A Champion for Children

On Thursday May 12, 2011 Wendy Ahlman was kicked off the Freedom Academy school board.  Wendy has been a fearless advocate and champion for the rights and dignity of children.  She endured a litany of lies, slander, and libel.  She endured public humiliation defaming her character with a sign posted at the entrance of Freedom Academy bearing her name as her children walked through the doorway.  Posted like a “Wanted” sign visible to everyone that crossed the threshold--maligning her in front of family, peers, friends, parents, and business associates.  The sign called her several unflattering names which we shall not repeat, but here are photos of the posting with defaming words blurred out.

Wendy fought the good fight. She deflected a barrage of false charges, asserting her innocence in each and every instance.  But calumny won out.  Indeed, the die was cast long ago by her detractors.  Yet she continues to believe in the predominate goodness of a majority of teachers, the selfless sacrifice of parents, and mostly the boundless potential of children if given the right environment to flourish.  

Wendy ran on the following platform ( excerpt: www.wendyahlman.blogspot.com )  

"Obviously, a good education is key to every child’s confidence, success, and happiness. Moreover, the best education employs a holistic approach which nourishes mind, body, and spirit. Beyond academics, it must instill social integration, emotional nurturing, self-esteem and personal enterprise. The key is to develop an environment where these qualities can flourish. Herein we come to an educational concept called, the Least Restrictive Environment. This does not suggest a lack of rules or structure, just the opposite. It creates a consistent, comfortable zone free from aggression, apprehension and pecking orders. Nevertheless, too much rigidity swings the pendulum the another way. Students begin to fear the institution, regulations, and enforcers. When children are nervous they do not absorb new information well. My goal as a board member would be to bring balance to the school and provide an environment centered on education rather than institution. For example, there are many positive aspects that uniforms bring to a school. They eliminate many distractions, labels, and social schisms. Taking it too far, however, can create the opposite effect. Diversity is beautiful. Indeed, forced conformity never engenders social cohesion. Hence, relaxing dress codes to common sense levels will not erode academic excellence. Neither would having two free dress days a month unravel self-discipline or moral fiber. We must recognize that it is important for children to feel a sense of uniqueness to develop self-respect as well as tolerance for others."   

And so it is, that Wendy was removed from the board by the same people that fashion policies which govern your children, shape their minds, and instill their social identity.  Are we to believe that the oligarchy at Freedom Academy respects your child’s special gifts, needs, individuality, and spirit?  Yet they removed a board member for her “personal style”--I kid you not, that is a quote.  No charges of impropriety were proven.  Two prolonged meetings filled with defamatory accusations and they hang their hat on “personal style”?.  

Indeed, the official statement of her ousting regurgitates the same inane language posted on the door.  This essentially proves their bias and modus operandi, “So let it be written, so let it be done.”  Crush decent.  Squelch new ideas.  Punish individuality.  Destroy all who threaten the incumbent powers and policy.  Again, not a single new relevant fact was produced by this witch hunt.  Therefore, what else could they say except that they did not like her “personal style” (or the fact that she has some, in my opinion).  

Wendy was allowed to serve only 6 months of her 2 year term.  She remained true to her principles and promise.  From the time that she took office parents, teachers, and even board members flooded her email and telephone with their concerns.  Wendy had no idea that things had gotten so bad.  

Some might say that she is the first martyr of the movement, but that would be inaccurate.  Instead, place in your mind on those that inspired Wendy.  Imagine children crying themselves to sleep.  Imagine children having a meltdown before school because they can’t find their belt.  Imagine knots tightening in their tiny stomachs as they walk from class to class worried that their pant legs might be pulled up to reveal that their only pair of clean socks were too short.  Imagine the sensation of heat rushing to a child’s cheeks as their faces blush, being asked to stand up in class, in front of their peers, to be singled out as violators.  Imagine a kindergartner taking scissors to their own hair, a student taking a black sharpie to their tennis shoes, or a child removing articles of underclothing in the school bathroom due to fear of the uniform police.  Let these images sear into your mind, feel the empathic aching within your heart, and listen to your conscience chime.  That voice, that clear unmistakable whisper that pierces to the core--echoing, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”  Then you too will know what you must do.  Without regard for personal gain.  Without regard for reputation.  Without regard for consequential discomfort, persecution, or the treachery of others whether they be friends or foes.  

