Tired of the BS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FUCK all of you. I'm so FUCKING tired of hearing
> your bitching and moaning. How is Liz Bradsher a
> hypocrite for moving? Get a fucking life, the
> Clifton issue is over with. You people are evil
> and cruel and you have NO idea what it's like to
> be on the school board. Can't believe you'd post
> her new address, WHO has time to do that? FUCK
> off. Once and for all.


She's not a hypocrite because she moved. She's just a hypocrite, period. Since I'm pretty sure this is Maddie, her daughter, I'm going to refrain from further comment. But you might want to watch your language, Maddie, or you'll start to sound like all those supposed hateful emails your mom supposedly received.

Great post!!! My sentiments exactly. The vitriol spouted out by many of those on this site borders on criminality. It is not wonder that the people who have the brains and the fortitude to run for office don't, who in the hell would want the kind of treatment that those wenches on here spout out each and every day. And after reading the websites of all who are running for office, I can see that the one-issue whiners (are you listening Eliz Schultz, Epstein, and others) will be god-awful if they ever get elected. So much for a high performing school system with those types on the SB. And this Lorenze woman..talk about having a good schtick...asking for money for her cause when in actuality all her blog is is a a puff piece for her own business, career and personal bank account...the nerve of the woman!

"Herewegoagain" needs a life and should venture out of Clifton.

"Enough Already" said it well. One issue whiners will be god awful. Three candidates from Clifton, a person kicked off the County Council and a candidate who cares only about AAP and the wealthy, well that all makes for a nice dysfunctional Board. No doubt Herrity is involved in this discontent, he has a beef with the system and county. It was nice being one of the top systems in the country. Kiss that good-bye along with our property values.

Fortune Teller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> a person kicked off the County Council


Sheree is far more sane than the rest of the members of the County Council executive board. At least she has students in FCPS! Go check to see how many other executive board members are parents of CURRENT STUDENTS.

One issue? Do tell. I'll wait while you try to explain that one. Here, I'll give you an example: SOUTH COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Fortune Teller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Herewegoagain" needs a life and should venture
> out of Clifton.
>
> "Enough Already" said it well. One issue whiners
> will be god awful. Three candidates from Clifton,
> a person kicked off the County Council and a
> candidate who cares only about AAP and the
> wealthy, well that all makes for a nice
> dysfunctional Board. No doubt Herrity is involved
> in this discontent, he has a beef with the system
> and county. It was nice being one of the top
> systems in the country. Kiss that good-bye along
> with our property values.

google maps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That house is 6.1 miles to Lake Braddock and 3.7
> to SOCO. Will she get the school assignment
> changed?


That would be so great if Ms. Nellenbach beats Mr. Stork and moves that horrible horrible Bradsher woman to a school she doesn't want to go to in redistricting.

Wherever she lives should be sent to Hayfield and that would really make her day.

She needs a dose of her own medicine.

logicaldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes I get it that zero tolerance is about reform
> (and so should the cameras in school issues), what
> I need clarification is-are they partisan?


ZTR is pretty much all D with a token (r) for goodwill

FCCPTA_pointless Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Fortune Teller Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > a person kicked off the County Council
>
>
> Sheree is far more sane than the rest of the
> members of the County Council executive board. At
> least she has students in FCPS! Go check to see
> how many other executive board members are parents
> of CURRENT STUDENTS.

County Council? Go back to Maryland. It's the Board of Supervisors, nitwit.

GFer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I wonder how fast the school board member are
> notified if their kids do something wrong.
> Somehow, I doubt those kids are being escorted to
> the SRO for criminal interrogation.


do any sbm's even have kids in school?
they are such old hags i didn't think they had kids in school.

I find the volume of "unregistered" people in this thread continuing to post messages to what they believe to be Clifton families comical. One might think it is the same person posting over and over again.

And for the record, hypocrite does fit Liz. She campaigned on a platform associated with the importance of community schools. It wasn't until about 20 months or so ago that we realized she only meant the South County (specifically Crosspointe) community. Looking at the evidence from her email exchanges she was very focused on closing a community school. That was against her campaign material messaging. In addition she put the West Springfield community in limbo until again South County received funding for a middle school. Mind you, a middle school that has a high likelihood of being severely under enrolled without significant boundary changes.

Personally, I could care less where she lives, what her house costs or for that matter her marital status. All I care about is making sure she stays the heck away from any child I care about and never again has a hand in making any legislative/governmental decision in Fairfax County.

Ya' think? Wrote:

> do any sbm's even have kids in school?
> they are such old hags i didn't think they had
> kids in school.


Do any sb candidates have kids in fcps now?

herewegoagain Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> oh Liz, the fact is that you are the one that has
> not moved on. Nobody cares where you live. If
> fact, it wouldn't surprise me if you posted that
> info yourself just to make yourself look like a
> victim, again, and make Clifton look bad. After
> all, you could write the book on deceiving your
> constituents to suit your purposes. Are you
> teaching Mr. Wittman all your tricks?
>
> Regarding Lisa Adler's letter to the Connection in
> your defense - What a crock! It's because of
> Bradsher that WSHS hasn't been renovated yet.
> Don't be fooled by a letter written by one of
> Bradsher's good friends.


+1

Lizzie B:
Attachments:

Assessing the candidates and merely informing, not advising.

When determining support for at large candidates, consider the following:
Attachments:

Justataxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I find the volume of "unregistered" people in this
> thread continuing to post messages to what they
> believe to be Clifton families comical. One might
> think it is the same person posting over and over
> again.

Paranoid much?

civics scholar Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> FCCPTA_pointless Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Fortune Teller Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > a person kicked off the County Council
> >
> >
> > Sheree is far more sane than the rest of the
> > members of the County Council executive board.
> At
> > least she has students in FCPS! Go check to see
> > how many other executive board members are
> parents
> > of CURRENT STUDENTS.
>
> County Council? Go back to Maryland. It's the
> Board of Supervisors, nitwit.


The reference was to the Executive Board of Fairfax County Council of PTAs (FCCPTA). Dope

Ya' think 2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ya' think? Wrote:
>
> > do any sbm's even have kids in school?
> > they are such old hags i didn't think they had
> > kids in school.
>
>
> Do any sb candidates have kids in fcps now?


Don't quote me but I think in contested races:

Braddock - McLaughlin (2)
Sully - Ratnam (2)
Dranesville - Epstein (1)
Hunter Mill - Linton (2)
Mt. Vernon - Nellenbach (?)
At Large - Kaplan (2)
At Large - Stuban (0, thanks to FCPS and SB)
Springfield - Schultz (3 or 4)

TrueBlue Wrote:
> > Do any sb candidates have kids in fcps now?

> Don't quote me but I think in contested races:

> Braddock - McLaughlin (2)
> Sully - Ratnam (2)
> Dranesville - Epstein (1)
> Hunter Mill - Linton (2)
> Mt. Vernon - Nellenbach (?)
> At Large - Kaplan (2)
> At Large - Stuban (0, thanks to FCPS and SB)
> Springfield - Schultz (3 or 4)


Thanks for the response. Does this mean no current members have kids in school?

