Blacks hired to smooth Janesville schools’ transition to diversity
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Janesville School District youth advocate Shelton Evans (center) sits with a group of Parker students during lunch on 01-07-09. Evans moved around the room constantly, but never seemed to rush his conversations with the students.
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Janesville School District youth advocate Shelton Evans listens during a conversation with a male Parker High School student.
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In the chaos of a Parker High School lunch period, Janesville School District youth advocate Jacque Willams gets close and talks quietly with a student about a personal matter.
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Dondre E. Bell
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Shelton L. Evans
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Jacque L. Williams
JANESVILLE — “Darnell, where are your books?
“How many college applications do you have in?”
Two men pepper student Darnell Sims with questions.
It’s passing time at Craig High School. Kids swarm the halls.
Sims makes excuses for not filling out applications, but the two men are having none of it.
Doesn’t he know how important this is? Does he really want to go to college?
The two men, Shelton Evans and Dondre Bell, are black, as is Sims. After several minutes of the brow beating, Bell takes Sims off to the side to talk.
Evans tells a Janesville Gazette reporter that Sims has a chance at a football scholarship, if he would only get his applications done.
Sims is among dozens of students that Bell and Evans mentor in the Janesville School District. Bell has been on the job 18 months, Evans nearly a year.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to college,” Sims said.
Bell and Evans convinced him he could and should. And they became people he could talk to and trust, he said.
And they are on his case to do well in school.
Blacks for blacks
That’s just one facet of the two men’s job. Along with district diversity worker Bob Baldwin and aide Jacque Williams, they are four African-American faces hired to help a district struggling to keep up with the changing faces of its students.
District leaders know full well the number of minority students is rapidly growing while the adults they see at school remain almost all white. A new initiative using private money is paying college tuition for local minorities who promise to get teaching degrees, but that effort will take several years before it produces faces of color among district staff.
Meanwhile, the district has come up with an innovative way to get minority role models into the schools.
None of the four has a degree in teaching or social work. But all have skills as communicators, records of accomplishment and dedication to doing all they can for the kids. Baldwin recruits staff, and he organizes and teaches classes on diversity for staff, including the district’s top management.
Bell and Evans are preparing their own presentation for teachers, “to get them to step outside of their box and make them feel race is playing a huge role in their classroom, whether they recognize it or not,” Bell said.
The three men and one woman are valuable parts of the district’s efforts to welcome diversity. Their talents and backgrounds are appreciated, at least by their bosses, coordinator of student services Marge Hallenbeck and Student Services Director Karen Schulte.
“We think it’s very important work, and we haven’t asked very much at all from local (tax) dollars, if anything,” Schulte said.
Need is great
“We’re just looking in every way that we can to increase understanding and success for our kids and to bring minority staff into our district,” Schulte said.
Schulte credits Hallenbeck for writing the grants and inventing the positions that people such as Baldwin, Bell, Evans and Williams fill.
“She thought out of the box to get these folks in, to be working with our minority kids,” Schulte said. “She got it done.”
Something needed to be done.
The district is on notice from the state to do something about the disproportionate number of black youths identified as emotionally disturbed. Janesville also can hang its head over the fact that few blacks get picked for gifted-and-talented programs, few enroll in Advanced Placement classes, and the test-score gap between whites and blacks that afflicts schools nationwide is well represented in Janesville.
Minority students now make up 15 percent of the district’s 10,000 students.
More than 600 of the district’s 10,000 students are identified as African-American. That’s a 600 percent increase since 1990.
Meanwhile, only 6 percent of teachers nationwide are African American, according to John Odom, a diversity consultant who has worked with the district for many years. And only 1 percent are African American males.
Numbers of Hispanics are on the rise as well, and the district is taking similar steps in those areas.
Mentors/parents
Evans gets paid through a federal grant to prevent drug and alcohol abuse in the high schools. If a social worker can’t get through to a student, Evans can sometimes reach him, he said.
Bell is paid through a federal grant that set up a student-mentoring program at Edison Middle School, where he recruits community mentors for at-risk students.
Both men say they work long past their required hours and often on weekends. They transport students; they help them buy clothing, and they do a lot of informal counseling. What they describe sounds like parenting.
There’s more work to be done than what they can do, they say, in part because so many black students lack a male role model in their lives, and their families often are poor.
The district recently started programs for black students, called BRO and SES. That’s Brothers Reaching Out and Sisters Empowering Sisters.
Evans and Bell run BRO on a volunteer basis. The program was originated by Beloit Memorial High School Principal Carlton Jenkins years ago. Evans and Bell both benefited from it. They graduated from Beloit Memorial in 1995.
Paying it forward
“Without that program, we could have been anywhere,” Evans chuckled in a way that said “anywhere” includes some bad places.
Now, they want to give back what they got: positive black male role models, Evans said.
BRO members meet with the mentors in groups or individually. Planning is in the works for trips to college campuses and Milwaukee Bucks basketball games—experiences some of them normally never would have.
The mentors encourage the kids to join Future Business Leaders of America, sports or other school activities.
“We show them it’s not just for white kids,” Bell said. “It’s for everyone that goes to school here.”
The pair hope to develop BRO so high school students can mentor middle-schoolers, and middle-schoolers can do the same for those in elementary school. Then, whenever students move up to a new building, they’ll know the ropes and as well as familiar faces.
“We target African Americans, but anyone can join,” Bell said.
Encouraging kids to go to college is another of the mentors’ missions. Black students often come from families where no one has gone to college, and parents don’t want to admit they don’t know the first thing about it, Bell said.
Black history
Williams is in charge of SES, which she says includes nearly every black girl at the two high schools.
The goal of BRO and SES is to make black students feel a part of their schools—something that research suggests is a key to academic success. The clubs also serve as places students can sound off about problems at school.
SES meetings are every three or four weeks, and the girls often say they can’t wait. Williams uses that desire, requiring that the girls make up the work from the time they were excused from class for their last meeting, or they’re not allowed to attend.
Williams said she sometimes teaches African-American history during SES meetings because the district’s history courses offer little black history. She also teaches them how to stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for their own educations, she said.
