system should reach out to them and attempt to keep them interested instead of making them feel uncomfortable and sometimes that parent never comes back to the school again.

The reporter that covered this meeting put emphasis on Bryant stepping out of her role as a board member and saying that her perspective as a parent that while teachers should be held accountable for some issues, the key is giving them guidance. Who in the hell is she talking about because if the parents are not involved with their children how in the hell are they going to give some guidance to the teachers?

Bryant said, “For every teacher I hear a compliant about, I can find someone that raves about them,” she said. “Sometimes it’s things in the profession where I think they need the support of parents.” Again I ask who in the hell is she talking about? I am confused because if these parents are not involved in their children’s education how in the hell can they be involved in what the teachers may be going through? Whatever the hell they are going through do not give them the right to take it out our the children. Is Bryant and others who think like her ignant to the fact that these children are going through hell because they didn’t ask for their parents who are not involved in their education? Do Bryant who has been fortunate enough to further her education think about those children who come from families who may not have a daddy and/or a mother who spend time with them, are not capable of helping them with their homework because of their lack of education, a child who may not have adequate food, clothing and other by default. I believe every child would love to have a parent such as Bryant and Gray however that is not true in the real world.

Bryant backed the teachers saying they have a lot of responsibilities and said the teachers are under a lot stress not only on the local level but at the state level. So damn the children who don’t have the parental involvement who are stressed should be able to handle their stress on top of the teacher’s stress. Oh hell no. Some of these children are raising themselves. Are we forgetting that we are dealing with children who didn’t come from families such as ours?

Well Bryant in the real world we would love to see all children come to school ready to learn and that are not going to be disciplinary problems but we are not there yet and we are not working on getting there. Can you tell me who is working on that and what are they doing?

Roy Gray said when you build that base right at home, you do not have to worry what’s going on with them. So again my question who in the hell is Gray talking about because if the parents are not involved in their child’s education where is the base going to come from?

I have always gone to a meeting and spoke up for the less fortunate playing the devils advocate trying to put myself in others shoes who are less fortunate than myself. So hell yeah I get defensive when I hear some things especially when I have been in meetings with some of these same folks since 1993 and I continue to hear folks talk about themselves and their children and not those children who we need to find a solution for. You see if neighbors, friends, churches and others who can afford to help others out would do their part, oh what a time, what a time but you see we as a black people talk about me and my child when your damn child is alright. Not saying that our children can’t mess up however atleast we are involved where some children come into this world and never get to experience the parental involvement that some children experience.

But some of these same folks who talk about they have been involved in their children’s education, they still had and/or have some issues with their children if the truth was to be made known. But again they still had and/or have that parental involvement to fall back on.

Diane LeFiles addressed the lack of funding. She addressed Mrs. Gladys Dunn who asked about volunteering and didn’t say a damn thing about getting paid. Nothing was mentioned in the article about Dunn  a grandparent who is also a retired teacher asking about trying to help out. Again another turn off by LeFiles. LeFiles talked about community organizations in the area and mentioned Yolanda Thigpen’s after school program. Hell LeFiles mentions names when it is convient but do you think she give a damn about Thigpen’s organization? Hell no. My question is why the school system can’t apply for grants so that it can have a base at the schools and the children who really need the help can get it. That is another thing I have always stated, there has been enough monies that come into the black community through some black’s hands whom were poverty and political pimps and prostitutes in the pulpit who have done absolutely nothing but collected checks on the backs of our children.

I was tickled to death when I read the reporter’s comment that, “While most of the responses from the administrators brought on more questions or silence, Bryant’s and Gray’s comments received applause.” Hell everybody in the room could relate to being a parent. Everybody can’t relate to being an educator.

In my opinion the above paragraph is going to be a problem for Many Voices because again it was not about those who attended the meeting but the parents who needed to be there.  You see our Mission Statement: “Bridging The Gap Between: Parents, Teachers and School Administrators” was not mentioned anywhere in the article. It is going to be tough trying to bridge the gap when our local media put their spin on the meetings in such a way that it makes it appear that concerned parents and community folks want to attack the system when all we are doing is trying to reach out to them inspite of.

