"Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness." ~Maya Angelou
Lynne Nadel touched the lives of countless EA students. Many found "refuge" in her classroom. She went beyond the duties of her job as a choir director. Mrs. Nadel was an adviser and inspiration to her students. She listened to their woes, shared joy in their accomplishments. She will truly be missed.
Here's wishing Lynne the best in her new home and her next season of life!
347 comments:
1 – 200 of 347 Newer› Newest»Mrs. Nadel was truly one of East High's finest. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed! Best wishes to her and her husband as they move to the East Coast and enjoy their retirement.
And Mrs. Nadel may be petite, but she's leaving big shoes to fill! Here's hoping that the administration and School Board will choose wisely. We need someone who is mature, musically qualified, and who has plenty of experience working with large groups of students.
Yeah, and Cathy Bednar, Robert Partyka, and Shirley Best are also retiring.
So let's wish them well in their retirement, as well!
I did meet Mrs. Nadel but not the others so to her happy retirement and also for the others.
is there any way to find out who's applying for the high school choir position? I've heard that there are over 100 applicants and that a handful of them are from in-district and since I'm nosy, I'd love to know who they are! I figured this gossip-ridden blog might have some answers.
I find it interesting that the choir position is the only position that this blog cares about.
NJROTC Instructor
English Teacher
Guidance Counselor
Science Teacher
Science
Social Studies Teacher
Special Education Coordinator
These are the other positions currently on the site for High School alone. There are been at lease 2 other science positions listed at one point. English is tested, science is tested, social studies is tested, but all you care about is the choir. I would be more concerned about the science department who has had a turnover of 4 science teachers or more in the past 4 years, who has also had 3 different people in one positions over the course of this last year, and whose test scores are continuously sub-par.
Or maybe the English department, the main reason our students fail tests, because they can't READ. And if they can't read. If you can't read the test, you probably won't do well.
Nope, you are worried about the choir, who does two concerts a year. Another reason this blog does not matter. If the school district saw that maybe you gave a shit about something other than your little personal vendettas, and actually cared about the education of the students, then maybe they would take you seriously.
I think we all are concerned about the other positions but as far as Dr. Roberts, the administration and most of the Board the district is doing great and if any parent or concerned citizen says anything the new board president shuts them down.
I believe this blog has at certain times brought out many of the things you have said but no one will stand before that board or Dr. Roberts to say anything and if they do they get shut down.
You "believe" this blog has, or THIS BLOG HAS.
There is a big difference.
Some people "believe" the Holocaust did not happen.
People used to "believe" the world was flat.
People still "believe" there is a man in the sky that you can talk to.
Some people "believe" that the USA deserved what happened to us on 9/11.
Other "believe" that Mexicans have a right to illegally immigrate to the USA.
When has the new Broad President ever shut any parent or teacher down or for that matter Dr Roberts. In fact this Board has bend over backwards to give the public more information. As for Dr Roberts and staff they are trying to address the reading problem as best they can. The new President seems very pro student/teacher. Until recently I have never heard the Board say anything positive in public.
That's the reason we lose so many students, why so many just drop out. The district cares about test scores, the community does not. Nobody gives a damn about test scores except politicians and administrators (and the administrators, only because they feel their job is on the line). Talk to most administrators privately and they will tell you the system is all screwed up.
The fine Arts, Voc Ed courses and sports are the only reason many students stay in school. They don't give a damn about a test. What good is passing a test if half the school has dropped out.
We need to focus on what's important to the students and community and forget the politicians.
Why look at test scores, arts, and sports as either/or?
All three are important! Our kids need to achieve in the classroom as well as on the ball fields and auditorium.
And our kids deserve teachers who are selected based upon their qualifications, not bully administrators' personal vendettas.
At least they probably won't have to rush someone in at the last minute, as they did a few years ago.
8:57 a.m. says that the choir does only two concerts per year. That statement is very misleading!
When my daughter was in Ms. Nadel's Singsation choir, she performed several times each semester. It seemed like they were always singing at nursing homes, sporting events (Star-Spangled Banner), alumni events, etc. And the choir kids were the backbone of the musical (chorus as well as lead roles). Also, my daughter went to the Solo & Ensemble contest her junior and senior year (coached by Ms. Nadel and accompanied by Ms. Allen).
Maybe there are only two "big" concerts, but all the other performances definitely keep our choir kids busy singing throughout the school year!
It's probably because of all the community awareness about our choir program that Ms. Nadel's position has a higher profile than the other openings.
Like the original poster said, she has big shoes to fill.
And in this morning's Beacon, there's a letter to the editor from Ms. Nadel. She just wanted to set the record straight about the reason one of her students missed a cue at the final concert (there was so much applause, the student didn't hear the piano). Also, she mentioned that she had not composed the original song presented at the concert--she merely commissioned it.
What a class act this lady is! Making sure that the community knows who gets credit when credit is due, and saving her student from embarrassment. Thinking of others before herself.
Good luck finding another like her. Unfortunately, our district has had a bad reputation among music teachers statewide because of what the bullies did five years ago. Maybe someone will be willing to take a chance and work with our outstanding, deserving KIDS in spite of those administrators!
The kids drop out because they need to find a job and support the family. All this blog cares about is the music program try to find a job with that few do. Give credit were credit is due Soft Skills builds job skills. Community service provides a connection to the community and builds character. NJROTC no matter how you feel about it builds discipline. All programs we have that other districts do not. Why not talk about some of these. Why because you are just negative.
Community service, soft skills.....many families in the district have been aware of the benefits of these programs for quite some time. Just because a few administrators decided to make them official parts of school programs doesn't make them NEW initiatives, it just shows how slow the district is in listening to the community. NJROTC has been shining for years, Marin acknowledged them with her presence only when it got her a trip to FL to support EA cadets. Where was she the rest of the year?
The ones who really don't have a clue are the 3 new school board ladies who think all these things are new "plans" introduced by their superintendent. They have never had a child in the EA schools, so they don't know what's old, new or what the community wants!
May 23, 2010 11:04 AM says-
“Until recently I have never heard the Board say anything positive in public.”
That is because the past presidents had better manners than to speak when their mouth was full (of bull).
This blog does not CARE about the music program. If they did they would be in an uproar that there are 300 5th graders in band and by the time they get to 8th grade there are 50.
Yes 300 kids combined from all the elementary schools and 50 combined from the three middle schools. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Where is the problem.
4:22, here is most of the problem:
SCHEDULING.
Many kids are taken out of the band program at the middle school level because of their academic situation. If they don't pass their reading tests, they are channeled into a remedial program that meets the same time as elective classes.
Bilingual status can also affect whether or not a middle-school student is able to take band (and, presumably, other electives). ELL (English language learner) classes take priority over anything else in the child's schedule.
And magnet school students are often unable to fit band in their schedule, because they would need to be transported to one of the middle schools at the end of the school day (if, indeed, there is a band rehearsal happening at the end of the day!)
So you can "hmmmm" all you want, 4:22--there is actually an explanation that makes sense. What's your suggestion? Hmmmmmm?
Scheduling does not take away 80%. Scheduling takes away 30%
The other 50% or so is because there is NOTHING FUN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND. The directors don't go above and beyond. They don't do anything they are not specifically contracted to do.
She is only "setting the record straight" because she LOVES to point out other peoples mistakes.
The middle school band programs are a failure because K is involved
Wells voted against the Band program we all remember her accusing the band parents of telling their kids to play the Star Mangled Banner.
