Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:42
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Pressuring the students for information is very disturbing if true. How do you know this happened?
Equally disturbing is enlisting kids to pass out stickers and protest. Let adults handle this.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:39
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Pressuring the students for information is very disturbing if true. How do you know this happened?
Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:24
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
On Thursday the administrators were pressuring kids for information on the protest planned for the following day. They went around asking. Kids if they had any specifics.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:22
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Taylor is one of the few schools that had zero field trips this year. Fourth grade trip to Jamestown is a rite of passage that many kids and families were looking forward to. Some schools went others didn't, including Taylor. I think many people blamed the principal's overly covid cautious culture she is trying to impose. I hope she accepts that things need to be TOTALLY normal by next year. This expectation needs to come from her at the top.
This was decided by the 4th grade teachers, not administrators.
Did the teachers really have a choice?
Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:20
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
The letter written by the teachers:
letter from the teachers:
The environment created from administrators at Taylor is toxic. Our staff and community are devoted to student learning and high achievement. But the actions by our school leaders are resulting in a complete downfall from this pedestal. The upheaval and directed assaults on specific teachers are felt through all grade levels and specialties. Highly effective senior teachers are targeted for removal. New teachers have their contracts terminated before they are offered any tangible level of support. These changes are rippling through the entire Taylor community. Destructive workplaces are devastating. Immediate change is necessary to have the least impact on students.
What makes Taylor such an exceptional school? Behind the curtain reveals our highly educated, diverse, and devoted teaching staff. A large majority of our teachers have worked at Taylor for 7 to 37 years.
Over decades, senior teachers continued at their grade level or specialty. We constantly refine our expertise in pedagogy, technology,and curriculum to better meet the needs of our children. Our leadership roles in curriculum, mentoring new teachers, and developing new methods for teaching were encouraged and praised by former administrators. Changes in roles were by choice to further enhance careers.
It has also come to our attention that a disproportionate amount of our minority staff istargeted by Taylor’s administration. This ranges from removal or change of position against their will to receiving constant memorandumsfor minor infractions that in past years were normal routines. A staggering 8 out of the 13 stories of serious grievance were from staff members who are of a racial minority. Memorandums are public record; if the county chooses to inquire who these infractions are against and for what reason, they will begin to establish a clear pattern.
“Her actions have made it clear to me that I am not valued at Taylor and that she does not want me as a part of her staff.” Dr. Sharon Gaston, a senior teacher at Taylor expressed. She applied, and is highly qualified, for a leadership position in APS. Dr. Gaston was told that she was being moved from a lead Reading Specialist position to a kindergarten teacher. She expressed that this is not in alignment with her ambitions, experience, and expertise. Her position was then posted in the APS job openings and quickly removed once she pointed out she had yet to give up her position. The position was reposted April 8. Dr. Gaston is seen by the Taylor Community as a leader who has implemented school-wide literacy initiatives that meet and exceed the status quo.
Kim Yerick is a 4th grade teacher who began after the start of the school year. She was not given any opportunity to work with her colleagues before her first day. She is continually singled out and reprimanded for actions that are grade level decisions. In one instance, she gave a colleague's fourth grade math test (approved by the math coach) and was sent a reprimand. The memoranda was directed only towards her and no other teacher. Her first chance to observe a colleague as a first-year teacher was in January. Kim is a woman of color, and she believes it is becoming more evident that Mrs. Gonzales singles out the minorities that work at her school.
There are many other similar experiences from coworkers who wish to remain anonymous.
“We no longer are allowed to help make decisions that are in the best interest and safety of our students. Every aspect of our day is tightly controlled and micromanaged. Grade level teachers are required to have 4 CLT meetings per week: language arts, math, logistics and the general CLT. Iliana casually mentioned we will have an additional CLT next year. Which means our one day of individual prep per week is now gone. We already have no time during the day to set up materials for interactive lessons, make copies, grade, and plan for the 18 other lessons per week not addressed during these meetings.”
“Changes are made without any input or feedback. Staff meetings do not include time for open questions or comments. When staff members do try to convey a concern they are immediately dismissed.”
“Teachers and assistants are reprimanded for deciding to have students eat in the cafeteria after it starts to rain or snow on the children outside. When a change for lunch is decided in the morning, our custodial staff are not informed by administrators and are scrambling to set up the lunch room at the last minute. Since lifting the mask mandate, we have learned that many APS schools now have a large portion of their lunches indoors.”
“Throughout the fall, teachers and assistants who were in direct contact with students who tested positive for COVID were either not informed or intentionally withheld of this vital information.”
