I recall fearing the wrath of my dad, if I got in trouble at school.
I feared the police catching me outside of school during school hours. I would be considered truant. If I was truant my parents could have to pay a fine, go to jail, or I could be sent to a youth detention center. Though fearful, I was defiant. My acts hurt my parents, my siblings, my grades and my reputation.
I am now the older citizen, the delinquent of yesterdays gone by. I now ask the questions “what’s the matter with kids today?” When did destruction and violence become a part of youthful defiance?
Has the fear factor been turned around? Does our community and schools fear retribution for standing up and adhering to what is right? Do we not enforce the rules for fear of lawsuits of harassment, prejudice or civil rights violations?
Somewhere over the years attitudes have changed and being held accountable is a thing of the past, if you can skew the facts and become the victim, you are off the hook.
Home, school and the law-where does responsibly start and end when it comes to our 131 students?
129 comments:
A few questions about what happened at East High.
Did the damage occur the night they T.P.ed the school?
Is there a police officer at the school every night or was it just this night? Did the officer contact anyone when they thought that something was going on. The Students that the officer let in who told them to let them in? An administrator of the school.
Does the district have a policy that says no minoirs in the building without an adult. What is the districts policy on vandulizum to the school if any. This district doesn't seem to have to many policies. I have heard that they have punished some students for doing damage why not these.
How did the school find out about this. Did one of the first group that the officer let in tell someone?
I heard the officer let certain students in, the principal ok'd it.
More students were let in and all hell broke loose, making a total mess all over the whole school.
Why no adult was in attendance to intervene is a good question.
So I'm taking it this was the night they where TPing the school. What was this principle thinking. They are lucky during this that no one got hurt because they would be paying for more than the damages to the school.
Well, there were punishments! I am one of the students who was suspended and cannot attend my graduation activities just for doing what was approved. I came to the school with toilet paper and silly string like we were all told we could. this is so unfair.
why am i being punished for being there when we were all told we could. just punish those who did damage. punish the grown ups who opened the doors and gave us permission!
i use to have so much respect for the principal but not anymore. mrs conrad and officer tunney sold us out. the students no longer trust them because they have ruined our lives. dr wilson and harmon too!
Where you one in the school? Did you know what was going on in there? If you did did you say anything. If you where just the ones outside then you shouldn't be punished but if you knew what happened inside and didn't say anything then yes you deserve it. Hopefully as you become an adult you will realize that when you see someone damaging other peoples property you will say something because someday it might happen to you. Where you told you could trash the school if you where one of them. If all you did was TP then no you shouldn't be punished. I agree that conrad should not have given anyone access to the building. Very bad judgement one her part and she should get in trouble too. No children should be in a school without an adult being there.
We actually have 2 4 inch binders filled with 8 sections filled with policies. I thought I might list a few here for you.
710.01 Students
The Board of Education, in support of the objectives of public education, believes that all students are entitled to enjoy the rights protected by the Federal and State Constitutions and laws pertaining to person of their age and maturity in the school setting. Also, the Board believes that the behavior of students attending public schools should reflect standards of good citizenship that are required of members of a democratic society. Therefore, since self-displine (responsibility for one's actions) is one of the most important goals of education, students who fail to behave responsibly may be excluded from school.
Rights and Responsibilities:
District 131 students have the following rights and responsibilities:
A. To attend school regularly and be punctual;
B. To expect that the school be a safe place;
C. To show consideration and respect for the school faxulty, staff, schoolmates and others in our buildings;
D. To become informed of and adhere to reasonabe school rules and regulations;
E. To respect the rights and individuality of other students and school administrators and teachers and to refrain from behavior thta infringes on the rights of others;
F. To show respoect forboth public and private property;
G. To refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression;
H. To dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness and safety and that is not disruptive to the educational program;
I. To maintain the best possible level of academic achievement and demonstrate resoonable progress;
J. To maintain health and safety standards;
K. To avoid unlawful or illegal activities of any kind and achieve goals through honest means;
L. To refrain from gross disobedience or misconduct of behavior that materially and substantially disrupts the educational process;
M. To respect the exercise of authority by school ad at school-sponsored activities.
(In case of unlawful or illegalactivity, law enforcement officers may be notified.)
LEGAL REF: 23 iii.Admin.Code 1.1210
adopted July 1, 2004
710.06
Student Conduct
The Board of Education expects District 131 students --through their conduct/behavior--to contribute to productive learning environment. Individual rights are to be honored and protected. However, the rights of one individual will not take precedence over those of another individual or the group itself. All students will have equal rights and equal responsibilities in their demeanor in the classroom and on school property.
The Board endorses the following principles of student conduct:
1. Respect for law and those given authority to administer it will be required of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as general provisions of the law regarding minors.
2. Repect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship will be expected of all members of the school community.
3. Respect for real and personal property, pride in one's work, achievement commensurate with one's ability, and exemplary personal standard of courtest, decency, honesty and wholesome attitudes will be maintained.
4. Respect for individual worth with every student being assisted to the limit of his/her ability, is an obligation of the school. Diligence and a sincere desire to profit from the educational opportunities offered is a obligation of the school as well as the student.
A student whose conduct in or out of school involves illegal or immoral behavior, or who commits gross disobedience or misconduct, forfeits the privilege of publicly participating in school activities other than those required by the school attendance laws.
Such action by school authorities is in keeping with th principle that individuals whose personal behavior brings discredit to their school as well as themselves should not publicly represent their school throught positions of honor or trust in school activities such as student government, social clubs, athletics, drama, debate, music, ets.
However, every possible effort will be made by school staff members to asist these individual to rehabilitate themselves and to regain the respect an trust of their fellow students--and the community at large. No less a goal can be sought in the best interests of the individual student and in keeping with our American way of life.
A student may be withdrawn for one calendar year from publicly participating in out-of-class activities in which by so doing he or she would represent this school if that student;
1. Has been convicted of any crime by a court of law.
2. Has been found guilty of disobedience/misconduct by school authorities,
3. Commits any act construed by school authorities as being immoral or improper. (Violations of school regulations such as 'No smoking or drinking on school premises' are embraced by this policy.)
If there are extenuating circumstances surrounding aproven offense, the princlipe will call a conference of those personnel who are best qualified through knowledge of the indvidual and circumstances to contribute to a fair judgement of the case. They will advise the pricipal, who will ultimately decide the disposition of the particular case. The decision of the Superintendent may, if desired, be appealed to the Board of Education. The decision fo the Board of Education is final.
Adopted July 1, 2004
710.28
Reciprocal Reporting of Criminal Offenses Committed By Students
It is the intention of the Board of Education to comply with the requirements of Section 10-20.14 of THe Schoo Code, as amended by P.A. 88-376, and to report to local law enforcement authorities criminal offenses committed by students to the extent permitted by law, and to receive from local law enforcement authorities reports of criminal offenses committed by students enrolled in the school district.
The Police Department School Liaison Officer and the School Principal will report to each other the following activities when committed by a student enrolled in the Principal's school:
All cases involving illegal or controlled substances
All cases involving weapon, as that term is defined in Section 10-22.6 fo The Schhol Code
All cases involving gang activitiy
All cases involving a serious crime or felony
Any other case for which the reporting may be beneficial
A Paren=Teacher Advisory Committee for District 131, incooperation withlocal law enforcement agencies, will assist the Board in developing guidelines and administrative procedures needed to establish and maintain a reciprocal reporting system between the District and local law enforcement agencies regarding criminal offenses committed by students. Specific administrative procedures will be delineated in agreements between the Baord and idividual municipalities.
LEGAL REF: Illinois School Code, Section 10-20.14 (105 ILCS 5/10-20.14);
Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987, Section 1-7(a)(7)(705 ILCS 405/1-7); and Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987, Section 1-8(C))2)(F)(705 ILCS 405/1-8).
Cross ref 255
Adopted July 1 2004
715.01
Student Discipline
This is a long one and I will list "some" of the Prohibited Student Conduct.
7. Disobeying directves from staff members or school officials and/or rules and regulations governing student conduct.
8. Engaging in aggressive behavior such as violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear, or other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to engage in such conduct.
9. Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to steal, school proberty or another person's personal property at school.
12. Involvement in gangs or gan=related activities, including but not limited to the display or possession of gang symbols, identifiers or paraphernalia, soliciting others for membership, requesting payment of dues, insurance or other forms of protection from any individual, intimidating or threatening any individual, and/or inciting others to participate in any form of physical violence involving persons or property.
