The high school has instituted a pilot project that will allow more students to park at the high school. Starting yesterday morning students are allowed to park in the Warrior Center parking lot. Students must have a parking pass to be allowed to park at the Warrior Center. Currently athletes of Spring sports have been allowed to get passes under the pilot program. If there are still open parking spaces available at the end of the week then parking passes for seniors will be offered on a first come first served basis. The pilot project is the result of a lot of work done by the high school administration, Dr. Harris and Mr. Lago. I want to thank Mr. Hetrick (who is in charge of the parking for the school district) for taking the initiative to make sure the pilot program got off the ground. The pilot program is designed to determine if the school can open the Warrior Center parking lot for the entire school year.
There are a few issues that the school district needs to work through before making an overall commitment to opening up more parking spaces. The first consideration is monitoring the parking lot. The school district’s own security team will monitor the parking lot before and after school. They will make sure that students park in the correct spaces (the school district reserved 15 spaces for the public near the track so they can have easy access to the track during the day), watch for any problems, and make sure the students get on the shuttle bus that takes them to the high school. Yes, the district has arranged for a shuttle to take the students from the parking lot to the school. This service is being offered to the school district by First Student at no charge to the school district. First Student is the school district’s transportation contractor. I want to thank Mark Gunkle, the supervisor for First Student, for making the arrangements for free shuttle service for our students. The second issue is how well received it is by the students. In other words, will students take advantage of the parking privilege? The answer seems to be “Yes”. I spent the first morning in the parking lot so I could watch as the students arrived. The students were great, there were no major glitches and I am happy with the result. I did note, however, that there is a lot of traffic through the parking lot in the mornings. I worry a little bit about cars traveling too fast through the parking lot as they cut through to get to the main high school driveway or to get to route 993. We are going to monitor that situation more closely. A press release can be found here.
The athletic director is in charge of district parking? That's the lamest attempt of salary justification I have ever heard. These are young adults. I think they could figure out parking in a parking lot for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think utilizing the athletic director to oversee parking is an excellent idea. It frees up teachers who need to prepare for their daily lessons. Many districts use personnel to supervise parking lots. Yes, there are some young, responsible adults in the world, but it's naive to think that nothing "shady" could transpire during this time prior to the start of school...especially with no supervision.
ReplyDeleteI agree and support in loco parentis, but that is during school hours. Give the kids the benefit of the doubt. Those who are treated with respect and like the young adults that they are, will in return take on that responsibility and role.
DeleteMy contention is not that someone else should do the parking "job" but I find it difficult to comprehend that our AD's job and responsibilities are in line with his salary, if he has this extra time to be doing such. Why not just make him part time and save the district some money?
What should the athletic director be doing before school starts and after school ends each day? If the district made the athletic director part-time, then what? It would be nice if all young adults acted responsibly, but it's closer to wishful thinking. Without adult supervision, the school district seems to leave itself open to potential lawsuits for not taking care of the minors entrusted to its care-should some horrible accident occur when minors met up in the parking lot but decided to play hookey. It is a litigious society after all. The preventive measure also saves the district money. Is this about the parking situation or about the athletic director's salary?
ReplyDeleteI would assume the AD would be acting as an AD during the times when his position requires action. It's not a typical 7-3 or 9-5 as most jobs. Very easily and feasibly could be made part time. There is just as much likelihood that students play "hookey" when they get off the bus or when they drive themselves - so the "saving of money" seems irrelevant. And this was/is about parking, but so many of the bloggers post issues/problems without solutions, or how to improve the district, and the connection to salary and saving money does exactly that - hence why the AD's salary was addressed.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that some are under the assumption that the AD is in the parking lot every morning and afternoon watching over the kids. That is not the case, the school police will be ther to monitor the parking. The AD's involvment was to organize and impliment this new program. His presence on the first day was to observe and look for possible problems. His responsibilities as being in charge of parking primarily involve handeling the parking passes for the students. With a couple hundred students dirving daily (and the majority for sports related involvement) it is no small job. He is also responsible for arranging busing for ALL extracaricular activities, not just sports. If you feel he shouldn't be doing these jobs who do you suggest should?
ReplyDeleteBeing that all student parking would be at the high school level I would assume that it could and would be a responsibility of the principal and/or the other two assistant principals. If you really want to open a can of worms, let's discuss the necessity of having 2 assistant principals? Outside of teacher observations, setting the master schedule, and defending/covering for students caught cheating - I am a bit perplexed of their necessity. So yes, I feel there are "others" who could certainly handle this responsibility.
DeleteHere we go again. Making issues out of something silly. I know of at least 2 other local school districts that handle student parking in this way. Peoeple here just want one more thing to complain about.
DeleteHa too funny about the principals! Little harsh, but funny.
ReplyDeleteAs for the most recent comment, hasn't your mother ever told you "if everyone else jumps off a bridge, would you?"