5:34, let's talk about "above and beyond".
Middle school band directors teach 2 more classes per day "ABOVE AND BEYOND" the high school director.
And the high school director was paid $6,500.00 "ABOVE AND BEYOND" his regular salary to direct the pit for the musical.
And you seem to think it's all about FUN. The kids may be having FUN in band at East High--and that's a good thing--but shouldn't they also be learning to play in tune and sound good, too? Or would that not be so "fun"?
Did you go to any concerts this year at the high school?
I went to the pancake breakfast and graduation. Also went to the musical (but that wasn't only students playing--there were at least 3 adults in the pit as well).
Right, 27 students, Mrs. Allen (WHO ALWAYS PLAYS IN EVERY PIT, INCLUDING PRE-2005) and 2 adults, but no, that wasn't mostly East High Students.
And so the answer is, "NO, I'M IGNORANT, I did not go to any concerts this year."
You went to graduation and thought the choir sounded good?
If the answer to that is, "yes." Then your opinion about music has ZERO value.
I challenge anybody to visit the d131.org website and watch graduation and the choir portion singing "Showing us the Way" and come back here and say that is sounded good.
The choir piece at graduation sounded good to me, except for the volume--it should have been miked better (and the audience noise didn't help). But at least the choir sang in tune! The band's "Pomp and Circumstance" had several cracked high notes and pitch problems.
But the kids have fun in band, and they're going to see Mickey--so who cares how they sound??
And now your opinion is ridiculous. You have zero credibility in my book, you have no clue what sounds good, and I hope you stay away from children. You are the type of person that has no objectivity because they can't see past their own ignorance. Please, everybody, go listen to it. If you think the choir sounds completely fine and the band sucked, then you are a complete moron. I'm not saying the band was perfect, but I am saying the the chorus wasn't even close.
The person who made the previous comment DID NOT LISTEN TO IT ONLINE. They are just making ignorant comments with no basis in reality.
They did not listen to it because they said it was too soft. Yes, in the gym it was a little quiet, but funny thing about recordings, they have ways of balancing sound, espically when there are mics right in front of the people.
So, that person just said it sounded fine to them, but they had a difficult time hearing them. Sounds like an A+ critic to me.
Some people might prefer a performance that stayed generally in tune but was hard to hear well than a performance with blasting, cracking, and sour notes.
Just a personal preference, I guess.
except the choir wasn't in tune...but then, they so seldom are I guess no one notices any more!
WRONG
Nobody Cares
I agree, nobody cares.
I watched the video and the choir was in tune and sounded as good as it could in a gym. I bet if they where in the right kind of place like a real auditorium they would of sounded great not that they didn't there. The gym didn't have the right acoustics to really let you hear them as good as they where.
I did notice when they said to stand when they played the school song most sat down what a shame to the school we should all stand when they play that to show how proud we are of the school.
Here is something about the States budget in the Beacon and I will say I have not always agreed with Linda Chappa-Liva put she has it right on this one and our district is an example of how districts don't spend the money right. We might have an A++ but that doesn't mean we spend our money for the most important thing in our districts and that is all of our students education.
“Being the Appropriations chair for elementary and secondary ed, that’s not easy for me to say,” said State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora. “What I do understand is that, eight years ago, when I came to the General Assembly, one very intelligent man came to me and said, ‘Linda, it doesn't matter how much you give education — they will find a way to spend it and every year they will come back and say ‘We want more money.’’”
Within just six months, Chapa LaVia said she was able to save the two school districts in her district $300 million in insurance costs.
“These are non-personnel costs — how many more school districts do we have out there that are not spending their money wisely?” Chapa LaVia said. “When I talk to the budgeteers, they’re saying that for every dollar we spend on education, 80 percent goes to administration. Only 20 percent goes to the kids. There’s something backwards in the state of Illinois.”
Amen Linda! How many administration jobs has this district made just in the last few months and what have they done to get newer books, better scheduling system for the teachers? But lets remember the administration got IPhones to make their jobs easier.
300 Million really the whole district budget is only 130 million. Linda Chapa Lablago has not saved the district a dime. Ask her the name of the insurance program it does not exist. The only thing I am aware of is her husbands unfunded mandate business that forced the district to buy defibulters (a law she passed) that then got recalled.
I don't get the Beacon and could not find the story you referenced in the online Beacon about Linda Chapa LaVia's comments.
Can you send a link or give the date of the story, please?
The article is under the News Alerts on the top of the page of the Beacon.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/2311292,democrats-state-budget-cuts-proposal-052410.article
As far as Linda's statement call her on it I remember something being said about some money she got for the district but I don't think it was for that.
The article has Linda Chapa Lavia claiming that she saved the Aurora Schools 3 Million not 300 million. The 300 million dollar number is how much she and her committee want to cut from education.
This quote from Lavia was also part of the story:
"said State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora. “What I do understand is that, eight years ago, when I came to the General Assembly, one very intelligent man came to me and said, ‘Linda, it doesn't matter how much you give education — they will find a way to spend it and every year they will come back and say ‘We want more money.’’”
That statement is as revealing to me about her attitude about education as is her constant cuts to education. Not including local taxes, this state is 49th in funding education.
Also as we see in the news everyday, our state reps are interested in only one thing, getting themselves reelected this fall. That's why every one of the proposed budgets this year are only a bandage to get them past the fall elections.
We are spending almost 14 Billion dollars on road projects this year alone. If we were to put a moratorium on road construction for just one year, the state would be out of debt.
But of course, that will not happen. The same individuals who get these billion dollar contracts from our state reps. are the ones who contribute to our state reps political funds.
That's all the state reps care about is their own reelection. They have shown repeatedly that they don't care about education, they don't care if the state goes broke, they only care about their own political future.
It's really very simple, if you care about education, this fall you need to vote every incumbent politician in this state out of office. I will be starting with Chapa Lavia's seat.
No Linda is right about that statement exspecially in our district.
This quote from Lavia was also part of the story:
"said State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia of Aurora. “What I do understand is that, eight years ago, when I came to the General Assembly, one very intelligent man came to me and said, ‘Linda, it doesn't matter how much you give education — they will find a way to spend it and every year they will come back and say ‘We want more money.’’”
The thing is that they don't spend the money on the students it's for administration. If our district spent the money wisely our teachers would have some up to date scheduling system or our students would have newer books.
Yes, and our school board is only interested in making the Superintendent look good and going along with all the spending the administration wants for themselves and not for the children so you are all in the same group.
Chapa Lablago never saved any school district a dime. The same could be said for her the State has spent every last dime and multi millions nor. She and her democrook buddies also left Springfield early without a budget. I would like to leave my job when its tough but my boss would fire me. Must be nice to be elected by the sucker taxpayers. Lablago is known for using her position for personal gain.
So has many others and that includes some in this district.
To anyone wondering who will be replacing Ms. Nadel as the EHS choir director--
At least a couple of music teachers currently working in D131 have applied. If one of them is hired, the district will need to advertise their job on the district website, so it should be easy to find out who has the choir job (if, indeed, one of the "insiders" is hired).
Why would it be bad to move a middle or elementary school teacher to the high school?
Why would it be bad to have somebody in the choir position who knows the community of East Aurora?
I think it would be a bigger mistake to take a person with 5 or 10 years experience and a masters degree. That person is not going to want to put up with the crap that goes on in this district.
If you go to other districts, their music directors are a major part of the hiring committee for a new director and frequently the outgoing director has a major part in hiring their replacement.
