Even as CPS opens more new schools, children with special needs have a tougher time finding options. Placements in private therapeutic schools are scarce, and some charters are reluctant to enroll them.
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A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
By: Alexander Russo / May 22, 2008
After a controversial decision not to renew Erin Roche, the lame duck LSC at Ravenswood has selected a new principal for the school. Meanwhile, Roche has found another job:
From Ravenswood: "After many hours of interviews and public
forums, the Local School Council at Ravenswood Elementary School has
chosen Heather D. Connolly as the school’s next principal.
“I
am incredibly excited to be able to continue the vision that has been
started at Ravenswood and will do everything in my power to keep a continuous
eye on improvement,” Ms. Connolly said. “I am looking forward
to building relationships with the students, staff, parents, and community
members and can't wait for the new year to begin.”
Ms. Connolly most recently has been evaluating
literacy coaches for Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Literacy. Previously
she was an assistant principal at Scott Elementary School, Mannheim
District 83 in Franklin Park , where she was responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the school and staff development.
She has taught fifth and eighth grades
as well as being a reading specialist. Her credentials include a master of education
degree in administration and supervision from Loyola University and
a master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University
in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Ms. Connolly succeeds Principal Erin
Roche, who has been chosen to lead Prescott Elementary School.
Ravenswood School is a Chicago Public
School at the corner of Montrose Avenue and Paulina Street in the north
side Ravenswood neighborhood. It is an elementary school, educating
approximately 450 students in Pre-K through eighth grade. Ranked
among the top 15% of all Chicago Public Schools, Ravenswood is a model
urban school with award-winning teachers, including a Golden Apple Award
winner and an Illinois Art Educator of the Year."
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
This nightmare at Prescott continues. Local politicans are being approached because it appears that CPS is ignoring this school's plight. How embarassing! For a system that claims to want to attract families rather than having them leave to the burbs this situation makes little to no sense. Roche obviously has no leadership ability much less social skills.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Sadly, this is true. Seems they have yet to understand or acknowledge the chasm separating theory (New Leaders) and practice (real life, real teachers, real classrooms).
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
and the Board will keep funding New Leaders.
This is what our schools needs, more new leaders!
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Egad! Parent at Prescott, this just more of what was going on at Ravenswood. I have heard complaints have been filed--maybe because of what happened at our school someone at the board will actually listen this time. How many strikes does a guy get before he is out?
I am so sorry that this is now happening at your school too--it is awful. It was terrible at Ravenswood last spring, but now we have a wonderful new principal and an equally fantastic AP. The school community is strong. Finally the parents who were angry about Roche's ousting understand the reasons. Many now actually feel like we dodged a bullet.
Keep bugging them down at the Board of Ed and hopefully they'll get the message about this guy. Hang in there!
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
The students are treated the same way at Kinzie. We were never able to have the parent of a student complain but at one time one of the staff members cut a students hair without letting them call the parent first. The student said this was done without his consent.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
It's a bad thing when dedicated teachers are being tormented physically (2 are on sick leave), emotionally (consistently being talked down to), pyschologically (made believe that they are worthless)... and these are teachers.
It's a bad thing when parents are ignored, talked down to, turned away, given wrong information, yelled at, bullied, threatened for asking questions and standing up for their child's education.
It's a bad thing when students are humiliated when scolded in front of their peers, yelled at in the principal's office with the door closed, bullied with a cold enraged look, threatened to be suspended when standing up for themselves.
Is this bad enough yet!!!!!!!!
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
And how is that necessarily a bad thing?
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Roche is doing his thing again, but now at Prescott! He's getting rid of people and lowering evaluations.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
continued...the parent body that elected said LSC into office.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
To: Former parent, yes you're right, moot point, but....
from the posts above it seems that the Ravenswood LSC still has at least 4 people serving on it NOW, who were part of the LSC that 1) evaluated Roche; 2) made him go; and 3) hired a new prinicpal. Is this then the same LSC that you claim "didn't know what is was doing"? This the same LSC that was in office when supposedly there was this opportunity for Ravenswood to be another Burley?
If yes, then responsibility falls on all of you...the principal, the LSC AND the parent body that is now leaving in droves. I assume since you are a Former Parent, that would also include you.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Or, "a CPS parent," the LSC didn't know what it was doing-- in evaluating him or not renewing his contract. The consistency was from Roche in demanding quality from the students and teachers; the LSC was not consistent in its evaluation/ renewal.