Thanks TrueBlue Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TrueBlue Wrote:
> > > Do any sb candidates have kids in fcps now?
>
> > Don't quote me but I think in contested races:
>
> > Braddock - McLaughlin (2)
> > Sully - Ratnam (2)
> > Dranesville - Epstein (1)
> > Hunter Mill - Linton (2)
> > Mt. Vernon - Nellenbach (?)
> > At Large - Kaplan (2)
> > At Large - Stuban (0, thanks to FCPS and SB)
> > Springfield - Schultz (3 or 4)

Bradsher may have 1 at South County (unless she graduated this spring)
Center has at least 1 at Edison (special needs)
I believe all the rest have children that are beyond their K-12 years.
>
>
> Thanks for the response. Does this mean no current
> members have kids in school?

It's okay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Justataxpayer Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I find the volume of "unregistered" people in
> this
> > thread continuing to post messages to what they
> > believe to be Clifton families comical. One
> might
> > think it is the same person posting over and
> over
> > again.
>
> Paranoid much?

Perceptive, yes. Paranoid, no. I found it hard to believe there could be that many Bradsher supporters on here within a 2 hour window.

Enough Already Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Great post!!! My sentiments exactly. The vitriol
> spouted out by many of those on this site borders
> on criminality. It is not wonder that the people
> who have the brains and the fortitude to run for
> office don't, who in the hell would want the kind
> of treatment that those wenches on here spout out
> each and every day. And after reading the websites
> of all who are running for office, I can see that
> the one-issue whiners (are you listening Eliz
> Schultz, Epstein, and others) will be god-awful if
> they ever get elected. So much for a high
> performing school system with those types on the
> SB. And this Lorenze woman..talk about having a
> good schtick...asking for money for her cause when
> in actuality all her blog is is a a puff piece for
> her own business, career and personal bank
> account...the nerve of the woman!
Attachments:

Justataxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's okay Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Justataxpayer Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > I find the volume of "unregistered" people in
> > this
> > > thread continuing to post messages to what
> they
> > > believe to be Clifton families comical. One
> > might
> > > think it is the same person posting over and
> > over
> > > again.
> >
> > Paranoid much?
>
> Perceptive, yes. Paranoid, no. I found it hard
> to believe there could be that many Bradsher
> supporters on here within a 2 hour window.


I too wondered about the small storm of cheerleaders posting here for a Friday night pity party for Liz Bradsher--including what seems to be her teenaged daughter (the one photographed with the booze--wonder if she was even suspended for that at her school).

Justataxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I find the volume of "unregistered" people in this
> thread continuing to post messages to what they
> believe to be Clifton families comical. One might
> think it is the same person posting over and over
> again.
>
> And for the record, hypocrite does fit Liz. She
> campaigned on a platform associated with the
> importance of community schools. It wasn't until
> about 20 months or so ago that we realized she
> only meant the South County (specifically
> Crosspointe) community. Looking at the evidence
> from her email exchanges she was very focused on
> closing a community school. That was against her
> campaign material messaging. In addition she put
> the West Springfield community in limbo until
> again South County received funding for a middle
> school. Mind you, a middle school that has a high
> likelihood of being severely under enrolled
> without significant boundary changes.
>
> Personally, I could care less where she lives,
> what her house costs or for that matter her
> marital status. All I care about is making sure
> she stays the heck away from any child I care
> about and never again has a hand in making any
> legislative/governmental decision in Fairfax
> County.

+1

Agenda Item Details

Meeting Sep 10, 2009 - Regular Meeting No. 3 Category 3. Action Items - 9 p.m. Subject 3.02 Superintendent's Contract - Renew the employment contract for Jack D. Dale, Division Superintendent, effective September 10, 2009, through June 30, 2013 (SB; presented as new business 7/23/09) Type Action

Renew the employment contract for Jack D. Dale, Division Superintendent, effective September 10, 2009, through June 30, 2013

Motion by Stuart D Gibson, second by Elizabeth T Bradsher.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Kathy L Smith Chairman, Judith (Tessie) Wilson Vice Chairman, Elizabeth T Bradsher, Brad Center, Stuart D Gibson, James L Raney, Jane K Strauss

No: Martina A Hone, Kaye Kory, Daniel G Storck

Abstain: Ilryong Moon



By this action -

Kathy Smith should NOT be re-elected

Jane Strauss should NOT be re-elected

Ilryong Moon should NOT be re-elected [almost the most offensive - abstain? Useless. How can one abstain on such an important vote when representing the voters? People need to ABSTAIN from voting for this empty shell of a School Board member]


Like it or not, there is an element of guilt by association -

Pat Hynes should NOT be elected [groomed by Stu Gibson to take his place]
Ted Velkoff should NOT be elected [groomed by Kathy Smith to be her left hand man]

OK, since this is a thread on the school board elections, let's quit the hyperbole and hubris, the name calling...and recognize that Liz Bradshear is not going to run again (why some of you keep bringing her up is beyond me) and get down to some serious questions. I have looked at all the candidates websites, and find little in the way of reasons as to why I should vote for them, especially those who have gripes with the current board membership. So I have put together a series of questions that I would like answers to. I am pretty sure that many of the candidates read FFax Underground, so either they can answer these questions, or someone who is with their campaign or is close enough to them that they would know how the candidate would think. Here goes:
1. What is your vision for the Fairfax County school system? In 1 year, in 5 years, in 20 years.
2. What would be your specific goals for the system…short term (1-3 years) : long term ( 4-10 years.)
3. What are the greatest strengths of the FCPS? What are the greatest weaknesses?
4. What specific skills and knowledge would you bring to the table that would make you an effective school board member?
5. If you are a “reformer,” what would do you differently from what the School board has done in the past 2-3 years? Be very specific and cite real examples of those items that the school board dealt with and how you would have done it differently.
6. With the announced retirement of Jack Dale as Superintendent, what would you be looking for in a new Superintendent relative to background, experience, skills and knowledge, and vision for the system?
7. Why should a taxpayer vote for you?

I look forward to your answers.

I read in a post that Epstein's niece was in school and living with her. Not sure she has any of her own in school now.

Why does Steve Sutban not have a party endorsement? The party makes no diff to me at this point. I've heard him speak and I think he's a good candidate.

Calling Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why does Steve Sutban not have a party
> endorsement? The party makes no diff to me at this
> point. I've heard him speak and I think he's a
> good candidate.


He is a federal employee and is subject to restrictions under The Hatch Act. Some spoke for him to ask for the R endorsement but he was not allowed to go to meetings or events himself. He did not get their endorsement as a result.

Stuban may be the first Independent candidate to be elected to the School Board. About time.

Enough Already Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> OK, since this is a thread on the school board
> elections, let's quit the hyperbole and hubris,
> the name calling...and recognize that Liz
> Bradshear is not going to run again (why some of
> you keep bringing her up is beyond me) and get
> down to some serious questions. I have looked at
> all the candidates websites, and find little in
> the way of reasons as to why I should vote for
> them, especially those who have gripes with the
> current board membership. So I have put together a
> series of questions that I would like answers to.
> I am pretty sure that many of the candidates read
> FFax Underground, so either they can answer these
> questions, or someone who is with their campaign
> or is close enough to them that they would know
> how the candidate would think. Here goes:

> I look forward to your answers.


