A quarter of the teachers at Lakewood Elementary are leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for pointing out her messaging part. But as a new principal, shouldn't "We" is more powerful than using I and You?

lol I'm not really good at wording things. But then again I'm also not in a position to be a leader in the community and have to be aware of how I word things.

But that is how I interpreted her message for the entire year. "Yeah I'm going to teach and change you all..."

And if she gave some background on herself, her goals and her vision or even if that it's the overall school system's mission, it would've come across a lot differently then it did.

After looking at the situation a little bit more, I think some of it might've been her enthusiasm was misinterpreted. But I also think she wasn't aware and sensitive of the community and I know she offended me in her messages and have to be skeptical about the way she does some things.

In regards to departmentalization, I don't even know what that is. I've had some people try to describe it to me. I logged on to the townhall late and saw others were asking what it meant too. But I figured it was discussed earlier and I could find out what it was and the pros and cons when I watched the video recording of the meeting. Oops....

Who knows. She may have some really great ideas. But I don't think anyone really trusts her. It might've helped if she got her staff, who the community does know and trust, to buy in and support her and her vision. But that's not the way she chose to go about it.

I should probably reiterate, for myself my biggest issue is how she came across and seemingly accused our community of needing to change and become more anti racist.

The turnover of well liked teachers and their reasons why is concerning too. It's as mentioned, we know their side of the story.

But others have other issues with her as well. Such as in their actual dealings with her, how situations were handled, etc.

So I'm just mentioning my own issues and point of view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

Yes!! We would love to have a collaborative community with open communication between admin, teachers, parents and students. I know Dr. Kelly is big on cultural competency; why not consult with the PTA about how to best communicate with the unique populations at this school? The Black National Anthem thing is an example. Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a "national anthem," but I can see how not giving more context about it could be confusing for the (many, MANY) immigrant parents where at Lakewood who are not familiar with the history of American racial inequities.

I genuinely think most parents at Lakewood are very much on board with her anti-racist agenda and curriculum, but because of language and cultural barriers, don't always understand what she is trying achieve. Lakewood has a high Asian population, right? Well, education about the civil rights movement and Black history could benefit from something like talking about the Yellow Peril Supports Black Panthers movement, as an example of allyship between Asian and Black people in the US. It could absolutely become something collaborative and more engaging for the unique population here. Otherwise it becomes kind of, "okay, Black history, cool... but what does that have to do with me? My parents came here like 10 years ago."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

Yes!! We would love to have a collaborative community with open communication between admin, teachers, parents and students. I know Dr. Kelly is big on cultural competency; why not consult with the PTA about how to best communicate with the unique populations at this school? The Black National Anthem thing is an example. Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a "national anthem," but I can see how not giving more context about it could be confusing for the (many, MANY) immigrant parents where at Lakewood who are not familiar with the history of American racial inequities.

I genuinely think most parents at Lakewood are very much on board with her anti-racist agenda and curriculum, but because of language and cultural barriers, don't always understand what she is trying achieve. Lakewood has a high Asian population, right? Well, education about the civil rights movement and Black history could benefit from something like talking about the Yellow Peril Supports Black Panthers movement, as an example of allyship between Asian and Black people in the US. It could absolutely become something collaborative and more engaging for the unique population here. Otherwise it becomes kind of, "okay, Black history, cool... but what does that have to do with me? My parents came here like 10 years ago."

Looking into it Lift Every Voice and Sing is apparently considered the Black National Anthem.

I think the issue is that on the program, the song was listed as Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Then when people saw the Black National Anthem on the screen, the word spreading was that Dr. Kelly changed the songs last minute and wanted to play that song. And some saying that was her way of fighting back.

That's what happens when there's distrust between the groups.

Dr. Kelly may be big on cultural competency but she apparently isn't aware of issues related to Asian issues, which includes the relations between Blacks and Asians. Hence when people see things from her it's always a question, is she attacking us?

And again this is not a matter of Black and Asian. I can point to other schools with Black principals, where to my knowledge and point of view, it seems to be well run and the principal well liked.

The principal at Frost is an example. He impressed with his speech at the graduation ceremony yesterday. The mission statement at the school is inclusive and nurturing and it's no surprise that he was the middle school principal of the year several years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

Yes!! We would love to have a collaborative community with open communication between admin, teachers, parents and students. I know Dr. Kelly is big on cultural competency; why not consult with the PTA about how to best communicate with the unique populations at this school? The Black National Anthem thing is an example. Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a "national anthem," but I can see how not giving more context about it could be confusing for the (many, MANY) immigrant parents where at Lakewood who are not familiar with the history of American racial inequities.

I genuinely think most parents at Lakewood are very much on board with her anti-racist agenda and curriculum, but because of language and cultural barriers, don't always understand what she is trying achieve. Lakewood has a high Asian population, right? Well, education about the civil rights movement and Black history could benefit from something like talking about the Yellow Peril Supports Black Panthers movement, as an example of allyship between Asian and Black people in the US. It could absolutely become something collaborative and more engaging for the unique population here. Otherwise it becomes kind of, "okay, Black history, cool... but what does that have to do with me? My parents came here like 10 years ago."

