Elia will be at Alafia Elementary TONIGHT at 7:00 pm. If you were unable to attend the Board Meeting you can show your support, voice your concerns and ask your questions directly to Mrs. Elia TONIGHT. *** Child Care Will Be Provided By PTA Approved Volunteers!!
Welcome To Alafia Lisa Tierney-Jackson!
Alafia Elementary welcomes new principal -- former Cypress Creek Elementary principal Lisa Tierney-Jackson.
Nov 19, 2008
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BREAKING NEWS...
- Dec. 25th 2008 Tampabay.com: Frustrated Alafia Elementary parents welcome change in principals
- Dec 16th Alafia Elementary names new principal
- Dec. 9th Tampabay.com; Alafia principal to leave school
- Dec. 9th Tampa Trib; Alafia Elementary Principal To Leave Post
- Dec. 9th The Gradebook; Alafia principal to leave school
- TBO.com Dec 8th Coaching Alafia Principal Could Cost District Thousands
- TBO.com Dec 3rd Alafia Parents Not Happy With Fixes
- TAMPA TRIB. November 26, 2008 Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
- November 28, 2008 ST PETE TIMES Alafia Elementary parents vent to superintendent about principal
- November 26, 2008 Parents Complain About Alafia Elementary Principal w/links
- November 21, 2008 Parents voice concerns about Alafia Elementary
- November 21, 2008 Superintendent gets an earful from Alafia Elementary parents
- Video from Elia Meeting 'BAY NEWS 9' November 20, 2008
- November 20, 2008 Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting
- November 19, 2008 Alafia Elementary to host parents' meeting
- November 19, 2008 Bay News 9 Alafia Elementary VIDEO
- November 19, 2008 Bad timing: Hillsborough portable classroom lacks heat
- November 19, 2008 Team Suggests Fixes For Alafia Elementary
- November 11, 2008 Anxiety, stress at an A-rated school
- November 11, 2008 MSNBC Assessment Team Reports On Alafia Elementary
- November 11, 2008 Alafia principal keeps her job for now
- November 10, 2008 Hillsborough School Board wants better PR
- November 10, 2008 Assessment Team Reports On Alafia Elementary
- November 7, 2008 Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal
- Oct 24, 2008 Parent complaints bring school board action
- Oct 24, 2008 Parent complaints about school principal bring action by superintendent.
- Oct 21, 2008 Alafia Elementary School under scrutiny after parents complain
- Oct 17, 2008 School official's reaction upsets
- Oct 10, 2008 Parents take beef with Alafia principal to School Board
- October 9, 2008 Alafia principal on the hot seat
- Oct 8, 2008 Parents Critical Of Alafia Elementary Principal
Previous Blogs
- 1.) Dec 9th Board Meeting Info (1)
- A.) Smith's People Skills - Can She Learn? (1)
- B.) Elia's ACTION PLAN (1)
- C.) Elia Meets with Parents (1)
- D.) Questions For Parents Meeting on 11/20 (1)
- E.) Questions for 11/20 Meeting (1)
- F.) 11/18 Board Meeting Review (1)
- G.) Board Meeting Video Nov 18th (1)
- H.) Elia meets with Teachers. (1)
- I.) PARENTS SPEAK OUT (1)
- J.) TEACHERS SPEAK OUT (1)
- K.) Link To Another Blog with insite on Alafia Elementary (1)
- L.) Contact TBO'S 8 ON YOUR SIDE (1)
- M.) Opinions on the Renovation (1)
- N.) Charter Option (1)
Nov 26th 2008 Tampa Trib article....
"The beleaguered principal of Alafia Elementary School began her work week Monday as she usually does – standing in front of the Valrico school as the students arrived by car, bus or holding the hands of their parents.
This time, however, Principal Ellyn Smith had company. Longtime educator Grace Ippolito was by Smith's side, greeting parents and students. Ippolito, who was principal when Alafia opened in 1987, returned to the school last week under an hourly paid contract with the Hillsborough County School District to serve as Smith's mentor and coach for an unspecified period of time. Her mission is to teach Smith the people skills Alafia parents say she's lacking."
