What A Blast We HAD!!!

It's Time To CELEBRATE!!!

Another year older, a little more wiser and some more FRECKLES!! How Blessed Am I!

Read MY LIPS...

Here is the exact language used to transfer authority and approvals as per our current Board of Education processes:

The individuals listed have been verified by the Superintendent of Schools as qualified pursuant to the NJ Administrative Code, Statute 6A:9-1.1, which “sets forth the rules governing preparation, licensure, and professional development of those educators required by their positions to be certified.” The Superintendent, in this item has used his authority.

[Now, now continue to read]...

RESOLVED, that the Plainfield Board of Education approves the employment of the following provisionally subject to the requirements contained in Ch. 116,P.L. 1986 and upon verification of experience.

Res Ipsa Locutor

My Reply To Gallon's Courier Comments

With respect to two comments Dr. Gallon gave to the Courier, please allow me to respond…

“It is somewhat concerning that a number of persons have made "calls for action' around an issue allegedly involving two staffers and for which the facts are not fully known,"

Dr. Gallon -- I would think you would not be at all surprised that I have submitted a ‘call to action’ -- as it is what I have always done and will continue to do when there is a situation that negatively impacts the educational solvency of this city‘s school system. You are correct in your assertion that we Can ILL AFFORD (literally and figuratively) to go through this in the wake of the positive momentum we have recently embarked upon.

Be clear, I don’t give a care about personality conflicts, who likes who, etc.. and in fact I stayed far away from the many issues I was personally privy to as concerns the treatment alleged by these “Two Staffers”. However Sir, this is no longer just some bruised egos griping. There is substantial evidence present.

As you yourself so eloquently reported: “…all professional courtesies, support, considerations and discretions that were extended to prior employees in the past by the Plainfield Board of Education, are being extended in this case," .

I believe one of those courtesies was suspension pending the findings. The only reason why previous employees received pay along with the suspension was because their union contract mandated same. If there is a contractual obligation to pay these ladies during this time -- then so be it, by all means do what is fair and what is LEGAL.

What is concerning is that you don’t think it prudent to sanction these employees pending the outcome of the Board's investigation. If all is copasetic then their pay would be released to them as would be appropriate. For now however, we need to protect THE CHILDREN and the Children’s FUNDS.

Mums The Word...

So I bet you are wondering if I got a reply…right - RIGHT!

Not a word have a heard; not even an “I’ll get back to you on that!”

So -- do I need to call SHAME on YOU???!!! Star-Ledger? Courier? Who? What?

Well there is a candidates forum tonight at Emerson hosted by the League of Women Voters and then there is one tomorrow at the Public Library sponsored by Councilman Mapp. Either one would proved to be good ground to solicit the support of our POWER Players in helping us bring Plainfield's Educational System up to snuff.

Will I see you there? I pray so!

In the mean time, if I hear anything -- I’ll holla back!

Ciao for now!

If Not NOW then WHEN?!!!

Here is a letter I wrote to the BOE, if you really want something done...change the name to your own and email this to the BOE, the newspapers and anyone else with a need to know...

Now is the time for "We the People" of Plainfield, NJ to stand up and say united and clearly-- It is unacceptable, intolerable and furthermore -- We Demand that YOU take immediate action!
----------------------------------------------------
October 27, 2009


Dear Plainfield Board of Education;

My name is Renata A. Hernandez and I am a parent of a Plainfield Public School student, a homeowner in the city of Plainfield, and an advocate for the improvement of the educational system in my community. I am writing to you to request the immediate suspension of Lesly Borge and Lalelei Kelly without pay pending the final determination of the Board’s investigation whereby it is not only alleged but adequately determined by our County Superintendent’s office that an infringement of the terms, qualifications, and certifications of employment for the positions held by these two individuals are in violation of State requirements.

I call to your attention the precedence of PPSD policy wherein individuals are suspended pending the outcome of an investigation, and respectfully, this public request that the same remedy be afforded these two individuals.

At this point, I am not clear why an immediate termination is not being sought and approved by the Board given the recommendation of the CSO; I will however respect the need for due diligence of same to investigate and determine the merit on prima facie.

As a member of this public for which you have been duly elected and/or are a “for pay” hirer of the District, to represent and serve, I ask without prejudice or reservation that you conclude that the request for the immediate suspension of Lesly Borge and Lalelei Kelly without pay is both warranted and granted pending the outcome of your investigation.

Sincerely,
Renata A. Hernandez


Our Board Members Email Addresses:

brivers@plainfield.k12.nj.us, cestevez@plainfield.k12.nj.us, sgallon3@plainfield.k12.nj.us, lcathcart@plainfield.k12.nj.us, lloganl@plainfield.k12.nj.us, mcox@plainfield.k12.nj.us, pbarksdale@plainfield.k12.nj.us, wcampbell@plainfield.k12.nj.us, kpeterson@plainfield.k12.nj.us, blgilbert@plainfield.k12.nj.us

{Also note that there were corrections made to this version}

Houston We've Got A Problem...

By now you well-read folks have read the article written by Mr. Cooke for the Courier -- if you haven't-- please make sure you do.


I can not believe we are back where we started last year...different chair but the same friggin row! Unbelievable!


Employees have been complaining about the Floridian Trio's (actually all 4 of 'em) treatment since they came to Jersey. Why didn't anyone listen??? What organization do you know of that would totally and completely ignore its employees' repeated complaints? This is management 101 theory. Come ON already!


So what are we going to do??? If I had my druthers...

• First, I recommend the immediate dismissal of the two ladies in question. The same conclusion our county Super offered. Harsh yes, but so were the layoffs of several teachers a year ago who WERE qualified and certified. The salary of these two ladies would pay for about 5 teachers...!!! I rather have teachers!!!



• Second -- I would ask for full reimbursement of all monies siphoned to these two gals either for tuition and/or training, conferences or seminars plus the difference in salary for the job they actually qualify for. We've got teachers in this district that have been here for 15 years and have not been given the opportunity to attend out of state conferences at the rate that these two (actually 3 of them) have nor does our teachers make anything near these salaries!!!



• Next I would ask for Dr. Gallon, III's full and complete admission of the circumstances surrounding this issue, followed by a full apology. He owes us an apology because of the time and aggravation this mess has caused and further distracts us from our current course -- ensuring A Quality EDUCATION for our children. I'm not going so far as to ask for his resignation until I see how he handles the first three items. If he falters on either one -- I would terminate him.

• And finally -- I would ask the BOARD OF EDUCATION to hold a Special Community Forum where EACH and EVERY ONE of them offers their full apology for what occurred, admits to their complacency and/or objections to what occurred and then tells us HOW THEY ARE GOING TO FIX IT and ENSURE it DOES NOT happen AGAIN!

What do you all think/want to happen?? It's our school system -- make some NOISE!!!

State of District -- A little more specificity...

I gave you all a quick and dirty the evening I returned from the State of District meeting, but seeing that I took the notes -- I (as my mom would say) mightaswellstah share them.

And in no particular order...

According to Dr. Gallon's address the 5 Core Goals, which are the nexus for the District Strategic Plan, have parlayed into approximately 95 to 110 tangible and measurable metrics AKA "to dos".

Additionally, the following highlights were shared:

1. The Graduation Rate has increased by almost 7%
2. District has been removed from the DINI (District In Need of Improvement) designation
3. Incidents of violence decreased from 218 to just 17 (the categories that make up this metric are violence, vandalism, weapons and substance abuse.
4. ELL proficiency increased from 22.57 to 26.91
5. Parental satisfiscation specific to the 5 Core Goals on average is about 90%
6. The number of advance placement/honors courses both in terms of offerings and students enrollment have nearly doubled.
7. And lastly, Parental Involvement-- as measured by event sign in sheets has grown from 2281 instances to 5500.

And for the Not so good FACTOIDS...

1. Overall test scores are criminal; with a slight increase in our middle school aptitude testing numbers but throughout all grade levels (measured as Elementary/Middle/High School) consistently lower than other school districts and the state. Most alarming is that our proficiency range teeters between 30+ to 68 on a 100 point scale. NOT GOOD FOLKS...Not GOOD at all!
2. SPED students also saw a decrease in proficiency from 18.12 to 16.83
3. And finally our drop out rate is on the rise; showing an increase of nearly 3/4 of a percent.

So there you have it!

I would be remiss in my reporting if I did not add that the number of children enrolled in PPSD has increase by a little over 100 students. That may not seem like much, but considering the state provides on average $14.5K per child/year thats close to $1.5 million dollars that can be used towards...Ummmmmmmmm BOOKsssss!!!

Ciao for Now!

You Be the JUDGE!

A Series in Ethics and Critical Thinking...Part I

************************

The President of a PTO discovers that an officer of the Board has misappropriated funds. That is to say, that $3,000 from fundraising efforts were missing -- unaccounted for in the banking records.

The questions are:

1. Is this a prosecutable crime? And If so -- would it be a local, state or federal crime?

2. How would you handle this if you were the PTO President?

3. How would you handle this if you were the Principal of the school where the PTO operated?

Now consider this...

As the President you decide to confront the individual and you include the Principal in on the discussion. A repayment schedule is established as is an agreement not to go public to the school's parents. For all intent and purposes the situation appears to be remedied.

The questions are:

1. Do you think it is appropriate for the President and Principal to set up a repayment plan with this individual? Why or Why not.

2. Do you think the parents of the school have a right to know? Why or Why not?

And finally consider this...

The individual fails to adhere to the repayment schedule leaving the PTO and children without the benefit of the funds they've raised.

The question is:

1. What would you do?

***********************************

I would really like to get input from parents, professionals, teachers and even legal counsel. These situations are better planned for and it is my hope that our local PTOs will avoid any such incidents. However, as recently publicized on ABC's Night News -- a PTO President in New York was arrested for stealing $17,000 from the organization. Unfortunate, or should I say, as digusting as this may be it does and can happen.

***********************************

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!!!

Please share your thoughts/opinions/legal guidance.

From time to time I am going to post various situations that have, can, or may occur in our public schools. The idea is to get us thinking about how we would handle it should the need ever arise. The purpose is not to pinpoint any specific case, although it may have in fact occurred. I ask you to be open minded and not try to figure out if its a REAL issue but rather -- try to figure out a REAL Solution.

As always -- I look forward to the dialog.

OooOO WeeEEE!

Well now it looks like enough noise has been made about the Floridian Quad /edit/Trio /edit/ Duo so that EVERYBODY is now taking a look see...

Here’s my take on the SIT-CHE-ATION.

You can’t [CANNOT] hate on Gallon for bringing in his professional partners. That’s what people do. That is what PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING is all about. Remember – it’s not WHAT you know – but WHO you know!!!

Actually – I would think less of Gallon if he DID NOT extend the “hook-up” to his trusted comrades. It’s what we do and have always done for centuries – so stop feigning!!!

However – enter some laws and regulations and you got to make sure all your T’s are crossed and all your “I’s” are dotted.

If I were in a position of power to higher[hirer] my long standing trusted friends to form my posse YOU Had BETTER believe I WOULD do it, and anyone who says they wouldn’t is a LIAR! BUT – I WOULD DARN sure make certain they have what it takes to do the job—and um—that includes certifications...

So the issue is not that Gallon brought along his friends, but rather why the BOE did not PROPERLY VET the applicants.

Aah Ha! [shaking my finger like Eddie Murphy imitating a Jewish man in the barbershop during the outtakes in the movie Coming To America] In there lies this publics real focus.

“The Superintendent RECOMMENDS…but…THE BOARD – Approves.”

Well Ollie this is another fine mess you’ve got us into – Eh?!?!

The State of The District

Just a quick note...

I attended the State of the District meeting tonight it was very well attended even if 80% were personnel, but then that's not their problem...NOW is it???!!!

The information was relevant, organized and very comprehensive. I'm not going to regurgitate the facts and figures -- you can request a copy from the district if you like, but suffice it to say that there have been some marked improvements, some questionably gathered/assessed metrics, and some alarming patterns.

Not perfect but certainly moving forward -- for that the District deserves some applause!

As Dr. Gallon remarked, the issues we faced a year ago are still the issues we face today, but it will take EVERYONE's EFFORT to set it right.

So -- folks you don't get a "by"... lace up your boots, tighten your belt and dig in where you fit in -- There is WORK TO DO!!!

Here We Go Looptie Lou...

No Books, No Certs, Too much money oooh MY!!!

I took a long needed break from all the PPS District happenings because sometimes you get so close that you lose your objectivity.

Well it seems I’ve been gone long enough – indeed.

So I saw recently PPS did a Teen Summit…Now I wonder who thought of that???!!! It is said that copying/replication/idea stealing is the highest form of flattery. LOL… I didn’t even get an invite.

PPSD – You Guys are funny. And to think some I would call my friend. Well now, there is another saying about friends – but ooh how I do digress!

One can see the authentic nature of a being/entity far more clearly from a distance; and you avoid getting the stench on you too.

Thank you God for directing my path! Authenticity -- To the CAPITOL!!!

Well – it looks like it is time for me to get back in the saddle AGAIN.

See you all at the next Board Meeting, OR, Maybe TONIGHT at the State of District Meeting.

Ciao for Now!

The Book: Chapter 2: The End...or is IT?

“I’m sorry sugar, come on over here and led daddy make it up to you.” Gesturing with his index finger extended outwardly and, he urges her forward; “come on.”

Sue gets upon her knees and began walking moving closer to face Mike. Trained better than all the dogs he’d ever owned, he thought. And quite pleased at her obedience, Mike grinned down at Sue. Sue in turn reached for his belt buckle and zipper. Excited by the power her submission evoked, Mike began to uncontrollably pant and moan in expectation...

…And the rest you’ll have to read when the book gets published.

I hope you have enjoyed my foray into the world of writing over the past few months – I have!

Be well!

The Book: Chapter 2: TWENTY-TWO

Shaking and quivering in the corner, Sue kept her question and comments to herself. She was still not sure he was finished. IT all depended on what he was drinking. If it was rum – his “do-it” fluid -- then the nightmare had only began.

If he had been drinking whiskey he would be falling asleep very soon but if it was vodka – he could go on for hours and hours – kicking, punching, raping…it was the worst of the three.

Still in a state of shock, Sue jumped when she saw Mike coming over toward her. She ducked when his hand reached towards her face. This time, however, his touch to her bruised cheek was gentle and his words were soothing.

The Book | Chapter 2 : Twenty-One

“Look you sorry as heifer”, grabbing her around the neck. “No please, please don’t hit me again. I’m sorry, I’m so---- sooo--- sooooooooooo.” “Ouch!” “Ooh!” “Please, please please stop you are hurting me, you are going to kill me – please stop!” “I love you Mike – please no more.”

Wiping the trickles of blood from the corner of her mouth and nose, not yet having the strength or courage to raise her head to look at him, Sue crawled further in the corner. She withdrew in her mind trying to think what she could have done this time to upset him. The kids were feed and in bed, at least they were asleep until he came in here on a rampage.

“The bastard!” “I’ve never did nothing but love him true, and since the day I married him he does nothing but beat me and even sometimes his love making is a beating.”

RePOST: ATTN: Outreach/New Horizon Alumni

New Horizons College Club, Inc.

2009 marks our 40th Year of serving young people in the Plainfield Area by guiding and directing them to a college education. Be on the lookout for more information about the 40th Anniversary Celebration.As you know, William E. Gary is the Founder of Outreach which evolved into New Horizons College Club, Inc.

For the past two years he has been facing a series of health challenges. However, in speaking with him, a source of inspiration in his recovery is the knowledge that the legacy of this organization will continue to positively impact the lives of students.

You are a part of that legacy!It is our hope to capture specific memories from each of you in a scrapbook that he can view from time to time as he continues on the road to recovery. So, this is what we need:

• Name:• High School:• Year of High School Graduation:• College(s) Attended

• Share with us what you’re doing now? (Feel free to share information about your various degrees, profession, family, where you live and how you now define life’s success)

• Tell us how Outreach/New Horizons College Club, Inc. impacted your life.Whether you participated in the program when Mr. Gary was there (1969 – 1995) or you were a beneficiary of his legacy (1995 – present), we want to hear from you.

Also, please let us know if it is ok to grab a photo off your facebook page to use in the scrapbook or you can provide us with a current picture along with your write-up.

Finally, there are so many people that benefitted from the program, many are not on facebook so please feel free to share with others that you may know.

The responses can be emailed to nhcc1970@gmail.comWe can always add to the scrapbook, but the target date to begin working on the scrapbook is Friday, October 16, 2009.

Thank you in advance for what is certainly going to be an outpouring of love, inspiration and great memories!

Leslie A. Anderson
PresidentBoard of Directors
New Horizons College Club, Inc.

The Book | Chapter 2: Twenty

“DA assistant Ruiz – tell it.” “Ruiz I want you to hold off talking with any of the defendants or attorneys until one of my paralegals can muster up all of the facts on the families of the kids involved. You got that Ruiz?”

“Just go see the Chief and get names, addresses and just the facts.”

“Candice, talk to me…what’s up? You got some inside on this or something.”

“Ruiz, you know me not, just do as I said and meet me at Colage at Six o’clock tonight – and bring the paperwork Ruiz!”

The Book: Chapter 2 : NINETEEN

Old fashioned street lamps made of the black lacquered rod iron was mounted on either side of the benches. It was pure serenity and all of Clarkston’s residence knew of its magical powers.

Many a troubled soul, angered or dejected lover, overburdened mother or unfulfilled father strolled through this magical garden in the hopes of distracting from their internal pain and in search of peace.

Candace was no exception. Her stroll was just in the form of a visual perusal, but the effect was the same. Snapping out of the trance she now found herself in, Candice pushed through to reality and reached for the phone. Pushing autodial she calls Jose in his car.

Autism Speaks | Support Sydney's Dream TEAM!

Please consider donating to this worthwhile Organization!

Click on the image above to go to my personal donation page.

THANK YOU - Kindly for your consideration!!

w/Love,

Renata

The Book | Chapter 2 : Eighteen

From Candice’s office window you can see the entire encircled figure eight layout of the arboretum. The outer circle was lined with brilliant cherry blossoms that were strategically placed every ten to fifteen feet apart and in between them were Azaleas, Boxwood and Hydrangea bushes all adorned in shades of pink, purple, whites and creams. Each was slightly staggered giving the outer and inner circle edges zigzag pattern like that of a star burst.

The quartz lined sidewalk gave way to this magnificent site and provided four miles of walking from start to finish for those inclined to do their daily walking or jogging. Benches took their mark at the side arcs of the figure eight layout providing a pleasant enclave for a midsummer love nest, or girlfriend chat session or a solo rendezvous.

The Book | Chapter 2: SEVENTEEN

Now in her office, Candice -- before sitting at the desk, opened the mauve colored Venetian blinds to let some natural sunlight in the room and catch a glimpse of the beautiful blue laden skies with white powder puff like clouds randomly scattered about.

The view from her all too posh office was deliriously tranquil. She had the best seat in the building, but of course she would – she was the queen.

The century old courthouse was just across the green acres court yard. Its gold laced dome shone and sparkled iridescently from the sun’s rays that played across its arch like the tickling fingers on a child’s side. The Green Acres Arboretum was no less magnificent.

It was an exquisite work of art. It also was a solid income source for the city as close to a million visitors would travel through to walk through and take pictures of the majesty and grace of the various trees during their blooming season. Yoshino and Kwanzas Cherry Blossoms, Red Dogwoods, Royal Empress, Arapaho Crape Mrytles, Mimosa, Siberian and Profusion Crabapples trees would call “arborphiliacs” worldwide.