The Roosevelt High School Issues
Submitted by History on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 13:47.
UPDATE: January 30, 2007 - Principal Myrtle Dixon at center of grade changing allegations (Read the story here)
On December 20, 2007, at the request of more than 20 Roosevelt staff members, 98% of who are teachers, Alliance/AFT made a public school board presentation. The presentation was the first time we had gone "public" regarding the issues at Roosevelt. However, we deemed the concerns to be serious--enough to warrant a public statement. Below is the full text of the presentation made.
Following the meeting Leslie Williams, the administrator in charge of Roosevelt, made a commitment to us that, following the winter break, he would personally go to Roosevelt. At that time he said he would talk to the teachers and school employees, without the presence of the principal.
Additionally, at the actual school board meeting, Lew Blackburn, Trustee for the geographical area which includes Roosevelt, made it abundantly clear that he did not want to hear of retaliation against the employees for coming forward.
I personally was very proud of the individuals who attended the meeting and were willing to stand up for their school. We need more courageous, passionate people like these. I am optimistic that the issues will be addressed.
The following is the text of what was read to the Board:
President Lowe, Superintendent Hinojosa, Board Members.
My name is Aimee Bolender. I am president of the 10,000 member Alliance/AFT, which is the elected chair of the consultation organization for teachers and non-administrative school employees.
There is a lack of belief among the teachers and staff that anyone really cares about what is happening at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. It appears to them that while they have stepped up to the plate with legitimate issues, no one cares enough to take swift action to make much needed, systemic changes. The following are the concerns that the teachers and staff have asked me to express to you on their behalf:
In a letter/petition, dated November 9, 2007, concerns were outlined and addressed to specific administrators of the district; however, no response was received. These concerns include (1) Violations of the Code of Ethics, (2) Blatant disregard for State and Federal laws (3) Manipulation of the collaborative periods and (4) Retaliation against active union members.
1. An attendance committee was compiled by the Principal, which did not include any staff in the attendance or data office. The policy manifested in such a way the teachers were directed to falsify legal documents. Some of the directives are: (1) not to give grades lower than a 65 for a grading period, (2) students who withdraw shall not receive anything lower than a 70 (though some may have absences exceeding 20 days (3) no zeros can be written in grade books. These few directives alone are in direct violation of local and state policies. Because of coercive manner that has been displayed by the Principal, she is violating the Code of Ethics.
2. The Principal has blatant disregard for taxpayers’ dollars and federal and state laws, specifically No Child Left Behind. She has taken it upon herself to create self-contained classes. Special Education teachers are used as substitutes, daily, consequently, leaving the inclusion program short of teachers and the special education students are not being adequately serviced. Special Education has affected AYP for Roosevelt.
3. Highly qualified and certified teachers are also being used as substitutes or floaters in areas that affect AYP, math and English specifically.
4. The collaborative planning period has been maliciously manipulated and misused according to district guidelines. The result has been a division amongst areas within the CORE subjects, thus a lack of effective planning.
5. Our academic program is suffering because teachers do not have access to needed resources and students cannot be issued textbooks per directive.
6. This week alone, coincidentally, teachers have been placed on professional growth plans for no valid reasons. These targeted members of the faculty have attended union meetings.
The selection process for hiring the principal at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School has failed the staff. The Principal was not in the pool of candidates to be considered as principal. We implore you to make it right. A change in leadership is needed in order for our school to be successful.
I am providing you with documentation to support our assertions.
My experience with the administrator in question is that she will begin a campaign of trying to discredit the complainers. She will liberally distribute formal reprimands to them. She may then paint the complainers as unwilling to change, unwilling to get with the program or as poor teachers and employees. Be aware of this strategy. It has worked for her in the past.
The current status quo at Roosevelt is not acceptable to us. Further, those passionate about turning round our district should not tolerate it. The current situation at Roosevelt is an example of where Dallas Achieves and reality should come together to make a difference for students. It is time for quick action, not words.
Another school in crisis continues to be Hulcy Middle School. Yesterday there was a riot of Hulcy students in the cafeteria. This occurred at breakfast time. Students were standing on the tables and kicking each other. The estimated number of students involved is in the hundreds. This is not the first time I have expressed concern for Hulcy.
Principal Dixon?
Hello All! I have a quick question about Principal Dixon: Was she reassigned? I was sure that I saw a quick blurb on the news about it this week. Also, whatever happened to Mary Davies, the principal at Spence?