Staff are told if they “do not put into STAN for sick leave by 6:30am then they must come in.”
An ambulance was called for a staff member even though they exhibited no signs of feeling poorly and had articulated there was no need for such frivolity.
We also have major safety concerns on the playground as well as the school building.
On October 31, the lights went out at Taylor for over 3 hours. The school was completely dark. None of the emergency power lights kicked on. The administration seemed stunned. They clearly did not know what to do. It was a chaotic and frightening event for a lot of students. I mention this because there has never been a follow up staff meeting by administration to discuss emergency procedures or preparation if future power outages occurred. Mrs. Gonzales and Ms. Sherman acted as if the power outage never happened. This is a big safety concern for staff and students.
“The side doors of the building are propped open with planters throughout the day. When staff attempt to close the doors, the administration tells us that they need to remainopen so as not to bother the office staff. We have always ensured the safety of the building and in past years this act was seen as a major violation of PIP. “
“Since August, our kindergarten slide contains large holes with sharp edges. Yet, nothing hasbeen done to ensure the safety of our students. “
“We have asked for classroom furniture and science materials for our new curriculum. And we are told there is no money for these essential items for our students. But somehow the principal has a brand new beautiful expensive furnished office as well as a 27” iMac that was not passed down from previous administration. How is this possible? How do these costs benefit children’s day to day lives?”
We dug deeper into Taylor’s budget from past years to this year. Our school typically had an average of about $10,000 in costs. This year, Iliana spent nearly $120,000. All we have seen are some Taylor door mats and white walls that no one wanted. We had a redundant PD in the fall for responsive classroom that cost $5,000. And contrary to the core of our responsive classroom standards, we now see a wall of Lexia superstars each week.
But where is the rest of the money and what has it gone towards? At the classroom level we are lacking in supplies and materials that align with our new curriculum. We are told there is no funding for this.
We are no longer respected in our position and the hostility from Taylor administrators is counterproductive to the wellbeing of ourselves and our students. The long-held traditions that brought our community together are nearly eradicated. The interior murals we created are painted over.
We are cautious to write this letter. One person’s grievance is not enough for staff to want to speak out. But this is clearly not the case. This continual percolation of wrongdoingindicates a systemic problem from the top. By signing this letter, we put our careers at risk. A significant majority of our staff have either experienced or witnessed these events. Understandably, some still chose to not include their name for fear of retribution. With one exception, new teachers were intentionally not included.
Some of the staff members signing this today are the victims. Conversely, others are praised by administrators for their effective teaching and leadership skills. And yet, as we all continue to watch this unfair treatment of our peers, we can no longer remain silent. This situation at Taylor is dire and must be stopped. A change in the Taylor administration is the only true course to help mend the wounds at our precious school. We want action from APS leadership now.
letter from the teachers:
The environment created from administrators at Taylor is toxic. Our staff and community are devoted to student learning and high achievement. But the actions by our school leaders are resulting in a complete downfall from this pedestal. The upheaval and directed assaults on specific teachers are felt through all grade levels and specialties. Highly effective senior teachers are targeted for removal. New teachers have their contracts terminated before they are offered any tangible level of support. These changes are rippling through the entire Taylor community. Destructive workplaces are devastating. Immediate change is necessary to have the least impact on students.
What makes Taylor such an exceptional school? Behind the curtain reveals our highly educated, diverse, and devoted teaching staff. A large majority of our teachers have worked at Taylor for 7 to 37 years.
Over decades, senior teachers continued at their grade level or specialty. We constantly refine our expertise in pedagogy, technology,and curriculum to better meet the needs of our children. Our leadership roles in curriculum, mentoring new teachers, and developing new methods for teaching were encouraged and praised by former administrators. Changes in roles were by choice to further enhance careers.
It has also come to our attention that a disproportionate amount of our minority staff istargeted by Taylor’s administration. This ranges from removal or change of position against their will to receiving constant memorandumsfor minor infractions that in past years were normal routines. A staggering 8 out of the 13 stories of serious grievance were from staff members who are of a racial minority. Memorandums are public record; if the county chooses to inquire who these infractions are against and for what reason, they will begin to establish a clear pattern.
“Her actions have made it clear to me that I am not valued at Taylor and that she does not want me as a part of her staff.” Dr. Sharon Gaston, a senior teacher at Taylor expressed. She applied, and is highly qualified, for a leadership position in APS. Dr. Gaston was told that she was being moved from a lead Reading Specialist position to a kindergarten teacher. She expressed that this is not in alignment with her ambitions, experience, and expertise. Her position was then posted in the APS job openings and quickly removed once she pointed out she had yet to give up her position. The position was reposted April 8. Dr. Gaston is seen by the Taylor Community as a leader who has implemented school-wide literacy initiatives that meet and exceed the status quo.