13. Engaging in any activity that constitues an interference with or disruption fo school purposes or an educational function.
This policy goes on the explain the suspension process but I won't list all here.
Policies, just like laws, are only as good as those who enforce them.
Thank you Dee. I believe that these students should take responsibity for what they did. What about the administrators and the police officer that let these students in the school. It used to be that pranks happened at this time but some of the staff was there and they let the kids in the parking lot to have fun. The things that happened here it seems that someone gave an officer the names of some students to let in the school and just left it at that. Do you believe that an adult should have been somewhere around if they knew students where comming to do this. I believe all that was involved in this should be dealt with.
To anonymous at 4:51PM
Were you one of the 5 who was approved to go inside? Why didn't you leave and contact someone to come and stop what was going on? Are you one who let whomever in that brought the supplies that did the damage? Did you know in advance about what was going to happen? You had options, but you did not choose the right ones! Therefore, your punishement is just and fair and also very lienent. If you were my child, you would also be punished by me. For any action(in your case, maybe lack of)there is a reaction. You sold your ownself out, you were there.
Ms.Conrad and Officer Tunney needs reaction for their actions also.
Here is a question for you-Who do you think is going to pay for all the extensive damage that was done and is going to say they were there, but did not do the damage? Did it ever occur to you that by contacting someone, maybe there might not be so much damage? Charges should be filed on this! You were there, cut, dried, over and out.
I remember a few years ago when Mr. Rick Johnson (and the other principals at East High at the time, Ms. Gonzalez & Mr. Harmon) tried to insist that the pep band play at last-minute-scheduled athletic events. He specifically said that there needed to be a "band presence" at all these events.
Well, Mr. Johnson & Mr. Harmon,shouldn't there be an "administrative presence" whenever students are given access to the building? And if there wasn't, then those administrators should lose their jobs or be "reassigned" (with a big cut in salary), just as Mr. K. was.
What does the administration at the high school do, anyway? They don't keep the website updated. They don't supervise the students after school hours.
Remind us again why they're worth such a hefty salary??
Most high school administrations are very critical to the success of the high school. NOT AT EAST HIGH!
This administration is a joke! In fact, the teachers and kids call them The Three Stooges. The way Sheila Conrad, Joe Harmon, and Raquel Wilson run the building is a joke. They are ALWAYS together like triplets and ALWAYS joking like The Three Stooges!
Like the student in 4:51 said, the kids have no respect for them. All year they come down to the kids level to play and joke and now they want to be disciplinarians for a situation that they gave approval for!
I suggest the School Board remove them and replace them with real administration who are serious!
SO LONG STOOGES!
Has anyone read the beacon today about the incident? What a bunch of crap.
Police probe prank gone wild
• At East High: Kids spread ketchup, whipped cream, eggs and syrup around the school
May 21, 2008Recommend (2)
By MATT HANLEY mhanley@scn1.com
No serious damage was done, but police and East Aurora school officials are looking into how a decorating activity ended up being such a huge mess.
According to a press release, the principal at East Aurora High School authorized five "student-leaders" to decorate the halls for graduation with streamers, toilet paper and school spirit decorations last Thursday.
The students were given parameters as to what areas of the building they were allowed to decorate and what type of materials were allowed, district spokesman Clayton Muhammad said.
According to police, the school resource officer met the students at the door, checked their backpacks and let them into the school, with the school's permission.
But, by using other entrances, the five authorized students ballooned to 35 to 40 students, Muhammad said. Those students brought several unapproved materials including tempra paints, eggs, whipped cream and food products, Muhammad said.
"(The school resource officer) neither let other students in nor approved of that," said Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli.
Ketchup, whipped cream, eggs and syrup were spread around the school's hallways. While no permanent damage was caused, an "excessive amount" of cleanup was required, Muhammad said.
Some of the students who were there that night volunteered to stay and help the maintenance staff.
"They saw clearly that it got out of control," Muhammad said.
Classes resumed as usual on Friday, although the cleanup was not finished.
Superintendent Jerome Roberts and other administrators are investigating and working with students who were involved to "rectify this matter in a fair manner," Muhammad said.
Like many high schools, East Aurora has had a tradition of frowned-on senior pranks, including stealing the metal Tomcat in front of the building.
Two years ago, several seniors were not allowed to attend graduation as punishment for participating in an end-of-the-year prank that involved spray painting school property, stealing a statue of the Tomcat mascot and causing $1,700 in damage.
Ferrelli said video is being reviewed as part of the investigation, but no one has been charged.
Senior class activities, including the senior honors night, the graduation rehearsal and graduation, will proceed as scheduled, Muhammad said.
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I find the decision of administrators in this incident to have been absolutely stupid. And completely stand by the fact that all the students involved were suspended or at least not permitted to walk at graduation. If anything they should be charged money for damaging the school in that matter. They should take responsibility for what happened--I can accept if administration thought it would be okay for them to do a harmless prank, but why was there absolutley NO administratin PRESENT at the time that all of this happened? What kind of idiot allows 5 teenagers into the school after hours and then does not stay there to watch what they do? The officer in charge should receive some type of punishment, as should the principal for okaying it, and then not having anyone there to supervise the situation.
What a completely idiotic decision.
Not to change the focus, but this is D131 related. Anyone see today's (5/21) Beacon. Take a close look at Section C (Voices) new columnist. Why is the contact information listed a district email address? I she doing this during work hours as part of her job? If so, then OK. If not, work email should not be published to receive non work related emails.
I don't get the paper so who is this person and why have a district email and not an beacon one?
I don't get the paper so who is this person and why have a district email and not an beacon one?
Any student that was involved in this should not be able to particapate in graduation ceremonies.
NONE AT ALL!
Will certain ones be able to? Would it be the 5 that were given permission to come in? Could it be ones of a certain interest group lately? Will they be favorites of administration? The information will get out, it always does.
THEY ARE THE ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR LETTING OTHERS IN!
What will the next graduating class do to top what this one has done?
What was done was not a prank.
Students have been tagging the outside of the school for over a month with paint. It is removed and it is done again.
This also is not a prank.
The Beacon article is incorrect. There was extensive damage. Why is not the dollar amount of the damage given?
This community needs to demand to know the entire damage and amount for it.
Did Dr.Roberts do what the board instructed him to do?
Is he going to override the clearly stated policy again as he has in the past, without contacting the board?
Is board President Carol Farum going to demand that the policy is enforced as it should be?
If these type of things happen when a club is let in to do things, then ALL clubs should be abolished and also sports!
The City should be made to pay for this and anyone involved, including the principal.
Was it not the officers responsibilty to call for help?
The parents or students will not have to pay if charges are not filed.
This community should be OUTRAGED!
A message is sent to all schools, all over and that is, if they can get away with it, so can we.
The entire media has proven this.
We, John Public, own the schools.
I, for one, do not like the care takers of it, how they are handling things, the continuous cost of it and the message it is sending out to the students who do right.
Let us get the key back to our property and take control.
Very good but although the Beacon printed only what they where told by Clayton. Now if the beacon was a better paper they would of went out and talked to people about this because they know that more was done than what Clayton said. Someone post on the beacon blog about this before the paper did this today.
What are the consequences for the Principal and the Police Officer?
In defense of the new Beacon columnist that is a teacher in the district.
I have a work email address, but I am able to access it from home on my personal time. There is no extra cost to my company.
If that teacher has an computer at home which most of us do they should use that one and not the districts. For one thing people will think that they might be access it while they are at work. While where I work many people work from home and access their work email our company also checks what kind of email we get to see if we are using it for anything but company business which you can get fired if they find out. I think the district should have the same policy.
Well they don't have that policy, so get over it.
Everyone is getting off the subject. Ever notice how some seem to steer others away from what is important? Always works.
Well actually if they have an ethics policy something in that should cover it. I wonder how many others our using that web site to sell avon or something like that.
Rayanne or Dee do you know if there is a policy about employees using the district email or other company resources for outside work or personal use and if not why not. If this district has enough money for them to do that then why do they need a referendum.
Any parent who just had a child expelled for the rest of the year(knowing they did it and there rear be in hot water with me) and they had to take summer school for it to pass, I would be all over someone like flies on ___. How about the ones expelled for zero tolerance? THings are being skewed again for the poor me boys and girls who did wrong. Gonna keep bailin them out of trouble for the rest of your lifes? Who'll do it when your gone?