[Ed Note: I don't know the full story "on the record" yet. BTW, Hinojosa does not live in Plano. His son goes to a DISD school.]
Mary E. Davies
In the email addressed Principal Dixon??? The question was asked What ever happened to Mary E. Davies the principal at Spence? Well, she was removed in May. Spence has an interim principal.
[Ed Note: Remarkably few details have emerged.]
Calling Mary Davies
Thanks Allen, not only for the needed exposure regarding Spence principal(Davies),but for other schools as well. Just maybe the big WIGS downtown will give a listening ear to teachers,etc? It has been rumored, that Mary Davies has a few of her trusty favorites to hatch frivolous rumors, such as she (Davies) had to take a leave of absence after being in the hot seat,(During testing,closing of the school year.Yeah Right!) to care for a relative. Mary Davies is all about image! She has not a care in the world for helping educate students. The entire staff of A. W. Spence should now take this unhealthy experience, and put it behind them, and start focusing on the positive. Hopefuly Mary Davies can seek some good from this situation that will cause an internal chage? Anything is possible.
Spence Principal?
Is she coming back or not? The position isn't posted. Barbara Morrison, was the summer school principal and she would be a GREAT replacement. I think she could turn that school around!
Spence Principal?
Right but wasn't she (Ms. Morrison) already a principal at one point and then later placed in an assistant principal position?
Principal's could not apply for summer school positions this summer...so that is why she was in that position...not because she was going to be the new principal at Spence.
Spence needs someone completely unbiased who will do what is best for the school. Working there in the summer does not mean you should (or are qualified to) be placed in the position.
Barbara Morrison
She was my dean at Stockard MS back in 1996-1998 and she was one tough cookie with the kids, which I appreciated (they were running amuck at that time at Stockard). She was also very supportive of me as a new teacher. Having said that, she was not exactly young at that time (maybe in her 50s?) and that's been a number of years ago.
Morrison and Spence
I taught summer school at Spence. I do not think that Ms Morrison is a good principal. She is a hot-headed jump-the-gun personality. Spence needs a principal who is a good disciplinarian and a supporter of teachers.
[Ed Note: Keep in mind, folks, that all administrators have their supporters and detractors. ...somewhat like us bloggers do :) ]
Principal for Spence
There are two programs at Spence M.S. (The TAG academy and the Learning Center). The new principal should have the understanding of how to run both programs together successfully and recognize the value of both programs. (Not Separate them) Spence's faculty and staff are ready for that person to come in and work with them to bring Spence back to the status it was in the past before Mary E. Davies. The new principal must get discipline under control on the first day of school. All the teachers/faculty members at Spence want is someone who is positive and not an ego maniac, have interest in the students, who will come out of the office and get to know the students, someone who will treat the teachers/faculty with respect. when something is wrong to speak to that person as an individual and with respect. The Students deserve this, the teachers/faculty deserves this. I do not know Ms. Morrison but if she meets the above qualifications, then apply for the job.
Anti-Davies Lies
Allen, Allen, Allen....
By now I'd thought you'd figured out not to post the anti-Davies lies posted here.
Apparently they can still sucker you.
[Ed Note: Hey... it gets people to comment, or so I am told :) ]
It's a shame--Marquez
I agree with this poster. It's a shame that some teachers continue their ugly little campaign. I won't say anything else because I don't want to be attacked. However, I'm curious about Gilda Marquez. Is it true that prior to Davies hiring her she took a church kneeler in front of DISD and was praying for the district? Oh my God, that rumor just can't be! I sure hope Castro didn't promise her anything. That lady is a loon to put it mildly. Also, I did hear that she was always bad-mouthing Davies even after she gave her a second chance. Yes! I can see why you get so many comments. I too heard it from a reliable source that Davies resigned.
On another note, thank you Allen for getting us the info on Spruce. My best friend used to work there and she is a heck of a teacher. Had she stayed she would have been robo-fired too! Thanks for exposing DISD with your blog. I was shocked when I heard the message.
Spence, Dallas.Org
First of all I am sorry that this website is the future of education. I am sorry at how one could get sucked into the Jerry Springer of education, including myself.
However, I must stand up for education and that I will.
I admit there were a lot of issues at Spence.
I believe that the teachers and students deserve a break from all the subjective eyes of the world wide web who happen to be looking not only at teachers but at the students.
In all this talk, who has the best interest of the students at heart? I would hate to be the parent of a child looking into all this trash.
