tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post5802081159301490607..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Garfield Technology Academy Program CutMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21141252680358903282008-04-06T12:41:00.000-07:002008-04-06T12:41:00.000-07:00Did any of you realize that GTA often charged fees...Did any of you realize that GTA often charged fees for the computers provided to people in places like Ghana? In other words, they weren't donated. How did GTA use this revenue? Did 100% go to travel expenses for the students? And if that that is the case, why then did the students have to raise funds? Perhaps the school district didnt agree with the fact that GTA was using student labor and school resources for a program that generated money for a non profit and its staff. Conflict of interest?No Namehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02830403106457424077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29543377334945068732008-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:002008-04-05T16:41:00.000-07:00Anonymous @ 7:04 - says "The program is being move...Anonymous @ 7:04 - says "The program is being moved out of the GHS building because the school was audited. They could not audit just GTA because the program was too interconnected with the school, so the auditor made Garfield pay the money."<BR/><BR/>What money are you talking about?? GTA didn't owe anyone any money! Who audited the school?? Generally, what are you talking about?Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14341427446081103440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36726511748080852402008-04-02T07:57:00.000-07:002008-04-02T07:57:00.000-07:00I completely agree that the District owes the publ...I completely agree that the District owes the public a little better description of what is involved here. The District does not have the credibility to expect <BR/>the benefit of the doubt when they issue very vague statements about their very concrete actions. <BR/><BR/>But if they said that personnel issues were involved and Union rules prevent them from disclosing any details, would that be regarded as sufficient or fair enough information?<BR/> <BR/>_____________<BR/> <BR/>As a parent, I first took notice of the fact that Rye himself is not forthcoming with any details, argument, or statement of any kind, as one being unjustly<BR/>displaced would. And then, who is this GTA 501c3 Board and why are they so quiet about this injustice? <BR/> <BR/>The implication here is not, by any means, that any misconduct was intentionally committed. By all accounts, GTA is a program that Rye himself developed through <BR/>the years, by the seat of his pants -much to his credit; and the board members of this not for profit org. are your typical part-time volunteer, perform ad-hoc duties as needed, bunch. <BR/> <BR/>Blinded by good intentions in a get it done yourself world, it is entirely possible that procedures may have been overlooked, requirements may have been un-researched, and relationships were informal and undocumented. <BR/> <BR/>This would indeed be a dangerous combination, doomed to get noticed eventualy through one event or another. <BR/><BR/>SIDE BAR: Granted, if this is the case, we could spin our noodles over how such informalities went unchecked for so long, but this program grew slowly over time,<BR/>and when something good is growing alarms are rarely triggered. The bottom line would be, where do we go from here? <BR/> <BR/>At some point it behooves us as Garfield supporters and activists to move ourselves, and our school, beyond the well worn us-against-them routine of responses <BR/>and take a mature constructive approach to circumstances. <BR/><BR/>Is GTA a one man show, or can it realistically be structured-up and saved?<BR/><BR/>Perhaps people who have a relationship with the program can glean these prospects. (?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55454517901112517532008-03-30T12:06:00.000-07:002008-03-30T12:06:00.000-07:00this is nothing like orchestra or any other of the...this is nothing like orchestra or any other of the programs at garfield because those you choose to get put it in but GTA class is a absolute joke. i was in the class last year and i didnt learn anything at all.<BR/>yes the program has good results and helps people, but the class is just basically a cover for the rest of the program.<BR/>i got stuck in it and it was one of the worst experiences of my life maybe id feel different about everything if i went on the tripAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29602411633818202752008-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:002008-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:00As a Garfield student, i have seen many of my frie...As a Garfield student, i have seen many of my friends and classmates take Global Tech classes. From what I have seen their experience has been an amazing one and has changed them for the better. Now, for some mysterious reason, GTA has been cancelled. This is very disappointing to me and to those around me. (GTA was on my course sheet for next year)<BR/>I would vey much liked to have been a part of this program. However I would like to hear Seattle Public Schools' reasoning behind the closure of this program before I judge its validity. That being said, i would like to offer my suppourt of the program and Mr. Rye. I wish both him and his wife well. If GTA is cancelled, I would love to see another program that encourages and teaches the qualities that GTA did.