I supported Bryant’s appointment on the board to replace Dr. Florence A. Armstrong when she moved out of the district however many said to me she was not the one. However these folks had some valid points but I felt that she being a lawyer was going to be a plus. I am going to follow the board more closely than I have in the past 7 – 8 months. When I learned about the concerned parents at the East Tarboro Meeting recently, and after meeting with Many Voices on numerous occasions since that meeting, I have made the group my main thing. This group has reminded me of what I said I was going to do back in the 90’s and that is to stand up for the children and the elderly because it is not about me but about the future.

At the end of the meeting I seen the reporter question Shanell Knight about the meeting and she directed her to me. The reporter did not come to the front of the room where I was. However I told Knight that would happen. This reporter do not know me and I do not know her. I would not have known who she was if she had not stood in the back of the room after arriving late taking pictures. She missed the beginning of the meeting and we were into the questions and answer piece. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

Voice of Many – Speakers stress parental involvement

There was discussion about the judgment in retaining certain teachers, purchasing new equipment, disciplinary actions for behavior, and other topics, a lot of which administrators couldn’t discuss because of confidentiality.

One of the topics that did prompt multiple head nods and claps of approval was the parents role in helping their children succeed. (The Daily Southerner)

See related:

Tarboro NC – Watch Video Voices of Many Meeting with Principals Marc Whichard and Sylvia Cobb

Tarboro NC – Parents host meeting to address school concerns

Note: Updated 7.25.09 11:10 AM

Tarboro NC – Parents host meeting to address school concerns

Shanell Knight was contacted by the reporter about this meeting however Knight never spoke with her. Yes Knight started a petition because of her concerns with ECPS however since she expressed her concerns at a local meeting in East Tarboro recently, more parents have come forward to voice their concerns in a series of meetings that has been held by Many Voices. Because of Shanell, others have come forward but it is no longer about Shanell but about any and all persons who have concerns be they parents, grandparents and/or citizens of Edgecombe County.

So my question to the reporter is, “Why do you continue to bring up about Knight’s son?” Knight’s son and other children may see the paper and he has to put up with the publicity in the paper. And on top of that, you may as well put his name in the paper because one can connect the dots. Also this continues to open the door for ignant folks such as Oliver Curtis Powell who wrote a letter to the  editor about Knight and her son when he do not know her nor her son. This paper didn’t allow anyone to respond to Powell’s letter so therefore it is obvious this paper is a voice for the Edgecombe County Public Schools just like they were for Rev. Roosevelt Higgs and the Edgecombe County Board of Elections when they made themselves look stupid with Smith’s help when they went after Rocky Mount City Councilman Andre Knight challenging his residency.

And my last question is for you and the editor, Terry Smith, “So how can we attempt to bridge the gap when obviously ya’ll are going to continue to put your spin on our efforts when ya’ll make it appear as if the group wants to beat up on the system.” Not!! C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

Parents host meeting to address school concerns

Thursday night will be the first of many meetings that parent-based group The Voices of Many plans to hold to address concerns with the school system with Edgecombe County educators.

The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the former Holiday Inn at 102 Market Centre Drive next to Bojangles. (The Daily Southerner)

See related:

Tarboro NC – “Many Voices” A Parent/Citizens Group Wants To Partner With Edgecombe County Public Schools, The Agenda

Tarboro NC – “Many Voices” A Parent/Citizens Group Wants To Partner With Edgecombe County Public Schools, The Agenda

Voices of Many
PO Box 394
Tarboro NC
email: voicesofmanync@yahoo.com
blog: coming soon

Mission Statement: “Bridging The Gap Between:
Parents, Teachers and School Administrators”

Agenda

 

