tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post4279522808591478639..comments2023-08-24T05:24:51.011-04:00Comments on PURE Reform: Police called to multiple fights at U PrepQuestionerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-26193516186843405362016-03-31T13:03:37.143-04:002016-03-31T13:03:37.143-04:00http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/03...http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/03/30/Retired-teacher-consultant-hire-to-help-with-conflict-resolution-at-Pittsburgh-Milliones/stories/201603300207<br /><br />He will work mainly with faculty and classroom management. I think UPrep needs more than this. Teachers are there to teach not police. And as far as peer mediation in the school goes, is that really going to effect neighborhood rivalries? Mediation needs to be done in the neighborhoods between neighborhoods. Conflicts need to be addressed before they impact school/classrooms/teaching.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-90109253706135293372016-03-26T14:10:15.486-04:002016-03-26T14:10:15.486-04:00Please send us Jennifer Mikula McNamara up here to...Please send us Jennifer Mikula McNamara up here to U Prep. She can and will clean up this mess. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-41762901119430402016-03-22T11:59:57.123-04:002016-03-22T11:59:57.123-04:00Huge hope indeed. Thanks for the support in this r...Huge hope indeed. Thanks for the support in this realm. Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-34502781906350377022016-03-21T19:38:55.671-04:002016-03-21T19:38:55.671-04:00Sports, athletics, physical education has always g...<br />Sports, athletics, physical education has always given our inner city youth a sense that there is more than the world they know and the courage to move into these larger realms . It is an important link in the " chain of change "for our PPS students and we can only hope that the new Superintendent can feel and listen to the heart beat of our kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-73977823935177162612016-03-21T10:36:38.250-04:002016-03-21T10:36:38.250-04:00Snip (edited) from article:
it became obvious tha...Snip (edited) from article: <br /><i>it became obvious that the girls shared a common frustration with the lack of recreational facilities in their neighborhoods... They said the inadequate recreational facilities made it all too easy for students to get into trouble. <br /><br />In the end, the girls set up a joint team to lobby the city for expanded recreation facilities. They succeeded, and basketball courts and playgrounds opened in both neighborhoods.</i><br /><br />Recreation = Re-Creation. <br /><br />Playing well with others matters.<br /><br />But, there is much more to do beyond a few basketball courts or even a new 'spray park.'<br /><br />Then at another level, with sports, the battle isn't intramural. Rather, it is against other schools and other cities. It was GREAT to see the togetherness and support for the team at Allderdice go against Roman Catholic of Philly in a hoop game in Hershey. These kids need to understand that they are on the same team. The better battles to wage are with the city kids against the world, not each other. <br /><br />We are on the same team. There is plenty to do to help each other succeed. <br /><br />And, Pittsburgh is a sports town. But, PPS is not with a vision of that at the top levels. <br /><br />So in 2016 summer, U-Prep will have Summer Dreamers / summer school. But, the swim pool will be closed to all the students. No Swim & Water Polo at U-Prep in 2016. After years of planting seeds and doing big-time efforts to get the aquatics to take root, some administrative decisions can cut those opportunities. <br /><br />One year we had 100 kids do Swim & Water Polo at U-Prep in summer school and could NOT even use the U-Prep swim pool, the U-Prep locker rooms, the U-Prep ground floor boys and girls room. Nope. All were off limits to the kids in their own school. The swimming had to be done at Citiparks Ammon (also closed in 2015 FWIW) and the YMCA. We had to walk/run nearly a mile each way to go swimming. <br /><br />Unreal.<br /><br />That lacking of recreational facilities is HUGE. And, those facilities are OFTEN already built and right in the PPS schools. But, they are not OPEN to the kids and are NOT open to those who can make serious changes to recreational attitudes. <br /><br />There is a lack of political will by some to make the city opportunities in sports and recreation what they could and should be. <br /><br />Gangs and the gang-mentality works with kids and teens. I want positive gangs. I want more swim and water polo teams. I want orchestras too. I want a new superintendent to understand that the recreational opportunities and support for teams and sports for the city kids are not what they could and should be. And, that these efforts can make a big difference in the lives of many students and school communities. <br /><br />The swim pool at Schenley is closed and gone forever. The gym at Schenley vanished too. Meanwhile, the gym at U-Prep is poor for a middle school. And, the swim pool, also poor, is CLOSED to our students in the summers. But, it exists. It can be used. It should be used well. Sadly, I don't think that many of them get it. <br /><br />I know how to fix part of the problem. And, it has been proven to have great benefits despite some serious road-blocks. <br /><br />Hire a bunch of security guards or, for about 10% of the cost, get the kids to thrive by opening up the existing swim pools and other facilities with coaches that get the kids to play well with others and focused on beating teams from Erie and beyond. Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-70342652089534731792016-03-20T10:02:19.018-04:002016-03-20T10:02:19.018-04:00Why did they put a principal in charge that was ne...Why did they put a principal in charge that was never a principal? The Chief of Police. What is he doing to make the schools safe? The only thing I have seen him do is bring the city of Pittsburgh's finest Pittsburgh Police into the uprep building or wherever they need help because the school police can not handle the issues. They always call the Pittsburgh Police to clean up a mess they can not handle. It is the Chief and Commander of the PPS job to keep our kids safe and they are failing. Are they college educated? It sure does not seem like it. I took my son out of uprep because that is a place where a child could be hurt severely. I feel sorry even for the staff, It is a unsafe environment and should have city police there all day long.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-64636177165578307272016-03-15T11:37:30.009-04:002016-03-15T11:37:30.009-04:00
Effective leaders surround themselves and seek ad...<br />Effective leaders surround themselves and seek advise from those who are smarter than themselves and have the expertise. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-38308337513007914992016-03-15T11:31:23.816-04:002016-03-15T11:31:23.816-04:00
Maybe Mr. Horne will reach out to Mr.John Young? ...<br />Maybe Mr. Horne will reach out to Mr.John Young? ( paul.conflictresa@gmail.com )Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-76783563306879459602016-03-15T11:20:39.880-04:002016-03-15T11:20:39.880-04:00The dynamics of the schools in Penn Hills and thos...The dynamics of the schools in Penn Hills and those in PPS are vastly different. No rivalry neighborhoods/ territorial issues. The success of an administrator is relative to his or her district circumstances and how much influence does a VP have? Horne was first a math coach at Uprep before going into administration so he was familiar with that school in its beginning stages.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-82552872314449993272016-03-15T10:33:43.512-04:002016-03-15T10:33:43.512-04:00Was his school at Penn Hills successful? PPS may ...Was his school at Penn Hills successful? PPS may need to focus on recruiting people with a track record of success, regardless of their race, gender, etc.Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-23488651577362474292016-03-15T10:24:22.627-04:002016-03-15T10:24:22.627-04:00No...he was a VP with Penn Hills SDNo...he was a VP with Penn Hills SDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-39019396136526447912016-03-15T10:21:16.104-04:002016-03-15T10:21:16.104-04:00Is Mr. Horne from the PELA program?Is Mr. Horne from the PELA program?Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-91832436228709230932016-03-15T10:18:32.052-04:002016-03-15T10:18:32.052-04:00Thank you 8:53 for posting the link to that PG art...Thank you 8:53 for posting the link to that PG article. It points to all the more evidence that advice from retired principals (especially those who were successful in running Hill District schools) assembled in a full day forum specifically for Mr. Horne would provide a source of help for this young man who is obviously struggling for answers to the variety problems at this school. Former principal John Young's expertise, wisdom, and insight would be <br />invaluable!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-77518306599847123312016-03-15T09:31:11.427-04:002016-03-15T09:31:11.427-04:00
What is significant about the above op-ed is that...<br />What is significant about the above op-ed is that resolve and change came about because the students themselves made it happen. The students ended up lobbying for solutions and they succeeded.<br /><br />For the students and by the students.....eventually and not without pain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-37224477846588698822016-03-15T09:11:13.190-04:002016-03-15T09:11:13.190-04:00So much progress made over the nearly 100 year his...So much progress made over the nearly 100 year history of Schenley, then someone thought it would be a good idea to wipe it away and start over again.Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-45254170842301139482016-03-15T08:53:08.697-04:002016-03-15T08:53:08.697-04:00"Schenley resolved a similar neighborhood bat...