Because FFU is such a stellar news outlet & valuable resource for credible information and cerebral debate.
Attachments:

OBHWG, I laughed when I read your response, as that was the feeling I had when I made the post. Was hoping (beyond hope actually) for actual responses but I dont think I will get any. The credibility of Ffax Und. is miniscule, but given the caliber of people who write on here, why should I be surprised. It has reached the point that when I hear Ffax county is one of the most highly educated populations in the country, I laugh...while at the same time really wonder how the hell we are going to compete with the rest of the world.

I had met Sheila at a Meet and Greet. She is very enthusiastic, and charismatic and does care for the kids. From what I got from her she will be on the side of teachers and parents. Very down to earth. She has my vote !!

I'm voting for Sheila Ratnam. Met her and she can get the job done.

I'm looking at this candidates, I'm tired of Kathy Smith's bullshit. I'm going with Sheila Ratnam.

Everybody is angry at Kathy Smith. My community is for Sheila Ratnam.

Election is on November 8th.

Republicans are not for surveillance cameras. Please visit all the candidates websites if you are that interested in the candidates.

As a former FCPS student who graduated with the class of 2011 I have to say, and I mean no disrespect to any of you parents, that this is not about you and it never has been. This is about the students who for 12 years out of their lives have dealt with difficult situations and unfair repercussions due to poor judgements on behalf of our "wonderful" school board. Let me just say that as a proud member of the Westfield High School graduating class of 2011 that I personally am not in favor of the county school board because of their spending policy, for personal means, and because of the redistricting concerns. Mainly the 2007-2008 redistricting of WHS, OHS,CHS, and SLHS. The fairfax county school board has screwed up. NOW parents this is where you come in and where you make a difference for the vote, you get to vote and you should really take into account what your child says and thinks about the school board because chances are they are not in favor for anyone who is going to make their friends go to other schools or have the school board unnecessarily spend money for their own personal things.

well what is a surprise is that they do "eat their own", school board and FCPS asst superintendents have kids who have also been victimized by the system and sent to alternative schools for nothing, which is no surprise since these kinds of people (including alot of idiot posters here) think "they deserve it" and don't even know or like their own children...how did that happen?

I live in Sully and weighing out options for voting for School Board. My daughter keeps talking about how sucky the school lunches are etc. I think with the zero tolerance policy and such, it seems that maybe Kathy does need to be out of there. November 8th election is going to make a big difference !!

Agreed that we should get back to the topic at hand. It's difficult to stay on topic when the mention of one name sparks vitriol County wide..... but I'll try.

I'm considering voting for Shultz in Springfield. Similar platform to her opponent but seems to have more passion.

At-Large: Stuban and Lolita. Not sure about the third At-Large candidate yet.

Spartan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Agreed that we should get back to the topic at
> hand. It's difficult to stay on topic when the
> mention of one name sparks vitriol County
> wide..... but I'll try.
>
> I'm considering voting for Shultz in Springfield.
> Similar platform to her opponent but seems to have
> more passion.
>
> At-Large: Stuban and Lolita. Not sure about the
> third At-Large candidate yet.


I don't know about politics. I Mrs. Schultz and I love her and wish I could vote for her. She was so nice and spent so much time talking to me this weekend I am so thankful.
I met Mrs. Ratnam and I am really glad that I can vote for her instead of Mrs. Smith who has not been helping us or listening to us.

Back on topic is good.

Schultz for Springfield is the way to go. I talked to her at length and you're right, she is passionate. I checked out her opponents website and he's a current advisor to the current school board. That says it all for me. Why would we want someone that boasts about advising the current school board? blech!

At-Large, I'm with the above poster on Stuban and Lolita and I'll add Lin-Dai Kendall.

Moon needs to go. He's completely ineffective. I think he abstains from votes more often than he actually votes.

McElveen, eh, I'd prefer someone with more experience. He's a little green, IMO.

Velkoff (shudder), a Kathy Smith wanna-be, no thanks!! Kathy Smith needs to go. We don't need someone groomed by her.

Those are my picks. Nov. 8th is going to be interesting!

It is ironic and even suspect that Republicans find themselves heralding this issue at their core- discipline policy and zero tolerance, because traditionally they support irrational discipline...I am just concerned that it is wolf in sheeps...

Some information for people on this forum (don't know why I bother, really, but I'm here, so why not.)

www.FairfaxZeroToleranceReform.org is a nonpartisan organization. Its leadership spans the spectrum of political parties -- from Dem to Repub to libertarian (no anarchists, though). Its endorsements span the spectrum -- because the issue of electing school board members that care deeply about children, parents, teachers, restorative justice, educational approaches to discipline, due process, etc., knows no party bounds.

For the first time since Fairfax GOT elected school board, we have a subset of candidates that is truly versed in educational issues instead of being a farm team for patronage into higher office by their parties. These candidates deserve our attention so we can break the cycle of partisan educational politics and send a message to party leaders that they can't co-opt our education system and use our children to train ignorant politicians for higher office.

YOU have to take the time to tease out which ones are which -- which are party mouthpieces and which are truly there for we the people, our hard-earned tax dollars, and our precious children.

If you are a VOTER: PLEASE elect reform-minded candidates who are demanding a cultural change in the way our schools operate. Jack Dale is leaving (i.e., sees the writing on the wall and is being kicked out by we the people) (hallelujia), but we cannot afford to replace him with a clone. We need someone who CHERISHES children, RESPECTS teachers and parents, uses our TAXPAYER dollars WISELY in the classroom instead of Gatehouse, takes direction from the ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD, and is not afraid to speak out about and address the serious malformities in our education system while building on the excellence already there.

If you are a PARENT, TEACHER, or STUDENT: PLEASE find a way to demand that you be heard and be part of the hiring process. Both for the superintendent and for principals who are bound to want to be "promoted" to Gatehouse or will be replaced as they, too, see the writing on the wall. We have to STOP the tornadic rotation of authoritarian men (our HS principals are 95% men) into what's turning into prison warden positions at our high schools.

To get one of these true world-class superintendents, we need to kick out most (not all) of the old school board guard and bring in new blood that understands 1) what a good superintendent is (see above); 2) that collaboration with advocates is a win-win for everyone; and 3) they are the BOSS of the superintendent. (To determine who to "keep" - hint: see who voted against renewing the Dale contract - listed above - plus Evans and Reed who came in later and have consistently voted opposite rubber-stampers.)

See the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers endorsements for those reform candidates heartily supported by teachers at http://www.fcft.org/ Also the Fairfax Education Association at http://www.fairfaxea.org/ -- these have a few less-reform-minded candidates imho; and www.FairfaxZeroToleranceReform.org, which has endorsed candidates most attuned to both teachers and children/parents. Read their bios and figure out which ones have been rubber-stampers. I can tell you that the FCFT and FZTR have vetted out the latter. I know the process they went through and thoroughly respect their leadership as being sane, forthright, and highly vocal about the unmet needs of our children and citizens.

