Students Protest at St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo

Bill Johnson is just an *****0L3!!! He seems to also have a problem with strong minded intelligent women. It is unfortunate that someone can bring on his own son who isnt even perminently certified in Math (Nettie is) but between him and his pawn principle he has forced others out of their position, mainly strong women.
There also seems to be some history of Bill Johnson and his family from where they came from that should be taken into concideration like him being forced into early retirement, etc...
Anyways I am very proud of the students for standing up for their teacher that they love (which alone is a rarity)
Remember, DONT STOP!!!! They will be forced to listen.

Parents - You guys are the boss here also. Tell everyone how unhappy you are with your childs education if there is an issue and DONT STOP until something is done about it!

Board Members - Remember you can fix this and a lot of the issues here at this scholl is you take a look around, listen to others than the staff you are over (like the teachers, kids, etc...) and take action!!!

That is big mistake for get rid of her!! SMSD needs her back or Lawsuit !!!! Beware!!!!

it's terrible to punish the students for standing up for what they believe in!

After reading several student(past & present) comments I am curious as to whether any of the English teachers are tenured.

Concerned Taxpayer wrote:

After reading several student(past & present) comments I am curious as to whether any of the English teachers are tenured.

RUDE!!! Do you know anything about hard of hearing and or deaf people! Maybe you should get to know some before you make ignorant comments a-wipe!

Concerned Taxpayer-
Let's pay attention to the issue at hand. Understand that English is a deaf child's second language. Please do not pick on something that you do not understand...

I think anyone who takes the time out to learn and master another language and then uses that to teach children who are different from themselves is commendable. All of the teachers who can communicate with the children at the school should be commended.

I am proud of the students at SMSD and I hope they continue to fight and the the staff, parents and community get more involved.

There is much more to this story than is being presented, I think there needs to be some serious digging done to get to the bottom of things and end in the result that is the BEST for the school. We all know who really needs to go!!!

My sister is a SMSD Senior. Through the years I have heard many wonderful stories about her math teacher Nettie Brewer, not just from my sister but from my parents as well. She encouraged my sister to do well and excell, she also took the time to help her grow in her math skills. I am very sad for my sister and the other students who lost such a wonderful teacher. Its hard to find a great Math teacher and SMSD just let go one of the greatest, without any kind of explination. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Concerned Taxpayer wrote:

After reading several student(past & present) comments I am curious as to whether any of the English teachers are tenured.

I can not even believe that you would make such an ignorant comment. You obviously know nothing about how the deaf community hears and learns things. You should do your research before you make yourself (not those students) sound like an idiot.

I have had the honor to watch Nettie Brewer grow into a beautiful teacher from the time she was a little girl. One of the first things she learned to sign was " I Love You", she practiced on the whole family, and has been practicing it on her students ever since. Nettie will be great wherever she goes, but the school will be out one fine teacher.

Nettie Brewer should be rehired! Her situation is the "tip of the iceberg". There are many other fine staff members (teachers, teacher assistants, coaches, etc.) at the school who have been negatively affected by questionable administraative decisions. The students should be applauded for their courage in supporting Nettie! There are times when administration needs to be investigated! This situation is one of them!

i am student from st.mary's school for the deaf i am not happy about this nettie is a great teacher she should be back.

I am student from St. Mary's School for the Deaf, i am very upset that nettie gone. I wish nettie back because she is awesome teacher and funny person. keep up support her and be strong!!!!!!!!!

Hey, having this situation from the adminstration and Dr. Bill Johnson also Mrs. Patrica Michalek who is the principal of St. Mary's school for the Deaf. Both involved with nettie issue. I think they wrong. The students are doing great job. The blame should principal and Dr. Johnson. Dont you see how much we care nettie! Nettie great teacher. Great person! They lie say suppose have new teacher on friday not true never there. I read newspaper say They threat the student not fair! NOT RIGHT. NETTIE MUST BACK TO SCHOOL!

The administration gave this teacher until March to have her Permanent Certification. Despite what "As I See it stated" those certificates were handed in prior to the deadline!!!! Shame on a person for suggetsting that Ms. Brewer failed to do so. Dr. Johnson's comment "but she's a good signer" was said for effect. He wanted the viewer to come to the conclusion that Ms. Brewer was not a good teacher. Apparently, people who aren't very bright like "As I See it" were led to believe that Ms. Brewer wasn't a good teacher. People need the facts before they make such ignorant comments. Go online and check the New York State Education Department website. Her certificate is dated February 1, 2008. As far as the "sister" sitting on the porch comment, it appears that "As I See it" is prejudiced against African Americans. I am appalled by comments like this. Let's hear from others.....

Shame on you, "As I See it stated." Don't assume anything. Do your homework and get facts first before making this kind of comments.

omg im soo happy we have soo many people supporting the whole protest and getting nettie back!=D im proud to be part of the protest and we will NOT give up!!! the administrators are going down!(i wanna call em son of b-----s but i cant.. darn it haha) but yeah we cant let those idiots get away with it!

I heard what happened at SMSD.
I am really disappointed with Bill Johnson, the administration, and Mrs. Michalek.

That is no reason to fire Nettie Brewer since she has a teacher certifications and she knows ASL. That s no excuse to fire her.

I heard there is more.......

Hey students, Please dont give up! You have right to fight right. I am very proud of you.

James wrote:

friggin deaf kids. they don't need a special education. they can function like anyone else

What is wrong with you, this has nothing to do with their abilities or intelligents. This is not a special ed. teacher she is a math teacher. You are a very rude person and should be ashamed of yourself. What an embarrassment to your Mother, I guaratee she would not be proud.

My daughter was a high school student at SMSD until this past December. Part of the reason she is no longer at SMSD is due to SMSD Administration (ie the HS Principal and Superintendent)and their lack of response to serious untrue allegations regarding my daughter. I was very disappointed with the administration and felt my daughter was not going to be safe in that type of situation where such allegations are not dealt with seriously. When my daughter and I went to SMSD adminstration and also to the Board of Trustees for action and answers, we got nowhere. I seriously hope the investigating of SMSD will continue. I admit I am not aware of everything that is going on at that school, only what happened with my daughter, but I have heard many serious allegations that need to be investigated if SMSD is going to continue to be a safe school of excellence for deaf students. These deaf students at SMSD deserve better than what they're getting! And the problem is not with the teachers...especially not with Nettie Brewer. My daughter had Nettie as a teacher and I have great respect for Nettie and her ability to encourage her students to strive to do their personal best. Firing Nettie Brewer without providing a good reason seems ridiculous to me, whether she was tenured or not. What about the students in her classes - why put them through this type on unnecessary transition in the middle of the school year? It just doesn't make sense. Although my daughter is now mainstreamed and no longer a student at SMSD, we still support the school, especially the students. Keep up the good work SMSD students and stand up for what you believe is right! Your hard work WILL pay off! People are listening and paying attention, or I wouldn't be posting this comment!