Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

The writer of this blog has been critical of the Crivitz School Board, and the administrator for quite some time, and rightfully so. It’s time to stop being an arm chair quarterback, and get in the game. Yesterday I filed papers to be a candidate for the board! I’m excited, and nervous at the same time. I want the readers, concerned parents, and all constituents of the district to know that my goal is to make the school a better place for ALL our kids. If I am fortunate enough to win, my number one goal is to affect changes that are beneficial to  the aforementioned groups. I want ALL students treated equally, regardless of financial status, race, religion, and family standing in the community. I want to help get rid of a failed drug program, that just isn’t fair to our kids. It’s also time to be proactive, versus reactive with regard to policy.

I plan to have an open door policy, and to put our school in the hands of the Crivitz faithful. Transparency will be a high priority. Bullying will be something we used to talk about. The goal for our athletics, and academics will be to be great again! Mostly, I would love all our kids to want to go to school and be proud to be called a Wolverine! Stay tuned!

Suicide Solution

Per an  article sent to me  by a reader of The Truth According to Dave, a Sophomore  student from Ohio, has been claimed to have taken his life, according to his classmate. In an open letter, by Ohio student Hank Sigel, he, Hayden Long, and other students were “verbally attacked” by school officials and police after being accused of smelling like marijuana after their homecoming dance. This was reported by Fox 23 news. According to Sigel, school officials and police told Long that he had “ruined his own life”. He and others had been told that they “would fail their classes, had ruined their academic careers, and made the biggest mistake of their life.” Long committed suicide shortly after homecoming, and Sigel is convinced that school officials and police had something to do with it. There is a petition circulating with over 4,000 signatures calling for action against the school officials and the officer. The tragedy seems to have barely opened the eyes of Geneva School officials, as the principals are still working for the district. It took the suicide of this young man for the school to provide programs for suicide, depression, and other mental illness.

If some of this reminds you of a little berg in Northeast Wisconsin, namely Crivitz High School, you may get the point. Crivitz’s school administrator had a son who actually was found to have smoked dope. I wonder if his wonderful father told him that he had ruined his own life and academic career. He received a  minimal penalty, although guilty. He did not receive the same penalties that Hayden Long received, or for that matter, 3 girls from Crivitz who were “accused” with no evidence of something they didn’t do. It must take actually being guilty to get a minimal punishment! What if one of these young girls, who were devastated, had taken their own lives???? Also, at least Geneva High offered students some counseling. Pat Mans, did you do that?? Nope! But, you’re always there at court, and every lawyer meeting to make sure you keep your foot on their neck. Your kid was guilty. These other were accused only. Crivitz School Board, time to wake up? Stay tuned.

Rest in Peace

Approximately two years ago I met a man named Richard Nell. Rick was a tall gentleman in his early sixties. He had been a practicing attorney for thirty years or more.After meeting with him, and talking about the serious issues we had with the school and Dama’s, it was agreed he would be the attorney for the three wronged girls. He had dealt with the Crivitz School and Mike Dama in the prior lawsuit versus the school. The funniest thing was how he pronounced Dama- Dahma. The school had played games in the prior suit, and he knew what to expect from them. Of course, they played this current case similar to that prior suit. You sure were right Rick.

Several weeks ago, I received a call saying that Mr. Nell had passed away from a stroke. We met with the two lawyers that were left to dissolve the firm. They said of all the cases, the three girls’ case was his baby, and he wanted to see it through. I certainly wish he would’ve lived to see the girls receive justice. While this will not happen now, another lawyer was hired to finish what Rick put his heart and soul into. The girls miss you, I miss you, and the families miss you Rick. We’ll do our best to make sure that we see this through for you. RIP.

Stay tuned, and check out http://www.crivitzschoolinformation.com. for additional information regarding the Crivitz School.