***To read Full article, please click here:
Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE
Published: November 26, 2008
This time, however, Principal Ellyn Smith had company. Longtime educator Grace Ippolito was by Smith's side, greeting parents and students. Ippolito, who was principal when Alafia opened in 1987, returned to the school last week under an hourly paid contract with the Hillsborough County School District to serve as Smith's mentor and coach for an unspecified period of time. Her mission is to teach Smith the people skills Alafia parents say she's lacking."
***To read Full article, please click here:
Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE
Published: November 26, 2008
Quotes From The Board.....
November 11, 2008:..... "It's usually not a good thing to have an assessment team come into a school," Faliero said. "It indicates there is enough evidence to suggest there were things that were not working for this school, that there is just cause to go forward and look into it."
November 10th, 2008:......"I thought it was a good meeting," Hegarty said after meeting with the Alafia faculty. "People spoke from the heart."
October 24th, 2008:.......Elia said school officials have held six meetings regarding the Alafia situation since June. Elia also met directly with the principal. "I want to make it clear that this is something that we have been working on," Elia said.
October 24th, 2008:....."When a school is polarized, it's not a healthy environment for students or staff to be part of, and it filters out into the community as well," Faliero said.
October 10th , 2008: ....."The superintendent needs to get involved, and she needs to find out if there is just cause to these things that they are saying," Faliero said, adding that if true, the charges could be cause for dismissal.
"I just don't see that kind of unified concern from east Hillsborough unless they truly believe something is wrong."
Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero said she has never seen such a large group of parents complain publicly about their school leader. She asked superintendent MaryEllen Elia to work with the parents and look into the situation.
November 10th, 2008:......"I thought it was a good meeting," Hegarty said after meeting with the Alafia faculty. "People spoke from the heart."
October 24th, 2008:.......Elia said school officials have held six meetings regarding the Alafia situation since June. Elia also met directly with the principal. "I want to make it clear that this is something that we have been working on," Elia said.
October 24th, 2008:....."When a school is polarized, it's not a healthy environment for students or staff to be part of, and it filters out into the community as well," Faliero said.
October 10th , 2008: ....."The superintendent needs to get involved, and she needs to find out if there is just cause to these things that they are saying," Faliero said, adding that if true, the charges could be cause for dismissal.
"I just don't see that kind of unified concern from east Hillsborough unless they truly believe something is wrong."
Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero said she has never seen such a large group of parents complain publicly about their school leader. She asked superintendent MaryEllen Elia to work with the parents and look into the situation.
ALAFIA'S REPORT CARD
** WSE FACTS **
2007-2008 WSE Survey conducted - April 2008
• 92% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not interact with others fairly and empathetically.
• 85% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not recognize and reward staff when appropriate.
• 69% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not promote a safe and orderly school culture that is conducive to learning.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT ***
• 92% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not interact with others fairly and empathetically.
• 85% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not recognize and reward staff when appropriate.
• 69% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not promote a safe and orderly school culture that is conducive to learning.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT ***
** KEY Observations ** Assessment Team - November 2008
- The Team found a very stressful work environment for teachers and administrators. In addition, the community is experiencing the stress felt at the school.
- Some parent and staff interviews revealed a fear of retaliation for speaking honestly and openly to our assessment team
- Faculty, staff, administration and parents appear fragmented and in distress.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT! ***
- Some parent and staff interviews revealed a fear of retaliation for speaking honestly and openly to our assessment team
- Faculty, staff, administration and parents appear fragmented and in distress.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT! ***
Parents Speak Out
"You're going to give her a life coach? In the real world, we don't get a life coach. We get fired!"
PETITION UPDATE
285 SIGNATURES & STILL GOING!
Posts
Are they going to send home a letter about this? Is this just a way to try and get the parents from not going to the board meeting tomorrow? Giving them hope...the same hope the teachers had when they had their meeting with the team.