A lot of kids have enough of it at home. Which brings me to something bothersome and uncomfortable to talk to all of you about.
I don't believe that exposing an eleven year old girl to shooting her comments online is helpful to her upbringing, hence a child should learn that old time idea of sensibility.
I think that critical thinking is one thing, already allowing her parent's jaded view of public education is another.
I fear the parent of this child lost critical thinking in child raising a long time ago. If you need help in understanding the dangers of making the net your public/private forun I recommend watching the Frontline special, Growing Up Online.
I also don't believe that this was a forum to get an eleven year old girl in touch with her feelings.
Its one thing to Spence, its another to involve an eleven year old child perhaps not yet capable of drawing the line of discernment.
As a parent, this online life takes a life of its own, one must make sure that this life is online life is not to be looked at as validation.
But hey if you have it figured out more power to you. If she did not like her day at Spence, then she writes a letter to her hosts at the school.
Not that I am Ann Landers or anything but Gossip Girl should not be the role model that she has to express her opinion. Call me old fashion or just old.
An inner-city school such as Spence will always present issues that are difficult. But this website is not about solutions, rather arm chair speculators feeding the ego of the creator.
The fact of the matter is it is rather tacky tasteless and self serving. But who am I to say anything? This website is tacky tasteless and self-serving.
As far as the future of Spence, whether Gilda, Barbara, or you the blogger or creator of this website whomever the next leader happens to be; it is best to build children rather than speculate and post trash online. But hey this is only my third time on this website and my last. Best of luck.
[Ed Note: First, let's get something straight: this website has nothing to do with "getting a [child] in touch with his or her feelings. My daughter posted her experiences in an attempt to shine light on a negative experience that should have been positive.
To date, by the way, her story has had over 10,000 unique readers.
When we teach our kids to "clam up" about things, we teach them that "it's someone else's problem." That is the wrong message to deliver to our children.
The stories we post here, we don't make up. Many of the stories posted here have sparked change at DISD. As far as opinions, we frequently take issue with posters (ala what's happening now) who blindly toss out ill-thought ideas.
Online forums are here. I suspect they're going to be around for a long time to come. So you better deal with it!
As far as your claim that you've only been on the website "3 times," I suspect you've been around a lot longer than that. I would also bet this isn't your last time posting!
By the way, stay away from the Dallas Morning News' blog too. You'll find lots of "trash" there too! Cheers!]
The Good, The Bad, The Awful
You know, you are right, poster. This website does show the soft underbelly of the DISD. You see the bad, the ugly and the downright awful.
Thank God for it!
I am a taxpayer and DISD employee. We are in danger of losing our jobs if we speak up, so we post here. If we can draw in outside eyes, embarrass our bosses--or shame them--into doing the right thing, like their Momma should have taught them, then so be it.
Yea, some go overboard on some items, but overall, this website balances out. You hear of good things, too.
Finally, the eleven yr old's blog is so-o-o way old news. Criticize in a timely manner...but wait! You aren't going to read this anyway!
Buh-bye!
Fixing DISD: HowTo
I moved to Dallas a while back for the sole purpose of teaching in the area. It offered everything that most other urban areas in America don't. Great pay, low cost of living, good districts, and lots of opportunity. I came to teach at Dallas ISD instead of one of the surrounding areas because I saw teaching in Dallas as Prime Time. People nationwide have heard of Dallas. How many people have heard of places like Little Elm?
Since starting my new career in Dallas this is what I have learned. DISD has a history and reputation of being terribly mismanaged, a reputation that is seems to want to keep. I've also learned that many people in the area, including teachers, detest this reputation but seem willing to accept it.
Here is what I propose. If we want DISD to change, we need to do it. Most of us that work in the district are Dallas County residents, taxpayers, and parents. By law we control things. We elect school board members. Our voice is what matters. If these school board members will not listen or work to actually fix problems then we elect others that do. It's part of the democratic process. If we work at schools where administrators will not do their jobs then we bring formal complaints to whatever level is needed. We are backed by the teachers' unions and the community. If we want change, we cannot accept the unacceptable.
Gilda Marquez--New Spence Principal
Gilda Marquez was asked by Mr. Castro on June 26, 2008 to apply for the Spence principalship. He promised to select her. Davies was forced on by Mr. Castro on the same day. She submitted her S-54 but it hasn't been posted yet. She's out! Ms. Marquez is in! Hooray!
