Distinguished School a master of the Fair way

Wow! I can't believe that you are telling me to ask her to stop her email solicitation,(as you refer). I can't see her writing to you anymore, so don't worry about getting anymore of her emails. I don't think that I need to ask her that. About the climate at your school, I think that you are only trying to put a bandage on a big gash, and can't see past that email. I recommend you to read our UTLA newspaper dated June 13th, and become aware of what's going on in many of LAUSD's schools. I believe that one of those schools is even in District 2, and is very close to your school. In your emails you seem to blame UTLA for your school's problems. What about the administration? There are more than 80 comments on this article, and a lot of them are discussing your principal's dictatorial attitude. Even in this article, she makes no apologies when the UTLA rep. says, "Her tactics border on harassment, and we have lost a lot of good teachers." How can Ms. Manrique be a good administrator when she does not care to address the issues that are affecting your school. Is even mentioned that people don't even want to go to the office, and that Ms. Manrique is addressing many of the issues posted in this blog during your psychomotor time, I believe that you said that, " the climate of the school is positive and focused on the students.", now that she, and others are on vacation. The climate may feel positive to you, but why is your principal so worry about clarifying these comments? There are so many issues, even cheating on standarized testings and your principal putting a lid on that, and trying to twist and manipulate the truth. Your school's issues go far beyond an invitation to post your comments on this blog. Please stop blaming a person who is only trying to give a voice to your fellow teachers.

I am a teacher over on the other side of the valley.(District 1 in da HOUSE!!!)

I was very pleased to read an article about a school with an English Learner majority making such great improvements over the past 9 years....Haaa..only to read some of your comments and realize how crazy you people are. If you have problems with each other, handle them after school behind the bungalows...Make sure no teachers are around...OH WAIT...YOU ARE THE TEACHERS!!!!!!

Listen folks, I am sure there are some great things going on at your school, you should be celebrating them...haaa Unfortunately, the sharks are out at Fair Avenue.

After 12 years of teaching, I have realized that every school has its issues....CANT YOU ALL JUST GET ALONG

It would be helpful to know what a "significant number of teachers" means. It appears you are one of the largest schools and there must be lots of teachers. It seems, however, that it is a small group of unhappy teachers who are trying hard to make it all look bigger and more serious only to serve some personal agendas. If you are so unhappy, leave. Or talk to the person directly whoever it may be, principal or othewise. If you are such a great teacher, you must be needed elsewhere. Don't you think?

I am so glad you decided to write about the great wonders of Fair Avenue Elementary. It is a magnificent testament to years of dedication by a great group of teachers, parents, and community. However, I always believed the Daily News to be an impartial paper and you have presented a lopsided view of Ms. Rosalba Manrique. She is far from the portrait of excellence you present. She was very fortunate to inherit a successful, united, and well run school from the previous principal. Since then she has also been fortunate to have a strong group of administrators to run the school for her.
I wonder if you actually went to every teacher at Fair Avenue and asked for their sincere opinion of her without fear of retaliation. This way you would have more facts about her true virtues as an "instructional leader". It is a joke to many that you cite the fact that her tactics simply border on harassment-they are harassment. Also, please do not cite the fact that she arrives so early and stays so late.... That is simply not factually true. There maybe a day here or there, but her schedule is far from what you describe. From the time she started the office staff has had more turn arounds than anyone else. Only two members remain of the original staff. We have had our school counselor, attendance counselor, and school psychologist leave. You also did not cite the number of TEACHERS that have left because of her wonderful ways.

Did she mention the fact that Fair Avenue was rejected and did not qualify as a Distinguished School this school year? Maybe they resubmitted the application and the results are now different. However, we did not originally qualify when the application was submitted in December 2007. You may ask yourself why? Teachers have been striving and working toward excellence but, without the true guidance and inspiration of a competent administrator, it is impossible. Not to mention the fact that she made an administrative decision to sit on the application and at the last minute turned it over to a great group of teachers who were not miracle workers. Then she had the audacity to blame them for not qualifying and could not even recall who they were when someone suggested that they at least be recognized for their valiant efforts.

Our school has turned into an environment where individuals walk around on pins and needles, trust is out the window, and morale is at an all time low. Not because of UTLA, but because of Ms. Rosalba Manrique. We can't talk to the principal-She is the PROBLEM. Many have tried communicating their concerns to the district but there is little to be done because her defense is always the same-She didn't do it or say it. It is also hard to document her malicious intents to divide the staff, personal vendetta against those she fears don't like her, and paranoia that causes her to act without thinking.

Well said #86! I wonder... why is such a "great" principal (shaking in her boots) trying to "clarify" things during meetings? Umm...I don't think a confident and honest person would have anything to be ashamed of. Go figure...