<BR/>Johannes Harkins - Garfield 010JMHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11831613816409930633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36836978904960096472008-03-28T15:45:00.000-07:002008-03-28T15:45:00.000-07:00I think anonymous 10:04 is right about the school ...I think anonymous 10:04 is right about the school district allowing it to go on for 10 years, but not Mr. Tolley himself.<BR/><BR/>If the school district had allowed it to go on for ten years, then they were failing at their job for ten years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60815464740402379382008-03-28T10:35:00.000-07:002008-03-28T10:35:00.000-07:00Anonymous @ 10:04 - Mr. Tolley has not been the th...Anonymous @ 10:04 - Mr. Tolley has not been the the director for 10 years. So "he" has not let it go on for ten years. Please do the following:<BR/>1. Grow up<BR/>2. Learn a little about the situation before you go making ridiculous statements like the one about Mr. Tolley.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6277950881578729302008-03-28T07:05:00.000-07:002008-03-28T07:05:00.000-07:00"So then for the wellbeing of the supposed victim ..."So then for the wellbeing of the supposed victim lets just leave it alone, okay everyone."<BR/><BR/>WHAT VICTIM?????? At this point there has been no evidence or word from SPS that a victim even exists. So far just rumor and speculation. Where's the beef?? Where are the FACTS??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49286184524333577742008-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:002008-03-27T21:48:00.000-07:00About Michael Tolley:If you spent much time readin...About Michael Tolley:<BR/><BR/>If you spent much time reading the Newsless Courier Blog on Charleston Education, you found that the loss of Michael Tolley was a big one. Most of the people that left Charleston for Seattle it appears will not be missed but Michael Tolley will be really missed.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6097480585530549322008-03-27T16:28:00.000-07:002008-03-27T16:28:00.000-07:00So then for the wellbeing of the supposed victim l...So then for the wellbeing of the supposed victim lets just leave it alone, okay everyone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40602161962032628372008-03-27T15:19:00.000-07:002008-03-27T15:19:00.000-07:00Finally, something to report.Mr Rye returned today...Finally, something to report.<BR/><BR/>Mr Rye returned today, but wasn't taking any questions as to what was going on. He had slips of paper ready with pre written explanations. All questions about the program were to be directed to Alan Merrihew, and all questions about the classes were pointed in the direction of Ted Howard.He cites his wife's cancer as the primary cause of his removal from the program.<BR/><BR/>Also, I talked to one of the teacher chaperones on the Ghana trip, who assured me that nothing that happened on Ghana had anything to do with the closure of the program. That information doesn't discredit the rumors of sexual assault, but we do now know that if something did happen, it didn't cause the closure of the program.<BR/><BR/>Hope that helped.<BR/>CJCJ Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119591030696099533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43416028691433340552008-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:002008-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:00The corollary between GTA and Marshall is the issu...The corollary between GTA and Marshall is the issue of program review, remediation, and movement or closure. GTA is not, as I understand it, a district program per se, but one would hope that it falls under the same purview of Policy C42.00 and C42.01 (both of which might be superceded, tho' still on the books, by the new Policy C56.00, which gives Supe explicit authority regarding program placement).<BR/>C42.00 states that ALL programs will be reviewed yearly, remediation, where necessary, planned out, and benchmarks towards improvement identified.<BR/><BR/>That said, I agree that it is not what we say, necessarily, but how we say it. I absolutely welcome the high school students who are weighing in with their takes on the GTA situation: as "front-line" observers, actual students in the program, they have perspectives I don't. But as evidenced by my little (bug) faux pas, my unintentional insult of Charlie (with what was intended as yet another kudos for his standing up for Marshall) it is easy to mis-speak in the heat of the moment. In my case, I let my bitterness over the closure of Marshall programs tinge my words so that they became unclear, and worse, insulting.<BR/><BR/>Back to GTA, what can we do? I, of course, would offer the Marshall facility if it were in my power to do so...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17792149551220279542008-03-27T08:20:00.000-07:002008-03-27T08:20:00.000-07:00The other poster who was part of the Charlie/Gordo...The other poster who was part of the Charlie/Gordon non GTA conversation was Beth Bakeman, the founder of this blog.... the very blog that is giving CJ and the other GTA advocates a voice. And, as far as Frankie attacking teenagers....CJ's post was nasty to say the least, and if your old enough and mature enough to post on a blog, then you have to take the heat for your words. It's great to see teens taking action, but be mature and stay positive. No need for the nasty jabs.<BR/><BR/>Now back to GTA......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3518593734599240902008-03-27T07:49:00.000-07:002008-03-27T07:49:00.000-07:00Boy Frankie, in defense of teenagers, I have to sa...Boy Frankie, in defense of teenagers, I have to say you certainly appear from your posts to be the nasty selfish one in a snit, not cj.