Looked at district website and it is Senior Award Night. Better not be any senior involved in this mess there.
Oh, there will be many kids involved in the mess attending the senior awards night.
As is business as usual in 131, a few honest students are going to take the lions share of the blame.
While those who lied to save their
Scholarshipped butts, will be patted on the back at the awards and laughing all the way through senior send off.
To those obsessing over using district email, get a life, there are bigger concerns in this community. Harping on "petty theft" by teachers to take our focus off the "grand larceny" being committed by our administrators is a diversion we do not need.
Yes this mess is bad but for you that think the email thing is nothing you are wrong. The kids involved in this will go on with their lives if they stepped up to the plate on this or not. But as far as the email it just shows how this board and superintendent has no respect for the taxpayers. When your kids are out of this school and the district keeps asking for money for the kids you better make sure it is for the kids. The district has alot of problems and we cann't just focus on just one thing at a time or they will get the best of us that's what they want.
I don't have children in school anymore and this is a terrible thing but if you cann't get everyone to tell the truth then that is something these so called friends of the ones that are getting punished will have to deal with like make sure who your friends really are. But this district will move on and we need to keep on top of things. Besides who said this was only about what happened at the school? Shouldn't everyone be able to voice the concerns they have.
You know if those that are stepping up to the plate don't let anyone know who the others are that is their choice. Unless they have a video of everyone involved they cann't point the finger at anyone. So if those who knew who the others are don't say anything then yes they will get to go the seniors awards.
You say that this is petty theft will let me tell you that adds up to alot sometimes. Did someone complain about Clayton using his cell phone and email for the boys2men. Why is this different just because of what happened this week? We all have our battles lets respect what we choose to fight for.
Sad Sad Sad
We have more important things to focus on. Let's stick to the topic at hand. Every one of us has taken personal calls at work or sent an email just because.
Let's keep the focus on this situation and how its being handled.
What have the punishments been for the students? what have the punishments been for the adults?
You are wrong. This district will move on no matter what happens with this situation. If you have any thoughts as to how you can make the students step up to the plate and take responsibility for what they have done let us know until them we need to focus on what we can do to make this district whole and that means that no one is using district money for anything else except for the our students. The students made a choice and now they will have to live with it there is nothing we can do unless you can make all of them step up to the plate and take responsibilty. It is time to move on.
How about the parents responsibilty in this? If they know their kid was involved they should make them step up to the plate. This is called good parenting. I like what the police officer did to his daughter that had the drinking party when out of state. He was right. Called good parenting. Whoops, to much like right, which is not done in this district. for who put in time to move on-you pay for all the extensive damages, clean up, if this is how you feel. Know that there is a camera that now needs to replaced cause of this. Hope you have a big pocket.
Students, parents, administrators--all three should share in the blame & punishment. So far it looks like the district has laid the entire fault on the students. But the fact remains, if "Larry, Curly, or Moe" had been in the building (an "administrative presence") like they should have been this would likely have been nipped in the bud.
5/21 7:05pm
I agree, but the total should be 4 due to the fact the officer was there and watching the camera? Why didn't she nip it in the bud?
I am hesitant to post anything here because it seems I would be one of the few that dont have the answer to the situation concerning the damages done at EAHS.
What I have found being close to some of the present and past administrators at EAHS is that my impression is that those 3 presently being held responsible for what the students did are in my estimation by far the most dedicated,hard working,and caring administrative staff EAHS has had in quite some time.
What we forget or choose to ignore is that they deal with bomb threats,grafitti,vandalism,intimidation and so many other problems on a daily basis and still keep a positive and hopeful attitude about EAHS,its staff and most importantly its STUDENTS!!!!!
I wouldnt want to have their job for TWICE the money they make,and we should consider EAHS lucky to have them for what they deal with especially considering what they are paid!!!!Do you really think they put up with all that they have to deal with daily for the money??????
And why do we begrudge them because they get along so well and enjoy their work?Would we rather they walk around with a scowl and berate the school district and point out all the negative things about the EAST SIDE of AURORA!!!!!Why yes and then they would be just like US and the media,whether its the Beacon the Tribune or the network news!!!!When is the last time you saw a headline about a shooting on the WEST side,you know it never happens over there,right!!!!
Please dont misunderstand me,I dont think everything is perfect at EAST or in District 131.I just dont think all the blame lies with the administration at East,in fact I think kids can be very sneaky and tend to shirk responsibility for their actions quite easily,especially in these "touchy feely" times when we are so cautoius about their "Self esteem".I cant believe that the select few who were let into the building and had an agreement with the administration on exactly what they were allowed to do to "Decorate" the school didnt know or have opportunity to alert the Officer about what was going on.Didnt they realize they would be implicated in it?????Or was it that they rationalized that somehow they would be able to explain their way out of it or maybe cry to their parents about how it wasnt fair there werent ADULTS to do something about it.Who let the others IN the building,wasnt it the select few who had already agreed to the parameters of the priveledges?
The most unfortunate aspect of this whole subject AND THIS BLOG is that EAST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL and DISTRICT 131 has many incredibly talented students and and many very dedicated and highly qualified administraters and staff who go UNRECOGNIZED day after day and should be thanked for the things they are accomplishing every day and for as much time as we spend speaking about whats wrong with the district and its schools how much time do we spend to thank that very competant administrator or that Art teacher that inspires our high school student to create great works of art or that drama teacher who draws our shy son out to perform wonders on stage??????
What do you think will move our District forward more.What motivates YOU more,someone who praises you when you do a good job,or someone who always seems to point out when you fall short at some task?????
The mob mentality that calls for heads to roll may end up in EAHS losing some of the best and brightest people that have occupied the offices in some time.Maybe we just arent there to see all the good they do.I for one hope they can tolerate the intimidation of a few bloggers,I already know they can handle the intimidation of a couple thousand high schoolers daily!!!!!!!
BRAVO! Ok everyone lets give 9:57 a round of applause! Very great job! Spoken like a true East High administrator!
Whichever one of you three stooges wrote this (Conrad, Harmon, or Wilson), go ahead and take a bow.
Now get back to work and fix this mess you started by allowing students in the building!
BRAVO, 11:12, spoken like a true moron who has no idea about anything and thinks that anybody who has a positive thing to say about any aspect of District 131 must have some sort of agenda.
You are what is wrong with this district and should leave RIGHT NOW.
I agree with 1:57. Just because someone shows some support for anyone in administration on here, there is an “agenda”. I am a teacher in the high school. I have seen administration come and go, and like 9:57 says, it is a thankless job. But what I have seen over the past few years under the current administration is a move to raise standards and bring out the strengths we know our students have. Never have I heard any of our administration refer to our students in a negative way – especially like I read on here. They respond to concerns quickly from students and staff and have an open door policy – much more than we ever had from previous administrators.
Was there a lapse in judgment? What adults knew about this planned activity? These questions deserve an answer. There needs to be responsibility and consequences for those that did. I am leaving that judgment up to the board and the district administration – as they will have access to all information that we cannot. It is simply the way it is, whether we like it or not.
From what I have seen and heard at the school I could conclude that the major mistake made by anyone in administration who was involved in this is that they trusted the student leaders of our building. And they got burned for it. Yet, even the day after the event, they were praising our students for their achievements. They didn’t lump everyone together. As the faculty began to call for a cancellation of senior activities and honors presentations, the administration was the first to put an end to that discussion, and remind staff that the small number of students from the class involved in this were not going to ruin the celebration of the remaining members of the class. I think as a parent I would be happy with someone like that, who respects my child and doesn’t see everyone in the class of 08 as a problem.
So there is my “agenda” – simply putting my opinion in on the discussion. Take it for what it is worth.
The fact remains that there should have been an "administrative presence" when students were in the building. There was not.
The district is very lucky that no one was injured, or the administration could have been facing a lawsuit. And specifically, Mr. Rick Johnson--isn't part of his responsibility to supervise "building and grounds"?
I am a worker at the high school and probably I see different things than the teachers. All I can say is that the good thing about everything that happened this week is that people are finally working hard in the main office. Normally, there is barely any serious work in the principals office because there is a lot of laughing and joking all day long. This week everybody is serious and not playing around like they do all year.
When did working hard mean not laughing? I think I'd rather see people laughing than being grim. If someone is not getting the job done than that is another thing, but laughing and working hard can go together.
