Be careful everyone, they may be sneaking 4th grade into West earlier than we think? Taxpayers, school board members and the community must get involved! We can not be complacent about ongoing problems at SESD! Our students and teachers deserve better than what they are getting currently in our district.
In the absence of the superintendent of schools, who is performing the duties of district superintendent?
I was at Walmart today and I heard Dr. Shank is resigning next year. Probably one of those rumors the same as when I heard last week she was not reporting to work for weeks. This can’t be true information. The school board would be very concerned if this were the case.
Maybe Dr. Hupper will help us out.
Good teachers are leaving in mass and the climate is far from positive at SESD. There are many more educators interviewing with local districts - that is a fact. Keep your eye on the upcoming board resignations - it is sad to see so many good teachers leaving and I know first hand how good they are! Other districts are taking advantage of the hostile working environment in SESD and there may be some admininistrative ‘team’ players leaving the district too…
When will SESD get back to educating the students??? $100,000 Steinway pianos, wooden oboes, Myspace, school closings for heat, cold, dark, wind..., school leader working from home??
It has been the amusement in the county for too long. Hold on to what is left that is good in the district and get the reputation back.
I have never seen so much negativity coming from one person as I see it from you. There are plenty of people who have found positivity in SESD. Try talking to some of those teachers that are leaving. There are plenty of people leaving due to retirements, moving, family, etc. I know people that are traveling for over an hour to work in the district. Calculate how much they are spending in gasoline each week and sometimes, it comes down to either staying in the same home or moving. Sometimes, it is better to keep the family in one place and not move them. Not everyone leaves because they are so unhappy. I know there are quite a few teachers that have said that they have nothing but support in the district. I have talked to many of the teachers who say they love the freedom they are given to take risks in their classrooms. When administration is backing you and allowing you to make decisions based upon your own curriculum, it’s a blessing. Maybe you want to spend some time in other districts to see how things can get worse. You may think that all of them have glowing reviews but there are many that are miserable to work in and for.
You want to talk about money? Well, we can definitely do that for you. You think that every department is getting everything that they ever dreamed for? There are plenty of departments get money cut even when the cost of food and gasoline rises. How would you like to sit in the building when it’s 98 degrees outside with 80% humidity? Maybe, just maybe, you would be willing to do that instead of those children. They did it to protect the kids and prevent any of them suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion. I didnt realize that the student health was so unimportant to you to even have cross your brain. I also didnt realize that they could have school when all that is left are the emergency lights in the building. The generators have a life and power that will last for only so long. You cannot do hours upon hours of instruction in a place that will be right around the freezing mark. Ever sit in a room and shiver to the point where you cannot pay attention? Maybe you didnt think of the students doing the same thing when there isnt any heat in the buildings. It’s called an emergency and it happens. It doesnt only happen in schools but it can happen in any work force.
Do you honestly think that administration acted on their own with the MySpace issue? Do you realize the implications that could have occurred if they just decided to do this own their own? With something on this magnitude, they had to have gone to the school board to ask for their opinion. Take that thought and do with it what you want.
Now, take a look at yourself. If you are a teacher like you say you are, I cannot imagine the negativity you bring into the classroom. If all you ever have to say is something pessimistic, I wonder what it does to every student in your room. Maybe it is a good thing you’re on a summer break right now and hopefully you can find something positive to do. Try getting out and talking to other people...not just the same ones. Maybe you want to contact the ones that have done their student teaching in the district and have now been hired. They get to see what it is like working for the district.
[quote author="dumdumlollies" date="1214020450
teachers who say they love the freedom they are given to take risks in their classrooms. When administration is backing you and allowing you to make decisions based upon your own curriculum, it’s a blessing. Maybe you want to spend some time in other districts to see how things can get worse. You may think that all of them have glowing reviews but there are many that are miserable to work in and for.
I have to admit, I am also concerned about the high teacher resignation in the district. Dumdumlollies, you say teachers love the “risk taking freedom”? I interact with present and past teachers and they tell me that this is not the case at all. There is no freedom to take risks at all. In fact many are leaving for that very reason. Maybe you could pm me some names of teachers that feel differently because I want my children to be taught in an environment where their teachers feel comfortable to be passionate risk takers. I honestly would like to hear from some professionals that feel they are working in a supportive environment. It is not easy to remain positive when so many are leaving and even many new teachers are resigning. If that was the case and other districts are so miserable, I would think SESD would be worth the drive!
When you mention districts that are miserable to work in are you referring to York county districts because statistics point out that they do not have many teachers leaving and they are not in the situation we are in where they are forced to hire emergency certified professionals. Just curious where you are getting your information.
Be careful everyone, they may be sneaking 4th grade into West earlier than we think? Taxpayers, school board members and the community must get involved! We can not be complacent about ongoing problems at SESD!
It’s too late...I guess everyone is complacent. The only agends item on the Buildings & Grounds Committee meeting held on June 12th was the move of the 4th grade. This meeting was attended by 3 Board members, Dr. Shank, Ms. Rauscher, the president of the South Eastern Tax Reform Coalition and me. That was it. The School Board will vote on it at the June 26th Board meeting. I really don’t see how the 4th grade can be “snuck” into SEMS-W. An addition has to be built first.
I have talked with family in other states about the kindergarten issue here and moving the 4th graders. Other states have built separate kindergarten buildings on the same campus of the elementary school to accomodate all day kindergarten (okay, extended day for those of you who need exact terms). This way, they don’t have to move the fourth graders out (actually they did, so as not to move out 5th graders, but that already happened here so...just go with the example please). Also, the addition of a building like that generally includes a walkway to the main building for the extras, like phys ed, art , music etc. Could this option possibly cost much more then changing around the SEMS west building and putting our little ones on the bus to the Fawn campus that much earlier. I don’t know what Peach Bottom and Fawn Elem. classroom space is like, so I really don’t know how many classes they would need additionaly. But, if Stewartstown moves to all kindergarteners going all day, at some point, that is several more classrooms and several more teachers. All the way around, no matter what, this will not be an inexspensive change. And I don’t want to get into the bus stop issues ....I’ll save that for another thread someday....
If I were the superintendent or on the school board, I would be saying to myself: there are some people who will complain no matter what we do, so let’s just ignore them and pay attention to the rest of the population.
I am not even going to get into this one. The district really doesnt do much without thinking it through carefully. There are those that would be angy about having to pay taxes on winnign the lottery. I feel sorry for some people.
Be careful everyone, they may be sneaking 4th grade into West earlier than we think? Taxpayers, school board members and the community must get involved! We can not be complacent about ongoing problems at SESD! Our students and teachers deserve better than what they are getting currently in our district.
In the absence of the superintendent of schools, who is performing the duties of district superintendent?
I was at Walmart today and I heard Dr. Shank is resigning next year. Probably one of those rumors the same as when I heard last week she was not reporting to work for weeks. This can’t be true information. The school board would be very concerned if this were the case.
Maybe Dr. Hupper will help us out.
Do you like spreading gossip and make statements about individuals that you or anyone else does not know the whole story?
People in the district are entitled to vacation time. Especially when they work 50-70 hours week. Do you take you vacation at where you work?
Your statement above says a lot about you. I thought SF was about “facts”.
How many community members find out (info on the SESD website and SETRC website) when SESD committee meetings will be held? How many community members GO to the committee meetings? The SYC Life forum is great for letting off steam (i.e. issues concerning the Board and it’s decisions) but to make a REAL difference people need to go to the SESD committee meetings BEFORE issues are voted on at Board meetings and make their concerns, ideas, etc. known to the board. Otherwise you are just blowing smoke!
For anyone that attended the last school board meeting in which I read a statement concerning the 4th grade move let me give an explanation please:
When Margie and I attended the B&G;meeting (we were the only non board members or admin there), I made it quite clear that the only negative thing I have heard about 4th graders moving was that they were too young for the middle school way of life. I have witnessed this first hand with my 5th grader trying to cope with the change herself. I was assured by Dr. Shank and Mrs. Raucher that the 4h graders would be treated differently than the 5th and 6th. Also, the teachers that were part of a committee went on a tour of another school that moved 4th grade and they came back all for the idea of moving. So I have to admit I was sold. Then we got into costs of building on to the elementary schools and SEMS West. Then I brought the Oboe and Piano thing up. After that I think we went home. Margie and I both thought the meeting was wonderful. We enjoyed 2 hours of great conversation with the board members, Dr. Shank and Mrs. Raucher.
Then as the days move on I start thinking and running numbers through my head and wonder what other options or solutions there could be. Something just seemed wrong. SO I searched out the teachers that were in this committee Dr. Shank spoke about. After assuring them I would not use their names, they all had the same story. The administration gave the 2 choices: move 4th grade or not move 4th grade. After the visit to the other school, none of them changed their minds and they all are against 4th grade moving. Then they all seemed keen on the idea of redistricting for the short term and building another elementary school. Of course the thought of another school sends millage rate increases through my mind. I made them all “sell” me on their solution and then I discussed it with Margie.
So that is what brought me to the school brd meeting with concerns of teachers afraid of engaging in useful discussion because of retaliation of the superintendant. Look, I am not gunning for Dr. Shank. I have said many times that she is a very intelligent person and way smarter than me. Bet she can’t Kayak Fish better than me though! Anyway, I made that statement based on facts that I received. Several teachers telling me the same thing I have to take as a fact. It could be total B.S. God knows I have had plenty of rumors that were stretched a bit. But when something just does not seem right we are going to try and get to the bottom of it.
So, maybe instead of Todd Lowe an Mrs. Ruth Ann yelling at me they could have engaged in useful discussion. Todd, why would I want to hit Dr. Shank below the belt anyway? You don’t make sense. Dick Wilson knows me better than that now, he knows I am just following up on things I hear as wrong.
Oh, and I was threatened to be kicked out of the school board meeting next time. I guess that means next time I ask why someone is afraid of Dr. Shank. Perhaps I should have worded my statement as a question rather than what I said. But, I think anyway I brought it up it would have been wrong. I find it hard to believe that no one that reads these threads have heard about teachers being afraid to speak up because of some sort of reprocussion or retaliation from the superintendant.
I have really tried my darndest to stay out of this…
But I can assure you that no one on that board is afraid of you or the coalition Mr. White. But hey, if that helps you sleep at night, by all means, continue to live in a delusional fantasy world.
South Eastern School Board & District
377 Main Street
Fawn Grove, PA 17321
Dear Board Members, Dr. Shank, and Administrative Team:
It is with great respect and appreciation that I am writing to you regarding the foresight, professionalism, and dedication put forth daily in the best interest of the students within the South Eastern School District. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and prudence exercised in selecting outstanding teaching candidates to serve within the district schools, recognizing their professional potential, their many talents, and their dedication to what is best for kids, our kids, seeing them as a valuable asset and making them a priority.
More important than a piece of paper identifying one’s credentials is observing their qualifications, professionalism, interactions, and instruction on a consistent basis as they work in a dedicated, enthusiastic manner. As a resident of the educational community and an employee of the District I am insulted with statements that employees working under emergency permit are not qualified, quality educators possessing a strong foundation. I am one of the teachers currently working under emergency permit, and the District Co-Math Department Chair, with more than 15 years of instructional and leadership experience and professional recognitions, who is proud to be focused on educational excellence and the needs of South Eastern students.
I am equally proud of my colleagues, and of the work that is taking place within the schools and departments themselves, promoting professionalism, student-centered learning communities, and emphasizing both collaborative and individual strengths, while encouraging ongoing development and growth for all. Some of these outstanding educators have or continue to be employed under an emergency permit, yet they are equally as qualified as a veteran teacher. I would proudly request they instruct my children who would be all the better for having experienced their quality instruction, talents, gifts, and advocacy.
The ability to recognize raw talent can be paralleled to the development of a pearl. Some see a piece of dirt, others a grain of sand, and still others a valuable gem.
Thank you again for your service, commitment, and advocacy to the South Eastern Educational Community.
For anyone that attended the last school board meeting in which I read a statement concerning the 4th grade move let me give an explanation please:
When Margie and I attended the B&G;meeting (we were the only non board members or admin there), I made it quite clear that the only negative thing I have heard about 4th graders moving was that they were too young for the middle school way of life. I have witnessed this first hand with my 5th grader trying to cope with the change herself. I was assured by Dr. Shank and Mrs. Raucher that the 4h graders would be treated differently than the 5th and 6th. Also, the teachers that were part of a committee went on a tour of another school that moved 4th grade and they came back all for the idea of moving. So I have to admit I was sold. Then we got into costs of building on to the elementary schools and SEMS West. Then I brought the Oboe and Piano thing up. After that I think we went home. Margie and I both thought the meeting was wonderful. We enjoyed 2 hours of great conversation with the board members, Dr. Shank and Mrs. Raucher.
Then as the days move on I start thinking and running numbers through my head and wonder what other options or solutions there could be. Something just seemed wrong. SO I searched out the teachers that were in this committee Dr. Shank spoke about. After assuring them I would not use their names, they all had the same story. The administration gave the 2 choices: move 4th grade or not move 4th grade. After the visit to the other school, none of them changed their minds and they all are against 4th grade moving. Then they all seemed keen on the idea of redistricting for the short term and building another elementary school. Of course the thought of another school sends millage rate increases through my mind. I made them all “sell” me on their solution and then I discussed it with Margie.
So that is what brought me to the school brd meeting with concerns of teachers afraid of engaging in useful discussion because of retaliation of the superintendant. Look, I am not gunning for Dr. Shank. I have said many times that she is a very intelligent person and way smarter than me. Bet she can’t Kayak Fish better than me though! Anyway, I made that statement based on facts that I received. Several teachers telling me the same thing I have to take as a fact. It could be total B.S. God knows I have had plenty of rumors that were stretched a bit. But when something just does not seem right we are going to try and get to the bottom of it.
So, maybe instead of Todd Lowe an Mrs. Ruth Ann yelling at me they could have engaged in useful discussion. Todd, why would I want to hit Dr. Shank below the belt anyway? You don’t make sense. Dick Wilson knows me better than that now, he knows I am just following up on things I hear as wrong.
Oh, and I was threatened to be kicked out of the school board meeting next time. I guess that means next time I ask why someone is afraid of Dr. Shank.
Good night
Instead of the board’s threat to kick you out, we SHOULD kick them out at the voting booth! I have never seen such a group with a deer in the headlight look in my life! It scares the hell out of me that these people are responsible for our district’s children’s education and the $43 million that it takes to do it. They are not scared of you Mr. White, they are scared that they really don’t know what they are doing.
South Eastern School Board & District
377 Main Street
Fawn Grove, PA 17321
Dear Board Members, Dr. Shank, and Administrative Team:
It is with great respect and appreciation that I am writing to you regarding the foresight, professionalism, and dedication put forth daily in the best interest of the students within the South Eastern School District. Specifically, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and prudence exercised in selecting outstanding teaching candidates to serve within the district schools, recognizing their professional potential, their many talents, and their dedication to what is best for kids, our kids, seeing them as a valuable asset and making them a priority.
More important than a piece of paper identifying one’s credentials is observing their qualifications, professionalism, interactions, and instruction on a consistent basis as they work in a dedicated, enthusiastic manner. As a resident of the educational community and an employee of the District I am insulted with statements that employees working under emergency permit are not qualified, quality educators possessing a strong foundation. I am one of the teachers currently working under emergency permit, and the District Co-Math Department Chair, with more than 15 years of instructional and leadership experience and professional recognitions, who is proud to be focused on educational excellence and the needs of South Eastern students.
I am equally proud of my colleagues, and of the work that is taking place within the schools and departments themselves, promoting professionalism, student-centered learning communities, and emphasizing both collaborative and individual strengths, while encouraging ongoing development and growth for all. Some of these outstanding educators have or continue to be employed under an emergency permit, yet they are equally as qualified as a veteran teacher. I would proudly request they instruct my children who would be all the better for having experienced their quality instruction, talents, gifts, and advocacy.
The ability to recognize raw talent can be paralleled to the development of a pearl. Some see a piece of dirt, others a grain of sand, and still others a valuable gem.
Thank you again for your service, commitment, and advocacy to the South Eastern Educational Community.
Partners in Education,
Maura C Hawkins
I am glad teachers who have been insulted and jabbed at by Student First are speaking up! Mrs. Hawkins is a very dedicated teacher who cares about her students. We are very blessed to have her at SESD! This letter was read at te last SB meeting.
Anyway, I made that statement based on facts that I received. Several teachers telling me the same thing I have to take as a fact. It could be total B.S. God knows I have had plenty of rumors that were stretched a bit. But when something just does not seem right we are going to try and get to the bottom of it.
