The regional director of the Anti-Defamation League is criticizing the group of protesters who disrupted Thursday’s forum at Newton City Hall about prejudice and discrimination.
“It is not a competition to determine which type of hatred is the worst,” Robert Trestan told the Globe. “The goal is to eliminate all forms of hate and bigotry from Newton schools.”
But in the same article, Charles Jacobs, the leader of the group of protesters which heckled an African-American mom and shouted down the superintendent of schools, said the calls for tolerance by Mayor Warren, students and other speakers was ‘nonsense.’
“Love your enemies? Let’s all be nice? We are all potential victims of human hatred? This is just silly, contentless psychobabble.”
Read Ellen Ishkanian’s earlier story here.
Can over-diversification lead to loss of municipality market identity??
Can over-diversification lead to loss of municipality market identity??
This is the text from the website of Peace and Tolerance related to Thursday’s meeting: “Come to Mayor Setti Warren’s meeting on Thursday at City at City Hall at 6:30 in the War Memorial Room to ask him to publicly disclose what they teach inside Newton’s classrooms about the Jews in Isaeal.”
In 2011, a group of Rabbis sent a letter to to the Jewish Advocate denouncing Charles Jacobs’ views.
This is the text from the website of Peace and Tolerance related to Thursday’s meeting: “Come to Mayor Setti Warren’s meeting on Thursday at City at City Hall at 6:30 in the War Memorial Room to ask him to publicly disclose what they teach inside Newton’s classrooms about the Jews in Isaeal.”
In 2011, a group of Rabbis sent a letter to to the Jewish Advocate denouncing Charles Jacobs’ views.
Wow. There is a worldwide religion based on what this guy Jesus–a Jew–taught his followers:
I was at this meeting, and I support the right of those protesters to speak freely and display their signs. But the way they sought to deny that same right to others at this meeting–and the manner in which they mistreated an African-American mother who was sharing her son’s painful experience with racism in the Newton Public Schools–was simply disgraceful.
Wow. There is a worldwide religion based on what this guy Jesus–a Jew–taught his followers:
I was at this meeting, and I support the right of those protesters to speak freely and display their signs. But the way they sought to deny that same right to others at this meeting–and the manner in which they mistreated an African-American mother who was sharing her son’s painful experience with racism in the Newton Public Schools–was simply disgraceful.
How could one have known about this forum on Thursday night? Did they post it on the City website or send out a phone message alert about it? Will there be any future forums? I also would like to know if anyone can attend the party tonight at The Newton Free Library that is going to be a catered event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Newton Free Library. Can any taxpayer attend or was it an invite only thing? Any information would be appreciated.
How could one have known about this forum on Thursday night? Did they post it on the City website or send out a phone message alert about it? Will there be any future forums? I also would like to know if anyone can attend the party tonight at The Newton Free Library that is going to be a catered event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Newton Free Library. Can any taxpayer attend or was it an invite only thing? Any information would be appreciated.
@Newton Gal, you had to buy a ticket for the library fundraiser. I think it is sold out. It is a great event. Keep it in mind for next year.
@Newton Gal, you had to buy a ticket for the library fundraiser. I think it is sold out. It is a great event. Keep it in mind for next year.
Yes it was posted on the city website and on the city calendar. Emails went out to the city-wide email list (just got to the website and sign up to get them.) Emails also went out from NPS as well to parents. The Mayor said this was the first. And the event at the Library is a fundraiser. Anyone can purchase a ticket to support the Library; tickets have been on sale for weeks.
Yes it was posted on the city website and on the city calendar. Emails went out to the city-wide email list (just got to the website and sign up to get them.) Emails also went out from NPS as well to parents. The Mayor said this was the first. And the event at the Library is a fundraiser. Anyone can purchase a ticket to support the Library; tickets have been on sale for weeks.
Thank you for that information Tricia. I very much appreciate it.
Thank you for that information Tricia. I very much appreciate it.
I seem to remember that the forum also was promoted a couple of times in The TAB well in advance. It was hardly a hush-hush affair.
I seem to remember that the forum also was promoted a couple of times in The TAB well in advance. It was hardly a hush-hush affair.
There are several ways to keep up with what is happening in Newton.
Everything city-wide is posted on the city website, as well as the area councils. Sign up to receive e-mails about events on the city website. (The city doesn’t have your email otherwise.)
