FOOTBALL: What's the school of choice?

JohnM,
I totally get it and we agree that it is up to us in this community to take care of our own. My point is we all have to do our part to invoke change for the better. My point about the government is that while working to make the situation better there is an adversary that we need to be aware of. The ones who are supposed to have our students best interest at heart and do not. You dropped the T and just called me Turp which means you probably know me and if that's the case you know I believe in looking out for my own and as many others as I can in this community. Personal responsibility is a must and that's the first step. However to avoid spinning your wheels and using a lot of unnecessary energy trying to fix the problem knowing as much as can about the opposition is always helpful.

Turp...I don't care if the Marines are stationed at a PUSD campus for a week asking questions about racism....racism, while an issue, is not the problem and that's what you don't seem to "get?"
Have I been "active in the community mentoring young people?" You better believe it! I have mentored my kids right through K-12 and into major Universities and served in every parent service organization connected with their schools....the problem in Pasadena will start to be fixed when the community stops relying on outsiders to "mentor" it's young people and gets off of its collective rear ends and takes personal responsibility.

Yes Goldenarm it would be very interesting to see the report from the investigation. JohnM you missed my point, the fact that government agents are stationed at one of our high schools for 2 days soliciting information from students and parents because the school administration and the PUSD could be in violation of treating black students differently should be cause for concern. Can you image going into work and the department of labor is stationed in your office investigating your manager or supervisor because of the mistreatment Afro Americans?

Angel Bec,

Muir did basically fire all of their teachers. Every teacher had to reapply for their job and go through the interviewing process. Some teachers kept their jobs, some were reassigned and some pink slipped. I actually heard from staff at Muir that the PUSD was talking about dismissing the sports program at Muir altogether but the PUSD kept that hush, hush. Can you imagine no Turkey Tussle?

If I had it to do all over again I’m not sure where I’d send my son. Maybe somewhere like Price, Campbell Hall, Marantha but I know it would not be a school in the PUSD, to much corruption.

JohnM, are you active in the community trying to mentor young people?

JohnM,

You ask, what have I’ve done to turn things around? I talk to the young men that a lot of people or scared of, have no hope for or just down right have for gotten! Through all my transgressions these people know I truly love them, because I was where they were and feeling the frustration. I know these young men have to look inside them selves to stand up to what ever problems that lurk with in and not blame anyone! As a man, I can see how things seem so strange and people blame the reaction from a series of serious problems with in our society. The PUSD is the prime example of “sabotage with in the camouflage”! I’m not the one to be putting down anyone’s opinion and Lord knows I always got one. I think the conversation is healthy for us all and there is enough blame to go around, but unfortunately we got people who do evil with a smile.

Huckster!

T Turp

It would be nice to get a look at the report generated by whatever agency investigated the PUSD. Yeah, it could be a crock, but still worth looking at.

Let's look at Muir High School - does anyone feel that the "redistricting" plan or whatever they are calling it will do any good?

Or - should the state intervene and take the school over and fire everyone from head to toe and start all over again.

PUSD is a mess - would it not be safe to suggest that extreme measures be taken to turn it around?

We can all argue it's the parents/teachers/administrators/school district's fault - but what needs to be done to upright the sinking ship?

My child attended PUSD and after 4 years we left because of the utter FRUSTRATION that I felt as a parent on so many levels. That mind you was in the 4th grade.

What happens to those children that don't have parents/grandparents or relatives with second jobs who can help out with the outrageous tuitions that are charged by these private schools in our area who KNOW they have you over a barrel.

I am a single mom with two kids - a senior and a 3rd grader. Explain to me please why I have to pay $1,000 in tuition every month (that is with financial aid and scholarhips) to have them get a quality education when I live in close proximity to 3 different schools?

The school that my daughter would be sent to? Muir. Did I attempt to send her there? No. Why? Because of the simple fact that I knew that it would be an uphill battle the whole way - and after dealing with her grammar school years in PUSD I was TIRED...

She plays sports - but do you sacrifice sports for education? Sure should would have gotten exposure at Muir for the sport that she plays - but would she have gotten an education?

And why the hell have I lived in Pasadena all of my life and been a tax payer - but can't send my kids to my area schools?

Something is way wrong ...

huckster...besides complain and put down other opinions, what have you done to to turn it around?