You attack #72 without even knowing him or her.
Nobody is so grown-up that he or she always has the right thing to say or owns the truth.
You, on the other hand, reacted defensively when the truth about Sharon was exposed. Well, people who have a hard time accepting the truth are the ones who have to grow up. Can't you see that the person who revealed her name the first time is someone who appreciates her and still felt it necessary to expose her. Can't you see the sincerity in the writer's voice when she says "we love you" but we "do not agree with what you are doing" ??? If someone close to her came forward, why are you defending her so much? you say you have known her for 15 years, but in what capacity?
Many people have one persona socially or around friends and a different one in the work place...
New teacher, for example, in that school can only go by what they see today. If she truly is soliciting e-mails desperately from just anyone and there is concrete proof, then there is nothing wrong with her name being known. Everybody wants the TRUTH, but some people, when they finally hear it cannot handle it. Peace !

mother of 2 wrote:

Comment on Fair Ave Teacher, how can you criticize a fellow teacher? Shame on YOU, Fair Avenue Teacher from Los Angeles, comment #72. I've known Sharon for over 15 years, and she has always been an impeccable person. Always looking after the children she serves, and the staff she works with and for. It seems to me that you have a lot of growing to do, professionally and personally. Before you start making judgements like that, please take in consideration somebody's actions, from somebody who has been at that school for over 15 years. As a veteran teacher, I can already tell you what the problem is, a divided staff due to lack of leadership. Let me leave you with this thought, don't fight each other, but try to resolve the situation at your school.

This is for you #88, "Concerned News Reader from Los Angeles" or should I say "Fair Avenue Teacher". I don't want to have to repeat myself, obviously you have major issues at your school and should get appropriate help to resolve them. I am not attacking anyone, and you should look deeper into this blog, maybe you will find that many people at your school have issues with your principal. Please start writing all of your principal's accomplishments to prove every single blogger wrong. Do your homework!

I dont mind the opportunity to voice concerns. It is the way that she has done it. Sharon has had plenty of opportunities in the last few years to address the entire faculty during Tues. meetings. It is very sneaky to give only some people a voice by solicitying e-mails even from people who have never set foot at Fair. Giving people a voice without showing your face is not noble. There have been many, many times on faculty meeting days when Ms Manrique left the auditorium because our UTLA person had to speak to us all in private. She never stood up to speak to us as a concerned colleague. If Manrique's weak performance dates back so far, didn't she ever find a moment to talk to us as colleagues?
Think about that. It appears to me she is just setting herself up to hate the very school where she will have spent the last 15-16 years of her teaching career, the school she claims to care so much about ! Who cares about administrators , when you are a dedicated, hard-working teacher the only recognition you need is the one coming from the face of your students and their parents. That's how I see it. If you are a teacher and excpect recognition from people who come and go from school to school, then you need to re-evaluate the reason you are an educator.

Ex Fair Avenue Teacher wrote:

Shame on number 72... She is not hurting anyone... Far from it. Is giving a forum for everyone to comment hurtful? Everyone can voice their opinions without fear of attack or harassment from Ms. Manrique. Who is she hurting in the office from the original staff? The two wonderful ladies left there will survive this. What they might not survive is the ghost town that the office has become because mostly everyone tries to avoid going there.
It is so sad that someone can so easily accuse those that try to empower others with a voice and stand up for someone that is the one that is RESPONSIBLE for this mess-Rosalba Manrique. No one has hurt Fair more. And guess what long after she is gone what will Ms. Manrique's legacy be? A shameful one. You know what people will say... NOW we can begin to work together again. They will say FINALLY!!!
Do not take offense when someone offers you the opportunity to voice your concerns or opinions. People can equally share the goodness of Ms. Manrique. However, there is not much of that discuss.
Isn't it interesting that people from all parts of Southern California and the country know of the great wonders of this lady?
Students, teachers, and parents will be miss the wonderful teacher who has offered you a voice. Maybe your opinion is not the same, but do not insult someone who has a true vision of the way Fair was and should be. Do not insult someone who has worked so hard to empower you with rights that Ms. Manrique has chosen to ignore for some your colleagues.
Remember no one can hurt you if you stay united. Look high when you are looking for the one that is doing all the harm. If she in not in her office then you can always find her in Room 22!

From your writing style, it is apparent that you are just using the opportunity to have fun and entertain yourself. Take it seriously or don't write at all. Have respect for those of us who care about the name of our school, its students and parents. Ms Manrique is NOT Fair Ave A school is so much more than just its principal. People clarify because they care, not just because they have something to hide. One of the responses wants to know about the positive aspects of Fair and Ms Manrique. Maybe you should be the one to inform that person about the fact that Ms Manrique is always acknowledging the teachers: as she says it is "you, the teachers" and "your hard work" She has said that to us a million times. Tens of signs are posted everywhere when the test scores are out "Congratulations. You did it again! She never takes credit, it is always the teacher, the teachers, the teachers. Where have you been??? It is easy to hang on to someone's previous message in order to send a selfish message of our own, isnt it? Well,that is what you do. Say something new and positive next time or nothing at all.

but-but-but wrote:

Well said #86! I wonder... why is such a "great" principal (shaking in her boots) trying to "clarify" things during meetings? Umm...I don't think a confident and honest person would have anything to be ashamed of. Go figure...

