IT'S COMING DOWN THE PIKE: PREPARE FOR THE AFTERMATH

Houston Independent School District is in the process of developing a new teacher evalutaion tool that includes students' achievement/performance.  I wouldn't have a problem with that aspect of teacher evaluation, except that the teachers who teach the AP or GT classes have an easy-breezy time motivating their students to learn.  On the other hand, you have the middle-of-the-road and off-the-road students who just come to school for the free food, the time to socialize with their friends and catch up on the latest news from their homeboys. 

Those poor teachers can't hand-pick the motivated students; the students who care about education; the students who will try their hardest to complete the assignments; or even the students who come to school on a regular basis.  When the teacher is assigned the students, those students don't come with a money-back guarantee.  Students show up to class with factors that aren't measured by any standard that the district/state can provide.  If the student is homeless; pregnant; abused; abusing drugs/alcohol; surviving a home life that one wouldn't wish for anyone or any other negative aspect the ability to learn is affected. 

• No where on the teacher's evaluation form does it take into consideration that the student who made a 55 last week has improved because the teacher has taken extra time to help motivate the student to care.

• No where on the form does it take into consideration that the teacher has worked with that kid off to the side, who just arrived from out of the state, to help her catch up to the point the class is working.  She hasn't passed yet, but she has improved in the last two exams. 

• No where on the evaluation is a place to mark that the students have improved in their school attendance, because the teacher is motivating them to achieve. 

Do you understand my point?  I think evaluations are wonderful; however, the factors that go into the evaluation should all be considered and not just students' grades.  In all my years of dealing with the educational system in Texas and the evaluations, I've yet to know of one bad teacher who was asked to leave, even when "growth plans" weren't followed.  Many good teachers on the other hand, resort to the "dog and pony shows" in order to keep their jobs.

OUT OF THE WOODWORK: BRAVERY OF WORDS

Now that DJ has burned one too many people, we are beginning to hear from people who have been close enough to understand what really went on with drill team members and leaders.  Thanks to a former principal, there is a letter in The Victoria Advocate that is very clear about her experiences with DJ on her campus.  I appreciate her letter and her part in the reassignment, but it did leave me a bit confused.  The principal has been gone for awhile and yet the reassignment just happened.  How did what DJ do years ago have any bearing on the reassignment now?  If the accumulation was so heinous, why wasn't it dealt with years ago?  How many charges were there and how come a release of contract wasn't the result?  I have no idea of what part this principal played in the reassignment, although she claimed to have aided in this procedure.  Must have been an awful lot of stuff going on throughout the years that nobody was brave enough to deal with.  Those poor brainwashed girls and families who are still backing DJ.  It's almost like they need to go to one of those anti-cult centers to have their brains rewired.  DJ's motto is DDDR; does that stands for Damage Darlings Daily Repeatedly?  Her LEGACY is the damaged girls she left behind.

PASS THE POPCORN: THE CIRCUS HAS ARRIVED

Well, what an interesting morning!

I attended the open Level III grievance meeting held in the board room of Victoria Independent School District.  This was my first time for being in the audience of such a meeting, so I paid close attention to all the rules and regulations.  Turn off cell phones, pagers, etc.  Find a seat and wait for the action to begin.  Once the board members entered, DJ was escorted up front by her husband.  She sat facing the board with the representative from her teachers' union.  (I didn't know why she didn't have legal counsel with her, advising her and presenting her case.  If she had a lawyer, then would have been the time to bring one with her, in my opinion.) 

The School Board President was very clear with her explanations of why the meeting was an open meeting and what behavior was acceptable.  DJ and her union representative had requested an open meeting and because of that, no mention of any names or identifying of students in any form would be allowed.  The consequences for even implying identifying comments would be a warning and if any names would be mentioned, the hearing would be ended.  Very clearly, the students and their families' identities would be protected by the Board.  All parties indicated that this was understood and compliance would be forthcoming. 

Everything went well for the next few minutes, until the quesiton was asked, "Do you know why all this came about, Mrs. Jaynes?"  She turned to her union representative and asked, "Can I say a name?"  He gave his permission and she said, "The issue started with [insert name here].."  Gavel came down and the Board President stopped DJ in her tracks.  No amount of apologies from her union representative could "unring the bell".  He said, "I didn't think you meant the family of the girl."  What?  Are you kidding me? 