JohnM. (June 13 comment)

Just tell me why would a parent get dismissed and have to keep coming back if they are interested in their child’s education? Whether its one parent or ten parents no one should get turned away when its concerning education! See, would they turn away a parent from “Arcadia” “San Mario” “Temple City” or “South Pas”? Hell no! But it’s okay to turn a parent down in Pasadena?! That’s what these sick ass people are used to! Tell you to get up off your ass and do something about it and then when you do they say, “No you can’t do it that way, you have to do it this way”. It’s a sick game this people play with, but the average person is to dumb to see that bat coming for their head!

PUSD PRODUCT:

All this back in the 70’s talk about being together and using such movies as “Remember the Titians” to describe unity is a bunch of bullshit! My Uncle Kevin McCullough was at Blair in the 70’s so, I know a little something about that era too. Blair was a new school with a new spirit, but still fill with crap!!!!

Victocrat?

Oh my God! Do you live in Mayberry? The unconscious mind is the most dangerous mind, because you start to think you’re entitled to things. I can see you probably believe in a “HEAD OF LETTUCE”! So, if you think I’m a victocrat, then who would be the “IMPERALIST” and “CAPTILISTIC DRUG DEALERS”? You guessed it, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I know, people say if you don’t like it move some where else and all I can say to them is that “YOU’RE MY BROTHER AND THIS HOUSE WAS BUILT BY ALL OF US! I’M ALSO TIRED OF STAYING IN MY ROOM AND NOT SAYING ANYTHING WHEN THE HOUSE IS BEING DESTROYED!

The PUSD suck’s by designed, but you people can’t see it! My dad has been a teacher for over 35 years and my brother has been a teacher for 12. My sister attends meetings regarding the district all the time and I’m just a plain ol foot soldier DOWN TO DIE FOR EVERYTHIN I REPRESENT!

Huckster I am!!!!!!

No I don't believe the Pasadena Schools are less than they should be because of racism. I believe the racism is a symptom of the corruption that flows through our schools and the administration of the PUSD. The students must be the number one objective of the PUSD and I don’t see that. I see politics as being number 1. That being said an active group of united parents could change the climate of the PUSD. We as parents need to impart morals and values into our children and demand that as students/athletes they do the best they can in the classroom as well as in the community. The PUSD must also stop acting like they are organized crime and right what is wrong regardless who’s at fault. There is plenty of blame to go around however the parents and PUSD must find mutual respect for one another for this thing to work.

T Turp...are you of the belief that the reason Pasadena Schools are a joke is due to racism? If you do and that is the opinion of parents of PUSD students then I say it is a convenient excuse for not taking responsibility and making things happen no matter who discourages you.
What is the federal government going to do? Is it going to force PUSD to provide the education our children need? How can anyone teach effectively when less than half of the students could care less about learning and their parents allow that attitude?
Unfortunately, race is a factor in just about everything, but racism is not the reason the Pasadena Schools are a disgrace.

huckisavictocrat,

FYI the Federal Government, the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights was stationed on a PUSD high school campus for 2 days a couple weeks ago. They were investigating the school and the PUSD on discrimination and disparaging treatment toward Afro-Americans.

Something to think about.

I agree with many of the comments posted. I attended PUSD from 3rd grade through graduation and things have definitely changed for the worst from both sides. Yes parents need to get more involved staying on top of things, that’s the first key to success. We men in the community need to definitely look out for our children while trying to mentor the children without active fathers as much as we can. That being said we also need a commitment from the PUSD to do what's best for our students. If you have not dealt with the PUSD you have no idea what Huck is talking about. I have dealt closely with the PUSD and the board over the last 2 years and I have seen the racism first hand. I have seen the uncaring attitude toward students from the school administration, the superintendent and most of the board. My wife and I, along with other minority parents tried to have a very organized booster club for the sports program my son was in. The coach and school administration tried to sabotage the boosters. For whatever reason the coach and the administration did not want parents involved and gave no explanation as to why. When brought to the attention of the superintendent and the board they acted as if they could careless about the well being of the students. It was very apparent the administration did not want to be transparent and had something to hide. Was this racist? Maybe, maybe not, but it sure felt like it. The coach and administration are white and the parents are black. However to turn down help from educated parents with knowledge and resources that not only would have help their child but all students in the program is foolish, that we do know. Bottom line is if we all come together and remember the NO #1 objective is the students overall development when making decisions everything will workout.

PSUD,

My son played for Joel Murphy for four years.. I couldn't have asked for a better coach. Maybe he didn't get recruited by a big name school but he learned alot about team work and never quitting. Joel really taught our sons to be men on and off the field. And yes kids from Maranatha can and do play at the next level. Kyle Delahooke is at Navy and 4 young men from this year will be playing next year. My son is one of them..so it does happen.