Senior activities and honor presentations should not have been cancelled for all, just all the ones invovled in this wrongful action. On the other, hand maybe they should have been cancelled as this lets the seniors this year and the coming years, that this behavior is not, and will not be accepted. LOwer classmen are saying that the seniors next year are going to try to top what this years has done. One rotten apple does spoil the whole bunch!! To worker at the high school. YOu must know about the damage. Can or will you comment on it?
Did it ever occur to you that this worker is within hearing and therefore know what they he or she is stating. You took that statement out of context. There is nothing wrong with a laugh once in awhile.
Hey, did they ever get all the dead fish out of the school and the smell of them?
They got the source of the bad fish smell out years ago. They sent her to the Central Office. Unfortunately, Marin's foul smell will linger on for many years.
There seems to be a lot of resentment and bitterness directed at certain East High administrators. I'm wondering, what specific past actions and/or decisions by these folks have made so many in the district angry?
I'm no fan of Dr. Marin Gonzalez (because she was partly to blame for the current band mess), but 10:13's remark was just plain tacky. Please, can we discuss the important issues here instead of making insulting personal attacks?
There was fish put in the school, but the comment was not meant for Marin Gonzales. I do know that she has done way more than what you stated, such as discipline that was give to certain students that was not done to others. She would know what is being referred to here. What she did to them has effected their lives and future. I am sure that their are many things out there that parents can tell about her. You are right, that statement was tacky. I really hope that the person who put it there will let us know why they feel that way, at least that would let us know why they put that statement there.
I teach at East High School and I have witnessed my share of admin turnover. This particular administration holds every student accountable while creating an atmosphere of fun and creativity. I agree with the poster who said Mrs. Conrad's open door policy is refreshing.
The admin is setting the bar higher than ever for the students. It's a shame that all the work they've done is lost in this unfortunate situation where the admin and the officer trusted the student leaders. That was their only mistake.
From what I gather, the SRO allowed only 5 kids in the school and gave them clear instructions on what was allowed. She turned her attention to the majority of the kids outside (where the highest propensity of damage could occur due to sheer numbers). Unfortunately, one of those 5 students let more in. What resulted was the mess we are left with.
We can play "what if" all day. The real blame falls on those students -- those who are missing graduation and deservedly so.
Let's move on and keep our eye on the ball. We need to focus on the work at hand. Let the administration learn a very valuable lesson (sadly not to trust students) then lets roll up our sleeves and get back to work.
That SRO is one of the best we have had in a long time. I was apprehensive because I didn't think she would be able to handle the students. I admit now how wrong I was. She actually gets through to them and keeps them in line. The armchair quarterbacking is ridiculous in this incident.
It does not matter which student let them in. When all of this happened, one of the 5 could have gone and told the officer. This makes them all accountable. The officer still should have been checking the inside. Why would those kids outside have what was used inside anyway, if not intentions of being let in and knowing this would be done. The officer should have called for backup when that camera was damaged and could no longer see anything. EVERYONE OF THOSE STUDENTS ARE ACCOUNTABLE be it 5 or 100, SO IS ADMINISTRATION FOR NOT HAVING BEEN THERE OR A RESPONSIBLE ADULT AND THE OFFICER IN ALL OF THIS! Read the policy on this and even if there was not the policy, this is the right thing to do.
Who is armchair quarterbacking? The superintendant and schoolboard is not forth coming with the truth? What is the dollar amount in all of this? Who is going to pay for it? These are questions that need to be answered. Quit coddling, making excuses and skewing things around to suit these students. Nip this in the bud right now.
The best thing about the administration at East High is that they refuse to stick their heads in the sand and pretend that nothing is wrong. Look around at West and Wabaunsee- they want to sweep all their problems under the rug, don’t look at them and they are not really there. Just because the Beacon refuses to post their dirty laundry on the front page, doesn’t mean that they don't have any. Sheila Conrad, Joe Harmon and Raquel Wilson are as stand up as they come. I have seen them hold every student accountable for poor behavior, and not hold grudges. They are not afraid to face the true challenges of this building and fight to maintain its integrity. The community wants to label East High as the GHETTO- it is the administration and the amazing staff that are fighting to educate our children and maintain East High's reputation of a great school to attend. It is times like this that we can not let one bad moment, erase all the good that has taken place. We need to support the school to continue to prepare our kids for their future.
Are they really holding all students accountable in what they do? If they are then why is it that only certain students are being punished for what was done last Thursday? Every student should be held accountable. In my opinion the 5 that had permission to be inside should be at the top of the list. Any one of them could have gone to the officer and reported it or called someone and told them. I am sure they had cell phones and could have called from where they would not have been seen. They may be honor students, but they are not honorable. With all that had happened in the last month with the tagging continually of the school, should have been a warning of what might and did happen. Quit skewing things around for the admininstration in this.
Conards open door policy let students in the school without any adult in the building and also helped cause a lot of damage to the school that will take away monies that could of been used for other things. Remember it is a good thing to be good with the kids but at the end of the day we are the adults that should guide them and we are not their friends that help them get in trouble. She let five kids in the school and come on people don't you think that one of them let others know and them what did Clayton say 30 or 40 kids where in the school that did the damage. If these students where so good why was there that many students waiting to get in the school. This was not a prank it was a setup and they showed how they really feel about the school and the other students that will going there next year with the damage they did. They need a leader in the school not a friend. Yes there is good that came out of this school year but are all the students that where involved in this being punished. I bet there are some that will not pay the price. So no these administrators are not making all accountable. When things like this happen we are a GETTO because someone dropped the ball and let it happen. You cann't tell me in all the history of east that anyone that was in the position of and administrator didn't value the kids at east but only one would let some kids in without supervision before graduation to do some pranks. Now the kids payed the price how about the adults that let this happen. If the kids payed a price so should they. Lets see tomorrow how they handle this and if the ones involved get to go to graduation because others for doing less didn't get to go to theirs.
When things like this happen no one is holding anyone accountable. It just shows that some can still pull the sheet over someones eyes. For all the kids that keep there nose clean and didn't act like fools have an good graduation and good luck to you you are truly a good example of the district.
When my child had a pretty serious emotional issue at school, it was Sheila Conrad who personally contacted me over the weekend that this happened to make sure my daughter was okay. I don't know what she okay'd with this incident, but I will never question her sincerity for our children.
What these kids did was wrong. And she was probably wrong if she okay'd anyone to enter the building. But I know she cares.
The sheet is not being pulled over their eyes. Some kids that were involved in this will be at the graduation ceremonies and I am sure the 5 that had permission will be in them. I hope I am proved wrong. This is a form of discrimination in the worst way! My quess is one will be from Boys2Men and probably in other honor clubs. This is discrimination in the worst way! Shame on them for disrespecting Clayton in what he has done and making a mockery of his efforts for them if what I am thinking is true. Conrad has in the past picked and chose only certain ones to do things to also. Those kids knew exactly what they were doing, or else, why did they have the supplies they had? The parents of all of those kids involved know and they should be giving out the same punishment to their children if the administration is not doing this. This is called good parenting and tough love. The fact that a student is in a honor anything or a favorite of the principal or administration, doesn't give them the right to participate in the ceremonies!! Again, discrimination!Any parent whose child was not allowed to participate in the ceremonies should take the administration and board to court for not following the policy on this. The ones who are found quilty should have to pay out of their own pockets, be fired and/or removed from their position How anyone could think that Roberts should still be superintendant after this is beyond me and if by some strange reason he is, he certainly does not deserve a raise.
Being sincere and concerned about your child was and is compassionate and wonderful thing to do of Ms.Conrad. I am not doubtful about the fact in this at all.
But she did okay for the kids to come in without supervision and as the caring person she is, she should have been there when they were, or at least called to check up on them. This is caring and the right thing to do and I would think part of her job.
My God, you people all say the same thing. Let it go.
well i think kids will be kids and make stupid decisions when given the opportunity, especially a senior who is preparing to graduate.
i hope that ms. conrad doesn't feel bad about their actions because they were old enough to know better. i would hope that teachers at east don't this personal because they do the best they can. i hope mr. muhammad wouldn't take anything personal because his efforts are clearly appreciated. i hope that dr. gonzalez or dr. roberts don't take on a personal burden either.
sure the parents can take on a burden but we were all teenagers (some of us may have to think back a looong way to remember :). We made poor choices. not because we were parented right or because we didnt have great teachers or mentors. it was just a poor choice.
this is one of those cases. nothing more nothing less.
so to all the teachers at east, to mrs. conrad, to all of the district people like dr. roberts, mr. muhammad, and dr. marin, just hang in there. it will get better. this too shall pass.
in the big picture of gang murders and death of children all over the world, this is really a grain of salt.
maybe if we had some more people volunteering to get in there and mentor, then this could be stopped in the future.
we all have to work together. hold your heads up high! i am proud to be a Tomcat grad (won't say the year because that was quite a bit ago :). we made dumb decisions then and they did it last week.
thats what kids do. they live and they learn.
