Saturday, September 11, 2010

Throwing in the towel...

Hey Readers!! I've got some interesting things to discuss today. I have been completely busy with school, and preparing my lessons to work with the kindergarteners. Jefferson's Back to School was awesome. Pics coming soon. Here's what's going on now....



Fomer Director of Human Resources Garnell V. Bailey, is throwing in the towel. In a Courier News front page report, Bailey has filed a lawsuit against her past employers, claiming that Superintendent of Schools Steve Gallon III instituted a hostile not so friendly work environment after she reported a sexual harassment report against him.




The report was filed August 30th in Superior Court. Bailey's law suit alleges an incident before the opening of the 2009-2010 School Year resulting in her resgination as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. On August 27th, 2009 Bailey was informed by a district administrator that Gallon had been romanticly pursuing one of the district administrative secretaries, and this secretary felt that he (Gallon) was attempting to take a job "action" against her, because she refused his wants, says the report.



Looking deeper into the report, Bailey relayed this situation to a Board attorney, who then interviewed the secretary and then interviewed Gallon alone, then he again interviewed them together. The secretary came into Bailey's office after the interview and said she did NOT want to pursue the matter any futher.



Working conditions started to go down the drain when Gallon started to make working conditions a little bit too much to handle. During a district administrator's staff meeting, Gallon intended to publicly embarrass and humiliate Bailey, stated in the report. He started embarrasing her by stating "She is not doing her job, she's lacking." Claiming Gallon also locked her out of the Human Resources Department by changing the locks on doors and ultimately removing her from attending executive meetings, during which district personnel discussions.


REPORTING TO SOMEONE ELSE: By November 2009, Bailey was informed that human- resources staff who reported to her, now will be reporting to Gallon. Which would make them at a higher position than Bailey. A couple of weeks later, Bailey was gone as she looked for new employment due to the ruin of her reputation.


She is also suing board member Brenda L. Gilbert and former board member Christian Estevesz. Gilber could not be reached for comment, however Estevez said this, "Yeah. Whatever, I have free speech rights too." He claims Bailey is the reason for Gallon being tied to this personnel controversy.



MY PERSPECTIVE: I wonder what will happen with the case. I still think Gallon is responsible for this whole personnel controversy. He has to pay! As for Garnell Bailey, I am related to her through a side of my family; I won't say she is innocent, but she isn't guilty either. Dr. Gallon knew what he was doing from the beginning. As for the secretary, I totally believe he was pursuing her. That's my Perspective. Pics will be coming soon from Jefferson's Back to School Night.


COMING UP: Pics from Jefferson Schools's Back to School Night. Also, more on the new controversy. Your not gonna want to miss it.


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


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


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

The Leadership Project


VLHill/LLP

Monday, September 6, 2010

Heading back to the classroom....

Hey Readers! My apologizes for not having pictures of the Leadership Members in action with the Jefferson School staff. We had some technical difficulties with one of the cameras. I promise I will have pics of our first meeting.



  • Washington Community School

Today was the first day of School. Students were ready and prepared for meeting their new teacher (s). I will be going to Jefferson School tomorrow and visiting the Kindergarten Classrooms.

TEACHING THE FUTURE: This school year, I will be doing Student Kindergarten Teaching at Jefferson School. I am excited to work with the new Kindergarteners at Jefferson. I am hoping that the kids will like me. I have A LOT of Lessons I have to prepare for.

MY PROSPECTIVE: I am excited about teaching Kindergarten this year. I have a lot of new ideals that are going to work out well.

COMING UP: Pictures on The Leadership Project's first meeting. New blogs on what's going on in the district.

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

VLHill/LLP

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

It's September....School is here!







Students it's time to start preparing, going to bed earlier, and your supplies for the school year. School for the Plainfield Public School's start September 7th. Professional Development Days for Staff are scheduled for September 2nd and September 3rd.



BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS: Back to School Nights are scheduled for September 15th (5 Elementary Schools), September 16th (5 Elementary Schools), September 22nd (Middle Schools), and September 23rd (High Schools)
  • September 15th: F.W. Cook, Cedarbrook, Stillman, Jefferson, and Washington
  • September 16th: Clinton, Woodland, Barlow, Emerson, Evergreen
  • September 22nd: F.J. Hubbard, Maxson, PAAAS
  • September 23rd: PHS and BOAACD
  • - All sessions stand at a time of 7:00pm-9:00pm

MY PROSPECTIVE: I hope all of the Back to School Nights go GREAT! I am excited because this year the Leadership Project will be assisting. Hope to see all the Jeff. parents

COMING UP: Coming up on, Plainfield: A Student's Prospective: For the Past, Present, Future: Pics from the First LP Event. Plus more developments on the Gallon, Kemp, Kelly controversy.

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

VLHill/LPP

Preparing as a Team

Hello Readers! Can ya believe it's September. I have to say I am some what excited to get back into the swing of things.

















  • Pictured: Former Emerson Kindergarten Teacher Sandy Lopez-Donavan- now Woodland School, teaching her class about coloring.

GETTING PREPARED: As the first day of school approaches, the staff of Plainfield Public Schools will begin the year with two (2) Staff Professional Development Days (September 2nd and September 3rd). Teachers will be working collabratively with their colleagues and school administrators.

MY PROSPECTIVE: I hope this year's Professional Development Days come out positive. I hope the schools and administrators are working diligently as a team and comparing each other's ideals and inputs on the new year and the Curriculum. The Leadership Project will be working with the staff this coming Friday at Jefferson School. I am looking forward to planning and working with them all. We are super excited to begin the year positively. First day of School for Plainfield is September 7th.

COMING UP: Coming up on, Plainfield: A Student's Prospective: For the Past, Present, Future: I'll have pics from the Leadership Project's First Event of the year. Are we headed in the right direction for the new year?

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

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

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

"Todays Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

The Leadership Project

VLHill/LPP

Sunday, August 29, 2010

...."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.
______________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________
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.
____________________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________________
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.
___________________________________
That and more on the next Plainfield: A Student's Prospective.
_________________________________________________
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

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