tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post8342494911584844562..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Today's Press ConferenceCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-71026621987159294482009-05-06T18:08:00.000-04:002009-05-06T18:08:00.000-04:00Well, I guess Oprah handled today's show as "grace...Well, I guess Oprah handled today's show as "gracefully" as could be expected. She could have accomplished the same thing without the actual mothers there on the stage, but it's t.v., so it's expected. At least, she didn't let them get into the finger pointing.<br /><br />They finally got around to the idea of empowering by-standers toward the end of the show. Wish that had been a more prevalent theme of the show.<br /><br />Gotta applaud the courage of the young man (13 years old) who agreed to detail his years of bullying on national television.<br /><br />Trying to get to a way to identify when your child is being victimized was fascinating -- particularly for the slightly older kids, those in their young teens. The classic "symptoms" of being bullied (sudden sulleness, retreat from family and friends, etc) are also classic growing pains. I'm not looking forward to sorting out our kids' emotions as they hit that age!No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22102643284278532602009-05-05T12:45:00.000-04:002009-05-05T12:45:00.000-04:00Post of the Day award to No Duh! Well said....Post of the Day award to No Duh! Well said....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14880282804712205882009-05-05T11:49:00.000-04:002009-05-05T11:49:00.000-04:00I'd like to remind you all of the point made by Je...I'd like to remind you all of the point made by Jeff Dess, Cobb's intervention specialist in his radio interview. He said that bullying is taunting, and a fine line crossed after teasing. However, physical assault is assault - not bullying. Those boys choked Jaheem to a point on unconsciousness - that is far beyond bullying - that is a very serious assault. These are some very bad boys and I can't wait to hear how the school system dealt with them after learning about the choking incident. <br /><br />To listen to the podcast of the Jeff Dess Interview on "Parenting my Teen" - go here<br /><A>http://www.cobbk12.org/~preventionintervention/video/parenting-teenagers-15.mp3</A>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-582103380023412322009-05-05T11:33:00.000-04:002009-05-05T11:33:00.000-04:00Amen, No Duh. Just a little extra courage all arou...Amen, No Duh. Just a little extra courage all around ... like fear breeds fear, I believe courage breeds courage.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-55156999719609708092009-05-05T10:39:00.000-04:002009-05-05T10:39:00.000-04:00So, let's stop looking for blood.
Let's empower o...So, let's stop looking for blood.<br /><br />Let's empower our bystanders! They are the key. And, at one time or another, all of our children will be bystanders.<br /><br />Bullying will NEVER be stopped. I believe it is inherent in the human experience -- a power struggle, an expression of fear, a testing of one's abilities. It is not always physical.<br /><br />And, unfortunately, many bullies breed bullies.<br /><br />Let's empower our children to stand between a victim and a bully. When was the last time the parent of a bystander showed up in the principal's office to seek action? We must show our children how to be active in a bullying situation. How to protect a victim. How to "disarm" a bully (verbally, not physically). How to stand tall if others call them a snitch.<br /><br />Because we are human and have build a sociey, there will always be victims and bullies.<br /><br />But, bystanders are the KEY.No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-77569169591928742382009-05-05T10:26:00.000-04:002009-05-05T10:26:00.000-04:00Bullying has been around ever since there were mor...Bullying has been around ever since there were more than two people on the planet. Doesn't make it right, doesn't make it acceptable.<br /><br />As Jaheem's case emphasizes, there is no "generic" bullying solution. The same bullies who tormented Jaheem probably had other victims.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Jaheem was in a VERY fragile mental state. Keep in mind he had recently experienced at least three of the majors stressors psychologists say lead to depression:<br />1) A move from St. Croix<br />2) Death of a beloved Grandmother, and Grandfather moved back to St. Croix<br />3) Change in job (school being his job)<br /><br />In addition, he recently had an Uncle found dead on a front porch (in ATL or St. Croix, I don't know). He lived in a two-bedroom apartment with three or four other siblings, his mother and her boyfriend. This would suggest financial strains (kids feel these, too).