Elementary school kids score their own opera
Asante Sana (thank you) to the Detroit News and Free Press for spotlighting the awesome accomplishments of a group of hard working Detroit Public School students. Too often, the media is accused, by omission, of ignoring the positive achievements of Detroit's public school students. Our students are changing the world as they move through our classrooms and our lives each day. Our biggest obstacle is not the lack of resources, but rather the lack of positive media exposure highlighting the achievements gained with the few resources we have.
You have shown the members of the Hanstein Elementary School Family and the Detroit community that doing what is right for our students will pay off in the end--maybe not with riches or lasting fame, but "well done! Bravo!" When you think about it, that's all anyone wants to hear after a hard task has been achieved.
THE SELECTION PROCESS @ WSU: WHY NOT A WOMAN IN 2008?
I do not recall the students at Wayne State being asked to interview the new incoming presidential aspirants for the university (This happened Tuesday-but it should have happened prior to his appointment unless you consider the largest stakeholder group of the university unimportant!).
Nonetheless, I wish Dr. Noren well! Dr. Reid was in a rare position to advocate that a woman take the helm of Wayne State University.
He was the first African American Chief Administrator and as such should have advocated for continued change in the perception of minorities in Higher Education Administration.
Wayne State University-is nestled in a community that is 80 percent plus African Americans throughout the city, it has a student body population of 33 percent African Americans-and yet, it only has one African American Dean of a Professional School on the third largest State University. The Dean is Dr. Vroom of the School of Social Work. Who could have been elevated to an Interim President or Acting President. Sure the Provost would be next in line; I surmise Dr. Nancy Barrett could have been likewise elevated. No doubt the Affirmative Action ban (although it was defeated in Missouri) has something to do with this! White and Black women are being marginalized and other minority genders are held at bay. This flies in the face of the Presidents Commission on the Status of Women started at WSU under Reid's aegis.
Moreover, Wayne State has been doing a tremendous amount of building new physical plants that it needs to stay competitive, however, of the new several contracts awarded for food services, like Mr. Pita, Jimmie Johns, the New Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, etc...There are absolutely zero African American owned enterprises or franchises!
Reid as the first African American President of WSU could have easily promoted the notional that a minority MBA student from Wayne State University could have submitted business plans for a franchise and awarded it to a deserving minority.
The dearth of African American business in and around Wayne State University was a grave oversight of President Reid's. Overall, I think he was an above average President who helped to improve WSU. However, Wayne State University's decline in research dollars-which no doubt is why Dr. Noren was brought here, coupled with a lack of community involvement in exerting influence on public question to help improve the city of Detroit was myopic management on the part of Reid.
His civic appointment in charge of community relations is really a joke unless he is considering using it as a platform to run as a republican for public office at the county level or higher-as he would never get elected in this town! He was too aloof. He is a brilliant man, but seems to be scarred by life of pluck.
Clarence Thomas seems to have the same syndrome. 'No one helped me, I struggled, I made it, and you can too!" Sure this may be true, but to not be cognizant of the necessity to mentor young African American talent --- is well...selfish.
Reid's seems to be emblematic of the Carter G. Woodson treatise on Negroes.
Burgess Dwight Foster, BA, MS (was a graduate student @ WSU in the History Department)
Burgess.Dwight.Foster.ba-ms@hotmail.com
special ed
It should be "to communicate better." Please avoid the split infinitives in the future.
special ed
WWW.THEEASYESSAY.COM IS A FREE SITE THAT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HELP THE EDUCATIONALLY CHALLENGED LEARN TO BETTER COMMUNICATE.
Legacy of Irvin Reid
The Detroit community, and the community of Wayne State University, welcomes Dr. Jay Noren. Dr. Noren's credentials and track-record parallel those of his predecessors, Dr. David Adamany and Dr. Irvin Reid.
Dr. Reid has done an exceptional job as President, for the past decade. Under his leadership, Wayne State University has not only prospered, but has become a frontrunner in research.
