UFT Solidarity Jumps the Shark. Again.

Earlier this morning, the SBSB news team received an email with something quite interesting regarding UFT Solidarity. The email was turned over to The Crack Team for analysis and confirmation.

This blog post would have been posted much earlier in the day if two things did not happen. One, several members of The Crack Team laughed so hard that they became completely incontinent and had to be rushed to the Westchester Medical Center ER. They are back to work now after being thoroughly cleaned up, checked for injuries, and their clothes sent to the dry cleaners.

Second, when fed the information in the email, the SBSB computers completely went on the fritz and since our IT person was at the ER as well (For attempting to gouge his eyes out) we had to turn to our IT intern, Zippy the Brain Damaged Chimp, to get the computers up and running again.

Before we share with the SBSB readership, our legal intern, Zippy the Brain Damaged Chimp (Zippy wears many hats), has suggested that we blur out any images in which our readers might find offensive and to warn those with weak constitutions, heart conditions, small children, the elderly, to avert their eyes or wear the protective visor that Spock wore when greeting the Medusan ambassador Kollos.

Are you ready? Last chance. OK, here we go.

There you have it. And just in case anyone thinks The Crack Team created this, you are wrong so go here.

As usual the autocratic nature of UFT Solidarity allows room for only one voice, one face, one opinion, one idea.

A caucus or even a union us more than just one person, it is many people contributing many ideas, opinions, voices, faces, that when meshed together join and make one larger and more importantly, stronger voice that everyone will not only listen to but hear as well.

When you run a caucus in the UFT election you are part of a team, a slate. Why anyone would want to focus all the attention on just themselves is beyond reproach.

The community, the students, the education process needs to be emphasized in any campaign poster. As written about here, just focusing on teachers is counter productive to the cause.

Besides, is this not putting the cart before the horse? Would one not have to be on the ballot first?

From an aesthetic point of view this is a mess. My dad was in advertising, my wife an artist and graphic designer. The background color is a mess, along with the matted colors of the fonts. The fonts are a mess, all out of place, some bigger than others. There is nothing to catch your eye and there are just way too many words and promises that there is nothing that stands out and there is no substance. Too many promises that are just generic or no way to keep.

But this is reminiscent of a child that decides in November he is going to be Batman for Halloween the following year. By November 2, the child already is pestering mommy and daddy if he can be Batman, watching Batman to learn how to move and speak like him.

Again, a caucus is for the people, by the people, and of the people of the caucus. Of course this is discounting Unity. Egos and personal vendettas must be checked at the door and the common good is what must be the goal. Being president of the UFT is a democratic process not a coronation.

Where is Snowball when we need him?

If UFT Solidarity Has a Rally...Who Cares?

Throughout the summer the entire world had been hearing that UFT Solidarity was to have a rally in front of Superintendent Aimee Horowitz's office in Staten Island this past Wednesday, August 26. The world was ready.

Just an aside, Aimee Horowitz is High School Superintendent for Staten Island and Superintendent for the Renewal Schools. Aimee has also been in the news recently for several of her schools fixing grades and her ignoring the warning signs and the whistle blowers.

We do not condone Aimee Horowitz's actions and believe the world would be better off without her in education. But, this grade fixing credit recovery crud has been happening since Uncle Mike and we here at SBSB question where was the NYC media then.

Now back to the fun.

So all summer as mankind was awaiting the hordes of humanity emerging on 715 Ocean Terrace in Staten Island so that Aimee Horowitz would quake in fear of the Movement that is UFT Solidarity we here at SBSB awaited with bated breath for that day.

Sadly, I was in Lake George but news travels up I-87.

UFT Solidarity had planned not to have the rally in front of the campus of the Michael J. Petrides School on the sidewalk, but rather in front of the building itself. On the property.

The DOE put the kibosh on that and rightly so.

Your request for a permit to hold a demonstration at the Michael J. Petrides School has been reviewed and is denied. Chancellor’s Regulation D-180 does not authorize the issuance of a permit for such purposes.    

Sylvia Jamison 
Supervisor of Extended Use 
New York City Department of Education 
52 Chambers Street  New York, NY 10007 
212-374-6009 
sjamison@schools.nyc.gov

Hmmm, Chancellor's reg D-180.

Someone from UFT Solidarity wrote back. Can't say who, but someone did.

