media coverage

[dst...@optonline.net]

I have been working on getting the word out today with the print
media. The Tri town news is going to print the article as a guest
column. I contacted a few old contacts at other publications. I
again contacted news 12. So far no response.

Heard from Jen Carney. Community school and Goddard were not invited
to the meetings.
Minor oversight.

[Lou Melograna]

I also called New Jersey 12 news. I emailed Fox5 News. I also called the
State Dept for Special Ed and spoke to someone there. She told me that if
we file these offical complaints then they will investigate and it will get
done. I have more detail but we need to flood them with letters. We can
have everyone sign a copy and get them out. THEY WILL WORK FOR US!

Please do this as soon as possible.

http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/complaint/form.doc

[PLCAR...@aol.com]

You MUST fill out the form appropriately.  I sent Danielle the codes that you should put into the letter.  You can also do it as a group.  I also spoke with my contacts at the state, one of them is a actual investigator, and she told me that things have to be handled appropriately.  I know you are all in a rage, but if you take the time to listen to what I am telling you, you will get the job done.  I have filed my share of complaint investigations and I will be honest, they do not always go your way, but since it is obvious with this issue, I am sure they will.  Don't expect them to ask for her to resign.  I have already found out what they will tell the district they need to do:

1.   The district must provide a written letter to the parents of the students affected informing them of the change in service. (I FEEL that the meeting letter does not apply since it was sent home in backpacks, it should be mailed to the parents)

2.    They must keep a log of missed services for each student.

3.    Upon the hiring of an OT, parents should be given another letter stating the student is now receiving OT and attach the log of missed sessions informing the parents that these are the services they are entitled to and the action plan on how this will happen.

 

If we keep calling the supervisors and director, they will not have time to follow up on hiring the OT's that we need.  I am TOTALLY on your side, but if you want copies of the logs of sessions missed, call the case manager.  If they deny you, add it to your complaint.  I had one proactive parent yesterday surfing the net looking for OT agencies, etc.  I am also afraid that if you keep this in the media, than we really will not have a chance to get good, qualified OT's into our district.  Like I said, I know that you are all angry...so am I.  I have fought this fight before.  Please think before you react.  What I would like to do is start a parent response group that meets with administration on a regular basis to discuss the plan of action and coordinate parent meetings to update them.  We need to be proactive!  I happen to know that the district has been ordered to do a self assessment. 

 

The special education advisory council is working on what I call a "back door survey."  We are calling parents for their opinions on certain things and some questions that the state mandates.  This survey is optional and confidential.  We are compiling the information to present in the self assessment.  The district will have to do their own, but they do not know that we are doing ours.  If you want to be part of the survey, please forward your e-mail to jacksonpar...@yahoo.com  Right now, we are only calling those parents that have attended a Parent to Parent workshop and signed in with their information or have filled out our forms.  This is how we can work together. 

[lmel...@optonline.net]

That's another "oversight" and although minor to them, it stinks of
"keeping secrets". Very sad days we are living indeed!