Just because "other districts do it", does not mean it right, smart, or in the best interest!
Great point. Just because PT has been accused of allowing students to cheat and plagiarize or altering grades to reflect false success, does that constitute other districts to follow suit? I would hope that an outstanding district would take the initiative to separate itself and provide excellence independent from what other districts are doing.
DeleteCouldn't agree more! Of all things, the district should be worrying about itself, and cleaning up its reputation before they try and mimic other more successful districts. Priorities!!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, again??? Why does every post come back to the alleged cheating at the high school? Wow!! I say alleged because unlike the person posting all these comments, I will wait for the courts to decide.
ReplyDeleteLike they say, it's impossible to run from the truth...
DeleteMore importantly and more to the point, your obsession with this topic is completely unhealthy--not to mention unproductive--and has NOTHING to do with student parking. As YOU have said elsewhere in other posts, "It's a shame how quickly a blog like this can be compromised..."
DeleteIf you truly follow these posts as often and frequently as your last post implies, you'll see that there are many posts (from individuals other than myself) that address and support the issues with the district, as well as proposing additional other areas of discontent. It is rather evident that "YOU" have become defensive of such posts, and if "YOU" (or the district, which it appears you are masking yourself to be) are innocent, and these allegations completely false, then I find it hard to believe you would spend so much time addressing them. It's fairly hypocritical to condemn posting of "unrelated" issues, while you spend your own time replying to them.
DeleteI hope you find some inner peace...
DeleteIt is amusing how individuals are attacked, but as soon as they respond to the attacks, they are the ones wished "inner peace". Truly laughable.
DeleteWhoa! I had nothing to do with your exchange above. I was being genuine. All ths anger from all over the place is ugly. I still do hope everyone finds some inner peace.
DeleteMaybe I missed something along the way, can someone inform me of what cheating accusations you are talking about? I have not heard of or read anything about that other than on this blog.
ReplyDeleteGladly. This is a link from the Tribune Review, but it also appeared in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Penn Trafford Star.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_698437.html
http://www.yourpenntrafford.com/forum/shame-pt
ReplyDeletehttp://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/pennsylvania/pawdce/2:2010cv01176/193168/12
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=152521534778079&v=app_2344061033.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=penn%20trafford%20bielewicz&source=web&cd=20&ved=0CGUQFjAJOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroup.php%3Fgid%3D107416282651432%26v%3Dapp_2344061033&ei=XjxyT8i-DYqv0AGWhIjkAQ&usg=AFQjCNEmwAFtKuSdc9oATJWAKX6-PW6NrQ
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=152995778063988&id=152521534778079
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/sports/s_699891.html
ReplyDeleteThese were links provided by a Google search of Penn Trafford sued. To keep it relevant, I didn't include the other links regarding the other 2 cases where PT is being sued. But you can certainly search for yourself if you want to learn more.
ReplyDeleteAll accusations made by a teacher that has since been fired. Fired after an arbitrator heard her case and decided that the district was justified in their actions. I doubt the district will be found guilty of the charges since her case fell apart.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
I have no doubt you will be responding when these charges are dropped against the district.
Show me something where the distrcit was convicted, not just accused.
When was there arbitration? Where can I find that information that you found?
DeleteI don't think she was fired? I never saw it in the paper, and she is still listed as an employee on the district website.
DeleteI agree. As stated above, this teacher was fired, so I believe this is a relative of said teacher or the teacher making all these claims. These posts are so personal that the blogger must have a personal stake in it. Anyone can sue anyone or any entity, it doesn't mean that the district did anything wrong. The district won the first round. PTSD will probably be found innocent in the second round.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most legal cases do not hold much validity, however, looking at the reference I found of the District's attempt to "dismiss" this case, was denied by a federal judge. I would assume that if the claims weren't factual, or didn't hold enough evidence, then the judge would have awarded the dismissal, but instead it was denied and the case set to resume.
Deletehttp://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/pennsylvania/pawdce/2:2010cv01176/193168/12
As for a personal stake, my children did have this teacher, and what she was able to get them to achieve academically was remarkable. They loved her and were present at the times that these "accusations" are referring to. So personally, yes I do believe and support the named teacher. What the district has done makes me incredulous. What exactly has this teacher done to you "personally" for you to attack her claims? These claims are made to defend the equal treatment of students, and the responsibility for public employees to ensure fairness and academic integrity. It's a cause that I would assume any member with this community with integrity, morals, and values would defend rather than condemn.
DeleteI have to agree to the above statement. Win or lose, Mrs. Belewitz has set a standard for what education should be and her commitment to justice is commendable. Mrs. Belewitz is an inspiration to the students of this district for showing them that you can stand up for what you believe in! Regardless, an immense personal win!