Seriously it really doesn’t have much to do with race. It has to do with how she handled the relationship with teachers, students and parents, and also MCPS administration’s unwillingness to listen to parents. I don’t know why some posters kept muddying the water by talking about Blacks and Asians. It’s not about that at all.

[Anonymous]

Yes, if the program said Lift Every Voice and Sing. That is fine. If the program said We are the Champions, That is fine. Any nice songs are ok.

However, if all of the sudden the screen showed Black National Anthem and without prior communication, it is a legitimate concern.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

Yes!! We would love to have a collaborative community with open communication between admin, teachers, parents and students. I know Dr. Kelly is big on cultural competency; why not consult with the PTA about how to best communicate with the unique populations at this school? The Black National Anthem thing is an example. Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a "national anthem," but I can see how not giving more context about it could be confusing for the (many, MANY) immigrant parents where at Lakewood who are not familiar with the history of American racial inequities.

I genuinely think most parents at Lakewood are very much on board with her anti-racist agenda and curriculum, but because of language and cultural barriers, don't always understand what she is trying achieve. Lakewood has a high Asian population, right? Well, education about the civil rights movement and Black history could benefit from something like talking about the Yellow Peril Supports Black Panthers movement, as an example of allyship between Asian and Black people in the US. It could absolutely become something collaborative and more engaging for the unique population here. Otherwise it becomes kind of, "okay, Black history, cool... but what does that have to do with me? My parents came here like 10 years ago."

Looking into it Lift Every Voice and Sing is apparently considered the Black National Anthem.

I think the issue is that on the program, the song was listed as Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Then when people saw the Black National Anthem on the screen, the word spreading was that Dr. Kelly changed the songs last minute and wanted to play that song. And some saying that was her way of fighting back.

That's what happens when there's distrust between the groups.

Dr. Kelly may be big on cultural competency but she apparently isn't aware of issues related to Asian issues, which includes the relations between Blacks and Asians. Hence when people see things from her it's always a question, is she attacking us?

And again this is not a matter of Black and Asian. I can point to other schools with Black principals, where to my knowledge and point of view, it seems to be well run and the principal well liked.

The principal at Frost is an example. He impressed with his speech at the graduation ceremony yesterday. The mission statement at the school is inclusive and nurturing and it's no surprise that he was the middle school principal of the year several years ago.

[Anonymous]

Why didn't we sing the national anthem in Spanish?

Did the principal also ask the kids to take a knee when singing the "Lift Every Voice and Sing"?

[Anonymous]

It’s my experience that some principals are really big on “events” and school wide situations. They can put them on their resumes and such. It’s seems like this principal is hitting every equity antiracism button at once but make a big show. She doesn’t care if it overbearing if it is getting her attention. I am curious what the thoughts of the minority students are. A lot of them don’t want this kind of attention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why didn't we sing the national anthem in Spanish?

Did the principal also ask the kids to take a knee when singing the "Lift Every Voice and Sing"?

MAGA über alles!

[Anonymous]

Waiting for the change.org petition from the Lakewood parents.....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Waiting for the change.org petition from the Lakewood parents.....

I mean, do you think it would actually be effective? I think we would probably try it if it was worth trying, but it seems like the Principal and her higher ups don't give a flying frog. I don't want to be fatalistic, but it's almost as if they want to be like, "you don't like the way we do things? Fine, go send your kid to private school or homeschool 'em."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Waiting for the change.org petition from the Lakewood parents.....

I mean, do you think it would actually be effective? I think we would probably try it if it was worth trying, but it seems like the Principal and her higher ups don't give a flying frog. I don't want to be fatalistic, but it's almost as if they want to be like, "you don't like the way we do things? Fine, go send your kid to private school or homeschool 'em."

Can everyone see who signs the petition? I’d be worried about retaliation if so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I really don't think parents are going to get what they want here because nothing I've seen described in this thread goes outside the purview of a principal within their own school.

Moving teachers between grade levels, choosing to departmentalize (or not) certain grades, stating that she wants to take an anti-racist approach, being a Black woman in a plurality Asian American school.

None of those are things that MCPS is going to fire someone for, even if they did a bad job communicating, because the last thing MCPS wants is parents rising up and demanding a principal be replaced every time an administrator makes a decision that parents disagree with.

Maybe these are not reasons to fire a principal. But these are enough reasons for MCPS administration to take actions and ask her to change her working style with teachers, students and parents. Keep antagonizing the community by ignoring their complaints will not end up well.

Yes!! We would love to have a collaborative community with open communication between admin, teachers, parents and students. I know Dr. Kelly is big on cultural competency; why not consult with the PTA about how to best communicate with the unique populations at this school? The Black National Anthem thing is an example. Lift Every Voice and Sing is not a "national anthem," but I can see how not giving more context about it could be confusing for the (many, MANY) immigrant parents where at Lakewood who are not familiar with the history of American racial inequities.