Wendy has been a shining example of unwavering compassion to our children.  I couldn’t be more proud.  

by: The Lesser Half 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr8DIg3oHFI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5L3k4xoJWY&playnext=1&list=PL220AD67A198F32C0

http://www.youtube.com/movieclipsFILMH#p/c/F2C41AC95784BD02/2/YGpV3eTWNfs

Civil Liberties

When the founding fathers framed the constitution of the United States, they realized that democracies were equivalent to mob rule.  So instead they chose to craft a republic, and a constitution which would protect the inalienable rights of all individuals.  

Hence, in our system of government the will of a majority cannot trump civil liberties.  Among the many rights afforded us are freedom of expression, freedom from government imposed religion, freedom from government discrimination against any class of people, etc.  

A charter school is not a private school--it is a public school because it accepts funds derived from taxpayers.  As such, it cannot violated civil liberties.  Herein we come to the legal dilemma facing many charter school’s uniform policies.  Uniform policies cannot thwart freedom of expression, they cannot violated the separation of church and state, they cannot discriminated against the the poor, or any class of people.  

Herein, the brightest legal minds on civil liberties suggest that all public schools (including charter schools) should adopt an “opt out” policy wherein parents can choose to excuse their children from participating in mandatory uniforms.  By doing so schools will protect themselves against civil rights litigations.  

For example, students cannot be hindered from wearing clothing which express belief, or political opinion.  Moreover, many religions observe their own dress codes.  For example, Sikhs do not cut their hair, devout Jews wear yarmulke, Muslims women wear hijab, etc.  Furthermore, children cannot be discriminated against for not having the financial means to afford required uniforms.  (see links below.)

Freedom of Expression in Dress Does Not End at Schoolhouse Gate: Tinker v. Des Moines -- landmark case before the Supreme Court.

http://www.aclu.org/free-speech/all-dressed-and-nowhere-go-students-and-their-parents-fight-school-uniform-policies

Charter Schools are Public Schools Bound by Constitutional Principles Protecting Civil Liberties:  

http://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/aclu-michigan-challenges-charter-school-church-state-violations

Students are not Required Unfair Burden to Prove Religious Beliefs In Order to “Opt Out” of School Uniforms: 

http://www.aclu.org/religion-belief/aclu-and-18-texas-families-sue-stop-prove-your-religion-school-uniform-policy

Responsibility to offer Financial Assistance when Requiring School Uniforms:  

http://www.aclu.org/human-rights/aclu-expresses-concern-over-cleveland-schools-plan-end-assistance-families-who-cannot-a

ACLU's Point of View on School Uniforms:  For a Public School Uniform Policy to be Legal, it Needs an “Opt Out" Provision.

http://www.gate.net/~rwms/UniformLinksLitigation.html

The “Opt Out” provision does not destroy the rights of those that want to participate in wearing uniforms.  Moreover, schools relieve themselves of the problematic duties of enforcing uniform policy, and place it squarely on the shoulders of parents where it belongs.  

Schools that have adopted the “opt out” provision continue to receive the benefit of uniforms, and almost all of their students continue to wear their uniforms voluntarily under parental control.  

If Freedom Academy would adopt a thoughtful “opt out” provision, parents, student’s, teachers and administration would be far happier and many of the problems plaguing the school would disappear overnight.  Otherwise they open themselves up to possible litigation and run the risk of fostering further discontent.  

by: Confuse She Us Said  

The Suggestion Box

Nepotism at the Expense of Exceptionalism?

As I left Freedom the other day my children noticed a very fancy car in the parking lot, the kind that makes you think, “Wow, who owns that?” I was soon informed that it was the Director’s son-in-law.  Then almost in perfect sync with my inner dialogue, I wondered what he did for a living, when I was informed that he wrote grants for the school.  

It almost stopped me in my tracks. Needless to say, it  didn’t sit well with me. Nepotism is frowned upon in general, but it borders on criminal when public officials award public funds to relatives in the public sector. I don’t pretend to know the nature of compensation, nor the size of this monetary arrangement, but perhaps somebody should investigate. Regardless, it seems unseemly on its face, especially when Freedom Academy is struggling, cutting classes, slashing the Vice Principal’s salary until he resigns, etc. 