<br />"Schenley resolved a similar neighborhood battle back in the 1980's":<br />http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2016/03/15/Here-s-how-to-create-a-win-win-for-Milliones-school/storiesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-85578858123841020302016-03-15T05:08:44.595-04:002016-03-15T05:08:44.595-04:00adding more security to UPrep means depleting the ...adding more security to UPrep means depleting the presence at another school unless funds are budgeted to hire additional staff. i am sure the human resource department has data on police and security absences, both those caused by injury in a school building and other causes and maybe it is time to do comparison studies, year-to-year and building-to-building. add to that a look at pre-restorative practice implementation and post implementation. it is quite a number of years since my kids graduated and it is disconcerting to see that we are still struggling to provide a safe and orderly environment. being unable to deliver on the promise or reach that goal is what drove many families to Catholic schools and to charter schools a dozen years ago. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-68986692698803802532016-03-14T19:48:07.585-04:002016-03-14T19:48:07.585-04:00The chief of safety for the pps did and will not m...The chief of safety for the pps did and will not make an appearance at uprep to see all the mess and he is from the hill and still lives there.He will not add anymore security or police once this has blown over.The security are burnt out and the police will not even drive by the school that's how bad this place is it's time for his resignation because they were begging for more safety there and it was ignored so if lane needs a scapegoat (they always do) then there is your man start with him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-33590493097783824832016-03-14T19:38:03.106-04:002016-03-14T19:38:03.106-04:00It all starts at home ,no discipline ,no morals an...It all starts at home ,no discipline ,no morals and or self respect and I am from the hill born and raised .My mother raised me to be the best person I could be these kids today have no fear of there parents and most only have one so to all of you people trying to blame the school for this mess start with the people around you and those who raised these children to be the way they are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-49784334125536484012016-03-14T12:02:58.741-04:002016-03-14T12:02:58.741-04:00
Safety at forefront:http://www.post-gazette.com/l...<br />Safety at forefront:http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2016/03/14/Public-safety-at-forefront-in-race-for-House-District-24/stories/201<br /><br />VOTEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-68003122232019550342016-03-13T20:14:19.375-04:002016-03-13T20:14:19.375-04:00Time and time again here, people have suggested br...Time and time again here, people have suggested bringing back successful administrators who have proven that they can run difficult urban schools. But warm, fuzzy, with pizza for all- maybe not. Outstanding scores- sometimes. But SAFE and orderly always!Most here agree-learning cannot happen in a chaotic environment. No one wants to send their children to a school that has made the news for riot conditions. No promises can make people send their children into a situation they perceive as unsafe. That has to be #1-- and adults cant act like-- this goes without saying-- say it loud and often- your student's safety is our first priority!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-11960440981425721492016-03-13T13:03:44.961-04:002016-03-13T13:03:44.961-04:00True 12:52! Good Question! There are more than a...True 12:52! Good Question! There are more than a few answers, but discussing them has been and continues to be an exercise in futility. Let's just pray together that others will rise for the sake of the students.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-71582582198117429192016-03-13T12:52:57.631-04:002016-03-13T12:52:57.631-04:00Those in this blog who say they KNOW how to do thi...<br />Those in this blog who say they KNOW how to do this because they have Done it have not shown the ability to engage the current leadership in such away that their 'Knowledge'<br />and 'Ability' have been resourced.<br /><br />Why is that 11:50?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-27761424848843000042016-03-13T11:50:58.129-04:002016-03-13T11:50:58.129-04:00What makes you "assume" that10:01? Cert...What makes you "assume" that10:01? Certainly, that is the purpose, the hope, the 'promise, BUT where is the evidence that these chosen folks know how to do this? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-26260516723213195452016-03-13T11:36:40.048-04:002016-03-13T11:36:40.048-04:00Who will be leading the 'WHO'? and it is i...<br />Who will be leading the 'WHO'? and it is interesting that all of this discussion ( mind you that is all it is at this point, endless discussion ) is happening prior to choosing a new superintendent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com