Join the area council email list in the village where you live.
Join the list serv or google group in the village where you live.
Sign up for the Friday email for the dockets of upcoming City Council meetings.
Many Ward Councilors have their own email list; if yours does, sign up to receive pertinent emails.
I received an email from the Mayor yesterday with the “next-steps” listed. I am on the email list. It should be posted on the city website but the easiest way to recieve info is to sign up for emails.
Being informed requires only a bit of effort.
Emails from interest groups will not be from the city.
Any email that says “to ask him publicly to disclose …” is sent to implant the fear that something terrible is going on behind your back, a conspiracy theory, and hopefully make you curious and angry enough to attend a meeting where you will be frustrated that it is for a different purpose.
Thus the comments that “this is not what the meeting was supposed to be about” and “the anti semitism was pushed aside.”
NPS sent out the correct email to family’s of students. In addition, all parents are welcome to read their student’s curriculum. It is not hidden.
It’s important to check out the truth of what you are being told; don’t just believe what you read.
As a general rule:
Be sure to check the source of the email and with a tad of googling you will find out the group’s agenda and if it has been addressed before.
Don’t blindly trust emails even if they were forwarded from someone you know or an organization with a name of something you support – like Peace and Tolerance whose leader does not promote Peace and Tolerance as can be seen from his quote above.
There are many groups named for the opposite of what their title suggests.
The library fundraiser has from the beginning said it was a fundraiser. It has never been touted as a free celebration of the library. Every taxpayer, or anyone else, is encouraged to purchase a ticket to help support the library.
There are several ways to keep up with what is happening in Newton.
Everything city-wide is posted on the city website, as well as the area councils. Sign up to receive e-mails about events on the city website. (The city doesn’t have your email otherwise.)
Join the area council email list in the village where you live.
Join the list serv or google group in the village where you live.
Sign up for the Friday email for the dockets of upcoming City Council meetings.
Many Ward Councilors have their own email list; if yours does, sign up to receive pertinent emails.
I received an email from the Mayor yesterday with the “next-steps” listed. I am on the email list. It should be posted on the city website but the easiest way to recieve info is to sign up for emails.
Being informed requires only a bit of effort.
Emails from interest groups will not be from the city.
Any email that says “to ask him publicly to disclose …” is sent to implant the fear that something terrible is going on behind your back, a conspiracy theory, and hopefully make you curious and angry enough to attend a meeting where you will be frustrated that it is for a different purpose.
Thus the comments that “this is not what the meeting was supposed to be about” and “the anti semitism was pushed aside.”
NPS sent out the correct email to family’s of students. In addition, all parents are welcome to read their student’s curriculum. It is not hidden.
It’s important to check out the truth of what you are being told; don’t just believe what you read.
As a general rule:
Be sure to check the source of the email and with a tad of googling you will find out the group’s agenda and if it has been addressed before.
Don’t blindly trust emails even if they were forwarded from someone you know or an organization with a name of something you support – like Peace and Tolerance whose leader does not promote Peace and Tolerance as can be seen from his quote above.
There are many groups named for the opposite of what their title suggests.
The library fundraiser has from the beginning said it was a fundraiser. It has never been touted as a free celebration of the library. Every taxpayer, or anyone else, is encouraged to purchase a ticket to help support the library.
I am so glad to see that the ADL spoke out loud and clear on this. Jacobs does not represent the vast majority of the Jewish community (in or out of Newton) and I am appalled that anyone might think he does. I hope that some true representatives of our community are able to reach out to the woman he harassed and reassure her that we care about her son’s experiences.
I am so glad to see that the ADL spoke out loud and clear on this. Jacobs does not represent the vast majority of the Jewish community (in or out of Newton) and I am appalled that anyone might think he does. I hope that some true representatives of our community are able to reach out to the woman he harassed and reassure her that we care about her son’s experiences.
Yes, we will all have to continue to speak out when the lunatic fringe attends a meeting. It’s disturbing that the media isn’t taking a more critical look at this group and seems unable to make that distinction.
Yes, we will all have to continue to speak out when the lunatic fringe attends a meeting. It’s disturbing that the media isn’t taking a more critical look at this group and seems unable to make that distinction.
What MGWA said.
What MGWA said.