Only in District 131 is the task of hiring a new music director left entirely up to administrators who have little or no experience in running a musical ensemble.
It will be interesting to see how the hiring of the new choral director is handled.
Not true. Just a guess. You have no facts to back that up.
5:14 p.m., I know at least one person who has applied for the EHS choir position who knows the community of East Aurora (has taught in our district for several years), has a master's degree, and is very musically qualified.
This would be the best of both worlds--education and experience.
But can we trust administrators to choose wisely? I guess we'll find out fairly soon!
And so according to you, there is nobody better. So if this person in not picked, you will call the administrators names, and insult the new person.
Guess what, you are not always right.
And neither are you, 5:59 a.m.!
All I know is, a lot of us are cynical & skeptical about CERTAIN administrators in this district. Not all--because there are some who truly seem to have our kids' best interests at heart.
But those who have shown themselves to be bullies several years ago can expect to be criticized (and deservedly so) if they drop the ball on this decision! Our kids deserve the best, and we're watching carefully to make sure the new EHS choir director is chosen based solely upon qualifications, not politics.
You know those of you that keep this thing that happened in the past going is no better than those bully administrators. Do you think it only happens in school districts well think again it happens all over and to keep thinking that this event that happened hasn't happened to others is wrong. Will it happen again proably that is what happens in all business and school districts.
You really need to seek help with this holding things in because it isn't good for your health.
"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it"--George Santayana
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time"--Maya Angelou
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And who's "holding things in", 7:53 a.m.? Seems to me that informing and reminding the community about administrators' blunders is the opposite of holding things in; it's expressing legitimate concern for the future of our district!
No you are not. You are ignoring what is really happening and everything that this district does is tanted because you are too ignorant to see the truth
Not everyone might have seen this as a blunder and as it was stated things like this happen all the time and some might think they are bully administrators some might think it is moving forward. I'm not say that the administrators are great I'm saying that just because you think it wasn't a right move others might have. All of us are human and will make mistakes and the administration is going to try other things that may not work but life goes on and so should you.
In business, if you make poor administrative decisions, your company goes "Out of Business" and someone making better decisions takes your customers.
In this school district, the students continue to get a substandard education because of the poor administrative decisions.
Liska is just the most visible instance of this. A poor decision mas made five years ago and it has been compounded by a lack of action over the past five years.
Everyone makes a poor decision on occasion. The difference is that, in this district the administration is too paranoid to ever admit they made a mistake. Bad situations are allowed to exist because of this.
We'll stop talking about the poor administrative decision regarding the band when the administration corrects the issue.
It's not just the HS Band situation. It's the Simmons Issue, the Illegal Boys II Men, the Bigelow/Drive In Deal, the Walmart/Police Station Debacle, the H1N1 Mess, the Administrative Perks, Administrative Salaries and Added Administrative Positions.
It's a very long list of administrative blunders that have left this community serious reasons to doubt the administrators that we have.
AMEN, 10:02 a.m.!
The School Board and Superintendent are responsible for the last issues you talk about not the administration. Have long as you have so many on the board that favor administration and not the well being of the district.
This blog lives in the past Juanita Wells is the only one left from that era.
Yeah, but most of the newer ones still think in that era. SPEND SPEND SPEND on the administration and not for educating the children.
The problem is the BAND IS BETTER. Yes you will bring up what happened his first and second year. Ok whatever, the band is better now.
I don't think the band is better now than it was pre-2005. But yes, it does sound better than it did those first couple of years after the bully admins "improved" it. The kids seem to be having fun, but part of that may be because their director is more like a pal than an authority figure.
No, it's better than pre 2005
Better at playing out of tune and marching out of step!
But the kids are having FUN, and that's all that matters.
Whatever, it is impossible to argue with people who have not ever come to a concert or performance.
Or come to board meetings so changers can be made. For the few of us that do, many know there is more mistakes to come in the future.
Yes, mistakes, including your grammar.
Sorry, did not preview before posting. Thanks for pointing out the mistake. I, like everyone else, always have room for improvement. It is also a way to test if anyone can catch the blunders made when reading the blog comments. Again, thank you.
I found it interesting the timing of the new administrators pay increases.
We have heard all year about how there is no money for teacher pay increases and the central office has made it very public that the administrators have not received any increase this year. (We were all supposed to forget the huge increases that the administration have been receiving over the past ten years. 10%-20% increases have been normal and there have been some raises of more than 30% in a single year for some administrators). It has been repeated over and over as teacher salaries have been discussed.
There was recently a breakdown in negotiations. All concerned decided it was best to wait to see what the state was going to do with education funding. Negotiations are not expected to resume until next fall.
Immediately after negotiations broke down, the board approved raises for all the administrators. The raise is also retroactive, the administrators are all going to receive a huge check as all the backpay for the year is coming to them.
This is an example of what extreme lengths the administrators in this district are willing to go to make sure that the teachers in this district remain the lowest paid in the greater six county Chicago area.
Just look at the latest board packet under XIV, A, 4 a Prevailing Wage Rates.
The wage rates that were adjusted were the administrator salaries. It must be nice to be an administrator in this district.
The teachers of this district should be demanding their union act against this corruption or they should be demanding a different union.
Must be nice for certain administrators to get away with bullying a teacher, deny years later that anything was/is wrong, AND get a fat raise.
I can tell you the last time they (and I) voted NO raise for administrators.
That was under a different board & board president, though.
I feel the superintendents raises should be decided separately and not be contingent on what the teachers or other administrators receive.
BUT if our schools continue to not meet required guidelines, then ALL those at the top deciding how to "educate our children" should not be rewarded for a job NOT done.
-just one woman's opinion.
Rayanne should FOIA the District being she is the self appointed lets keep them honest.
I looked at the prevailing wage act it makes no reference to administrators it just seems someone is trying to make trouble.
The administrators just got a 4% across the board retroactive pay increase. The disturbing part is that deliberately did not take the increase earlier trying to screw the teachers out of any increase. But, as soon as negotiations broke down, the money was there for the administrators. I wonder if the board and administrators are ignorant enough to try the same tactic next fall when negotiations are reopened?
Now you can see why the administrators are amongst the highest paid in the county while the teachers are consistently the lowest paid.
I wonder which will come first, will the union wake up and start supporting the teachers instead of the district or will the teachers wake up and drop this union?
When I have an opinion or a reason I want to question how our districts children are being educated with hard earned tax dollars. I ask and speak up.
As for-
"Rayanne should FOIA the District being she is the self appointed lets keep them honest."
I have asked questions on topics that, I feel, have been left unanswered. It is my right as a tax payer to have certain information and to expect accountability by all levels of government.
Sadly, I do not see any other people coming to board meetings and asking any of the questions I hear in the community or on the blog.
All those concerned people worried about our children having an "alternate" education and all those wanting their students to have the "magnet" opportunity. Where have all those self-serving individuals gone?
I have nothing to gain, no longer do I have children in the 131 system. I have asked for some answers and accountability-that makes me a "self appointed" honesty seeker- so be it.
I don't need anyone to tell me what I should FOIA. FOIA it yourself! Join the cause. :o)
The only one who had a 4% raise was Roberts. If the Board did the the administrators a 4% raise why is it not public record.
The administrators like Roberts are also the lowest paid in the county. As far as the teachers the gap has now closed since D129 is taking back all that was given. They will now give back 4% a year for the next two years and pay more health insurance. Still over 100 will lose their jobs.
The same story has been repeated in all neighboring school districts. When you look at it d131 is a good place to work.
