The following petition is circulating around the BA community:

We, the Bryan Adams Band would like to inform you that the administration of Bryan Adams High School has made the executive decision to enforce a new band uniform. The Bryan Adams Cougar Marching Band has been known for it's original green and white stripes since the early 1970's. The community recognizes us as the 'green and white band'. If we lose our uniform we will also lose our identity along with the recognition that we and those before us have worked so hard to achieve and maintain. Our band uniform and show band marching style are what set us apart from every other high school band in the city and region. Although our uniform is not like the standard uniforms you see today, it's uniqueness is what distinguishes us. We believe it's what makes us who and what we are.

We, the undersigned, are aware of the attempt by the Bryan Adams administration to change the Bryan Adams Band uniform without adequate cause nor input from the community. Further, we the undersigned, are in support of keeping the unique and original green and white stripe uniform. We agree that a different uniform is unnecessary and by signing, give permission to have our support made public though any and all means deemed necessary to publicize this issue.

We appreciate your support for this issue and thank you for supporting The Bryan Adams Cougar Band.

http://baaa.org/boards/index.php/topic,52.0/prev_next,next.html#new

NOOOOOOOOOO!
The BA Band uniform is a great Dallas tradition and a neat show. What moron would ever change it.

The purpose of tradition is to hold a group together.

The purpose of a band is to play.

Can those two become one, certainly.

But have you looked at Bryan Adams' enrollment, looked at their faces? MOST of the kids at BA never had parents who went there, much less who were in the band. Many who would be in the band refuse because of the current uniform. Once, the BA Band covered a field from end zone to end zone. Now, when they take the field, people ask, "Where is the rest of the band?"

The kids are teased mercilessly by the other sides at games. Tradition is great, but teenagers are still aware of being the target of humiliating gestures and comments. While it would be wonderful for them to rise above it and ignore it, they are still kids.

The band is tiny now. All this love for the past is great, but is it worse to mourn the loss of a uniform or the band itself? If that band gets below a certain number, it will cease to exist, plain and simple. What is the greater problem, looks or existence?

The BA uniform is based on SMU's from 1971. Even SMU doesn't use that uniform anymore, and they still have a thriving band, made up of students whose parents wore the other uniforms.

It is great that the BA alumni care about the uniform, but do they walk the halls and help that campus with the kids there now? How many are there to tutor or sponsor events? Do they go to the junior highs to recruit new members for the band, a time when most kids--8th graders-- make that decision on whether or not to go to Townview, Skyline or Bryan Adams? (Not the current band parents, the ones who are howling about how it was 30 years ago...) Many home games for Bryan Adams have less than eighty or a hundred people in the stands. Where are all these alumni? Do they actually come to the games NOW?--Not homecoming, the North Dallas game or the Smauell game.

Does anyone know the name of the actual person who started the petition? It would be interesting to know how much they actually knew or did not know before shooting it off into cyberspace. I am always suspect about an anonymous petition.

Thanks to budget cuts, most kids don't know how to play an instrument. That is true in all schools. Maybe the success of the band is more important than how it looks. Maybe the kid is more important than the hat.

I can tell you that for at least the past two years many of the alumni from the 80's attended the BA/Skyline football game. It had become an annual event. However, this year they are not playing Skyline. We are considering changing the annual game to see the BA/Lynch game, but it hasn't been decided yet.

Yea, I went to both events, and I thought they were great. Although I teach at BA, I graduated from Skyline. The mini-reunions were great, since so many of the kids from both schools had gone to the same junior highs in the early 70-80's.

However, with BAHS dropping to 4A, the game between Skyline and BA is gone.

So, are you saying that the get together with SKYLINE alumni would happen at a Lynch game? Doesn't seem logical to me...

I think the thought was that the get together would be that night and the BA alum would go to the BA/BL game. We definitely want to continue the tradition, but the game thing threw a wrench in plans. The game may not be a part of the event at all. Not really sure, but I think the party location is going to change, too.

Well, this bit of news caught me off guard, so I went by Bryan Adams this afternoon to find out the real story.

Mrs. Goodsell has received many phone calls and emails about this uniform issue, and she sincerely appreciates the genuine interest by alumni in how our school is doing.

At this time, mid-July, the traditional green-and-white striped uniform has NOT been replaced. They can still wear that uniform this fall. However, while the school's enrollment has dropped to 4-A level for sports, our band is the size of a 2A school! At the end of last year, we had about 40-50 members. Why has this occurred?

Well, Conrad HS opened, and we have fewer students. A check on valid residency in the BA zone was made, and our numbers dropped again. So, BAHS is sitting at around 1,650 for enrollment. By logic, our band will have shrunk, but there is an additional problem.

Some students who were interested in attending BAHS and being in our band really did not care for the "traditional" uniforms. Those who are in the BA band mostly do like them. So, there is a problem. How do you hold on to tradition, and yet, stay open to changing tastes? A change in the reordering schedule has allowed an option to supplement, NOT replace, the uniforms. So, what does that all mean? The band will remain in the traditional uniforms this year.

When the current band students return in August, a conversation will begin on how to balance tradition with change. The bottom line is, however, how do we bring up the numbers?

How do you know there are going to be new uniforms? Is it posted anywhere, or did the parents get a letter about buying new ones?

I would bet that most of the alumnae from BA have received this email. I've received it several times, seen it on myspace, classmates.com, and the BA alumnae site. I have sent my letter protesting this decision. The BA band uniform is a tradition. It's one of the only things that links the past to the present.

I also heard the principal painted over the mural in the cafeteria. It had been there since the early 70's. I don't see how these changes are positive or academically focused. I would think that should be the focus of the administration!

I spoke with Mrs. Goodsell on Tuesday regarding clarification of the band uniforms for the 08-09 school year. The following is her response:

The DISD Fine Arts Dept has offered to purchase an additional jacket and hat to be worn with one of the two pairs of slacks already ordered for the band students. This means, these students will be the only DISD high school with three band uniforms. The traditional green and white, the concert black pants and blazer and the new jacket and hat. This of which has not been ordered yet. The students will have the opportunity to pick this themselves.

All this means is that the students will wear different uniforms depending on the events. For example, the green and white for the Homecoming game and the new jacket and hat to the football game against Lincoln HS. I hope this will provide clarification, if not please feel free to call me.

Thank you,
Cindy Goodsell
Bryan Adams Principal

[Ed Note: Thanks Sheri... I've posted this as a front page item.]

Let me get this straight, BA will now have 3 uniforms when a choir teacher didn't have a piano for an entire semester? Am I missing something or are the priorities of the Fine Arts Department and the Northeast Area a little off base? What other things are teachers going to do without so that this band can have 3 uniforms? Oh, wait, they will have to do without pay, raises, art and music supplies, and probably many other things. Maybe the district should look at purchasing necessary items before purchasing luxory items. Additionally, students who are homeless, students who have just moved to the US as refugees and other low income students are only provided with 2 (TWO) uniforms and those have to be worn every day. Maybe the BA band could share their third uniform with some of these students. We all know that those polyester uniforms last longer. Maybe we should change the required DISD uniform to a polyester blend and let's make sure we don't forget the elastic bands.

[Ed Note: I'm really not following your logic here.]

Ok, let me break it down for you....

1. The BA band will now have 3 uniforms ...... teachers work without necessary supplies including instruments.

2. A 3rd uniform would be a LUXURY......supplies and salaries are necessities.

3. Again, a 3rd uniform would be a LUXURY.....uniforms for homeless children, refugees and low income families are necessities.

4. Once again, a 3rd uniform is a LUXURY.....the district will provide only 2 uniforms per year for the above mentioned students. (the process is a pain to complete too)

5. Band uniforms are usually made of NASTY POLYESTER .....the school uniforms provided for the above mentioned students are of VERY poor quality and thus do not hold up very well under the pressures that they are put through every second day.

6. Polyester lasts FOREVER (don't believe me? look in most 70 year old ladies closets or take a trip to the Goodwill).......the cotton school uniforms are easily damaged and do not last very long.

7. The "OLD" band uniforms are "nostalgic".......so are polyester and elastic band waists.

8. If we supplied students with polyester uniforms with elastic band waists, they would last forever AND the waist band would grow with them......THUS..... leaving more money for instruments, supplies and raises.

Sorry I left you behind, I really thought you would follow the logic..... If this hasn't helped, let me know....oh wait, I can't draw pictures on the blog....(kidding, of course)

[Ed Note: Are these *given* to band members, or are they *issued* then returned later?]

