...."Oh really??"

Hello Readers!

Pushing forward after a terrible 2009-2010 school year, from media contreversy to conspiracy charges.

TAKING A LOOK BACK: Steve Gallon III and his two top administrators Lalelei Kelly (Coordinator of Strategic Planning) and Angela Kemp (Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services) were arrested on charges of false documents, theft by deception, and much more. Dr. Gallon provided South Plainfield schools officials false documentation indicating that Kemp, Kelly and their two children lived with him in his South Plainfield home on Brennan Court. In, 2009 of September the former administrators moved to Perth Amboy, BUT their children continued their education at the South Plainfield Schools from September 2nd until January 20th, when their parents took them out of District. All three (3) are due back in court September 13 for arraignment on charges to commit theft by deception of Educational Services.

The school Board's final decision of disciplinary action against Gallon was parented by the criminal case against him. There is alot more to the case that is happening now. As stated before the three are scheduled to be back in court mid-September for arraignment.

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PUSHING ON: The Plainfield Public Schools are still pushing forward as it was a difficult 2009-2010 School year. A struggle that will be eased for the upcoming 2010-2011 School year. Students and staff are very excited to jump back into school and begin.

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ARE THE ADMINISTRATOR'S POSITIONS FINALIZED?: Here's a question that has popped up in some people's minds, "Are the Administrator's positions for the 2010-2011 School year finalized?" We are slowly closing in on the Staff Development Days (September 2nd/3rd) and the First Day (September 7th). "Why hasn't the Positions been posted?" Let's get to it people, its time to get it finalized. The "Contact Us" page needs to be updated.

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SHOUTOUT: I'd like to give a shout out to the Public Information Department and Webmasters who are reorganizing the School's Websites. I think they are very nice and are going to compliment the new school year.

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MY PROSPECTIVE: A lot of new developments are coming to light. I will have more soon on the Opening of Schools, What new events "The Leadership Project" (Jefferson School Leadership Project) has in store, Pics from our September 3rd Event and Orientation Meeting. I will also be at Jefferson School's Staff Development Day to assist in preparing for the upcoming First Day and the School year.

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COMING UP: Coming up on, Plainfield: A Student's Prospective: More on what's going on in the District. Where are we now? How are the transfers looking.

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That and more on the next Plainfield: A Student's Prospective.

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That's it for "A Student's Prospective" I'm Vashon.

In Assoc. with I.C.A.U. Publications

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

The Leadership Project

..YES, WE WILL COLLABORATE!

Greetings Readers.


Today, I had meeting with TWO (2) Board of Education Members Renata A. Hernandez and Keisha Edwards, newly named Jefferson School Principal Scot R. Burkholder, LP Directors Shawn R. Colletta and James R. Malkmus.

We discussed the future of the Leadership Project, which was very positive. We did alot of collaboration as Mr. Burkholder takes the chair of Principal at Jefferson.

Of course we are still looking for new members. Please send an email to slhill.LP@gmail.com.
In the subject line please write LP-New Member


My Prospective: It was a pleasure to meet Mr. Burkholder. I am very excited for the school year to come especially since we have an Administrator who is ready to support us. Let's see what the future will bring. I am sure it will be positive.


I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"
The Leadership Project


I.C.A.U. Publications

Barack Obama Academy- Getting a new Address

Plainfield's alternative High School will move to it's fourth home this school upcoming school year. The plan is set to save the district $600,000.


The School Board is expected to vote next week on a new plan to move Barack Obama Academy to the District's Administration Building 1200 Myrtle Avenue's lower level. Interim Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles announced Wednesday during a meeting with parents of students who attend the school. As you may re-call the school's administrative staff (principal, principal's secretary, and office secretary) have been transfered to other schools in the district. This action started speculation and questions about whether the school will be closed and students will go back the Plainfield High School.


"There was never any intent to abolish (the academy) or abandon our children," Mrs. Belin-Pyles explained to parents, apologizing for the confusion of the school on Wednesday.



LOOKING BACK: This alternative school was founded in 2004, it's purpose was to help students who failed to find success at Plainfield's Primary High School, these Alpha classes were held at PHS until 2008, when the academy was converted into one of Plainfield's independent schools as recognized by the State Department of Education, was then renamed Plainfield Academy for Academic and Civic Development. The school spent it's 2008-2009 School Year on Jefferson Elementary School's grounds. Classes were held at 1700 West Front St.



RENAMING THE SCHOOL: A student-led movement resulted in the new name of the school, which is the current name of the school. It was renamed in 2009, the school was believed to be the first in the state and the second in the nation named after President Barack Obama. The school has an enrollment of 60 studentsin seventh through 12th grade, the 2009-2010 School year was spent at the historic Lincoln Building located on Berckman Street.


The academy will retain it's name. So, here's a question that we all may be asking? Space? Well staffing levels are expected to be reduced according to Belin-Pyles. Of course there will be a new School Administrator to take Johnson-Tucker's place; this person will be responsible for the day to day operations as well as the person will have other responsibilities. Who yet? No one is sure. Staffing cuts and re-assignments are planned to be taking effect soon to make space for the Students.