Concerned Teacher wrote:

I am so glad you decided to write about the great wonders of Fair Avenue Elementary. It is a magnificent testament to years of dedication by a great group of teachers, parents, and community. However, I always believed the Daily News to be an impartial paper and you have presented a lopsided view of Ms. Rosalba Manrique. She is far from the portrait of excellence you present. She was very fortunate to inherit a successful, united, and well run school from the previous principal. Since then she has also been fortunate to have a strong group of administrators to run the school for her.
I wonder if you actually went to every teacher at Fair Avenue and asked for their sincere opinion of her without fear of retaliation. This way you would have more facts about her true virtues as an "instructional leader". It is a joke to many that you cite the fact that her tactics simply border on harassment-they are harassment. Also, please do not cite the fact that she arrives so early and stays so late.... That is simply not factually true. There maybe a day here or there, but her schedule is far from what you describe. From the time she started the office staff has had more turn arounds than anyone else. Only two members remain of the original staff. We have had our school counselor, attendance counselor, and school psychologist leave. You also did not cite the number of TEACHERS that have left because of her wonderful ways.
Did she mention the fact that Fair Avenue was rejected and did not qualify as a Distinguished School this school year? Maybe they resubmitted the application and the results are now different. However, we did not originally qualify when the application was submitted in December 2007. You may ask yourself why? Teachers have been striving and working toward excellence but, without the true guidance and inspiration of a competent administrator, it is impossible. Not to mention the fact that she made an administrative decision to sit on the application and at the last minute turned it over to a great group of teachers who were not miracle workers. Then she had the audacity to blame them for not qualifying and could not even recall who they were when someone suggested that they at least be recognized for their valiant efforts.
Our school has turned into an environment where individuals walk around on pins and needles, trust is out the window, and morale is at an all time low. Not because of UTLA, but because of Ms. Rosalba Manrique. We can't talk to the principal-She is the PROBLEM. Many have tried communicating their concerns to the district but there is little to be done because her defense is always the same-She didn't do it or say it. It is also hard to document her malicious intents to divide the staff, personal vendetta against those she fears don't like her, and paranoia that causes her to act without thinking.

"Our school has turned into an environment where individuals walk around on pins and needles..."
All schools are like that. Too many non-teachers visiting classrooms making suggestions and forcing changes. Reminds me of that old adage: Those who can, teach; those who can't, advise.

This is insane! You are destroying YOUR school and you don't even know it..

I want to thank Sharon for her years of hard work and bringing a fresh, alternative view to teaching. While always reinforcing the fundamentals, Sharon always introduced new ideas to students, such as yoga, and worked with graffiti kids (artistic grafitti). To the unprivelaged kids that make up 98% of Fair, this is invaluable. Hispanic kids are not given a broader perspective of possibilities due to their families background and financial status. For Sharon to attempt to give them more and open their minds, I applaud her. Of course, this was met with resistance by the narrow minded, short sighted Ms. Manrique. This is nothing new. Most progress is met with hostility by the buffoons that are not penalized by the inadequate norm. Oligarchies will let the masses suffer as long as they can eat lobster and drive BMWs.
As far as you cowards that name Sharon's name but won't leave yours, your the same buffoon that allows your students to be cheated by Manrique's dismal regime knowing that at least you won't suffer.

To Mother of 2 wrote:

Mother of 2, you may know Sharon for 15 years, but we don't. We only see her actions and outrage towards other humans which are clearly displayed throughout all her 13+ anonymous blogs. By sending an email requesting people to "please send this on to others who may be interested and let's try to keep the daily news blog growing"....."this is anonymous and not even the daily news will know your return address." She is clearly demonstrating what kind of immature juvenile person she really is. After walking around the school and speaking to the many colleagues, it is clear that we need a new utla representative. The World Cafe is nothing more than an underground sect which will harm innocent people at no cost. You mentioned actions?? Sharon's actions have clearly spoken and more than half the teachers have listened. Yes you are right, there is a lack of leadership. The lack of leadership is from utla reps who continue sending emails and involving people who want nothing to do with this blog and its entities.
NOTE TO SHARON: The same way you expect Ms. Manrique to address issues with the staff, WE the staff expect you to address us and your behavior in August.

