Fwd: From Ashleigh Romero

[Bernadette Gaskin]

Dear OCC and Wendy/LSRT,

I'm passing along a message from Ms. Romero, 1B teacher.

Thanks,

Bernadette Gaskin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ashleigh Crunican <mire...@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, May 17, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Subject: From Ashleigh Romero
To: John...@dcsc.gov, eduard...@hotmail.com, marg...@margaretconway.com, gar...@dcbarfoundation.org, oram...@oysterbilingualschool.org, eljcr...@yahoo.com, bernadet...@gmail.com


Dear IB Parents,
  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.  I first want to write and thank you for all the work that you do on behalf of our school.  It is my understanding that the OCC works to ensure the quality of our school and your work is greatly appreciated by the teachers and staff.  As Oyster is in a time of change I am afraid that one change that could be happening at our school may be overlooked. 
  As I write this email I must say that I do not know the "procedures"  and I am apologize if I am out of my place.  I can only speak from my experience and I am afraid that this change may not be known or being discussed.  As OCC you may have already discussed this issue and if so I apologize for taking your time. 
  As a new teacher at Oyster I am amazed of the work of Carole Whelan.  She is such a benefit to every aspect of our school.  She works extremely hard and our students have created incredible things in her classroom.  I am not sure if you are aware but Ms. Whelan stays well into the night (8-10) to prepare lessons for her students.  This past year she has had the joy and support working alongside her aide Ms. Fridley.  Ms Fridley has been a wonderful addition to our school not only assisting in the art room but with helping out at recess (Pre-k) and testing.  Oh yes and she also subbed the ONE day that Ms. Whelan was out sick.  Yes, one day!
   I have been told that Ms. Whelan will be losing Ms. Fridley due to new requirements from DCPS to hire aides.  It is so upsetting because with Ms. Fridley's assistance our students where able to advance their art projects to another level.  Is there anything that we can do to assist her.  Is it possible to raise money for her salary?  I have been told that the OCC raises money for our music teacher.  Can we do something to support Ms. Fridley? 
   This issue may have already been solved and this email may be uncessary.  It has been my experience that Ms. Whelan serves our students and staff unconditionally.  I have never heard of her requesting for herself.  Ms. Whelan does not know that I am writing this email.  I chose to do this because I was not sure if people were aware of this situation.  Feel free to contact me and I volunteering to be of any help in working to support Ms. Whelan and Ms. Fridley at this time.
Thank you so very much,
Ashleigh Romero
(202)276-6133
mire...@yahoo.com

[Bernadette Gaskin]

Thanks Wendy!

On Tue, May 20, 2008 at 9:13 AM, Wendy Jacobson <wendy.j...@verizon.net> wrote:

Hi -- this was forwarded to me earlier and I had a follow-up conversation with Ashleigh.  I told her that the LSRT has just submitted a budget to DCPS that seeks to retain (and actually add to) our current aide staffing. 

 

There have been changes in what schools are expected/allowed to have in this categroy, but since we are a special program we may be able to lobby for some flexibility.  For example, the system is now requiring kindergarten aides in every classroom.  Since we already have 2 teachers in each kinder class we may be able to convince them to reassign those positions. 

 

Hopefully we will know something in the next couple of weeks, but just want you to know the LSRT is are aware and working on it.

 

Wendy

 

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