A couple quick comments before I go to work. First of all, pranks happen and these students used very bad judgement and should be held accountable. It seems like several of these students are college bound and honor students, etc. They should have known better than to risk their graduation activities on such an activity. I feel bad for them after working hard all four years to be good upstanding students but just as in life, sometimes you make one mistake and it costs you dearly. They need to accept the punishment and we need to move on.
Remember a couple of years ago some students were not allowed to walk and the Board did not back down. Lets treat everyone the same.
As far as Ms. Conrad, Mr. Harmon, and Dr. Wilson, I think they are doing a fine job. They are always at school and are very accessible to the students, parents and concerned citizens. I think it's refreshing that they have so much energy and try to keep things light while still dealing with the stuff that goes on.
Well I know that the student in charge of the entire prank will be not only walking at graduation but SHE will be MCing because she is Senior Class President, and a pretty bad one at that. I'm not going to mention her name but if you are going to graduation when she speaks, we should all be rude to her.
The fact remains that none of the several principals at East High could be bothered to provide an "administrative presence" when students were in the building.
We all make mistakes, but it's a mark of true character to admit when a mistake is made and apologize. Several students have, indeed, admitted their wrongdoing and publicly apologized.
When will we be hearing a similar admission and apology from administration? Or will it be their infamous "no comment, the issue is over"?
Go away with your stupid comments. I'm so sick of hearing people like you talk. GET OVER IT. DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM. A 17 or 18 year old student does not know that they shouldn't throw eggs around the school. These kids are NOT SORRY. They would do the exact same thing again if you let them. This was a pre-meditated stab the school in the back.
When did "vandalize the school" become a prank. How is that funny. A prank is, put a mini-van in the court yard. FUNNY not distructive. That is what is wrong with Aurora. Everything nice and new has to soon get destroyed or painted or whatever.
The administrators are great. These kids and the community are the problem
to 5:44 i think you hit the nail on the head. ok, since the students have admitted their wrongdoing, then the principal, policer officer, should admit their lack of judgement as well. then we can move forward.
a major question: where does the superintendent stand on this?
Student board member-Boyz2men
Clayton-131 spokesman
Superintendent of 131-where do you think he stands?
Let the token children off the hook and hang it on those who are mediocre students and whose parents are not our personal friends.
None of them should be in the ceremonies. If I was one who was not allowed, I would go to the ceremonies, but not inside. I would sit outside like some others did in my cap and gown across the street. I would be part of my ceremony there across the field and be respectful. I also would call the Beacon and whatever media to let them know I was doing this. Take pictures for future reference and to show the media. Anytime a fellow student was getting there diploma or making a speech I would nod my head to let the media know that person was one also involved. I by no way condone what they did, but everyone deserves the same punishment for this. If they have to pay the price, they all should. After the ceremony is over they are no longer students and can speak their piece. Also, the parents can still attend the ceremony, and if they do, they are inside the football field(inside if it is raining) and can hear very well, so take a piece of paper with the other kids names that were involved and mark their names when they are called. Equal punishment for all.
If they let any of these kids walk in graduation it will be a slap in the face to the ones before them that didn't get too. Why are these better than any other ones? I read the article in the paper and it looks like they are still trying to blame someone else or conrad let is in and we used the stuff they said we could but other kids brought stuff in. I hear there is a video of it and the damage is alot more than some caused in years gone by. Remember us the tax payers are footing this bill. Why did they use paint when there is so much out in the market you can buy that is easy to clean up. This will be one to watch since one of Claytons boys was involved. Remember clayton the ones that couldn't walk before and did less.
I say let them go. After all, the Beacon states that many of the students were mentored by Clayton. I am sure this means that they are in Boys II Men.
If the district is not going to hold Clayton responsible for breaking school code and running an illegal fraternity, on what grounds can the district possibly state that they are going to hold students responsible for their actions.
They should either hold all responsible or let all go. Enough of this selecting who their favorite sons are.
Where were all these voices stating enforce the rules when the district was covering up Boys II Men and Clayton.
What made these kids think they would be punished after all the damage they caused. That statement that conrad let them come in is a cop out. That she told them what they could use but I'm sure the kecthup and eggs wasn't one of them. I'm sure that these kids heard about what happened to two kids a couple of years ago that did pranks and couldn't walk and lost other things too. I believe the paper said the damage they caused was 1,700 which I believe that had to pay. The damage here was much more and do they think they should get off because someone said they could go into the building. They made a bad choice and they need to take the punishment. I wonder if the kids from years gone by that where able to go to graduation could sue the district. I would give to a fund for them if they want.
It should of said that wasn't able to go to graduation.
Wonder if the kids expelled and cannot walk got stripped of their honors and therefore lost all their scholarships also as what happened to the other that are being referred to in the past? Gonzales and Conrad do this to the ones now also?
from what i hear, the student board rep sam is the only one in clayton's group and there were 10 kids who were given 3 day suspensions.
the roberts, marin and clayton seem to be backin the principal and have said that students should be held responsible and not walk regardless of who they off the record are so i think this theory of unfairness is just that, a rumor.
who was the third party hearing officer who handled the appeals? what were his findings? thats where the focus should be.
I'm confused. what does someones group have to do with this. isn't this kid a student board member. wouldn't that take priority over all. who cares what group they are in or what church they go to. who makes the final decision on this? if its the board, then the board is responsible for making sure nothing shows favoritism. doesnt a board member run this blog?
The question is, are ALL students invovled in this being punished? There was 5 given permission to come in and the rest that were let in. The total number of students should be treated the same. Is what being done what the board told them to do, or did the superintendant and principal do WHAT they wanted to do? The public needs and should demand to know what the board said should be done.
If there was appeals and already handled, I would like to know how. The time frame in this is to short for the appeal process. Trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes again. Remember, an appeal has to come in writing after the action. It then has to be sent, read and the person who is asking for the appeal has to be notified. Common sense says this could not have been done in this short of time. Action was just taken this week against the students. They are trying to sell that bridge in New York to everyone in what is going on here.
Was not Gonzales, Roberts and Clayton involved in unfairness before? Yes.
5:59 says "the administrators are great". Yeah, right.
They're "great" at:
--sitting home on their well-paid butts while students roam through the building doing who-knows-what
--pointing the blame at everyone but themselves when something goes wrong
--penalizing students who take responsibility and sincerely apologize for misbehavior, along with those who truly deserve punishment
And if you're waiting to hear any apologies from administrators, you'll be waiting awhile. I don't think the word "sorry" is in their vocabulary. Nope, they're also "great" at saying "no comment, the issue is over".
Actually the Beacon said "Muhammad, who has mentored some of the suspended students" As you see they were not specific as to the number that were with Clayton but it was definately more than one or two.
Again I see the board is breaking the open meetings act with this special meeting which they can do but if they take a vote on anything it has to be before the public.
This is something I found that isn't a school board but the same rules apply. It's titled 8 ways to stay out of jail.
A park or forest preserve district board may not take any final action in closed session. For example, if the board reaches consensus during a closed meeting to hire a new director, to initiate a lawsuit or to purchase a parcel of property, it must return to open session, and then vote upon the appropriate action. In addition, before taking final action in open session, the board must disclose "the nature of the matter being considered and other information that will inform the public of the business being conducted." If a governing board takes no final action relating to a matter discussed in closed session, the presiding officer simply should report upon the resumption of the board's open meeting that a dosed session was held to discuss a particular matter, and that no final action was taken.
Yes, the one kid was an honoray board member. One kid nothing was done to is the high school presidentand was involved in this mess. Both of these should be held accountable due to their postitions. The students that voted the high school president in should be demanding something be done to her. She has shamed the students who put their trust in her and her school.
She will be MCing graduation tonight. TOTALLY REDICULOUS!
In reading all this on the blog it seems that a couple of years ago some kids got expelled for the same reason and didn't get to go to graduation lost scholarships and honors under conrad. So why is this time different. It seems there was a lot more damage. I thought school policy was zero tolorence? It looks like special treatment to me by conrad, roberts and the other administrators. Shame, Shame but remember all dogs get theres sooner or later.