Wait, it only gets better.

Then the union representative passed out papers to the board.  The Board President got her paper and she then admonished him, as it had the same names on it.  His excuse, "I didn't pass those out to the audience and we aren't saying the name."  The Board President told the board members to hand her the papers and one board member wadded up his paper and throw it across the table.  Gasps of unbelief rippled through the audience when the board member displayed his immaturity level, but wait, his immature actions were just getting started.  (You better have some soda to wash down your popcorn, now, 'cause we have a bit to go.)

*When the union representative was explaining that there are only eleven students at Mitchell for PE, that is a lie.  There are over a hundred students there.

*When the union representative stated that there was already a PE teacher there, that isn't true, either.  The man who goes there for a couple of hours a day has a full-time job in VISD and he is filling in there.

*When the union representative stated how much DJ makes and how long she has taught, it just takes simple math to figure out that if she retired, she would still be making more than a first year teacher makes a year.

Finally, the attorneys for the school district briefly spoke.  They made it clear that in the contract, it is stated that ANY teacher can be reassigned at ANY time by the superintendent.  No reasons are needed and the board does not make that decision.  When a teacher signs yearly contract that is something that is agreed upon. 

Since DJ had some time left, she was asked if she wanted to speak.  Straining my ears, I heard something like, I've always been told that I've done a wonderful job and there's never been any problems.  That was the core of what she said, and people in the audience believed her.  Well, most of the people did, but some of us know the truth and the trouble she has caused.

A call for a vote and a second started the Board's discussion.  The same board member who crumbled the offending paper turned to DJ and her union representative, "I've been contacted by all members of this discussion.  I am excusing myself from the vote, but before I do," he swiveled in his chair and faced DJ, "I want to say, HOW DARE YOU!  HOW DARE YOU!"  [I had to come back and correct the quote, as I remembered it slightly different.  So here's the correction.]  He got up and left the room.  Some people clapped.  I don't know why they applauded, whether it was because he said what he did or because he left.  By this time, I needed a program to keep up with the players. 

Discussion started among the board members about the issues and THEN an audience member shouted from the back, "Since, Mr. Klimist has left..." and before the sentence could be finished, the Board President brought the room back to order.  She said that audience participation would not be tolerated.  A few mumbles from the back and everyone got quiet. 

Discussion from the board members went on for a few minutes with admonishments from one concerning immature behavior of crumpling paper, throwing paper and speaking of children's names when told not to.  Being an example to our children was the goal of this board member.  Little late in this meeting.  Finally, a vote was called and all present board members voted to uphold the reassignment of DJ. 

DJ left the room, while cards, memory books and other gifts were thrust at her by her followers.  Her grandson escorted her from the room.  Her daughter, son-in-law, husband, family members led the way out of the way,  The police had to clear the entry way of the building, as the grief-stricken seem to lose the ability to put one foot in front of another and walk any further.

The weepy girls were watching, listening and glaring throughout.  "DJ's Warriors" shirts were in abundance, which made me wonder if the girls would be getting detention for skipping school.  As I made my way down the steps, zig-zagging around the girls, I heard one proud girl say, "And that woman who led the meeting, she was such a bitch."  No, Sweetie, she wasn't a bitch, she was a great example of how a person conducts a meeting that could turn nasty very fast.  Just because your "cause" lost, your leader broke another rule and she wasn't allowed to get away with it, that doesn't mean the person who conducted the meeting had a hidden agenda.  The rules were laid out and the Board President was very professional in her role. 

Good for you, Ms. President.  You took the "wet dynamite" issue and handled it with a calmness that allowed justice to be done.





PART TIME EMPLOYMENT: STARTING MY NEW JOB TOMORROW

Tomorrow, I'll will be laying the foundation for my new career.  I will be attending the open meeting where it will be determined what will happen to DJ Jaynes.  I'll be there taking notes and writing the next great novel, 'cause nobody would ever believe the time, energy, talent that has been wasted on this issue.  Check back here and I will gladly share the insights that I gain from watching the goings on at the meeting. 