*Welcome: Loretta Hilliard

*Prayer: Eldress Shirley Hill

*Mission/Purpose of this meeting – Richard Parker

*Introduction of Guest: Requested topics of discussion PTO, School Improvement Team, Parent and Community Involvement, Discipline

Martin Middle Principal: Marc Whichard

Pattillo Principal Sylvia Cobb

*Question and Answers: Myna Deloatch

*Thank you from Voices of Many – Richard Parker

*Meeting Adjourned: Richard Parker

Note: Myrna Deloatch Education Chair Edgecombe County NAACP was the facilitator and she did a wonderful job

From the Publisher – Voices of Many ask petitioners to familiarize themselves with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001”

Shannell Knight a parent of an Edgecombe County Public School System and a member of Voices of Many addressed the community at the East Tarboro Community meeting about issues and concerns that she and some others have. V of M emailed me the following documents. Read them for yourself.

The Daily Southerner reporter had the following documentation however the letter addressed to me was addressed to her. The reporter also had documentation pertaining a more personal letter that included personal information.

Letter to Curmilus Dancy II

June 3, 2009

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

-Author Unknown

Dear Mr. Curmilus Dancy II,

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand in promoting high quality education, building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators, and putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension.

I am the proud mother of three children who attend Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS). It is worrisome to me that little effort seems to be exerted in challenging students academically, but zealous efforts are made when it comes to making humiliating comments, or executing non-deserving suspensions and/or detentions (these negatives do not apply to all teachers and faculty of ECPS). So I write on behalf of ALL the children and their parents, and those attending ECPS in particular, who have fewer options to choose from in supplying their children’s educational needs.

It is my belief that if the school work were sufficiently challenging for students at whatever level their development, much negative (disruptive) energy would then be channeled into more positive projects/results.

Attached are a few instances of complete disappointment, frustration and feeling of helplessness in reference to several families’ experiences or encounters with ECPS. (All information listed is either from personal experience, and/or data collected while soliciting for signatures).

Families feel that ECPS is a district where…

· Faculty members are intimated and are not welcoming to parents who advocate for their children

· Parents verbal and written request to have their child/children evaluated for exceptional children services go ignored, or the parents are persuaded not to follow through with their request

· The students aren’t challenged academically or intellectually

· Children aren’t being prepared for college

· Parents are not allowed to voice their concerns to the Superintendent because they are told that “any suspensions less than ten days are not appealing to the Superintendent”

· Parents written concerns to the superintendent go ignored

· Families have been retaliated against when they take their concerns or complaints to the Central Office

· Parents feel that the faculty at times are insensitive, unprofessional, cruel, and sarcastic to both parents and children

· Complaints made against faculty are taken lightly, or nothing is done at all

· Administration has been known to instigate confrontation between students

Once again, these negatives do not apply to all faculty members of ECPS. There are faculty members who do truly have a passion for what they do, and have the best interest of the students and families in mind.

Several parents have already, or intend on transferring their children to local private, charter, or another school in the district that may have a “better reputation”.

As a concerned parent, I will continue to be my children’s first advocate, I will continue to seek one-on-one conferences with my children’s teachers, counselors and administrative staff. I will continue to do whatever it takes for my children to receive the BEST possible education. But I hope also that this brings most needed attention to the problem on a larger scale where the needs of ALL the children will be addressed for the next school year, and every school year to come.

Representing the “Voices Of Many”,

Shanell Knight

voicesofmanync@yahoo.com

 

Letter to citizens

May 14, 2009

Dear Edgecombe County Citizens:

We are writing to ask you to familiarize yourself with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” was implemented. For the past two years, many parents have diligently addressed growing concerns about the manner in which parent complaints and less than 10 day suspensions are being handled at Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS).

“How can a child receive a fair assessment when the suspension policy is biased and creates absenteeism during critical review time?” More importantly, when the issue is brought to the attention of school administrators, concerned parents are brushed aside and accused of “over reacting” to the damage caused by biased administrative decisions. Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand and your support is requested in promoting the following:

1. Quality Education for the children of Edgecombe County and Future Generations.
2. Building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators to promote fair assessments.
3. Putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving school suspensions, as result of personal bias.

The petition for cooperative action from ECPS is necessary and affects the community at large. Attached are countless examples of negative encounters with ECPS and its’ neglect to address parent concerns. We are in no way suggesting that all of ECPS staff and educators are biased, however by investing RIGHT NOW in our children’s education, demanding quality services, and banning together against mediocrity we are laying the foundation for the future of Edgecombe County and its’ citizens.

Thank you for your support.

Representing the Voices of Many,

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.

This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

 

The Petition

Bridging the Gap between: Parents, Teachers, and School Administrators

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County, please take a stand with us in promoting High Quality Education, building partnerships between parents and school administrators, and help put a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension that are taking place in ECPS.

1._____________________________________________________________________

2._____________________________________________________________________

3._____________________________________________________________________

4._____________________________________________________________________

5._____________________________________________________________________

6._____________________________________________________________________

7._____________________________________________________________________

8._____________________________________________________________________

9._____________________________________________________________________

10.____________________________________________________________________

11.____________________________________________________________________

12.____________________________________________________________________

13.____________________________________________________________________

14.____________________________________________________________________

15.____________________________________________________________________

16.____________________________________________________________________

17.____________________________________________________________________

18._____________________________________________________________

19._____________________________________________________________

20._____________________________________________________________

Letter from David Bryant

May 18, 2009

Dear Ms. Knight:

Thank you for taking time from your daily schedule to share concerns regarding the educational climate of Edgecombe County’s Public Schools.  The State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction are always interested in hearing from concerned parents who have a vested interest in the safety and educational success of students within the community.  We value the comments you have shared and are genuinely interested in addressing your concerns. 

Having received your letter regarding Edgecombe County Public Schools, it is important for you to know that situations of this nature and how they are resolved are generally governed by state statutes which gives the legal authority to the local school district. Because of changes in North Carolina legislation, local boards of education now have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they have the authority to make administrative decisions regarding situations like the one you have shared.  In this particular case, the following excerpts from legislation address the authority of the local boards of education to govern at the local level.  These statutes apply to “local control” and are referenced as follows:

G.S. 115C‑36. Designation of board.

Said boards of education shall have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they shall enforce the school law in their respective units.

§ 115C‑47. Powers and duties generally.

In addition to the powers and duties designated in G.S. 115C‑36, local boards of education shall have the power or duty:  (1) To Provide an Adequate School System. – It shall be the duty of local boards of education to provide adequate school systems within their respective local school administrative units, as directed by law.

Although sympathetic to the frustration and concerns you have expressed, state legislation and/or law does not give the State Board of Education and/or the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction the authority to intervene in matters where the local school district has governing control. I would encourage you to make another appeal to your local educational agency’s central office or local board of education to inquire about the possibility of having someone look into this situation.

With Kind Regards,

David Bryant

Parent Liaison/Education Consultant

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Accountability Services Division / Testing Section
6314 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6314

dbryant@dpi.state.nc.us (919.807.3775)

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

>>> Many Voices <voicesofmanync@yahoo.com> 5/15/2009 6:13 PM >>>

"All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement."

See related:

From the Publisher – In response to Oliver Curtis Powell, “School administration must stop allowing children to run the system”

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In Edgecombe County Schools by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

Tarboro NC – Lack of communication upsets parents, schools

From the Publisher – In response to Oliver Curtis Powell, “School administration must stop allowing children to run the system”

First of all the 11 year old child who will be transitioning from W.A. Pattillo A + Elementary School into the middle school on next year made the “A” honor roll all year. So many times children at his age have repeated a grade or 2. Conduct was satisfactory the entire year, never received an N however he received 14 days of out of school suspension. This honor roll can be verified in the coming weeks when the paper comes out with the local schools honor roll, check the Pattillo listing.

T. Trevathan who left a reply on my blog helped me to write this response earlier than I had planned to because I have been so busy this week.