The lack of history from minority perspectives is a complaint that the top administration has heard as well. Schulte said she heard about it when she held a listening session for parents of black students.
The parents also complained about the lack of black teachers.
“And they said please don’t think every black kid is a gang banger. They felt that sometimes, it’s just assumed,” Schulte said.
Teaching teachers
Ask Bell and Evans if they were hired because they are black, and they have no problem with that.
One of their biggest jobs is to be visible as educated black men, and that benefits kids of all races, because that’s not something kids in Janesville get to see very often, except on TV, Bell said.
Tough love for the kids is one side of the coin for the workers. On the other side is what they say is a very big job: advocating for the kids and helping teachers and other staff cross the cultural divide between them and the black students.
In a way, their job is to stand between the black world and the white world, trying to bring those two closer together for the good of all.
Understanding needed
Bell tells of a student who was getting A’s and B’s in every class but one, where he was pulling an “F.” Bell found out the “F” was for not paying a $20 materials fee. The student’s family was homeless.
The teacher, Bell said, did not know the student’s situation. That’s the one thing all four of those interviewed said would be most helpful: that teachers take more time to get to know the kids.
Black students often feel no one cares about them at school, the mentors said.
“They just want you to know them,” Williams said. “They want to know they’re important, that their voices count.”
Teachers also come to them if they’re having trouble with a student. The mentors mediate the dispute.
Evans and Bell said they field a lot of questions from white teachers, and they welcome any question.
“Why are black kids so loud?” is one they get a lot. Or why do the kids wear those clothes, or what do those symbols mean? Those are cultural differences that Bell and Evans can explain, taking away the mystery.
On the other hand, teaching respect for elders and classroom decorum is another of the mentors’ goals.
Resistance continues
Some teachers learn and improve, while other resist, Bell, Evans and Williams said.
Williams told of going to a teacher to advocate for one of her girls, and the teacher told her off, saying in effect that she had no right to tell the teacher how to do her job.
Williams said she got compliance by mentioning that her boss is Marge Hallenbeck, but she doesn’t think the teacher’s attitude changed.
Racism is alive and well in the schools, the workers say. It’s a subtle kind of racism that can be hard to put a finger on, Baldwin said.
Williams said she always had teachers who provided a safe haven for her as she attended Lincoln, Edison and Parker schools in the 1980s and 1990s. But when she returned to the district two years ago, she felt that racism had worsened.
Teachers sometimes attach a stigma to black or Hispanic or Asian students, thinking they’re all the same, Williams said.
“They don’t understand. They don’t relate, and they don’t try to relate,” Williams said. “And you just have frustrated students and frustrated teachers.”
Black students will simply go silent and keep that frustration to themselves, even those who get good grades, Williams said.
The frustration also keeps blacks from joining activities, clubs or sports, because they fear they won’t be accepted, Williams said.
Racism versus caring
Baldwin said teachers must recognize that racism still exists, that it hurts their students, and that it’s a huge factor in the achievement gap.
“Students know when they’re wanted in that classroom and when they’re not,” Baldwin said. And if they’re not, they’ll shut down.
Teachers must value students enough to be willing to change their Euro-centric teaching styles in order to reach minority students, Baldwin said.
Baldwin thinks that kind of change—when every school employee confronts racism and deals with it—will take a long time. He’s frustrated that American society still is working on the problem in 2009, but he sees hope.
Janesville has an advantage over crumbling inner-city schools with their large percentage of inexperienced teachers. Janesville has good teachers and modern schools and materials—the resources to provide a wonderful education, Baldwin said.
“All they really need is basically a change of attitude and a willingness to build those relationships that are so important,” Baldwin said.
“People are learning slowly, and it’s not just teachers,” Baldwin said. “It’s principals, social workers, counselors. … That’s what gives me hope that we will make a difference and the Janesville School District can be a model for how a school district should be.”
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The Janesville School District includes minority topics in a variety of classroom settings and is working to do even more, said Director of Instruction Donna Behn.
Behn was responding to criticism that students aren’t exposed to history from a minority perspective. She noted that social studies teachers are required to teach multicultural topics, that librarians work to keep a selection of books on those topics available, and the district is reviewing its English novel requirements to increase the variety of authors that are required.
A new textbook adoption process includes a check to see how the books handle equity issues, Behn said. Teachers this year are being offered a variety of training opportunities on minority topics.
“We are not where we want to be in regard to the integration of multicultural education, but we are making progress,” Behn said.
Aug 8, 2009 at 4:50 p.m.
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I believe I already posted this back in Jan. so username, SORRY!
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For those concerned about their background...
Sometimes it is good for a student who is struggling with behavioir, academics, attendance and peer relationships to work with someone who has also struggled with those things.
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Most teachers were pretty good kids, students, fairly popular and enjoyed school to a degree becauswe they chose to return as a teacher.
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The kids that need mentors are sturggling and perhaps someone who struggled might relate better than someone who thought school was "easy."
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That doesn't mean anyone should be hired or that anyone is qualified to be a hired as a mentor but different criteria can and should be used. The pay and benefits are different than from a teacher or SW so why can't hte criteria also be different?
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I know Shelton and Dondre and would trust my own children with either one. Perhaps, when they were in HS or in their early 20's I wouldn't have said that but now, I do.
Aug 8, 2009 at 2:01 p.m.
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:~)
Aug 8, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
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username, that didn't even make sense. This is a public site to post our personal views. If you don't want to read other people's opinions, perhaps you should just read the articles and don't read the comments. Another suggestion might be to open your mind to the possibility that others have opinions different from yours and you may glean a bit of information by reading them. Deep Thoughts...by ms_sassy_wi
Aug 8, 2009 at 10:36 a.m.
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Please for those of you that comment more then once to an article why not exchange phone numbers and call each other direct. It saves the rest of us from having to scroll through your ramblings on....
Aug 7, 2009 at 12:25 p.m.
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What a title! Makes me wonder what The Gazette's goal was, to demonstrate what a non-tolerant community Janesville is? To incite comments on this page? What makes the article title pop up in the most discussed, most e-mailed lists? Good article, bad title.