<BR/><BR/>Lighten up and "grow up" yourself. Attacking those younger with nasty verbage is not exactly taking the higher road.<BR/><BR/>Now, what happened at the school board meeting?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45351203893775091782008-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:002008-03-27T07:17:00.000-07:00CJ, I'm sure you've heard this before (hopefully b...CJ, I'm sure you've heard this before (hopefully by your parents)...it's not what you said but how you said it. Bad tone. Demanding. Selfish. Ungrateful. <BR/><BR/>You say you've never heard of Charlie, which means that you are not very involved with this blog, or Seattle public school advocacy. It means that you must not attend any of the SPS school board meetings, and that you have not been involved with SPS politics (or you would know Charlie ran to be a school borad director a few years back). Charlie advocates for children and families in SPS on many fronts, for many causes, and has been doing so for many years. He offered you his wisdom and experience working with this district and perhaps you should listen to his advice, and thank him instead of being selfish and asking him to take his pet issues off of your GTA space/post? A bad attitude gets you nowhere. Lucky for you, even though Charlie is not directly involved with GTA, he unselfishly made himself available to you and your friends by offering sound advice, experience and of course his wisdom. Say thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54115130524915624282008-03-26T22:50:00.000-07:002008-03-26T22:50:00.000-07:00Thank you Neil, for actually caring enough about G...Thank you Neil, for actually caring enough about GTA to try and focus the discussion with me.<BR/><BR/>Frankie, we can go on attacking each other all day, but that isn't going to do GTA any good. Yes what I said and how I said it was questionable, but do you even know who these two older people are who you chose to stick up for at my personal expense? No offense Charlie, but I've never heard of you in my life, and while I think it's great that you want to help GTA, the Marshall issue has no immediate relevance that I can see.<BR/><BR/>Also Frankie, as for why I ASKED (not told, I'm not actually a demanding jerk as you would like to think) people not to stage protests at school is because I have heard from the GTA Board of Directors, and they have asked that no protests be staged at the school for fear of pissing off the administration. That was not me forcing my opinion on everyone here, that was a repetition of an order from the board.<BR/><BR/>So next time YOU choose to throw a "blog tantrum" at ME, try and be slightly more aware and/or constructive.<BR/><BR/>CJCJ Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119591030696099533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7475844671267613522008-03-26T21:32:00.000-07:002008-03-26T21:32:00.000-07:00After a review of Mr. Tolley's notice, one really ...After a review of Mr. Tolley's notice, one really learns nothing. He says "stuff happened, and now G.T.A. is no longer associated with SDS, because of that stuff." We learn ABSOLUTELY NOTHING that we did not already know.<BR/><BR/>We need to demand more from our SDS representatives, not this vague inoffensive crap we are being spoon fed.NRHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02266244180484077730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31481233134763267502008-03-26T21:28:00.000-07:002008-03-26T21:28:00.000-07:00Frankie- It is you who should get out of here. CJ ...Frankie- It is you who should get out of here. CJ is asking that those who are debating Marshall do that in the appropriate forum. This is not the place for marshall debates. The whole comment line was disrupted by Charlie and Mr. Macdougall's argument, which really amounted to a competition, a "who's done more" kind of thing (although, charlie, i really do appreciate your help, and i respect your right to stand up for yourself).<BR/><BR/>In closing, please take your comments about Marshall, West Seattle, and general district bashing elsewhere. This is not the place. <BR/><BR/>Please make constructive G.T.A. based comments only, and attempt to be more mature than the average 16-year old. <BR/><BR/>Neil Hinnant (An average 16 year old...)NRHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02266244180484077730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35133475703489587372008-03-26T20:51:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:51:00.000-07:00GTA was cut by the school district. It was not a d...GTA was cut by the school district. It was not a decision made by anybody at Garfield. GTA was in violation of Seattle School District fiscal policies, and was amidst a Washington State Audit, so the district cut ties to prevent a loss of funding from the state. If the district continued to work with GTA in its current state, it would be violating set policies, and the state would have cut funding. The new programs are not meant to be any replacement for GTA, they're simply new technology and pre-engineering classes. The district cannot legally do anything to GTA the non-profit organization, as it's a separate entity from the school district. If GTA is to continue, it will either have to modify its policies and organization to comply with district standards, or it will have to be run completely separately from the district.