Still they have many losi
Yeah, a good place to work, except our buildings suck, we have throw away technology from the 1980's, and there is no parental support.
More people should appoint themselves honesty seekers. That's a good thing!
And I think that one reason some of us shy away from speaking up at board meetings is our fear of retribution. Some (not all) administrators have a reputation for being vindictive, and we don't want to "rock the boat" and cause unpleasantness for those we love who may be employed in this district.
Sad but true.
To: May 30, 2010 8:59 AM
Where are you getting your information? I've seen nothing about the West Side giving back any salary or insurance contributions. There have been some cut backs on non-tenured staff but even they will be on call if the state gets to work and funds education. They will be rehired when the state pays their bills.
Here is another thought for you, the West Side could give back 4% a year for the next 10 years and they would still be making more than the teachers on the East Side. And the East Side Teachers have already been paying for their insurance for many years.
The fact is, there is no comparing the East Side with the West Side. Their district administrators give a damn about their teachers and students.
It's not the West Side Administrators fault, our state representatives are trying to get a tax increase passed and they are putting pressure on the public by withholding monies to our schools.
On the East Side it doesn't matter what the financial condition of the state is, when the state had lots of money a couple of years for education, they still did nothing for the teachers. The fact is, the district administrators on the East Side don't give a damn about their teachers and students.
I get my information from friends who are stuck teaching on the West Side. I am only pointing out things are not good in any school district.
Rydland gave himself a big raise before the financial bad news hit. Roberts did as well. Do you feel people like Roberts should make $230,000 per year and Rydland should make $305,000 per year. Do not write and tell me they don't make that this takes into consideration additional pension plans.
Do not tell me I should pay higher taxes the teachers, administrators and superintendents are all over paid for a part time job.
Do you think a teachers work is really part-time? That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in a really long time. Most teachers put in more hours during a 9 month school year then most people put in during a 12 month work year!!!!
We are a poor district and we can't compare with others that get more money in taxes. We do rely on alot form the state and do we really use that money for what they give us?
The money all districts are paying superintendents and administration is way out of line and as things go bad like we are seeing now you see where districts are cutting back. Our district feels we don't have to worry because of the bilingual and our low income so we won't suffer but as things go on we will.
Why doesn't our district pay our Superintendent more well there are many reasons like we are a poor district and we are still 8 years in AYP and our Superintendent says it will take five years to improve.
Yes, many compare our district to 129 but when there students lie to go to our schools then we can compare.
It can take 10 years for this district to get better, but it will not happen with this superintendant, the administrators and this board. What a mess the board is, the president wants to control everything, the vice president is controlled by the president and no longer has a thought of her own, the secretary is useless, some are are afraid of retribution. Get rid of them all from superintendant, admins and board. For everyone who is afraid to say anything, you deserve what you are getting.
I'm glad you've never worked in an environment that was unfriendly. I can tell that the world of education is not your work arena, otherwise you would know there are major politics. If you complain how do you know the person you're complaining to isn't a buddy of the person you're complaining about? Everyone is covering for everyone else. It is easy to get back at those you don't like when you are an administrator. You assign them to work with people that are difficult to work with. All the trouble students "randomly" get put into your class. You get stuck with the worst duties, get bad evaluations with unspecific reasons, etc. Unless you work in an environment that can screw with you like that please don't say that those that don't speak up deserve what they get. It is survival. Especially in this economy. The union will not defend us against the work environment. The union will only represent a teacher on contract specific problems. So if your boss can get you without breaking the contract you're on your own. The activities mentioned above are only a few of the non-contract related ways that administration can mess with a teacher. Constantly having you do internal coverage or denying you the ability to do internal coverage if you want it, not handling or helping when students with behavior issues are sent to the office and denying you coaching positions are some more. Teachers are at the mercy of administration. So again I say if you have never walked in a teacher's shoes please keep your comments to yourself.
OK Bob Green
May 31, 2010 12:59 AM
I understand totally what you are talking about. I do not work for the school district, but my work environment has similar union/ company issues.
If you complain you are labeled as a troublemaker and duties are given to you that no one wants to do. Regardless of tenure/ seniority everything will be done to make your job miserable. If you make suggestions on how things may be improved-you're a complainer. There are books written on how to handle unions and some union reps feed right into the "plots."
All work places have similar dynamics-with or without a union. Whoever says "you deserve what you get" is either a sit-at-home individual or a brown nosing suck up.
See how quickly you were called "Bob Green"- an individual who stood up for himself and went against the administration, and is now being labeled a lazy troublemaker.
Schools are not private enterprise where the boss has their own money in the company and deserves to profit or lose according to their abilities.
The superintendent and other administrators are public employees, just like any teacher, janitor, assistant or anyone else employed by the school district. There is no reason they should be getting paid $200,000 to $400,000 a year. They are simply doing a public job.
I understand a principal making more than the average teacher as they generally work longer hours and a longer school year. I will never understand a superintendent making 5 to 10 times the salary of the average teacher in their district.
Yes, I have worked in an enviroment that was unfriendly and what was being done was wrong. Unlike what I read here I did do something about it. Yes, where I was employed, they make my work life a living hades, but it did not stop me from doing what I needed to do to stop the wrong. It was not easy, but I did do it. The company was and is a major one, and the union I beonged to was alos named in the suit. It did go to court. Was the outcome favorable? Yes, it was, Money was owed me, but I did not get it. Money was not the purpose behind the suit. Righting the wrong was and that was what was done. No, it was not easy, but to this day I am not sorry I did it. I stood up for what I believed in and knew was right. No one else was going to do this for me. There was some others with me in the beginning, all but one quit. The one that stayed at my side, it did not pertain to this person, but stood by my side and helped me with finding information, etc. It cam be done.
I forgot to mention, I was watched like a hawk, given time off for no good reason and a union rep was there when it was done. Some union reps did try to help me, but the ones who was on the side of the company were the ones asked to be present when anything was done. They would not get the union reps I asked to represent me. Also, the union reps who wanted to reprensent me knew what was gong to happen told the supervior that they wanted to represent me, but the company, again, would not allow them to. No longer on my record now. I may not have walked in a teacher's shoes, but I sure walked in mine. I knew what would probably happen, the lawyer told me, but I still did it.
Anybody at the parade yesterday? EA band has new backless uniforms for the flaggirls. looked slutty. wonder who approved those? Maybe that is supposed to distract that the band sounded horrible. Lots of missed notes.
Waldo looked and sounded good.
Where was simmons?
"Kaisershot was not even there with his band because he is too fucking lazy to do anything outside the school year. That's why they got rid of him. He was complacent and lazy and one of those teachers that you talk about should be gone but because they have tenure they can't get rid of them. Yeah, he was lazy man who got comfortable with his job, did the same thing year after year and never wanted to do anything extra, to help out the school, or make the band bigger"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Simmons band did not march in the Memorial Day parade THIS YEAR (although they have in the recent past) for the following reasons:
--This year school was out for students on May 28th (no snow days extended the school year past Memorial Day); many families are gone and students unavailable to march in the parade. EHS band students were more available because of their upcoming Disney trip.
--Simmons administration scheduled "field days" and promotion rehearsals/ceremonies during the last week of May. This meant that band students would not have been able to rehearse for the parade (or would have had to miss the end-of-year festivities with their classmates). The Simmons band DID, however, rehearse and perform for the promotion ceremony (and sounded great as usual).
