Monday, December 10, 2012

Beyond AYP: Evaluating Your Child's School | Education.com

Beyond AYP: Evaluating Your Child's School | Education.com

When you imagine the ideal classroom, you probably see sun streams through large windows, lighting up the kids sitting at tables, busy illustrating story books that they created. The classroom hums, and a teacher moves from one raised hand to the next. But though you know the class you want for your child, quality is subjective, even in an era of school accountability.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

We need to speed up our efforts to stop bullying | The Poughkeepsie Journal | poughkeepsiejournal.com

We need to speed up our efforts to stop bullying | The Poughkeepsie Journal | poughkeepsiejournal.com

There have been three child and teen suicides due to bullying since September of this year. Fifteen-year-old Felicia Garcia threw herself off of a train platform in Staten Island. Fifteen-year-old Amanda Todd made a video that silently told her story as she held up index cards, one by one, describing her desperation before she took her life. Ten-year-old Jasmine McClain hanged herself after being teased about her clothes and her shoes. All three girls described relentless bullying by students to friends and family. Amanda changed schools. Felicia ignored them and at times, stood up for herself. Jasmine left school for a period of time, returning only one month ago.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Superintendents From Across The Country Will Share Proactive Ideas At Anti-Bullying/Social-Emotional Learning Summit -- Beyond Bullying: Safe Schools, Successful Students - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

Superintendents From Across The Country Will Share Proactive Ideas At Anti-Bullying/Social-Emotional Learning Summit -- Beyond Bullying: Safe Schools, Successful Students - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

/PRNewswire/ -- It's no secret that safe, happy, and healthy children are more likely to achieve academic success. But bullying continues to be one issue standing in the way of safe and successful students. Educators are invited to attend Beyond Bullying: Safe Schools, Successful Students, an all-day Summit, on January 14, 2013 at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. During this powerful event, hosted by Zaner-Bloser, in partnership with the Institute for Urban and Minority Education, thought leaders and researchers in the education community will share best practices in promoting a proactive—rather than reactive—approach to bullying prevention and social-emotional learning (SEL) in education.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/14/4985158/superintendents-from-across-the.html#storylink=cpy

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Commissioner Gladys Carrion « The Truth about Prone Restraint

Commissioner Gladys Carrion « The Truth about Prone Restraint

Current OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion had a mandate to reduce overtime costs at OCFS facilities. In 2010 she stated that the $12 million dollars in overtime, paid for by taxpayers in 2010 was ” staggering! I mean I think it’s staggering and I certainly don’t want to be the agency that has such a high [...]

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

NY State Legislature amends Dignity Act to expand definition of harassment and bullying - Lexology

NY State Legislature amends Dignity Act to expand definition of harassment and bullying - Lexology

The New York State legislature recently passed amendments to the Dignity for All Students Act (the "Dignity Act") to expand the definition of harassment and bullying under the law to explicitly include cyberbullying and other forms of off-school-property conduct. The Dignity Act took effect on July 1, 2012, and the newly passed amendments will become effective on July 1, 2013.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Bullying and Harassment in Public Schools Focus of New York State Bar Association Conference

Bullying and Harassment in Public Schools Focus of New York State Bar Association Conference

ALBANY, NY (10/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Teachers and school administrators from across the state will gather in Lake George this week to discuss how to protect public school students from bullying and other forms of abuse.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Making schools deal with bullying - phillyburbs.com: Opinion

Making schools deal with bullying - phillyburbs.com: Opinion

Anyone who’s ever gone to school is familiar with bullying, either through observation or personal experience. There was always some kid, or group of kids, who enjoyed tormenting others.

Friday, October 12, 2012

North Tonawanda Superintendent Has No Comment On Teacher Convicted Of DWI

Superintendent 'mum' when asked about NTHS teacher Arthur J. Harack

North Tonawanda, NY - At a Public Session of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the City of North Tonawanda School District held Thursday evening, School Superintendent Greg Woytila stated he was playing 'phone-tag' with an (unnamed) New York State Education Department investigator when asked if NYSED had completed its investigation [of Harack]. Woytila however had "no comment" when asked, Do you believe Mr. Harack's continued employment by the District is in the best interests of students, as well as the District?

Superintendent Woytila confirmed at last month's Board of Education meeting that a Moral Character complaint had been filed against Harack with NYSED. Harack was arrested on August 23, 2011, with a child in his vehicle and a blood alcohol content at 0.13%. He was charged under Leandra's Law on January 14, 2012. In August of 2012, Harack was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated before Niagara County Supreme Court Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas. 

Under New York State Education law, School District Superintendents must file a report with the Department upon knowledge that a certificate holder has been convicted of a crime or has committed an act that raises a reasonable question about the individual's moral character.  Complaints received by the Department will be reviewed pursuant to Part 83 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to determine the appropriate action.

Harack was also arrested in June 2008 for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The disposition of that case is not known.

Updated: 10/12/2012 @1:30 PM

Monday, October 8, 2012

NJ schools report 12K bullying instances last year - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

NJ schools report 12K bullying instances last year - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

"New Jersey education officials now have some handle on just how much bullying happens in the state's public schools. Data made public Tuesday show there were 12,024 instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying reported in the 2011-12 school year - the first year the state's tough new anti-bullying law was in effect."

Public schools undermined in efforts to improve | syracuse.com

Public schools undermined in efforts to improve | syracuse.com

Note: April 30, 2012 excerpt from Governor Cuomo Establishes New New York Education Reform Commission:

"New York State spends more money per student than any other state in the nation, but ranks 38th in high school graduation rates. 73 percent of New York's students graduate from high school and 37 percent are college ready."

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Discussion on bullying is evolving | WIVB.com

Discussion on bullying is evolving | WIVB.com

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - The battle against bullies continues more than a year after the suicide of Williamsville North teen Jamey Rodemeyer inspired a national movement.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Michelle Obama: President's Gay Marriage Support Saved Kid's Life

Michelle Obama: President's Gay Marriage Support Saved Kid's Life

Capital Business Blog » Cuomo provides update on teacher evaluation system

Capital Business Blog » Cuomo provides update on teacher evaluation system

Superintendent resigns over DWI arrest | WIVB.com

Superintendent resigns over DWI arrest | WIVB.com

Note: Read related news about North Tonawanda High School Teacher Arthur J Harack who was arrested in August 2011 and "...charged for aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child." Nevertheless, in August 2012, Harack was allowed to plead to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated in Niagara County Court before the Honorable Sara Sheldon Farkas, (and is still gainfully employed by the City of North Tonawanda School District), even though at the time of his arrest, his BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.13 percent and Harack had a child in his vehicle.

Friday, September 14, 2012

North Tonawanda Teacher Convicted of DWI Reported to NYSED

Moral Character Complaint Filed Against North Tonawanda Teacher Convicted of Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated.

North Tonawanda, NY -  A North Tonawanda teacher was reported to New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives.

Superintendent of North Tonawanda City School District, Gregory Woytila, confirmed at a Public Session of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the City of North Tonawanda School District held on Thursday, September 13, 2012,  that a Moral Character Complaint was filed with New York State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives in the matter of North Tonawanda teacher Arthur J. Harack who was convicted and sentenced on August 25, 2012, in Niagara County Court before the Honorable Sara Sheldon Farkas for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Under New York State Education law, School District Superintendents must file a report with the Department upon knowledge that a certificate holder has been convicted of a crime or has committed an act that raises a reasonable question about the individual's moral character.  Complaints received by the Department will be reviewed pursuant to Part 83 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to determine the appropriate action.

Last month, the Buffalo News reported:

Arthur J. Harack, 62, of East Robinson Street, North Tonawanda, was placed on three years' probation and ordered to pay $1,400 in fines and surcharges.
He was arrested Aug. 23, 2011, with a child in his vehicle.
Police measured his blood alcohol content at 0.13 percent. Harack was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.
Farkas ordered him to sell his car or at least take it off the road, since he is barred from driving while on probation.
He also must not drink, but he has been, at least at weddings and social events. "Unfortunate circumstances happen that I have no control over," Harack said.
Farkas said, "I find that appalling. I find that outrageous ... I don't think you understand how serious this is."

Mr. Harack also had a previous arrest in June 2008 for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

As of this writing, Mr. Harack is still gainfully employed by the City of North Tonawanda School District. 