Kim Yerick is a 4th grade teacher who began after the start of the school year. She was not given any opportunity to work with her colleagues before her first day. She is continually singled out and reprimanded for actions that are grade level decisions. In one instance, she gave a colleague's fourth grade math test (approved by the math coach) and was sent a reprimand. The memoranda was directed only towards her and no other teacher. Her first chance to observe a colleague as a first-year teacher was in January. Kim is a woman of color, and she believes it is becoming more evident that Mrs. Gonzales singles out the minorities that work at her school.
There are many other similar experiences from coworkers who wish to remain anonymous.
“We no longer are allowed to help make decisions that are in the best interest and safety of our students. Every aspect of our day is tightly controlled and micromanaged. Grade level teachers are required to have 4 CLT meetings per week: language arts, math, logistics and the general CLT. Iliana casually mentioned we will have an additional CLT next year. Which means our one day of individual prep per week is now gone. We already have no time during the day to set up materials for interactive lessons, make copies, grade, and plan for the 18 other lessons per week not addressed during these meetings.”
“Changes are made without any input or feedback. Staff meetings do not include time for open questions or comments. When staff members do try to convey a concern they are immediately dismissed.”
“Teachers and assistants are reprimanded for deciding to have students eat in the cafeteria after it starts to rain or snow on the children outside. When a change for lunch is decided in the morning, our custodial staff are not informed by administrators and are scrambling to set up the lunch room at the last minute. Since lifting the mask mandate, we have learned that many APS schools now have a large portion of their lunches indoors.”
“Throughout the fall, teachers and assistants who were in direct contact with students who tested positive for COVID were either not informed or intentionally withheld of this vital information.”
Staff are told if they “do not put into STAN for sick leave by 6:30am then they must come in.”
An ambulance was called for a staff member even though they exhibited no signs of feeling poorly and had articulated there was no need for such frivolity.
We also have major safety concerns on the playground as well as the school building.
On October 31, the lights went out at Taylor for over 3 hours. The school was completely dark. None of the emergency power lights kicked on. The administration seemed stunned. They clearly did not know what to do. It was a chaotic and frightening event for a lot of students. I mention this because there has never been a follow up staff meeting by administration to discuss emergency procedures or preparation if future power outages occurred. Mrs. Gonzales and Ms. Sherman acted as if the power outage never happened. This is a big safety concern for staff and students.
“The side doors of the building are propped open with planters throughout the day. When staff attempt to close the doors, the administration tells us that they need to remainopen so as not to bother the office staff. We have always ensured the safety of the building and in past years this act was seen as a major violation of PIP. “
“Since August, our kindergarten slide contains large holes with sharp edges. Yet, nothing hasbeen done to ensure the safety of our students. “
“We have asked for classroom furniture and science materials for our new curriculum. And we are told there is no money for these essential items for our students. But somehow the principal has a brand new beautiful expensive furnished office as well as a 27” iMac that was not passed down from previous administration. How is this possible? How do these costs benefit children’s day to day lives?”
We dug deeper into Taylor’s budget from past years to this year. Our school typically had an average of about $10,000 in costs. This year, Iliana spent nearly $120,000. All we have seen are some Taylor door mats and white walls that no one wanted. We had a redundant PD in the fall for responsive classroom that cost $5,000. And contrary to the core of our responsive classroom standards, we now see a wall of Lexia superstars each week.
But where is the rest of the money and what has it gone towards? At the classroom level we are lacking in supplies and materials that align with our new curriculum. We are told there is no funding for this.
We are no longer respected in our position and the hostility from Taylor administrators is counterproductive to the wellbeing of ourselves and our students. The long-held traditions that brought our community together are nearly eradicated. The interior murals we created are painted over.
We are cautious to write this letter. One person’s grievance is not enough for staff to want to speak out. But this is clearly not the case. This continual percolation of wrongdoingindicates a systemic problem from the top. By signing this letter, we put our careers at risk. A significant majority of our staff have either experienced or witnessed these events. Understandably, some still chose to not include their name for fear of retribution. With one exception, new teachers were intentionally not included.
Some of the staff members signing this today are the victims. Conversely, others are praised by administrators for their effective teaching and leadership skills. And yet, as we all continue to watch this unfair treatment of our peers, we can no longer remain silent. This situation at Taylor is dire and must be stopped. A change in the Taylor administration is the only true course to help mend the wounds at our precious school. We want action from APS leadership now.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 15:17
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous
05/07/2022 14:52
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't know how to quote, but the letter included:
* the principal has filed 13 grievances against teachers, 8 of them against teachers of color; these are public record somewhere
* she seems to target certain teachers and micromanages all teachers time; they don't have any planning periods left to prep for lessons and are forced to have meetings during every planning period
* she gets mad about silly things like not taking the kids outside for lunch when it's sprinkling
* she gets mad if the teachers don't let the outside doors remain propped open - they think it's a safety issue (it is!), she says it bothers the office staff when they have to ask to be let back in
* there is a serious question about money use. teachers have been asking for furniture and supplies all year and she says there is no money. there is no money to fix the cracked kindergarten slide. but she has all new office furniture and a brand new mac. they also went back in the budget and said the past several years the school costs have been around $10,000. this principal has spent $120,000 this year.
This is nonsense.
First, if the slide is broken, that would fall under the facilities department to fix. That is not something an individual school handles. Second, $120K is about right. $10K? Absolutely not. The PTA has a budget probably twice that! There’s no way this school is operating with a $10K budget.
I’m a principal in FCPS which operates in a similar fashion to APS. The operating budget is about $70K for our school that is just over half the size of Taylor.
I have no idea about the other comments. I couldn’t let that one about the school budget go without a response.
It's cute that you think the Taylor PTA budget is "probably" only twice $10K.
But not as cute as someone thinking that same school’s budget is $10K.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 14:47
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - escorted from her classroom by security??? Sounds like this was handled super badly - why didn't they wait to transition until the end of the year at least? Must have been really bad!
This!! Does anyone know why she was escorted out by security in the middle of the school day in front of the students????
The only reason for this is that there was a credible threat against the principal or about her actions threatening the well being of the students and overall school environment.
I’m confused though, has she been fired completely from APS? Or transfer to another school? Why in earth would you transfer someone who has escorted out of the building?
Anonymous
05/07/2022 14:46
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't know how to quote, but the letter included:
* the principal has filed 13 grievances against teachers, 8 of them against teachers of color; these are public record somewhere
* she seems to target certain teachers and micromanages all teachers time; they don't have any planning periods left to prep for lessons and are forced to have meetings during every planning period
* she gets mad about silly things like not taking the kids outside for lunch when it's sprinkling
* she gets mad if the teachers don't let the outside doors remain propped open - they think it's a safety issue (it is!), she says it bothers the office staff when they have to ask to be let back in
* there is a serious question about money use. teachers have been asking for furniture and supplies all year and she says there is no money. there is no money to fix the cracked kindergarten slide. but she has all new office furniture and a brand new mac. they also went back in the budget and said the past several years the school costs have been around $10,000. this principal has spent $120,000 this year.
This is nonsense.
First, if the slide is broken, that would fall under the facilities department to fix. That is not something an individual school handles. Second, $120K is about right. $10K? Absolutely not. The PTA has a budget probably twice that! There’s no way this school is operating with a $10K budget.
I’m a principal in FCPS which operates in a similar fashion to APS. The operating budget is about $70K for our school that is just over half the size of Taylor.
I have no idea about the other comments. I couldn’t let that one about the school budget go without a response.
It's cute that you think the Taylor PTA budget is "probably" only twice $10K.
Yea, I’m treasurer for a local PTA and we have a $100k budget. I doubt an APS school has a smaller one.
Lots of APS schools have a PTA budget smaller than $100k – they’re just not in N. Arlington.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 14:30
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't know how to quote, but the letter included:
* the principal has filed 13 grievances against teachers, 8 of them against teachers of color; these are public record somewhere
* she seems to target certain teachers and micromanages all teachers time; they don't have any planning periods left to prep for lessons and are forced to have meetings during every planning period
* she gets mad about silly things like not taking the kids outside for lunch when it's sprinkling
* she gets mad if the teachers don't let the outside doors remain propped open - they think it's a safety issue (it is!), she says it bothers the office staff when they have to ask to be let back in
* there is a serious question about money use. teachers have been asking for furniture and supplies all year and she says there is no money. there is no money to fix the cracked kindergarten slide. but she has all new office furniture and a brand new mac. they also went back in the budget and said the past several years the school costs have been around $10,000. this principal has spent $120,000 this year.
This is nonsense.
First, if the slide is broken, that would fall under the facilities department to fix. That is not something an individual school handles. Second, $120K is about right. $10K? Absolutely not. The PTA has a budget probably twice that! There’s no way this school is operating with a $10K budget.
I’m a principal in FCPS which operates in a similar fashion to APS. The operating budget is about $70K for our school that is just over half the size of Taylor.
I have no idea about the other comments. I couldn’t let that one about the school budget go without a response.
It's cute that you think the Taylor PTA budget is "probably" only twice $10K.
Yea, I’m treasurer for a local PTA and we have a $100k budget. I doubt an APS school has a smaller one.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 12:19
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - escorted from her classroom by security??? Sounds like this was handled super badly - why didn't they wait to transition until the end of the year at least? Must have been really bad!
This!! Does anyone know why she was escorted out by security in the middle of the school day in front of the students????
The only reason for this is that there was a credible threat against the principal or about her actions threatening the well being of the students and overall school environment.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 11:46
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't know how to quote, but the letter included:
* the principal has filed 13 grievances against teachers, 8 of them against teachers of color; these are public record somewhere
* she seems to target certain teachers and micromanages all teachers time; they don't have any planning periods left to prep for lessons and are forced to have meetings during every planning period
* she gets mad about silly things like not taking the kids outside for lunch when it's sprinkling
* she gets mad if the teachers don't let the outside doors remain propped open - they think it's a safety issue (it is!), she says it bothers the office staff when they have to ask to be let back in
* there is a serious question about money use. teachers have been asking for furniture and supplies all year and she says there is no money. there is no money to fix the cracked kindergarten slide. but she has all new office furniture and a brand new mac. they also went back in the budget and said the past several years the school costs have been around $10,000. this principal has spent $120,000 this year.
This is nonsense.
First, if the slide is broken, that would fall under the facilities department to fix. That is not something an individual school handles. Second, $120K is about right. $10K? Absolutely not. The PTA has a budget probably twice that! There’s no way this school is operating with a $10K budget.
I’m a principal in FCPS which operates in a similar fashion to APS. The operating budget is about $70K for our school that is just over half the size of Taylor.
I have no idea about the other comments. I couldn’t let that one about the school budget go without a response.
It's cute that you think the Taylor PTA budget is "probably" only twice $10K.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 11:40
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - escorted from her classroom by security??? Sounds like this was handled super badly - why didn't they wait to transition until the end of the year at least? Must have been really bad!
This!! Does anyone know why she was escorted out by security in the middle of the school day in front of the students????
Anonymous
05/07/2022 10:34
Subject: Re:Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:I don't know how to quote, but the letter included:
* the principal has filed 13 grievances against teachers, 8 of them against teachers of color; these are public record somewhere
* she seems to target certain teachers and micromanages all teachers time; they don't have any planning periods left to prep for lessons and are forced to have meetings during every planning period
* she gets mad about silly things like not taking the kids outside for lunch when it's sprinkling
* she gets mad if the teachers don't let the outside doors remain propped open - they think it's a safety issue (it is!), she says it bothers the office staff when they have to ask to be let back in
* there is a serious question about money use. teachers have been asking for furniture and supplies all year and she says there is no money. there is no money to fix the cracked kindergarten slide. but she has all new office furniture and a brand new mac. they also went back in the budget and said the past several years the school costs have been around $10,000. this principal has spent $120,000 this year.
This is nonsense.
First, if the slide is broken, that would fall under the facilities department to fix. That is not something an individual school handles. Second, $120K is about right. $10K? Absolutely not. The PTA has a budget probably twice that! There’s no way this school is operating with a $10K budget.
I’m a principal in FCPS which operates in a similar fashion to APS. The operating budget is about $70K for our school that is just over half the size of Taylor.
I have no idea about the other comments. I couldn’t let that one about the school budget go without a response.
Anonymous
05/07/2022 10:24
Subject: Taylor Elem — Reading specialist change petition
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Oh wow - escorted from her classroom by security??? Sounds like this was handled super badly - why didn't they wait to transition until the end of the year at least? Must have been really bad!
That’s the thing - it’s not clear she did anything other than have a massive personality conflict with the principal. There’s likely bad behavior on both sides but the leadership’s handling of the situation seems way over the top. Also, if she did do something to warrant being hauled out of school by security (during school, children present), then shouldn’t parents be informed of that? A general statement would not violate HR laws as far as I know. But it’s been radio silence from the principal on up.
So clearly you’re just making nonsense up and pulling it out of your butt. You’d better believe it’s violating personnel regulations. The teacher could have threatened the principal. There’s no way parents are obligated to be told this. You just want to know because you want to know.
There’s radio silence because they cannot say anything.