I live in Sully District and I am very unhappy about the things that are going on in the school systems. There seems to be a lot of bureaucracy within the system. I think that there should be parents who will listen to other parents and make appropriate changes. This is almost like autonomy with Kathy Smith who resigned as chair after all the suicide and unhappy parents. I am very critical of her and very angry as a matter of fact. People like her have no vested interest in the school system. She must be gone !!!!!!

Cultural Change Needed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Some information for people on this forum (don't
> know why I bother, really, but I'm here, so why
> not.)
>

You do it because your favorite candidate was endorsed by the two unions, and you believe union-endorsed candidates are better than the ones reaching out as independents representing the student interests and not beholden to the organized power brokers.

I cheered everything you said, right up to the point where you showed us where to go for a list of good candidates. At that point, you failed.


> See the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers
> endorsements for those reform candidates heartily
> supported by teachers at http://www.fcft.org/ Also
> the Fairfax Education Association at
> http://www.fairfaxea.org/ -- these have a few
> less-reform-minded candidates imho; and
> www.FairfaxZeroToleranceReform.org, which has
> endorsed candidates most attuned to both teachers
> and children/parents. Read their bios and figure
> out which ones have been rubber-stampers. I can
> tell you that the FCFT and FZTR have vetted out
> the latter. I know the process they went through
> and thoroughly respect their leadership as being
> sane, forthright, and highly vocal about the unmet
> needs of our children and citizens.

what would you recommend as the best vehicle to communicate your ideas, platform and paln of action to the citizenry? Signs seem to contribute, I'm open to hear options because I agree that it's costly and sometimes obnoxious =)

In education as in politics endorsements are about coalitions. At least three candidates endorsed by FCFT and FTZR are completely new in the scene of education activism (a year of pursuing a specific issue doesn't make any one a veteran activist or a special interest) but they linked w/ the right people.

I'm concerned about the big bulk of students in the middle of the 175K enrolled, those who just had the honors option recalled...=(....any one talking about closing the achievement gap for them via methods other than "borrowing" averages of high academic performers? Just asking...

Hey Consuela,

Did Elizabeth pay you well to say that after you cleaned her manor home in Clifton?

She has little if any background in education and FCPS, she sells jewelry. Great background for her to be a politician.

I don't care what point you're making, the first sentence is racist, won't consider the rest.

McLean Citizen

True it was harsh, my apology. Nevertheless Elizabeth hasn't been truthful to the public and someone should do a little research. I suggest you pursue.

Hogan: I actually thought it was funny but your point is well taken-Schultz has no experience and sells jewelry. (and having kids is not only zero in the experience department but is a point against you since they can hold your kids hostage if in a FCPS) but I do like what she says. I absolutely believe that the discipline policy (torture and civil liberties) is the largest issue and should be. The toxic fearful environment (studies show and I can produce the studies if you want to use the space) heavily influence the efficacy of schools, in other words, kids have to feel emotionally safe to do well. Duh. Try spending a day at your workplace worried that you will be dragged in for questionning in an arbitrary fashion. At any rate, I like what Schultz says, but she has no experience and I wonder when "push comes to shove" if she will actually stand up to administration (all other females seem to have backed down once elected-I guess males too) Thats a question-has any of the current members EVER stood against something Dale and his thugs wanted to do? That quality is what we need in all of them to make real change.

logicaldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I > absolutely believe that the discipline policy
> (torture and civil liberties) is the largest issue
> and should be. The toxic fearful environment
> (studies show and I can produce the studies if you
> want to use the space) heavily influence the
> efficacy of schools, in other words, kids have to
> feel emotionally safe to do well. Duh. Try
> spending a day at your workplace worried that you
> will be dragged in for questionning in an
> arbitrary fashion.

I can't believe that the "discipline policy...is the largest issue and should be." What about where we want the schools to be in 5, 10, 20 years? How do we maintain a global status as a country and how does education fit into that? How can we foster higher order thinking in all of our students? The list goes on and on, but I certainly would not put discipline policy very high on that list. There are relatively few students who are affected by the discipline policy. The vast majority of students are good kids. My guess is that those, such as logical dog, who would put discipline policy high an the list are those who have kids who were effected by the discipline policy because they got into trouble--they were bad kids, and ma and pa can't stand that fact! Hells bells when I was in school, we got the "strap" if we misbehaved, and when we got home we got it ten times harder. Too many parents today take the sides of their kids even when they know full well that there kids did wrong. In such instances the apple does not fall far from the tree...ask any teacher or principal. Wake up to your responsibilities ma and pa!

Enough Already Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> I can't believe that the "discipline policy...is
> the largest issue and should be."

Sort of. The largest issue is actually that the public has lost trust in the school system to administer fairly, whether that be discipline, redistricting, or building new schools.

That's what this election is about.

Mia Wrote:

> Sort of. The largest issue is actually that the
> public has lost trust in the school system to
> administer fairly, whether that be discipline,
> redistricting, or building new schools.
>
> That's what this election is about.

I am part of the public and I haven't lost trust in the school system and I doubt the majority have. Those who whine the loudest tend to be the ones who write on here, but most of the folks I talk to are pleased with their schools and the way the system is run. Yes, the Clifton folks, friends of Nick Suban (sp?), those who have been effected by the discipline policy, etc. are upset, but again, they are really in the minority in Fairfax County. In another time or in the future other issues will no doubt arise and there will be people pissed off, but it has been my experience that even in those situations, those folks are in the minority.

Wittman has ties to Bradsher--that's all I need to know. Poor guy, has no idea how toxic che is.

Schulz, while inexperienced in public service has the following going for her:

1. Despises Dale and wants him gone.
2. Knows that Tistadt and Facilities Dept lie and also refuse to disclose to the public how the bond money is spent. He will be sent packing as well.
3. Has strongly advocated for reduced suspensions, reduced time kids are out of school and DUE PROCESS, which does not currently exist. Scanlan might as well get her resume ready as well.

Elizabeth will ALWAYS, in EVERY decision she makes, put the interests of kids FIRST.

That's good enough for me.

> I am part of the public and I haven't lost trust
> in the school system and I doubt the majority
> have. Those who whine the loudest tend to be the
> ones who write on here, but most of the folks I
> talk to are pleased with their schools and the way
> the system is run. Yes, the Clifton folks, friends
> of Nick Suban (sp?), those who have been effected
> by the discipline policy, etc. are upset, but
> again, they are really in the minority in Fairfax
> County. In another time or in the future other
> issues will no doubt arise and there will be
> people pissed off, but it has been my experience
> that even in those situations, those folks are in
> the minority.


Let's count the victims under Dale's reign of terror:


69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That sure is a lot of people!

Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due to the harshness of the process.

All the kids stuck in Gen Ed classes who can't access Honors who learn nothing-thousands

Graham Road and Clifton communities that were ripped apart

All the SPED kids (14% of FCPS) who face a rate three times higher than other kids of being suspended

All The ESL and SPED kids who were forced into VGLA so Dale could pad his test scores. They have been lied to for the last 4 years and led to believe that that are doing great when really they are failing

Let's see...did I leave anyone out?? That should cover about 80% of the student population.