Spence Principal Selection Committee?
How can Castro promise to hire anyone. Didn't she go through the principal selection committee. I was on one for another middle school. If he already can tell who gets what, then it's another example of going thru the motions...yet doing as they please. I hope this isn't the case. They dragged Hill out all summer, more teachers left and the new principal was hired on Thurs. before school started. Please tell me there was a selection process with teachers and parents involved ??
[Ed Note: Anybody?]
Principal Selection Advisory Committee
Principal Selection Committee? SBDM? It seems from reading this blog for a while and working for the district, that DISD expects such things to run as advisory-only platforms. Has a selection committee's final choice been overturned by the area sup.? (oops, learning community director) Have principals been placed without a committee being convened? Is it about giving the parents the illusion of having some control? Are either of these required by TEA?
Gilda Marquez
I doubt seriously if Mr. Castro offered Gilda Marquez the job of Principal at Spence. Ms. Marquez once was an administrator for DISD in the past, but has been in the classroom for the last eight years. Marquez does not have confidence in herself to lead and was very much apart of the problems at Spence. The was a selection committee two years ago when selecting a new principal for Spence. The committee selected someone from Skyline of course the committee was ignored by Mr. Castro. The end result was Mary E. Davies. Who constantly reminded her faculty/Staff that Castro was her friend. Now, how about that!!!
[Ed Note: I've found that sometimes the quietest folks end up making the best administrators.]
Marquez Not Good For Spence
Please tell me this is not true! Gilda Marquez is definitely not the right person for Spence. Mary Davies might have been spiteful in her way, but Marquez's incompetence will make Davies look like a miracle worker. For anybody that doesn't know her, she's been in the district for over a decade and was actually demoted all the way down to classroom teacher as late as 2006-2007. Spence needs somebody to come from outside the whole situation, and perhaps even outside the district. If this is true Spence is in for a long dismal year.
[Ed Note: I'm not seeing any specifics on why you believe Gilda Marquez to be incompetent. Let's get some facts, eh? Keep in mind that Spence is going to be under a microscope this year--from students, parents and teachers. An ineffective leader won't be happy at Spence this year.]
Gilda Marquez
She abandoned her job as Dean of Instruction at Boude Storey(1998?) and spent three weeks in a tent across the street from the Admin. building praying to "heal the wounds between Rojas and the School board."
[Ed Note: What? I don't remember this at all.]
Different Last Name
She had a different last name then.
[Ed Note: ...and that would be?]
Gilda Molina
Her last name was formerly Molina...Gilda Molina.
[Ed Note: I still don't recall the incident you refer to. You wouldn't happen to have anything documented would you?]
Spence Principal
Ms. Marquez has not been promised the principal position at Spence. The position must be posted and at least 3 applicants interviewed for the position once it is posted (The position has yet to be posted)... my information is from a reliable source.
[Ed Note: I'd like to know what policy this is.]
Marquez at Spence
Ms. Marquez is a nice person but has a history of instability under pressure. You really need to examine her background carefully before you give her a principalship again. You might ask former teachers at O.M. Roberts what type of principal she was. While I agree Davies was way unprofessional, Marquez crossed the line many times with her bad-mouthing also.
Marquez? DISD Jerry Springer
Allen,
It appears all these posts from the Spence teachers are turning your normally informative blog into the DISD Jerry Springer show. When our school was having difficulty, our Executive Director Leslie Williams tried to do something positive about it. However, at Spence everyone seems to be speculating and mud-slinging. How much of this involves their ex dir Emelio Castro? If it’s really true that he promised Gilda Marquez the principal spot at Spence, then he’s just plain whack and I’ve already heard HORRIBLE things about him! I personally know Marquez from TJ and she was an incompetent and paranoid even then. She would try to take credit for other people’s work!
As for you Allen, I applaud you for breaking the p-card scandal and getting us a copy of the “you’re fired” recording. What is DISD thinking? Don’t they care about their teachers? Does anyone care about the teachers??
[Ed Note: We allow quite a bit of latitude regarding posts. Keep in mind that these things aren't only being said here--they're being said other places. By being liberal in our posting policies, we expose these issues to public scrutiny and rebuttal.]
Help From Executive Directors?
So Leslie Williams is a big help? Exactly how did he help Spruce and Roosevelt this year? The teachers at Roosevelt were on every media channel telling stories of the total chaos at the school. Williams was called in and did nothing.