Housekeeping note: There are two participants presently on Village 14 who currently use three initials as their pseudonym, both starting with the same letter. Both are using similar looking, but not identical email addresses (but different IP addresses). Both are commenting on same issue with generally similar perspectives.
This could be coincidence. But I’m having a hard time believing that these folks are separate individuals.
Please note, this blog exists as a platform for people to share differing views. We welcome, want and need differing opinions. But we do ask that everyone read and follow our commenting rules.
Also, we strongly urge anyone who chooses a pseudonym to please choose something distinct from one used by someone else here.
Housekeeping note: There are two participants presently on Village 14 who currently use three initials as their pseudonym, both starting with the same letter. Both are using similar looking, but not identical email addresses (but different IP addresses). Both are commenting on same issue with generally similar perspectives.
This could be coincidence. But I’m having a hard time believing that these folks are separate individuals.
Please note, this blog exists as a platform for people to share differing views. We welcome, want and need differing opinions. But we do ask that everyone read and follow our commenting rules.
Also, we strongly urge anyone who chooses a pseudonym to please choose something distinct from one used by someone else here.
The protestors on Thursday night were taking an opportunity to mix their cause with all that is happening in the Newton Public Schools. This is disappointing as it takes away from what the city should be focused on. From the numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate, there is something happening within the community. It was happening back in
October as far as we know, but unfortunately was only reported, or rather brought to light around March.
The protestors on Thursday night were taking an opportunity to mix their cause with all that is happening in the Newton Public Schools. This is disappointing as it takes away from what the city should be focused on. From the numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate, there is something happening within the community. It was happening back in
October as far as we know, but unfortunately was only reported, or rather brought to light around March.
Numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate in Newton schools? I’m aware of three incidents, which, of course, are three too many. The Mayor explained that in digging into this, it was discovered that there had also been incidents involving racism, homophobia, misogyny, and other acts of intolerance and hate, so the decision was made to examine the entirety of these issues. Why is that so objectionable? Why is anti-Semitism the only thing that the city should be focused on?
Numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate in Newton schools? I’m aware of three incidents, which, of course, are three too many. The Mayor explained that in digging into this, it was discovered that there had also been incidents involving racism, homophobia, misogyny, and other acts of intolerance and hate, so the decision was made to examine the entirety of these issues. Why is that so objectionable? Why is anti-Semitism the only thing that the city should be focused on?
Tricia, there have been at least three at Day Middle School, and at least three at North. I’m not denying that other incidents of hate have happened. But my point is that all of this came out because someone sent an anonymous letter to the police. The leaders in the schools did nothing until that letter. The mayor did nothing till that letter.
Tricia, there have been at least three at Day Middle School, and at least three at North. I’m not denying that other incidents of hate have happened. But my point is that all of this came out because someone sent an anonymous letter to the police. The leaders in the schools did nothing until that letter. The mayor did nothing till that letter.
Please stick to the facts. Yes, the incidents at Day were not addressed appropriately until the anonymous letter. But as the principal of NNHS wrote, in a message to parents regarding the incidents there:
“As many of you are aware, acts of racism and Anti-Semitism have been committed at North this year. In all cases, police were informed immediately and are working to identify those responsible.”
And it was one incident in January; the rest were on the weekend after the basketball game incident, and this email was sent immediately after.
Please stick to the facts. Yes, the incidents at Day were not addressed appropriately until the anonymous letter. But as the principal of NNHS wrote, in a message to parents regarding the incidents there:
“As many of you are aware, acts of racism and Anti-Semitism have been committed at North this year. In all cases, police were informed immediately and are working to identify those responsible.”
And it was one incident in January; the rest were on the weekend after the basketball game incident, and this email was sent immediately after.
Tricia, I am sticking to the facts. The superintendent was quoted as saying, “that the latest graffiti is not thought to be linked to the taunting chants exchanged at last Friday’s basketball game” according to the Boston Globe.The incidents that you seem to suggest are only related to the basket game, the superintendent says are not. And please don’t forget the racists comments made online connected to the Black Culture Day event. The facts say that the one incident of anti-Semitic hate you reference as occurring in January, actually occurred in December, but along with the racist online comments was only reported in March. There have been many failures in this school year centered around hate. People have failed the children of the Newton and the Newton as a whole by not tackling these issues sooner.