The administrators will probably say it is to late to let someone else MC. This is how their pathetic minds and reasoning works.
As for the other 3 a couple of years ago, they spray painted on the sidewalk in front of the school and maybe a school bump. All of the rest was done by other students alittle later and some were arrested. Ask Gonzalez, Conrad, Harmon, Roberts and president of the school board about it and see if they step up to the plate and tell the truth.
I certainly wish the best for the ones who were not involved in all of this tonight. Congratulations to all of them and keep on doing right. I am proud of all of you.
Even though I do not condone what was done, I wish the best to those who stepped up and admitted the truth and proud of you that you did this. Stand in your right that everyone involved should be treated the same as you. Zero tolerance for all involved.
This administration and some of the board is making a mockery of Truth, Justice and the American way.
May 23, 2008 9:17 AM said-"who makes the final decision on this? if its the board, then the board is responsible for making sure nothing shows favoritism. doesnt a board member run this blog?"
A community member started this blog approx. 1.5 years ago. That person then ran for the school board. Yes, that would be me.
The 131 administrators make recommendations for disipline.
In some situations the action comes before the board and they decide whether to accept the admins recommendation or not.
In some situations a student has the right to appeal a decision. The appeal goes before a hearing officer.
The board has the final say whether to accept the recommendation of the admin or the hearing officer, should it differ from the admin.
The statement to the Beacon was: the board upheld the recommendation of the administration.
This board member will not be attending the grad ceremony. Due to moving the ceremony indoors, seating is very limited on stage and in the audience. I have chose to leave that valuable space for those who have a closer connection to the grads on their special night.
The students and their families have worked hard to get them to this point and I feel as many seats as possible should be left available to those honorees.
The unfortunate "pranking" cannot & should not cloud the clebration ceremony of the hundreds of "Tomcats" receiving their honors tonight.
Congrats to all!
Congratulations to 2008 Class of East Aurora High School!!!!!!!!!
With all that has happened this year I can still say East is East and West is West but in Aurora EAST IS BEST. Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2008 in EAST AURORA. May all your dreams come true.
AMEN!!!!
After reading the paper this morning, I now know that the punishment that was handed out was not fair. Big deal, 2 day suspension for some and they get to go and participate. What lesson are they learning in this? NOTHING!
Yes, it makes you wonder why the different punishments. Why was this different than ones in the past that did the same things.
The board needs to let Roberts and the administration that they need to follow the policy of the board and that the administration cann't make there own rules. You really don't need a policy to know that minors should not be left alone in a school without adults.
7:11a.m.
You are absolutely correct!
That was the decision of 131 administrators.
The school board had no say over that.
What was the saddest part, was the one who was in band, organized a meeting and had made a list of all the "unapproved" items she wanted her friends to sneak in, was not only the group leader of the "prank" but also the class leader who was able to speak at grad. night.
I guess her friends didn't give her up to the principal, otherwise she wouldn't have been at the podium last night.
Did anyone go the graduation last night? It was horrendous! This administration is so unorganized. Since graduation was held inside, graduates were only allowed 2 tickets and all other family members had to watch from the overflow room in the fieldhouse. UNORGANIZED!
Of "550" grads that is posted on the website news release, only about 300 were in attendance. That was the same number that was at the rehearsal the night before. You would think that the Three Stooges would take note of that and make adjustments.
There were hundreds of unused tickets. So there were hundreds of empty seats in the auditorium while family members who were watching on a screen in the other building. how rude and tacky is that.
During the first 30 minutes of the ceremony they started fillin in seats with parents which means there were constant lines of people walking down the aisles. how disruptive is that!
By the end it worked out but why cant East have their stuff together in events like this. Maybe if the Three Stooges spent time organizing this instead of having two hour lunches in the principals office then we can plan some events and have a smooth graduation.
I am SO HAPPY to read that they will be punished next for their involvement in this embarassing fiasco. If the kids did wrong, their punishment was fine with me. Now lets get to the nimrods who run our building. At least 20 teachers and staff members will be sending statements to the Board of Education about what we have seen in the building this year with all of the unprofessional of the Three Stooges. It may not change much in this situation but it will show them that what happened with this Senior Prank is the end result of a year of buffoonery by Sheila, Raquel and Joe.
We love East High and we love our students. This week has been hurtful to us and its time we move on and get to the root of the problem at the building. Many postings on here are speaking from a personal perspective with no knowledge of what goes on in this building. There are those of us who know and are stepping up! Many of the postings praising the administration are just them or their buddies in the counseling department who are tied at the hip with them.
I choose to remain anonymous for now because I know what the repurcussions can be for talking out until the Board shows that they will actually do something to this administration. But if you have nothing but praise and positive things to say and are a staff member, please note your name and position in it. You have nothing to lose like the rest of us!
I am proud of our graduates in 2008! These are great kids and we adults know that a decision one night to participate in a prank with food does not erase years of achievements. What if all of us were judged by our most foolish night in our teens. we would all have terrible clouds over our heads then. we live and learn.
One week left and we can start over. Hopefully with a new administration and new school resource officer.
The poster with plans to contact the board, please allow me to make a suggestion.
Officially, you should go through the rank and file. If that has been done and this is your next step to have your concerns addressed, I can tell you in the one year I have been on the board, I believe I have received 2 letters from others addressed to the board.
There is a contact page on the new website, but it has not been updated yet, with our personal info.
I believe most of us can be found in the white pages. If not, the best way, and the way the other letters came to us, is to mail individual letters thru the postal service to each person c/o of the School Service Center.
I think it is good that some are standing up start talking about things going on. I wouldn't use the website to contact the board because I believe someone said they did and it went to Clayton and he did not give it to them. That is one of my concerns to because Clayton is just the PR person and mail that is suppose to go to the board should be just that so I would mail anything you want to say to them. I believe that there are some on the board that will listen if what is said is wrong.
Dear May 24, 2008 7:37 AM,
Isn't it interesting how perceptions of the very same incident are so different?
I also attended the graduation last night and didn't see the debacle that you so described. I am an educator myself (in another district) so I can easily compare notes. It was not any more unorganized than any other school! This a prime example of seeing what is right instead of what is wrong. I can only assume you are have some vested self-interest in bashing the administration. As a parent of one of those graduates last night, I was beaming with pride (and relieved that my child did not partake in the vicious destruction of their OWN SCHOOL and blame it on the administration).
You wrote: I am proud of our graduates in 2008! These are great kids and we adults know that a decision one night to participate in a prank with food does not erase years of achievements. What if all of us were judged by our most foolish night in our teens. we would all have terrible clouds over our heads then. we live and learn.
I beg to differ. One act of ignorance does, in fact, erase years of achievement. Ask anyone in jail or anyone who has made a terrible mistake in a weak moment if that decision has the power to deem all the achievements insignificant.
This administration is no different than any of the others -- I don't place them on pedistals but I certaintly don't hold them responsible for the acts of destructive kids that are old enough to know right from wrong.
Hold your kids accountable. If it were my child that destroyed the building and said, "Well, the officer let me in." I would have asked if the officer told them to be criminal. I don't know her but my son says she is "hard core" (his words, not mine).
We all do the best we can. Let's move on and rise above all of this. God bless you all.
Deborah
I checked the website to see how it said to contact the board and this is the address it gave.
info@d131.org
I checked the West side and theres was schoolboard129.org
That's how ours should be. I can't believe how this board lets the administration ignore them. Why do we even have a board when they run the schools?
I have had some hardships with my grandson and I thought Miss Conrad was so very helpful and helping me deal with him and know that there is help out there. She is a gem that cares about the kids at east high school and what they did is not her fault. My grandson gets in to a lot of trouble but he's a 10th grader and wasnot involved in the damaging. If he was, i would tell him that his butt could not march in graduation either. Miss Conrad has been so nice and she does care so why blame her.
Well I would guess that Clayton would direct the information to his boss, Dr. Roberts and then he would direct it to his bosses, The Board of Education.
The website has some contact info for the board and Rayanne said that more is coming. By the way, thanks Rayanne for always trying to see both sides. I like your idea of using phone numbers and mailing addresses. Sometimes we rely way to much on technology and not those good old fashioned secure ways that we know are effective! (yet here I am on a blog - go figure!)
To the other poster, one action can change many years of achievements, but i do agree that a foolish teenage decision is not always life altering either. This one really isnt life altering. They will learn from it.
But some accountability MUST be on the part of the adults. Rayanne, can you help me here? Are school-sanctioned events supposed to have school personnel and a school administrator present regardless of the number of students?
That alone leaves some accountability on the part of Mrs. Conrad. She like the students made a stupid decision in the spur of the moment.
although I dont like the negative press, I do love the fact that things are open and on the table. Many school districts cant say that!
I look forward to receving your letter. I ran for school board beause I believe in my community and district.
I am a graduate of D131 along with 3 of my children. My youngest is still a student. I have seen alot happen in the years, good and bad. This has always been a working class community, hard working, true to family, but not always involved with community. Some yes, majority no. But the world is changing, more are away from home longer hours of the day. It is hard to communicate, some are afraid they will be judged unfairly for who they are. I have seen my neighborhood, school, and community be disrespected for far to long. I am proud of where I come from and who helped me along the way. Those who praised me AND those who disiplined me. It has made me who I am. It is time we do the right thing. Pride means taking a stand. Sure it may be difficult, NO it will be difficult. People always fight change, especially if it takes away what they are accustom to.
As Rayanne posted, to all those who wish to do so, send a copy of your letter to each individual board member via the service center.
Good job Dee!
Did you appeal the decision when your daughter was in the same situation as these students two years ago?
I have had 3 children move through East High in the last 10 years, and. I have seen several administrations come and go, each one having both positive an negative effects on our building.
The current administration has far surpassed the previous in demanding better curriculum for our children. My son was lost in the system, with a slight learning disability he was pushed through year after year of grade and middle school. We worked hard with him at home and slowly he was improving. He entered East High as a freshman reading at the 6th grade level. Working with Doctor Wilson and the spirit team has been an absolute pleasure. Doctor Wilson took personal ownership in the betterment of my son, she still remains heavily involved on a daily baises. When I reminded my son how lucky he is to have someone take him under their wing like that, he simply stated "Mom, Doctor Wilson is like that with all of us". That is the type of administration that we have, they truly care about the future of our children. They support our most precious resource every day, we must all stand together and support them. My son is now academically exactly where he should be. The administration and a very select group of teachers did not give up on my son, and I refuse to give up on them!
My daughter graduated last night. When she was a freshman and sophomore, there was ONE Advanced Placement course offered at East. ONE. Through the work of this current administration and board for approving them, she was able to take four of them, and there were at least six others added that she could have taken if her schedule would have allowed. Thank you for raising the standards for my child and providing her with the opportunity to earn college credit. I want these standards to continue for my son when he enters the school next year.
Three board members chose not to attend graduation last night. I was there and was sad not to see them there. I know the board upheld the suspensions from what the paper said. Were you making some kind of statement? What statement was made to all the students who were able to attend? That's a sad kind of message, whether it be by cowardace realizing your action may be unpopular or by trying to open up a couple of seats. Just too bad. You should have been there to shake my child's hand like the other board members.
to all the kids and beloved parents at east high..
i have one thing to say, get over it.. if you didn't walk on stage or you didn't get to see your kids walk on stage it was because of their unruly criminal type of behavior. this may teach the offending graduates a very valuable lesson in life, bad actions have bad consequences. The fact their using the excuse administration gave permission is absurd, no one gave permission to vandalize and act in criminal ways (you are all adults and decided to act foolish, again, consequences youngsters!!!). you will go on to live a fulfilling life without walking on stage, lesson learned, i hope! think of it as a good story to pass down to your kids ( you will all look back and laugh about it) again, get over it... it will cost the school (and taxpayers) a good chunk of change to clean up your mess.. GET OVER IT!!!
Dear 10:27,
AMEN!
Yes! This is the view of the majority from what I am hearing at school.
A Staff Member
Good Lord, I'm sick of reading this on the front page of the Beacon. No one should be fired over this for God sakes. Look around people. The same stuff has happened at West High and Waubonsie but they treat our school like ghetto making it the front page story.
You should be outraged at the media AND YOURSELVES for making such a big deal about this. NO PERMANENT damage occurred. It was a PRANK that got out of hand.
There are kids getting killed in our streets and you are in an uproar about eggs and paint????
Rather than pointing fingers at whose fault it is, how about you rally together, clean it up and fight the media for their negative perception of EAST HIGH. The board themselves and the school are creating this mountain of nothing.
This is SO NO BIG DEAL in the bigger picture of life.
Fired? For what? This is so stupid? The kids did it. The kids got punished. The adults will have to admit that they shoud have had more staff there (and they will learn not to trust the student leaders) and they will hang their heads.
Please end this chapter. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
10:27 - BRAVO!!!! While most on here will find your message unpopular, it rings of truth. Let's leave the adult blame up to the board and consequences also. Just like they can't talk about the students situation (but the students are free to tell whatever they choose)because of privacy, they won't be able to talk about the adult consequences either. We elected them and we have to live with what they do.
As for the three board members not present last night, I know Rayanne admits to not attending. Frankly, I respect Rayanne most of the time but bad call! You should have been there to congratulate the Tomcat Grads! Part of the responsibility plain and simple. For the other two? Unless there was some sudden tragedy you should have been there. Do you truly support our school community? It includes this. I always see Juanita and Carol. Fernando is there most of the time, and I've seen Ken at many events even before he became a member. Family obligations will come along, but I can't see a reason for not being at the graduation. Sometimes you have to show your face outside the board meetings. Plain and simple.
First question- "Are school-sanctioned events supposed to have school personnel and a school administrator present regardless of the number of students?"
I feel safe in saying, I believe they are to be chaperoned but I am unsure about who that should be and what the student/chaperone ratio should be. Discussion is planned for our next board meeting, so I was told.
For those questioning my taking part in EA activities.
You may see my response about graduation at an earlier posting on May 23, 2008 4:08 PM
I am not the kind of person that makes sure I am seen at all the events. When I do go, I sit with the community. I do not sit front and center with the other board members and “dignitaries.”.
I don't always announce everything I have attended at every board meeting.
I feel I have shown my support to the students by being there for them and I do not need to make it a point to rack up frequent attendee popularity points.
FYI for those that brought this up. For 131 I attend a minimum of 4 meetings a month. (including board, committee & alumni meetings now & then) On occasion, as was the case Friday, I take off work, without pay to attend certain 131 functions. This past Friday, I took 150 cookies to Dieterich's annual Mr. Pooler Day picnic and helped set up and I enjoyed a great buffet. I, then, attended an emergency board meeting.
Last week, I went to help set up for the EA band banquet and later returned to help serve drinks and enjoy the celebration of awards & scholarships. The next evening I went to the Choral concert.
The week before that, I took an unpaid day off work to attend the alumni awards, have lunch with the award winners, then stayed for the Red & Black assembly. I went to Allen Schools drama performance recently, also. This is not a normal month, I’ll admit. Yet, someone thinks I am not doing enough for all the right reasons.
My twins graduated in 2005. For my family, when I am at home, I keep my grand daughter when her mom, my daughter, has to work nights. I moved my son home from college recently. I still drive to Chicago frequently to transport him. He is performing in a theater in the city. The show does get over till after the train quits running. These trips allow me time with him, which I have been missing. I try and visit my Mom and visit my eldest son & his family in MN at least once a month. I work 40+ hours a week, my day starts at 3am and I try to end it by 9pm.
I have made many unpopular “statements’ so you will not see coward here. I have shook many hands, patted many backs, hugged many and praised even more. I am proud of all our EA children and would love to be able to attend more activities.
I am truly sorry to have made you feel sad, as you stated. If you feel slighted because I did not shake your child’s hand, I am inviting you to come to a board meeting and I will do more than that, I will take time to talk with both of you.
Though I have no obligation to be accountable to you, I have! In return I would like to know……
What have you done for your community, lately?
Rayanne,
Your duties to 131 are to set policy for the administrators and make sure those policies are being followed. If you want to bake cookies, watch the band etc, that is your choice. No one needs to see you at any events other than board mtgs. Should you choose to do other things in and around the school, that is great, but don't you think the most important event during a school year is graduation?
Fire them? They should be given a raise to put up with this crap.
Where were the involved parents when little johnny or little suzy were cleaning out the fridge?
Blame the administrtors who are at fault for bending the rules a little bit for trust worthy, (so they thought) students, who earned a chance to have some fun, create a fond memory and then blew it.