I guess those are the "ones who whine the loudest" right?

You are a bloody idiot.

dumbest comment by a mile Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > I am part of the public and I haven't lost
> trust
> > in the school system and I doubt the majority
> > have. Those who whine the loudest tend to be
> the
> > ones who write on here, but most of the folks I
> > talk to are pleased with their schools and the
> way
> > the system is run. Yes, the Clifton folks,
> friends
> > of Nick Suban (sp?), those who have been
> effected
> > by the discipline policy, etc. are upset, but
> > again, they are really in the minority in
> Fairfax
> > County. In another time or in the future other
> > issues will no doubt arise and there will be
> > people pissed off, but it has been my
> experience
> > that even in those situations, those folks are
> in
> > the minority.
>
>
> Let's count the victims under Dale's reign of
> terror:
>
>
> 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That
> sure is a lot of people!
>
> Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due to
> the harshness of the process.
>
> All the kids stuck in Gen Ed classes who can't
> access Honors who learn nothing-thousands
>
> Graham Road and Clifton communities that were
> ripped apart
>
> All the SPED kids (14% of FCPS) who face a rate
> three times higher than other kids of being
> suspended
>
> All The ESL and SPED kids who were forced into
> VGLA so Dale could pad his test scores. They have
> been lied to for the last 4 years and led to
> believe that that are doing great when really they
> are failing
>
> Let's see...did I leave anyone out?? That should
> cover about 80% of the student population.
>
> I guess those are the "ones who whine the loudest"
> right?
>
> You are a bloody idiot.

+1 My kids have never, thank God, had any problems in FCPS and still I care deeply about these issues.

SAme here Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> dumbest comment by a mile Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > > I am part of the public and I haven't lost
> > trust
> > > in the school system and I doubt the majority
> > > have. Those who whine the loudest tend to be
> > the
> > > ones who write on here, but most of the folks
> I
> > > talk to are pleased with their schools and
> the
> > way
> > > the system is run. Yes, the Clifton folks,
> > friends
> > > of Nick Suban (sp?), those who have been
> > effected
> > > by the discipline policy, etc. are upset, but
> > > again, they are really in the minority in
> > Fairfax
> > > County. In another time or in the future
> other
> > > issues will no doubt arise and there will be
> > > people pissed off, but it has been my
> > experience
> > > that even in those situations, those folks
> are
> > in
> > > the minority.
> >
> >
> > Let's count the victims under Dale's reign of
> > terror:
> >
> >
> > 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That
> > sure is a lot of people!
> >
> > Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due
> to
> > the harshness of the process.
> >
> > All the kids stuck in Gen Ed classes who can't
> > access Honors who learn nothing-thousands
> >
> > Graham Road and Clifton communities that were
> > ripped apart
> >
> > All the SPED kids (14% of FCPS) who face a rate
> > three times higher than other kids of being
> > suspended
> >
> > All The ESL and SPED kids who were forced into
> > VGLA so Dale could pad his test scores. They
> have
> > been lied to for the last 4 years and led to
> > believe that that are doing great when really
> they
> > are failing
> >
> > Let's see...did I leave anyone out?? That
> should
> > cover about 80% of the student population.
> >
> > I guess those are the "ones who whine the
> loudest"
> > right?
> >
> > You are a bloody idiot.
>
> +1 My kids have never, thank God, had any problems
> in FCPS and still I care deeply about these
> issues.

+1. I have one kid in AAP and another in Gen Ed, both straight A students with no discipline problems. And the discipline process scares the hell out of me, not to mention all of the other issues listed above.

I specifically moved into the Langley pyramid after having kids for the schools. And what I've learned after having kids in the schools is that it's a Potemkin village. For every smart, motivated teacher I can point to a half dozen that are near useless. The SB has allowed the system to rot from within - facilities, constant redistricting, now failure to achieve AYP. Unless you have a kid in AAP or AP, the SOL is the maximum they learn. FCPS has adopted the SOL not a minimum bar to pass, but a maximum which they don't teach beyond. All you have to do is walk around a school after SOL's are administered - the last 5 - 6 weeks in late May/June are very expensive babysitting.

If you still trust this system you haven't been paying attention and do not have the luxury to think that somebody else will protect the rights of your kids, because they have no rights. WAKE UP . You should be very afraid of this system and their policies, READ MY LIPS< you do not have to have a kid who does something wrong to get in trouble and be tortured without legal representation. Ask all of the families who end up having to sell their homes to pay legal fees for nothing. Ask Nick Stuban.

Hello All,
All that I can say is that we all need to go to the polls and make a change in the school system. November 8th is key. We can chat all we want. But let's make it a point to get our voices heard this time around. My thoughts, Kathy Smith has to go as I live in Sully. See you guys at the polls !

Sure guys, your vote matters, but you need to do more than that.

Pick candidates that you care about and that care about your kids, contact them and HELP THEM WIN.

Hand out flyers, put a sign in your yard and work the polls on election day.

Smith , Strauss, Moon need to go!!!!! Storck is questionable-unless he cleans up Mt Vernon.

Velkoff, Hynes, Wittman (only due to his Bradsher ties) are a disaster and more of the same crap.

Dale is leaving.....AMEN.....he won't last until 2013. This new board will make his life a lving hell and will shine a big fat spotlight on all his failures.

If Dale wants to salvage what little is left of his reputation-he should check out at the end of 2012 school year.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

more than voting Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sure guys, your vote matters, but you need to do
> more than that.
>
> Pick candidates that you care about and that care
> about your kids, contact them and HELP THEM WIN.
>
> Hand out flyers, put a sign in your yard and work
> the polls on election day.
>
> Smith , Strauss, Moon need to go!!!!! Storck is
> questionable-unless he cleans up Mt Vernon.
>
> Velkoff, Hynes, Wittman (only due to his Bradsher
> ties) are a disaster and more of the same crap.
>
> Dale is leaving.....AMEN.....he won't last until
> 2013. This new board will make his life a lving
> hell and will shine a big fat spotlight on all his
> failures.
>
> If Dale wants to salvage what little is left of
> his reputation-he should check out at the end of
> 2012 school year.
>
> MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What exactly are Wittman's ties to Bradsher? I keep seeing that thrown around but nothing to substantiate it.

""I will save my longer comment for a time when all the candidates are at a back-to-school function so that you can't accuse me of being someone I'm not. But you seriously misunderstand the disrespect that the Woodson community has for Megan McLaughlin and her egotistical family. Ben Tribbett, often the mouth of the Democrats, posted that Megan McLaughlin IS the reincarnation of Liz Bradshaw and strongly warned against associating with her. Even Catherine Lorenze, who tries to only back sure winners, is worried that Megan McLaughlin will drag down the other candidates she is working for. Hint: Take a look at Megan McLaughlin's campaign website and ask what was her actual involvement in all her claimed activities. You can bet they will be taken apart one at a time in the next few weeks. You're backing a phony, Thomas. There are a lot of people who will vote for anyone but Megan.""""

+1
well said, and without the Megan-endorsed use of profanity!

Who is Ben Tribbett??

I'm a Democrat and he doesn't speak for me.

> 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That sure is a lot of people!

Every one of those kids was innocent, right? Let me remind you that a 15 year-old abducted a 5 year-old from her house in Springfield last month and today a 16 year-old is being charged with assault in Greenbriar after he tried to abduct a woman last week. The 15 and 16 year olds today are not all Justin Beibers.


> Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due to the harshness of the process.

No, the Stubans and Andersons are burying their sons because they decided to take their own lives.

I really need to discipline myself to ignore stupid people....sigh...ok, last time.

Yep, the county is flooded with "serious offenses" like rapes and abductions by students.

Let's see.....

175,000 students

69,000 documented infractions

5 expulsions

expulsions are the really, really serious, dangerous offenses where FCPS says bye-bye.

And I will speak for The Stuban and Anderson families:

GO TO HELL LADY.

Kids are the bad ones....kick them all out...

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


FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Northern California teacher says he doesn't want to hear a common courtesy in his classroom.


He's even lowering students' grades if they say "bless you" after someone sneezes.

Steve Cuckovich says the practice is disrespectful and disruptive. He's banned saying "bless you" in his high school health class in Vacaville.

He even knocked 25 points from one student's grade for saying the phrase in class.

Cuckovich says the policy has nothing to do with religion, but says the phrase is just a outdated practice and disrupts class time.

"When you sneezed in the old days, they thought you were dispelling evil spirits out of your body," Cuckovich said. "So they were saying, 'god bless you' for getting rid of evil spirits. But today, I said what you're doing doesn't really make any sense anymore."

After parents complained about students losing points for saying "bless you", Cuckovich says he decided to stop the practice.

However, the teacher says he will just find another way to discipline students for saying "bless you" in class.

Alexandria Teacher Accused of Receiving Child Pornography Worked in Fairfax County Schools

Justin Coleman, a teacher at John Adams Elementary, allegedly stole young girl's underwear from a backpack he found at the school

By Will Sommer Email the authorApril 9, 2011 &nbps;0 Comments

Justin Coleman, the Alexandria City elementary school teacher arrested Wednesday on charges of receiving child pornography, also worked in several Fairfax County public schools, according to FCPS.

Paul Regnier, an FCPS spokesperson, wrote in an email to Kingstowne Patch that Coleman, a teacher at John Adams Elementary in Alexandria, previously worked in "a number of Fairfax County schools," although Regnier said he did not have the names of the schools.

Coleman worked at Rose Hill Elementary as a Spanish-language immersion teacher, according to a Fox 5 report from Friday.

Coleman was arrested Wednesday after a months-long Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigation into a child pornography website. He is accused of receiving child pornography. According to the complaint against Coleman, he told investigators he was concerned his home life and work life would begin to conflict.

Anyone with additional information about Coleman is asked to contact ICE's Homeland Security Investigations division at 1-866-DHS-2ICE

VOTE FOR STEVE STUBAN. He is a normal person with rational views.

Yes! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>There are a lot of people who will vote for anyone but Megan.<

35% of people will vote for mickey mouse, aka Nell Hurley, but that's not enough to win an election.

Get a Grip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That sure is a lot of people!
>
> Every one of those kids was innocent, right? Let me remind you that a 15 year-old abducted a 5 year-old from her house in Springfield last month and today a 16 year-old is being charged with assault in Greenbriar after he tried to abduct a woman last week. The 15 and 16 year olds today are not all Justin Beibers.<

69,000 versus 2. which more accurately represents today's teenagers? You decide.

> Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due to the harshness of the process.<
>
> No, the Stubans and Andersons are burying their sons because they decided to take their own lives.<

which decisions were triggered by a humiliating, degrading, destructive, dehumanizing discipline process.

Thomas More Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes! Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >There are a lot of people who will vote for
> anyone but Megan.<
>
> 35% of people will vote for mickey mouse, aka Nell
> Hurley, but that's not enough to win an election.


I getcha, vote for Megan McLaughlin because her supporters are good at making up statistics and calling people names. Issues and experience don't matter. Thank you Thomas More.

1. Megan and her family moved to Braddock District in 2000,and have remained active community leaders.
2. Her husband Jim is a native Braddock resident, and a graduate of W.T. Woodson High School.
3. Through the next 7 years, their 3 sons will also attend W.T. Woodson.
4. If elected, Megan looks forward to sharing her perspective as a current FCPS parent with her School Board colleagues and FCPS officials.
5. At present, only 2 of the 12 School Board members have children attending FCPS.
6. Along with her leadership in FAIRGRADE
7. and the Fairfax Education Coalition
8. Megan has served our community as a PTA President
9. and Executive Board Member
10. Fairfax Zero Tolerance Reform (FZTR) Special Advisor
11. Co-chair for the coalition to stop the Woodson Bus Depot
12. 2003 Braddock School Bond representative
13. Leadership Team member of RENEW (renovate W.T. Woodson HS.)
14. NVSL Swim Team Representative and Board Member for Rutherford Pool
15. BRYC Asst Soccer Coach
16. Volunteer Counselor/Instructor for Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court
17. Megan Delivers Results for the Community
18. President & Co-Founder of FAIRGRADE
19. Megan helped mobilize 10,000 parents and supporters
20. Successfully changed punitive grading policies in Fairfax County.
21. The Washington Post called the leaders of FAIRGRADE "professionals"
22. "Their data and arguments are first rate."
23. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette called Megan and FAIRGRADE "role models for other parents in the country."
24. FAIRGRADE's efforts led to significant changes to FCPS' 47-year old grading policies.
25. Now FCPS students countywide compete on a more level playing field for college admissions and merit-based scholarships.
26. FAIRGRADE's success has led school districts throughout VA to make similar changes to their grading policies.
27. FAIRGRADE is currently leading a countywide effort to restore valuable upper-level high school honors courses, based upon research data and educational "best-practices".
28 Co-Chair of the Woodson Parking Lot Coalition (WPLC)
29. Megan worked closely with W.T. Woodson PTSO leaders, Braddock residents, and county officials
30. Successfully halted FCPS' efforts to place a Bus Depot (50 school buses and 50 personnel vehicles) on Woodson's campus.
31. Megan and the WPLC successfully demonstrated to public officials that FCPS' proposal was both harmful and too costly.
32. In 2009, Megan co-founded the Fairfax Education Coalition with fellow parent advocates and teacher groups.
33. As FEC's Chair, Megan has led coalition members in providing critical data analysis about FCPS' annual budget & administrative spending to the Board of Supervisors and public.
34. Megan's leadership of the FEC has resulted in identifying questionable FCPS budget priorities
35. Publicly lobbying for Full Day Kindergarten
36. Increased Teacher Compensation
37. Promoting stronger accountability, transparency and community engagement
38. Important issues such as the Superintendent's contract renewal
39. FCPS annual $2.2 billion budget
40. Funding changes to struggling schools (Priority Schools Initiative, PSI).
41. Megan Has What It Takes to Keep FCPS Great!
42. Megan's extensive background in a wide array of educational and community settings
43. Her family background
44. Will strengthen her ability to work with and relate to diverse constituencies.
45. She has a deep appreciation for dedicated teachers
46. The significance of ensuring quality public schools so that all children can reach their full potential.
47. Her personal background includes: College admissions officer for Georgetown University
48. Volunteer counselor and instructor for Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
49. Employment Developer for Easter Seals Adult Day Habilitation facility.
50. Daughter of a former public school teacher/assistant principal
51. Undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania
52. Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland.

52 Reasons for Megan: This is an interesting and helpful list (that's sincere/no snark). Reasons 16 and 48 are identical, however.

is she a dem or rep? I also have a Masters Degree from U of Md, and I can't believe that a social worker would be a republican...

logicaldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> is she a dem or rep? I also have a Masters Degree
> from U of Md, and I can't believe that a social
> worker would be a republican...


Why - because she didn't convert to the liberal 'religion'. Maybe the UMD professors are slipping in their indoctrination.

logicaldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> is she a dem or rep? I also have a Masters Degree
> from U of Md, and I can't believe that a social
> worker would be a republican...


You once wrote a letter to the editor of a local paper, saying that people in your child's school were trying to convert your kid to be a republican,,, you took them out of public school?

logicaldog Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> is she a dem or rep? I also have a Masters Degree
> from U of Md, and I can't believe that a social
> worker would be a republican...

Megan is a proud Democrat, not afraid to say so.

pathetic Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> logicaldog Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > is she a dem or rep? I also have a Masters
> Degree
> > from U of Md, and I can't believe that a social
> > worker would be a republican...
>
>
> Why - because she didn't convert to the liberal
> 'religion'. Maybe the UMD professors are slipping
> in their indoctrination.

Your calling it a religion aside, Megan does embrace the liberal philosophy because it's the only one that works in large urban school systems like Fairfax County. Her platform is not to make the system smaller but to replace those in charge with others who are more aligned with the needs of the parents and students: SLEEP, FAIRGRADE, etc.

SLEEP is NOT "in line with the needs of parents and students."

Get a Grip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That sure is a lot of people!
>
> Every one of those kids was innocent, right? Let me remind you that a 15 year-old abducted a 5 year-old from her house in Springfield last month and today a 16 year-old is being charged with assault in Greenbriar after he tried to abduct a woman last week. The 15 and 16 year olds today are not all Justin Beibers.<

69,000 versus 2. which more accurately represents today's teenagers? You decide.

> Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due to the harshness of the process.<
>
> No, the Stubans and Andersons are burying their sons because they decided to take their own lives.<

which decisions were triggered by a humiliating, degrading, destructive, dehumanizing discipline process.


Thomas More,
So let me take your question and turn it back on you since you brought up Stuban and Anderson; 173,000 vs 2: "which more accurately represents today's teenagers? You decide."

High School Parent Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> SLEEP is NOT "in line with the needs of parents
> and students."


+1. SLEEP is a bunch of over indulged whiners. Getting up early and going to work is what they'll do for the next 40 years of their life. Plus if you have some ambition in life (versus laying in bed for a couple extra hours) kids are doing things after school - sports, other activities, perhaps a job to help pay for college. They need the time that an earlier start provides them.

I'm betting the SLEEP moms have a bunch of loser kids sitting around playing XBOX till the middle of the night, and just can't figure out why Johnny has to take a nap as soon as he gets home.

Wasn't this whole SLEEP thing tabled because of excessive cost issues?

Taxpayer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Wasn't this whole SLEEP thing tabled because of
> excessive cost issues?


That, and the fact that parents who actually wanted their children to participate in band/sport/other activity/job fought back pretty hard too.

Plenty of FCPS teachers, especially at the elementary and middle schools, opposed the SLEEP proposal. Remember the elementary students who were to start at 7:25 am and the middle school schedule, which had those 13-14 year olds home alone--or NOT!!--until 9:45 am?

The only people who would have clearly benefited from the SLEEP plan would have been Langley High School, whose students must travel from as far away as 15+ miles. South Lakes HS is much closer to their house, but they had to remain at Langley (because they are so special).

thanks Tom MOre, thats all I really wanted to know, without all of the right wing angst produced. In terms of the kids who did commit suicide, the numbers who are medicated because of the unjust, arbitrary, humiliating, horrible, torturous fCPS discipline process, is probably more of an indicator and I would estimate 50%. To get through this system sane requires medication, parents and students...

teachers opposed SLEEP too Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Plenty of FCPS teachers, especially at the
> elementary and middle schools, opposed the SLEEP
> proposal. Remember the elementary students who
> were to start at 7:25 am and the middle school
> schedule, which had those 13-14 year olds home
> alone--or NOT!!--until 9:45 am?
>
> The only people who would have clearly benefited
> from the SLEEP plan would have been Langley High
> School, whose students must travel from as far
> away as 15+ miles. South Lakes HS is much closer
> to their house, but they had to remain at Langley
> (because they are so special).


Thanks for the info. That explains why it is coming up yet again in the Dranesville SB race. Only Langley matters to Langley parents.

I hear that Sully has the lowest turnout at the polls. People cannot be complacent. You must have your voices heard. Go onto the candidates websites and do learn about them. Then make your selection. November 8th is as crucial for all of us locally than it is Federally. Do the due diligence !

I want to know who pays for vandalism and negligence. Racial insults [?] and over $3000 by Langley students at a game at Mclean. Any caught on tape?

http://mclean.patch.com/articles/cost-of-vandalism-damage-at-mclean-high-by-langley-students

gatehouse2? enough said Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I want to know who pays for vandalism and
> negligence. Racial insults [?] and over $3000 by
> Langley students at a game at Mclean. Any caught
> on tape?
>
> http://mclean.patch.com/articles/cost-of-vandalism
> -damage-at-mclean-high-by-langley-students

Here's part of an article from the Langley newspaper about the incident:

"In a school-wide address on Monday morning, Principal Matt Ragone expressed his disappointment at Langley’s behavior, saying that he “expected better,” and that “Langley should be THE model school for good and positive behavior just as we are the model academically and on the playing field.”

Mr. Ragone later addressed the abuse inflicted on the McLean step team, saying, “Their step team gets mocked by a lot of schools, not just Langley. Those girls are really courageous to get out there in front of everybody, just to be made fun of. [The principal of McLean] told me that the step team coaches have to persuade them every game to keep going.”

Amazing the Langley principal is such a wimp. Maybe that's what the Langley parents expect: a principal who praises their kids even when they vandalize another school and tries to rationalize verbal insults by saying "everybody does it."

Was any discipline imposed? I know it's not something horrible, like bringing acne medecine to school, but you wonder if the "punishment" was just bringing checks from Mom and Dad to Ragone's office.

Equally Disgusted Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> gatehouse2? enough said Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I want to know who pays for vandalism and
> > negligence. Racial insults [?] and over $3000
> by
> > Langley students at a game at Mclean. Any
> caught
> > on tape?
> >
> >
> http://mclean.patch.com/articles/cost-of-vandalism
>
> > -damage-at-mclean-high-by-langley-students
>
> Here's part of an article from the Langley
> newspaper about the incident:
>
> "In a school-wide address on Monday morning,
> Principal Matt Ragone expressed his disappointment
> at Langley’s behavior, saying that he
> “expected better,” and that “Langley should
> be THE model school for good and positive behavior
> just as we are the model academically and on the
> playing field.”
>
> Mr. Ragone later addressed the abuse inflicted on
> the McLean step team, saying, “Their step team
> gets mocked by a lot of schools, not just Langley.
> Those girls are really courageous to get out there
> in front of everybody, just to be made fun of.
> told me that the step team coaches have to
> persuade them every game to keep going.”
>
> Amazing the Langley principal is such a wimp.
> Maybe that's what the Langley parents expect: a
> principal who praises their kids even when they
> vandalize another school and tries to rationalize
> verbal insults by saying "everybody does it."
>
> Was any discipline imposed? I know it's not
> something horrible, like bringing acne medecine to
> school, but you wonder if the "punishment" was
> just bringing checks from Mom and Dad to Ragone's
> office.

But wait...after reading so many of the posts in FU about how bad the discipline policy is in FCPS, I thought that all these kids were angels! Hmmmmmm..guess not! Maybe FCPS knows something we don't huh?

I think I'm figuring this out. There seem to be a lot of Langley parents driving this SLEEP proposal - the same ones who would just die if the ridiculous Langley boundaries were changed so their kids would go to a closer school and therefore not have to get up so early to take such a long bus ride. Or, more realistically, drive so far to school.

So, let the taxpayers pay a whole lot more, and never mind the ripple effect through the other grade levels and schools and the effect on kids who actually hold jobs after school.

Because...the senseless, expensive vandalism and the nasty racist remarks by the Langley students really weren't their faults at all...they were just sleep deprived.

Equally Disgusted Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> >
> >
> http://mclean.patch.com/articles/cost-of-vandalism
>
> > -damage-at-mclean-high-by-langley-students
>
> Here's part of an article from the Langley
> newspaper about the incident:
>
> "In a school-wide address on Monday morning,
> Principal Matt Ragone expressed his disappointment
> at Langley’s behavior, saying that he
> “expected better,” and that “Langley should
> be THE model school for good and positive behavior
> just as we are the model academically and on the
> playing field.”
>
> Mr. Ragone later addressed the abuse inflicted on
> the McLean step team, saying, “Their step team
> gets mocked by a lot of schools, not just Langley.
> Those girls are really courageous to get out there
> in front of everybody, just to be made fun of.
> told me that the step team coaches have to
> persuade them every game to keep going.”
>
> Amazing the Langley principal is such a wimp.
> Maybe that's what the Langley parents expect: a
> principal who praises their kids even when they
> vandalize another school and tries to rationalize
> verbal insults by saying "everybody does it."
>
>
Ragone declaring "those girls are really courageous to get out there in front of everybody, just to be made fun of" is a strange comment. And "other schools do it--not just Langley?" Yet he feels disappointed in Langley HS and that the students should be held to a higher standard??? Ragone is talking out of both sides of his mouth. The Langley students "should" behave better, but the school is not the only one who ridicules the step team, as though that's a justification.

Karma does come back to kick these arrogant parents and their kids in the rear ends big time. It may not happen until the students are parents themselves and find themselves on the other end of the teasing/abuse.

Don't have kids so know nothing about school system at all. But I do have a vote and I am voting for all Republicans to get some common sense back into the school system. Also voting no on the Bond since most of the money is going to TJ which has a very small enrollment - which was the reason given for closing Clifton Elem. So Lolita, Brown-Kaplan, Lin-Dai, and Hurley are on my list to support.

Sample ballots are up at the County web site.

Don't see a lot of success coming from one agenda candidates, a la Kendall.

Need to retain some experience, so voting for Moon, Stuban, maybe Velkoff and Kathy Smith. No on the bond.

You might consider looking at how Kathy Smith has voted over the years. I think you would change your mind if you care about how your money is spent. Remember, this board postponed full day K throughout the county until they "suddenly" found money they could use for it after receiving pressure from parent activists and the BOS. Kathy had no problem voting for her pet programs while full day K went unfunded in many, many Sully district schools. Check out her votes on zero tolerance, too.

I don't know Velkoff, but I do know that he has been a strong supporter of what our school board has done in the past (He has written at least one letter to the editor praising the board--I think it was praising the closing of Clifton.) I am pretty sure he was a principal worker in Kathy's last campaign. That is enough for me to find another candidate.

As for Moon, I don't think his voting record is great. I watch a lot of the meetings and I don't think I have ever seen him challenge Dale. Of course, Tina Hone and Patty Reed are the only ones that do challenge him. Also, I think, Sandy Evans. Raney did a few years ago, but hasn't lately.

As for the school bond, I vote "no". Many schools do need renovation, but the money has had such poor stewardship in the past, I don't trust the board to use it properly. Isn't this how they got Gatehouse? How could any board member vote to fund a Taj Mahal of an admin building when half of the schools (or more?) have trailers?

Hogan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> McLean Citizen
>
> True it was harsh, my apology. Nevertheless
> Elizabeth hasn't been truthful to the public and
> someone should do a little research. I suggest
> you pursue.


This sounds exactly like what a failed School Board member who has sour grapes would write.

How long is the failed School Board member going to play the bitter victim and continue pathological lies?

On Schultz's website ~
Elizabeth is actively involved in working with legislators in the Virginia General Assembly, local politicians and has testified before the Virginia State Senate, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board. As a former Senior Manager of Contracts and Negotiation professional, she has served in the federal, nonprofit and private sectors for Fortune 200 companies and federal contractors in the areas of asset management, information technology and global education. She has also been an entrepreneur and small business owner/consultant.


Since I have known her for about 14 years, can say that she is the person you want working for you - there is no one better I know and she gets thing done that others only talk about or dream of doing. She just does them.

Get a Grip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > 69,000 discipline infractions in 2009-10. That
> sure is a lot of people!
>
> Every one of those kids was innocent, right? Let
> me remind you that a 15 year-old abducted a 5
> year-old from her house in Springfield last month
> and today a 16 year-old is being charged with
> assault in Greenbriar after he tried to abduct a
> woman last week. The 15 and 16 year olds today are
> not all Justin Beibers.
>
>
> > Stubans amd Andersons who buried their sons due
> to the harshness of the process.
>
> No, the Stubans and Andersons are burying their
> sons because they decided to take their own lives.


No, not every one of the kids was innocent. Some, statistically, should have been. Instead? None were innocent.

More than 69,000 were accused of doing something and all of them, all, all, all of them, were guilty as charged.
Keep on thinking that FCPS doesn't need to fix this.

Seriously, you didn't blame the kids for the circumstances the school administration put them in, did you? If so, you are one heartless bastard.

who cares about party affiliations - do kids come with R's or D's on their heads? apparently they do in your neck of the woods...