Tricia, I am sticking to the facts. The superintendent was quoted as saying, “that the latest graffiti is not thought to be linked to the taunting chants exchanged at last Friday’s basketball game” according to the Boston Globe.The incidents that you seem to suggest are only related to the basket game, the superintendent says are not. And please don’t forget the racists comments made online connected to the Black Culture Day event. The facts say that the one incident of anti-Semitic hate you reference as occurring in January, actually occurred in December, but along with the racist online comments was only reported in March. There have been many failures in this school year centered around hate. People have failed the children of the Newton and the Newton as a whole by not tackling these issues sooner.
Yes, my mistake. I went back to the principal’s email, and it was Dec. not Jan. But the point is that the police were notified immediately when it happened, and this was before the anonymous letter you mention. And I wasn’t suggesting that the March events were necessarily related to the basketball game, just that they were noted in the same email from NNHS. But again, the point is that each of these incidents was reported immediately to the police.
Yes, my mistake. I went back to the principal’s email, and it was Dec. not Jan. But the point is that the police were notified immediately when it happened, and this was before the anonymous letter you mention. And I wasn’t suggesting that the March events were necessarily related to the basketball game, just that they were noted in the same email from NNHS. But again, the point is that each of these incidents was reported immediately to the police.
New Cit,
You need to get to speed about what the protocols for reporting incidents are. With one exception, the protocols have been followed for years and none others have been hidden from the superintendent. The superintendent and the mayor did not know about the one incident where protocols were not followed until they received an anonymous letter. Protocols do not include sending a letter home to parents.
The NPS is committed to keeping students of all racial, religious, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds safe. I’ve been a teacher in Newton for 28 years and seen one swastika in all those years. I’ve been a teacher at NNHS for 8 years and never seen any hate graffiti or symbols and I make a point of checking the girl’s room right next to my classroom daily for it. I also have to use the elevators (another likely place for graffiti) and have never seen any hate language or symbols.
New Cit,
You need to get to speed about what the protocols for reporting incidents are. With one exception, the protocols have been followed for years and none others have been hidden from the superintendent. The superintendent and the mayor did not know about the one incident where protocols were not followed until they received an anonymous letter. Protocols do not include sending a letter home to parents.
The NPS is committed to keeping students of all racial, religious, gender identity, and ethnic backgrounds safe. I’ve been a teacher in Newton for 28 years and seen one swastika in all those years. I’ve been a teacher at NNHS for 8 years and never seen any hate graffiti or symbols and I make a point of checking the girl’s room right next to my classroom daily for it. I also have to use the elevators (another likely place for graffiti) and have never seen any hate language or symbols.
Jane Frantz
It was actually two incidents at Day that were not reported to the police, one of which said Burn the Jews. I’m not concerned about the teachers. Clearly, teachers like you and the ones at Day who reported the incidents to the principal are doing the right thing, I’m concerned about the higher ups who felt like something that you haven’t seen in your 28 years of teaching in Newton wasn’t worthy of following protocol.
Jane Frantz
It was actually two incidents at Day that were not reported to the police, one of which said Burn the Jews. I’m not concerned about the teachers. Clearly, teachers like you and the ones at Day who reported the incidents to the principal are doing the right thing, I’m concerned about the higher ups who felt like something that you haven’t seen in your 28 years of teaching in Newton wasn’t worthy of following protocol.
New Cit,
Please do not change my words to serve your purpose.
1. I said was that in 28 years of teaching in Newton, protocols have ALWAYS been followed by staff and “higher ups”, with one exception.
2. I also said that in 28 years of teaching I’ve personally seen hate graffiti on only one occasion, even though my placement and use of the schools has placed me in a position to view graffiti. The incident I did see was with a 9 year old about 15 years ago, and the situation was dealt with with a level of seriousness that it deserved.
This was your quote: “The protestors on Thursday night were taking an opportunity to mix their cause with all that is happening in the Newton Public Schools. This is disappointing as it takes away from what the city should be focused on. From the numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate, there is something happening within the community.”
If you have a complaint about a specific school, please make your point clearly. But to paint other staff members, schools, and “higher ups” as complicit in not following protocols is simply not accurate.
New Cit,
Please do not change my words to serve your purpose.