How did he help Spruce? Didn't he let Skyline disintegrate when he was principal? Other than being a sharp dresser, what is his skill set?
Ex-Director Castro?
"How much of this involves their ex dir Emelio Castro?"
I have heard a rumor he is going to Ponce position as Director of Transformation Office. Is he the ex-director of Secondary East?
Emilio's Peter Principle
Hasn't that man hit his level of incompetence YET?
Lord, put him on a bus with Leslie Williams, Ms. Durant and Shirley Isom-Newsome and take them away from us!
[Ed Note: Keep in mind that, on the flip side, there are some who would disagree with you about a lack of competence of these folks. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm saying that there are multiple opinions about these folks--and others--and me :) ]
Competence
Please tell us one thing Williams has done right in two years. He rarely enters the schools he supervises. He left Skyline in a mess. He let others there take the heat for decisions he made.
Tell us how Durant supports her principals instead of throwing them under a bus.
Tell us how great Isom-Newsome is when she rules her fiefdom with fear and heavy doses of paperwork. What or who does that woman know to keep her around so long?
And explain how a man like Castro was about to be fired or demoted--only to be promoted because nobody else would take the East Side LC job.
Incompetence
No the incompetence has not reached an all time high yet. That will happen when and if Castro continues to be promoted. Castro's godfather Flores is gone now. What is he going to do next? His principals hate him, the teachers rarely see him except when he's glad-handing them, so what next? Castro has a long documented history of scandals, e.g. p-card, TAKS cheating, inappropriate relationships, and general dishonesty. He surrounds himself with flunkies and kisses-up to anyone that might promote him. However, speak in private to people about him and they'll tell you it's all about his career and CYA. Nope, Castro is not a nice guy but he's done will with the skill set he does have.
Marquez and Spence
I could list some very specific details as to Ms. Marquez's incompetence and would glad to do so, but I believe that this would reveal my true identity (much like Superman). If Marquez is principal or not I still do not need an administrator against me. However, I can say that I seriously doubt she was named principal of Spence. There was no mention of it on the DMN website's article on new principals and principals that had submitted s-54 forms. Don't forget she was a classroom teacher just a few short years ago after years of being an administrator. It appears even the district does not think she is qualified enough to run a school. I again believe that Spence needs a principal that comes from outside the situation that has a proven track record of success.
[Ed Note: I have found, over the years, that there are very few instances where one person is the sole knowledge-holder of information. So you might be suspected of revealing information but there's still doubt. I encourage you to provide specifics--assuming we can verify them.]
Embarrassed at Spence Teachers
I am a bit embarrased by the comments left on this blog by some apparent Spence teachers. Last school year many took out their frustrations with Mrs. Davies here on a public forum blog rather than handle it the proper way. Now some are already beginning the same course of action with Mrs. Marquez despite the fact that she has not even officially been named as principal. There is a right and wrong way to handle situations. I'm sure we've all made errors in judgment in the past, but would we want someone else writing on a blog for everyone to read the things that we do wrong. Imagine how others feel. They are people as well. Address problems properly.
[Ed Note: I'm curious as to why you feel that posting comments about a public agency on a public forum is inappropriate.]
Public Comments Not Inappropriate
I don't believe posting comments about a public agency for the public to see is inappropriate. I believe that posting comments about individuals for the public to read is not the right course of action. I think of it like athletes going to the media about their coaches or other players. Does any good usually come out of these situations? Typically not. Instead it usually becomes a game of he said/she said. At Spence, unfortunately, it put some people on edge about who was on what side.
If someone sees something inappropriate happening at a public institution like a school it is the public's right to know about it. However, handle problems with individuals through the proper channels. After all, I'm sure we've all done something wrong that someone else knows about. Would we want them posting it for everybody to read?
[Ed Note: I believe all quieter channels had been exhausted by the time it got to Dallas.Org--which is usually the case!]
Gilda
The teachers at Spence only know Gilda as Ms. Marquez. The posts I have read obviously were written by people who knew her before she became Gilda Marquez. The teachers at Spence who have written on this blog wrote about Mary E. Davies and the problems at Spence. Don't assume these recent writings were written by Spence teachers. We've only known her for one year.
Full Disclosure
A public agency is meant for public consumption, they are paying for it.
It has its pros and cons. Pro, it is very hard to get fired. Con, when you are using public money everything is public.
Gilda!