And Huck.....

A footnote to add --regarding the racism comment. My friend- while attending Blair, some of my closest friends both on and off the field were black. In fact, I'd have to say that racial harmony back in my day was extremely positive. Not perfect, but pretty darn close. We didn't have time to think about racism because we were too busy having fun and loving each other unconditionally. In fact, every time I watch the movie Remember The Titans, I think of my Blair days. The part in the movie where team unity prevailed, not the color of our skin.

Scott....sorry these recent posts have strayed from your original question. Since I have two daughters, I can't qualify. But if I had a son, I'd choose Maranatha. Not necessarily for the caliber of play, but for the caliber of leadership. I'm very impressed with their coach Joel Murphy and how he leads through encouragement and mentorship. Qualities that stick with the kids long after their gridiron days.

Huck,

It's no wonder PUSD is doing horrible. If you keep preaching that victocrat mentality the kids will continue to fail. Maybe if you wake up and quit creating falsehoods, something positive will happen. It's humorous that you claim racisim. Do you even know what racisim is, I highly doubt it. If anything you sound like the racist..

Good point about Booster Clubs. Few have survived. Who loses - the kids. It is no easy task keeping such a support organization up and running, staffed and funded. You need to constantly recruit from incoming new parents and keep Alumni folk participating, renew sponsors and a zillion other things. It takes a core of people putting in a lot of time and the balance of people doing what they can do, but doing something other than buying their kid a bananahammock and saying they are "involved". The hours spent and efforts -pay off in many ways.

John M and Proud PUSD Product,

You hit the nail on the head John M. I grew up in Pasadena and went to its schools in the 1960's and 1970's. When they had PTA meetings or school carnivals or family oriented events - my family was out in force.

In the 90's I sent my child to a local PUSD school and was shocked at the complete lack of involvement of the parents.

You cannot let the teachers do all of the work - you have to partner ...

As being a single mom myself - it was a great blessing that the coaches she has worked with along the way have been father figures to her. It really helped her and helped me.

It's going to take a miracle to get this school system turned around - and it starts in the home.

Parents need to stop being "cool" and need to stop trying to be their kids friends - and need to get involved in the schools and the athletics and the school community.

If the parents are not part of it - it's not going to happen.

JohnM

Your last sentence of your previous post hit it right on the head! I attended PUSD from grade one through H.S. I played football and baseball for Blair in the late 70's. "Our" parents we're very involved, and I recall many sports had their own booster clubs. It was a good experience, and I'm thankful for my pusd heritage. The sad fact (and this applies to society in general) is that we are increasingly living in father-less times. Bless their hearts, the single moms out there are overwhelmed and overworked just trying to provide. I know....my mom was one of those single moms! Thank God the dad's of my friend's were there to mentor and support me. To them I owe a debt of gratitude. It is my hope that someday PUSD high school sports will see history repeat itself, for once upon a time, no other district could hold a candle to us!

Huckster...the problem with the schools in Pasadena lies with uninvolved parents who use the school system as a babysitting service for their young losers of tomorrow. The parents who try to get involved are dismissed so they give up and look for alternatives. When enough parents of PUSD students decide to take control of their schools then maybe there will be hope.

Huck,

You sure do have a positive outlook on things. Wow.

A few years ago I would have said either Loyola, or Bishop Amat, but both of those schools seem to be in a bit of a rebuilding mode right now. So I would have to say Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

I’m speaking from my own Pasadenans stand point and I think we have some “PIGS” leading our school district! There is no way in hell “San Marino” “South Pasadena” “Temple City” and “Arcadia” should have a better school district than us! Our city generates more money than those entire cities’s and we got less! How could that be! Oh, I tell you how, these racist ass people put on a suit and tie, tell the minorities anything and it’s all to the good! It doesn’t really matter where you send your kid anyway, because the decision making and accountability comes for the home! Our city of Pasadena is cheating and it’s a shame, but since we are Americans I guess we are born to be stupid! Status quotes for the supposedly true Americans and just plain stupid for the minority Americans! Where doomed, so choose your poison!

P Finchamp

Why isn't trevor playing in the all star game?

I wouldn't send my son to a school just for the football program unless he had no chance to succeed in life in anything other than football.

Well if you are going out toward Santa Clarita or T. O. I think few would disagree with Oaks Christian due to depth of coaching and obvious success.