<br /><br />His mother noticed subtle changes in his behavior. Not wanting to eat, not sleeping well, then finally not wanting to go school. She is not a psychologist, so she can't be blamed for not "doing anything." I'm sure the parents of every suicide victim(young and old) wishes they would have listened a little longer and harder, spent more time with their child, better battled the child's demons.<br /><br />Jaheem's suicide is extremely tragic. And the hopelessness he must have felt brings me to tears. But, who is to say Jaheem wouldn't have reacted differently to his bullies had all these other life factors not been in place? Perhaps the bullies were the last straw -- not the only straw.<br /><br />The internal investigation will determine what the administrators and Jaheem's teachers did or did not do from a DCSS policy perspective -- but it will never determine what caused Jaheem to take his life. Only Jaheem could provide us with that.No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-6333560710316025332009-05-05T08:19:00.000-04:002009-05-05T08:19:00.000-04:00Fyi - Wsb radio is reporting Ms Bermudez will be a...Fyi - Wsb radio is reporting Ms Bermudez will be a guest on Oprah tomorrow.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1899812035948377952009-05-02T14:10:00.000-04:002009-05-02T14:10:00.000-04:00This is an interesting article about the investiga...This is an interesting article about the investigation from "Atlanta Unfiltered" online. Seems Dr. Lewis is pretty much asking the same questions we are --<br /><br /><I>April 27 -- DeKalb School Superintendent Crawford Lewis today promised a thorough and transparent investigation to see how the system handled bullying complaints that led to the suicide of a Dunaire Elementary student.<br /><br />Although the system's investigation is continuing, Lewis said the mother of Jaheem Herrera, 11, clearly had visited Dunaire to complain about bullies harassing her son.<br /><br />"If she came one time, that should have been sufficient enough for us to respond appropriately and put the protocols in place," he said.<br /><br />Lewis said he wants to know how the system responded to Jaheem's mother, Masika Bermudez: "Did we address the issue as soon as it came to our attention?" DeKalb schools' Office of Internal Affairs, headed by state Sen. Ron Ramsey, will look into the incident..</I>I'm not thrilled, however, to see that Ron Ramsey and Gwen Keyes Fleming are the people in charge of finding answers. They are both very tight with Dr. Lewis.<br /><br />I would hope that the GBI or some outside agency would take this on. <br /><br /><A>http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/atlmainstream7.html</A>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4578671616340406822009-05-01T18:25:00.000-04:002009-05-01T18:25:00.000-04:00I disagree - I'm not questioning her competency - ...I disagree - I'm not questioning her competency - I'm questioning the disconnect between schools and admin. Why are these programs not being followed through? Is the staff too busy - too apathetic or too afraid to admit that their school has "issues"... Do they not realize that these initiatives require continuous work after the facilitators leave the building? Is there no clear set of plans, directives, checks and balances?<br /><br />Problems can never, ever be fixed, or even addressed if we are not honest that they exist in the first place and can feel free to seek help in implementing programs if they appear not to be working. Seems to me that there is too much of an "us" and "them" mentality between the school staffs and the administrative offices. Teamwork, freedom from fear and intimidation is what is needed here.<br /><br />Why did the $60,000 prevention/intervention specialist not intervene? Why did one of the $60k+ counselors or $80k assistant principals not intervene? The woman asked for help - why did she not get any? <br /><br />And if anyone says, oh, she should have been a better mom and helped him herself I will delete your comment - and I never do that.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-27360073214629396372009-05-01T18:03:00.000-04:002009-05-01T18:03:00.000-04:00Dunwoody Mom posts and all I hear is blah, blah, b...Dunwoody Mom posts and all I hear is blah, blah, blah.<br /><br />Talk to parents and teachers from DCSS Midddle Schools all over the system, and you'll then realize bullying is alive and well in DCSS Middle Schools.<br /><br />Some principals are on top of it, some are afraid to contact Central Office, and some are in denial.<br /><br />Good question: How do we know these programs are working? DCSS has many programs that have no measures, no metrics, to prove success. Crawford loves programs and more programs to justify Central Office bloat, but there is no way to measure effectiveness.