So, you are suggesting that refugees wear band clothes to class? Comparing apples to oranges here, my friend.

Any performing group really needs 2-3, even 4 outfits. Formal, informal, parade, etc... Dance, choir, band, sports, drill, cheerleading. So, it is not absurd to give them a chance to look decent for any event...

Also, it is the perogative to get a "new" uniform every SEVEN years. No, the uniforms do not last "forever." In the past, BA kept ordering the same thing. Now, they can--in this ordering cycle, KEEP the old and get another new type. Plain and simple, no controversy. None.

What was sad is that people who did not have the GUTS to ASK before posting an inaccurate "petition" started a controversy that did not exist. They passed it on to people who, although they love their old school, really are no longer in touch with it. Now, I hope to see them eat crow and retract on Classmates, on Facebook or Myspace on the BAAA.org site --go ahead. Do it. Admit that an ADULT asks questions--and is brave enough to put THEIR name on any petition. (The originator of the petition is not listed on it. It was passed around as if it was accurate, and a lot of alumni were suckered by it.)

We all want refugees--all students to have enough clothes, but it is literally not the responsibility of a SCHOOL to CLOTHE every child, every day. Supposedly, that is society's role. You know, churches, businesses, etc..?

[Ed Note: I'm not sure you can even compare an issued uniform to clothing handouts.]

Therein lies the problem with Ron Price.

As an elected official, community leader, and potential role model to countless students in your district...

No matter how unruly the audience may become, one needs to stay professional whether they want to or not.

[Ed Note: Although I really need to take Ron's side on this one. He did keep his cool, though he expressed his frustration.]

The comment was made by someone saying that they were glad their child didn't go to DISD schools. What about those who do? Should they have to put up with a board that can't decide where they should go to school. People who could care less about the teachers they employ?????

Everybody doesn't have that lovely option to pull their kid out of DISD or never go there....we have to make our schools better. Not just to be there best urban district but just to make them better for the kids.

You elect your board. If you want a better board, then get out and get people to vote. I refuse to allow my kids to attend Dallas schools. I agree the kids in Dallas deserve more but in the end it is the parent's choice to vote and the parent's decision of where to reside!

Dr. Blackburn,

I am new to Spruce High School - less than 1 year. I do not understand how my removal will greatly change our children's progress - my content area made significant gains. I do not understand how DISD can honestly believe that it is right to fire people by an automated phone system. I was embarrassed when I came home and my babysitter told me I had been terminated. My babysitter answered the phone, not me. DISD had no way of knowing who was picking up the phone at the other line. Teachers and staff did not deserve to find their fate via computer generated phone message. More than 80% of my class passed TAKS and I was released based on a phone message. I was released for working hard and making a difference with kids and my babysitter had to notify me of my fate. I only learned of the job fair from a colleague - my 15 year old babysitter missed that part of the call. Didn't I deserve a little more respect than that? And now, as a single parent, I may not have a job. I worked hard Dr. Blackburn. I made a difference in the lives of kids and I will not reapply to Spruce HS despite my good scores. I came to Texas a year ago with high hopes of helping kids and now I wish I would have walked away from Spruce High School because my career and reputation were on the line, yet no one ever warned me. DISD is not a business. It is an educational system with people who generally go into this business for kids. Elected officials should ensure that people are treated with dignity and respect. I do know that some of our teachers struggle day to day but this doesn't give the district the right to treat them with such little respect! Wasn't there another way? Are we making Spruce High School an example to what will happen to other schools and staff members if they fail to make the grade? Is this the only way we know how to make progress? Look at central office first! Look at the academic coaches that are making more than the principals. They go to schools, sit in offices, bash teachers, and fail to help. The central office administrators that evaluate them never step foot on campus to check how they are really doing before they give them above average evaluations. They never talk to the teachers they are supposed to help. Were the coaches who serviced Spruce released to - they should be? The district is investing a lot of money in them for little gains.

[Ed Note: Is this true? Did the District terminate employees by an auto-dialer?]

Call OPR when they get back from their break. Get your babysitter to write a statement of what she heard when she answered the phone.

File a complaint. What else can they do to you, really? It is time to dish it back to them.

Oh, call Dr Hinojosa's office for an appointment. Anyone interferes with that, get their name and job title. You have a right to talk to your boss.

If OPR fails to deal with this, then there could be a case of cover up here.

You see, people, time to start getting active. Quit waiting on the darn unions to do everything for you. Maybe if enough hassles come their way, they will either change, bail out or something. They want to retire from here and hit the consultancy gravy train. Don't let them.

I am certain that you performed well with your students. Keep up the great work, and don't give up on the students now. Trust me...there is a rainbow out there for all of the TRUE educators that ONLY have the CHILDREN in mind as decisions are made. Hang tough!

I found a new position in April in another district. I found my rainbow!

[Ed Note: Congratulations!]

As if recent DISD events weren't depressing enough... a fellow teacher and I just toured a local parochial school. I guess my desire to do the most I can for our children had clouded my reality of how little we have to work with in this district. We hear about teachers wanting for books and supplies all the time, but I guess I'd glossed over how lacking our facilities really are. It truly was eye opening to see how the other half teaches. Our children deserve so much more than they have.

Yes, this is true. The first call came into my home from an Ontario caller ID at 9:14am. My babysitter answered. A follow up call came in at 5:36pm, again from Ontario, and my babysitter answered. I heard the message on a friend's answering machine and it was not a live voice. They did not verify who they were speaking to. They did not request that you come in for a private meeting. They either played the message to the person who answered or left it on your voicemail. I was humiliated when my 15 year old babysitter told me that my job had just fired me! My babysitter told her parents and they questioned me on whether or not I could still afford their daughter's services over the summer due to my upcoming unemployed status. The message my babysitter heard loud and clear was that I WAS FIRED! There are too many people who have this on recording. I am walking away from this bad situation but I truly hope someone takes the time to file a grievance. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

[Ed Note: Can anyone get us a recording of the message that was played?]

Yes it's true. As hard as it is to believe, DISD used a recorded message to fire the teachers and staff at Spruce. I am a teacher who, despite several other options, made a CHOICE to work at arguably the most difficult school in DISD for 4 years. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of kids who needed my help the most. Toward that end, I gave up my planning periods, worked late almost every night, spent most of my Saturdays at school tutoring kids, attended the countless additional mandatory meetings and training sessions required of teachers at low performing schools, and I did my best each day to stay focused on the needs of my kids despite the chaos that the revolving door of administrators at Spruce created. My dedication and hard work were rewarded the day after the Board voted with a recorded message on my phone that said I was released from my contract with the District. Period. No thank you for trying. No we're sorry. No nothing!

[Ed Note: Again, we would love to have a copy of the message so we can post it!]

Dallas ISD isn't on the "Road to Broad" they're on the fast track to nowhere. Dispersing students from a low-performing high (Spruce) to other schools in the district is the "Plan A" solution? How many other high schools in Dallas aren't either low-performing or on the bubble? I can't imagine how the influx of new students should effect these other schools. Maybe next year they'll just close all the high schools so the drop-out rates can continue to soar.

How can a district honestly eliminate teachers that WANT to teach in the inner-city? Trust me, I have plenty of friends that teach in the suburbs and not a one of them would ever dare set foot in a DISD classroom. Then they don't even have the courage to terminate them face-to-face they use an auto-dialer? How does terminating the old staff and getting a new one help a school that already struggled partly because nearly half the staff was new?

I remember a couple years ago when Hinojosa talked about reforming DISD, and it had such a breath of fresh air. Now it has the stench of putrefaction. It's not about fixing any problems. It's all about image. We watch administrators and officials violate ethics and sometimes laws, and they are never terminated. Sometimes they are actually promoted. Then the teachers that are doing the dirty work everyday get "released" from their contracts because they couldn't get enough students to pass the TAKS test. It's a total disgrace.

Lost in it all is that fact that students go to school in Dallas in conditions far worse than their suburban peers. The buildings are crumbling, many teachers are less qualified, schools are unsafe, and the administration is lackluster at best. I just hope that this "Road to Broad" doesn't leave them all on the path behind.

Alliance/AFT started receiving calls on Friday after the June 26 board meeting from Spruce teachers and staff. They reported that they had received a message on the phone that said they had been released from their CONTRACTS.

The bottom line is--that is the message they received--but it was a mistake.

I spoke with Kim Olson of Dallas ISD Human Development on Friday. She said they message would be resent saying they were released from Spruce--NOT their contracts.

She further assured me via phone that teachers and support staff WILL have positions next year.

[Ed Note: Thanks for the update Aimee.]