1. I said was that in 28 years of teaching in Newton, protocols have ALWAYS been followed by staff and “higher ups”, with one exception.
2. I also said that in 28 years of teaching I’ve personally seen hate graffiti on only one occasion, even though my placement and use of the schools has placed me in a position to view graffiti. The incident I did see was with a 9 year old about 15 years ago, and the situation was dealt with with a level of seriousness that it deserved.
This was your quote: “The protestors on Thursday night were taking an opportunity to mix their cause with all that is happening in the Newton Public Schools. This is disappointing as it takes away from what the city should be focused on. From the numerous incidents of anti-Semitic hate, there is something happening within the community.”
If you have a complaint about a specific school, please make your point clearly. But to paint other staff members, schools, and “higher ups” as complicit in not following protocols is simply not accurate.
Jane Frantz
As a teacher and Newton resident, do you think the principal at Day should be let go because of his failure to follow protocol?
Jane Frantz
As a teacher and Newton resident, do you think the principal at Day should be let go because of his failure to follow protocol?
Jane,
Does it say anything to you or the staff that we’ve had more hate grafitti in the NPS this year than in your previous 27 years? (just curious)
Do we know this for a fact? Has anyone asked the police how many reports of hate grafitti are reported each year?
Jane,
Does it say anything to you or the staff that we’ve had more hate grafitti in the NPS this year than in your previous 27 years? (just curious)
Do we know this for a fact? Has anyone asked the police how many reports of hate grafitti are reported each year?
Great question Greg. But then we have to ask the question, how much hate graffiti isn’t being reported? The police will only have those incidents reported to them by school administrators. As we have seen at Day, not all hate graffiti is being reported.
Great question Greg. But then we have to ask the question, how much hate graffiti isn’t being reported? The police will only have those incidents reported to them by school administrators. As we have seen at Day, not all hate graffiti is being reported.
Jane,
I agree with everything you’ve said and I believe that 99% of the kids are terrific. BUT you’re avoiding my question. Yes, protocols are in place, as they were 20 years ago. Does it say anything to you and the staff that there are more incidents this year, than in the past 27?
My questions has nothing to do with protocols, etc.
Jane,
I agree with everything you’ve said and I believe that 99% of the kids are terrific. BUT you’re avoiding my question. Yes, protocols are in place, as they were 20 years ago. Does it say anything to you and the staff that there are more incidents this year, than in the past 27?
My questions has nothing to do with protocols, etc.
Greg,
I just saw you’re comment. I wish we could definitively know. Personally, I feel one incident is too many.
Your wish can come true! The Freedom of Information Act isn’t just for journalists. Let us know what you find out.
Greg,
I just saw you’re comment. I wish we could definitively know. Personally, I feel one incident is too many.
Your wish can come true! The Freedom of Information Act isn’t just for journalists. Let us know what you find out.
Jane Frantz
From the Bostin Globe March 2 2016, “The incidents occurred in October and January at the F. A. Day Middle School, but principal Brian Turner failed to report them to authorities at the time they occurred, as stipulated in a memorandum of understanding between the School Department and Newton Police Department…. The memorandum of understanding between the schools and police clearly stipulates that both sides have agreed to share information in order to prevent violence and the use, abuse, and distribution of alcohol; and to “promote a safe and nurturing environment” in the schools. And, specifically, the memorandum lists “any incident of actual or suspected hate crime” as a mandatory reportable offense.”
There is your evidence.
Jane Frantz
From the Bostin Globe March 2 2016, “The incidents occurred in October and January at the F. A. Day Middle School, but principal Brian Turner failed to report them to authorities at the time they occurred, as stipulated in a memorandum of understanding between the School Department and Newton Police Department…. The memorandum of understanding between the schools and police clearly stipulates that both sides have agreed to share information in order to prevent violence and the use, abuse, and distribution of alcohol; and to “promote a safe and nurturing environment” in the schools. And, specifically, the memorandum lists “any incident of actual or suspected hate crime” as a mandatory reportable offense.”
There is your evidence.
Tom-There is no evidence that there are more incidents of graffiti this year than any other year. I don’t know where you’re getting your information.
Tom-There is no evidence that there are more incidents of graffiti this year than any other year. I don’t know where you’re getting your information.