My Prospective: I'm not to sure about the move to the Administration Building. I hope it works out for the best though. I wonder what's going to happen to the the Lincoln School. Maybe the new Charter school of Plainfield could go there. The Barack Obama Green High School. That's pretty silly whoever made that call to move the Boys and Girls Club out of Plainfield. Then, worry about Plainfield's shootings. ACTIVITIES COULD HAVE BEEN HELD THERE, TO GET KIDS OFF THE STREETS. Hoping to see more from what will happen plus, still awaiting the announcement of the Administrator's Positions. It's time we change things up and bring some of those Department Officials out of the Administration building and throw them back into schools.


Still looking for new Members...Send an e-mail to slhill.LP@gmail.com. In the subject line JSLP- New Member


I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"


"Today's youth becoming tomorrow;s Leaders"
Jefferson School Leadership Project


In Association with I.C.A.U. Publications

Future is up in the air

Hey Readers.





The future of the Barack Obama Academy is up in the air. Formally, known as Plainfield Academy for Academic and Civic Development; was founded in 2008. The school's name replaced the old Alpha Academy as an alternative school for students who fail to be successful at Plainfield High School.





Former Principal Shirley Johnson-Tucker, right and former BOAACD History teacher and former Plainfield High School Vice Principal 12th Grade Dr. Sasha Slocum, far left, and Former Guidance Counselor-now Secretary V-PAAAS Ann Nettingham.







Principal Shirley Johnson-Tucker and several key staff members have been transfered to other schools (refer to Inside the Transfers-Part 1 and the BOE Business Agenda for July 20th.) Interim Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles did not return a phone call seeking comment Monday, and School BOE President Lisa C. Logan-Leach said, "At no time did she (Anna Belin-Pyles) say that the school would be closing, But she also made it clear that if there was any merge or change, there would be dialogue with the students and parents."





Coordinator of Public Information and Spokesman Eric Jones said that dialogue was scheduled for August 4th at Plainfield High School; at the meeting the location and direction of the school was discussed.


LET'S BREAK IT DOWN: Apparently the school's future is up in the air. Will there be a future BOAACD? We will have to see more in the future.


My Prospective: If the school is shut down, I'm sure there is a reason for it. Maybe it will save the District more money? I have more on What the future holds for BOAACD.



I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"



"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"
Jefferson School Leadership Project



In Association with I.C.A.U. Publications

"Leading with a Purpose"

Hey Readers!

On Thursday (8/5), I had a Leadership Planning Meeting at the Leadership Offices. It was great to start planning for the school year. The Executive Board planned A LOT of new and fun Leadership Oppurtunities that will start in September. The Leadership Project is good for College Service Hours, High School Service Hours, developing leader and social skills.

We are still looking for new members, who meet the Six Pillars of Character Citizenship, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Respect and Fairness.

Students wishing to apply please send an e-mail to slhill.LP@gmail.com .

In the subject line please write, "JSLP- Student Leader"

My Prospective: I am very excited for the school year! I hope that we get A LOT of new participants this year. Being a Student Leader is great because you are inspiring so many others to "Lead with a Purpose." Please come and join us in our new endeavors as we approach the 2010-2011 School Year.

I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"

Jefferson School Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

Inside the Transfers: Part 2

Hey Readers! Ok, As I said in my last post, Part 1 to this. I have a proper proposal for the CSA to take into consideration. Here's my proposal for the 2010-2011 Administrator's Assignments.

Barlow

• BJ BrownJohnson- Principal

Cedarbrook K-8

• Frank Asante- Principal

Clinton K-8

• Yvonne Breauxsaus- Principal

Cook K-8

• John A. Martucci- Principal

Emerson

• Janet R. Grooms- Principal

Evergreen

• Wilson Aponte- Principal

Jefferson

• Gwynetta Y. Joe- Principal

Stillman

• Mark Williams- Principal

Washington

• Kwame W. Asante- Principal

Woodland

• Shirley Johnson-Tucker- Principal

Hubbard

• Wilson Martinez- Principal
• Scot Burkholder- Vice Principal
• Rosa Salinas- Vice Principal

Maxson

• Anthony Jenkins- Principal
• Kevin Stansbury- Vice Principal
• Aurora Hill- Vice Principal

PAAAS

• Angela Bento- Principal

Plainfield High School

• Brian Bilal- Principal
• Dion Roach- Academics
• Deitria Smith- Class Administrator
• Deborah Celestand- Guidance Services
• Daniel Cone- Student Activities/Athletics

BOAACD

• What ever the future holds for that building.

My Prospective: I think the Interim Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles, should take this into consider if she likes it. It just seems better. I dont think Evergreen and Washington need a Vice Principal; Rosa Salinas should be transfered to Hubbard and Scot Burkholder. This way everyone has a position that is secure. Instead of the Board and Human Resources Department hiring for another Building Principal or Vice Principal. Tell me what you think.

I'm Vashon and this is "A Student's Prospective"

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

Jefferson School Leadership Project