I recently heard several instances of people claiming that there will be no sports at the new charter school. There will be sports. Charter schools are allowed to compete with all DOE schools just as though they were also a DOE school, and our new charter school will continue to do so, as they have budgeted for the required fees and costs associated.
I have heard others saying that you cannot have sports teams without coaches, and we can only pay for 2 coaches. The charter schools budget already has plans for at least 5 coaches. That is $7500 set aside specifically to pay coaches. Meanwhile there are people actively searching for grants and other ways to increase this amount for the upcoming school year.
The sports issue is being used to turn the children against the charter. One child was on video saying, sports will be the first thing to go and some nonsense about even if 50 people come, 50 people will leave. You can see her here http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2011/09/02/video-laupahoehoe-reacts-to-boe-charter-approval/ She start talking around 12:35. Her statements made little sense and appears fed. Parents have mentioned at board meetings that their children come home saying the teacher made them all vote for or against charter. When kids voted for charter the teacher tells them they are voting against sports. Using children this way is shameful.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Having watched this video, I am reminded just how many people are unaware of the facts. I know the girl who spoke, and I would say that she was definitely fed those lines. It appeared that some of these people were mostly worried about their jobs, while others were just looking for which was the right direction. Thank you for posting this link. I was at the big meeting that was shown throughout the video, and it was good to re-watch it.
DeleteThanks to Mr. Francisco for sharing such excellent points with a crowd who, mostly, didn't want to hear them.
From the beginning of the movement for Educational Excellence in Laupahoehoe, ATHLETICS has been in the Detailed Implementation Plan and on the Agenda. I know - you know - we all know - how important it is for our youth to learn Team Work & Sportsmanship,how to work hard for a common goal and have fun doing it! Our kids are special, they've got heart like no other. They play hard until they have nothing left to give. They play to represent because they have PRIDE in their community, their school and their family name. It is time to stop listening to the few "preachers of misinformation" and get involved in your school, your kids school or your community school. Now is the time to come together and be apart of the team for school improvement and student achievement; in the classroom, on the playing field, in your community.
ReplyDeletePaula Dickey a.k.a. Ms. Cook
Agreed!
DeleteLets start talking about "Partnerships" and what we want our kids to thrive in, be aware of, experience, learn about, practice, become, strive for...
ReplyDeleteThat's my vote for your next Blog, William Montogery. And if I haven't told you before...I'm very proud of you.
Parent, Teacher, Friend,Community Member,
Paula Dickey a.k.a Ms. Cook
Thank you Paula. I really appreciate your positive thoughts. Partnerships it is!
DeleteLaupahoehoe has been in the DOE system longer then HALF those public AND charter schools, not only have we participated in Sports but we've also shared our Aloha with everyone who came in and out of our grounds, we've held tournaments and we also till this day have one or the best concession stands. Being an Alumni from Laupahoehoe is one of my BIGGEST prides, growing up watching my older sibblings participate in athletics made me feel this energy that keep me going on in school, it made me speak up when somebody asked where I was from. When I reached high school Sports was my passon, but it wasn't just fun and games for me, When I stepped out onto any court or field I knew my peers where looking up at me like I once did and I gave my community something to be proud of. Growing up in a small town isn't easy at all, through Sports you learn different oppertunities and our LHS Athletes go places. We may be small in numbers but our hearts are multiplied by a million.
ReplyDelete-LHS c/o 2010 Gradute
I feel the same way. This is an important part of who we are. No matter what direction we feel the school should be going in, I think this is something we can all relate to, agree on, and continue to strive for.
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