DeleteSomeone had a comment earlier about this teacher being an inspiration to the students of this district for showing that it is important to take a stand for what is right, regardless of consequences. Evidently, it was deleted, probably because it supported the teacher, which the district certainly does not want. But I too, must say this teacher was fantastic. As a parent I admired the high expectations she had for my child. It was unfortunate that my child was unable to benefit from her expertise again, due to the district's actions against her.
DeleteI was a student, and saw first hand kids getting caught cheating. They then would brag about how their parents complained to the principal and that getting caught meant nothing to them or their grade. It was really discouraging for me as a student who followed the rules and worked for the grade I got, good or bad. The claims made are 100% true.
ReplyDeleteHow is that student parking situation working out?
ReplyDeleteYet another post deleted supporting Mrs. Bielewicz. Dr. Butler, you aren't fooling anyone, or covering anything up that the people of Penn Trafford aren't already fully aware of. It's one thing to have the "anonymous" negative responses, but it speaks volumes about the district and their "innocence" when you pull stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteI have been following all of the blog posts diligently, and it is more than apparent that Mrs. Bielewicz has family members posting on her behalf. I wish she would leave the blog alone and let the issues that are pertinent to our district TODAY, be discussed in this forum.
ReplyDeleteAs for Mrs. Bielewicz, my child had her and it became very clear that she favored certain students over others, and graded accordingly. I had the opportunity to question a grade and asked for the rubric used for grading the project and she could not produce one. A rubric is the fair and clear way to grade an assignment so that there is equity for all students. Without a rubric, Mrs. Bielewicz chose to grade students based on what she FELT was appropriate. Having had the opportunity to look at several assignments and question the grading of each, it was more than apparent that Mrs. Bielewicz was using unfair practices for assessing her students.
Continue to post about Mrs. Bielewicz's unfortunate 'dismissal' all that you want, but it is a selfish use of this blog and the matter will never be resolved here.
Keep deleting!
Sounds bitter. Perhaps your child was one of those caught cheating or plagiarizing? If Mrs. Bielewicz had issues with grading, it would have been addressed by administration. If it was not, then one of two things. Either you are in fact a parent of an underperforming student, or administration failed in identifying a problem. Feel free to choose whichever of the two you want, but either way, it's not a fault of Mrs. Bielewicz. As for the accusation of family members posting on her behalf, it's rather ludicrous after reading the extent, detail, and variations of posts. Mrs. Bielewicz has no reason to defend her claims, or make the district look any worse than they already do, that's apparently already being done in federal court! I am just a member of the community who is doing exactly what Mrs. Bielewicz has done and standing up for what is RIGHT!
DeleteAnd a final note. Your encouragement of Dr. Butler to delete posts that support Mrs. Bielewicz is indicative of the "type" of individual you are. This blog is the least of your worries. I really enjoyed how 'relevant' your post was to the issues of TODAY as well!
"If Mrs. Bielewicz had issues with grading, it would have been addressed by administration."
ReplyDeleteI do believe that is exactly what administration did when they made the move to have her terminated.
Could you please provide the source where you found that to be the reason for attempted termination?
DeleteIf you are unable to post back, I'll assume that you are in fact incorrect and that there is nothing stating that to be a reason.
If you look at the mere facts of the situation, it appears to be oddly ironic and coincidental that Mrs. Bielewicz was a teacher there for 8 years (during which, apparently, never had reason for suspension/termination) but after going publicly about the district's unethical violations of PA Code of Conduct, and infringement on teacher's Academic Integrity/Freedom, it was only then that all this began. I mean let's use a little common sense here. It's obvious the district had to cover it's tracks, or eliminate further situations altogether and the easiest way was to silence Mrs. Bielewicz.
I'll wait for your reply of the link/source detailing the basis of your post above.
This issue goes far beyond a very specific incident (in this case Mrs. Bielewicz). This is about the fundamental principles of providing students with a fair and undiscriminating education. I could care less whether it was Mrs. Bielewicz, a different teacher, or another school district entirely. Forcing educators to alter grades, and to compromise academic integrity is absurd. Educators are so often scrutinized by the media and public entities for their necessity in being role models for students. Why are we teaching our students, and future students/business men and women, political officials, etc. that it is okay to cheat? That it is okay to not be held accountable for one's actions? That it's okay to disregard rules/standards/laws? That one's integrity and morals are so easily compromised to appease an unfavorable situation?
DeleteTHAT is the fundamental underlying principle of this issue, not Mrs. Bielewicz!
You will not find anything online or in the newspapers that would give this information. When dealing with any personal issue be it a teacher or student no names or accusations are ever made public. The information I heard was from a reliable source on the inside. Now I know what your response will be to that but trust me, I ain't lieing.
DeleteI wouldn't expect any truth from the very district that is being sued?! However, I would caution your posts and the references being made, as you basically just implicated the district through its employees for divulging issues/information related to personnel (and in fact if the information is inaccurate, then it seems that the district would also be held liable for slander and defamation). Just something to consider...
DeleteI heard she was offered money.
Delete