But please, let us not forget who started WSU on that path. Dr. David Adamany's vision and guidance were the catalyst that provided the foundation for what is now a world-class institution.
Yours for a better Detroit!
ADMINISTRATIVE RESTROOM
If the man pays for the furnishing of part of his own office, and there seems to be a prudent reason for him to have what in fact is a glorified bathroom, why is there such a fuss? If I brought a small coffee pot into my office that I had for twenty years as a librarian because the availablity of coffee made it possible for me to stay longer at my salaried job, or if a classroom teacher brings in similar amenities, why make a fuss?
Schools have many dedicated salaried workers who work far above and beyond the time that students occupy a building. In fact it is during the off hours that a lot of the administrative tasks are best done.
Now, if I were to ask my school district to purchase the coffeepot or coffee for my personal use, that would be a question. As it is I think the only question would be the electricity used, which I would have been happy to pay if that option was offered me. I have no problem with a principal having a shower in his bath, or his own TV in his office.
The Selection Process: Why not a Woman President?
I do not recall the students at Wayne State being asked to interview the new incoming presidential aspirants for the university. Nonetheless, I wish Dr. Noren well! Dr. Reid was in a rare position to advocate that a woman take the helm of Wayne State University.
He was the first African American Chief Administrator and as such should have adovacated for continued change in the perception of minorities in Higher Education Administration.
Wayne State University-is nestled in a community that is 80 percent plus African Americans throughout the city, it has a student body population of 33 percent African Americans-and yet, it only has one African American Dean of a Professional School on the third largest State University. The Dean is Dr. Vroom of the School of Social Work. Who could have been elevated to an Interim President or Acting President. Sure the Provost would be next in line; I surmise Nancy Barett could have been likewise elevated.
No doubt the Afirmative Action ban (although it was defeated in Missouri) has something to do with this!
Moreover, Wayne State has been doing a tremendous amount of building new physical plants that it needs to stay competitive, however, of the new several contract awarded for food services, like Mr. Pita, Jimmie Johns, the New Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, Einstein Bagles, etc...there are absolutely zero African American owned enterprises or franchises!
Reid as the first AFrican American President of WSU could have easily promoted the notional that an minority MBA student from Wayne State University could have submitted business plans for a franchise and awarded it to a deserving minority.
The dearth of African American business in and around Wayne State University was a grave oversight of President Reid's. Overall, I think he was an above average President who helped to improve WSU. However, Wayne State Univesity's decline in research dollars-which no doubt is why Dr. Noren was brought here, coupled with a lack of community involvement in exerting influence on public question to help improve the city of Detroit was myopic management on the part of Reid.
His civic appointment in charge of community relations is really a joke unless he is considering using it as a platform to run as a republican for public office at the county level or higher-as he would never get elected in this town! He was too aloof. He is a brilliant man, but seems to be scarred by life of pluck.
Clarence Thomas seems to have the same syndrome. 'No one helped me, I struggled, I made it, you can to!" Sure this may be true, but to not be cognizant of the necessity to mentor young African American talent --- is well...selfish.
Reid's seems to be emblematic of the Carter G. Woodson treatise on Negroes.
Burgess Dwight Foster, BA, MS
DPS Board
It's a good idea to keep an open mind about pursuing other options...but does it make sense to give the keys to "in-house" employees when numerous articles have been written about their previous mismanagement and pocketing of money? Don't be foolish. DPS has too many "unresolved" financial issues and a barrage of debt. Be objective - not subjective. If Calloway is truly concerned about data-driven evidence/material, she'll brave criticism from the community and make a decision based on fact. Leadership is defined by action - not community stroking. Be a Leader.
Much like Ms. Giles, the focus must be on educating the students. The new plan for small schools is an incredible undertaking. The Board needs to focus on the "broken" system of education in Detroit and less on their political interests. Those who don't - even Ms. Calloway - must then deal with their contribution of keeping our children stuck in poverty and our people's dreams left to rot in the urban prairie now called Detroit.
