Spring Break
Parents, students fight for assistant principal's job
Racheida Lewis/NovelTeenInk, Banneker AHS
Issue date: 8/10/08 Section: Cover
"She helps loads of students at Banneker and had expressed an interest in having an advisory for students interested in science in math, which was something I was excited about. Without Dr. Terrell, Banneker will definitely be gloomier," Tichavakunda continued. "Many of the teachers and students are stressed out and it was always nice to see her smiling face and know that someone cared."
Parents such like Debra Swingon-Stokes and James Holloway were also upset and wanted to get Berger to change her mind on Terrell. They organized weekly meetings, which drew crowds of students, parents and teachers. But Principal Berger would not change her decision. Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Patricia Tucker, instructional superintendent of Banneker, also stood by Berger's decision. Mayor Adrian Fenty said he wouldn't consider reappointment because Ms. Berger's decision was obviously in the best interest of Banneker.
Berger eventually said she fired Terrell because she didn't have the qualifications Ms. Berger needed to take Banneker to the next level, something Terrell's supporters dispute.
"She deserves a freaking ticker-tape parade in my opinion; or at least a blimp," groused James Monack, a former history teacher at Banneker. "The love that she has for students just explodes off of her the moment she walks in a room and kids feel that."
Swingon-Stokes, president of the PTA, complained that a major decision about the school was made without anyone being told or involved. "We don't think that's right," she said sadly.
Her anger and frustration are exacerbated by her recollection of Fenty's promises during the mayoral campaign. "He knocked on our doors, asking us to vote for him. He said he would listen if we had concerns. And he's not doing that."
Parents such like Debra Swingon-Stokes and James Holloway were also upset and wanted to get Berger to change her mind on Terrell. They organized weekly meetings, which drew crowds of students, parents and teachers. But Principal Berger would not change her decision. Chancellor Michelle Rhee and Patricia Tucker, instructional superintendent of Banneker, also stood by Berger's decision. Mayor Adrian Fenty said he wouldn't consider reappointment because Ms. Berger's decision was obviously in the best interest of Banneker.
Berger eventually said she fired Terrell because she didn't have the qualifications Ms. Berger needed to take Banneker to the next level, something Terrell's supporters dispute.
"She deserves a freaking ticker-tape parade in my opinion; or at least a blimp," groused James Monack, a former history teacher at Banneker. "The love that she has for students just explodes off of her the moment she walks in a room and kids feel that."
Swingon-Stokes, president of the PTA, complained that a major decision about the school was made without anyone being told or involved. "We don't think that's right," she said sadly.
Her anger and frustration are exacerbated by her recollection of Fenty's promises during the mayoral campaign. "He knocked on our doors, asking us to vote for him. He said he would listen if we had concerns. And he's not doing that."
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DIAMOND
posted 8/13/08 @ 9:50 PM EST
THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!
AS ONE OF THE CURRENT STUDENTS AT BBAHS, DR. TERRELL WAS ONE OF THE MANY ADULTS THAT STRIVED FOR GREATNESS WITH THE CHILDREN. EVEN IF THE CHILD HAD BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS, AND SOME OF THE STUDENT BODY DID, SHE WAS THERE. (Continued…)
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