By no way could anyone ever do the amount of damage done by Mary Davies....we had a huge turnover last summer in staff. Everyone was running to get the heck out of our school. The ones that remained figured they would more than likely stay around to watch Davies do herself in. However, let's remember that Gilda Marquez was hired by Davies. So Mrs. Davies if you are the one who is bashing Gilda I feel you have yourself to blame and must feel threatened by her.
Again Mary Davies, you have yourself to blame for everything. No one was against you when you arrived at Spence. You dug your own grave with your self-centered ways.
However, Gilda is different. By no means is she perfect. She does make mistakes but at least she apologizes when she messes up. I am sure she has made mistakes in her past too but she works hard for Spence.
Anyone at Spence who had a run in with Gilda remember she was given directives by Davies. She made Gilda do all her dirty work. In fact, she gave Gilda all the jobs and projects she did not want to do. She kept Gilda busy and out of her office so she could sit and gossip and run off to lunch with other colleagues. Give Gilda a break...Davies made us all stressed out....including Gilda.
Gilda Marquez-New Spence Principal
Are you kidding me? Please tell me Mr. Castro this is a joke? The new principal needs to be someone who was not involved in the controversy in the Spring. Someone who has the best interest of the school in mind and is just not in it for personal gain.
Nice Job, Barbara!
Yes, you did a nice job.
Nice Job!
I agree. You did a good job this summer.
Roosevelt Principal Job Posted
Okay, on the Dallas ISD website under jobs, the Principal position is listed as open at Roosevelt High School. HMMMMMMMMM.............what's the story?
[Ed Note: Bet somebody got promoted :) ]
Roosevelt Student
I am a guardian of one of Roosevelt's students who was commended on ALL her TAKS test, and she her self, and SEVERAL others, tell me about ALL the "DRAMA", name calling, and her overbearing behavior. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!!!! I mean come on now, assault!!! She tells children they are losers!! She tells them they won't ever be anything!! She favors certain students thst meet her expectations... "star athlete" lol! Give me a break... yes, this school needs someone who is strong to get it in shape, not someone who degrades the whole entire staff, and the majority of the student body. Also, sadly but yes, the posting in all caps WAS indefinitely a student... crying out for help!!! I KNOW this child!! ALL i can say is.... I WISH SHE WOULD COME AT MINE!!!!! The schoolboard needs to do something before someone else does!!
Mrs. Dixon Staff
Well I guess we finally made it to the "S" list. This principal is crazy and we should not have to work under these condition. Dixon feels that she can talk to us any kind of way and the minute we respond we get put in the comer please give us some relief.
It is a way to treat everyone for someone that supposes to be in church and love the lord she sure don’t show any sign of it. I have added her to my prayer list at church because I refuse to let her bring me down.
She will get what is coming to her because I have ask the Lord to step in I don’t want anything bad to happen but God will make your enemy your foot stole.
I never had a problem with Mrs. Dixon yes I go to the meeting but so do people she have to come back and tell her thing.
I go to stay up on what is happening because it might not be me today but the way this lady is going it can be me by the end of the day. Mrs. Dixon need JESUS she need to search herself and ask if she is doing what is right in the sight of the lord, what is right for the students and the staff you don’t have to be nasty to do your job. It can’t be for the children.
Also to speak on the board meeting that girl young lady that call herself charging up everyone for going to the meeting also spoke some ill words about Dixon’s, and the whole Admin. Staff, so now she is in the in crowd.
The school is divided and for the most part you try and stay hidden away because the minute the see you, you are it.
If Mrs. Dixon like you the other three Admin like you if Mrs. Dixon got a problem with you the other three do to. No one can think for themselves we are all just afraid because who we going call Ghost Buster. No one here our cry at VELT we love the kids and they love us. We do what we can for them that’s right would you want your child to advance without working for it.
You really don't know who to trust at the school because everyone is just trying to make sure she is not after them.
Today was heck at the school they came in two deep but to everyone that was at the meeting or who name was on the list, we saw the names on the list the news did not cover that up to well.
Lastly we are not having the fallout over grades it over who want to be in the end crowd with Dixon. She call in the new teacher and threaten them that the reason they came to the board meeting otherwise I would not have been there.
I just want to be left alone. Let me do my job teach the children and watch them in the hall. I don't want to be put under stress but it seems like I have no choice do what she want are get on the out list.
[Ed Note: As I say: I don't see how this kind of pressure and attention won't result in changes at Roosevelt.]