6:44 a.m., if Mr. K was so "lazy", why would hundreds of students, parents, alumni, and taxpayers have marched, put signs in their yards, written letters to the editor, worn white ribbons (representing "music without notes"), and called into Openline supporting him? And I would invite you to step inside the front door of Simmons Middle School and see the display of six framed original compositions that Mr. K wrote, arranged, and/or published especially for the Simmons Middle School bands. This is something that Mr. K does entirely outside of his responsibilities during the school day--a school day which includes TWO more class periods than the high school director!
And you really should expand your vocabulary, 6:44 a.m. Dropping the F-bomb 5 times in one comment displays your limited command of the English language (or maybe your immaturity and identity!)
For anyone who feels the EHS flag team's outfits were too revealing, take it up with the administration. The administration is responsible for approving any uniforms or attire worn by students representing the school. Parents and teachers/sponsors have input, but the buck stops at the administration.
All this blog seems to do is tear down - didn't anyone hear of the old addage-- "if you can't say something nice about someone, don't way aything at all"?? Why would you want to tear down the kids and call them nasty names. I can't believe anyone out there would intentionally want to hurt them. Teenagers are sensitive enough without being ridiculed in print. Think about what you are saying before you write it down. Let's try and spread a little more love and a little less hatred.
I love you :)
11:53, I agree that we need more positivity on this blog.
But 6:44's comment was just plain nasty! Repeated obscenities, personal attacks on a teacher. Both 7:54 and 10:26 made their points without resorting to insult or profanity (except, of course, when quoting 6:44)
And here's something positive, mentioned on this blog: several of Mr. Kaisershot's band compositions are displayed in the lobby at Simmons. How many districts have a nationally-renowned composer among their faculty? He is such an asset to Simmons and to our community!
And our EHS band will be going to Disney next week. That's a positive, too!
All together now: "What the world needs now is love, sweet love--it's the only thing that there's just too little of...."
Must be comments from the New Board President. She just thinks everything is wonderful we have the best kids, teachers, administrators and of course her favorite the super superintendent Dr Roberts. She says it so much I thinks she is starting believe her own bull.
Well the positivity lasted 3 comments. I guess it is better than nothing. And no, I am not the new Board President. Just an observer.
Hey 6/1/10 @6:10am ,...why stop at just "Where was Simmons?" For that matter where was Cowherd?, where was Jefferson?, where was Washington?, where was Herget?, where was Jewel? I'm sure there are half a dozen good reasons why middle schools in general don't march in these parades. Why comment on just a few? Incidentally, West Aurora High School's marching band is an all-volunteer group. They are not part of the school day band classes. Wonder how many would be in East's marching band if it went to an all-volunteer group?
Well west has a bigger program because they don't have an 80% drop out rate from 5th grade to 8th grade.
Too bad for you.
If we're going to attack the flags for their uniforms (which I personally don't see anything wrong with - no cleavage, no midriff, just upper back and shoulders - I hope none of you dare to show your back or shoulders this summer!) then we need to attack all the other programs - cheerleaders and dance team. Those dancers do some serious gyrating and hip thrusting and all kinds of sexual movements. Shame on them! What sluts! What whores! Kelly Keating (dance team coach) should be run out of town for allowing such tremendous debauchery!
By the way, for those of you who couldn't figure it out, I was speaking sarcastically and I think you are all over-reacting and being hypocritical.
Hey guys, keep it up! At this rate, you'll run Liska out of town before the next school year! Be sure to make something terrible about their trip to Disney and keep going on and on about how terrible the band is and what a horrible mistake it was to hire Liska. How dare he accept a job! Keep focusing all your negative attention on the band - you'll accomplish your goal and leave the kids with nothing and another change that will take them several more years to recover from, but hey, you'll be happy, and that's all that matters, right?
By the way, I was also speaking sarcastically and I agree with 7:25 that you are all a bunch of hypocritical morons. (Now get ready for the rebuttals "When did we ever attack Liska? What are we doing that's hypocritical? Kaisershot was a god, and Liska is the antichrist!" etc, etc.) Oh goodie.
Why not direct criticism (and credit, for that matter) where it belongs? For example, the flag girls' outfits. If you think they're inappropriate, TELL THE ADMINISTRATION. Don't blame Mr. Liska; it's not his fault!
And if you think the Simmons band should have marched in the parade, ask the ADMINISTRATION why they scheduled so many activities during the last week of school. Maybe they will explain that they considered those activities more worthy of kids' time than practicing for a parade.
And then let's all link arms and sing "Kum-ba-yah". Now it's my turn to speak sarcastically!
Someone's dysfunctional...
Kum-ba-yah.....
I know of three staff members at Simmons who have had consultations with lawyers in the past month and are considering harrassment suits against the district and you people are worried about a parade that happened after the school year is over.
The memorial day parade is the least of the problems over at Simmons.
In the Beacon today we are one of only 100 school districts nation wide to have a grant writer. It shows the forward thinking we use but I am sure we will find a way to be negative about it however.
It also shows that there isn't an administrative position out there that this school district will pass up. There is a reason that in the past ten years the teaching staff has grown by 5% while the administrative staff has grown by closer to 50%.
I am not stating that it was necessarily a bad choice. A good grant writer should be able to generate a lot more revenue than their position costs but all those dollars come with strings attached. How many of those other administrative positions are needed to fulfil the requirements of those dollars?
And how do you come about your #'s because they are not true teachers have been hired in this district this year in record #'s
Too bad the assistant principal instrumental in securing that grant money at Simmons was pushed out of her job.
I was talking about the total number of positions, not in turnover rates.
Rehiring for positions that teachers leave in record numbers because it sucks to work in this district don't count.
It's too bad they didn't replace all three administrators at Simmons with competent individuals. The place is going to be a mess until the district does remove them.
Hey,guess what?!?
We,the East Aurora High School Band,have discovered your little blog comments. You guys have no idea how hard we work to try and put on a good show and move past all the negative criticism, just for you guys to knock us back down to the "E.A. OK." Yes,we did get Div.II for IHSA but that doesn't mean we're bad, but guess what we got Div. I for Jazz Band. As for the Fine Arts Festival, Mr. Liska is not dept. chair so he isn't in charge!! Oh and guess what, we're going to DISNEY! Yes,we were accepted, so that must mean we don't suck!!! Also, the reason we didn't go to Disney before is because if you haven't noticed, our economy was/is CRAP,put that together with a low-income neighborhood and you have virtually no one able to afford a 1,000 trip!!! Forunately, this year we have 50 students going and we are very excited! We've been practicing this whole week because we want to show everyone how good the E.A.H.S band is!! Another thing is, yes, we all know Mr. K was a great band director and he is missed but Mr.Liska is giving his all to the EA Band...So we would appreciate it if you stopped bashing our program!
please and thank you :D
To D on 6/3 @ 6:20pm
You write very well for a student in the East High Band. Wanted to compliment you on this.
Yes, I thought it was too well written for any East High Student. They must have also gone back and read the past couple of years worth of blog entries. Will the real author of that post please stand up and identify yourself.
Pretty lame, pretending to be a student.
Pretty lame calling high school students "slutty"
6:20 p.m., you sound like someone who is a real asset to our school district. Thanks for your positive comments--and best of luck to you and your fellow band students as you perform at Disney World. You've worked hard for this opportunity; enjoy it!
And thanks, too, for your kind words about both Mr. K and Mr. Liska. You said nothing about the bully administrators; but then, as the saying goes, when you can't say something nice about someone it is often wise to say nothing.