Yes, everyone acknowledges that this year there were incidents at Day where protocols were not followed. As a direct result of that, someone – maybe a teacher, maybe a parent – alerted the police and “higher ups.” There were two meetings for parents, at which the principal acknowledged his failure to handle this correctly, apologized, and promised it would not happen again. He has worked closely with the ADL and the NPS administration as we move forward. There is no evidence to support the idea that there have been other unreported incidents. Look what happened when protocols weren’t followed – it WAS noticed.
Yes, everyone acknowledges that this year there were incidents at Day where protocols were not followed. As a direct result of that, someone – maybe a teacher, maybe a parent – alerted the police and “higher ups.” There were two meetings for parents, at which the principal acknowledged his failure to handle this correctly, apologized, and promised it would not happen again. He has worked closely with the ADL and the NPS administration as we move forward. There is no evidence to support the idea that there have been other unreported incidents. Look what happened when protocols weren’t followed – it WAS noticed.
New Cit-You identify one administrator, then generalize about all administrators.
New Cit-You identify one administrator, then generalize about all administrators.
Jane Frantz
You still haven’t answers my question. I know there must be good administrators in Newton. Maybe 99.9% are great. But one failed to do his job properly and may have put children in harms way. So what should happen to that administrator?
Jane Frantz
You still haven’t answers my question. I know there must be good administrators in Newton. Maybe 99.9% are great. But one failed to do his job properly and may have put children in harms way. So what should happen to that administrator?
I am a product of the Newton schools, and my daughter had four fabulous years at NNHS (following 9 years at Solomon Schechter), graduating only four years ago. I am the daughter of a public school educator and my daughter hopes to be one. Yet, Jane Frantz, your nearly sheep-like support of everything and everyone in the NPS is tiring, and makes me lose respect for your ability to remain at all objective. The teachers and administrators are not, and should not, be the focus of our concerns: they are there to serve our students and their families. Please answer New Cit’s question.
I am a product of the Newton schools, and my daughter had four fabulous years at NNHS (following 9 years at Solomon Schechter), graduating only four years ago. I am the daughter of a public school educator and my daughter hopes to be one. Yet, Jane Frantz, your nearly sheep-like support of everything and everyone in the NPS is tiring, and makes me lose respect for your ability to remain at all objective. The teachers and administrators are not, and should not, be the focus of our concerns: they are there to serve our students and their families. Please answer New Cit’s question.
I’m answering as a Day parent, not a teacher. I was very disappointed when I learned that the two incidents at Day were not reported to the police and were not used as teaching moments for the entire Day community. I attended two meetings at which the Day principal acknowledged that he failed to follow protocols, apologized for his inaction, and pledged that it would never happened again. Given his sincere apology and the entirety of his body of work at the school (from the perspective of parents and students, Day is a completely different school since he arrived), as well as how closely he is working with the ADL and NPS, I think he deserves and opportunity to rebuild trust with the community.
I’m answering as a Day parent, not a teacher. I was very disappointed when I learned that the two incidents at Day were not reported to the police and were not used as teaching moments for the entire Day community. I attended two meetings at which the Day principal acknowledged that he failed to follow protocols, apologized for his inaction, and pledged that it would never happened again. Given his sincere apology and the entirety of his body of work at the school (from the perspective of parents and students, Day is a completely different school since he arrived), as well as how closely he is working with the ADL and NPS, I think he deserves and opportunity to rebuild trust with the community.
I am also a Day parent and support Brian Fischer at Day. I believe that he has learned from his mistakes and will be even more vigilant than otherwise as a result.
I am also a Day parent and support Brian Fischer at Day. I believe that he has learned from his mistakes and will be even more vigilant than otherwise as a result.
NativeNewtonian – All I can say is that no one – including the administration or teachers in the Newton Public Schools – has ever described me as “sheep-like”. I’m about to copy and paste your comment and send it around to every principal and supervisor I’ve ever reported to. It’ll give them a good laugh.
Without question, the students come first and you can be sure they are my highest priority at all times in the performance of my job. However, the discussion on this blog has been about whether the administration follow protocols when reporting incidents of hate language. I am in a position to know that the protocols are taken very seriously and are carefully followed. I’m sorry that doesn’t support your narrative.
As for asking me to comment on what should happen to any individual in the system: I’ve ignored it because it’s an inappropriate request. While I choose to speak out publicly on this blog and in other forums about issues that I know about, I am a professional and act accordingly at all times.