So, you say that Sharon wrote 13+ anonymous blogs displaying her outrage towards other humans??? Where do you get your facts? Probably from the same place as Llanos... You quoted her e-mail and by doing so we can all see that she did not say anything wrong. Did she say this is your chance to bash the principal? Did she say make sure you post negative comments? I DON'T THINK SO. Therefore, you look like a fool because you use this excuse to put Sharon down. You also say that she is juvenile and immature??? Did you feel your outrage toward other humans coming out when you wrote this? The "sect" World Cafe document will harm innocent people at no cost??? Have you even read it? UTLA reps continue to send e-mails??? How come I haven't gotten any? You say WE the staff expect you to address us...??? Who do you think you are speaking for all of us??? Seriously, who are you??? Someone who hasnt' heard about freedom of speech? Then, STAY AWAY!

You people have too much time on your hands (and so do I, because I read all the post, LOL). Just do your job and teach. If you dont like it there, transfer to another school.

Stan wrote:

You people have too much time on your hands (and so do I, because I read all the post, LOL). Just do your job and teach. If you dont like it there, transfer to another school.

You'd be surprised at how many obstacles there are to "Just do your job and teach". I wish it were that simple, Stan.

Stay away wrote:

<quoted text>
So, you say that Sharon wrote 13+ anonymous blogs displaying her outrage towards other humans??? Where do you get your facts? Probably from the same place as Llanos... You quoted her e-mail and by doing so we can all see that she did not say anything wrong. Did she say this is your chance to bash the principal? Did she say make sure you post negative comments? I DON'T THINK SO. Therefore, you look like a fool because you use this excuse to put Sharon down. You also say that she is juvenile and immature??? Did you feel your outrage toward other humans coming out when you wrote this? The "sect" World Cafe document will harm innocent people at no cost??? Have you even read it? UTLA reps continue to send e-mails??? How come I haven't gotten any? You say WE the staff expect you to address us...??? Who do you think you are speaking for all of us??? Seriously, who are you??? Someone who hasnt' heard about freedom of speech? Then, STAY AWAY!

Hey, I did not write that, I don't live in Los Angeles, ask #74, it could be the same Fair Avenue teacher from Los Angeles. Believe me I wish you the best for a quick resolution at your school.

To Stay Away, I support you with freedom of speech, if you read all my posts, you will find out that I agree with you. Thanks for supporting UTLA and your colleages.

is it over?

To:#40,#72,#74,#78,#88, and #90,
Sharon is on of the most honorable, conscientious and ethical people I know. She has always supported our students, their families, and the community. Why would you blame her for the comments on the Daily News article?She didn't write the responses. She made no rude comments to anyone. She has been civil and above board.
Her email to several teachers to ask them to contribute to the discussion was not soliciting mean-spirited, inflammatory responses, but was asking those of the staff who have been fearful to speak up to share their ideas or make suggestions, to stand up for themselves and their students. She has been trying to make life better...... more positive and productive for students, administrators, teachers and all their members of the Fair Avenue community.
As those who contributed to the World Cafe meetings are aware, Sharon introduced the program as a way to re-unite our school community, which has become increasingly divided and demoralized over the last several years. for those of you who are not aware, the program was started in response to the many teachers who came to Sharon in her capacity as a UTLA rep over the few years to complain, cry, and ask for her help in solving problems between them and the administrators and coordinators.
As we all know,the morale in this school has been so down for the last five years that we can't even get a Christmas party together, we've lost most of our original office staff and MORE THAN 2 DOZ. of our best teachers, and we have lost our distinguished school status.
The document that was created as a result of the World Cafe meetings was positive and professional, and was well received by various District administrators. There was no finger pointing, blaming or bashing of any sort in the document. It offered a straightforward set of ideas for making the learning environment nor fertile and the day-to-day life more positive at Fair Avenue.
BRAVO SHARON!
And the World Cafe- a sect? Who ARE you?
To the clairvoyant--- Sharon wrote 13 responses? You have inside information on that, right?

Yes, Ms. Manrique is very good at praising us at meetings after the scores come out, however what happened at the meeting with the mysterious "red laser"! Did she show her love and trust then? No, she completely freaked out and accused the guilty one of trying to somehow humiliate her?
And even though, as a faculty we decried the incident, some going in to her office to let her know, in no uncertain terms, that we all abhored the idea that someone would do this on purpose. She still called us in an gave us a list of all the things she could do to us as a result of this incident. At no time did she exhibilt any trust in her staff. We were all going to be punished, even her chosen A listers! This paranoid, incompetent principal has got to go. And all of those who have suggested that the veteran, excellent teachers she has harrassed leave - you get out! We will always be here to represent the rights of our teachers. Purhaps freedom of speech isn't important to you or Ms. Manrique since you were not brought up here. But to Americans, it is one of the most critical rights we have. You are the ones who need to return to where you came from if you have no respect for the freedoms our forefathers fought so hard to protect.