THANK YOU MS. HALLENBACK, MR. EVANS, MS. WILLIAMS AND MR. BELL for contibuting positive influence to ALL our children as they grow to adults.
Aug 7, 2009 at 11:57 a.m.
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here we go, why do always have to look someone up on ccap? im sure theyve already been run through the mill.if they are making positive changes in the lives let them.some of you people that post, remind of that old bat from the bewitched show from the 70's,never nothing nice to say always running someone into the ground,and your the ones who should be looking into your own skeleton closet.everyone has a past even if its not with the legal system.,so be quiet and leave these people alone.
Aug 6, 2009 at 8:43 p.m.
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ms sassy wi: VERY WELL SAID!
Aug 6, 2009 at 5:54 p.m.
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localboysince1968, apparently you are an idiot. I didn't know it until this post (Jan 18, 2009 at 7:58 a.m.)
fbcoach66, by your username I assume you are also male...thank you for your honesty. I think the main issue is for people to say "yes, I acknowledge that there are differences and I don't want to be, but I think I am afraid of the differences between you and I"...that admission, says that "yes, I know you are not like me, but...like me, we need to figure out how to do this thing called life. I want to know you and like you..."
I think everyone is born with the natural desire to love and be loved and to be liked by others.
Aug 6, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.
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Being a teacher requires a person (ANY PERSON) to have the kindness of a social work degree. ENOUGH SAID!
Now, about the issue someone brought up, why does it matter if two teachers live together? Taxpayers moan about the money they DO get paid without realizing how much they really DON'T bet paid.
Here's a thought... in ALL professions there are people (black, white, brown, etc. AND Male/Male, Female/Female, Male/Female pairs that SHARE a residence because they DON'T GET PAID ENOUGH! Don't infer what you don't know.
Aug 6, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.
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wesgonsin: No need for those degrees; they are not teaching or doing social work. Enough said.
Aug 6, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.
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"None of the four has a degree in teaching or social work"..... Enough said.
Aug 6, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.
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Darned if you do, darned if you don't. Why are you so concerned with if the article is politically correct or not? Doesn't it get a point across?
And for that THC stuff, I can count on my ONE hand how many people I know that have NEVER done drugs-- including myself. So, with that said, that probably includes all you that look these people up on CCAP to find out stuff. We ALL make mistakes.
I suppose, if you knew my name, you would look up to find that I was married/divorced AND the ex-spouse is a sex offender that sexually abused/raped an individual with a developmental disability. Does that make me "one of them?" NOT AT ALL. I would have turned my ex in and served him with the divorce papers had I known how sick he was.
Aug 6, 2009 at 12:49 p.m.
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Good for teh school However living as close as i do and seeing tons of kids walking to and from school, tehy need to do something for the white kids!! Every time I have had to call JPD for a student causeing problems its been a white kid!!! I dont care what color your skin is really, you could be purple for all i care, if your a person Im going to treat you like one but I have never once in the 5 years I have lived here had a problem with a student of any color other than WHITE!!!
Aug 6, 2009 at 9:48 a.m.
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My word you people are disgusting.
Parent's have a lot of responsiblity for one; unless you're a parent you wouldn't have a clue as to what that responsibility is.
Secondly, not all parents are the epitome of a role model.
What these people are doing could make a world of difference in the future of a child. That is all that should matter.
You hear all the time that black children are at a disadvantage and many turn to drugs, crime, gangs, etc. So, if there is someone, anyone, out there like these people who is trying to prevent that who do you think you are to judge them? You should be ashamed!
Aug 5, 2009 at 11:24 p.m.
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The main complaint from the community has NOTHING to do with the mentors being a certain color. The complaints DO HAVE to do with the mentors with criminal records!! Duh? How many positions are there to work in the schools, WITH CHILDREN, when you have a CRIMINAL RECORD?!
Aug 5, 2009 at 11:59 a.m.
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wow. what a tasteless title.
another insensitive and tasteless faux pas by the gazette.
Aug 5, 2009 at 11:49 a.m.
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This article to me seems to breed racism. I know it is out there but do we really need people to help minorities feel like they are a part. I personally feel that if minority and majority groups stopped living in the past then this would go away. If the teachers were educated like they should have been, then why would any child feel they weren't being included? Seems to me it is something that is being put in their heads at home...
JMO, but I don't think this is necessary. How will we ever become the HUMAN RACE if we keep trying to acknowledge and treat racism? It just keeps racism alive!
Apr 4, 2009 at 2:24 p.m.
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I have been involved with this program for 2 years now as a mentor. I have mentored kids in high school and middle school, black and white, female and male. I can not believe that there are so many people in our community that have the nerve to come on this website and complain about four individuals doing great things in our community. This is a great program for ALL children in the school system. Just because the program has a facet dedicated to helping minorities does not mean it is ignoring the rest of the student population. It just means it has a facet dedicated to minorities. Instead of complaining about how the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted in the fine print of the program, why don’t some of you that obviously have some issues with the program call one of these four and volunteer your time to mentoring these kids. I guarantee the program is not at “capacity” for volunteers and I believe that you can do a lot more good spending time with a kid rather than arguing on here.
Jan 28, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.
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Hannah I sure hope the police take your advice. Yeah the guy and the OTHER guy robbed the bank.... COM ON the gazzette titles it this way because it is how the gazzette feels. Grow up and read beyond the articles title.
Jan 23, 2009 at 3:50 p.m.
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Please print this in the gazette.
Post of the year and it is only January. I don't even know what the post is referring to but it is brillant.
SarahB
Jan 22, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.
Suggest removal MadeinUSA: Are you sure you weren't made in China? Your brain is junk.
Jan 23, 2009 at 2:12 p.m.
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I'd like to share some common sense and insight
into this issue. I retired after thirty eight
years teaching/principalship in a very diverse
school district in Wisconsin. All students like to be treated with respect and dignity.
Though education/knowledge success is achieved.
Listening to students and nurturing and guiding
them along the educational process students feel success is being observed.
Jan 23, 2009 at 12:31 a.m.