NativeNewtonian – All I can say is that no one – including the administration or teachers in the Newton Public Schools – has ever described me as “sheep-like”. I’m about to copy and paste your comment and send it around to every principal and supervisor I’ve ever reported to. It’ll give them a good laugh.
Without question, the students come first and you can be sure they are my highest priority at all times in the performance of my job. However, the discussion on this blog has been about whether the administration follow protocols when reporting incidents of hate language. I am in a position to know that the protocols are taken very seriously and are carefully followed. I’m sorry that doesn’t support your narrative.
As for asking me to comment on what should happen to any individual in the system: I’ve ignored it because it’s an inappropriate request. While I choose to speak out publicly on this blog and in other forums about issues that I know about, I am a professional and act accordingly at all times.
Tricia
Have you gotten the perspective of the teachers at Day? How has Mr Turner been doing from their perspective? Two teachers did their due diligence and reported the incidents. How do you think they feel that they were ignored? That the students and their feelings were ignored? Could you imagine being a Jewish middle schooler and seeing Burn the Jews in the bathroom and a giant swastika outside the school?
I no longer have a child in the Newton school system, nor was my family ever connected to Day Middle School. My own Jewish faith and parents taught me a lot about forgiveness and, while I don’t know Turner, that’s what I’m inclined to do.
Tricia
Have you gotten the perspective of the teachers at Day? How has Mr Turner been doing from their perspective? Two teachers did their due diligence and reported the incidents. How do you think they feel that they were ignored? That the students and their feelings were ignored? Could you imagine being a Jewish middle schooler and seeing Burn the Jews in the bathroom and a giant swastika outside the school?
I no longer have a child in the Newton school system, nor was my family ever connected to Day Middle School. My own Jewish faith and parents taught me a lot about forgiveness and, while I don’t know Turner, that’s what I’m inclined to do.
Greg
I don’t know Turner either. I’d be willing to forgive one incident of failure to follow protocol, but two makes me question the man and his abilities to be the head of a school. What excuse did he give for missing both incidents and for several months?
Greg
I don’t know Turner either. I’d be willing to forgive one incident of failure to follow protocol, but two makes me question the man and his abilities to be the head of a school. What excuse did he give for missing both incidents and for several months?
Native
Thank you so much for noting the teachers and administrators are there to serve the students and families. We need to make sure we have the right people in place to do that service and take up that great responsibility.
Native
Thank you so much for noting the teachers and administrators are there to serve the students and families. We need to make sure we have the right people in place to do that service and take up that great responsibility.
As a Day parent, my focus is on how Mr. Turner rebuilds trust with students and families. The meetings I have attended at the school, and the communication that I have received from Mr. Turner, demonstrate that he is committed to the work. Rebuilding trust with the teachers is something for the principal and the teachers to work on – that’s outside of my view, as it should be, and time will tell. But the bottom line is that I am confident that the teachers and administrators at Day have the students’ safety and well-being as their first priority, and that my child is safe there.
I have to assume that if you don’t know Mr. Turner, you’re not a member of the Day community.
As a Day parent, my focus is on how Mr. Turner rebuilds trust with students and families. The meetings I have attended at the school, and the communication that I have received from Mr. Turner, demonstrate that he is committed to the work. Rebuilding trust with the teachers is something for the principal and the teachers to work on – that’s outside of my view, as it should be, and time will tell. But the bottom line is that I am confident that the teachers and administrators at Day have the students’ safety and well-being as their first priority, and that my child is safe there.
I have to assume that if you don’t know Mr. Turner, you’re not a member of the Day community.
I can hardly imagine the entitlement perceived by posters on a public blog who believe the absurdly of repeatedly demanding another poster answer whatever lame question they ask will ultimately compel an answer. It’s mystifying.
If you have questions find out the answers. Don’t expect others to find them for you.
I can hardly imagine the entitlement perceived by posters on a public blog who believe the absurdly of repeatedly demanding another poster answer whatever lame question they ask will ultimately compel an answer. It’s mystifying.
If you have questions find out the answers. Don’t expect others to find them for you.
Tricia, you are profoundly nicer and more patient than I. Great answers.
Tricia, you are profoundly nicer and more patient than I. Great answers.