Good afternoon Ms. Sylvia,

 I’m in receipt of your email in which you notify me that our request for a permit to meet at the Petrides complex is denied. We read through CR D-180 and do not see how having an open civic meeting, to voice our objections on how Aimee Horowitz has been running her schools, is being denied.

Civic meetings/forums, as long as they don’t discriminate, and are open should not be denied according to section I.F and I.H if D-180.

In any case, we will continue with this civic gathering outside of the complex, on Ocean Terrace, on August 26th.http://www.uftsolidarity.org/rally-against-superintendent-aimee-horowitz-a-common-denominator-in-fixing-schools/

We are however appealing here to General Council Jackson-Chase. Our request is being unreasonably denied.

Thank you.

Just an aside. Shouldn't the woman be addressed as Ms Jamison, not Ms Sylvia? Are we living in 1962 Mississippi?

But UFT Solidarity thinks it made a case. We wondered that too so we decided to have The Crack Team's legal intern, Zippy the Brain Damaged Chimp examine D-180 and with a focus on I.F. and I.H. Here are the two lines in question;

Permits may be granted for civic forums and community centers in accordance with applicable law.
Permits may be granted for holding social, civic, and recreational meetings and entertainment, and other uses pertaining to the welfare of the community.  All such uses  shall be non - exclusive and open to the general public.

Zippy says;

"UFT Solidarity is not a community nor civic organization. UFT Solidarity does not represent the citizens. While it does have CITIZENS amongst its ranks, it is not representative of the community as a whole. Its focus is narrow and for a select few. UFT Solidarity is not open nor is it inclusive to the entire community. It is also not recreational in nature. It is amazing that UFT Solidarity can't get past their own self worth to see this!"

Zippy also added;

"However, UFT Solidarity should have attempted to try selling itself as an entertainment act. Their argument might have met with success."

So what became of this rally? As you can see in the photo, it set the world on fire (Again, identities were obscured by a photo of Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe. We apologize to Mr Lee.

Seven people! Horowitz must have been cowering under her desk.

Yes, UFT Solidarity is a movement. A bowel movement.

At PS 154 in the Bronx 80% of Students in 3rd and 5th Grades Failed State ELA Exams!

Baseball is a great sport. Think about it. What other sport are you considered great if you fail 70% of the time?

The .300 batting average is what hitters wish to attain. Hit over .300 in a season you did well. Have a lifetime .300 batting average over a career you are considered one of the finest hitters of all time. Of the 18,274 (Including pitchers) players to play Major League Baseball since 1876 only 178 have a lifetime .300 average (Based on 1,000 games played). That is less than 1%!!!!!!!

From the highest, Ty Cobb with a lifetime average of .366 to a lowest .300 on the dot for 11 players, that .300 average is a mark of success.

Even the last player to he .400, Ted Williams in 1941 when he hit .406, failed to get a hit in 60% of his at bats (When I was a kid my dad always said Williams would have hit 800 if he didn't miss 5 years due to military service).

The great Mickey Mantle finished with a career .298 average. Mickey always lamented playing his last two seasons, 1967 and 1968 in which he hit .245 and .237 respectfully (He hit .300 or better 10 times in his career). Take away those two seasons, Mick winds up hitting over .300 lifetime.

The point?

Why is it acceptable for a NYC school to have 80% of it's 5th graders and over 80% of its 3rd graders unable to read or write and then go into middle school where they have no skills at all.

This school? PS 154 in the Bronx, led by that purveyor of all things Lucy Calkin, DR Alison Coviello, Principal and Ed.D, this is what is happening the students on East 135th St in the South Bronx.

These are the scores that came out last week. Of the 57 fifth graders tested at PS 154 31.6% scored a 1 and 54.4% scored a 2. That is over 80% This is acceptable? Yes, 14% scored a 3, but this comes out to only 7.98 students. EIGHT STUDENTS!!!!


In 3rd grade 58 students were tested Of these, 55.2% of the students recieved a 1 and 29.3% a 2. This totals 84% of students out of a class who apparently weren't taught well from K-2 and especially 3rd grade. Again, to be fair, 15.5% received a 3 in 3rd grade, only 8.99 students. NINE STUDENTS!!!

WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE IN THE COMMUNITY???

