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Aloha......I hope it goes well , I went the last 2 years ...Last year the v principal stoped me after the program saying my presence caused problems...errr wouldn't say just what the problems were .There were a few parents also attending last year...One teacher said tday the principal dosen't want parents at the school.Heard that from another parent her daughter was told by that by her teacher ,,,,but 2 other teachers are saying no problem come ahead....So mixed messages at best..All I know is the more parents the better for the kids..
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We'll I went to the celebration "GRADUATION" if only for a few minutes
After I entered the room principal soderburg came over with 2 armed police officers and Told me this is a private party and I was not welcome ..I said I am a parent of one of the students and my right to be here is protected under the law . The officers then moved up to me and ordered me out of the room saying its going to be the easy way or the hard way but you are leaving..
.. Out in the hall the officers positioned themself to block to re-entry of the banquet room. King kam Hotel security arrived and ordered me off the hotel property .
My wife was allowed to re-enter as our was now playing took some pics and we left..
Police officers commented about lack of support from other parents saying Your the only one here and go home or go to jail..
This issue was the call of this public school principal souderburg...I wanted was to see my son perform But mostly take a picture of him receiving his graduation certificate then leave.. I did not wish to "crash" this party The year end formal party is a great time for these wounderful kids and parents need not be there ... But the school choose to include a formal
Graduation and awards presentation and thats parent stuff in my book...
The school did not give certificates or have an award presentation as they had planned ..
Those of you with keiki going into 8th grade at konawaena middle will face this principal with her PARENTS AND FAMILY attitude next year...You will have time to change the policy , I am sorry I did not...Tell the principal you want a simple graduation with parents at the school ,after all its your kids...If you dont act you will be left with this same sad ending... OHANA , NOT AT THIS SCHOOL..that is very very sad... Michael
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My intention with replying is not to upset you PM. But from your description, what happened was just what the principle didnt want to happen - the disruption of the kids event by parents.
Security escorting you out? Do you realize that you may have completely embarrassed your child at what was to be a special event for them? At that age, pretty much anything parents do out of the norm embarrasses kids.
Although I can appreciate your sentiment about being there, I would have chosen probably to have a big family celebration at lunch/dinner afterwards. We just did that same thing with our hanai son who just defended his thesis. He was 24 ! His luncheon was with his professors and advisors even though we wanted to be there so we took him out for dinner with friends and family!
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Perhaps Konawaena will no longer offer graduation... seems like without the special awards & certificates this was not a graduation anyhow...
Do not know for sure, but actions like the ones you took may be WHY some of the East Hawaii schools Have gone to 8th grade promotions instead of graduations...
I am not sure WHY you brought this to this forum, as most of the readers here are not part of the Konawaena school complex....
I also wonder why you asked for our opinions, and still went... too bad this day will now mainly have memories of a police escort, for not just your family, but for most of the participants....
It will probably forever change the way the school handles the end of 8th grade, and most likely NOT in the way you had hoped...
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Aloha All...
As I struggle to understand the roll that Public Schools here in hawaii have assumed, Being so different from mainland schools. The best way is to have open discussion with other parents and family .
The best schools welcome and insist on parent involvement at all levels , that is not the story at Konawaena middle and from feedback most public schools on Island.
I believe because the local schools are struggleing to bring standards and scores up to the rest of the world , they have adopted a "circle the wagon train round" mentality as a defence.
Alot of teachers at Konawaena want more parents involved but the principal has the final call...
I asked this board because punaweb reaches most of the island not just the location but by family of members that are living all areas , also the feedback is usually well thought-thru and constructive..
I would have liked this aired on konaweb also but the owner said not on my board..
I am sad at the outcome Hopefully this negative experience can turn out positive.
I have talked to my son at great length I will continue the healing process with him.. The love and support from his fellow students is a true blessing.Mahalo
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Why not have your own celebration at home? Big party, friends and family. You can take your pictures then and know one will call the cops on you.
No "8th grade graduations" when I was a kid - just went on to the 9th grade - no fanfare, nothing.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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Gotta admit Michael P., when I have come across middle school kids in class that think that pulling out their cell phones, chewing gum, swearing, fighting, and other things that are against the class/school policy are OK, I have often wondered where these kids come off with that idea.....
Mind you, they often state that it their parents are OK with their behavior - changes story when I have actually called some of the parents, but some are have told me "those rules don't count for MY kids!"
School rules are usually established for consistancy, equality & safety....
Showing all of the eighth grade in a school that YOU will not abide with the rules is exactly the same as the parent that thinks the fighting rules don't count for their kids....
You have now shown these kids UNcivil disobediance (Check Thoreaus' views on graduation, and you may be surprised! He would not be with you on this!)
I hope that your actions will not formulate how the 8th graders view rules in high school! (I can just hear it "Well, Mr. F (updated) didn't obey the party rules, so why should I?"... as they bring - whateva!)
Off topic...
Carey - I just saw Jim riding his bike up towards volcano. [8D]
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Lower your expectations and be ready for anything.
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