I agree that proper punishment should be given to those who deserve it however that is not always the case.

Both Powell and Trevathan has the right to their opinion and I do also.

My opinion is as follows:

Excellent article? Really? Bull manure. What I found interesting is that Powell found an opportunity to write a racist article.

Glad you asked why do I say that.

First of all the parent shared her story at an East Tarboro Community meeting and that alone made it a black thing. Powell do not know the parent nor the child so how in the hell can he say that this parent and other family members have not taught the child to properly behave. It is so many factors that were left out of the original article written by the Daily Southerner however I have the meeting on video and it can be seen here.

I am so damn glad that I know many of the issues that goes on in our schools because I am an active involved Negro. I have witnessed and have documents of some issues that have gone on in the school system since the early 90’s. I know there are issues with some parents, children and administrators because I have served on the PTO, School Improvement Team, Board of Education Advisory Committee and attended the school board meetings dearly over the years. My name can be found in most of the minutes where I addressed the board during their public comments.

Now back to the parent in which Powell is referring to. I attended the meeting and she is a productive parent who is an administrative staff person at a daycare center in Tarboro. I have been knowing her mother since the 80’s so I feel strongly this child has been taught.

I deal with parents all the time and I check them out if I do not know them personally.

The problem I have with this response from Powell is he attacked this parent’s character when he does not know her. In my opinion this was racist as hell. What Powell has done in my opinion is mislead folks who think like he, you and some others, into thinking that all black children who are having issues in the school system have not been taught to properly behave.

And lastly this parent has been trying to communicate with the school system when so many parents will not. I have seen some documentation and it is clear she is trying to reach common ground with the school system. She sent atleast one document certified to the Central Office.

The video shows how intelligent the parent is and also how she is involved in her child’s education and has been over the years.

The mentality that Powell has shown is some of the same mentality that is being displayed by some administrators. I do not allow my children to disrupt their classes and I be damn if I am going to support a parent that would allow such.

If a child deserves punishment then so be it but I be damn if it is fair to single out all black children just because.

Funny as hell there is no mention in the original article where Voices of Many have around 700 names who signed a petition. So does this not say something? Go figure.

See related:

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

See related:

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In Edgecombe County Schools by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In Edgecombe County Schools by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

I wish to thank the Editor of the Daily Southerner for publishing Oliver Curtis Powell’s Letter to the Editor on June 8^th 2009. It exposes Powell-ism for what it really is. Unfortunately or fortunately the citizens of Tarboro and Edgecombe County already know it exists, both inside and outside our School System. I have formally given a copy of Mr. Powell’s Letter to the Editor to the Edgecombe County Board of Education Counsel, just in case they missed it.

Mr. Powell’s drivel is perhaps being used, from the outside of the school system to influence or coerce decision-making inside our school system, by those willing to listen to it and those who live by it. Mr. Powell is a prime example of what we are up against, from persons already inside the school system. It is the thinking, of the worst kind, that permeates all corners of school faculty and administration. We must root out the Powells in the system so our children can begin to break out of the cycle of injustice and ignorance inside ECPS. Embedded in our governing bodies are too many Powell-like individuals. November is not far off. The Oliver Curtis Powell types are exactly the types we are going to root out of our school system. Black as well as White. Thank you Oliver, for coming forward with a real-life example of what is really wrong with our school system. It is perfect advertising.

I have written letters to the Editor that were far less inflammatory than Mr. Powell’s letter and had them turned down time and again. Perhaps if they had been published Mr. Powell might have been far less inclined to write such drivel. Perhaps it is time for some good, old fashioned “Selective Patronage”. Our Editor has been enjoying that privilege with impunity. It may just be our time now.

Oh yes. Mr. Powell, I am not a student or presently a parent of a student. I am a part of the “village”.

Richard H Parker Jr.

Tarboro NC

RHPJR315@aol.com

See related:

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

Tarboro NC – Lack of communication upsets parents, schools