 

Poachers

It appears that someone got under the skin of the Crivitz School District. They did this by having a blog for five years that used facts to get out information regarding the school that they’d rather not have out there. The school decided to poach the domain at the first opportunity. Of course, they’re doing nothing with it so far. Per usual the district is being outsmarted. Here is the new address: http://www.crivitzschoolinformation.com/.

Instead of spending the time and effort to try and stop a concerned Crivitz parent from disseminating valuable information, maybe the school should try and clean up their messes. Some examples are bullying, unfair treatment of certain students, drug testing, and lying. Blogs like this one, and the school information blog are the only way some folks can get the real story about what’s going on at 400 South Street. The school certainly doesn’t want the readers to know The Truth According to Dave. This site IS mine!Stay tuned.

Can You Keep a Secret?

Information has been brought to the writer of this blog, a concerned Crivitz citizen, and former student at Crivitz High, that another bullying issue has arisen. This one is bad enough that the parents of the student have removed her, and she is going to take classes online. Is this what we want for our kids?? Also, once again, have you heard about this dilemma? The administrator would like to keep this secret, like many other issues. The Truth According to Dave, and http://www.crivitzschooldistrict.com would like to bring these problems to the forefront, so that this does not happen to our kids in this school. As parents, taxpayers, and constituents the district needs to inform, so that it can affect change.

Bullying does not belong in school or anywhere for that matter. What has happened to those who chose to bully this child? Were they persecuted like my daughter and her friends, who did nothing? Why should this child have to find another way to further her education? As long as it’s being run like a prison system anyhow, how about some justice for the aggrieved? I guess the public in Crivitz will never know if they can just seem to “Keep a Secret”!

Stay tuned.

The Reid/Pat Mans Technique

I have always had a problem with how the the Crivitz School investigated the situation with my wonderful daughter and her friends. I am always looking for answers to the schools unbelievably horrible mistake on this subject. I now have what I believe are some terrible answers to this. Please read on.

In the Reid Technique, interrogation is an accusatory process in which the investigator tells the suspect that there is no doubt as to his or her guilt. The interrogation is in the form of a monologue presented by the investigator rather than a question and answer format. This is exactly what Pat Mans did. My daughter told me that he told her that they were guilty no matter what they said, and they knew what had happened. They were told not to lie to their parents, as the parents would be told the truth.

Here are the steps of the Reid/Mans Technique:

Nine steps of interrogation[edit]

The Reid Technique’s nine steps of interrogation are:^[4]

1. Direct confrontation. Advise the suspect that the evidence has led the police to the individual as a suspect. Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place.
2. Try to shift the blame away from the suspect to some other person or set of circumstances that prompted the suspect to commit the crime. That is, develop themes containing reasons that will psychologically justify or excuse the crime. Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive.
3. Try to discourage the suspect from denying his or her guilt.
4. At this point, the accused will often give a reason why he or she did not or could not commit the crime. Try to use this to move towards the confession.
5. Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive.
6. The suspect will become quieter and listen. Move the theme discussion towards offering alternatives. If the suspect cries at this point, infer guilt.
7. Pose the “alternative question”, giving two choices for what happened; one more socially acceptable than the other. The suspect is expected to choose the easier option but whichever alternative the suspect chooses, guilt is admitted. There is always a third option which is to maintain that they did not commit the crime.
8. Lead the suspect to repeat the admission of guilt in front of witnesses and develop corroborating information to establish the validity of the confession .

If you utilize these dirty techniques you should not be the administrator of a school! I will never give up in making sure that you have failed! You did all of this. Every one of the above . You cannot continue at Crivitz.

The Interweb

It seems as if many folks use the internet as the number one source for  news, information, and research. I Googled Crivitz School District this morning, and the following are some results. The second thing that you find when you Google the school is: Students File Suit Against Crivitz  School District:

wbay.com/…/students-file-suit-against-crivitz–school–district-…

WBAY‑TV

Nov 20, 2014 – Three Crivitz High School students are filing a lawsuit against the School District. They claim they were wrongly disciplined after an inci…

The next thing you find is: www.crivitzschooldistrict.com, which as many of the readers of this column know is highly critical of the policies of the current dictatorship at Crivitz.