I guess the upside is that it appears some people are making a good living off our financially struggling school. 

by: Hu Yu No

Perversion of Intent

While most of us parents liked the idea of uniforms at Freedom Academy, what we didn’t sign up for was the disruptive nitpicking enforcement which destroys the benefit of original intent.  Like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day who perverted the law, Freedom Academy’s uniform policy has become over reaching, over zealous, and perverse.  

While this dynamic exists, it does not necessarily insinuate that the intent of the original law was bad.  It is usually elitism that creeps in and destroys original intent.  This is indeed the case at Freedom Academy.  I have heard the school’s Director on several occasions say, “Our uniform policies make us better than other schools--a cut above the rest.”  This is the attitude that makes it all go awry.  

Whether it be self-righteous sanctimony, social pecking orders, or the establishment of status, class, and caste, these malignancies cause individuals, institutions, and societies to serve law more than life.  Herein the idea of perceived school status trumps caring for our children.  We begin to see what they wear, rather than who they are.  Herein teachers, administrators, board members, and PTO’s become entangled in a grotesque apathy of group think.  They protect their man-made standards, rather than the feelings, emotions, hearts, and psyches of young students.  They begin to mold and imprint this ugliness on the minds of children and infect the next generation. Herein a culture becomes corrupt, fractured, and inequitable.  All of this is produced by the subtle leaven of elitism. 


by: A Soap Box in the Wilderness

Blindsided

Last year one of the most beloved teachers at Freedom Academy showed a clip from the movie, The Blind Side. He showed it to teach his students about bigotry.  Yet he was called on the carpet for it, and eventually dismissed.  

As fate would have it, the Ambassador to Sweden met before the student body this year and also showed a clip from the same movie--yet there was no outrage.

What exactly is the objection to this wonderful film?  Who could it possibly offend?  What sentiments could love and tolerance be contrary to? Are there bigots at Freedom Academy?  And, why was this wonderful teacher blindsided by the administration?

by: Too Many Irony’s in the Fire

Hand-Me-Downs

How stupid do you have to be

To judge souls by appearance?

For surely any blind man sees

Apparently such ignorance

For as you judge you shall be judge

In superficial haste

Which elevates contentiousness

And unity lays waste

You cannot hide such ugliness

Behind a chic facade?

Or cloak pious corruption

In the vestments of their fraud?

Discard elitist’s hand-me-downs

Of loathing and self-doubt

And stand before God naked

Without pride--your inside out

Do you think God’s impressed by style?

Is He concerned with vogue?

Or does He praise the lilies

Those which toil not or sow?

Is he impressed with shiny things?

Embroidered trims of gold?

Do these bring heaven's favor?

Or a schism to the fold?

Is he enthralled with plainness

And stoic sanctimony?

Which frowns on other envious

Contentment forged and phony?

Do any man-made standards

Improve on His design?

In uniforms, regalia

In rags, or silken twine?

Does he define the soul

And its potential in such things?

Or see in them His image

As a priceless, sentient beings

by: Namlha H. Pesoj

Ruling by Fiat

On April 22, 2011 I went to Freedom Academy to attend a Uniform Committee meeting. I walked through the open door, but was quickly ushered out of the room, and the door was closed.  I was told that I was not allowed to attend the "Official" Uniform Committee meeting, but that I could meet later with the PTO representative.  Oddly, one of the two Board Members that are self-appointed to the "Official" Uniform Committee felt free to attend our little meeting afterward.

The meeting began with the usual pissing match between parents and board members.  "Why were we shut out of the meeting?" "Why are teachers, administrators, office personnel, and board members allowed to attend at will, while the parents only have one PTO member representing them?" The Board Member provided no concrete answers as to why we were excluded, even when confronted with the bylaws.  Basically it was their typical rule by fiat--that's just the way it is.

They talked about conducting a NEW survey on Uniform Policy, (the last one they entirely disregarded) but I quickly cut through the smoke and mirrors to reveal the fact that the outcome of the survey has no binding force on Uniform Policy.  As per usual, the Board has the final say.  Moreover, Board Members that also serve on the "Official" Uniform Committee can enact changes which they call "clarifications" without a vote ever coming before the Board.