Lou


On Feb 3, 12:31 am, Danielle Sibarium-Tsapp <dsts...@optonline.net>
wrote:
> Hi Patti,
>
> Thank you for providing us with the form and appropriate codes.  It will be
> incredibly helpful to all of the parents.  We are planning to hand out the
> forms during the Wednesday, February 6th,  7:00PM meeting at the Jackson
> Elks.  We are going to ask those in attendance to complete and sign each
> form while attending the meeting.  Additionally, as more and more contact
> information with emails is gathered the form will be circulated to include
> those who are not able to attend on Wednesday.  The form and the codes with
> explanation will also be downloadable on thewww.jacksonpin.comwebsite.
>
>  You are a wonderful resource with a wealth of experience and knowledge in
> this arena.  I truly hope you will be able to attend the meeting so you can
> promote and inform people about parent2parent, SEAC, and yourself
> personally; not everyone is fully aware of the significance of each.  I
> think many people would benefit from knowing what you do, who you are, and
> that you are an advocate willing to attend meetings, such as IEP's and many
> others.
>
> As for being an "angry mob", that was what Dr. Pollock's meetings were for.
> Let the administration hear the anger and pain the children and parents are
> in.  Quite frankly, aside from Sharon and two other gentlemen, many of the
> administrators and/or board members really didn't look like they cared all
> that much.  Not a big surprise or this would have never come to such a
> critical state.  I don't think any of us expects the State to order that Dr.
> Pollock to be fired.  But we are hoping for a thorough investigation under a
> very powerful microscope.  As far as Dr. Pollock's job, that's where the
> calm, cool, collected "angry mob" comes in.
>
> Since the first meeting on Tuesday night, we have made a small amount of
> progress.  Two speech therapists were brought on board.  I hear this made
> Miss Margie very happy and it is important to keep our current staff
> satisfied.  Collectively we have been proactive.  We have passed along
> suggestions Dr. Pollock and Jen Carney didn't consider previously, and are
> now aggressively pursuing.  However, in a situation like this, it is
> unacceptable to make one phone call in a day, in service day or not.  I
> agree we should absolutely not be calling Dr. Pollock, Lisa or Jen in
> reference to the OT logs.  They have enough on their plate trying to fill
> the empty holes.  I think the teachers would be a better resource than case
> managers.  I've heard when contacted, Cheryl Kobran had no answers and
> instead had Dr. Pollock call the parents back.
>
> While I understand and appreciate your concern about the media I think it
> can work to our advantage. Unfortunately the word is out about the situation
> in Jackson.  Aside from our OT's, current and former, talking to their
> friends and/or colleagues, you have a slew of other channels the message has
> traveled through.  Early Intervention providers are involved and aware of
> what is happening; it is part of the job.  Our administrators have and are
> contacting other districts, agencies and facilities.  This sends an even
> stronger message.  Parents collaborate with the therapists in private
> facilities they are already taking their children to.  Not to mention the
> schools, districts, agencies and/or facilities our therapists interviewed
> with and are currently work for.  The word is already out!  
>
> The ones who don't know are the parents. The district has not proactively
> advised them.  Unfortunately there are still many parents unaware their
> child is not receiving services or how critical the situation is.  We have
> no other way to reach out to them.  As of last week the case managers were
> still trying to pull children in from out of district.  How unfair to
> mislead these parents and pretend their children will receive necessary
> services knowing they won't.  It just seems like more of the same.  
>
> One more thing, children are aging out of Early Intervention and entering
> our preschools, which means more children to service and a longer wait for
> the older children who are already being neglected.  I believe the parents
> have a right to know what is going on, inform themselves and find out what
> their options are.  We are not talking about an administrative group who has
> done right by our children thus far.  Why would they selflessly suggest
> parents continue with their OT through Early Intervention and the district
> pay until we have the proper accommodations?  They didn't do it when the two
> preschool classes were opened late in the year at Johnson.  
>
> Our thought process is, once there is media attention and changes are made
> OT's will want to come to our district.  They will know the situation and
> working conditions are going to be monitored and improved from the current
> state. They will be made aware that Jackson is now offering the option to
> come on as salaried employees with benefits.  There are other parents
> contacting the media. This isn't an original idea, it would be better to get
> a singular message across instead of many individual messages.
>
> As for the parent response group you mentioned, that is exactly what we are.
> I truly hope you do not feel slighted or excluded.  When I said we want to
> work in conjunction with you I meant it. This isn't about a personal agenda,
> it's about what is right for our children, who I know you love and fight for
> everyday.  We're just a group that sees a different approach to resolve this
> crisis.
>
>   _____  

> forward your e-mail to jacksonparent2par...@yahoo.com  Right now, we are

> only calling those parents that have attended a Parent to Parent workshop
> and signed in with their information or have filled out our forms.  This is
> how we can work together.
>
> In a message dated 2/1/2008 9:19:40 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>