Dixon is Exceptional
I agree that Roosevelt is on the "S" list. Roosevelt is now on the "Survival" list. Mrs. Dixon is an exceptional instructional leader. I have worked with her for a number of years and I have never known anyone to be put in a "comer" or corner, even.
It is a way to treat everyone and most times people are treated in the same manner in which they treat others. "For someone who suppose to go to church", only a church-going, prayer-filled person would consider leadership or principalship at Roosevelt based upon the unacceptable academic condition of the school. It has been plastered in newspapers and news stations the poor academic performance at Roosevelt. So, if Mrs. Dixon was not a church-going, faith-filled individual, she never would have accepted Roosevelt. By the way, the Lord makes your enemies your foot stool, not your foot stole, so maybe she is not your enemy after all.
It is evident that Mrs. Dixon has faced extensive opposition at this school. Maybe you should analyze how you would embrace the opposition imposed and offer those suggestions to Mrs. Dixon. I am appalled by the enormous amount of confusion that is present. It appears that dedicated employees would encompass an extraordinary instructional leader and conform to pedagogical strategies and techniques that enhance student achievement, especially when academic performance is "unacceptable" according to the Texas Education Agency.
What did you say?
"It appears that dedicated employees would encompass an extraordinary instructional leader and conform to pedagogical strategies and techniques that enhance student achievement, especially when academic performance is "unacceptable" according to the Texas Education Agency."
Huh?????
Appropriately, my Captcha Validation for this post was "damn"!
Pedagogy, Schmedagogy
They mean: "I can't speak clearly in English."
It also means, "I have a Master's or Ph D in Education, and this is how we have been taught to talk."
It also means, "Teachers are supposed to change from what they know what works to doing it the way consultants who talk like me--but haven't been evaluated under NCLB--tell you how to teach."
Devils Advocate
Can you explain exceptional? You have to be the devil's advocate. There is definitely room in the devil's palace for the both of you. The devil is here to kill, steal, and destroy and that's what he does. If you are not for good, then you have to be consumed with evil. If you don't stand for something,then you will fall for anything. If you are not part of the solution, then you have to be part of the problem. Are you the problem?
Dixon's tactics
The previous poster who defends Dixon sound like a true friend, but I am sorry, but the defense of being a "church-going" woman chaps me. That has nothing to do with anything here. Sorry, but plenty of "church-going people" I have known in my life have been the biggest crooks, adulterers and abusers I have ever met, much less hypocritical, to boot.
She did take on a problem school, that is true, but some of the critics I saw at the last meeting have good reputations themselves. We have heard nothing that actually refutes the accusations against her: did she, or did she not strike a teacher? Did she, or did she not, have teachers sitting in bookrooms and hallways instead of teaching? Did she, or did she not, have the gradebooks collected after the last Board Meeting?
Unless you work with her in the school now as a part of her staff, you may not be aware of her total actions, just as I am not. But p--p-p-please, do not ever defend someone as a "church-going woman" again. In a secular school setting, that has no bearing on her professional behavior. --Or lack of it.
Dixon's P Card
Has ANYONE looked at Myrtle Jean's pcard deposition on the DIS (as in dis' the taxpayer)web site?????
Is this administration crazy or what?? Why the Home Depot purchases in the middle of the summer? Why all the Walmart cards?
And why the promotion?
[Ed Note: The top 200 spenders were examined at a cost to the district of almost one million dollars.]
Fed up ready to picket
I am a alumni of Roosevelt and it saddens me to see what's going on at this school. I have been witness to some of the things that the assistant principal have said to some of the female teachers. Calling students names, demeaning these children no wonder they act the way they do. They can't learn because they are being called losers and they start to believe what they are being told. No more we have gotten together and decided to picket this school until change happens. We will all so have the media get ready we will picket homes as well. Of course legal and in order.
[Ed Note: Picketing homes is probably a little overboard and I'll tell you why: neighbors. You actually end up punishing the neighbors more than you punish the guy being picketed. Also, the guy being picketed has a nasty habit of leaving for the day--so he doesn't hear it anyway.
Besides, I think you already got their attention.]
Roosevelt
I have read all of the comments on regarding the issues presented at Roosevelt. It appears to me that everyone is focusing on grades. However, there are other pertinent issues presented. Has anyone thought about the atmosphere both the students and teachers must endure each day? This is truly not conducive to learning. If the teachers and administrators are at odds, how can this be good for the students? Also, I haven't heard of any type of actions taking place to rectify this situation. Which leads to my next point, I don't think that the DISD officials, Leslie Williams included, are even concerned about handling these issues. Roosevelt is located in a low socioeconomic area. Do you think anyone is really going to come to the aid of black students and the teachers who are responsible for them?
