4-25-12

Power of Ten Reminder
Message from Dr. Gordon re: Forum on the Future of Educational Assessment TONIGHT

Dear Parents:

Each school year, students are tested with a variety of purposes in mind. Have you ever considered what you want and need from educational testing? Do you have concerns about testing in schools? Have you ever wondered about why your child is tested and whether you can better help him/her to be prepared? Let us work together to answer these questions and others like them.

 

 

Parents, educators and students who are interested in the future of educational testing are invited to participate and share their thoughts during a public forum held by the Gordon Commission on the Future of Assessment in Education. Learn more about the work being done to change testing nationally and how these changes can affect your school-aged children for the better.

 

 

Please join us on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Rockland Community College, Technology Center, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

 

 

A confirmation is not necessary to attend, but will be helpful for our planning. To confirm your attendance or for additional information, please email Jamila Brathwaite at jbrathwaite@cejjesinstitute.org. To learn more about the Gordon Commission visit www.gordoncommission.org

 

Best Regards,

Edmund W. Gordon

Chairman

The Gordon Commission

4-24-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Students take the lead in the struggle for quality education
  2. Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo on Facebook
  3. Forum on the Future of Educational Assessment Thursday
  4. How to help with the May 15 election
1) Students take the lead in the struggle for quality education
Students are now making up a large part of the audience at school board hearings, and they are not accepting the excuses being given by their elders for failing to protect quality education.
2) Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo on Facebook
The Concerned Citizen’s have made an event page for the May 15 election! Please visit and RSVP! Invite your friends!
3) Forum on the Future of Educational Assessment Thursday
Have you ever considered why do we have so much testing in school these days? Do you have concerns about testing in schools? Have you ever wondered about why your child is tested and whether you can better help him/her to be prepared? Join Dr. Edmund W.Gordon and the Gordon Commission for a discussion and forum on these topics and more!
Free and open to the public
What: Gordon Commission Forums at Rockland Community College
Where: Technology Center, Ellipse (Rm. 8180)
Parents – Thursday, April 26, 7:00-9:00 pm
To confirm your attendance or for additional information, please email: jbrathwaite@cejjesinstitute.org
4) How to help with the May 15 Election
Are you doing everything you can do to help with the election? Of course you can spread the word to your contacts, neighbors, etc. What else can you do? Here are some ideas:
  1. Go to www.poweroften.us and sign up for the online phone bank. Start making calls, right from home!
  2. Get a list of voters in your area and pay them a visit. It can be a very enriching experience to have a meaningful conversation with your neighbors about the value of public education. Email Michael Miller at miller66@optonline.net to volunteer for the Get out the Vote effort.
  3. Donate to the campaign at www.ccoer.com
  4. Help on election day! Call 845 354 5809 or email at concernedcitizensofeastramapo@gmail.com for info on how to help!

4-16-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Video Highlights from the last school board meeting
  2. Concerned Citizen’s fundraiser Tuesday
  3. Radio show “East Ramapo Underground” update
1) Video Highlights from the last school board meeting
Here are the videos from the April 4th School Board Meeting. Spring Break is almost over & the next meeting next Wednesday, April 18th (7:30) is the first chance to see the budget before its adopted. This will get you back up to speed.
April 2012 cuts & addbacks http://youtu.be/xBWX9LelrVo
Principal Pat Simmons http://youtu.be/6tuM_5Zmnsg
Subpoena by NYS Attorney General http://youtu.be/nAmrUypiZ3o
Lack of textbooks http://youtu.be/KEJty5Md5sM
East Ramapo School Board has done this http://youtu.be/VWEiq2DktU0
Social Worker talks about needs http://youtu.be/p6Q2dCMk-68
2) Concerned Citizen’s Fundraiser Tuesday
Let’s show support for the long overdue change in the leadership of the East Ramapo Schools. This is a one time opportunity to get out the vote-we must restore the district’s educational reputation as a leader in providing a quality educational program for a diverse student body. Please see attached flyer. Please circulate! Look forward to seeing you all!
JOIN US! As the Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo Present: Meet the Candidates Night
At the Chuggin’ Rhino (Corner of Rte 45 & 202)
Tuesday April 17th
7pm-9pm
Suggested Contribution of $25

3) Message from the East Ramapo Underground

East Ramapo Underground Show from April 12, 2012. With Special Guest Judith Johnson. Judith was the 2008 NY State Superintendent of the Year. During the Clinton administration, Judith was acting Assistant U.S. Secretary of Elementary & Secondary Education.
Judith Johnson describes an effective learning environment, the role of the superintendent & the board in the budget process and many other issues.
Remember you can follow the East Ramapo Underground by going to that Face Book Page. Press the Like button.
If you have questions or topics that you would like to see covered write to EastRamapoUnderground@hotmail.com
or follow them on Twitter at ERUnderground
The next show is Thursday @ 10 am on WRCR 1300AM, right after the Steve and Charlie Show.
Thanks, Antonio Luciano

4-11-12

Power of Ten Update Reminder: East Ramapo Concerned Citizens “Meet the candidates and canvassing kickoff” meeting tonight:

 

Date: Wednesday April 11, 2012

Location: Rockland Community College,145 College Road, Suffern, NY Faculty Dining Room in the Cultural Arts Bldg.

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

 

The purpose of this session is for you to get an understanding of the candidates platform, the canvassing process and techniques we will use, areas to be covered, timelines, materials, etc. Your suggestions and ideas on how we can make this election successful are welcome.  

 

4-8-12

Power of Ten Update
In this edition:
  1. Students refuse to participate in Dr. Klein’s “Community Forum” charade
  2. Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo to hold campaign kickoff at RCC
  3. Rockland Community College to Hold Public Forums on the Future of Educational Assessment
  4. “East Ramapo Underground” Spring Break Edition
  5. Message from the Editor
1) Students refuse to participate in Dr. Klein’s “Community Forum” charade
Dr. Klein tried to pull a fast one by producing a “Community Forum” with a pre-selected list of unacceptable cuts for the community to choose from. Students rallied outside prior to the forum, and brought the rally inside to show the board their displeasure at being offered such a crass manipulation.
At the next board meeting, the students came and showed what real community feedback looks like. Dozens of students spoke eloquently about the benefits and opportunities that public education provides. Video is not yet available.
2) Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo to hold campaign kickoff at RCC
Hello Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo.
The public community came much closer last year to winning back the school board. This year, we believe we have the strategy and plans to win, with your help.
We need all of you to help communicate with the voting public so they will be aware of how the school boards fiscal mismanagement is destroying our kids future and our home values.
This effort is dedicated to providing the information that every voter need to know, in a media they are familiar with (postal mail, telephone, social media), so they can make conscious decisions regarding who will represent their interest on the school board.
We have scheduled a meet the candidates and canvassing kickoff meeting on the following date and time:
Date: Wednesday April 11, 2012
Location: Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern, NY (Faculty Dining Room in the Cultural Arts Bldg.)
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
3) Rockland Community College to Hold Public Forums on the Future of Educational Assessment
Free and open to the public
Ramapo- Parents, educators and students who are interested in the future of educational assessment are invited to participate and share their thoughts during a series of public forums
What: Gordon Commission Forums at Rockland Community College
Where: Technology Center, Ellipse (Rm. 8180)
Parents – Thursday, April 26, 7:00-9:00 pm
What do parents want and need from assessment in education?
HS and College Students – Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 7:00-8:30 pm
What do you seek from educational assessment and testing? What troubles you about contemporary testing practices?
For more information about the work of the Gordon Commission visit www.gordoncommission.org
For additional information about the forums, please call the RCC Office of the President: 845-574-4214 or email: contact@gordoncommission.org
4) East Ramapo Underground Spring Break Edition
Thursday, April 12 on WRCR 1300-AM from 10 to 11 AM
The East Ramapo Underground will cover the issues and discuss the challenges facing the East Ramapo School District.
The show will also stream live over the internet from www.wrcr.com

From your hosts,
Peggy Hatton & Antonio Luciano

5) Message from the editor
Our community has room for people who disagree on important issues. The board and Dr. Klein are trying to craft budget proposals around “wedge” issues, hoping that we will argue among ourselves over how to split up the pie. The sad part is that anyone would think we can be divided so easily. Only the most naive person would respond to these obvious, amateurish manipulations. We are not about to be divided over whether to fund music, or sports or any other programs. The reason we find ourselves in the place we are at is that we are the victims of a “divide and conquer” strategy. We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated into working against each other. One of the tactics used by those who practice divide and conquer is to create a difficult situation, and then befriend some of the people and help them out. This of course creates resentment between those who do not have control and diverts it from those who do.
We know better now than to fight amongst ourselves.
No teacher is any other teacher’s enemy.
No parent is any other parent’s adversary.
No taxpayer wants to see his neighbor’s property values ruined.
We are all in this together. We will not be reduced to arguing over the crumbs after those sitting at the table have had their fill. We refuse to accept second class status. Each of us has a responsibility to advocate for all the people and programs that contribute to the education of our children and avoid arguing over favorites. We must peacefully and respectfully correct anyone who preaches divisiveness or negativity. We have achieved a lot this year. We have stood up for our rights and as a result are standing toe to toe with the bullies. Now is the time for calm determination. – Steven White, editor

4-2-12

Power of Ten Update
Special edition: Announcing a new group!
The Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo is a new group which has formed and endorsed a slate of candidates for the East Ramapo School Board who are committed to putting “children first”.
YOUR HELP Is needed for the Phone Bank, the GOTV campaign, and monetary donations
Please read the following message from the group and give them your full support!
Dear Neighbor,
The stakes in this upcoming election for the East Ramapo Board of Education have never been higher. Nothing less that the fundamental value of a free public education is on the line. Decisions made by the present majority of board members have led to failed fiscal management and the moral bankruptcy of our school system.
It is time to change who leads our schools. You see, the American promise has always been that we educate all our children so they are prepared to become members of a democratic community. The defining issue of this upcoming board election is how to keep that promise alive.
We can settle for a dysfunctional school system that fails to use our tax dollars to educate students and also reduces the value of our homes or, we can begin to restore a school system where every child has a fair shot at success.
The Concerned Citizens of East Ramapo, a group of citizens who organized to restore our schools to the levels of excellence that in years past attracted a diverse group of parents to our community, have endorsed our slate because we are committed to putting “children first”. We are going to do whatever it takes to restore the mission of the board of education to protecting every child’s civil right to a free, public education.
Folks, this is a make or break moment for our children and our community.
That is why we are hoping that you will rush a donation to our campaign. Every dollar will help us win back the board majority. No contribution is too small. This is truly a grassroots effort.
Checks are to be made out Gordon and Gordon and mailed to 3 Cooper Morris Drive, Pomona New York 10970. Donations can also be made through our website, www.ccoer.com.
If you would like additional information you can call 845 354 5809 or email us at concernedcitizensofeastramapo@gmail.com.
Please visit our website www.ccoer.com to sign up for the phone bank. Email Michael Miller at miller66@optonline.net to participate n the Get Out The Vote Campaign.
On May 15 please vote for us.
Sincerely,
Kim Foskew, Hiram Rivera, JoAnne Thompson