> lmelo...@optonline.net writes:
>
> I also called New Jersey 12 news. I emailed Fox5 News. I also called the
> State Dept for Special Ed and spoke to someone there.  She told me that if
> we file these offical complaints then they will investigate and it will get
> done.  I have more detail but we need to flood them with letters.  We can
> have everyone sign a copy and get them out. THEY WILL WORK FOR US!
>
> Please do this as soon as possible.
>
> http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/complaint/form.doc
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <dsts...@optonline.net>
> To: "JacksonSDParents" <jacksons...@googlegroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 7:00 PM
> Subject: [JacksonSDParents] media coverage
>
> > I have been working on getting the word out today with the print
> > media.  The Tri town news is going to print the article as a guest
> > column.  I contacted a few old contacts at other publications.  I
> > again contacted news 12.  So far no response.
>
> > Heard from Jen Carney.  Community school and Goddard were not invited
> > to the meetings.
> > Minor oversight.
>

>   _____  
>
> Who's never won? Biggest
> <http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0...
> 0002548>  Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Laurie Melograna]

Thank you for your sincere reply to my e-mail. I am on your side, and my e-mail reiterated everything that you said. I am not in defense of the administration; I expect the responsible parties to be held accountable, and I applaud you and the others who have been in a condition to mobilize so quickly on this situation-- just as I have told you on the phone countless times.

 

All my concern is is that WHEN the media coverage is made, that the parents use it for positive purposes and not as an outlet to continue airing the same grievances. Fox News is KNOWN to be slanted journalism; News 12 NJ may be a little more objective in their reporting. If the radio station 101.5 gets hold of it, they will spin it out of control, and I am sure that is not what our goal is. Get the word out-- yes, absolutely-- but not at the expense of the entire town. I am only asking for all parties to consider carefully which outlets are used to "spread the word."

 

Likewise, you completely misunderstood my point when I said that we need to work together on solving this issue with the Board and Administration. We ARE the power, and we SHOULD be the force--in no way am I suggesting we can trust them to do their job and not keep a watchful eye on what they are doing to remedy the situation. I said just the opposite-- we need to mobilize to let them know that we are NOT going to sit back and watch as they do as they please. We will be behind them every step to ensure that they fulfill their promises to our kids. Again, I focus on parents as a proactive catalyst for positive change. If that is the decision of the group of you in charge of the parent networks, again, I applaud you.

 

And for the record... if I wasn't due to give birth in less than a week, I would be beside you at all of these meetings. PLease understand, as I am sure that the women do, that mobility is not the easiest for me at this stage of the game. However, I want to be kept informed, which is why I am writing to express my concerns to have my voice heard, too. Please do not misinterpret my opinions to mean that I am saying "all press is bad press" or "sweep it under the rug." That is the farthest thing from the truth. Again, I just think we need to respond appropriately to give them the impression that we are not 'witch hunters' and we do want to give them the chance to make their coreections.... but we will be there at the Board of Ed meetings and keep the word out through our parent networks that they MUST be accountable for thier actions-- both past and future.

 

That's all I was trying to say.

 

Again, thank you to Patti, Danielle, Lou, and the others who have had the chance to talk on the phone, meet up in person, and organize a unified base for the parents to join in this fight. We will get the word out to the others, and, I am confident, get the changes that need to be made, made. 

 

Laurie 

On Feb 4, 2008 5:01 AM, Lou Melograna <lmel...@optonline.net> wrote:

Laurie,

 Your points are heard and it's nice to see you are concerned.  We all need
to be involved and get this wagon rolling!  I do think I personally need to
clarify a few things to you and maybe to others who have the same thoughts.
Many of these things will be addressed at Wednesday's meeting.  Being that
you and I are Amanda's mother and father and have known each other for about
12 years now, let me address your concerns.  Hopefully you will listen
objectively as I am sure some of these items can be taken personally.
However, they are not intended to be such an attack:

First:  NO ONE IS LOOKING FOR BAD PUBLICITY. We are all aware of the effects
of negative publicity. No one here is an irrational child throwing temper
tantrums! We are CONCERNED PARENTS! That is why we have spent countless
hours trying to remedy a situation which should not even be to this point!!!
The media is to be used to get the information out to the public, especially
the affected children's families.  Everyone is in an uproar because the
handling of the situation was terrible and they are now scrambling to solve
this problem that has been out there for more than 9 months at the 11th
hour. I believe we can all agree to that. No one here is a professional
activist. There is no witch hunt.  We are simply concerned parents for every
child in that school system.  It goes way beyond just our own child.  Of
those few parents who are aware of the situation (again, the school never
did a good job notifying anyone - you said it yourself), these parents are
emotional and concerned. Of course as angry, upset and concerned parents we
are going to throw ideas out and make suggestions whether they are the right
choice at the time or not.  Some call it emotional response, others
brainstorming, and some people will probably tag it so that it seem like
nothing more than a group of villagers with pitchforks and torches. However,
that is why we are having organized, rational, sensible meetings!  We can
clarify the situation and reach a common platform to propose to the
district.  However, everyone needs to know about this and we need to pick
and choose our strategy wisely.  That is the only way to be heard when the
existing system put into place to protect your child or children has hurt
them.  We are all here to help!! That is what we are doing.  I will again
*REALLY* suggest you attend the meeting this Wednesday night.  The media is
to be used for coverage. We have been communicating by phone, email,
websites and in face to face encounter and all agree that there should be
media from there from the start to:

1. Get the word out to parents that this *IS* an urgent situation.  Didn't
you personally tell me that you could not believe how bad the situation was
at Thursday night's meeting after you spoke to our daughter's principal only
hours earlier? You were not even going to attend the meeting Thursday night
because he told you everything was under way and ok. You are an informed
person in the education system nearby and typically a voice that speaks out
when it affects you directly.  Based on what you have learned, imagine how
other parents who know less about this than you do will react. I am sure
they think everything is "ok" too as you were told and you and I discussed
otherwise.  That is why I urged you to the meeting which you attended. It
may be ok for Amanda, but what about the other 337 kids?   Parents need to
know!
2. We suggested and have contacted the same newspaper and reporter to be
there throughout the process. We want them to show good things are coming
and that the bad stuff will be gone.  Changes are being made!

3. The media can help us document the rights and what the parents are doing
to help make Jackson less of a tyrannical district, have better working
conditions that are less hostile, and offer better packages.  The newspaper
is meant to be a device to communicate to everyone. Not everyone has a
computer or attends meetings. And not everyone even reads the newspaper, but
plenty do and will spread the word. That's what we are counting on!  Let's
be realistic: It's NOT the one newspaper article in the Local Section of the
Ocean County ONLY paper you saw that has OT's running.  One parent told me
on the phone today that OTs in a district a few towns away have spoken how
they would not work in Jackson for any amount of pay.  Based on the
newspaper article (you can read it again on this discussion group), do you
think it really gave that impression?? I doubt it. It was hardly negative at
all. As a matter of fact it might have seem more "pro-Administration" than
anything else. Information like that is passed from OT to OT, and word of
mouth from the people who were subjected to the problem.

4. Have a follow-up story that shows that Jackson is a MUCH BETTER place to
be.

This is our plan and no one has argued this. I am concerned that people
(such as you and I have discussed more than once) consider this a witch
hunt. There's nothing farther from the truth! We want the situation remedied
ASAP and never to happen again.  When your child's future is at stake and
someone invokes harm into it, you react....sometimes passively and sometimes
aggressively. Either way, we need the information passed out to parents.
Since the school's have either denied or not responded to pass out
information from the Parent Information Network, you have to find other
avenues.  We all have jobs and need to put food on the table. We can't be
handing out flyers all day.  So what do you do? You look for other avenues
to help.  In this case the situation is so bad that not even the President
of the teacher's union was aware of it fully until Thursday night!  You
already know all of this as we discussed on several occasions. This is not
news to you.  Again, everyone please attend the meeting and be heard.

