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THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF THE MADISON TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER |
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Dear Editor, Thanks for your efforts in putting together the four-part article for The Madison Times. Many people read the article and told me how interesting and well-written the series had been. A couple of friends remarked that they had been surprised at how abruptly the first of the series had concluded. They were used to reading a two-part or three-part article that noted continuation would occur. So, they were glad to see the continuation in subsequent issues. I guess that an inadvertent cliff-hanger forced them to look for continuation. By the way, my wife, Atsuko, took the time to send copies to relatives who later made nice comments. I was mildly surprised to find the wide readership of The Madison Times. I’ve attended meetings when one or more people mentioned that they had read the series and found out stuff about me they hadn’t known. A couple of friends took time to send me copies for me to send to relatives. They said they were glad to read about someone they knew from the “good old days.” Some were people I had supervised 40 or more years ago. I ran into them while grocery shopping, and when I couldn’t put names and faces together, they introduced themselves — lots of fun renewing old relationships. Again, thanks for writing your articles and for all you do for our community. Your publication is truly needed because its coverage engenders respect for the people and issues you include. --Paul H. Kusuda
Dear Editor, In November of 2003, MAFAAC held an East High School attendance area "listening session" at O’Keeffee Middle School. The impetus for the meeting was provided by several parents of students of color who were alarmed by the rapid deterioration of conditions at East, both academic and behavioral. Given that poor performing schools function as a gateway to prison for many kids, this adds to the high-stakes issue affecting kids of color from families of all income and educational levels. At the session, a Black parent of a child in mostly White advanced classes asked what is in place to address the lack of diversity across all the school’s classes, while offering support to students as they negotiate the different environments. Another parent of a biracial student spoke about the racial harassment his daughter endured at the hands of a White student. No action was taken by the administration until the issue was made public at the session. Fighting and interracial harassment at away football games was said to be historic and persistent. The parent of a former West high student was dismayed to hear that the same racial name-calling was continuing to happen at games in Janesville. She wondered out loud why Madison schools still played in Janesville. Despite the on-going harassment, no effort had been made by the administration to involve parents or the community in resolving the conflicts. A parent also spoke about the lack of communication with the principal. Sometimes when visiting the school, secretaries told parents that Ms. Tillman was not available, as she sat visible in her office. These are only a few of the issues raised at the listening session which was attended by more than 75 people, including Ms. Tillman, and about 20 East staff. A copy of the compilation of comments from the session was hand delivered to Ms. Tillman in December. It was also sent to Diane Crear, the head of the MMSD Parent and Community Relations department who was in attendance at O’Keeffe. MAFAAC made overtures to Ms. Tillman and the PTO president with offers to facilitate the development of an effective parent-administration communication structure for East that would involve more parents of minority students. We have not heard from Ms. Crear, Ms. Tillman, or any representative of the East Parent/Teacher Organization. Based on the information included in the Isthmus document feeds, the climate at East has continued a downward spiral for parents, staff, and students. Dissatisfaction with the school is not limited to any income or racial group, as evidenced by those in attendance at the November session. As representatives of MAFAAC, we are not about assigning blame. We seek to work collaboratively with parents and school staff to close the achievement gap between White students and those of color. For this to occur, there needs to be a positive academic and social climate for students and staff. We have members with expertise to share, and suggestions that are low- or no-cost. Obviously, the schools can no longer operate aloof from the communities that they serve. As community members, whether or not we are parents of current students, we feel an obligation to ameliorate the conditions that contribute to MMSD’s low graduation rate for minority students. Our offer to work with any school staff and parents is still open. Teachers have the Union, parents also need a united voice. For more information about MAFAAC, and the complete compilation of comments from the listening session, go to www.mafaac.org. Barabara Golden Lauren Mikol Ed Steichen Jay Ruffin
Dear Editor, Thank you for your article in the June 25 Madison Times, “A decade of equalizing the academic playing field.” The Mann Fund has always appreciated the support of The Madison Times Weekly Newspaper, and this year is no exception! We are so proud of the work we have done with this program and how it has grown. Your continued support and exposure have been instrumental in reinforcing the importance of a solid educational base at an early age. We realize that The Madison Times is an ongoing voice in communicating this message. We are sincerely grateful that you include coverage on the importance and successes of the Mann Fund as part of this message. THANK YOU!! Becky L. Gobermann, co-chair of Mann Board and proud child of Bernard and Kathlyn Mann
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