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Problem: "The district is on notice from the state to do something about the disproportionate number of black youths identified as emotionally disturbed. Janesville also can hang its head over the fact that few blacks get picked for gifted-and-talented programs, few enroll in Advanced Placement classes, and the test-score gap between whites and blacks that afflicts schools nationwide is well represented in Janesville."
Solution: Hire workers to TARGET the problem area.
Jan 22, 2009 at 5:17 p.m.
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MadeinUSA: Are you sure you weren't made in China? Your brain is junk.
Jan 22, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.
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"Bell found out the “F” was for not paying a $20 materials fee." Oh, if it were really that simple. If they had the $20 would he be a better student? Would he get an A? I have $20 I am willing to give Bell to test that theory. Ever thought the kid was homeless because of poor decisions the parent(s) made? Having kids when you can not afford to pay your bills is a good start to homelessness. Having kids because of indiscriminate activities is another quick vehicle to homelessness. The $20 fee is not the cause of an "F". Poor performance in class is the cause. The homeless part, and the fee is the excuse. You, Mr. Bell, are using it as propaganda. You, Mr. Bell, are perpetuating the feeling of being held back in the eyes of the black children you like to say you "target". Rid yourself of the massive chip on your shoulder, find peace with yourself and the world around you, and try to make a better world for all disadvantaged youth rather than the black youth. Don't worry, there are plenty of young black people that will still need your help. You just might find there are many others that are feeling the effects too. Others that may open your eyes up to a more macro view of the problem. From there you may find that you have the tools to really make a change. Until then you are simply being allowed to use your time in an attempt to cure a problem that affects the top as much as it effects the bottom. Diversity should not be a corrective action in this day and age. Hold those that have suppressed this over years accountable and demand all students, teachers, and staff play an active role in ensuring all students, without target, have an equal chance at success.
Jan 22, 2009 at 4:27 p.m.
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http://www.beloit.edu/publicaffairs/news... While searching black issues in the area, I found this. I was appalled to see what jumped out at me in the 9:55 time slot on page 2, it reads Elizabeth Weck did a symposium on "Homothugs: Redefining What it Means to be Black and Gay". Mrs. Weck is a student working on her teaching degree. In fact she apparently was voted in as one of many "students of the year" in 2007/08. She has come this far in her educational studies and still refers to the word "thug" & "homo"? Thug is a stereotypical word used to describe unruly, violent, non-accountable, and aggressive people. Commonly it is associated with young, black, gang influenced males. When combined into her newly-formed word "homothug" it can be seen as derogatory by nearly all. Liberal Studies is a classification in the educational system not a license to act with malice. How do these people make it in our schools? Who is hiring this person to teach our children? Why do they award a person that thinks like this?
Jan 22, 2009 at 1 p.m.
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MadeinUsa--have you read the article...better yet, do you understand it? I'm beginning to wonder where you got your "A" average GPA college education considering that statement in itself does not make sense. GPA is based on a point system not a letter grade. Since you are such a concerned citizen, call or take yourself down and actually find out what the program offers and to whom instead of reading an article and making judgements. Find out what colleges these people went to and what their qualifications are. I'm sure they would be more than willing to tell you. As far as their pasts, have you voted for any of the last few presidents? They have used drugs and so they must be using them now, right? Would you not let your children meet any of those presidents? Just think....I hope you finally get it. FYI: I will once again tell you they have college degrees.
Jan 22, 2009 at 7:13 a.m.
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"The sad reality is until there is no affirmative action there will be no affirmative action." This was instructed to me by a very diverse person, that sees the world though an intellectual perspective with a college degree who instructs in race and diversity college course.
My sad thought is we not only teach race and diversity but it is a requirement. I agree to respectfully disagree and still be ok with the rest of the world. How many can say this?
Jan 22, 2009 at 6:27 a.m.
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"MadeinUSA--Do you still not get it that the article only states that they do not have degrees in those areas? I know one of those individuals has GRADUATED!!!! and has a DEGREE!!!! from one of the top rated universities in this nation. Get over yourself and your small mindedness. Like I previously said, take yourself down and volunteer if you don't like what these people are doing. Also, they are getting paid for their jobs but spend a LARGE amount of their own free time going to sporting events, functions, etc. They CARE about all of the kids and would welcome ANY person in this community to be mentor. So step up and if you are too busy, tired, etc., then shut up."
Caring about children means setting a good example, first and foremost. Paying my rent and STAYING OFF DRUGS is my first way to do this.
Volunteer? So, none of these mentors have an actual college degree, they have criminal backgrounds, AND they're VOLUNTEERING their time. That's outstanding!
How much are these deviant advisers getting paid to have access to our children and who in the Federal programs do I advise on this poor decision by JSD?
Jan 21, 2009 at 4:06 p.m.
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MadeinUSA--Do you still not get it that the article only states that they do not have degrees in those areas? I know one of those individuals has GRADUATED!!!! and has a DEGREE!!!! from one of the top rated universities in this nation. Get over yourself and your small mindedness. Like I previously said, take yourself down and volunteer if you don't like what these people are doing. Also, they are getting paid for their jobs but spend a LARGE amount of their own free time going to sporting events, functions, etc. They CARE about all of the kids and would welcome ANY person in this community to be mentor. So step up and if you are too busy, tired, etc., then shut up.
Jan 21, 2009 at 12:41 p.m.
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I know... it's just not the only instance I have seen... that was just an example of one.
I get what you are saying about not being offended if someone calls you "white" but the opposite for people being called "black" .... I do feel that "black" is more appropriate than "colored"... even though black is a color... I don't know... all these terms are getting me confused...
I suppose I will never truly understand how people feel since I am me. . .
Jan 21, 2009 at 12:35 p.m.
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No, chemical6, I am not African American. I am white and I don't mind being called white which is why I don't understand why some people hate the term black.
And in the one instance you refer to, maybe the guy hated the Bulls? Seriously though, you are right it does sound ridiculous to cross the street in that instance. It is possible that they knew the guy I suppose and it was more personal and not about race.