Second:  We are using this situation to our children's benefit! We are
reaching out to the state and media, parents, teachers, therapists,
administration, legal consultation, other organized groups and such to make
the necessary, POSITIVE changes. How do you think that the email from
Allison Erwin got started? It wasn't done because parents asked for it
politely. They demanded it!  Parents at Tuesday night's meeting caused such
a fuss that someone listened!! You can write all of the letters you want,
make all of the polite phone calls you need, but you must collectively
organize to show that you are a group that will not stand for these
conditions anymore. In this situation and in the 11th hour, you cannot wait.
Every day that passes of missed OT is another day that they have to fight
even harder for their rightful place in this world to have a "normal" life.
Of course we have to work with the Administration and school system. That's
obvious. However, we cannot do it on "their terms" any longer.  They already
blew this one.  It's time now for them to understand they as a group need to
be better prepared and work collectively and not bully others around.  Not
everyone in that group is a bully, but as a representative to that
department, you are grouped in with them.  Do you forget so quickly that you
live in a country that was founded on speaking out against people who would
otherwise have held them back?  People have died for our freedom and rights.
They fought and died for the people who supported them, those that didn't
and those that may not have even taken an interest in the situation.  Are
the families of these children and the children themselves not entitled to
caring parents to organize and speak out and assume all means to get this
situation remedied?  We will work with an administration that is willing to
make a difference. Right now they have lied, deceived, and have conducted
ILLEGAL activities. Credibility is lost.  Do you think they are a credible
as a group at this point?  Who will trust them?  Because Dr. Pollock says
she is at fault and accountable does not fix anything. At this point it
seems to be a means to quell what may best be known as a "parental
thunderstorm".  A weekly email is a start but NOT a solution.   We recognize
that.  Now we as parents need to spend our own personal time and money to
make sure they do their jobs.  Many people I understand knew what was
happening but unfortunately the avenues taken were not enough.  As a parent
who's daughter is involved in the situation, I will not wait any longer.
They need to show us in more than a weekly email dispersed to a fraction of
the affected parents what is being done.  How do we do that efficiently and
productively? How about you form a voluntary group of parents that will send
the information to all parents and keep them up to speed? Of course! Why?
Because their own children are involved.  That makes it credible and
constructive!!These parents will not hide these poorly handled situations.
Everyone is entitled to their own form of protest.  That is why we ask
everyone to "Please attend the meeting."

Here's some information you might consider: Do you know that the school has
still NOT reached out in a better manner to every parent that has a child in
school that requires OT?  I personally spoke to Allison Erwin last Thursday
and they believe this was the right means to do it. She has admitted that it
was not received as expected.  So why not do it again but do it right this
time?? I suggested they call every parent to inform them.  I bet not one has
been called since my call to her last Thursday.  They sent an email to less
than half the parents out of 338 students. And those emails were sent only
to those parents that attended the meeting AND signed the email form.  Not
everyone has a computer!  People seem to forget that in this day and age
that not everyone uses a computer or even has one. Only a small section of
this OT population attended the meeting because of the poor quality of
information and the even poorer delivery mechanism. You yourself said the
letter they distributed was vague and useless. When I asked you for it the
other day you told me you threw it away like most parents did. It was poor
communication on their behalf. We know this and have accepted this. Again
everyone, "Please attend the meeting!"

Third:  It is easy to cause a negative impact on the district. No one wants
that!!! This has been said over and over but apparently some choose to keep
bringing it up as if it was never discussed.  You and I discussed this many
times over the phone.  We want our schools to be a positive foundation for
learning and culture. But when it is poisoned by the very people sworn to
protect it, people have every right to be concerned and react!!   The need
to put a constructive headline into any story the media has written is a
given. However, to put a positive spin on a terrible situation in order to
cover up the existing mess is a lie and deceiving to those that may choose
to work there and an insult to every honest person out there  Exposure is a
very strong means to get the corrupt to the forefront and not allow them to
hide. Why do you think they have reporters whose specific job is to track
down those that think they are "above the law"? An organized, productive,
non-witch-hunting group is what we have formed.  Again, we ask everyone to
"Please attend the meeting" and learn for yourself instead of making
assumptions on 15 emails you may have seen in the last 4 days.

