Thursday, August 19, 2010

..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

Thursday, August 12, 2010

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

Sunday, August 8, 2010

"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"

Sunday, August 1, 2010

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

Friday, July 23, 2010

Inside the Transfers

Hey Readers....The summer is going by so FAST.


Questions are starting to spiral about the Plainfield's new school, Barack Obama for Academic and Civic Development (BOAACD). Questions such as, "Will the school be closing?", Why has the Principal and Main Office staff been trasfered."


As we all know district personnel transfers always happen. If you looked on the Board of Education Business Meeting's Agenda for July 20th, 2010; the CSA and her offices have started to make Personnel assignments for the 2010-2011 School Year. If you look under Item (B) on page 5, it says the following in bold Transfers/Reassignments; "RESOLVED, that the Plainfield Board of Education approves the following transfer/reassignment for the 2010-2011 school year." Scroll down to page 7, there you will see Shirley Johnson-Tucker from Principal-BOAACD to Principal-Woodland School. Shirley Johnson-Tucker is the school's first Adminstrator since the opening of the school. Take a look under her name Connie Jenkins-Buwa, Attendance Secretary has been transfered, from Secretary-BOAACD to Secretary-PHS Guidance. Scroll down to page 8, Ann Nettingham, Guidance Counselor, has been transfered from Guidance Counselor-BOAACD to Secretary V-PAAAS. Scroll down to page 9, there you will find Flora Shaw, Principal's Secretary has been transfered, from Secretary V-BOAACD (which means Principals Secretary) to Secretary V-Special Services.


SO why the questions?: People are asking these questions because, people are automatically assuming the school will shut down. Who could have reveal this to the Plainfield Community? Was it someone on the Board? All of these questions and more are being asked. So why is the school's first Administrator being transfered? So, far from the 2009-2010 school year she has done a GREAT job as the Administrator. Hopefully we can see more in the days to come and the "rumor" can be addressed by the right officials.


Another thing: On, page 10 Kevin Stansbury, Vice Principal; has been transfered from Vice Principal-Maxson School to Vice Principal-Maxson/Hubbard Schools. Okay, here's my concern; Why is he being assigned to TWO schools? That makes no since to me. The CSA should keep him at Maxson and bring down or promote one of the other District Personnel's. Hubbard Middle School former Vice Principal, Scott Burkholder has been transfered also; he is now the Vice Principal of Evergreen School. Former Vice Principal of Cedarbrook K-8 Center, Rosa Salinas has been transfered to Washington Community School Vice Principal. Since, when does an Elementary School need a VP? Middle Schools have always had 3 School Administrators. If Rosa Salinas was being transfered. Why not place her at Hubbard Middle School due to the vacancy from Scot Burkholder? So, the Administration Staff at Hubbard and Maxson are as follows:

Hubbard

  • Principal: Gwynetta Y. Joe
  • Vice Principal: Wilson A. Martinez
  • Vice Principal: Kevin Stansbury

Maxson

  • Principal: Anthony Jenkins
  • Vice Principal: Aurora J. Hill
  • Vice Principal: Kevin Stansbury

My Prospective: BoldI think changes should be made to that transfer involving Kevin Stansbury. Maybe, current Vice Principal of Educational Services Yvonne Breauxsaus, who has filled in for BOAACD Former Principal Shirley Johnson-Tucker should be placed back into a school. I will have more soon on a Part two to this post.

Have a GREAT DAY!

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

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

Jefferson School Leadership Project



Wednesday, July 21, 2010

'The Big C"

HELLO MY READER'S!


On Monday, I had my first day of real work as an actor. I had to be in Connecticut and on the set of the Showtime series "The Big C." I had the oppurtunity to see and watch as the magic happens with the stars. I arrived to the set at 5:30am and walked in being greeted by the producers, directors, and assistants. I was approached by wardrobe to have my clothes picked out and ready for pictures. My Mom and I walked onto the set from the holding center and saw where the show primarily takes place; Cathy's house. The house is absolutely nice. It looks very real to a house, street and landscape. The school that is shown as another key place. The school is right down the hall from Cathy's house. Look's like a REAL school; even though there is only 3 classrooms and one hallway. As we are walking back to the holding center and seated at our table; in walks Gabourey Sidibe. I was shocked because she walked in unexpectedly. My Mom was the first and only to say Hello to her; I think we were all just stunned to see walk in. Her reply, with a big smile "Hey, How are you."


I play Andrea's brother, even though I have no lines. So, I am basically known as a "silent" character in the storyline. I have two other brothers and 3 sisters; making a total of SIX children including myself. My "family house" is about 6 blocks away from the set. My "siblings" and I walk to the set and sit at the dining room table. The directors were planning how they would plan "Cathy's visit to our home." Guess who walks in right behind the Directors, listening attentively, Actor Laura Linney. She greeted us with a BIG smile and a two hand wave to us. It was absolutely great.


My Prospective: I had a great time on the set. I am also currently being considered for a new movie. That's absolutely GREAT. My work load has been heavy especially with the Leadership Project revamp. If, you know any Middle School or High School students wanting to join this program or a program seeking College help. Leave me comment with your e-mail. I'd love to hear from ya.

Have a great day.

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

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

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Gotta take a second to Pinch MYSELF!

AHHHHHHH!!!!

So, I just got out of my meeting with Mrs. Renata A. Hernandez and Mrs. Keisha Edwards, two BOE Members. I have got to say, they are two VERY nice and SUPPORTIVE woman.

Sameerah R. Jones, JSLP Co-Vice President and I went to the Board Offices to meet with them to talk about our great program. The JSLP Executive Board and I got ALOT of work to do. We are going to present our program to the Board and the Public at the Business Meeting. We are going to be moving onto BIG things here in the Plainfield Public Schools.


My Prospective: I am JUST so happy. We are FINALLY recieving some type of support from the Board. What do you think?


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


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

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Maybe a New Beginning?

Hello Everyone.

Yesterday, I had a great email exchanges with Mrs. Renata A. Hernandez, a Plainfield Board Member. I want to thank her for taking the time to discuss and coloborate briefly with her on some ideals I have for the 2010-2011 school year, and for JSLP.

I am looking forward to meeting with Mrs. Renata A. Hernandez soon to discuss and coloborate on ideals for Jefferson and the whole school district. Ideals such as making the Leadership Project district wide, more open discussions with the Board Members and the top officials, and MUCH, MUCH more. I am VERY excited.


My Prospective: So, far its a great summer. I'll have more on my meeting soon with Mrs. Renata A. Hernandez. Also comment if you have any questions you would like me to ask her.


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


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

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Interim Superintendent

Greetings Readers! I hope all of your summer's are going WELL!

The Plainfield Board of Education approved the promotion of Director of Student Intervention and Family Support Services, to Interim Superintendent of Schools.

Anna Belin-Pyles has been an educator for 20+ years in Plainfield. She has an outstanding list of achievements in the Plainfield School System. The students, staff and parents are hoping for the best with the new Schools Administrator. Hopefully, she brings alot to the table than the last "person" we had.



My Prospective: I'm sure Mrs. Belin-Pyles will do a GREAT job as Superintendent. I am hoping to work with her and the Board Members about working to bring Jefferson School Leadership Project to new heights. I hope she brings and does alot for the future of the Plainfield Students.


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

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