Jan 21, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
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Teacher2b – I get what you are saying too, and I wasn’t trying to attack you in any way… hope you don’t see it that way. I have a personal (or maybe not so personal) question though…. Are you African American?? The only reason I ask is because you said that you were not offended by those terms. I, being white, am not personally offended by those terms either, but I am offended for others when people use them in the company of the ethnicity they are targeted at. I would never know how it would make a black person feel to be called one of those terms because I myself, am not black. Does that make sense? I tend to ramble…. Anywho. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, I just wanted to clarify your previous post of not being offended and just wanted to understand your reasoning of not being offended but not condoning the use of the terms.
I was in grade school in the mid 80’s as well and I get what you mean about African Americans using the “N-Word” and other slangs of the word, but only to each other. If a white person says it, it’s a bad term…. However, not ALL black people use that word, there are plenty that are offended by the word and look down an ANYONE that says it, not just white people.
Also, to answer your last question… the man was wearing a Chicago Bulls jacket with jeans and black shoes. His pants fit him and he was holding a folder or notepad… He didn’t look threatening to me personally. The people crossed the street and then crossed back over to enter a building on the same side of the street that they started on. The man didn’t seem to notice but I did, and it was bothersome.
Jan 21, 2009 at 11:55 a.m.
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Right on Teach! Don`t call yourself what you don`t want others to call you!
Jan 21, 2009 at 11:10 a.m.
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Ok chemical6, I get what you are saying. People are offended by those terms now but they did not used to be. That is fine. People have a right to be offended by whatever they want. I was saying those particular terms don't offend me personally. I was saying I shouldn't be offended by something because somebody else tells me to be.
That doesn't mean I find it acceptable to use those terms nor do I condone their usage.
Think about something else though. The use of the dreaded "N" word was pretty common around Janesville when I was in grade school (early to mid 80's), possibly because there weren't many black people around to tell us how offensive we were being. So we grow older and become more educated and learn not to use that word, and then Snoop Dogg and his pals repopularize the word by calling themselves that? I don't get that at all.
One more thing, chemical6. Did you see people crossing the street because there was an African American coming, or because there was a thug who just happened to be African American? It makes a difference.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:51 a.m.
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Teacher2b -
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (along with a few others) founded the NAACP in 1909. William Du Bois was mixed, and so were others that helped founded the NAACP. Also, the founder of the UNCF did so in 1944. He was named the president of Tuskegee Institute which was an African-American school…. I think America has come pretty far since 1909 and those terms (colored, negro, etc) are not acceptable today. They, in most cases, do not represent something endearing…. At least they don’t to me. If I see an African American walking down the street, it would never cross my mind that they were “negro”, or “colored”…. Just that they were walking down the street. There are still people in Janesville that will cross the street when they see an African American coming their way…. I have seen it.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:27 a.m.
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a.)OK, so we have 4 "mentors" in our schools, and at least one of them has 60 college credits which MIGHT be an Associates degree-IF those credits corollate with an Associate's program. If you can't finish a basic 4 year college program how can you advise others on how to do it? That is an essential premise for professionalism; the education. School Counselors have a for year degree with at least a certificate in Social Work, and perhaps a teaching cert. from the State so they can do sub work, if needed.
****There are many reasons for starting but not finishing a degree. I know some professionals with master's degrees that I wouldn't want in this position because they are A-holes. Obviously their resume and reputation told the district they are great at working with young people.
Why not call and ask why they didn't finish? I promise you will be shocked and saddened by one of the stories.
b.) How much are they being paid? Seeing that noone wants to answer this question, I'm guessing they are not volunteering their time.
*** I have no idea but I doubt anyone is getting rich from this position.
c.) There are lots of people who are forgiven for their sins and given a second chance for evading basic responsibilities like paying the rent and doing drugs. However, should those folks be the ones advising our children? Would they pass a drug test today, or volunteer for taking one this afternoon?(Criminal past predicts future activities.)
***I believe yes. Sometimes those who screwed up and are living to regret it are better at communicating with kids, especially kids who are struggling, because they can truly relate.
Like I said yesterday, I am guessing most Janesville students have had enough lectures from adults who grew up middle-class and got A's and B's from Elem. school to college.
d.)What I see being slung around here is a whole lot of racial innuendo. Be done with it. We have people who are underqualified whom hold more paper with the crimnal court system than they do with the education system, advising our children and being paid with my tax dollars to do it. That's a WHOLE lot of BS standing on the basis of entitlement.
***Go and watch what these two men do and how they work with the kids. Don't read a couple cases and CCAP and make a decision.
I have worked with Shelton for 4 years and he is absolutely amazing with the kids. He loves them and is more dedicated than most. He actually moved back because of his devotion to kids.
The district continues to look for mentors so if you don't like the current crop, Step-up and become one. Be part of the solution or shut-up.
BTW, the title of the article sucks, it was meant to make the focus race instead of the great things being done within the mentoring program. That is on the gazette not the mentoring program.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:20 a.m.
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That comment was also directed towards SHOPIEREHUH... even more so I think.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:18 a.m.
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Janesvillean – The point I was trying to get across is that the man did not ask “where was the other girl that was just here” he asked “where is the COLORED girl that was just here”…. Also, I told my friend about it and she was pretty upset about it. So, “colored” is in fact offensive to some people. Maybe not all people of non-Caucasian backgrounds are offended but some still are. I do sometimes feel that other ethnicities get special treatment in some things, but look at what they have gone thru to be considered equal to Caucasians. I think there will always be people uncomfortable with other races but I think that the difference between the way I live my life and the way they live theirs is that I don’t care what ethnicity you are as long as you show me the same respect I show you.
Jan 21, 2009 at 10:03 a.m.
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a.)OK, so we have 4 "mentors" in our schools, and at least one of them has 60 college credits which MIGHT be an Associates degree-IF those credits corollate with an Associate's program. If you can't finish a basic 4 year college program how can you advise others on how to do it? That is an essential premise for professionalism; the education. School Counselors have a for year degree with at least a certificate in Social Work, and perhaps a teaching cert. from the State so they can do sub work, if needed.
b.) How much are they being paid? Seeing that noone wants to answer this question, I'm guessing they are not volunteering their time.
c.) There are lots of people who are forgiven for their sins and given a second chance for evading basic responsibilities like paying the rent and doing drugs. However, should those folks be the ones advising our children? Would they pass a drug test today, or volunteer for taking one this afternoon?(Criminal past predicts future activities.)
d.)What I see being slung around here is a whole lot of racial innuendo. Be done with it. We have people who are underqualified whom hold more paper with the crimnal court system than they do with the education system, advising our children and being paid with my tax dollars to do it. That's a WHOLE lot of BS standing on the basis of entitlement.
Jan 21, 2009 at 12:47 a.m.
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Hey TCB,
What about the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), or the United Negro College Fund? Who named those organizations? Obviously somebody who was not offended by those particular terms. Who is anyone else to say what I should or should not be offended by?
Jan 21, 2009 at 12:32 a.m.
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Optimism: Why bother making a comment on an article that you refuse to read?
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:43 p.m.
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I WILL NOT EVEN READ THIS ARTICLE The title made me sick. Why on earth in this day and age do we have to assign a race or gender to a hiring process, presidency or anything else for that matter? If there is a need to go OUT OF YOUR WAY to hire a certian race or gender to "SMOOTH" things out, then your company or government obviously has problems, and you need to address your own biases and racism. Let's get over physical characteristic differences, and focus on the itellegence and capabilities of a job applicant. And I really wish we would stop having all of this "black proud" / "white proud" attitude. How about "AMERICAN PROUD"? Period.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:33 p.m.
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Are you a black person, TCB? Offensiveness is subjective.
You ask a lot of questions for being such an expert on what is offensive. Do you find that offensive?
Are you an expert on offensiveness? Do you have an offensive degree? Were you ever offended like twice in one day? How about three times in one day or perhaps five times in one week? Do you get offended in Janesville a lot?
I am offended by your offensivity. It's no wonder I am going to now go eat a tuna fish sandwich with some chicken noodle soup.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:02 p.m.
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Shopierehuh
Colored is offensive. In fact, its highly offensive. Its used as a perjorative. So I guess because you consider it "outmoded" does not mean the term is not offensive. Do you knwo anyone who uses the term "colored" as term of endearment?
How about "negro" is this term outmoded or offensive? What about other perjorative slang used to describe other races are those outmoded or offensive?
Would you advocate that teachers in the Janesville school district when referring to African AMericans describe them as "colored people or negros"? I hope not.
How about the president? Is he he first colored president Or is he the first African American President?
And I wonder why Janesville lacks cultural diversity
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:09 p.m.
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I would have walked away from you also, chemical6. He was using the word "colored" as a descriptive is all. Just like blonde, or tall, or brown haired or short.
"Colored" is not offensive, it is just outmoded. In my lifetime, those whose ancestors came from Africa have went through 5 or 6 descriptives and I'm quite sure that we will soon see one of the most stupid, "African American" go away, as it should. Most of the Black folks that I know are not interested in being called that. They are Americans.
Jan 20, 2009 at 5:06 p.m.
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chemical_6, truthfully, I don't think the word "colored" is automatically offensive -- at one time it was the polite term in much of the country. I knew an elderly, patrician African-American woman once who insisted on being called "colored" instead of "black" (in part because the skin color is, of course, not actually black). One should be careful in such situations and while it may not be the wisest of word choices I would hope that few would actually take offense.
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Scholars of racism have always pointed out that what is offensive is the systematic deprivation of opportunity. You can't change people, but you can change the system.
Jan 20, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.
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My friend and I were at a show for work in Richland Center, and she went to get us something to eat. While she was gone, an elderly man came up to me and asked me “where is the colored gal that was just here?” and I asked him “what color was she? Purple, Green, Blue…?” and he said “what is that supposed to mean?” and I said “you asked for a colored girl, I only see people, I thought maybe you saw something I didn’t”…. He actually walked away. I wish everyone was blind for one year. I think that we would get over racism and focus on the important things in life…. Like love, liberty and prosperity. Every looks the same if their skin was removed, who gives a crap what color their skin is? This is such a played out issue, it’s so annoying…. ugh
Jan 20, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.
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"if you can't make your financial obiligations, you are a dirtbag." Wow. FYI - Most of the people of this community have had or are on the brink of having financial difficulties. People are losing their jobs and their homes. The unemployment rate is at an all-time high. Food pantries are having a hard time keeping up with the amount of families needing help. The economy is in the crapper. So, in essence, you're calling all of us who are struggling to get by, who sometimes can't meet our financial obligations, dirtbags. Is that really the kind of man you want to be, localboysince1968? Come on now. You can do better than that.
As far as the drug conviction issue goes...The last 3 of our presidents have admitted to drug use. Did you vote for Clinton, Bush or Obama? Is the president not a role model for the children of this country? I'm sure those of you condemning and criticizing did things in your past you are not proud of. Should we hold those things against you for the rest of your lives? Should you be banned from being around children, even if you have done your best to overcome your past and help those around you to be better people? I've learned those that judge are doing so because of the way they feel about themselves. Why does this story bother you so? Or better yet, why do the people in this story bother you so? Maybe you should take a look at that instead of judging those that are doing something positive for our community.
Jan 20, 2009 at 4:21 p.m.
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MadeinUSA
Perhaps these two great mean are using the lessons, including mistakes, they have to teach/mentor the current youth in our community.
They may know how much work it takes and how just a few bad decisions can make life more difficult.
I am guessing the "mentees" have had plenty of A average college graduates lecture them on how the decisions they make today will impact tomorrow. I am also guessing that message doesn't resinate from the A average college grads who grew up in the burb in middle class homes because they really can't relate.
Their experiences are very different from those with A averages, undergrad like you or Master's level like me really doesn't matter, and can likely learn more from those with similar backgrounds.
These two mentors, have made mistakes, who hasn't, but they have worked hard to establish a new, positive reputation in this community and anyone who actually knows these men, know they are making a positive difference in our students lives.
Shelton and Dondre deserve better than this.