Names, places and faces will not be changed for anyone's protection; as where would the fun be in that? 

WHY DOESN'T THIS SURPRISE ME?

We have new schools in our town and yet, we haven't figured out that people will walk the shortest distance to get from point A to point B, whether it is safe or not.  There are three new schools on major roads and the students don't want to walk any further than possible to arrive home. 

From the school on John Stockbauer, we have students crossing in the middle of the road, rather than walk a half of a block to the corner and then cross at the light.  Geeze, have people not heard that obseity is killing the youth and a little extra distance to walk would be a very good thing?  It's not like there's four feet of snow with hills to climb.  Give the kids tickets for jaywalking and haul their lazy rears off to the pokey if the tickets aren't paid.  Can't afford a ticket, then pull up your breeches and walk to the corner, wait for the light and cross the intersection like a civilized human being.  Crossing guards have been suggested, but who will pay for that position and what happens when the kids are a few blocks from the school with no crossing guard?  These aren't grade school kids, for crying out loud! 

Now, as far as West High School, the parents over there are parking on the side of the road and waiting for their precious children to walk to the major highway.  These are not lanes for parking and tickets should be issued to  people who are too impatient to follow the direcitons and pickup at the schools.  Place "No Parking" signs and have a police officer ticket these people who are putting lives in danger because of their inability to go with the flow. 

Darting across major roadways brings to mind a video game, "Frogger."  Hearing and seeing the splat when the ornery frog attempts to defy common sense to dodge the flow of traffic is off-putting.  Maybe we should revise this game and give the ignorant people frog costumes as they create their own paths home.  Jay-Walker versus a vehicle, no suspense there, just one less ignorant person.

TEFLON: EVENTUALLY THE TOXIC FUMES ARE DETECTED

When I learned today that VISD had finally reached the conclusion that their TEFLON person in the district had to be put on Administrative Leave, I was so pleased that finally the superintendent had realized how truly toxic the whole situation was.  I do feel badly for the students and parents who work so hard and enjoy the drill team experience and blindly believed everything was above board.

Whenever a parent devotes money, time and energy to keep their child involved in an extra-curricular activity, they shouldn't have to worry whether the person in charge is putting the children's well-being above her need for recognition.  Competitions were very expensive and yet the competitions were not true indicators of talent, since the team was the only one to compete in their category. 

Fund raisers might not be a problem for students who came from families with connections at work, church and social organizations who could buy raffle tickets, sponsorships, etc. But  for the families who struggle to met their household obligations, buying/selling the merchandise was a major financial strain.  Didn't matter who you were, the fundraising was expected.  Didn't want your child to have to work at the TKB event, because beer was sold and consumed, then too bad for you. How does this say that the director cared about the students? 

If a family couldn't afford all the financial obligations, then they should just pull their child from the team?  Soon we would be left with the elite and maybe that was the plan all along.  Oh, now I understand the name of LEGACY...rich, elite and above the rules. 

Sounds like it's time to regroup and rename the team.  The "DDDR" is the Legacy?  Really, then I guess it stands for "Did Debbie Do Right?"  And the obvious answer would be a big, fat, dingle-berry, "NO!"

TRUE LEGACY:THROWING GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD

 

I love pictographs that pretty much tell a story.  On the left, we have a picture of a bull rider and on the right we have a picture of how profitable this bull riding experience has been for VISD's dance team members.  Parents and students worked very hard for many years to help at this bull riding event, so that the profits could pay for the dancers' expenses.  What has come out very recently, is that the bull riding event, where beer was sold, was NOT a profitable event for the drill team members after all. 

Hmmm, who made money on this event and why was it used by VISD for the last many years?  Did the fact that Bo Davis is related to the director come into play?   It would seem to any reasonable person that maybe if one year didn't turn a profit then it would be questionable whether all the hard work the dancers and families devoted was worth it. Give it one more chance?  Sure, but if no profit was shown, then it looks like other ways of making money would be used. 

How does one person have so much power to keep the bull riding event as a perceived help?  Was no one looking at the books, or where the Stepford dancers/families just believing all the hype? 

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: SIMPLE SOLUTION TO BRING ACCEPTANCE

This marketing skill illustrated above is pretty clever. 