ReplyDeleteSee my comment in the parent section about Smith being at the meeting. This needs to happen to make our point. Elia is going to be smug and curt. Be ready for her. Smith needs to STAY AWAY from the parent meeting. Designate one of the 5 who went to the meeting to speak for the group that has rallied around them to help support the cause. Now is not the time to change your mind and not be involved. We stepped up to the plate to help the cause. Be the leaders that we thought you were and continue the mission.
ReplyDeleteI received an "Iris" call alerting me to the meeting, I think that everyone should have received that automated call provided the school has the correct phone # for you
ReplyDeleteI find this all well orchestrated. Elia is meeting with teachers Tuesday afternoon to inform them of her decision and has now sent out a call to say she is going to speak with the parents on Thursday. I wouldn't be surprised if she says at the School Board meeting tomorrow that she is not taking comments on the Alafia matter as she will be addressing that on Thurs. As I said, well orchestrated to lower the PR - well I am still going Tuesday night to the Board meeting.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious from the board meeting tonight they have no intention of removing Smith or any action of substance.
ReplyDeleteNo chance they are removing her. Time to find another school everyone. If you aren't going to stay, then go thursday and really tell them what you think. Plus you might be losing your teacher in January anyways!
ReplyDeleteThank you to all the parents that took the time to attend the board meeting this evening. Those of us that were not able to make the meeting appreciate your dedication to this crisis. It was sad to hear the stories of abuse at the school. I hope that the board listens to our cry for help, but I am afraid that Mrs. Elia has already made up her mind. Let's hope that she comes to her senses by Thursday and removes Mrs. Smith. How could she say that Grace Ippilito knows the teachers at Alafia when the majority of our teachers have left our sinking ship?
ReplyDeleteIt's time for all of us to take a stand for our children and the teachers that we have all grown to love. Go to the meeting on Thursday night and show Mrs. Elia what Alafia is made of...loving and supportive families that only want what is best. Our children deserve an elementary school that is a safe and nurturing environment. Too bad we can't say that about Alafia.
Keri
Why did the assessment team consist of the PR rep for the district and Jack Lamb's daughter (not exactly unbiased?)
ReplyDeleteParents can not accept Mrs.Smith to be mentored she has 10yrs of experience. She is not new, why do we need 2 principals? THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION
ReplyDeleteSHE HAS TO GO!
We can not accept anything else.
Can we ask to keep the person that's mentoring smith and get rid of smith? Why pay for two leaders!
ReplyDeleteI hope that Superintendent Elia will plan adequate time for parent questions. I'm worried that she will cut off questioning before all of the parents have had a chance to hear her response to their concerns.
ReplyDeleteMs. Elia, if you are reading this, please respect parent enough to hear all of their questions.
You can call 272-4575 and request a transfer to another school. They will say you have to wait until "open enrollment" in January. As soon as I said "I have severe safety concerns for my child. Is the school district prepared to take responsibility if something happens before then," was transferred to another extension where my information was taken. First she asked if I had spoken to the principal - lol. I said that I and at least 259 other parents had spoken to her and the school district numerous times.
ReplyDeleteDon't leave! Smith needs to leave - NOT OUR KIDS! Don't give up!
ReplyDeleteSmith is going nowhere until the end of the year. She is just the kind of administrator they want.
ReplyDeleteShe is going to be promoted next year. Probably an Area Director position. Then she can intimidate other principals. How's that for justice? :)
I received an IRIS call yesterday but the child care part was cut off. Where and when is the child care? Who is providing it? Is it free?
ReplyDeleteIs anyone recording the meeting? Perhaps post it on this site?
ReplyDeleteThank you PTA for providing child care. Alafia has the best parents and most dedicated volunteers.
ReplyDeleteI have a simple question. Why have a WSE survey if a principal gets a rating like that and is allowed to stay.
ReplyDeleteI always suspected they were a sham. The one for Alafia's Principal proves it.
I will say it again. She is just the kind of Principal they love. Dont worry Alafia, she will leave at the end of the year and get a sweet promotion.