<br /><br />And when it comes to Ms. Errion, a mom begging for help six or seven times, especially when her son had been choked to uncoinsciousness, and having the child be despondent enough to take her own life, then hell yeah, I'm going to question her reputation and competency.Open+Transparentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66093655189160163192009-05-01T17:34:00.000-04:002009-05-01T17:34:00.000-04:00Visit the DCSS webpage related to safety/bullying,...Visit the DCSS webpage related to safety/bullying, etc.<br /><br />http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/administration/safety/files/bullying/page2.htmlCerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-56866037707547442052009-05-01T14:38:00.000-04:002009-05-01T14:38:00.000-04:00Your choice Dunwoody Mom. I completely understand...Your choice Dunwoody Mom. I completely understand. I don't like to talk about this ugliness either, believe me.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78955896255971201672009-05-01T13:53:00.000-04:002009-05-01T13:53:00.000-04:00My child is attending an anti-bullying presentatio...My child is attending an anti-bullying presentation at her high school today. They have been told that ALL the DCSS schools are having one. Is this true?<br /><br />It is exam time, and she will be missing valuable review for a high-stakes test because of it. This is an exit test for a program she is in (not an EOCT or GHSGT), she cannot repeat the course or the test, and her score will affect what sort of diploma she can get. I am generally opposed to students being pulled out of class for programs, and this bothers me. I wish teachers could have opted their classes out if they were doing something critical...Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-72183359740508713142009-05-01T13:50:00.000-04:002009-05-01T13:50:00.000-04:00Sorry, cere, I'm not willing to assume bullying is...Sorry, cere, I'm not willing to assume bullying is an "epidemic" that is not being addressed by DCSS, based on internet blogs. I'll wait for the facts before my words could possibly ruin someone's reputation. If that is going to be tolerated or encouraged on this blog, then I feel I need to find a more constructive way to try and make a difference in DCSS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-40885710043700889072009-05-01T13:42:00.000-04:002009-05-01T13:42:00.000-04:00ps - this isn't a courtroom. We don't need facts ...ps - this isn't a courtroom. We don't need facts or beyond reasonable doubt. I think we can all make the logical deduction that these stories are not random, isolated instances. Behind each story brought to light, there are certainly several more unreported here.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18808482033651285852009-05-01T13:38:00.000-04:002009-05-01T13:38:00.000-04:00True, we can't make assumptions, however, we've ce...True, we can't make assumptions, however, we've certainly heard many, many stories right here on this blog from parents whose children have been bullied and the principal has done little to nothing to help. <br /><br />Also, I would really like to know if Jaheem's mother - or any parent in DCSS - has been referred to one of these programs because your child has been bullied or otherwise harmed. <br /><br />Ella told us the story of her experience - she was permanently harmed by a student - and she left Lakeside because of it and because of the lack of protection there.<br /><br />Shayna shared the story of her son being bullied at Shamrock - and nothing was done.<br /><br />I've shared my story about the bully who harmed many children and a couple of teachers and he ended up getting private schooling - paid for by the school system.<br /><br />Read the AJC blogs on the subject. There are many, many parents reporting there about bullying - or actual acts of violence against their children.<br /><br />If our leaders want to take "credit" for any progresses made on the subject, then they must also freely admit where there is failure. And in DCSS we have many, many instances of failure on this subject. And that's not an assumption.<br /><br />Once you have an incident to report about your child, please come back to this blog and tell me a good story about how it was all resolved with counseling and intervention programs. I'd love to hear a success story!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1138308848799462082009-05-01T12:56:00.000-04:002009-05-01T12:56:00.000-04:00How do we know that this program has not been succ...How do we know that this program has not been successful in other schools? How do we know that bullying has not been reduced in other schools? We just assume that because there is an issue with Dunaire that it is an issue county-wide - I don't think it's far to make that assumption without facts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-73771330027067721022009-05-01T12:33:00.000-04:002009-05-01T12:33:00.000-04:00Again, just saying we're "Premier" doesn't mean we...Again, just saying we're "Premier" doesn't mean we are. <br /><br />And just saying somewhere is "No Place to Hate" doesn't mean that it is.