The very next result is : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiqoofdjf3NAhVJZCYKHWJBDvUQFghAMAk&url=https%3A%2F%2Fballotpedia.org%2FMike_Dama_recall%2C_Crivitz_School_District%2C_Wisconsin_(2015)&usg=AFQjCNE-1bWFGqdz3TkkPuoIeikOx10CQQ&sig2=s1BSm4V2dgai5Hs0BTWTqA&bvm=bv.127178174,d.eWE. This is in reference to the Dama Recall.

Then there is a calendar of events and a short Wikipedia reference followed by a website k.12.niche.com, which has reviews of the school by former students, mostly critical of the school. Here’s an example:

Overall Experience at Crivitz High School: CHS is a school definitely run by a school board which has mostly members who don’t even have kids in school. They don’t take the kids well being into account and you can definitely do better if you have the “right” last name. To this writer, that is sad commentary on this district. Not one of the reviews has a 5 star rating.

Greatschools.org gives Crivitz a 4 out of 10 rating, which does not seem like a score that someone would want to brag about. Next you find this tidbit:

IDEA Complaint Decision 09-064

On December 16, 1999 (letter dated November 26, 1999, letter dated December 2, 1999, facsimile transmission dated December 16, 1999), a complaint was filed with the Department of Public Instruction by XXXXX against the Crivitz School District. This complaint alleges a violation of special education law regarding the implementation of programs for children with disabilities.

• Read moreabout IDEA Complaint Decision 09-064

IDEA Complaint Decision 00-003

On February 2, 2000 (letters dated February 1 & 3, 2000), a complaint was filed with the Department of Public Instruction by XXXXX against the Crivitz School District. This complaint alleges a violation of special education law regarding the implementation of programs for children with disabilities. While a bit dated, it is on the second page of the Google search.

Here is one of the next goodies:

 

 

While the school continues to claim how well they are doing, it seems to me that much of this information is very negative and unflattering. One in 6 students are college ready?

Many people claim to want transparency and accountability, and when you search for that on the internet the following appears:

You are attempting to view details for a community whose data is not sponsored for viewing or accessible by virtue of them being a licensed user.

You may wish to contact your community’s leadership and ask if they plan to participate in this transparency initiative, or to find out why they are not. Why aren’t we????

Maybe the reader would like a video. For your viewing pleasure:

Lawsuit Filed Against Crivitz School District – YouTube

▶ 1:50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciJzuoGusgE

This was just one of many references to the School being sued. Here is another case: 

Here’s a fun quote from a blogger that was found on Google: “Great to see someone report on the games they are playing at the Crivitz School board meetings. We shall see if the media picks up on this school board. Highly doubtful.”

While it is easy to find negative information regarding the school district of Crivitz, the hard part was finding anything positive. Typically one can find a balance of positive and negative, however, this is not the case in the North of Highway 64 school district of Crivitz. Stay tuned.

Using loophole to violate Constitutional rights

Since we are approaching the one year anniversary of “random” drug testing in Crivitz Penitentiary–aka Crivitz High, I thought it was time to revisit this most unpopular policy. An article on line said that the policy was voted in unanimously, which many seem to be here locally. I had recently seen a poll where 81% were not in favor of this policy. It’s hard to fathom a board that just does not seem to listen to their own district constituents. The 4th  Amendment to the Constitution is being ignored here in Crivitz. In the 4th it allows: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things … This was passed in 1789, but apparently the good folks on the board, the administrator, and the Athletic Director don’t need the Constitution.

As I read the hundreds of comments on the internet, I could not find one in support of the policy. Even other administrators of schools chimed in. An interview in the Marshfield News Herald had this comment: “I don’t think this drug use surprises anyone,” Blair said. “There are students taking drugs. In the schools, we’re trying to educate, enlighten students, but the bottom line is we aren’t the parents. The key to this is the involvement of parents.” Michael Blair, athletic director at the Stevens Point Area Public School District. Another viewpoint: “Before we would go to something like (random testing), we would need to have a very valid reason for it,” said Thom Hahn, director of secondary education in the Wausau School District. Not the parents? Having a valid reason to do something? Are you listening Crivitz School officials?