*Turner, not Fisher and in my comment above.
*Turner, not Fisher and in my comment above.
During 1998 -1999, my Daughter who was a student at Day Middle School came home with a thin volume biography of a Turkish General during 1900-1920 that had been assigned to her class. Upon reading it, I was dismayed that the author naively, and with no attempt to do research, had dismissed the 1918 Armenian Genocide with a short single paragraph, describing how this General had to deal with the “minor Armenian Problem” in 1918. Killing 1.5 million people is apparently “minor” for this author. Needless to say, I was most upset.
I went to the library. I spoke with the teacher and then the principal. I did not assume that the Newton Public Schools had an anti-Armenian bias. They both appreciated the opportunity to educate themselves because, in the end, none of us can know everything about everything.
My final decision on what would resolve the matter to my own satisfaction was to leave the book in their library. And to donate two copies to the school of my maternal Grandmother’s published autobiography. A third of the book describes the horrors she witnessed as a young girl first-hand, including the killing and murder of innocent citizens in her town of Smyrna over the course of a single day, culminating with the whole village being burned to the ground overnight. Her sister throwing herself into the ocean in an attempt to drown rather than be raped. Being almost hacked in two with a sword, only to escape death by 3 inches.
Strong material for middle-schoolers, but the school recognized its importance. They agreed with me that access to her biography would be the best remedy for ultimately reaching the real truth.
During 1998 -1999, my Daughter who was a student at Day Middle School came home with a thin volume biography of a Turkish General during 1900-1920 that had been assigned to her class. Upon reading it, I was dismayed that the author naively, and with no attempt to do research, had dismissed the 1918 Armenian Genocide with a short single paragraph, describing how this General had to deal with the “minor Armenian Problem” in 1918. Killing 1.5 million people is apparently “minor” for this author. Needless to say, I was most upset.
I went to the library. I spoke with the teacher and then the principal. I did not assume that the Newton Public Schools had an anti-Armenian bias. They both appreciated the opportunity to educate themselves because, in the end, none of us can know everything about everything.
My final decision on what would resolve the matter to my own satisfaction was to leave the book in their library. And to donate two copies to the school of my maternal Grandmother’s published autobiography. A third of the book describes the horrors she witnessed as a young girl first-hand, including the killing and murder of innocent citizens in her town of Smyrna over the course of a single day, culminating with the whole village being burned to the ground overnight. Her sister throwing herself into the ocean in an attempt to drown rather than be raped. Being almost hacked in two with a sword, only to escape death by 3 inches.
Strong material for middle-schoolers, but the school recognized its importance. They agreed with me that access to her biography would be the best remedy for ultimately reaching the real truth.
Great post @Mark Marderosian.
Great post @Mark Marderosian.
Newton schools officials refuse to provide public access to the curricula and teaching materials. But we do know that there is anti-Israel bias and indoctrination in the teaching of the Middle East conflict . Which can easily lead to hate.
See for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_6w1nujk2Q
Newton schools officials refuse to provide public access to the curricula and teaching materials. But we do know that there is anti-Israel bias and indoctrination in the teaching of the Middle East conflict . Which can easily lead to hate.
See for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_6w1nujk2Q
Newton is not unique. Check out what happened in Weston and other high schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbrkTCKBnM
Newton is not unique. Check out what happened in Weston and other high schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lbrkTCKBnM
That first video has been discussed at length here. Some of the sources cited in it are none too pleased at how they were included.
How does the “Peace & Tolerance” group know what is in the texts, as has been repeatedly claimed, if there is not public access (which I don’t believe for a minute)?
That first video has been discussed at length here. Some of the sources cited in it are none too pleased at how they were included.
How does the “Peace & Tolerance” group know what is in the texts, as has been repeatedly claimed, if there is not public access (which I don’t believe for a minute)?
The first video has not been discussed. What was discussed was a fictional video. Just watch the video and you’ll see for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_6w1nujk2Q
Complaining students and parents provided the texts. Unlike Brookline schools, Newton schools do not provide public access to the curricula.
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
The first video has not been discussed. What was discussed was a fictional video. Just watch the video and you’ll see for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_6w1nujk2Q
Complaining students and parents provided the texts. Unlike Brookline schools, Newton schools do not provide public access to the curricula.
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan