Reminder: Election Today, vote YES and YES for more democracy

Power of Ten

Reminder: Election Today, vote YES and YES for more democracy

Please personally contact 10 people and remind them to vote!

Polls are open until 10:00 PM.

Perhaps the best explanation why we should vote YES and YES is this letter from Democratic Assembly members Jaffee and Zebrowski: http://www.ellenjaffee.com/assemblymembers-jaffee-and-zebrowski-encourage-ramapo-residents-to-vote-yes-on-proposed-ward-system/

According to a report in the Journal News, you do not need to be a registered voter to vote today!!!

More information on the ward system is available at: http://www.vote6wards.org/

 

Students meet with Cuomo’s Monitor

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Students meet with Fiscal Monitor
2. Ward System Vote Sept. 30
3. Petition to President Obama: Investigate East Ramapo!
4. Correction regarding rally coverage
5. Next Rally is October 7

1) Students meet with Fiscal Monitor

Former and current East Ramapo students met with the fiscal monitor appointed at Governor Cuomo’s request.  The image they conveyed of the status of East Ramapo was dire. We hope Governor Cuomo is getting the message; we are waiting for him to act decisively.

The Journal News: East Ramapo contingent takes concerns over cuts to fiscal monitor

2) Ward System Vote Sept. 30

A new website has been set up to explain the proposed ward system for the Town of Ramapo.  The address is www.vote6wards.org

There will be an informational meeting on the subject on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the Hillcrest Firehouse, 300 North Main Street, Hillcrest (Across the street from the Bravo shopping center) – Lower level meeting hall in rear of building.

3) Petition to President Obama: Investigate East Ramapo

A petition has been started using the official White House petition page, asking the federal government to “Launch a federal investigation into the methods and means the East Ramapo School Board has utilized to strip the public schools of funding and programs and investigate why the State of New York has failed to insure that the public school students in this district receive an adequate education that would help prepare them to better their lives and move on to a brighter future.”

Please sign this petition, and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

It appears that the petiton was started by someone in Nebraska!  Perhaps someone who heard the report about East Ramapo on This American Life?  You can listen for yourself using the embedded player right on www.poweroften.us

4) Correction Regarding Rally Coverage

In the last update, there was a broken link to some excellent coverage of the rally on September 16.

The correct link:

Abeng News: NY School Official’s Comments on Hispanics Spark Rolling Protests

There is a petition asking the district not to discriminate against Latinos, we are hoping to get 1000 signers, as of now it is almost halfway. Please sign this petition.

5) The Next Rally is October 7

The offensive comments made by the superintendent of schools have brought into focus the many ways the district is failing the majority of its students. Community members are calling for the superintendent to resign, asking for an apology, demanding a quality education, and asking that the board return its focus to providing that education.

Please Join us in a rally right before the next regularly scheduled school board meeting:

Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

Please also join the FaceBook event for this rally 

 

 

NPR coverage; Vote YES Sept 30; Fight against discrimination continues

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. This American Life
2. Education, Not Discrimination
3. Ramapo Vote on September 30
4. Haitian Nurses Association Dinner

1) This American Life

All this weekend, East Ramapo was the topic of discussion at dinner tables around the country. National Public Radio aired an episode of “This American Life” called “A Not So Simple Majority”. The show can now be heard in its entirety embedded on our homepage. Follow the link to read the transcript or see photos on the NPR website.

2) Education, Not Discrimination

People continue to react to Superintendent Klein’s remarks about Latino students. There was another rally on Tuesday, even though the board meeting was cancelled.
Video of the rally is available here: http://youtu.be/j_DHcKIG3Ao
The rally was covered by Abeng News Magazine
The Journal News published a letter on the topic by Yours Truly
The next rally will take place on October 7, at 7:00 PM at the central adminiatration building, 105 S. Madison ave in Spring Valley
There is a FaceBook page for this rally, please invite your friends: https://www.facebook.com/events/1487900958160521
There is a petition online regarding Dr. Klein’s offensive comments at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

3) Ramapo Vote September 30

There will be a special election for Town of Ramapo residents to decide if they want to adopt a ward system for the town council. This is a very important vote! Information is available at www.preserveramapo.org.

“Democracy functions best when it is representational. A ward system would allow Town officials to be more responsive to local issues. It would provide more opportunity for residents to have a place at the table and their voices heard. I encourage Ramapo residents to vote ‘Yes’ on both ballot questions at their regular polling places on September 30th.” Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern)

“Ramapo is one of the largest towns in the State and a ward system would benefit all the residents by encouraging more participation and debate among the Town’s diverse population. I urge residents to vote ‘Yes’ on the two ballot questions on September 30th. Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D-New City)

4) HANA Dinner Dance

This Saturday, Sept. 20th, the Rockland Chapter of the Haitian American Nurses Association will be holding their Scholarship and Awards Fund Raising Gala 8pm at the Colonial Inn 545 Tappan Road, Norwood, NJ.

HANA volunteers services to communities in need both here and in Haiti as well as other countries in need. HANA also provides scholarships for Nursing School students in Haiti as well as Ramapo and Spring Valley High School Graduates.

 

East Ramapo on National Public Radio!!!

The Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. East Ramapo on National Public Radio!!!
2. What have we learned from Ferguson?
3. Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)
4. Forum about East Ramapo
5. East Ramapo Underground Show Today

1) East Ramapo on NPR!!!

This American Life, the award winning NPR radio show,  will air A Not So Simple Majority, a show produced by Ben Calhoun about the conflict in the East Ramapo public schools!!!

The schedule for airing in the NY area is:

  • Saturday, September 13, FM station 93.9  at 1:00 p.m. and AM Station 820 at 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 14, FM station 93.9  at 7:00 p.m
  • Tuesday, September 16, FM station 93.9  at 8:00 p.m
  • Starting Sunday evening the program will be streamed online at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life is a weekly public radio show broadcast on more than 500 stations to about 2.1 million listeners. It is produced by Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards. It is also often the most popular podcast in the country, with around one million people downloading each week. 

2) What have we learned from Ferguson?

Saturday, Sept 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 6 Rev Dr. McWilliams Way (Hoyt St) in Spring Valley

Issue: How can the shooting of an unarmed young man by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri inform us to build a safer, stronger and more vibrant community in Rockland?

Moderator: Kenneth Mercer, Rockland County Community Leader. Panelists: Wilbur T. Aldridge, Director, Mid-Hudson, Westchester NAACP; Ashley Okonkwo, Educator, Community Service Volunteer; Louis Falco, Rockland County Sheriff; Reverend Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV, Associate Minister First Baptist Church, Spring Valley

“We want to ensure that what happen in Ferguson, Missouri won’t be repeated in our community. Law enforcement and community members need to know and understand one another. This coming together is a step in developing a dialogue” Reverend Weldon McWilliams, IV, Ph.D.

Join the event on Facebook

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Branch (NAACP), Power of Ten, and Rockland Coalition To End The New Jim Crow

3) Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

At the August 19 school board meeting, Dr. Klein proposed an “alternate transitional program” for Hispanic students. He made it clear that the students would not be registered in high school, but rather be provided with free food and English lessons. His comments were deeply offensive. Many from the community went to the next board meeting on Sept 2nd to protest. We will continue the protest on Sept 16th. Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

En la reunión de la junta escolar el 19 de agosto, el Dr. Klein propone un “programa de transición alternativo” para los estudiantes hispanos. Dijo que los estudiantes no se registrarían en la escuela secundaria, en su lugar tendrán comida gratis y lecciones de inglés. Sus comentarios fueron profundamente ofensivos. Muchos de la comunidad fueron a la próxima reunión del Consejo el 2 de septiembre para protestar. Vamos a continuar la protesta el 16 de septiembre. Por favor también firmar la petición en: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

4) Forum about East Ramapo
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is sponsoring an open forum at Finkelstein Library on Thursday September 18 from 4-6 PM. The subject of East Ramapo will be discussed by local clergy.
5) East Ramapo Underground Show Today
Listen in today, Friday September 12th @ 10 am tune into WRCR 1300AM for another exciting edition of East Ramapo Underground!
School’s back in session! How did the school bus follies go the first week?

Education Discrimination in East Ramapo, Hispanics need not apply for education in East Ramapo!  Klien sticks is foot in his mouth with racist comments about Hispanics and he doesn’t apologize for his comments either!!!
Camp Shalom wants to let Chestnut Ridge Middle School use the “temporary” pools, but will East Ramapo being bearing the total cost of this endeavor?  When does “temporary” become permanent?Who will be the Hero’s & Zero’s of the month? 

Call in with your questions and comments at 845-362-0013.
East Ramapo Underground

 

VOTE Today, Community Forum Saturday

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Vote on Tuesday, Sept 9
2. What have we learned from Ferguson?
3. Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

1) Vote on Tuesday, Sept 9

What happens in local elections does affect our situation in the schools.  It is important for us all to go out and vote.  To vote in a party primary election, you need to be a member of that party.

Unfortunately, with the cutbacks that have affected local media, there is very little local information available. The Journal News used to do interviews and endorsements, but no more. This article is all I could find about local candidates.

Fortunately, another local media outlet, www.preserveramapo.org, still does local election coverage and endorsements.

In depth Info on these candidates is available from Preserve Ramapo:

Democratic Primary:

Christine Theodore for Ramapo Town Justice

Ken Zebrowski for NY State Assembly 96th District

Zephyr Teachout and Timothy Wu NY Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Republican Primary:

Dan Castricone NY State Assembly 98th District

Preserve Ramapo has also done excellent coverage on East Ramapo issues over the years. A search of the site reveals 365 references to East Ramapo.  A special thanks is owed to Michael Castelluccio, the webmaster.

2) What have we learned from Ferguson?

A Community Forum presented by Wake Up Rockland. The program will feature a panel and a Q&A session with the community. Panelists include Wilbur T. Aldridge, Ashley Okonkwo, Sheriff Louis Falco and Rev. Weldon McWilliams IV.

Saturday, Sept 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, 6 Rev Dr. McWilliams Way (Hoyt St) in Spring Valley

Join the event on Facebook

Sponsored by the Spring Valley Branch (NAACP), Power of Ten, and Rockland Coalition To End The New Jim Crow

3) Rally for Education, not Discrimination (continued)

At the August 19 school board meeting, Dr. Klein proposed an “alternate transitional program” for Hispanic students. He made it clear that the students would not be registered in high school, but rather be provided with free food and English lessons. His comments were deeply offensive. Many from the community went to the next board meeting on Sept 2nd to protest. We will continue the protest on Sept 16th. Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

En la reunión de la junta escolar el 19 de agosto, el Dr. Klein propone un “programa de transición alternativo” para los estudiantes hispanos. Dijo que los estudiantes no se registrarían en la escuela secundaria, en su lugar tendrán comida gratis y lecciones de inglés. Sus comentarios fueron profundamente ofensivos. Muchos de la comunidad fueron a la próxima reunión del Consejo el 2 de septiembre para protestar. Vamos a continuar la protesta el 16 de septiembre. Por favor también firmar la petición en: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

Education, Not Discrimination

The Power of Ten

In This Issue:

  1. Community Rallies Against Discrimination
  2. NAACP Hosts Candidates Forum Tonight
  3. Follow Up Rally Coming on September 16
  4. Petition still open
  5. Message from the editor

1) Community Rallies Against Discrimination

The Journal News: Immigrants decry East Ramapo chief’s dropout comments

Journal News Images: East Ramapo school superintendent’s remark spark immigrants to protest

Photographer’s Pictures: Rally Protesting Discrimination in East Ramapo School District

News 12: Protesters claim discrimination in East Ramapo schools

The Rally was also covered by Channel 47 Telemundo

2) NAACP Hosts Candidates Forum Tonight

The Spring Valley NAACP and The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) are collaborating in hosting a Primary Candidates Forum. The Forum will introduce to the community at large, all candidates seeking elected positions for the upcoming September 9, 2014 Primary Elections. All candidates (Board of Elections-listing) have been invited.

The Forum will be held on Thursday September 4, 2014 at the Louis Kurtz Center, Main/Madison Avenue, Spring Valley, NY. It will begin at 6:30 pm.

3) Follow Up Rally Coming on September 16

Participants at the Sept 2 Rally indicated that they intend to return at the next school board meeting to again emphasize their displeasure with Superintendent Klein’s comments and to advocate for equal treatment and quality education for all students. Please help spread the word.

Tuesday Sept 16 at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 South Madison ave, Spring Valley

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1534542476774752

4) Petition still open

There is a petition to the school board asking them not to discriminate but rather to restore the program cuts that affect services for immigrants. Please sign at http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate/

5) Message from the editor

So many people turned out for the Rally on Tuesday that they could not fit in the meeting room!!! Many had to stand outside in the hallway.  They brought signs and stories and children.  They came because they know what the Superintendent had said was wrong.  They know that the young people who go to register for school, of whatever age, want to have ALL of the opportunities that a public education system has to offer.  A chance to play in the band, to be on the team, to learn history, and science, to do experiments in the lab or design graphics in the art department.  The East Ramapo School Board does not want to recognize that immigrants are dreamers.  They have cut programs that Latino children depend on to fulfill their dreams, while at the same time spending wildly on lawyers to defend themselves and their discriminatory policies from the NY State Education Department, the NY Attorney General, the parents and the taxpayers.  Dr. Klein’s comments address immigrant youth who come to his district as laborers, not dreamers. His summary dismissal of the dreams of students who are “from Central and South America”, “illegal”, and “15 or over” as if somehow they show up to register for school but don’t really want the same education as everyone else is the definition of racism.  There are many young people who sadly don’t register for school. Those who do register are by definition the ones who want an education.  Instead of trying to limit these young people who are inspired to keep trying, the district should be reaching out to the community to promote the benefits of education to those who are not coming to apply.

Reminder: Rally September 2

Power of Ten Update

Reminder: Rally September 2

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo
2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate
3. Join the Event on Facebook

1. Rally Sept 2 to Protest Discrimination in East Ramapo

Tuesday, September 2, at 7:00 PM
East Ramapo District Office Building
105 S. Madison Ave, Spring Valley

We are calling on all parents, students, neighbors, and everyone who is shocked by this racist policy to come to the next school board meeting. Please do not fail to attend this important meeting for the future of our youth. When one group is targeted, we are all victims!!!

Bring your own sign if you can.  Some ideas for signs:

  1. Education is my dream!
  2. We all deserve a chance to succeed!
  3. We all have rights!
  4. No matter where I came from all I want is to have a better life!
  5. We are the future!
  6. Education, not discrimination!
  7. Klein must resign!

2. Sign the Petition: East Ramapo, Don’t Discriminate

Please also sign the petition at: http://poweroften.us/east-ramapo-dont-discriminate

3. Join the Event on Facebook

These days one of the best ways to spread the word is by inviting Facebook friends to come to an event. Please join online and invite all your friends too!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1454336758178648/