The students and the community of PS 154 are being short changed by a failed writing and reading curriculum brought into PS 154 by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.d of PS 154 in the Bronx. Can/should DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.d of PS 154 in the Bronx be trusted to impart the right reading and writing program into PS 154 when she has close ties to Lucy Calkins and her failed methodology?

The community of PS 154 needs to know that they can do something. Demand to whomever will listen that an 80 percent failure rate is not acceptable and demand accountability. This is your community, your school, and your children.

Would these scores be acceptable in Scarsdale? HECK NO! How fast would the Scarsdale superintendent clean house? Think about it. So why is it acceptable in the South Bronx?

Because they believe they have a compliant population that will not contradict what they are told and how they are told to think. 

The parents, the community of PS 154, are the only ones capable of taking charge of your child's education. The parents and community are the best and only advocates. But to do this parents must always question what they are told and come up with their own answers.

It is up to the parents and the community to put and end to the NYCDOE allowing a 80% failure rate to be seen as a success. 

If Mickey Mantle had failed to get a hit 80% of the time he would have been a .200 hitter. He would not have lasted in the Majors for 18 years and would not be in the Hall of Fame.

UFT Solidarity Whiffs Bernie Sanders Kickoff Event

One thing we here at SBSB have taken pride in is our ability to spot the proverbial pungent odors that emanate from those purveyors of road apples. Never has that odor been as strong as what has been wafting from UFT Solidarity.

Again UFT Solidarity has put its proverbial foot in its proverbial mouth when due to some inane insecurity it decided to make itself look big when in essence it was just no more than paper tiger.

As many remember there was a big Bernie Sanders kickoff event across this fine country of ours several weeks ago. People gathered around TV sets, radios, computers to join in support of Bernie Sanders.

Like a peacock so desperate to show off what it has the so called "Social Media Committee" of UFT Solidarity shared this on Facebook;

While we praise UFT Solidarity for sticking its finger into the wind and having that kickoff event we must remind UFT Solidarity that it is incorrect in several ways.

1. That other "socialist" caucus did have Bernie Kickoff, and 2) It kicked ass! Let's take a look see.

There were 300 people at the event led by MORE steering committee member Mindy Rosier and emceed by WBAI personality Julianna Forlano. By herself. And for something she actually believes in.

Look at all the TV's. Look at all the happy faces. Look at the bar. Look at the person in the foreground with notes. This looks cool.

 Now let's have a look at the UFT Solidarity Bernie Kickoff )Full disclosure. Rush bassist, lead singer and other "socialist" caucus supporter Geddy Lee, has been kind enough to allow us here at SBSB to use his face to to hide the identities, of the few at the UFT Solidarity Kickoff.).

 See the difference?

But wait! What is a Bernie Kickoff without media coverage? Surely, the "Social Media Committee" of UFT Solidarity put out a press release and the New York media was knocking down the door.

Sadly, no. All they had was someone with a camera phone.

On the other hand, the other "socialist" caucus had this. 

"A few hundred people gathered at a downtown bar in New York City on 4th Avenue in what was hailed as one of the largest gatherings. Prior to Sanders' speech the crowd shouted out the reasons they were supporting Sanders, citing paid family leave, free college and overturning Citizens United."

Along with banner Mindy herself created; 

The Crack Team suggests that there be a shake up in the "Social Media Committee" of UFT Solidarity post haste. God forbid UFT Solidarity starts losing credibility.

Is UFT Solidarity Student Friendly?

Sometime ago, when talk of UFT Solidarity was in its infancy I had had a discussion on what it's
name should be, where to stand on the issues, and even what the logo should look like.

Yes, there was this air of militancy and looking out for teachers, but that side needed (In my opinion) to be offset with what would this new caucus do for the communities of NYC.

The name needed to be education friendly and not appear militant. Even the logo should be professionally done and include those that we serve every day as educators. Remember, though this upcoming UFT election is about us as educators in the long run what is most important is how this election and its results will effect the communities.

Teacher abuse, teachers as ATR's, teachers resigning, testing, APPR, teachers sent to the rubber room, Common Core©, etc... can all be---and should-- what we as teachers are fighting against. But, we can take every issue and easily make it how it affects the students of New York City.


But it was not to be. This is not how autocracy works.

But this is not how UFT Solidarity works.