Monday, September 10, 2012

FOX 40 WICZ TV - Anti-Bullying Measures State Law in Schools [9/10/2012] - News, Sports, Weather, Contests and More - Binghamton, NY

FOX 40 WICZ TV - Anti-Bullying Measures State Law in Schools [9/10/2012] - News, Sports, Weather, Contests and More - Binghamton, NY

Blog Author's Note: I would point out that the reporting of bullying (or any related violation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)) through a school district web-site should be done with caution, if at all. If, however, a parent or student thinks it necessary to report through a district web-site, make sure copies of all on-line submissions are kept for verification/proof in reporting incidents of bullying (or violations of DASA).

Saturday, September 1, 2012

[Update] North Tonawanda teacher sentenced in DWI had prior charge

City of North Tonawanda School District, North Tonawanda High School Teacher, Arthur J. Harack, was charged in June 2008 for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct according to a June 2008 Tonawanda News Police Report. At that time, Harack was being held in lieu of $250.00 bail.

Harack escaped prosecution under Leandra's Law.

According to a 2011 Tonawanda News Police Blotter, "On August 23, 2011,  Arthur J. Harack, 61, 1258 E. Robinson Road, was charged for aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held for court in lieu of $750 bail."

Further according to a Buffalo News article of January 14, 2012, Harack 
was arraigned in Niagara County Court ... on charges of violating Leandra’s Law by allegedly driving drunk with a child in his auto.

The Law

"Pursuant to New York Vehicle Traffic Law Section 1192-2a, any person caught operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and transporting a child shall be charged with a Class E Felony. In the event that reckless driving and death or serious physical injury is not a factor, an individual will automatically be charged with a class D felony. Defendants convicted under the new law face a prison sentence of up to four years and a fine of $1000–$5000. The installation of a mandatory ignition interlock device for a term of at least six months is also an expected provision of sentencing (mandatory for all DWI offenses August 15, 2010). Moreover, licenses are automatically suspended pending prosecution and once proven guilty, the person will be reported to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment and his/her license will be suspended for a minimum of twelve months. First time and repeat offenders are charged with an E level felony, regardless of criminal record."

Nevertheless, according to the Buffalo News, Harack was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. At the time of his arrest, his BAC (blood alcohol content) was 0.13 percent and Harack had a child in his vehicle.

Updated September 01, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Updated September 06, 2012 at 7:48 PM





Wednesday, July 18, 2012

DASA updates tackle cyberbullying

DASA updates tackle cyberbullying

Phillips Lytle attorney Alisa Lukasiewicz has it right:

"[She] said that while there will most certainly be First Amendment challenges, when it comes to lawsuits, the new regulations are no different than any other rules in place.

"As long as teachers and administrators follow the protocol, they should be fine," she said. "If they fail to properly report a case of cyberbullying, they could face liability. But in the same way they could be liable for any other misstep, so this is really not unique.""


  

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Human rights division has no authority over public schools, state's top court rules | syracuse.com

Human rights division has no authority over public schools, state's top court rules | syracuse.com

However, "..., a plain language reading of the statute indicates that the Legislature intended to confer authority to SDHR over both public and private schools and the historical statutory analysis performed by the majority runs counter to the plain language of the statute," Ciparick wrote for the three-judge minority view.

"This language clearly indicates that 'every individual' - including every school age child - has a right to adequate education and that the SDHR has the authority, on behalf of 'every individual,' to prevent discrimination in 'educational institutions,'" Ciparick wrote. "The majority's limitation of the SDHR's jurisdiction to only private schools does little to promote the broad purpose of the Human Rights Law, which is to provide a bias free education for every individual."

Monday, May 28, 2012

[Day One] Dignity Act Coming to a School Near You

[Day One] Dignity Act Coming to a School Near You
By Staff Attorney Ian Harris
"All public elementary and secondary school students have the right to attend school in a safe, welcoming, considerate, and caring environment."[1]

Friday, May 25, 2012

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Beautiful - The Trevor Project on Vimeo

Beautiful - The Trevor Project on Vimeo

"Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well considered and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child's spirit."~ Erik Erikson

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Is My Child Being Bullied?

Mary L. Pulido, Ph.D. Executive Director, The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, provides action steps and resources for parents who fear their child may be a victim of bullying.

Titled, "Is My Child Being Bullied? Action Steps for Parents ..." the information is available here.

Meryl Ain, Ed.D.: A Plan to End Bullying and Make Schools Kinder and Gentler

Meryl Ain, Ed.D.: A Plan to End Bullying and Make Schools Kinder and Gentler