All you can come up with is that these administrators enjoy their work, spend their personal lunch time planning and treated your kid like an adult for maybe the first time and you want them fired?
Good luck class of 08!!
1:01 - I agree.
I applaud Rayanne for her extra work. But I see that graduation - the final activity for a student in district 131, should be celebrated with all board members present. Regardless of the reason for not being there, there are many people who do not read this blog who saw three board members introduced last night who were not there. What it says is that it was thought not important enough to support. And this is the final gathering of a group of students for the district. It is sad.
Thank you, Rayanne, for being so much more than a figurehead. Thanks for putting in time over & above what's expected or required, doing so much "behind the scenes" work that needs doing but often goes unnoticed.
And who knew that there would be so many empty seats in the auditorium? Because the ceremony had to be moved inside, families were told that tickets would be required for all in the audience. I applaud Rayanne for being considerate of the community and giving up her seat so that someone's grandparent or sibling would be able to share their moment.
Again, heartfelt thanks to Rayanne for all she is and does for our district.
I don't believe that all the board members go to graduation every year.I think last year some that where there this year wasn't there and don't mean the new ones either. I cann't remember when or if anyone has complained about them all not being at graduation.
With that said I would also say that these six people are do this with no pay and not much respect from the parents or the community when you see the amount of citizens that come to board meetings. If you cann't make board meetings you can look when the committees meet and maybe go to one of them to see them and how running a school is not easy. I know they all go to different functions at all the schools. So take the time and go to a board meeting and meet them I know they will be glad to see you.
When you send a letter, send it registered to at least one of them, so you know it was delivered, due to the fact it has to be signed when delivered.
I appreciate all your compliments & criticism. Sincerely.
I want to be honest, I did not bake cookies.
I bought them :o)
"Don't I think the most important event during a school year is graduation?"
Your darn right! I feel the most important people in a students life should be there, too.
I am surprised absent board members were announced. I do not recall that last year.
Regardless, I do not believe for a moment that any of those students cared if their was one less ol' lady to shake hands with. Their eyes were on the prize, their reward for a job well done.
Seniors are so focused on their friends and family on that special night.
They go through the rehearsed motions but their senses are taking in every last moment of being a high school student, and imagining what is coming with crossing that stage and accepting their diploma, feeling all eyes on them.
Some wrote- "thought not important enough to support....the final gathering of a group of students"
I agreed to support ALL 131 students for 4 years, when I took oath to be on the board.
I saw the final social gathering of Dieterich's 5th grade.
I saw the final gathering of all the choral groups of 2008.
My point......
I do not feel badly for my absence. I am sorry you feel something as insignificant as my presence mattered to anyone. There was a roomful of graduates who should have had everyone's undivided attention.
What is sad is some people were in the audience counting board members rather than being in awe of the numbers of students we have who have accomplished so much.
Each students accomplishments are thanks to at least:
6 elementary teachers, 3 principals, music teachers, PE teachers, numerous middle school & high school teachers, coaches, counselors, nurses, staff who had direct daily contact and personal relationships with many of these students. Not to mention those who organize the curriculum, finances, personnel & policy for these students continuously throughout the year.
Back to where I started, I feel those closest to the seniors should be in attendance.
In comparison to those listed above, the Board is remotely connected, at best.
That is this woman's opinion. Though, you may not agree with me, I genuinely appreciate your point of view.
I will repeat, I would gladly take time to sit and chat with you, if you would care to show your school district they are "important enough to support" by attending a board meeting or two.
How do you know there was no permanent damage? What about the camera that has to be replaced? What about the floor that was mentioned that ketchup was put on. Ketchup had acid in it and that would take up the varnish. Much more in this than is being stated. We are going to have to pay for this. Charges should have been filed. Not doing this lets the ones responsible to pay for this off the hook. When did West let their students permission to do something like this? With all that had been going on for the last month before this, common sense should have said someone needed to be there if they were going to let these students do something like this. Yes, admininstration, the police officer and the school board is accountable for this. Conrad and whomever else, needs to quit being their friend and do her job. Parents, are you your children's friend, or the one teaching them and guiding them into respsonsible adults? I certainly hope the latter, and this is the way the administrators should be. I agree with the poster that said if it was their grandson(not old enough yet) who was involved in any of this, his butt could not march in graduation either!!!! This is called good parenting, tough love and making them stand up to responsiblity! Good for you and glad that someone helped him and he is doing well.
Again, every student that was involved should have been dished out the same punishment.
Rayanne you are right. I remember when I graduated back in the dark ages at East Aurora thats what I wanted my friends and family. To be frank I didn't even know about school boards and what they where there for. I do recall last year also I was there for a family member that the board was not announced. I wonder why that was.
I'm wondering if what happened at the school was at another time would of been called a prank or vandalizing. Some keep saying there was not permanent damage but really what would that be? I've heard rumors that the freshmen center on the gym by the Tom Cat logo the put ketchup. Every one knows that stains and eggs stain. I also heard that some drains where clogged. Do people realize how much a plummer cost? What effect will this be for the referendum if things are taken care of properly? Will we the tax payers know how much the clean up really was? If you stop and listen to all that happened you know it isn't a small amount with the man hours and probably the outside people that had to come in and clean it.
Yes, there was permanent damage six kids did not get to go to there graduation ceremonies because of the choices they made.
For the ones bringing up gangs yes that is a concern for everyone. The have been around for many years and if you have any idea how to stop it let us know. Should someone be fired that's a hard call. But the administration needs to follow the school policy also if they plan to make the kids do it.
For all of you that are venting your frustrations about the most recent incident at East High, try channeling that energy on making D131 a better place for your children. You can always find the bad in things if you are looking for it. It might be more worthwhile to look at what is right in the world. Let's learn from this experience and move forward. There are so many other struggles we face in life. Our children are faced with drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancies, terminal illnesses and many others. What can you do to make our community better?
Yes, the policy should be followed in all of this including the administrators. But the policy was not followed in how the discipline was one to all the students. If it was done the right way, then, ALL the students would not have walked in graduation and I. There is a specific policy to follow for any teacher or administration in this policy also. Go to the service center and read it. Rumor mill has it that Roberts and Gonzales did not do what they were told to do. Love the way that it was announced certain board memebers were not at the ceremonies, just another way for some to get at certain ones that are doing their best to make things done the right way and get what out students deserve.
We are trying to make 131 a better place for the children. Letting this go now is not the right thing to do. Due to the fact everyone has walked away or not followed through in the past is why we are in the mess we are. There is more to be dealt with in this situation. We have all turned our backs on the way things are not handled right twenty times to many!!!! What is going to happen when this district goes bankrupt due to the wrongful doings and not handling things right. The monies that has and will be spent on the clean up and restoring, replacing should have gone to the students education and books,etc.
I am a teacher who attended graduation last night. It's always something, as a teacher of freshman for the most part, to see the seniors graduate. It's a time to celebrate. Some made bad choices. Some should not have walked who did. But I am not privy to the discipline in these situations. And I'm fine with that.
On another positive note - we were told in one of our department meetings (and shown the scores) that the testing we did before the state exam (just for juniors, but we did full testing of our own on 9-11 graders)showed that our freshman had huge gains over other classes. We had just started our new curriculum with them.
What is happening at the high school academically is working. There is proof. And many of the staff are excited about it. This is largely due to the hard work of our entire staff over the last couple of years. And it's a testament to the rigor and high standards set by our current administration. And so what if they laugh?
Do I support them? Heck yeah. Do they make some decisions I don't agree with? Heck yeah. But I email them or call them and let them know what I think. And they have always given me the time with a response or time to sit down and talk. I hope others that disagree have done the same.
Hey Rayanne,
I understand your reasoning behind the decision to skip graduation to leave the room for family members and friends. I also know first hand how much of your time, energy,and even financial resources you have given back to the District.
It must be disheartening when ANONYMOUS people who are not involved feel like they should second guess and criticize.
As for me and my family we feel blessed that an "'ol lady" like you and a young lady like Dee are there speaking out for us and that you are doing an admirable job.
Keep it up.
To Anita,
I agree with what you said. Could not have stated it better.
Thank you, all!
On to a new post
:o)
I had notified the board president earlier in the week that I may not be attending. With all that had happened during the week, I don't believe I followed up with her to confirm that I would not be attending.
My decision NOT to attend was based purely on personal reasons. Friday was my oldest daughters birthday and I chose to send that time (after the emergency meeting) with her and the rest of my family.
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