<br /><br />You can't just make these statements and then go about your business as if the problems are solved. (We did the program - so it's all good now.) It requires daily, constant one-on-one attention. It's hard work and if you don't want to do the hard work that goes with the $60k job, then don't apply for the job.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-64394298530580424262009-05-01T12:30:00.000-04:002009-05-01T12:30:00.000-04:00I don't think anyone blamed her for his suicide - ...I don't think anyone blamed her for his suicide - we're just saying that there's an awful lot of people on the payroll who are supposed to be looking out for these things - and basically, no one helped this family. Again - the disconnect. Was it the principal's job to refer the family to the proper people? Why didn't the "bullies" get sent to one of these programs we are paying over $2 million in salaries to implement? Did this "Prevention/Intervention" specialist at the school who earns over $60k ever meet with this family? We are not blaming individuals - but you have to admit - the "system" failed. And we are paying an awful lot for the "system".<br /><br />In addition - regarding the ADL - they have worked with over 80 of our schools. In fact, their No Place to Hate poster hangs in hundreds of hallways. But the program requires Follow UP and Implementation and regular discussions. It's sort of like saying we're "Premier" when we're not. Doing one training and hanging a poster will not fix what is going on with violence in our schools.<br /><br />"In 2007, DCSS implemented the system-wide “No Place for Hate” initiative in an effort to reduce the incidence of bullying and create climates of respect and inclusion in all DeKalb elementary, middle and high schools."<br /><br />"Schools became ‘No Place for Hate’ campuses by completing the following activities:<br /><br />Forming a committee to oversee anti-bias activities in their school<br /><br />Signing a “Resolution for Respect” (middle and high school) or “No Place for Hate Promise” (elementary schools)<br /><br />Choosing and completing, within one year, four activities that celebrate diversity and promote respect<br /><br />Contacting the ADL to arrange official certification and reception of a banner to commemorate the milestone<br /><br />The ceremony marked the completion of the second year of the Anti-Defamation League’s successful partnership with DeKalb County School System in implementing the program that further promotes unity and harmonious school environments conducive for learning and social growth."<br /><br /><A>http://www.dekalbkaleidoscope.com/?p=479</A>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30904002676761657842009-05-01T11:54:00.000-04:002009-05-01T11:54:00.000-04:00The "No Place for Hate" program is an ADL program....The "No Place for Hate" program is an ADL program. Bill Nigut indicated in his interview on CNN, that they were working with this school, that this school was making progress and that he was surprised at this situation.<br /><br />To blame Jennifer Erion for Jaheem's suicide is illogical and just plain wrong.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74019135243725044052009-05-01T10:43:00.000-04:002009-05-01T10:43:00.000-04:00"Jennifer Errion - $106,182 plus $2517.73 expenses..."Jennifer Errion - $106,182 plus $2517.73 expenses.<br />PLUS 52 others totaling over $2,600,000 in salaries- plus $28,000 in expenses - not to mention bene's and pensions."<br /><br /><br />One of your best posts ever, Cere. Brilliant.<br /><br />A) Jennifer completely and utterly failed at her job when it came to Jaheem.<br /><br />B) Crawford Lewis screams aboit the lack of funding from the state, but the system's enrollment is shrinking, and we are paying F-ING $2.6 million for Bulls#$% programs like this that don't work.<br /><br />Cere's right: If you are going to have a worthwhile anti-bullying program, contract it out to a group like the well-respected ADL.<br /><br />Instead, after three plus decades in DCSS, Crawford Lewis has helped build an immovable bureaucracy. $2.6 million for an ineffective program and a deceased middle school student.<br /><br />When it comes to funding for DCSS Crawford Lewis has no credibility. The massive bloat accomplishes nothing except for it sticking a high hard one to taxpayers. Jaheem is gone, despite $2.6 million a year.