Springbrook HS Staff Letter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The concerns outlined in the letter pale in comparison to the reality of the situation. Valentine’s actions have repeatedly harmed both students and staff, creating a toxic and demoralizing environment. For instance, after a certain time of day, she refuses to allow students back into the building—even those returning from legitimate obligations like medical appointments. This is not a matter of discipline but a disregard for students’ well-being. Additionally, she has driven out numerous dedicated staff members, berates employees in front of students, and embodies the very definition of a bully.

The impact of her leadership is evident in how students feel about their school. Many have said that attending Springbrook feels like going to a prison every day. When students view their school as a place of confinement rather than a space for learning and growth, it speaks volumes about the environment being fostered.

The issues with Valentine are not new. Central office has been aware of her behavior for years and has allowed it to continue, leaving staff feeling hopeless and unsupported. Despite this, the educators and employees in this building remain committed to the students and community, striving to provide them with the care and education they deserve. It is disheartening that MCPS has not done better for them.

Unreal. Where is the MCEA????

[Anonymous]

SEND THIS TO THE POST & MOCO SHOW!

[Anonymous]

This sh*t always happens at schools where the students' parents are not white, highly educated, connected lawyers. It infuriates me! Families are immigrants, the working poor, working multiple jobs, unfamiliar with their rights as MCPS families. After Beidleman I am so so mad on these teachers' and students' behalf.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SEND THIS TO THE POST & MOCO SHOW!

+1

The MoCo Show gets more local eyes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SEND THIS TO THE POST & MOCO SHOW!

+1

The MoCo Show gets more local eyes.

MoCoShow only reprints what other outlets publish. It would have to get picked up elsewhere first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sh*t always happens at schools where the students' parents are not white, highly educated, connected lawyers. It infuriates me! Families are immigrants, the working poor, working multiple jobs, unfamiliar with their rights as MCPS families. After Beidleman I am so so mad on these teachers' and students' behalf.

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sh*t always happens at schools where the students' parents are not white, highly educated, connected lawyers. It infuriates me! Families are immigrants, the working poor, working multiple jobs, unfamiliar with their rights as MCPS families. After Beidleman I am so so mad on these teachers' and students' behalf.

Having worked in MCPS a long time, I have noticed that principals of color often get a pass from CO on bad behavior.

[Anonymous]

Did Valentine work with Stanislaus at Key?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did Valentine work with Stanislaus at Key?

Looks like they overlapped for one year (2016-17).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SEND THIS TO THE POST & MOCO SHOW!

+1

The MoCo Show gets more local eyes.

MoCoShow only reprints what other outlets publish. It would have to get picked up elsewhere first.

I think the bulk of content is reposting, but they write some original content.

I used to think since he was a teacher he wouldn’t go near this content, but he’s no longer teacher so he might be open to getting into this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The concerns outlined in the letter pale in comparison to the reality of the situation. Valentine’s actions have repeatedly harmed both students and staff, creating a toxic and demoralizing environment. For instance, after a certain time of day, she refuses to allow students back into the building—even those returning from legitimate obligations like medical appointments. This is not a matter of discipline but a disregard for students’ well-being. Additionally, she has driven out numerous dedicated staff members, berates employees in front of students, and embodies the very definition of a bully.

The impact of her leadership is evident in how students feel about their school. Many have said that attending Springbrook feels like going to a prison every day. When students view their school as a place of confinement rather than a space for learning and growth, it speaks volumes about the environment being fostered.

The issues with Valentine are not new. Central office has been aware of her behavior for years and has allowed it to continue, leaving staff feeling hopeless and unsupported. Despite this, the educators and employees in this building remain committed to the students and community, striving to provide them with the care and education they deserve. It is disheartening that MCPS has not done better for them.

Staff have to come together and write a letter on behalf of the students. You’ve got two separate issues- how staff is bullied and how students are treated. By the way, I’m guessing that you know this because it’s what you mentioned first in your post, but denying students access to a public education is illegal. I’d tell students and their parents to call the cops if she ever tried that with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sh*t always happens at schools where the students' parents are not white, highly educated, connected lawyers. It infuriates me! Families are immigrants, the working poor, working multiple jobs, unfamiliar with their rights as MCPS families. After Beidleman I am so so mad on these teachers' and students' behalf.

+1000 and they know they can take advantage of it. Some families are so embarrassed when they can’t communicate in english, so they won’t go to MCPS and the board of ed. These schools suffer in silence praying someone will finally help them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My educated guess if that the director (Dodd), Donna RJ (whom I believe helped with the process to select Biedleman), and Taylor are aware. I feel like they will usually try to see if the Principal can settle this at the school level before they step in. I’m pretty sure it’s beyond solving at this point, but they have to go through the chain of command. I’m imagining that ILT will just be blaming and excuses. Don’t give up SB staff. Keep advocating until changes happen.

Donna RJ came to this afternoon's ILT meeting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My educated guess if that the director (Dodd), Donna RJ (whom I believe helped with the process to select Biedleman), and Taylor are aware. I feel like they will usually try to see if the Principal can settle this at the school level before they step in. I’m pretty sure it’s beyond solving at this point, but they have to go through the chain of command. I’m imagining that ILT will just be blaming and excuses. Don’t give up SB staff. Keep advocating until changes happen.

Donna RJ came to this afternoon's ILT meeting.

Tell us more. What did she say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My educated guess if that the director (Dodd), Donna RJ (whom I believe helped with the process to select Biedleman), and Taylor are aware. I feel like they will usually try to see if the Principal can settle this at the school level before they step in. I’m pretty sure it’s beyond solving at this point, but they have to go through the chain of command. I’m imagining that ILT will just be blaming and excuses. Don’t give up SB staff. Keep advocating until changes happen.

Donna RJ came to this afternoon's ILT meeting.

Tell us more. What did she say?

Let me guess - politician responses avoiding the question at all cost answers while using as many buzz words as she possibly can?