To: June 3, 2010 10:00 PM
You make me want to puke. You have to be in administration.
I think it's sad that people like you have come to expect students like us to all have poor grammar and sentence structure. Your ad-hominem attacks are useless to hide the fact that 6:20 is right. You have no idea how hard it is to try to improve the band program when there are so many people who don't back and support us. You're criticizing us when we're trying and doing our best to do what we love; play music. You should be ashamed of yourselves for the immaturity on this blog. And if you think i'm not a student, i'll gladly reveal my identity. It's sad that adult members of the community have to resort to picking on the students to get their points across.
ad-hominem attacks? I'd say the chances that you are a student at East High are about ten thousand to one. I'll tell you what, if you're a student at East High, I'll reveal my identity.
My name is Rudy Reza; EA soon-to-be senior. Don't underestimate students with an inflated sense of superiority.
Well I guess she showed us adults. This blog has been allowed to operate and attack peoples personnel lives. Mostly because of the blogs creator who is just angry herself but really Rayanne you claim you are about the kids to now let the kids get attacked. How can you be you.
I doubt that 10:00 p.m. is in administration, considering that they used the term "bully" to describe administrators.
And I have no doubt that many EHS students are articulate and intelligent, and could have written that comment at 6:20 yesterday. Especially band students, because it's been proven that playing an instrument improves kids' reading and math scores.
Haha 12:48 - you just got shown up by a high schooler! Shame on you for having such low opinions of all East High students. Your turn - what's your name?
Some of these students proably talk about each other just as bad if not worse.
The talk will continue if thes blog stays or goes so if you don't like what is on here don't read it.
Yes the lies will continue.
I just checked the district database, there is no Rudy Reza in the district records. So, either someone is lying here or our student data system that's been around for thirty years is not accurate.
You are a moron. I have no idea what database you are using, but it's wrong or you are clueless. Since all of you are such "big band supporters" and I'm sure you have kept programs from the concerts that you attended (yes, I like being sarcastic), why don't you check Wind Ensemble in the Trombone section?
I know a Rudy Reza who plays trombone at East High. He is also going on the Disney trip.
If his name didn't appear when you checked the district database, blame the incompetent administration.
Also, be aware that some students use more than one first and/or last name. In Hispanic culture, people may choose to use either their father's or mother's surname. And many people go by their middle name or a nickname.
or maybe blame your own incompetence
or both
Sounds like someone looked in an old band program, picked out a name and claimed to be that kid.
How pathetic.
It does sound suspicious.
Most references keep talking about how they know Rudy and keep refering to Rudy as SHE and HER. Rudy is a guy's name.
Are you kidding me? "Picked out a name from an old program"? I'm first chair trombone in Wind ensemble and Jazz band. You're either really ignorant, or just plain stupid. The fact that you're insinuating i'm lying about who I am is ridiculous. I hope you aren't in a position of power or this district will be in even more trouble. Oh and to that supposed "database search," you are blatantly lying. I use no other surnames, my name is Rudy Reza. Your database is out of date, or you're just trying to discredit what i'm trying to say; shame on you. The fact that your only rebuttal to my point is to deny my very existence is a testament to how childish and idiotic some of you are.
Even if Rudy does exist, it doesn't prove a damn thing. No is stating that it is impossible for there to be an intelligent kid on the East Side of Aurora.
With a 50% dropout rate and a district that perenially fails the state tests. (That's not an excellence test, that's a basic skills test) Most of our students are not meeting basic standards let alone showing anything considered excellence.
In other words the existence of one (or even a few) intelligent kid doesn't prove that the district is doing what they should for our kids.
Ok, you guys don't believe Rudy. We kinda had a band practice for Disney today and talked this over. Word on this blog is getting out and we as a band are not happy. Now that this is Facebook-public, I hope that some attitudes will change. BTW, we looked back at a couple of month's worth of blog, not a couple of years.
Have you even read what we've said? We made no mention of how well the district is doing to improve or maintain test scores. That was YOU putting words in OUR mouths. I guess this blog really is for forty year old whiners who, instead of actually going out there and getting involved, are content to merely type up those insults, because that's doing so much already.
You "kinda had a band practice today"? Maybe you should have some real practices and then you can do better than a Division II or III.
why not go back to the issue that started all this -- there is a Rudy -- who are you? You said if he was actually a student you would reveal yourself. "ad-hominem attacks? I'd say the chances that you are a student at East High are about ten thousand to one. I'll tell you what, if you're a student at East High, I'll reveal my identity. June 4, 2010 12:48 AM" PUT UP OR SHUT UP
We can't get the woodwinds wet. It was raining and it was supposed to be a marching practice. Since the weather sucked, we practiced our music indoors.
As long as us students do watch this, I will introduce myself as well. My name is Jakub Wrobel and I play 2nd Trombone in East Aurora's Wind Ensemble.I am going to be a Junior next year at East Aurora High School. Shame is what I think of when I read this blog. You people just generalize and generalize. Well generalize all you want, the East Aurora Band will remain proud with Mr. Liska as our teacher and conductor, and we will continue to be the best we can be. Maybe some of you people should take that inspiration and do something with your miserable lives instead of commentating on a blog that does not matter.
It's interesting, the people who are revealing themselves are proud students, and the people who are bashing them hide behind "anonymous."
Students, you have to understand that this blog requires PROOF of any opinion that they don't agree with. If they agree with it, then no proof of validity is required.
To back up my friend Rudy while he's being attacked by some loser who searches some made up "database", my name is Sam Skelley, I got to East Aurora, and I play the baritone horn in Wind Ensemble. I'm pretty sure the person who said "we kinda had practice today" was using sarcasm to show your ignorance to the band practices we have. Mr. Liska is an amazing band director who, besides what people think that aren't even his students, TEACHES US ABOUT MUSIC. Next time, try to talk about something you actually have knowledge about.
Whoops, that should say "go to East Aurora" not "got".
Good thing you corrected yourself Sam, otherwise they would've had an excuse to completely ignore what you said and bash you because of your grammatical errors.
Waw, yau naed tao knao haow tao spael Sam Skelly!
@ 1:23
You spelled "Skelley" wrong :P
On purpose! ;D
Rudy, Jakub, and any other EHS band students who read this--
Congratulations on your upcoming Disney trip. Enjoy a week of fellowship, music, and fun. You and your fellow band students (along with your parents and your director, Mr. Liska) have worked very hard to make this happen--you all deserve to have a great trip!
And when you get a chance, please take the time to look back through this blog over the past several years. You will get a valuable history lesson about how certain administrators in this district were able to wrongfully deprive the previous EHS band director of his job because of a personal vendetta. You can learn about the HUNDREDS of students, parents, alumni, and community members who spoke out against this unjust decision, and were told "no comment, the issue is over". You can also read about "Serial Bully" Radakovich's reputation for destroying fine arts programs in at least two previous school districts. You can read about the School Board president (at the time), Larry Malaker, who used Mrs. K's willingness to volunteer to help the band as a reason to get rid of her husband. You can learn about School Board member Juanita Wells' accusing the students of sabotaging the National Anthem. And most importantly, you (and your parents) can be aware of those administrators who are STILL IN POWER in this district and who would be quite capable of bullying others in the future.
6:20 here again!
