I am currently out of town and unable to read the 100's of comments that has shown up on the blog. I scanned through and see some sincere dialog going on. I appreciate that. I am creating this new post just to shorten the scrolling for ongoing dialog.
I hope the students are too busy in FL to post but look forward to their return and comments about their experiences.
Till later..................
254 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 254 of 254It's amazing how many people in this community open their mouths and speak when they little or no knowledge. Go see the Drum Corps show and come back here and talk about how great E-A is.
It does normally cost money to be part of a Drum and Bugle Corps but even they have programs for disadvantaged youths. If you have talent and little money, they can sometimes help. Especially, the smaller corps who need players.
Go see the show and see how talented West High is, go see the show and go see how talented Osweego is.
When you practice every day with people who are 100% commited to the cause then guess what - YOU GET GOOD.
Are you shocked? If you are, you are probably retarded.
Yes, the elite Drum and Bugle Corps students are better than East Aurora.
Finally, the voice of reason. Of course the Drum and Bugle Corps is better than EA. I would wager a guess that it is better than all the high school bands. Why anyone would compare a high school band to an elite band is beyond me. That would be the same as comparing the Drum and Bugle Corps to the Marine Corps Band. Let's get real people
I hope the kids do go and see the show, gives them something to work for.
This is not a community blog only a band blog. Like that is the most important thing affecting this district. You are a joke.
Drum & bugle corps are different in many ways from high school marching bands, and each should be enjoyed/critiqued on its own merits.
And the fact remains that we can be tremendously proud of our own District 131 Band Camp coming up next week. The Band Camp is a week-long daytime experience that combines music, teamwork, and fun. It has been a summer tradition for our 6th through 12th grade band students since 1976. No other district in the area does this--it's definitely a POSITIVE thing and deserves to be celebrated.
As for this being a "band blog", 12:33 p.m.--go ahead and change the subject if you have something else to discuss. Or is it just easier to gripe?
Yep Katie K that all we want to hear gripes about the Band.
7:06: incoherent, illiterate, or both?
District 131 is going to be investigated. In summer school today, I learned that many of the kids who failed Algebra II, did poorly in Algebra I, but just got "passed ahead". Now, he doesn't know what to do and is struggling to have the class follow him when they don't understand the basics of Algebra. He said something about having strong connections with the State board of education as well as the department of criminal justice. He already realizes the administration is incompetent and as I said before, he is having them investigated. He believes that they need to be investigated by the department of justice because he believes that the administration is contributing to the street crimes. He explained that by just passing kids, the kids turn to the streets and, well, get into trouble. If you know of a teacher or administration member who isn't doing their job right, don't be afraid to point these investigators in the right direction.
-Struggling Student
Start with Marin Gonzalez she destroyed the High School and they promoted her. She is responsible for having one of the worst High Schools in Illinois Board never asks why they should all be investigated.
Don't hope that the State Board of Education will do anything they just go with the flow. I wish they would step up and look at things but it just politics as usual. Our children deserve better and we should all try to make that so.
June 18 @ 6:33pm you were right on on what you stated. Weaver did stand alone on the issue and Wells and Hull did not even show up for the meeting. One thing Lewis and Johnson stated when going for the board was that they would not stay in Chicago if something was there. They have not kept many of their promises. Lewis flip flops around on everything, just like a fish out of water. Johnson sure does like to strut her stull as president. People should go to the meeting just to watch her, especially when it comes to her and Roberts. Gonzales and Tursa are past ridiculous. Can't understand Gonzales and she just rambles on. Also, why would Gonzales want to go to this conference as she has stated many times that the school board takes up to much of her time. What a joke this board and administration is!
Vote everyone on the board off just like the incumbent politicans need to be voted out.
You are correct Gonzalez & Tursa are jokes they look like to deers blinded by headlights. Hull has missed more meetings than he attended. Wells is still crying in her beer over not being President. Lewis is so pro administration I am not sure who is worst her or Johnson when it comes to praising the admin's. Lewis is the biggest disappointment she was elected by many of us because she knew the Band issues. To sit and praise Marin Gonzalez is just a slap in the face. Johnson, however has one goal to make Roberts look great.
Don't forget Lewis first worked on the referendum then she was against it. She served on a committee that picked Liska. Now she praises Gonzalez out of all of them Lewis is the least ethical. Johnson only is using the as a stepping stone to another position. She needs to make the world worst Superintendent and District look good. The other Board members are jokes just put there to vote yes. Weaver fights a losing battle and I am sure she is just tried. At least Weaver stuck it out unlike Carlson who was just a quitter.
Grant That I May Not Criticize My Neighbor Until I Have walked a Mile in His Moccasins.
They sold moccasins in Florida. :(
WOW Rayanne, I have never heard a more hypocritical statement.
