Woah. I thought that this paper was just some suggestions to help Steller to its feet. These people were not trying to push their opinions on the community and Steller doesn't have to go through with all that was suggested. People shouldn't have to defend their "side" like an argument. More understanding from the rest of the community would help move this along. Then everyone as a whole can decide what 's going to end up happening to our school.
Jordyn for Jordyn
5 comments:
I think you're right. I don't understand the hostility. I am glad it has come from just a few people. A single angry person can create a negative atmosphere when, in fact, most people are in support (as shown by the dot voting, the hand-written notes, the surveys, the small group discussions, Karin Parker's actions on items, etc etc.) Some posts have, in my opinion, violated our groundrules by their negativity and criticism of individuals; I've left them on the site to avoid censoring the point of view. The problem with this is that the anger of just a few people stiffles the positive discussion that many others want to have. All we can do is keep talking and working on what we feel is right; time and progress should make it easier.
Jordyn,
In my opinion when writing a position paper it is stating facts that a group or individuals have beliefs of…. like a seminar paper. When in seminar, a dialogue occurs when people state facts based on readings and in this case the position paper. Fact… I’m not against some of the ideas purposed in the position paper. Fact… Steller was never any open optional school. Fact… A process was in place for change, Strategic Planning. What gets me is that Steller had a process. Talking and listening, then forming committees. From the committees came a proposal… the proposal was then put forth for review by the community or groups for approval. If not approved then the proposal was changed or dropped. Was I wrong about the Steller process?
People should have to defend their opinion, as for others will have opposite points of view. Like in seminar you have to be able to defend your beliefs of what you read or the understanding of it. By having this dialogue/blog the community is moving along with their understanding of the issues and their beliefs of their position.
I believe, we as a community will come to some conclusion about this position. Thank you for taking time out from your busy school schedule to write your feelings down.
Thank you.
Larry
Charles,
You believe that people with different views are hostile or negative to your point of view? I’m not angry…. I have different points of view then you and point them out to you. I respond to the question asked.. “Choosing our next step” and you respond with I’m negative or hostile. Is this your feelings? Have I violedted the rules? The rules state… and I quote” The Renewing Steller blog is a forum for discussion about educational philosophy and improving our school. Please comment and debate the posts. Submissions and additional authors are welcome (contact Charles at wohlforth@gci.net). However, in order to have a constructive discussion, we do have ground-rules:
1. Use your real name; 2. Don't discuss individuals; 3. Dignity and respect for everyone;
4. If you bring up problems, offer solutions; 5. No vulgarity.” Explain to me were I have violated the rules?
What you “feel is right” is your opinion… like I feel is right. But the difference is in our opinions and how we express them. Now if you feel that what I write is hostile and negative please come see me. I’m always open to others opinion… but remember I have opinions too.
Larry
Is this an argument about not arguing?
I bet the whole group would be comfortable throwing out the "position paper"!!! At least, I would. Obviously there are misperceptions about it anyway and I would like to let it go and move on.
We need continue to have more open discussions(some people think we never had open discussions, that they were thwarted by few) about how to energize our community in an open positive way with all invited to the table, period. Sort of what a real strategic planning was supposed to be.
I do not believe a 'silent majority' can exist in a real open democratic society, that's simply not acceptable. If there is that perception then there needs to be a lot more communication going on.
So...I invite all to open their hearts and schedules and try to make it to a few meetings. I invite our leadership of the school to start planning meeting times and places now. Allow for long difficult discussions where folks may not agree. Allow for students to take lead in discussions. Allow for your heart to be open to a completely unexpected idea. Allow for your heart to be open to the idea that others are not ready to make a change in some areas and may never be there. Allow for concerns to have already been addressed and there has not been a forum to communicate that yet. I realize some of us would rather sweep this under the rug (and escape conflict, etc) but after looking at the surveys from last year and talking to so many students about disengagement, plus our problems with attendance at ad board (our main governing body), I see no other way but to face it and publicly discuss.
Anything is possible at the table and we must join together, have some fun, maybe some food, some respectful disagreements and a lot of agreement that this is about creating the best environment for the students in our world. The time spent will be worth it and we will come together.
Our real heroes here will be the student leadership (David Breen and others) and Karin (principal) if they should choose to go down this path.
Thanks to student Robyn for making this forum possible.
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