Fourth:  This goes way beyond your and my own daughter. This is a global
problem we are addressing. You attended one meeting under advisement from
me. You have spoken to one principal in the matter.   Your points are heard,
but you are bringing up what are old issues to the rest of us who have
actively been involved in the last few days spending countless hours trying
to mobilize into a productive collective. You are responding to emails on
Sunday that were written on a Friday. 2 days have led to many, many ideas
and many actions are in place to better the situation and help make Jackson
a more comfortable, non-hostile, desirable place to work.  We all know what
the situation is now. The way we better it is up to us.  I will say again,
"Everyone please attend the meeting. "

Date: 2/6/08
Time: 7pm
Location:  Jackson Elks Lodge, 1059 E Veterans Hwy, Jackson, NJ
08527,  (732) 363-4101
Contact: Lou Melograna (848) 459-4171

PLEASE ATTEND!!!!!!! WE NEED YOU!! YOU CAN MAKE A
DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


SPEAK UP FOR THE CHILDREN THAT CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!





----- Original Message -----
From: "Amanda'sMom" <lauri...@gmail.com>
To: "JacksonSDParents" <jacksons...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 12:59 AM
Subject: [JacksonSDParents] Re: media coverage



Although I understand Danielle's arguments, I have to agree with
Patti-- negative publicity alone is only going to have a negative
impact on our community, the school's reputation, and the school
environment. We, parents, have an opportunity to use this situation to
our benefit-- and especially to the benefit of our children. From what
I heard at the meeting last Thursday night, the administration has
recognized their error. Dr. Pollock shouldered the brunt of the
responsibility for her choices and poor decisions. Should they ever
have been made? No. But to yell, finger point, and call names of the
administrators is not going to solve the problem. What will is
rationally, calmly, and proactively working together with the Board of
Ed and Administration to ensure that they live up to their promises
for change. Allison sent out a letter to those members who have signed
up for the various parent networks that outlines precisely the steps
that the district is taking to remedy the problem. It is certainly
easy enough for us to confirm with the places listed whether or not
contacts have been made and put a 'checks and balances' system in
place, which is what I heard was wanted by many of the parents. I,
myself, called a friend whose wife is an OT at Jersey Shore Hospital
to ask her to spread the word that we are in need of OT's. As Patti
said, we should work proactively with the district to better the
programs and improve the Special Education department in our district.

The reality is that... as an educator, myself... I know that if a
school district's reputation becomes one of "the administration screws
the kids" or "the Superintendent hires incompetant supervisors", then
there will not be much of a pull to attract them in-- not just OT's,
but teachers or anyone else who is looking for jobs in education. OT's
are in high demand, and the reality is that many may prefer not to be
under a teacher's contract-- especially Jackson's, which I understand
is not very competitive with surrounding school districts (which is an
entirely different issue).  I always use the motto-- 'Think of the
Headlines." We can contact news agencies with our anger and
frustration and paint Jackson as an inept and corrupt school district,
which then will not only keep future educators away but future
residents, as well... OR we can create a positive spin on things:
"Parents Mobilize to Work with Administrators and the Board of
Education to Enhance the Special Needs Population of its Students." I
came from Howell Twp, whose district worked hard over the past 5-8
years to build up their Special Services Department. They made it a
priority because parents demanded that it become one. Now people move
to Howell just for the Special Needs services. I think our goal as
parents-- as well as residents-- should be to work towards a similar
goal, shouldn't we? If the parents aren't careful about the message
that is being sent out-- or how it can be interpreted-- we will be
hurting ourselves and not necessarily doing what's best for our
children. It is great that our passion and anger over the actions of
the district brought us to this place, but now we need to turn it
around, drop the grudge, and get to work on helping to fix the
problem.