I genuinely think most parents at Lakewood are very much on board with her anti-racist agenda and curriculum, but because of language and cultural barriers, don't always understand what she is trying achieve. Lakewood has a high Asian population, right? Well, education about the civil rights movement and Black history could benefit from something like talking about the Yellow Peril Supports Black Panthers movement, as an example of allyship between Asian and Black people in the US. It could absolutely become something collaborative and more engaging for the unique population here. Otherwise it becomes kind of, "okay, Black history, cool... but what does that have to do with me? My parents came here like 10 years ago."

Seriously it really doesn’t have much to do with race. It has to do with how she handled the relationship with teachers, students and parents, and also MCPS administration’s unwillingness to listen to parents. I don’t know why some posters kept muddying the water by talking about Blacks and Asians. It’s not about that at all.

Actually since Dr. Kelly makes it about race, it does have to do with race. If she came in emphasizing the school and students well being, it would only be about her poor communication, collaboration and management styles.

Looking into it, Clarksburg High, which also has a popular and well liked principal that is Black, does have a mission statement that includes anti racism and equity in it's message:

To provide a quality evolving education that ensures success for every student through teaching and learning.

Clarksburg High School’s Race and Equity Pledge

We will act with a mindset of high expectations for all students and call attention to and eliminate patterns of inequity and racial bias in student outcomes.

Staff will take personal and institutional responsibility for the success of their students, and critically reassess their own practices. Our promise also requires that staff are race-conscious community members who support anti-racist policies and ideas through their actions and/or words and are aware of the social and historical context of exclusionary practices in our school.

We will nurture a community that values our inherent diversity while holding each individual responsible to a collective good.

This is our promise to our staff, students, parents, and community.

So seeing that, maybe Dr. Kelly's mission isn't that out of the norm. But the makeup of Clarksburg High and Lakewood are different. So some context and making sure in being careful on how it might be taken would've helped. No one knew where she was coming from.

It doesn't help that in the meeting a Black family stood up and tried to tell everyone to calm down and that the things were happening was normal. Families already knew the teacher's point of view and wanted that time for a moment of transparency from Dr. Kelly's point of view. So already didn't trust Michelle Shultz and Dr. Kelly because teachers were telling them things otherwise. And the family standing up for Dr. Kelly looked like it was done for Black solidarity sowing further racial disharmony in the community.

An example of good transparency, is that Dr. Kelly did mention how with one of the leaving staff members it was inappropriate to go to student homes during the weekend. Thinking about it, besides the excellent child and classroom management, probably due to years of experience, one of the reasons why one of the leaving teachers was so valued was because they always went above and beyond, in a somewhat Freedom Writerish kind of way, saying "My kids need me...". It has crossed my mind before that they often broke a lot of union contract rules in doing what they did. So I'm always kind of careful in mentioning why we appreciate them so much because don't want anything to come back to them. So maybe Dr. Kelly decided that she couldn't have someone in her staff going rogue like that. Although I will say that if I recall correctly one of the reasons why the principal at Clarksburg High was lauded back when he was at Shady Grove Middle School was that he made to sure to pay in person home visits to students. So one person gets applauded for it and the other seeing it as a negative thing? But that's besides the point.

I don't know what people thought of Lakewood's environment previously. But I see Dr. Kelly as fracturing the community and causing disharmony. For example:

-With the Lift Every Voice and Sing issue at the graduation ceremony, that was an opportunity for Dr. Kelly to share and teach many a wonderful and uplifting song that may mean a lot to her. But instead it was seen as her attacking and fighting back and that moment was looked at with suspicion

-during the graduation ceremony, people would kind of look sideways at Black families and wonder if they saw their issues with Dr. Kelly as them being racist. Then should they overcompensate by making sure to cheer for all the Black students? Did they support Dr. Kelly? And do they only support her because she's Black?

-having questions if she's attacking the community or being hostile. Going back to the song from the graduation ceremony. Or during the townhall meeting, I wasn't online and couldn't see but there some comments like "Wow look how angry she looks" But maybe she was just honestly just being silent waiting for responses. But the relationship is so broken that's how things are misconstrued.

-and then in general, are Dr. Kelly's plans and actions for the sake of the students and their education or is it for the sake of diversity and equity?

Looking at things a little bit more, I'm willing to say that a lot of issues are due to Dr. Kelly's inexperience and being tone deaf. But I'm also suspicious of her motives and see her actions as causing issues in the community rather than uniting it.

[Anonymous]

Based on the current situation, all Asian students will be retaliated regardless of who sign the petition (if there is one)

Out of those ~150 people who attended the townhall, how many would sign?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Waiting for the change.org petition from the Lakewood parents.....

I mean, do you think it would actually be effective? I think we would probably try it if it was worth trying, but it seems like the Principal and her higher ups don't give a flying frog. I don't want to be fatalistic, but it's almost as if they want to be like, "you don't like the way we do things? Fine, go send your kid to private school or homeschool 'em."

Can everyone see who signs the petition? I’d be worried about retaliation if so.