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42145457687785063602008-03-26T20:37:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:37:00.000-07:00I am/was a GTA student at Garfield. Even before c...I am/was a GTA student at Garfield. Even before coming to Garfield, I heard great things about the program. It seems that Mr. Howard or the school district has some kind of problem with GTA, but if it's been running for 10 years already, why is its legality being questioned now? GTA was my favorite class, and was one of the reasons I almost (gasp!) liked school. I don't think that such a good program can be cut instantaneously the way it was with no public opinion involved. The note that says it is being canceled maddened and perplexed me. Why would Garfield cut the program that makes it great. Why would a program be cut that teaches engineering and logistical skills? The replacement classes may seem good by the descriptions, but I'm sure that they're feeble, limited interpretations of the original GTA manifesto.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86773802565830066202008-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:002008-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00Cj, what's with the chip on your shoulder? Shouldn...Cj, what's with the chip on your shoulder? Shouldn't you be thankful that this blog and all of the blog contributors are sharing their experience and advice, and supporting your cause?? Is this what GTA has taught you? If you want people to respect you and listen to what you have to say, you shouldn't be such a selfish little snit. Your last post was a bit head strong and demanding too. What makes you think you have the right to tell others when and when not to have a sit in or protest. You have a lot of growing up to do, and it will be easier if you are not so self serving and selfish....the blog tantrums don't work, grow up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50031235170471351142008-03-26T18:14:00.000-07:002008-03-26T18:14:00.000-07:00Why would we suddenly start talking about GTA agai...Why would we suddenly start talking about GTA again? In a thread concerning the GTA program, that would be preposterous.<BR/><BR/>The bottom line of this sarcasm, is that you can all go debate Marshall on your own time.<BR/><BR/>Somewhere else.CJ Grahamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00119591030696099533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15147719764329304992008-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:002008-03-26T16:16:00.000-07:00Mr. Rye announced that he will return to teaching ...Mr. Rye announced that he will return to teaching at Garfield on Thursday the 27th.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6626713045851812452008-03-26T15:48:00.000-07:002008-03-26T15:48:00.000-07:00Gordon, thanks for owning up to your earlier anony...Gordon, thanks for owning up to your earlier anonymous comment and clarifying what you meant.<BR/><BR/>If you are still interested becoming a blog contributor, let me know.<BR/><BR/>I know Michael Rice is both a teacher and a blog contributor, so you might want to check with him about how he handles any potential conflicts of interest in his dual roles.Beth Bakemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16827919509722526726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72368146365519919402008-03-26T15:20:00.000-07:002008-03-26T15:20:00.000-07:00Gordon's Record of Advocacy:Mainly Marshall. I've ...Gordon's Record of Advocacy:<BR/>Mainly Marshall. I've been employed here for four years, I chose Marshall because I have skills that are of benefit to students who come here.<BR/>Almost as soon as I got here, I found they were aiming to close the building (and "move the programs.") I used every way I could think of to hold to proper policy, to bird-dog the process, to watch out for the welfare of these programs.<BR/>I even resorted to arguing against other programs, APP, for instance, for whom I used to teach.<BR/>But as I moved through the process, I saw that there were a lot of issues, and I tried to start spreading my efforts around. I went to meetings, I met people from various constituent groups...I started to argue for other programs, APP included. I had been, and still am, somewhat myopic, somewhat single-issue centered.<BR/>Then last summer it came to me that all the poking I wwas doing to the district was not really helping and probably harming. SPS needs people aboard, whether they know it or not.<BR/>I deeply apologise for my offensive last post, comparing those who don't act for others to those who didn't act against the Nazi machine. It was over the top and blatantly offensive. SPS is not the machine, and all of you are not abrogating responsibility when you largely focus on issues pertinent to your children. This is what people do. And, often, many of you have stepped up to other issues, for which I, personally, am deeply grateful.<BR/><BR/>No excuses, but it's a tough time for me. I worry, about my students, about the programs...But it is inexcusable for me to let this worry impact my thought processes and accuse anyone of a crime comparable to supporting the Nazis.<BR/>I beg your forgiveness.<BR/><BR/>The anonymity part I addressed in another thread, about potential bloggers. I'm of two minds about whether to post as myself, but in the end I have to speak my truth and suffer the consequences, if any. I believe the district understands that I am for the children, and not myself, and any comments that appear derogatory are made with the intent to further assist SPS and Seattle youth.<BR/>I speak as myself and for myself, not as a teacher in SPS.<BR/>Gordon MacdougallAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com