Again, I have been a teacher for 16 years. I try to be objective and
look at all sides of a situation rationally and not let my emotions
get the best of me. There is no doubt that the fact that Jackson has
not passed its school budget in the past several years has somehow
affected all programs-- including that in Special Education. Hence,
Dr. Pollock's disregard for the laws and Title I requirements under
IDEA is likely not due to a desire to be malicious against our
children, but it was incidental to a greater problem. I am not
excusing her choices at all-- my daughter is also affected by the
therapy situation, albeit, not as severely as many others. I DO expect
her to be held accountable. But the most important thing that we
should be focusing on is getting word to the parents about the
situation to mobilize together to be a catalyst for POSITIVE CHANGE--
in the program as well as in the school system as a whole. This is an
issue that affects all kids-- preschool up to high school. We will end
up kicking ourselves if we take this too far to the media with a
negative spin. We DON'T need media outlets like Fox 5 (or God forbid,
NJ101.5) to bring attention to this further; they will spin the story
and tarnish the Jackson reputation beyond repair. We parents need to
band together, go to the Board of Education meetings, and mobilize as
a unit to demand that our children's needs will be met-- be our own
voice to the problem and solution.

I left Thursday night's meeting believing that the administration is
aware of their big problem, and they know that we are not going to go
away. I only hope that we can come together in a united way from a
position of support and unity to address the issues, ensure
accountability in the future, and improve what was a faulty Special
Needs system. I vote for a positive headline-- not a negative gripe
session. We know what has to be done-- so do they. Let's work together
to make it happen as a team instead of as enemies.

What do you say?

> forward your e-mail to jacksonparent2par...@yahoo.com Right now, we are

> only calling those parents that have attended a Parent to Parent workshop
> and signed in with their information or have filled out our forms. This is
> how we can work together.
>
> In a message dated 2/1/2008 9:19:40 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>

> lmelo...@optonline.net writes:
>
> I also called New Jersey 12 news. I emailed Fox5 News. I also called the
> State Dept for Special Ed and spoke to someone there. She told me that if
> we file these offical complaints then they will investigate and it will
> get
> done. I have more detail but we need to flood them with letters. We can
> have everyone sign a copy and get them out. THEY WILL WORK FOR US!
>
> Please do this as soon as possible.
>
> http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/complaint/form.doc
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <dsts...@optonline.net>
> To: "JacksonSDParents" <jacksons...@googlegroups.com>
> Sent: Friday, February 01, 2008 7:00 PM
> Subject: [JacksonSDParents] media coverage
>
> > I have been working on getting the word out today with the print
> > media. The Tri town news is going to print the article as a guest
> > column. I contacted a few old contacts at other publications. I
> > again contacted news 12. So far no response.
>
> > Heard from Jen Carney. Community school and Goddard were not invited
> > to the meetings.
> > Minor oversight.
>

[lmel...@optonline.net]

I reposted this for privacy concerns. The original pst was from last
week. The poster was good enough to make the necessary changes
voluntarily as they also want this to be a positive experience and
want us all to protect each other as well as work for each
other...Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen!!. :^) -
LOU

this made ********************************* very happy and it is

On Feb 4, 8:46 am, "Laurie Melograna" <laurie1...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you for your sincere reply to my e-mail. *I am on your side*, and my

> e-mail reiterated everything that you said. I am not in defense of the
> administration; I expect the responsible parties to be held accountable, and
> I applaud you and the others who have been in a condition to mobilize so
> quickly on this situation-- just as I have told you on the phone countless
> times.
>
> All my concern is is that WHEN the media coverage is made, that the parents
> use it for positive purposes and not as an outlet to continue airing the
> same grievances. Fox News is KNOWN to be slanted journalism; News 12 NJ may
> be a little more objective in their reporting. If the radio station

> 101.5gets hold of it, they will spin it out of control, and I am sure
> that is not
> what our goal is. Get the word out-- yes, *absolutely*-- but not at the

> ...
>
> read more >>- Hide quoted text -

[lmel...@optonline.net]

Reposted from AMANDASMOM: