A while ago a reader asked that I do a post on a silent ongoing struggle between DODDS teachers and their principle in Yokosuka. I had no idea that when I posted the blog entry about something I thought was a non-issue, whether teachers should have to stand lunch monitor duty, that it would become my most viewed and commented on post of all time. As the comments went on and people bickered back and forth, I invited the principle in question to post a rebuttal that I would post unedited. I never received anything from him, so I assumed he didn’t even know my little ol’ blog existed. Well, recently a couple little birdies told me that FEWL.NET may have been blocked from the Yokosuka DODDS school computer networks using filtering software. While I have noticed a decline recently in visitors originating from the DODDS domain name, I have no real confirmation as to whether I’ve been blocked. Would anyone be kind enough to confirm this? Should this be true, I wonder why “The Administration,” a.k.a. Mr. Dave Russell wouldn’t just send me an e-mail and have me post his official response. Sure, I’m not a mainstream media outlet or anything, but I get enough eyeballs that his words would go somewhere.
A few weeks ago I met offline with someone who had first hand experience dealing with the DODDS teacher versus principle issue, and they were talking about how the issue was more than just teachers not wanting to stand lunch duty. To my understanding, there was something about a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO…PTA is apparently trademarked) that had concerns with their children being monitored at lunch. It was decided that The Administration would hire, or delegate individuals, to fulfill the lunch monitor role. In the meantime, the teachers had agreed to do it until the appropriate people personnel were available. Some time passes, and no one is brought in to replace the teachers. Some contractual issues are coming up, and since the teachers have been doing it this long, The Administration sees no reason in keeping their original word, and decides to make it a permanent function of the teachers, something that supposedly violates some legal agreements. Now, I’m not a lawyer…I’m not even a sea lawyer, so whether this is true or not, I don’t know. I do, however, know that there are a lot of people smarter and much more familiar with the issue than myself. So can someone please shed some light as to how close to the truth the above statements are? Am I completely off? Has there been any resolution yet to the lunch monitor conflict?
Mr. Russell, the floor is still open should you wish to address the issue, Sir. I’d very much appreciate it.
Comments 6
Jim - Here’s an update on what’s going on at Sullivans. First of all, the GREAT news is the principal in question is being transferred this summer to an elementary school in Atsugi. DODDS has decided, in their great wisdom, to just relocate their problem-child, instead of forcing him to retire. Now he’s Atsugi’s problem.
Concerning the lunch duty, our new union leader is keeping the new Grand Master Lunch Duty Plan under wraps for fear of it being “jinxed.” It was recently announced that our grievance will take between 2-3 years to be resolved. I can see why the new plan will have to be kept hush-hush until the new principal can make the decision.
Bottom line - this problem was caused by a combination of weak union leadership and a weak principal who decided it was easier to screw the teachers than fight for them.
Atsugi Teachers - do what you can do fight this guy coming to your school before he gets there and screws everything up.
Posted 04 Jun 2008 at 12:09 pm ¶2-3 years to solve a grievance? Damn- so much for quick and expeditious resolution.
Posted 04 Jun 2008 at 11:44 pm ¶Wow, I’m amazed that PTA is trademarked! When did that happen?
Posted 08 Jun 2008 at 3:56 pm ¶Just thought I’d post, on the subject of being blocked.
This site is also blocked on the mighty warship, blue ridge. Silently, and with many other websites such as newegg.com, without reason.
Just thought I’d share.
Posted 09 Jun 2008 at 1:27 am ¶Looks like the Navy attitude is making its way into the school system where a CPO or Divo won’t stand up for their people.
As for the sites being blocked, I don’t think there is any rhyme or reason for some sites to be blocked and while others aren’t. Maybe just some luck of the draw?
Just be glad they don’t restrict access only to .mil or .gov sites. Even trying to visit USPS’s site will be impossible as they are a .com site. I know when I was back in, my last command did that for a short time but some people complained because no one could get to NFCU’s site.
Posted 10 Jun 2008 at 4:35 am ¶It is a well known fact that quite a few DoDDs teachers will not hesitate to complain about everything and create a negative from any positive. Fly on the Wall is just a new name for an old foe…and I’d know that gigantic chip on your digital shoulder anywhere. I shudder to think that you are teaching children anything. Jim, if you want the truth, speak to several teachers and find one that doesn’t have a problem with this. They DO exist.
Posted 27 Jun 2008 at 8:46 pm ¶Post a Comment
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