No matter the resolution with the food management or the small school initiative, enrollment will decline by Fall and DPS will have far bigger problems to deal with then...I just hope Calloway and the Board will be eager to deal with that peril...hey, here's a novel idea...why don't you start dealing with it now before the cry of mutiny is heard by community?
LaTonya Banks
Chicago (former Chrysler student)
DPS
It's a good idea to keep an open mind about pursuing other options...but does it make sense to give the keys to "in-house" employees when numerous articles have been written about their previous mismanagement and pocketing of money? Don't be foolish. DPS has too many "unresolved" financial issues and a barrage of debt. Be objective - not subjective. If Calloway is truly concerned about data-driven evidence/material, she'll brave criticism from the community and make a decision based on fact. Leadership is defined by action - not community stroking. Be a Leader.
Much like Ms. Giles, the focus must be on educating the students. The new plan for small schools is an incredible undertaking. The Board needs to focus on the "broken" system of education in Detroit and less on their political interests. Those who don't - even Ms. Calloway - must then deal with their contribution of keeping our children stuck in poverty and our people's dreams left to rot in the urban prairie now called Detroit.
No matter the resolution with the food management or the small school initiative, enrollment will decline by Fall and DPS will have far bigger problems to deal with then...I just hope Calloway and the Board will be eager to deal with that peril...hey, here's a novel idea...why don't you start dealing with it now before the cry of mutiny is heard by community?
LaTonya Banks
Detroit(former Chrysler student)
aramark
go away.
you're from philadelphia, and they don't want you in their schools either.
The school district ran its' own in-house operations for 100+ years!!
Including maintenance, trades, engineers, custodians, grounds.
GO AWAY!!
MSU dorm fee increases
What are we to do. The cost of everything is rising. But american are expected to take a decrease in pay or pay more for insurance for the family.
I don't buy $4 coffee. I shop at resale. I work everyday and work overtime when offered. I drive a 10 year old car. I brown bag my lunch. But after gas, food, and paying for my kid to go to college. I have nothing left. What are to do. The rich gets richer and I work harder and longer.
Crosby
Go get him Bill, tell them where its at and how to get there and hope young and old alike lisen.
You make such sense and I fail to understand why many of the black poplulation resent your message. I believe it has to do with accepting that they are part of the problem and being afraid or unwilling to make the necessary life changes to be part of the solution.
Don't give up Bill
Crosby
Go get him Bill, tell them where its at and how to get there and hope young and old alike lisen.
You make such sense and I fail to understand why many of the black poplulation resent your message. I believe it has to do with accepting that they are part of the problem and being afraid or unwilling to make the necessary life changes to be part of the solution.
Don't give up Bill
Pontiac Teachers
Hay guys get it togather. You work less than any other group in the state except for welefare receptiants.
the rest of the state is in a down word trend why should you be unhappy with a contract that leaves you right where you are now. New Hires should be brought in at a lesser rate of pay. You folks have had it way too good for way too long. The quanity of education and the quality of education lost contact with each other a long time ago. When you start producing quality students and that quality is addressed for a period of four years in a row then and only then should any bargining board consider a raise in pay. From what I have seen in staticts on the school distric over the last several years you should give back at least one third of what you have been paid.
School or Prison - Bill Cosby
I have had this conversation with friends and family many times. This society will house a prisoners for life, spending an outragous amount of money, and these prisoner do not pay back society they are still the problem to society. If a man steals, yes that is wrong, but why did he do it. Most often he does it because there is some type of lack and he has made up his mind stealing is his option to make a living. But as Mr. Cosby states if that man was educated at school or trained in a vocation the actions of the man would not be to steal but a giver to life and not a taker.. We have removed all of the basic values from our society. Where are the groups that demanded that prayer be removed from the school. Where are they. When a child mind is filled with hate, with lack, with pain, and you don't give a balance, what do you think will happen. There is no more village in the community, everyone is looking out for themselves giving no care of his neighbor. Where are the groups now that demanded that God be removed from the schools. When you removed God then you open the door to every evil thing there is. Now you have your results. How long will be continue to walk around the mountain, when we could have victory so easily.