<br /><br />We will never forget you Jaheem.Open+Transparentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42186170373215616442009-05-01T10:34:00.000-04:002009-05-01T10:34:00.000-04:00So basically, as I piece this together, I find tha...So basically, as I piece this together, I find that we have this enormous bureaucracy called "Prevention/Intervention" paying out the following salaries - <br /><br />Jennifer Errion - $106,182 plus $2517.73 expenses.<br /><br />PLUS 52 others totaling over $2,600,000 in salaries- plus $28,000 in expenses - not to mention bene's and pensions. <br /><br />In essence, their claim to fame however, is the program implemented by the ADL. So - why not get rid of half these folks and just employ the ADL on a contract? They seem MUCH more effective.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36391385040717493552009-05-01T09:06:00.000-04:002009-05-01T09:06:00.000-04:00Prevention & Intervention Statements:
"V...Prevention & Intervention Statements:<br /><br />"Vision: Students will make decisions that will enable them to become productive, responsible citizens, free from the negative impact of drugs, violence, and other destructive behaviors. The knowledge, skills, and opportunities that students need will be acquired through collaborative working relationships among school, home, and community.<br />Mission: To provide prevention/intervention programs and services which create a positive educational climate that promotes academic, behavioral, and social success.<br />Goal: To increase protective factors that promote personal and academic success by reducing risk factors associated with school failure, drug use, violence, and negative peer influence."<br /><br />For additional information, please contact:<br /><br />Jennifer Errion<br />Assistant Director<br />Phone: 678.676.1820<br />Jennifer_G_Errion@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us<br />East Campus<br />DeKalb County School System<br />5829 Memorial Drive<br />Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083<br />(678) 676-1820<br />(678) 676-1828 FaxCerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46100903872987746102009-05-01T09:03:00.000-04:002009-05-01T09:03:00.000-04:00Someone needs to see if the bullies were sent to a...Someone needs to see if the bullies were sent to any of these programs after the choking incident - or at any time --<br /><br /><br />POINTS (Providing Optional Intervention Needed To Succeed) Intervention program for students who violate certain policies related to discipline and violence. Students are referred by local administrator or student relations. Classes are held on a scheduled Saturday, and students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.<br /><br />E-POINTS Skill-based intervention program for Elementary grade 3-5 students who violate certain policies related to discipline and violence. A parent or guardian must accompany student to the session.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-72849093686515891442009-05-01T07:55:00.000-04:002009-05-01T07:55:00.000-04:00Speaking of programs, this school apparently also ...Speaking of programs, this school apparently also had another administrator - in addition to the principal, two assistant principals, two counselors, etc - they have a prevention/intervention specialist (whose name is interestingly - Ernest Brown - I don't think this is the same Ernest Brown who ran for school board - he's a computer guy - this must be different Ernest Brown - anyone know?) Anyway - Here's the info from the salary sheet that Kim and Ella brought to us in the Potato Head post -<br /><br />BROWN,ERNEST - FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR - $62,984.00<br /><br />Anyway - this is from the DCSS website - describing the job of the $62,984.00 Prevention/Intervention specialist -<br /><br />"Violence Prevention <br /><br />Positive School Discipline Plan<br />School-wide violence prevention program designed to increase positive school climate by reducing discipline problems and bullying.<br /><br />Conflict Resolution<br />- Lessons in problem solving skills taught to students to help resolve conflicts peacefully (Recommended grades K - 12).<br />Peer Mediation<br />- Peers trained to help other peers resolve conflicts. Training is required before implementation. (Recommended grades 3 - 12).<br />Coping With Life<br />Suicide prevention program that teaches student how to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide and other destructive behaviors presented to health classes by counselors. <br /><br />Second Step - Research based violence prevention program (Implemented in selected elementary schools)."<br /><br />Hello?!! There was someone PAID over $60,000 to PREVENT BULLYING, VIOLENCE AND SUICIDE at Dunaire? What happened?<br /><br />http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/support/prevention/Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.com