Prinicipal distorting information to us and to media...Switch schools now?

[pawprint]

Hi there! I'm new to the community and I wanted an outside opinion about something that is happening at my school.

Basically, I am a new teacher and I have been at my school for almost a year and a half now. I was nominated for Teacher of the Year and First Year Teacher of the Year this year so I feel like I have a lot to offer because I feel like this is something I was born to do. I want to be in a place where I feel appreciated and safe.

But my school is going downhill fast. I know the grass is not always greener on the other side but things at my school have gotten very bad in the past 3-4 months. We have had one person walk in the school and whip random students with a belt and the information was kept very hush hush from the teachers...we were lied to about what happened...And just last week, shotgun shells and grafitti in the bathroom noting that our school would be like Columbine on Friday. Nothing ended up happening but the media reports from around the area have parents, SRO officers, and our Principal ALL telling contridicting stories. We have been lied to again about the exact details of this past incident as well.

I keep seeing things happen and nothing changes. It's getting to the point where I am unsure of my safety while at school.

I guess the timing is good though. A friend of mine in another district sent me a job opening at her school in another district and I sent her my resume.

What is your opinion on switching schools? How could I find out more about the new school or what questions should I be asking?

I would post the news articles and the contradictions if it were not for fear of my identity becoming known. My Principal went as far as to find all the newspapers and hide them in his office and refuse to let them be displayed in the media center.

[dangercat]

I'd say that if you really feel that something isn't right with the school you are at then you have to do what is best for you. I have heard stories in this area of a local high school where a bomb threat was called in and the parents weren't notified till hours later.

I hope that you do find the best fit for you. Good Luck!

[FrazzleDazzle]

I can't help contrasting your story, pawprint, with what happened at my school a few months ago when two notes saying things like "another columbine" and "where's the bomb?" were found in the hallways. The staff was all called and asked to come in early the next day so we could be briefed, the SWAT team was called into search all the students as they entered the building, and the students were held in the caf and gym until all the lockers had been searched. The swift action and candor of my principal went a long way to making me feel safe.

You can talk to your friend about this incident and ask what she thinks would have happened in her district, if she feels the administration is trustworthy, etc.

[Chef Dave]

A two year stint is a reasonable enough commitment for a novice teacher.

How can you find out about schools in another district?

Network:See if any of your teacher friends can tell you about this high school.

Internet: Use the internet to search for information about this high school. Before moving to Arizona, I googled the name of the high school and found a detailed community profile that listed demographic information including income, gender, age, ethnic/cultural background, a summary of police reports, average taxes, school enrollment (by grade level), and so forth. The information about the school was limited but coupled with demographic and police information, it was quite interesting.

Even though the community was relatively small, demographic information told me that this community was better educated than the state average. Unemployment and poverty levels were low. The area was heavily Republican. House values were quite reasonable. Violent crimes were almost non-existent.

The internet can give you a lot of information. I found articles from the local newspaper about my school. Before I came to Arizona for my interview, I knew that the school had won many athletic awards. The school also had an active choir and drama club and FBLA club all of which I thought to be good things.

Visit the area: It always helps to visit the community. Drive by the school. Are the grounds neat? Is the school presentable? Gang graffiti sprayed on the walls of the school would be a BAD sign. :) Drive around the surrounding community. Is the area relatively clean and well kept?

If you can submit an application before year's end, think about using a personal day to visit the school. Arrange for a visit with the building administrator and see if you can tour the school. A simple walk through should give you a good idea of the overall school climate.

[Spectre]

Change can be good....very good, in fact.

I have just notified my science supervisor for my school district that if I do not find me another school to be in next year, that I am leaving the district. That was just today. He is coming to see me, personally, on Monday, as he does not want me leaving. I am flattered AND encouraged.

An administratiion that hides information from staff is NOT a good one. You might have seen my post "utter madness" about a similar situation on this site.

Find yourself somewhere else to be. Such a school is NOT a safe place for anyone.:eek:

[pawprint]

Well, I did decide to interview with a school in another district. It is closer to my house, pays $3000 more, and most importantly, has an amazing administration. I have a friend who works there so I feel comfortable making the leap.

I found out I got the job on Wednesday during spring break.

Now I have to deliver notice to my school before Friday. The job fair is Friday. I am debating on delivering my notice tomorrow...maybe Tuesday. I'm not sure how I will do it but I think I will just meet with him and explain I am moving to a district closer to my home and leave it at that.

Any advice?

[Chef Dave]

Now I have to deliver notice to my school before Friday. The job fair is Friday. I am debating on delivering my notice tomorrow...maybe Tuesday. I'm not sure how I will do it but I think I will just meet with him and explain I am moving to a district closer to my home and leave it at that.

Any advice?

1) Write a formal letter of resignation addressed to the building administrator. Explain that although you have greatly enjoyed your experience at ------- School and that under -------'s administrative guidance, you have truly grown as a teacher, you have made the difficult decision to accept a job offer from -------- district. Your resignation will be effective at year's end on -------- .

2) Arrange a meeting with your building administrator. Hand deliver the resignation. Be candid with him. Explain that although you have greatly enjoyed your experience at his school, the new job is closer to home and offers more money.

As long as you avoid burning any bridges in your letter of resignation and give sufficient notice so that your district can recruit a replacement at the up-coming job fair, I don't think you should have a problem ...

Best wishes and congratulations on the new job!

Chef Dave

[pawprint]

I did it! I went in to speak with my principal this morning but he was busy so I decided to practice on my assistant principal since she is a reference as well. I was so glad I talked to her first. It was easier and helped soothe my nerves. I sat down with my principal today during lunch and told him of my plans also. He did try to talk me out of it but I just kept with "this is what's best for me and I will help you in any way I can to get the new person acclimated."

Funny thing is I found out today I was awarded a $1500 grant to use on the classroom. I will buy some nice things for the new teacher who will be in there because the school I am transferring to has basically all new stuff.