The point is moot. Parents are pulling their children in droves from Ravenswood. It's so sad as the school had the opportunity to be another Burley.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
I don't know anything about what went on at Ravenswood, BUT if the Former Parent (above) is correct, and Roche did receive "meets" and "exceeds" on his evaluations, I do find it suspect that his contract was not renewed. How can a principal get such marks and then be told that he needs to go? if you haven't been honest with him throughout his tenure at a school, then you can't blame him for how he ran the school. Blame the LSC for allowing the principal to skate by on such high marks.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Correction Former Parent: The 1st and 2nd grade teachers' positions were cut, they didn't leave voluntarily. Mr. S did leave on his own though.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
My understanding ifrom an LSC member s that Roche recieved high marks in his evaluations from the LSC and the Board of Ed, but personality issues muddied the issues in the final vote (e.g., Parent Chair Dominguez wanted Roche to translate the 16 page family newsletter into Spanish, the art teacher wanted 9 "breaks" per week which was way beyond the 5 the union contract called for and the 6th grade teacher wanted to make all the hiring decisions as he used to be the "Assistant Principal" before Roche. Come on, follks!). I heard that the LSC gave him a "meets" (whatever that means) and the Board of Ed gave him an "exceeds" (whatever that means) the NIGHT before the LSC voted him out! That's crazy.
Let's face it. Ravenswood's chance is over with the remaining leadership-- Connolly, the new LSC, and whatever tatters remain of the negative, vindictive teachers. That's why I transferred my children out.
The best teachers are gone-- the kindergarten teacher-- one of the best-- has left. The 2nd grade and 1st grade teachers-- hot on his trail as awesome-- have also left (following Roche, no less). The class size supposedly is going through the roof. Who's left? Not enough.
That's why I and so many other parents have split. We're going to schools where the LSC have gone to where the LSC (!) knows good politics, leadership, and supports children learning.
Good luck, Ravenswood. Hope you aren't 2010nd...
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Touché Parent at Ravenswood
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
So Simokaitis burned the barn down. And she can see the moon! How lovely for her. And where is Simokaitis now? She's transferred her child and moved on to another barn. Watch for more smoke. She'll find reasons to blame that school, too.
(needs some work)
Jen's exonerated, happy.
Nothing happened.
Walk the dog.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
I am also very pleased to see the positive comments posted by Dennis and Kristin above. As an LSC member who did not vote to renew Roche's contract, comments like these and the hopeful spirit in and about the school at present were my greatest hope during those dark days earlier this year. Although I was one who was "being served" as one poster noted above, my knowledge of experiences of other students, parents, families and staff that were very different from mine put me in a very tough place. The failure to renew Mr. Roche's contract was not the result of a conspiracy, pressure from one group or another, or any of the other theories thrown around back then. It was simply that there were not enough members on the council who believed in his leadership enough to offer up another four years. That is all.
So after enduring nasty emails, public confrontations and the wearing of a "scarlet letter" of sorts it is incredibly gratifying to see how far we have come. I was proud to be a part of a Principal Selection Committee who went about the business of hiring a new leader in a process characterized by integrity, transparency and professionalism. It was encouraging to see people put aside their differences to work effectively toward a common goal. I am confident that we have hired an excellent individual to lead our school. We have every reason to believe that Heather Connolly will continue to raise the bar academically at Ravenswood and will work to restore a sense of community and trust amongst parents, staff and students. From the bottom of my heart I wish the best of luck to the new LSC as they work with Ms. Connolly next year to move the school forward. Despite our struggles I am optimistic there are great things ahead for our school. We have certainly earned that.
When I was stressed-out following the contract vote, my husband gave me a card with a lovely haiku from zen poet Masahide that is fitting to quote here. The haiku reads
barn's burnt down . . .
now I can see the moon.
Ravenswood School, enjoy the view!
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
See Momma's comments above.
By my read of Ravenswood Resident's post, he was cautioning not about the LSC's paper qualifications, but about those the incoming principal.
I too find it interesting how many lay people, especially those who demand experience and qualifications in other professional fields, seem to think that a Chicago school leader needs to be uncontaminated by actual experience and knowledge of Chicago schools in order to be able to help them.
While the upheaval your community underwent was not pleasant, it's uproar did in fact reveal weaknesses that those who were being served did not see as well as those who felt that not all were being served.
Fears and skepticism are dispelled when met with open minds and a willingness to share instead of to browbeat those who have doubts. Remember that these are also a measure of concern for and investment in the process.
Leadership by your example, not your admonishments, will garner the solidarity you seek, Colleen. Good luck to all; may the summer be a time of rest, renewal and rebuilding.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
See Momma's comments above.
By my read of Ravenswood Resident's post, he was cautioning not about the LSC's paper qualifications, but about those the incoming principal.
I too find it interesting how many lay people, especially those who demand experience and qualifications in other professional fields, seem to think that a Chicago school leader needs to be uncontaminated by actual experience and knowledge of Chicago schools in order to be able to help them.
While the upheaval your community underwent was not pleasant, it's uproar did in fact reveal weaknesses that those who were being served did not see as well as those who felt that not all were being served.
Fears and skepticism are dispelled when met with open minds and a willingness to share instead of to browbeat those who have doubts. Remember that these are also a measure of concern for and investment in the process.
Leadership by your example, not your admonishments, will garner the solidarity you seek, Colleen. Good luck to all; may the summer be a time of rest, renewal and rebuilding.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Thank you Kristin and Dennis for your forward looking comments.
I ordinarily do not post here, but felt the need to offer some clarification in response to Ravenswood Resident's uninformed commentary.
1. Yes there is a new LSC term beginning July 1. However, there are 4 incumbents who have been re-elected. Of the 5 current LSC members who chose to run again, only one was not re-elected.
2. The new LSC is certainly not inexperienced. It consists of a respected Pastor in the Community, a banker, a lawyer, an executive coach, an educator, an events organizer....to name a few. I think there is a well-rounded mix of skills and abilities that this new LSC brings to the table. Several have had some experience with Chicago Public Schools and are versed in their legal and fiduciary responsibilities. I am sure the others without such backgrounds will be supported as they learn the ropes.
3. Ms. Connolly is an excellent choice and has shown herself to be knowledgeable and gracious. The current LSC, teachers and several parents worked long and hard to find a principal for Ravenswood. Many smart and conscientious people devoted hours to reviewing resumes, interviewing candidates, visiting school sites and calling references. The decision was not made lightly. Please do not undermine the tremendous efforts put forth by parents, community members and teachers to move education forward at Ravenswood.
Colleen McVeigh
Ravenswood LSC Parent Representative,
incumbent
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Lame duck
–noun
1. an elected official or group of officials, as a legislator, continuing in office during the period between an election defeat and a successor's assumption of office.
It is not a "barb", just a description. Defensive, much?
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
Here, Here, Kristin!
If you are a parent--inside the boundary or out--and are thinking of sending your child to this school, you and your child will not be disappointed.
My daughter has spent a glorious year in Kindergarten this past year. The experience has left my wife and I positively thunderstruck as to how much she has learned in this traditionally primer year. She is reading and reading well.
Her class is the CPS ideal of a class and culture mix that we sought out. Everyone of classmates is her friend. And their parents are our friends.
There is an active parent body determined to always improve.
If you sign on, you and your child will be on to something exciting for both of you.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
I think we should be excited for both of them! Thank goodness we are all given opportunities in our lives to make this world and ourselves better. I hope this may be a new beginning for everyone.
Just a quick note that Ravenswood Elementary had an awesome open house the other night. The participation by current teachers, the new principal, parents and community members was amazing. We had some great families stop by that we hope are as impressed with Ravenswood as we are.
For all the negativity, the school is truly on the verge of something big. Ravenswood has a very bright future.
As far as I am concerned, it is time to move on. Ms. Connolly is the right choice to lead a great group of teachers and students to the next level. Please join this excellent coalition of educator, parents, students and community in making Ravenswood the top-notch school it is poised to be!
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
there's no requirement for objectivity and balance on this site, but fair enough -- the LSC deserves credit for forging ahead and making a timely decision.
as for the general issue, i don't know whether other "outgoing" LSCs have failed to make the decision in time -- is it common for them to leave the new hire to the next LSC?
thanks for writing in.
A New Principal For Ravenswood, A New Job For Roche
A. R.
I find your choice of words about the outgoing
Ravenswood LSC interesting.
You call them lame ducks but
actually they did better than most out going
LSC's ( new term beginning in July 08 and
no members are remaining)
They exercised their legal right to
select a principal before the new in experienced
gung-ho LSC members took their seat.
You ask others to be unbiased when leaving
comments, yet your barb was unncecessary??
for even with issues and much unnecessary
slander for NOT renewing the contract of
the Infamous Mr. Roche they did select a
new Principal. The jury is still out on that
choice for only time will tell if she has
the people skills that Mr. Roche lacked
that may have cost him the contract
at Ravenswood.
An impressive background on paper
is always a plus but if you cannot
work with every facet of stakeholder
in a community school, it is just a
matter of time before you inabilities
will play havoc with your goals and
plans for a school moving forward.
Just ask Mr. Roche or the Prescott
school in a year from now.
Just an opinion. Thanks