According to the history of administrators who have been assigned to Roosevelt in times past, the current princpal's style of leadership is along the same lines. She is certainly one who has mastered the slave mentality of I will beat you down until you I break you down. She makes sure to iterate that she is the master and all staff members must bow down to her no matter what. Those who attempt to stand up for themselves are given 30 minutes to "pack up your stuff and leave my building" (direct quote from her), stripped of their normal job duties to sit in a chair in the hallway or sit in a chair in a stairwell all day, consistently harassed by her assistant principals, etc. Oh, please don't let me leave out the fact that she will strip you of your current classroom duties if she or her administrative teams catches you talking to someone who is on her hit list. (Is this a waste of taxpayer dollars or what?)
This is the most blatant case of abuse of power that I've ever seen. I was not aware that principals had that much power. Nor did I realize that it was an unwritten rule within the DISD that all employees must forego their civil rights as a condition of employment. Yes, I say civil rights because no one should have to work in such a hostile environment and nothing be done about it. That principal treats her employees much worse than you would treat a rabid dog, yet NO ONE, in DISD has done anything about it. (Despite numerous complaints, even at her previous schools, which are also in low socioeconomic areas. I dare her to try an pull these tricks at Hillcrest. As a matter of fact, I dare her to even apply for a position at Hillcrest.)
So, that goes back to my original theory. The teachers and students at Roosevelt High School are an expendable race, and no one cares enough to do anything about it.
I hope that I am wrong. No, I pray to God that I am wrong!
[Ed Note: I really don't know where to start with this. Maybe a good place to start would be to say that this isn't the 1960's or 70's anymore. There are actually people who care about educating folks regardless of race--and a news media that is happy to print stories when things are otherwise.
As far as the principal, you're the first one to tell us this "direct quote" from her. I imagine this would, in and of itself, be quite newsworthy. I also surmise that we'd be hearing it from a number of people on teaching staffs if this were the case.
So maybe your prayers have been answered?]
Roosevelt! What the [blank]?
In reference to the quotes "you have 30 minutes to get out of my building" and "pack your stuff and leave" are all directives that have been given verbally by the principal, M. J. Dixon.
The statements can be verified by those who have been directed to leave the building, i.e.(former registrar who is now sitting in the foyer by the auditorium, a former reconnect teacher who is now at A. M. Smith, a former counselor who is now at Rangel, the officer who escorted the former registrar out of the building, and the staff and parents who were in the registrar office when one of the directives were given.) But fear of this woman's wrath may cause most to be reluctant to speak up.
Another concern is the unwise spending or misuse of taxpayer's dollars. At Roosevelt this year, there have been a lot of changes in job assignments of faculty and staff.
There are questions that come to mind:
How does a certified English teacher becomes a floating substitute, but can't sub in English classes, and then gets a new position to sit in the auditorium as 1-30-08?
How does a person not certified in English, takes over the classes of the former certified English teacher?
How does a registrar becomes a registrar clerk and then a sitter in the foyer?
How does a registrar clerk become the bookroom monitor and then a door watcher by the teacher's parking lot?
How does a non-certified math person teaches a Algebra I class?
How does an inclusion special ed. ta. becomes an office clerk but no one is replaced in that vacated position ?
How does a certified math teacher's classes be dissolved and he does what?
How does the spouse of the principal continue to work under her supervision doing what?
How can a permanent substitute be told not to come back to FDR because she inquired about pay that was earned?
How can a viable (during school hours) reconnect program be shut down because the principal does not want it?
How does a title I ta. go from a computer lab, to copy clerk, to the stairwell watching the parking lot, and then to a special ed. ADL classroom?
I'm just asking!
There are a lot of more questions that need answering, but the head is beginning to pound just thinking about the turmoil at Roosevelt.
[Ed Note: You know, it's interesting. We hear this kind of thing from everyone except the folks these things have happened to.
If you want to make a difference, ask these folks to contact us so we can interview them.
Further, there is no other "Dixon" working at Roosevelt High School--so I'm immediately suspect of your claim that her husband works for her in the school.
Folks, I don't mind placing blame where blame is due, but lets make sure we're sticking to the facts.]