For all you people who have the misconception that East Aurora students can't put a well written sentance together are out of your mind! District 131 is full of intelligent students who will become something in life, and not brought down by your false perception of the district's students. Have you ever thought that most of our peers don't do well because there are so many people out there telling them that they will get no where because they attend East Aurora! I don't think you comprehend the type of crap we go through to defend our school,to show everyone that it isn't full of gangbangers and dimwitted students. I,for one, could have gone to any other school like Rosary or ACC but I chose East Aurora because I am a die hard TOMCAT and believe in our district to provide a great education to my peers and I. Another thing is that I know for a fact that every student who has commented is in the band because so am I! I am a 17 year old girl who plays the Alto Sax., and can put a better structured sentance together than some of you people.
And since you are so "informed" about our program how about you pick up the Beacon tomorrow. Today, they came to take pictures of us because it is a tremendous accomplishment for us to be able to go to Disney and you better believe we will not be brought down by your nonsense!
So I ask again, STOP BASHING US! How about try to support and encourage us. Thanks :]
I hope that you guys will come to our concerts and get to know us as opposed to blindly criticizing us on this blog. As a student who had Mr. K during middle school, I know that he was a great director and composer, but that shouldn't be enough reason to hate Mr. Liska. He does an excellent teaching how to become a better musician and is also more than willing to stay after school to work on a tricky rhythm or tell you about upcoming concerts. He stays in his room during his free periods, periods during which we can walk in to practice. I'm pretty sure a visitor's pass would also allow you to see the band at work. Mr. Liska does more than is required for him and we as a band are proud to have him. By the way, I am Mauricio Palma, the band's tuba player and I helped make the comments on this blog public to the band members. I hope that reading this will encourage other students to see the kind of community they live in and work harder to change it.
Still 6:20,
Yes, again, we do miss Mr.K, I had him at Simmons and he is a great band teacher but we can't do anything about him being moved down. Mr.Liska has done his best to try and make us be the best we can be. As for the Flags uniforms, they were only showing their arms,so please stop overreacting. And about out wrong notes and bad music playing, how do you know? Did you have a score you were following along with, yeah I didn't think so. Get off your high horse, you don't know anything.
Mauricio, you're a class act!
I am 1:35 p.m., and I agree that both Mr. K and Mr. Liska have their strong points. Good for you for speaking up and showing E-A pride!
But please be aware of the history and reason for all the animosity on this blog. Certain administrators chose to support a personal vendetta instead of making decisions in kids' best interests 5 years ago, and some of those bullies are still working supposedly "for us". Word is that one of them, Dr. Gonzalez, wants to be the next superintendent. You and your parents need and deserve to know the WHOLE situation!
NO YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE WHOLE SITUATION.
That is why the issues is over.
THEY CAN'T TELL YOU EVERYTHING - IT IS AGAINST THE LAW - GET IT - IF THEY TOLD YOU THEY WOULD BE BREAKING THE LAW.
To 1:54:
I think I can speak for all of the band students when I say that we (frankly and out of all due respect) do not care what happened 5 years ago, with "bullies", personal vendettas, Mr. K etc. We simply do not choose to look back upon these things because we had nothing to do with them. That being said, when people bash on how we play and bring up how bad we sound, it only fuels more and more ambition to play harder and play better. Regardless how rude and uneducated music wise, people on this forum do not know the beginning of being in a band led by Mr. Liska, and how it feels to be apart of something as amazing as the band program at East.
- Jakub Wrobe;
Why is it against the law to tell us? If there is some sort of gag order then that's suspicious in of itself.
Some union contracts thing or something I think it is.... (wow, I don't even wanna try to fix that :P)
It's not illegal to speak about any personnel matters that are true. It's only illegal to fabricate falsehoods against an employee. If the administration had any real evidence they would be well within their rights to expose their failures.
So no one is unclear. There are no Illinois Laws that prohibit an administrators from speaking truthfully about an employee, even if the truths are unpleasant.
The reason the district administrators don't speak publicly about employees is because they know that they are lying and that lies could lead to a defamation lawsuit.
Band Kids, I admire your loyalty to your school but you need to go and see a Waubonsie Valley High School concert (or many other schools, I only picked Waubonsie because it is so close). I'm sure if you went to see a real high school program you would understand why so many adults in this district are fighting for the changes that would give you the music program you deserve.
The reason the band program at East is not all it could be is, among other things, motivation. Funding is only partially to blame. Before we can have a good music program, we need to retain the students! I remember when I was in 6th grade and our band had loads of people. In high school the choir and band programs are shrinking year by year. We need to find a way to retain musical interest while the kids are young.
Here's one clue, you have four white men who are trying to appeal to and retain students in a district that is about 95% minority students. Bottom line is they just don't relate well with the kids they are working with.
They don't pick out music that appeals to their students and the district does nothing to assist the students who want to participate in band but don't have the financial means to do so.
We could have an excellent music program in 131 but until there are changes made at the top.
6:20,again...
I totally agree with Rudy!
There is always room for improvement, I know, but many students lack motivation from the outside. Mr/Mrs. 3:16, yes, we do know there are other bands with somewhat better programs, but we work with what we have and we make the best of it. Plus, W.V.H.S and other schools have more than just one band director at the high school level,unlike us. We do appreciate you having our best interest in mind while fighting for us, but please don't blame Mr.Liska or Mr. K for what is going on, they were but merely dragged into this mess. They both do their best to keep the band program going and we would love for your support as well. By support we mean attending a band concert not ridiculing the fine arts program on the internet.
Thanks again,
6:20
Congrad's to the kids for fighting back. The hate and name calling on this Blog about Liska is par for the course. Rayanne Carlson runs this blog a former Board member is responsible for its content. You always say your about the kids Rayanne, so why not delete the comments that call the kids names. Probably for the same reason you allow administrators and your fellow Board members to get attacked. You enjoy making people miserable because you are miserable yourself. By going to meeting we can all see the whole Board is much happier without you.
Maybe if the district could provide us with tools, such as deals with affiliated private instructors or maybe some working with the district. We don't want new band directors, we like the ones we have!
Censorship causes blindness. How else are students supposed to see that they don't do a good enough job in getting the community to attend our concerts?
Its funny how the Band students will sign their names but the complainers will not. Who has nor character.
The complainers can't risk getting fired, they're the only intelligent minds left in the administration, or so they think.
Jakub, you SHOULD care about what happened 5 years ago, as long as any of the bullies who were responsible still works for the district!
History has a way of repeating itself, unless we learn from it and hold those responsible accountable. Five short years ago hundreds of us were disrespected and disregarded when we spoke up to support Mr. K. Now one of the worst bullies has gotten her doctorate AT OUR EXPENSE, and could become the next superintendent.
4:26 p.m. talks about "the hate and name calling on this Blog about Liska"--there's been plenty of nasty comments about Kaisershot, as well.
This blog (like most blogs) is an equal-opportunity insulter. But that's just part of our wonderful internet, I guess!
Yes, they teach us that in class. And yes, she is getting paid out of our money. Unfortunately, the community isn't concerned about this nearly as much as it was years ago so it probably won't do anything at this point. We probably won't do anything until the nasty events happen again (like the fine arts department being threatened) but by that time I'll be an adult. By that time, I could organize protests or just have a separate band program organized for students living in east Aurora. We know that Mr. K was moved to a middle school. We know it probably wasn't justified. We know that some of the things that they used against him where things that where actually good for his students and their parents. We know this, but it doesn't help us make a choice now. Learning more seems a bit pointless. We need our community to support us before we make any changes, and we as a band are working on that. One step at a time, a couple max.
No it's not equal.
To 5:50 pm.
In regards to your comments, I do not care at what happened 5 years ago because simply it has not affected me personally. I can understand from your perspective and viewpoint and I know it has affected you but I feel as if nothing has been done to me personally. I know what you will say now, it affected band and your in band so it surely effected you! No. That is not the case at all. I started with Mr. Liska my freshman year and intend to finish with Mr. Liska my senior year. History with Kaisershot? Not even mentioned one time. Us Band students are focused rather on the future than in the past, and in the future, me personally, will consist of me graduating High School in 2 years and moving on with life.
-Jakub Wrobel
Which leads me to believe that people are overexagerating on this blog. The past is the past. We (Band Students) do not care about the stuff that happened 5 years ago because, again, we have not been around that long to experience what History is there. We are definitely aware of it, but we are kids. We just don't care.
- Jakub Wrobel
So history isn't important to you unless it has affected you personally? That seems like a very narrow perspective! I sure hope that you are lucky enough to never encounter a bully. Then you may understand how important it is to remind people about the past, so that it never happens again!
No. History in this district does not matter to me unless it has affected me, because I have plans in life. All I do in high school is go to school and get an education. That's what matters, an education. Regardless of what you say anonymous, sitting on the internet and blogging about it won't do you any good.
Those of you who will be graduating in the next couple of years may eventually return to the East side of Aurora. You may be involved in choosing the next School Board, or hiring the next superintendent. So you need to be informed about the history of this district, positive and negative, in order to make informed decisions for the best interests of our children.
Maybe they feel things were done in their best interest. Just because you don't, does not make it so.
I apologize if I sound ignorant, I do not mean to come across this way, but it is true. Nothing is going to come out of blogging on the internet. Instead, people should take a stand and take out those corrupt administrators you speak of. I fully support you 100% in that decision, although I may not take part in it. That is because I love East Aurora and this district.
"They" would be, maybe a handful of bully administrators and school board members kissing Radakovich's behind. Against HUNDREDS of people who spoke out for Mr. K.
And in addition to comments on the internet--there are archived articles, letters to the editor, Openline calls in the Beacon-News and other local papers that will always exist from that time that will last as proof positive. Some of us have saved every clipping and recorded every name of those who spoke out against the bullies. And don't think we won't pull that evidence out if this district ever forgets!
Then "some of us" need to get a life.
And some need to get a clue.
and some need to get over it
I'm sure your perspective would change if the administration for no good reason whatsoever removed Liska as your band director.
When you went to see the administration to express your concerns, they hid behind locked doors and refused to even talk to you and then came out with a press release that said "the matter is closed" we refuse to talk to anyone about our decision.
They next replaced your director with someone who had no experience and was obviously much less qualified to lead your group.
Remember your attitude today. Remember that you said that it doesn't matter. Since it doesn't affect you, the administration can do anything they want. Maybe it won't be today, maybe it will be when your kids go to school or your grandchildren.
What you don't yet understand is that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Officials must be kept in check. It is the responsibility of all community members to keep an eye on their leaders and make sure that they are making decisions that are in the best interest of the community.
There are still administrators in this district who hid behind the closed doors at central office and refused to face the community when hundreds went to them for answers. There will always be community members that will do what they can to hold these people accountable. There will always be community members who will make sure that certain people do not get promoted because they don't have the communities best interests in mind.
There will always be people who will speak up for the best interest of the students. When you grow up a little more, you may be able to understand some of these things and not just look at the world by what affects you personally.
I can understand what you are saying. if Mr. Liska were to be replaced by somebody new, I would definitely be upset. But again that has to do with administration and that is a topic in which I am not able to speak upon because I am too uninformed. The reason I came on this website is to defend the band to put band naysayers in my own shoes. To give them a rather first person view into what band is like. With that being said, saying that the band is horrible sounding and all round bad, is unfair because of the hard work people put into this band.
So this is kinda like how you anonymous guys try to put us in your shoes, only that we defend our peers and you guys kinda attack each other.
There are basically two groups on here. Those who point out when they believe the administration has not made the correct decisions for our students and those who want everyone to say that all in the district is great and we should not question the district board and administration.
To most of us, we can not understand anyone outside of the administrators who would benefit by not questioning the decisions of our leadership.
Sometimes it does get a little testy but democracy is advanced citizenship. It's not always a garden where all is beautifull all the time. People shout at others who shout back their own deep felt beliefs.
Again when you are older you might begin to understand some of these things. No one is blaming the band members for the quality of the band. They are questioning the administrators decisions that have led to the present situation.
The students deserve the best the adults can offer and you should feel glad that there are so many who do come out and support the band program even if they don't usually agree on the best way to implement it.
That is like saying there are those who are "right" and those who are stupid.
Guess what it is not that black and white.
Some people believe that the band is better, that the students best interests are at hand.
NOBODY has said that everything is perfect in this district.
Just another way twisting the truth, you must be in politics.
"Some people" believe that the holocaust didn't happen and six million Jews were not killed by the Nazi's. That doesn't make it a fact.
The band was not good enough under Kaisershot and is even worse the past several years under Liska.
The kids of this community deserve better and there are community members in Aurora who are going to keep saying so until it happens.
Better? Mr. Liska does way more than what he needs to in terms of teaching the bands. If you really want to spoil us, get us some private instructors, otherwise back off. We are happy the way we are.
I completely agree with Mauricio says, Mr. Liska spends more time than sometimes he even needs to teaching us, however I can understand that a person with no understanding of how it is in band can think..
You should just give up trying to educate these ignorant kids. If the dozens of teachers and other adults haven't been able to do it by now, there little chance talking to them on here is going to do it.
Their whole world is that building and classroom. When they get out into the real world, they will begin to realize how inept their program really was, their view will change. Until then they are going to remain woefully ignorant.
Most young people would be excited and all consumed with the upcoming opportunity of going to Disney to display their talent in a parade watched by people from all over the world.
Yet, some have been guided by mentors or peers to visit a blog to defend “the band” against comments made anonymously. This blog amounts to spider dander in the vast world wide web. Who has planted this fixation in these students? Teens who should be spending their time with friends, family, preparing for their trip. Yet they come in numbers to defend what? The band? Who? The director? And truly why?
Young people who claim to be guided by the future and not the past, accusing others, yet their own "blind criticism” has judged all those who blog here.
Enjoy your life, your trip, your talent and don’t waste time defending something if you feel others are wrong in their comments. If the band has a good director- the truth will be heard. It doesn’t matter what people say, those who know music will hear for themselves. If you’ve earned the right to march in a Disney parade, only bands that can play well are chosen. If you are instead doing a workshop, then maybe paying for expert guidance will enhance next years high school performance for the director and students.
For heavens sake quit wasting time reading and writing on a blog.
Go be the youthful, carefree people God intended you to be.
What dozens of teachers and other adults? As I said before, all you need is a visitors pass and you can come and get to know us/teach us about whatever it is you want to tell us. We have not been approached yet.
I told them about this blog, and I (along with another few of us) are experiencing that post-packing free-time. We leave on Sunday and that gives this time to do what we enjoy, go on the internet. I stumbled upon this site a couple of days ago and thought that we really needed to tell you guys how the students at EAHS viewed their band program, so I posted a link on Facebook.
Mauricio and I decided to defend our band because we love it, not because we were "guided" to do so. Ignorant people is exactly what we aren't and you are right, I shouldn't be wasting my time writing on a blog with such mannerisms. You people feel I was forced to go on this blog, but rather I chose to. Now if you exuse me, I have to go pack for Disney :)
They are doing both, 2 parades and a workshop.
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