Tag: Graf

#SNSRally Going Forward

An estimated 2,000 people converged on Comsewogue High School yesterday to tell the powers that be what they should do with the Common Core State Standards.  The crowd, a mixture of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and other concerned citizens turned out despite only having a week to organize the rally.

Speaking at the rally were Comsewogue Board Trustee Ali Gordon, PJSTA President Beth Dimino, NYSUT President Dick Ianuzzi, Comsewogue Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella, Comsewogue High School student Arya Hezarkani, parent Gina Renard, New York State Assemblymen Steve Englebright and Al Graf, and former Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher.

Perhaps the highlight of the rally was Assemblymen Englebright saying, “Somebody’s head should be on the block and it should be John King!”  He was right of course, but he neglected to mention King’s host of other ed deform cronies: Barack Obama, Arne Duncan, Andy Cuomo, John J. Flanagan, Ken LaValle, Chris Christie, Cory Booker, Mike Bloomberg, Merryl Tisch…. and the list goes on and on and on.

PJSTA members should be taking the next few days to bombard their elected officials with their feelings on these matters.  Ask them if they are with us or against us.  Tell them there is no middle ground.  They will earn our votes or they won’t.  It should be noted that 2,000 people at a rally in Comsewogue is a nice turnout with only a week’s notice.  However it is hardly enough.  It’s nice to gather together, make signs, wear green laces, show our community and union pride, and scream and shout a bit.  However it all means nothing without sustained further action.  The PJSTA will again provide you with ample opportunities in the coming school year to work towards our agenda.  It’s time for you to decide whether or not you are willing to get involved.  Yesterday was the fun part.  Today the work starts.

Reality-Based Educator’s view on the rally.  Please read this, it’s worth it.

Enjoy the pics from the rally below.  Fell free to use the comments section to link to your own pics from the rally.

Sign making on Friday night
I don’t care what research says! You’ll do what I say… and you’ll like it!

Notes on the “Students, Not Scores!” Rally

Just a reminder, not that you should need it, that tomorrow is the “Students, Not Scores!” rally that grew out of Dr. Rella’s letters following the release of the NYS Common Core test scores.  The rally begins at 12:00 and is at Comsewogue High School.  There is an enormous crowd expected, so carpool, arrive early, and park wherever you can.  Speaking will be Dr. Rella, PJSTA President Beth Dimino, NYSUT President Dick Ianuzzi, and several others.  New York State Assemblymen Steven Englebright and Al Graf will be there in support.  Kudos to politicians willing to put their neck on the line to stand up for what’s right.  Be sure to thank them and to vote for them if you live in their district.  Not all politicians have the guts to do what they are doing (I am looking at you John J. Flanagan and Ken LaValle!)

Spend some time to make some signs tonight for tomorrow’s rally.  Be creative.  Have fun.  I know of at least one group of PJSTA members having a sign making party tonight.  If you want in let us know in the comments or email Beth Dimino.

Be sure to wear your PJSTA garb tomorrow (or BAT apparel if you are cool enough to own any!)

There is not much more to be said.  Tomorrow has been a long time coming.  The general public is finally catching on to what teachers have known for several years now.  To quote Karen Lewis, who seemed to speak for all of us during the CTU strike last year, “We’re tired of being bullied, belittled, and betrayed.  We have done everything asked of us, yet we continue to be vilified and treated with disrespect.”  Tomorrow’s your chance to fight back.  I know I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Some new links of note:

Students Not Scores! now has a website!  Click here to view it and sign the petition.

Port Jefferson School District Superintendent, Dr. Ken Bossert weighs in on test scores here.  Feel free to set the commenters straight.

The UFT’s MORE Caucus has been a tremendous help in getting the word out about this rally.  Please visit their site.  They stand for everything that is right in education and we would all benefit if they were at the helm of the country’s largest teachers union.