To add further to my disgust, I heard a board member talking after the closed meeting, agonizing over the length of socks for goodness sake--followed by the statement, "This will help teach the students how to dress for success." After throwing up in my mouth, I wondered, how can a frumpy clad house wife, come to believe that she is an expert on fashion, and has the ultimate recipe for success after attending just one Amway convention?

Okay, the comment about the housewife’s appearance was offside, but I did it to prove a point.  Nobody likes being judged by appearance.  

by: Stands in Corners with a Bar of Soap in Mouth

The Fat Lady Sings--Or Does She?

They say it isn’t over until the fat lady sings, but what about Freedom Academy’s music program? Perhaps the Director can best answer that conundrum since the school’s music curriculum was cut back to just twice a month this last year.  What is the reasoning here?  Perhaps someone needs a music lesson in the sackbut.  Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Dope.  

by: Whistlin Dixie

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/benefits.html

Joke of the Day:

The Bad Color

The story you are about to read is true.  Only the names have been changed to protect the ignorant.  On April 6, 2011 a Freedom Academy receptionist, conducted a uniform violation sting on a nefarious 8th grader posing as a star honor roll student who went to the state science fair finals on behalf of the school.  But this was obviously a cover.  Being suspicious, the receptionist worried that the 8th grader might be wearing “The Bad Color” (black pants instead of dark navy blue). For as we know black attracts those we don’t speak of, (nonconformists) which could endanger the entire Village--I mean school. So she stood the student up in front of the class, embarrassing her before her peers, and grilled her for what seemed an eternity, on whether or not the students pants were black or blue.  The receptionist and the students could not come to an agreement on whether the pants were black or blue, and no violation citation was given.  But be assured the ever brilliant, ever vigilant, ever petty clothes cops will be on the prowl--coming soon to a child near you.  


by: M. Knight Shambala

RU High School

At the beginning of the school year Freedom Academy’s curriculum was emaciated.  Specialty classes were cut, as well as positions.  Even the Vice Principal’s hours were slashed to the nub.  Unfortunately, he eventually resigned.  These things were done in the name of tightening the budget.  Yet the board continues to pursue ambitions of creating a new Charter High School. How does this make sense?  

Many home owners in the neighborhood are vehemently opposed to the idea.  Many Freedom parents are also against it.  They consider it a royal umbrage.  Hey, that’s a good name for the school--Royal Umbrage High School! Or should it be shortened to--RU High?  

Perhaps it’s time to reverse gears and focus on the task at hand--making Freedom Academy a better school.  Let’s fix Freedom Academy first, before entertaining grander ambitions. 


by: Just Say No (aka. Justin Sane Know, Just Insane No, Just In Sane Knowledge)

Joke of the Day:

Uniform Reform

On March 31st at Freedom Academy’s board meeting, in the ongoing saga over uniform reform, once again the issue was raised that there have been changes to the uniform policy, to which two of the board members (who also served on the uniform commitee) asserted that they didn’t change any policy--they only “clarified” it, but that any changes to actual policy needed to be voted on by the board. Let us follow that logic, shall we?  

So what they were saying is that a new uniform committee can re-clarify and interpret the uniform policy (even if it is contrary to previous “clarifications”) and they won’t have to submit those revised “clarifications” for board approval--for they are not actual changes in policy, just simple clarifications.  Call it what you will, but any honest soul knows that change by any other name is still change.

Herein, we see the unscrupulous tactics of the current regime that have attempted to rule by fiat.  Only two members on the current board (Wendy Ahlman and Ken Parkinson) voted to change current uniform policy.  Little did they know that it wasn’t even necessary, they just need to re-clarify it.  

by: Rebel with a Cause

Too Big For its Britches

Since Freedom Academy was awarded #1 charter school in Utah 2010, you would think that all is well.  But nothing could be farther from the truth.  There are deep schisms between board members and parents, faculty and students, PTO and curriculum.  In fact, Freedom has over extended themselves cutting important classes, programs, and reducing staff.  Yet they continue to pursue ambitions for expanding into a new high school.  Indeed, it seems that they have bamboozled the masses.  For Example, they recently received a Health Award for adjusting the cafeteria menu along a more nutritious vein.  Great Job! But what they failed to mention is the fact that the school has cut Physical Education to one day every other week.  Is this really the best we can do?  Is this the best Utah has to offer?  I sure hope not, otherwise they’ll have to super-size those little uniforms.  

by: Humpty Dumpty