11:30 p.m., Anita Lewis did NOT help to pick Mr. Liska. She and another parent were brought in and USED by Marin Gonzalez and Joe Harmon to try to cover up the administration's bullying of Mr. K.
Here's a direct quote from the Beacon-News:
"The other parent and I said we liked Brian, but he's so young and has no experience. The administration is just scrambling and looking for someone to hire, and they've put this kid in".
~~~~
And don't think that some of those candidates who turned down the band job haven't been talking among their fellow music teachers and friends over the past few years, about how THEY were treated by D131 administrators! For example, one candidate was denied the opportunity to tour the band room and office because Mr. K was rehearsing the kids for Disney at the time. He asked how the kids & parents felt about their director and either Mr. Harmon or Ms. Gonzalez (or both) said "the parents and kids love him, but we're getting rid of him anyway".
To his credit, Mr. Liska has done his best with a very difficult situation. The kids are having fun in band. They went to Disney World for the first time since 2005. The jazz ensemble received a Division I rating this past spring. But this whole issue did NOT have to happen, and will NOT be "over" (as Mr. Muhammad infamously claimed) until every last bully administrator is GONE from the district!
"For example, one candidate was denied the opportunity to tour the band room and office because Mr. K was rehearsing the kids for Disney at the time. He asked how the kids & parents felt about their director and either Mr. Harmon or Ms. Gonzalez (or both) said "the parents and kids love him, but we're getting rid of him anyway".
~~~~~~~~
To my knowledge, this thread is the FIRST time that the information quoted above has been made public.
Unless 8:08 can enlighten us about specifically where it has been posted before??
Yeah, I know. I shouldn't have posted that annoying repetitive stuff about the kids having fun in band, going to Disney, and getting a Division I at the jazz festival. Sorry, 8:08 a.m.
I guess no matter what you say, you'll offend someone.
Wow, nothing new there, thanks for repeating yourself again
Like you just did??
You're welcome.
Well PROVE IT 8:05 - PROVE THAT THAT WAS SAID. I believe you are just making that shit up.
Again, we have to prove the truth but accept the lies on this blog.
Well I want 8:05's LIES proven.
I did it as a joke 8:26 - repeating myself. I knew I was doing it.
Get it. Thanks for missing the point. It's annoying to read the same lies and bullshit day after day.
Bullies, Band, Liska, Mr. K, Hundreds of Parents, Disney, Washington BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
8:05 quoted from an article in the Beacon-News, on Sunday, July 10, 2005.
If you think 8:05 is lying, why don't you just read the article for yourself?
Not the second part. Good job.
Lewis should know better than anyone because she was in the middle of the band debate. Now she sits and praises Gonzalez meeting after meeting. Talk about a hypocrite. As for Johnson she fits right in she is the Board bully and does not care about the kids. In fact her kids do not attend our schools they attend d204 and Illinois Math. As for the other members one cares the others just take up space or don't come to meetings. Lets not forget Wells reading a prepared Clayton speech that the Band Parents made their kids mangle the Star Mangled Banner. Now the admin's don't need her anymore to read prepared speeches they have Johnson to speak for them. So poor Ms Wells under the bus with you. Jerome could even get the Board President title for one year. Those of us who know Jerome knows he prefers blonds.
See kids, this is what happens when you don't take your medicine.
Or you drink the administration's Kool-Aid.
Johnson does not have any kids.
I like Kool-Aid.
They had Kool-Aid in Florida..
Its funny last year Johnson was to attend IASB and spent the day over at Illinois Math. She does have kids but she raising someone else's. That means no real responsibility. Of course none of our Board members have kids that attend the school today so why care. Roberts sent his step-children to private school. He not only never moved to the District but doesn't even believe in the public school system.
Johnson lives with her mother and does not have children, nor is she raising someone eles. She does go with a man that has children.
From what I understand she does raise those kids. It is funny Johnson, Clayton and Roberts have all raised other people kids never committed to having their own.
Tursa, Wells and Gonzales never had kids that attended d131 schools.
Hull has stated he sends his kid to private school for religious reasons.
Weaver and Lewis did have kids that went to the schools but it taught Lewis nothing because she now defends the bully admin's.
Basically none are vested in the school system
I heard one of the Board members used her influence to get her child a high paying job at the District. Guess who maybe I tell if the blogger can't guess.
The only person I can guess is Lewis.
I think some are vested in the district and for the best of all children but it probably is only two of them. For the most part school systems are a money pit for tax payers who only serve the administration and some on the school board the whole system should be redone for the benefit of the education of all children and not the what people make as salaries. This district should be dissolved and started over but it won't be unless parents get involved. You would think they would what more for their children than what this district gives them.
The parents don't give a shit, that is the problem with the district. Not the administrators, not the teachers, not the students, THE PARENTS ARE THE PROBLEM. The difference between Oswego, Naperville, Batavia and East Aurora is the parents.
Carol Farnum's granddaughter worked for the district. So what?!
It would be Gonzalez that was her main reason for running for the Board. She had a worthless career as a d131 teacher now her daughter got a high level admin job they created for her. Just like mother, she is not qualified to be a teacher so transfer her to admin.
Just like her old guard prior members Salinas, Farnum and Wells they all got loved ones to work for our District. Ethically they can not vote on raises or appointments but they do. Let us not forget Tursa was appointed to the Board and is Gonzalez's best friend she has no interest in the kids. She only goes to lunches and trips on the districts dime its entertainment at our expense. Read her Board comments that is all she does. However she does vote yes that all Johnson and Roberts want.
Gonzalez is a joke Clayton writes her speeches for her to talk about education something she knows nothing about. The problem is Clayton needs to write the speeches in Spanish so she can read them. At least Wells could read English when Clayton wrote hers . When she blows it Lewis is always ready to jump in. Lewis then works very hard to make sense of it. The problem with Lewis is she is not that good of a fib teller so she admitted the teachers are not happy with the middle schools. A statement that woke Roberts up.
Roberts can always count on Johnson. Funny how Johnson now talks about education something she could care less about because her kids attend d204. However she needs to defend Roberts. Her latest is textbooks since the district decided to stop spending money on upgrading the books. Weaver started complaining so Johnson had to deflect by bring up computers. They won't spend money on either but at least they had to say something. She then praised the District for openness on surveys to deflect Lewis slip up.
If anything the meeting are good entertainment.
9:27 p.m. says:
"Johnson, Clayton and Roberts have all raised other people kids never committed to having their own".
~~~~~~
Ignorance on display, bigtime!
What makes a child "my own" is NOT about whether we share the same DNA. It's about the bond that we develop as we live the joys and challenges of a parent-child relationship. And in some ways, being a good step-parent or adoptive parent is more difficult than raising biological children, because there tends to be more societal support for traditional "natural" families.
I have a lot of respect for people like Ms. Johnson, Mr. Muhammad, and Dr. Roberts. Our society needs more parents like them!
Can someone fix the parents already? The parents in this district suck. We need to have them show up to more student activities and have them encourage their kids to join more programs. If they're minorities, then they should do this 10 times more! Guess what, students at school means that yo get more free tome/work time. These parents are so uninvolved and you can see this easily in the band programs. They buy their kids an instrument and then they just let the kids quit band. It ruins it for the rest of us.
They don't buy instruments, they borrow from the school because they can "afford" them. Somehow every kid has a cell phone and $100 shoes.
Many of our band teachers have gone above and beyond to get instruments donated for 131 students to "use".
Then students take them home, never to be seen again.
Check the local pawnshops--they always have band instruments for sale.
Wonder where they came from??
The students I know have their own instruments, the only ones that get borrowed are the bigger ones.
Still, what you said changes nothing. Parents are still to blame.
It's not just band. Kids drop out of the choir program, too--and they don't have to buy instruments.
Unfortunately, some kids just don't want to stay with an activity when it gets too challenging or takes up too much time. And other kids just take the basics they have to take to graduate, because they have to get a part-time job for economic reasons.
When my own kids were in middle school and high school and wanted to quit an activity, I would ask, "what do you want to do instead?" If the answer was, "I want to go out for track", or "I'd rather do drama than chorus", that was fine. If they said "I dunno" or "hang out with my friends", that was NOT acceptable. And my kids understood that their job during the school year was to work hard and get good grades--they didn't need to work 20 hours a week at a part-time job. Their father and I would provide what they needed, so there was no reason for them to drop out of extra-curricular activities.
But not every family has the same attitudes & priorities, I guess!
We can always rely on this blog to go back to the band issue. That is why people like Dee & Rayanne could never make changes to the things that really count. The Board & administration know that nobody will ever come to the meetings and speak or hold them accountable. I know they openly make jokes about the band supporters. This is witnessed again and again about all the band discussions that take place on this blog. Basically none of you give a shit.
It's not just the Band Supporters, the administration and board don't give a shit about anyone in the community. They have their own little circle of power and don't give a damn what happens outside of that circle.
The parents of this community deserve blame on two fronts. They aren't involved enough in their children's day to day activities and they don't use their collective power effectively to oversee and influence the board and administration.
That is why this district is so screwed up. A corrupt administration and uninvolved community.
AMEN!
How absolutely true!
Actually most of the band members own their instruments, it's only a few that borrow and those are mostly members who play more expensive instruments like the Bari-Sax,Tenor Sax,Tuba,and Bass Clarinet.Those instruments are VERY expensive..I'm sure some of you couldn't even afford them.
look it up on google and check it out...and don't get fooled by the poor quality ones that range in the hundreds because these insturments are in the THOUSANDS!
Post a Comment