It just seems about revenge, Revenge to right some perceived wrong on somebody's part. Yes, there are many a teacher who has blindly joined UFT Solidarity and listened to the words of Harold Hill. Why not? Not when you are told all these lofty promises that are to come. Not when you learn how to FOIL. But a question remains. What does UFT Solidarity promise our communities?

Looking at the UFT Solidarity Jedi Council and Committees page (Before the ubiquitous cries of trolling, hey it's like watching a train wreck, you don't want to look but feel you must)  one can see many a committee listed.

These include; Member Support, Integrity and Corruption, Outreach and Social Media, Union Democracy. One can surmise this is taken from E4E, but no, E4E only makes you sign a loyalty oath at an event, not online.

I am a great believer in what effects teachers does trickle down and effect the students. We can and should fight for our rights, but in the larger picture (Such as in an election) we need as teachers to articulate how our right, or our lack of rights, effects the students system wide.

We as educators are not in a vacuum. We are in this for our students and the communities we serve.

We can't be in this for ourselves only.

Domo Arigato, DR COVIELLO Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx [どうもありがとうミスターロボット]

One common takeaway from all the people who had attended my 3020-a hearing was how robotic, how unemotional, how two dimensional DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx came across.  Can DR Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx be the inspiration of Styx's 1983 song Mr Roboto?

Several sources deep within PS 154 in the Bronx shared with The Crack Team a email she had sent out to the sycophants and suck-ups thanking them for flowers she had been given at the end of the year. There is no emotion.

So The Crack Team was able to take the thank you email, put it through our Crack Computers and were unable to decode the email into what DR Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx was really thinking. We also decided to add the lyrics from the Styx song, "Mr Roboto," of the the album "Kilroy Was Here."

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto [どうもありがとうミスターロボット],
Mata au hi made [また会う日まで]

Dear Colleagues Those beneath me,

I write this email with much gratitude and a deep sense of appreciation.  I feel so lucky to be able to come to work every day with a group of unbelievably committed and hard working people. You all should feel lucky and kiss the ground I walk upon that I have yet to turn on you. You are fortunate to be breathing the same air as me.  

You're wondering who I am (secret secret I've got a secret)
Machine or mannequin (secret secret I've got a secret)
With parts made in Japan (secret secret I've got a secret)

Over the past three years, you have all pushed forward valiantly even when things were really difficult. Over the past three years you have all managed to keep your sanity and stay silent as I have thrown many of your colleagues under the bus, control every aspect of your life, and you have all remained loyal to me out of fear as you know of all the nasty things I have done to people.

I've got a secret I've been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.

 You have never given up on our collective agency and potential for huge impact. I like to throw big words in there so I can show off that I have a doctorate. 

I'm not a robot without emotions. I'm not what you see

 This year and last, we truly began to see some tangible results.  I am so proud to be a part of the work to make P.S. 154 great with you all! We haven't really. Test scores are not up. Our students, now in middle school, are barely literate.  I have no doubt that at the pace we have made progress over the past three years, we will be firmly counted among the best of the best in the not so distant future. Don't forget we are a renewal school and the charter is growing and growing. In 2018 we are done. Finis. Jump ship. Rats as usual first. 

I need control. 

Thank you for the absolutely beautiful plaque.  It is proudly displayed in my office.  When stressed, I look at it and remember just how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazing professionals. When stressed I look at the plaque and realize what a bunch of sycophants I have working for me.  The letter, too, is proudly displayed and has the same effect on me. My family and I have enjoyed the absolutely gorgeous flowers for a week now and the words in your cards will forever be cherished. The flowers dies, they are in the garbage.

Machines to save our lives.
Machines dehumanize.

It is the team effort that truly makes us great. The team effort is nothing without me controlling all of you. Without phenomenal people working together towards an ultimate vision, our impact can only go so far. No one special. I care more about my control of all things first.  Together, we are unstoppable! We are only unstoppable because of me.  Please enjoy a wonderful, restful summer. You know once the school year starts I OWN YOU! In September, I look forward to coming back together in strength, as we always do, to move P.S. 154 to the next level of greatness! Greatness? With TC? HAHAHAHA!!!

 Domo arigato, DR. Coviello, domo...domo
Domo arigato, DR. Coviello, domo...domo

Come to MORE Summer Series This Thursday!

BREAKING NEWS!!!! UNBELIEVABLE BREAKING NEWS!!!

This Thursday, August 13......

The MORE Summer Series presents.......

What is the role of UFT Elections in Building a caucus?

What should a 2016 grassroots UFT election campaign look like ? Does MORE have the resources and activists to mount an effective campaign ? How can we use new tools and lessons learned to ensure that organizing for the election will build MORE? Come learn election nuts and bolts, brain storm creative election strategies…

All this to happen at.......

The Dark Horse, 17 Murray St. NYC  Near City Hall, Chambers St, WTC Close to the A,C, R, 1,2,3 trains. Discounted beverages available.

Tell MORE Frank Sinatra Jr sent you and get a drink on the house (I hope that someone gets this reference).


See you then!

Can Jewish Educators Have Faith in UFT Solidarity?

In 2008, a month before my son was to start first grade, I brought him with me to the Westchester County Center where old time Yankee Ron Blomberg was doing a signing show. I told Ron that my son was also going to be starting Hebrew school in September and he looked directly in my son's eyes and said, "Always be a proud Jew."

I have always been a proud Jew, but never a blind Jew, especially when it comes to Israel.

There are lots of things that Israel has done over the years which have really pissed me off. The settlements, the wall, bulldozing houses, the Occupied Territories, the kowtowing to the  religious right, Netanyahu, the hysterical talk about Iran, and so much more.

But, I will say this point blank. There must be a solution soon and it is as much up to Israel as it is with the Palestinians to come to an agreement. The only solution is a two separate states with Israel continuing to be, and always will be, a Jewish state. Jews need and must always have a homeland, a place where they are the majority, a place where they can go if there is ever another Holocaust.

So what is one to think when the UFT Solidarity Facebook page shows up on my feed this comes along (Click to enlarge)?

 Click here to read the article. But before we get to the allegedly anti-Israel, anti-Zionist article, a few words about Randi and her trip.


The author, and by posting and sharing this, UFT Solidarity, seem to imply that not only did Randi and several other AFT upper echelon  travel to Israel on the AFT's dime, but Randi and the AFT are owned by Israel and J-Street.

But one of the free thinkers of UFT Solidarity left a comment;

I liked this page to support teachers even if their union doesn't support them.

If instead this page is to promote Islamic terrorists and lie about Israel, it behooves you to be honest and change the page name.

For the record, in Israel, government members are women, Arab, Druze.
Arabs and women vote.
Arabs and women in the army.

So, what apartheid, exactly?
None.

The Crack Team will soon send her a gift basket from Hickory Farms, of course no pork products, to say thank you.

I have no proof, nor does anyone, that Randi went there on the AFT dime. Nor, do we have proof that Randi is a shill, owned, has her bread or Matzoh buttered, by Israel or J-Street.

Want to whine about J-Street? Better to deal with them than with AIPAC.

Watch the video. So Randi speaks in favor of a two state solution. So what if Randi talks about peace? HEre are some of her words at the conference that she attended.

“This is a difficult moment for those of us who believe in the ideal of Jews and Palestinians living side by side, in two states, with real rights, and with security,” Weingarten lamented.

She lambasted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “last-ditch effort to retain power.” It was, she said, “both painful and pitiful – just days after thousands of us went to Selma to honor those brutally beaten fighting to exercise the right to vote – to watch Netanyahu renounce the two-state solution and demonize Israel’s Arab citizens for exercising their basic democratic rights.”

Weingarten fretted about a status quo that “threatens the future of the State of Israel.” She posited herself as a representative of the reasonable middle in a “vast chasm between those who believe: Israel, right or wrong, and never mind the occupation or democracy; and those who believe: Israel is evil and doesn’t have a right to exist, which then justifies BDS, or worse, violence or terrorism.”

This is a proud Jew speaking, not a a blind Jew. But Randi brings up a great point and the point the author takes umbrage with. The call for boycott, divestment and sanctions of Israel until as the author wants, to make the Israel withdraw from the West Bank and/or make one state is wrong, just plain wrong.

But yet no one wants to BDS Russia, China, (Look at Tibet), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Venezuela, or any other totalitarian country. Why? 

Let's not forget that in Israel, Muslims, Christians, and Druze can practice their religion. Serve in government, serve in the Israeli Defense Forces, leave free. What other Mid-East can say the same?

As I had written at beginning, and as Randi as agreed, Israel has a responsibility in this mess. But it takes two to tango. Even without the issue of the Occupied Territories, the right of return is a non-starter. If this happens Israel will not be a Jewish state in 50 years.

I have disagreed with Randi on many things. I have not been shy about it. However, if she does something I agree with I won't be shy about sharing that as well. And if it is something I agree with and she is being attacked I will defend her. And if any Jew anywhere or Israel is being attacked I will without a doubt have their backs in my own way.

People don't realize that in 1948 most if the Arabs and Palestinians fled not because of the Israeli (Yes, this happened) Army, but because the government of Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan encouraged their people to leave telling  them they will soon be victorious and they will be able to come back.

 Israel would not be occupying the West Bank if Jordan never had entered the war. Remember this. Jordan from the time of the partition to 1967 allowed ZERO Jews and Israelis into the Holy Land. Since 1967 Israel has allowed full access into Jerusalem.

Between 1948 and 1967 Jordan had done nothing to promote or turn over the West Bank for Palestinians. In fact, what is now Jordan was part of the Province of Palestine during the Ottoman Empire. Why not pressure Jordan to turn over their land as well?

Israel days after the 1967 war offered all the land they took back under the condition of peace and recognition. They were turned down. Israel has shown what they will do when serious peace offerings are undertaken. See The Sinai.

Why should Israel withdraw unilaterally from the West Bank? Have we not seen what has become of Gaza?

Both sides must make efforts. Both sides must tone down the rhetoric. Both leaders must do what is best for their people not for their political lives.

It is amazing that whomever posted this on FB from UFT  Solidarity did not take the time to do research, or even read, the article or find out about the author, Ali Abunimah. Just look at the web address;  https://electronicintifada.net . Abunimah is a virulent anti-Semite whilst living in the United States breathing the air of freedom he can't enjoy in the Middle East. His statements in the past have been repugnant and has compared Israel to Nazi Germany and has called for a third Intifada.

By sharing this on Facebook, UFT Solidarity either agrees with Ali Abunimah, did not properly vet the article, or there is no organizational controls at UFT Solidarity. We here at SBSB doubt that it is the latter for all decisions in our opinion are made in a vacuum and come down as decrees.

How can a Jewish educator in their right mind now support UFT Solidarity? In the opinion of The Crack Team a Jew should take a long, long look at what they are getting into. If you are a compliant, of course this is just opinion, quiet Jew, you might not worry about support. But what happens if you are not?

If UFT Solidarity wins, will a Jew have to be concerned with any future support of the anti-Israel/anti-Zionist lobby? Would we be seeing Ali Abunimah or his cohorts welcomed at 52 Broadway?

I have finally sat my son down to watch Schindler's List. We have been watching it in bits and pieces. This past Sunday we watched when the ghetto was liquidated. It was a movie, I've seen that scene before and it still disturbed and sickened me.

My great-great uncle, Maurycy Trebacz  was one of the most famed Jewish-Polish artists of his time. He and his family died in the Lødz ghetto in 1941 just because he was a Jew.

Ron Blomberg. He knows.

The UFT Solidarity Circus Comes to Town

Last night, The Crack Team had its weekly meeting by conference call. Sparkles was initiated into The Crack Team and we commiserated with our media consultant. The consultant shared that with months to the UFT election, that "less is more" (Pardon the pun), when it comes to writing about UFT Solidarity. He said that we were writing about UFT Solidarity just for the sake of it, and should only report on UFT Solidarity when its comedic stylings are ripe with material. Little did we know here at SBSB that the so called moratorium would last less than 24 hours.

Late this afternoon  UFT Solidarity wrote on one of its many websites a treatise entitled; "Issues at Your School” – An email no NYC principal wants to receive." After reading this rant and laughing our asses off for about a good 3 hours we sat down and decided to write a response to the comedy piece.

After giving the reader what we we already know how principals destroy careers, how principals start a false paper trail, false OSI charges, etc... UFT Solidarity then went on to share all the wonderful things this leader can and will do. We sat there mouths agape.

So what is a member under attack to do? Well, luckily we live in the age of technology and have come up with some tools to fight back. This is how it works, and it does work. (Not all the time but it’s getting better.)

There are so many, many things a member under attack can do. Yes, fight back and defend yourself. Yes, file a FOIL, record the principal, report the principal, call the media. But not every solution works for every problem. The thing is to have enough emotional intelligence to know when to use that hammer and when to use that chisel. One also needs to know when to fall back and regroup and come back in a different way. That is what a person with a high EQ can understand and do. 

Yes, we live in a great age of technology. But technology don't mean a thing if you ain't got the ability to prove it and to back it up. 

At UFT Solidarity, we have collaborated on an email we send to administrators who are bullying and harassing our members.

Oooh. Scary stuff. 

 The email is written in a way where we let the administrator know that the members in their school and not sitting ducks and will have support.

As reported here the other day; 

One SBSB groupie who is high within Tweed shared with The Crack Team that these so called emails are seen as a circus act, along with walking around the halls at 65 Court St and 52 Broadway telling people that UFT Solidarity is watching.  

Basically UFT Solidarity is being mocked amongst administrators city wide. No one at UFT Solidarity is being taken seriously according to our sources. 

 

We let the administrator know that we are educating their staff on how to fight back and encourage them to support and not continue their attacks.

We here at SBSB are looking into reports that several principals (Who do not know the humor behind The Emails in Brooklyn have peed themselves upon receiving The Email. We are looking into reports of one principal in Queens who pulled her hair out, screamed, tore off her clothes and left her building shrieking once she read The Email. Some reports have said that she has sold her house, legally changed her name, and has moved to a lean-to deep within the Adirondacks.  

What we hope, or assume, happens is that that the administrator sends it to their superintendent and DOE lawyers. 

 

 We here at SBSB hope they do too.

 

In turn we hope that the superintendent and lawyers respond to the administrator with something like this:

 

We went into the future and got an actual copy of the email supers and lawyers sent. Thos remarks are in red.

“Oh no. We have seen these before and it can get ugly. It's that putz again. Expect there to be Freedom of Information Law requests on your records such as time cards, financial records and emails. They even obtain video surveillance footage. Don't worry, time cards, financial records, emails, videos. Only factual stuff is FOILable and we can hide it well unless we are SUED and there is Discovery. Your staff is probably already secretly recording you. Don't worry, not many know about this We are told that the most amount of people that show up at a UFT Solidarity rally or meeting, is 12 people.  Expect stories of you to be added to social media with comments being added by staff, students and parents We are more concerned that blogs, Twitter accounts, and FB groups, like NYC Educator, Ednotes, Chaz, South Bronx School, NYCDOENUTS, Mindy Rosier, Patrick Walsh, James Eterno, The New York Yankees, Barney Fife, Fonzie, RushIsABand, MORE, Scooby Doo, Sparkles, or anyone else other than UFT Solidarity . You will be added to their Administrator’s in Need of Improvement (ANOI) list online if you have not been already. You probably will be added to  uftsolidarity.org/anoi. Don't sweat it, not many read it. Expect them to launch investigations on anything you have done that violates a chancellor’s regulation, policy or law. You are going to be indulged with investigators being sent from anonymous calls Investigators will be coming. We welcome investigators. Some putz is sending us emails. Finally, expect a group of their members and your staff and students, albeit small, to be outside your school with flyers and signs. We are awaiting an influx of 5 people to picket. If you have not bought a Costco size bottle of Tylenol, then we suggest you do that.” Hey, let's go have a beer and some wings.


Really? This is what we want to lead our union? For one to get what one wants you need to schmooze, to glad hand, to work behind the scenes. Yes, there are principals that need to be investigated, recorded, etc... But there are much more good than bad. I hope there are. This is so wrong in so many ways that only someone who is living in the past, and only is late to the game because of a tantrum for not getting the desired position will continue. 

Hey, let's not mention the possibility of not only The Email writer being hit up for harassment, but for the person who The Email was written at the behest (Without their knowledge) of being hit up too. Worse, this is a extremely negative reflection upon the teachers of New York City. How dare UFT Solidarity decide for others to take our fate out in UFT Solidarity's own war of revenge? 

And here is the template of The Email


Principal X,

Unfortunately your school has come to the attention of our teacher advocacy group. Apparently there are allegations of harassment and unwarranted attacks on educators at your school. As you could imagine, an atmosphere of workplace bullying and harassment is not conducive to a nurturing learning environment for our students.

Just as a courtesy, we are letting you know that we are educating your staff members with information on how to defend their careers so they may continue to instruct and nurture students to their fullest potential. Those tools can be in the form of legally audio recording, using the Freedom of Information Law to obtain information necessary to prove their allegations against you, organizing rallies and creating various social media articles.

Perhaps your best recourse would be to speak with the superintendent, your senior field counsel and Borough Support Center representative, to figure out ways to support educators rather than treading on their careers.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
UFT Solidarity

AH! We already know that one unassuming teacher lost her job due to this and another unassuming teacher might be in deep sh**.


If you don’t believe me, then you can perform an internet search on many of the administrators we have listed on our ANOI list. You can ask Principal Micheaux and AP Martinez of the Bronx. Ask Principal Adonna McFarland or Principal Namita Dwarka. Our list is over 100. Namita Dwarka and her school has been on the cover of the NY Post the last three days. The brave people responsible are UFT Solidarity members and supporters who have been following our playbook.

Oh please, ANOI is not an original idea. Yes, we have said it is a good one, but no back patting please. And please don't think only UFT Solidarity led the way. 

My sleeves are rolled up and we are ready to increase our work this September.

Sleeves rolled up? Why are long sleeves being worn in summer especially when it has been 90 degrees plus for the last week? Would not the Sipowicz style short sleeve dress shirt be more apropos. Yeah, but then one couldn't use the cliche "my sleeves are rolled up." 

Our ATR Alliance group is also growing and becoming more knowledgeable. A similar letter is being drafted for ATR Field Supervisors.

ATR Alliance group which was bogarted and bastardized. Yeah, we are sure the ATR Field Supervisors must be quaking in their shoes.

What's that? This just came into the SBSB newsroom. Hordes of ATR Field Supervisors have suddenly resigned due to fear of getting The Email.

Superconducting UFT Solidarity

I've been thinking. About a lot of things, but since today is August 1 I have something else on my mind.

Any minute (It is now 10:33 PM EDT) now Rush is about to take the stage in Los Angeles for the final show of their R41 Tour, their 40th anniversary tour.

The sad part is this might be their last live show ever. Geddy Lee just turned 62 a few days ago, Alex Lifeson will be 62 this month as well, and Neil Peart will be 63 next month. Both Alex and Neil are having health issues and Neil has a 5 year old daughter and has said it's getting harder and harder to be away from her.

There is talk that this is not the last live show that this will be the last tour of this "magnitude" or that Rush might do some residency shows. That all remains to be seen.

I saw them this past June 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark. It was my 20th time seeing the boys considering I started late seeing Rush for the first time my senior year of high school in December 1981 during the Exit...Stage Left Tour.

At the show in June I met Michael Moore as he was walking by my seats (See the picture above to see how close I was). I spoke to him briefly, I told him teachers need help, he said call William Morris, he has yet to call back. Wonder why he is not lifting a finger for education? His agent is Ari Emanuel, Rahm's brother. Moore is not going to do jack.

For the last several weeks I have been thinking of a Rush song that can best be used to describe UFT Solidarity or be used as an anthem (Pardon the Rush pun) for UFT Solidarity.

I have settled on one song, "Superconductor" off of the 1989's Presto album. The lyrics fit so well but The Crack Team substituted some words to make it more relevant.


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Packaged like a rebel or a hero
Target mass appeal
To make  audience teachers feel
He really means it

Package the illusion of persona
Careful to conceal
The fact that she's he's only too real
He's got to scream it

Hit you in a soft place
A melody sound bite so sweet
A strong and simple beat word
That you can dance swoon to

Watch his every move
Superconductor
Orchestrate illusions
Superconductor
Watch his every move
Superconductor

Hoping you'll believe
Designing to deceive
That's entertainment Unionism

He can put a target on the market meeting
Bask in your applause
Reality withdraws
Now he believes it

The role becomes the actor leader
She's He's addicted to applause
The stage a world because
She He never leaves it

Hit you in a soft place
With sentimental ease
They know the fantasies
That you romance follow to

Pin the donkeys on her his tail
Fantasy for sale
That's entertainment Unionism

Here's the video from 1990. Horrible.