Victoria Independent School District used to be able to tell students how to dress for the best educational experience, and it looks like they are giving it a shot again.  I hope that the administration will back up the teachers who deal with the students who will try to "buck" the system.  If the rules are broken and the students are sent to the office, let's hope that the students are held accountable, no matter who they are or what role their parents play in our community.

I graduated decades ago, so I know that I am old; however when I went to VISD schools we were told what to wear.   We complied with the rules or we suffered the consequences at school and home.  Our parents backed the schools in their rules and regulations and we were held accountable on both fronts.  Girls weren't allowed to wear slacks, pants or shorts and guess what, we learned what was taught by the teachers.  We studied and took pride in our academic success, school clubs and school spirit.  On Fridays, we wore red and white and adorned our notebooks with all the spirit ribbons we bought. 

The Victoria Advocate has been stirring the pot with the polls about dress codes and publishing incomplete rules concerning the dress codes.  I don't know what the purpose of the poll was, except to create a whirlwind of controversy. 

Individuals will still maintain their unique personalities, whether they look like the other kids in the school.  For those of us who actually work in the real world, we have been following dress codes all along.  It's just a fact of life:  Rules are written and if not followed, then consequences follow.

BULLIES CAN ALWAYS FIND A JOB

The Victoria Advocate is protecting an employee of VISD and that amazes me. There is a principal who has been reassigned, because of her unprofessional way of dealing with staff and children. This person has physically abused children and crossed the line with staff members throughout the years. She will probably be promoted and have a position at the administration building.

Since I found this ad, thought maybe it would help this bully to find other employment, rather than in a school district that can't afford to move any more incompetency into the White House on Profit Drive.

BULLY IN THE NEWS: VISD'S LACK OF LEADERSHIP

Even though school is out we find ourselves in the middle of another couple of sticky situations in Victoria Independent School District.

There is a principal assigned to two sweet country schools in the district. These two schools have been known to have fine, caring adults who worked together for the good of the children. When this all changed was when a certain principal was assigned to those out of the way schools. Because these schools were off the beaten path, I suppose, the principal decided that she could continue with her bullying of adults and students. Suffering under this principal came to a head and a teacher pressed charges against this principal. After a court decision of "not guilty" this principal was reinstated.

Multiple teachers were so outraged that they put their employment on the line when they created, signed and presented a letter to the local School Board. In small towns, willingness to stand behind your convictions is a risky move. Let's hope that these teachers are treated fairly, since the School Board moved to keep the principal on the disputed campus.

Who are the winners in this whole scenario? Well, it sure won't be those brave teachers or the children on the campus, because the six-hundred gorilla in the living room(read "bully" here) has been exposed, examined and given her same campus for the next year. Thought it was uncomfortable for those under her direction before, well now she knows that she has already won a lawsuit, so what's her motivation for her to change?

TSORM'S OCCUPATION: THOUGHT POLICE

Over on The Victoria Advocate, there is a poster who goes by the name of TSTORM. He won't put up with anyone writing/saying/thinking anything against Bob Moore, the superintendent of Victoria Independent School District. TSTORM challenges other posters and asks them if they work for VISD. Is TSTORM really that dumb to think someone will post, "Yes, I work for VISD and I don't agree with what is happening in the schools"?

Bob Moore (through his principals) has made it very clear that if a staff member voices any negativity about anything, then it's time to find another career.

To have TSTORM act as such a staunch supporter of Bob Moore is quite strange, since he has family members who work in VISD. There have been times when his relatives have been treated very terribly. Either he is very forgetful; he doesn't care how his family members are treated; or he is trying to secure a place on a varisty team for his son.

No matter why he is Bob Moore's personal cheerleader, I am very tired of the same old cheers from TSTORM.

SECRET PICTURES OF NEW SCHOOLS

It helps to have an inside source when you want to get the scoop on unpublished photos from the new schools.

Above you will find one of the many technology upgrades found in the new middle school; along with a peek inside of a fully loaded classroom. Since Cade Middle School and West High School are so close together, the staff will be sharing one outhouse. Cutting financial corners will profit the students' studies and we are all looking forward to the impact in academic growth.

When I get more inside information, I will be glad to publish them so that we can keep up with all the wonders.

EDUCATION REFORM: CRUISE TO NOWHERE

Being an educator scares me more each day. It's not the quality of the children who stumble onto campuses; their parents who don't pull their weight as positive influences; or even the measely combat pay that shows up in my bank account each month that frightens me. What frightens me is the fact that we now have people assigned to a committe to help reform the educational process. Committees can be effective when stocked with the correct personnal, but this committee reeks. "Good ole boy" syndromes gives off a stench that would gag a maggot and the air is swirling with the stench from some of the handpicked members. Just looking on the role sends shivers down my spine. I will highlight one, for now, and leave the final conclusions to the enlightened readers I find here.

First up is Randy Vivian. He was the CEO of a local non-profit, where he served as a figurehead. His abilities never did measure up to what he self-proclaimed as to his talents. A lot of hot air and not much in the way of actual accomplishments, unless glad handing is considered an accomplishment.

Other members of this committee meet the critera of rich, out of touch residents of Victoria.

There are a couple well-qualified, generous with donations members and for those I am thankful.

We won't really have reform in the educational sector until this good ole boy system (which now includes "good ole gals") gains insight in the real working public and their concerns and interests.

I noticed that there weren't any regular teachers on the committee (if I missed a name, I do apologize) and those are the people who show up everyday to make a difference in this often crazy educational system we have in VISD.

Follow the bouncing ball: Sing along, everyone

When I was growing up, Mitch Miller had a television show and during that show, they would play a familiar song and on the bottom of the screen the lyrics would be highlighted by a bouncing ball. Remember this was way before video games concerning rock stars. You could sing along and make a fool out yourself and feel entertained. We did alot of silly things before cable television and DVDs to have a good time.


With that introduction to this blog, let me also remind you of the elementary tune,
"Do your ears hang low?
Do they waddle to and 'fro?
Can you tie 'em in a knot?
Can you tie 'em in a bow?
Can you throw 'em over your shoulder
like a Continental Soldier?
Do your ears hang low?"

Take those two things and wrap your mind around the fact that on The Victoria Advocate there is a cadre of posters who are wearing jock straps that are three sizes too small causing both their brains to be oxygen-starved. The only subject that they care about is SPORTS; not academics, social behavior or even traffic safety concerning the schools. Just sports; preferably one that involves playing with a pigskin. There is one poster who must sleep in a jersey, clutching his ball, because this guy is so hyped up on "Rah Rah Juice" that he is mean to anyone who even questions VISD for anything.

Okay, guys, let me tell you, there is more to life than football, honestly. School spirit is wonderful, but it must involve more than athletes.

I want to leave you with this song, that is dedicated to a stormy guy who is a comment bully on The Advocate website:

Do your Boys hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie 'em in a knot?
Can you tie 'em in a bow?
Can you throw 'em over your shoulder,
like a Continental Soldier?
Do your Boys hang low?

Hope he doesn't take offense, because LOL. (He uses "LOL" whenever he puts out some of his humor, so I hope he finds this as funny as I find his comments.)

Hey, if it was good enough for Fruit of the Loom to use the song in an ad for their underwear, I can, too.



Fun Ferret Fact: It is best to have your pet ferret's scent glands removed, unless your nose is not working well.

VISD's New Effective Teaching Practices

Bet the TAKS scores will be better now!!!!

VISD: Ferrets aren't the only stinkers here

The more that I read about Victoria Independent School District the more that I am glad that there is a place like blogspot, where people can express their concerns about the fiasco from the administration on Profit Drive. I am putting this blog here so people can write what they feel like, because all the delete button pushers are all over on The Victoria Advocate staff.

First of all, there are people in charge who really don't care about the children and the people who teach them. It's all a matter of what looks good. Too bad if the children with learning difficulties are shoved aside and basically told to catch up with their peers. Wouldn't that be great, if all it took was putting a slow learner in a resource class and poof intelligence was increased? Until that becomes a reality, we need to provide the students and their teachers all the possible help they need to become the very best student possible and not just some fantasy.


Fun Ferret Fact: Ferrets are not related to rats and mice. Ferrets' closest cousins are weasels, minks, otters, badgers and skunks.