Real Thoughts on Real Problems

  San Lorenzo School District, in the heart of the East Bay, California has been around since 1859. They have promised since they opened to provide safety, and an education for all students in each of the schools. Lately it does not seem that way as there have been multiple complaints about the principles and teachers. Specifically at Lorenzo Manor. The 2023/2024 school year started off well. We were introduced to a permanent special needs teacher along with the Para teachers. He seemed very knowledgeable and kind at first. I remember one of the days in October, myself and another parent were talking to him after school and he made a comment about “not being patient”. At the time I laughed it off as I thought it was a joke. It would soon not be a laughing matter. In the fall there was an incident involving a student from another class and a student from our special needs class which the principal himself tried to dismiss. Early December was when myself and the other 10 parents noti...

     When I wrote this poem, it became extremely clear that everything I've posted on a specific social media site had been getting bogged down for months. Of course that didn't occur to me at the time; a part of me thought I was being actively hidden from people I knew considering my views on this election. And it isn't extreme at all. However, the comment I received told me that the person thought I had switched sides at the last minute. I've always considered myself an independent and in recent years : independent/ left leaning. When I saw the TikTok ban happen and then how many executive orders were to be rescinded, I felt inspired to share this.  "Post whatever you want Just don't post the truth. It's okay to be you, Just don't post the truth. And whatever you do Make sure that it's edited And please be quiet So they don't have to ask you twice. And keep your eyes shut So you don't see what's outside. Stay in your bubble, your voice...

    Initially when I was preparing to go to the board meeting, I was not sure what to expect so I looked up history about the district to make sure I had some backbone. I was going because my daughter's teacher was told midday to come out of class where she was informed, She informed each of the parents, (a group of between 10-12), a note over Talking Points which is an app for teachers to send parents messages both collectively as well as individually.     Her note read, "  Dear Parents- It is with a horribly heavy heart that I inform you that I have been called down to the office during school hours to be informed decision to non-elect me for next year. At tonight's board meeting my name will be formally presented for public records. This is an incredible surprise to me as a veteran teacher of almost 20 years with exemplary service. I will be out at least for the remainder of the week as I process what this means for me and my family. It is and has been ...