Even is you are someone in favor of this policy the Washington Post had this to say: A 2013 study looked at 14 years of data on student drug use and found that school drug testing was associated with “moderately lower marijuana use,” but increased use of other, more dangerous illicit drugs.
A 2014 study concluded that drug testing was “was not associated with changes in substance use.”
A 2013 study comparing drug use rates among schools with and without drug testing programs found some short-term deterrent effect among students who were tested, but no effects among students who weren’t tested, and no long-term effects on either drug use or intention to use drugs in the future. Hmm, no long-term effects on drug use?? Since the Constitution, public opinion, and their own policies don’t seem to have an impact on school policy in Crivitz, I wonder what other loopholes they are utilizing. Stay tuned.

I’m Your Huckleberry

While there is always a new topic to focus on, like gun control, politics, gender association, etc., I live with daily the troubles caused by the Crivitz School, its Administrator, and the Dama family. I have expressed much happiness for my youngest daughter, who recently graduated, and is having her party to celebrate this weekend, but at the same time am upset over my daughter who continues to have issues from the aforementioned situation. When you wrongly accuse someone of something, and go about your life as if nothing happened, the problems do not just stop for that person. When you use the phone in the locker room, and accuse your classmate of doing the same, you are a hypocrite. When you purposely try to get someone in trouble to advance yourself, you are cruel. When you are a teacher, and utilize the internet to skewer young kids,  you are a vicious person. When you use your authority as an administrator or school board member to hurt kids it is wrong. When you call someone and leave a disgusting, hurtful message on their voicemail it is equally wrong and repulsive.

By the beginning of July the girls will have a brief submitted on their behalf regarding all of the above. The appeal process is moving along. As I write this, I want the readers to know that the kids are still working to right the wrongs, and set things straight. At the same time, they are all trying to move forward with their lives. While this happens, I wonder whether the school board ever realizes what they have allowed to take place. I wonder whether they will ever see the error of their ways. I doubt it, as they are told what to believe instead of discovering the truth for themselves. Some change has taken place on the board in the past 2 elections. Hopefully more will take place next spring. I have been told by multiple people that the school board president will only run for office again if I do. That is a laughable comment, and gives the reader some insight into that train of thought. Run for school board if you want. Don’t run. It doesn’t matter. I’m your Huckleberry. Stay tuned.

Please see http://www.crivitzschooldistrict.com for other thoughts on local topics.

The Greatest

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” I will never forget that line. I realize that Muhammad Ali had, and still has his detractors, but to me he was The Greatest. I have a friend who did two tours in Vietnam. He is on the Agent Orange list. I’m certain he lost friends there. He doesn’t like to speak much about it. In my opinion, we had no business there. Ali knew that fact before most. He stuck up for what he believed in, and that is a quality that I admire. Those three years that he missed in the ring were at the pinnacle of his career. It cost him millions of dollars and many more wins. At that time he was virtually untouchable. 

My dad spent time in the Army, and disliked Ali’s stance.. He thereafter rooted for the Norton’s, Foreman’s, and Frazier’s. To me, Ali had something special. He was eloquent. He said what he felt, no matter what others thought. He would make bold predictions, and then back them up. And it all unfolded on free television. The man lived almost half his life with Parkinson’s, and was a hero and inspiration to many. He stood up to bullies. That is how he got into boxing to begin with. George Foreman, who was beaten by Ali in the famous Rumble in the Jungle has referred to Ali as the greatest man he has ever known. George may know a few people! I continue to see Ali as a hero, and an inspiration, and I believe the world lost a great man and Champ.”I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” Muhammad Ali. Muhammad, you are now free, but you will sorely be missed. Stay tuned.