Jan 20, 2009 at 4:20 p.m.
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rep_1_, please elaborate. What exactly are they preaching that they have no investment in?
Jan 20, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
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Zoom it takes a small mind to pick apart spelling to deviate from the answers. You understood the point. Mentors or not the fact remains they preach an institution they have no investment in per the article.
Jan 20, 2009 at 3:51 p.m.
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rep_of_1, the article does not say they don't have degrees. Try to keep up.
And I don't think anyone is be "consoled". Counseled, maybe? These are mentors, not counselors.
Jan 20, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
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THEY HAVE COLLEGE DEGREES. Because someone has had financial hardships does not mean they are not qualified to mentor children! Has anyone noticed that the commentors who personally know these individuals have had nothing but positive things to say!?! Get your negative heads out of your a$$es and if you don't like their programs start your own!
Jan 20, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.
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Zoom why would a consular have a degree in teaching?
Wouldn't child/teen psychiatry be more fitting if your going console them.
If you are going to preach attending college no greater influence could be attained than being the role model successor of college. An earned degree should equal eligibility of career upon completion nothing less.
Jan 20, 2009 at 1:53 p.m.
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Obviously, a college degree isn't everything...you have a basic reading comprehension problem.
Jan 20, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
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Per the article: "None of the four has a degree in teaching or social work."
Again, where does the article say they don't have higher education? A mentor doesn't need a teaching certificate. Even a school counselor doesn't require a teaching certificate in Wisconsin.
http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/pi34.html#pupils...
Jan 20, 2009 at 12:51 p.m.
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"Do you know any of the people mentioned personally? The article does NOT state they don't have higher educations."
No, I do not know any of these "mentors" personally, but the article does say that they do NOT have Bachelors degrees, or therefore, teaching certificates. If these "mentors" have not actually received the same education as a basic High School teacher, why are we paying them to mentor children for higher education in the schools?( If I see my tax dollars spent as such, it does not matter if they are fed. or state tax $$.)Yes, I can read, I actually have a College degree with an A average G.P.A..
Secondly, this is a very forgiving Nation as far as Law violators are concerned, but putting leaders in front of children who have drug arrests and several small court claims against them? Lead by example and the attraction of that example will shine through. These mentors have merely shone they have a past of drug use and not paying their bills. Two thumbs down to the J.S.D..
It does not matter what race the mentors are; they are underqualifed and have criminal records. It's a no-brainer. Do you think the teacher who was recently arrested for cocaine posession will step into a classroom to teach again? Not in Wisconsin, that's for sure. So, why are these mentor(s) different?
Lastly, I'll ask again; How much are these mentors being paid?
Jan 20, 2009 at 12:43 p.m.
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What I find sad is that very few of you people actually addressed the very basis of this article which is NOT whether these 3 people are qualified to be mentors or if Janesville is a backward thinking, racist community but rather, if you think this is a good program. Is it possible to have one article with blogs that actually relate to what was written? Instead, the bloggers go off in every direction (usually something snotty) and start speculating about what wasn't written.
Jan 20, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
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Thank you stacymarie.... Maybe other judgemental people need to "move on" or just move out of their mother's basements and try to realize what life is like for someone that isn't what society considers the yardstick (white, male, heterosexual) for which to be measured by. Localboy, I did "move on" but came back to be near family. After living in a different community, I realized what a disgustingly unfriendly, unwelcoming, rude group of people "we" are. I am ashamed of the negativity given to the individuals in the story as they do NOT deserve it. Here they are trying to make a difference in children's lives and spend numerous hours outside of what they are paid for to help others. They ARE college educated and were obviously chosen because they are positive individuals willing to help where most people won't! Don't miss the point of the article.
Jan 20, 2009 at 11:04 a.m.
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"My dad and I were at that KKK protest and believe me, we both wanted to tear the heads off of those KKK idiots (The police did their jobs and kept us at bay)."
Congratulations. When you're done patting yourself on the back, you might also want to get some anger management training. Opposition of the KKK doesn't mean you know anything about what kind of mentor might have a positive impact on a minority student.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:50 a.m.
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"...whom themselves do NOT have a higher education?"
Do you know any of the people mentioned personally? The article does NOT state they don't have higher educations.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:17 a.m.
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MadeinUSA: Please READ the story! They are not getting a cent of your precious Janesville taxpayer money. The mentors are being paid for by a federal grant that likely contains pennies at most from any individual community in this country.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:08 a.m.
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MadeinUSA--Please read the article-then you are welcome to join the conversation.
Jan 20, 2009 at 10:03 a.m.
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Bellagio and localboy--you made my point! the views of the KKK was not tolerated in Janesville--however passive racism, AKA descrimination based on race is alive and thriving in Janesville. I wonder how many white citizens of Janesville are concerned about someone CCAP-ing them if their name appears in the local paper? Or, is it just the black people that need to be worried about that? Maybe one of you two (bellagio or localboy) would like to take your squeaky clean selves and go to the middle and high schools and mentor children, regardless of race, color, creed, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation--I'm sure you would be the best candidates for these jobs--even though you know nothing about the challenges facing these young people who live in lilly-white Janesville.
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:53 a.m.
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So, how much are we residents paying for these 4 "mentors" for promoting higher education, whom themselves do NOT have a higher education? Are they donating their time to this cause?
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
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Locaboy, you are right, the people of Janesville did NOT want Kenny Peterson and his KKK people here. That is why the orginazation could not grow roots in this community. This is NOT a racist community or the opposite would have happened.
My dad and I were at that KKK protest and believe me, we both wanted to tear the heads off of those KKK idiots (The police did their jobs and kept us at bay). Janesville spoke up that day and made a very pronounced statement that the hatred the KKK was trying to spread is not wanted here.
For all the people that were there, you can confirm what I am talking about. There were only a half dozen idiot racists, and several hundred protesting their message.
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:09 a.m.
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"This does not attack the root problem of disfunctional households, irresponsible parents, and a life of laziness and system sucking."
Again, you just don't get it. Complex problems require multiple approaches. We don't attempt to solve the drug problem, for instance, by just invading Columbia. We work on all aspects, including the supply, demand, distribution, drug treatment, etc. The same principle applies here. There are other groups and organizations out there to help parents who can't or don't know how to teach their children how to be motivated, or how to solve their childrens other problems. The people mentioned in the article work directly with the children, in an environment that many may find is more comfortable than being at home. You also haven't recognized how this assistance can also make school life better for the CLASSMATES of those children that need help. Your narrow mindedness on this issue only illustrates how far we have yet to go. After reading other well written comments that have tried to explain the purpose of this program to you, I have hope for the rest of us. You...not so much. Good day.
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:07 a.m.
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Stacie, the point was not that they are "black" mentors, it is that they are "mentors" with arrest records (if it is the same two people with arrest records). Your question, "How can they be role models for minority students?" because they are white, is totally racist. Why can't a white person be a mentor, because they don't have an arrest record? Because they have a job? Is that what your are trying to infer? You make it sound like the black youth will only listen to other blacks (especially with arrest records).
THAT is whats wrong with society today!! The youth are folowing and idolizing people that have no business mentoring kids if they are not model citizen themself. Yes, I do hold people to a higher standard if they are interacting with my children. That does NOT make me racist!!
It should NOT be a matter of race!! The mentors should be people of accountability! IF in fact these two mentors are not the same people with the arrest records on CCAP, then I welcome them with open arms to mentor, teach, be a big brother or befriend my children. I don't care if they are black, yellow, green or purple!!
Jan 20, 2009 at 8:51 a.m.
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stacymarie - I will give you a history lesson. This community did not tolerate the KKK. That is why they are not here. Whether we were "standing in the streets" is irrelevant. Many of us probably were working, but again we would not tolerate the KKK, and it was evident by the outrage at the time. You can't judge the community by one ignorant biggot (Ken Peterson). Being forced (active recruitment using affirmative action) to diverse a community is wrong. We should be recruiting the best people for the positions. I am not sure how manually inserting minorities in to a community makes it open-minded, well respected (by who??), well rounded. This program is nothing more than a babysitting program for specific individuals who obviously are not focused on self fulfullment (education) free of cost. This does not attack the root problem of disfunctional households, irresponsible parents, and a life of laziness and system sucking.
Jan 20, 2009 at 8:37 a.m.
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The goal of this program is to get minority role models into the schools, make them visible and accessible to the minorty students, as stated in the article. What I'm reading from some posters here is that these positions should be open to everyone, especially those with degrees in teaching or social work. Derrr! Those people are called "school counselors". And, in this district they are white!! How can they be role models for minority students? Here's a question--what, if anything, is this district doing to recruit minority teachers and counselors? And, IF the district is actively recruiting minorities, why, oh why would they come to this community to work, in light of the comments that are being made here---They wouldn't--it's obvious to me that the posts here accurately reflect the backwoods views of this community. My theory is that this community is passively racist--"I don't mind them 'African-American' folks, but they better not come too close to me or my kids." How ironic is it that this is the same community that not too long ago was faced with public invasion by the KKK? How many of you commentors here stood in the streets at that time and said "We won't tolerate this, go away KKK". Hmmm...
Jan 20, 2009 at 7:31 a.m.
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If you people are "ashamed" of Janesville, then move on. Go somewhere else. Most of these comments are not anti-black, but against a flawed socialist program with flawed hiring practices. If we don't agree with you, we are racist, close-minded, and 60's-ish. Classic left wing brow beating.
Jan 19, 2009 at 10:48 p.m.
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People in Janesville make me laugh. The majority of you are all so closed minded, I often joke the drive to Janesville is like going back in time to the 60's.
You read your weekly paper that is published daily and somehow feel you are educated on real world events but seem to me like you barely grasp the world isn't flat.
I sure hope that the retiring of all the old white males at the district office will bring about change from the top that the ENTIRE city desperately needs. Maybe it can spread to other areas of the community too; but from the comments here it is obvious change won't penetrate some of your engrained beliefs.
Good luck forward thinkers, you have a long struggle ahead of you in Janesville. Take the easy road and move away and leave the city to destroy itself because your voice of reason is falling on deaf ears.
Jan 19, 2009 at 10:07 p.m.
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Wow....most of the time I am ashamed to admit I was born and raised in Janesville. Now is one of those times. What a judgemental and close-minded place to live. These people are working to better our community through the lives of our children by building their self-esteem, trust, and overall well-being. How dare some of you judge these selfless individuals that are helping YOUR future. You do not know the circumstances behind any of the stuff on ccap and I highly doubt that anyone commenting on here is perfect! We, as a country, have voted in presidents that had been accused of doing drugs. People can change and use their past experiences as a way to help others that may be feeling the same peer pressure as they did. Instead of Janesville people looking down their noses on others, try opening your homes and hearts to those who need it.
Jan 19, 2009 at 9:24 p.m.
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Because if they are black it is ok. Whe have lowered our standard, and if they are black, it is ok. I don't care what color you are, if you can't make your financial obiligations, you are a dirtbag.
Jan 19, 2009 at 8:48 p.m.
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What makes me sick is, that these people are in my kid's school with police records (if it is in fact the same people). And that is exactly what is wrong with society today. You people are on here saying, oh, it's ok to default on your obligations and it's ok to do drugs, that was years ago. Well, it's NOT ok.
I expect more out of the people that my children come in contact with at school. IF these are the same people that are listed on CCAP, they are NOT positive role models. How about bringing in someone with a clean background and positive life experiences to relate to these kids?
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:40 p.m.
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You know this article sickens me. Why are they "blacks" how about just good people are hired. The color off a man or womans skin is irrelavant, your a good person or a shmuck thats it. Maybe if everyone gets off there high horse and just operates that way we can all move on.
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:29 p.m.
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It was 1965 when blacks were first allowed to vote, drink out of the same fountains, do the same activities as "whites." Damn right there's going to be some socio-economic clean-up that takes years and years from our country's unfortunate ignorance. Until you've walked in someone else's shoes, one shouldn't judge these types of programs. I ask you this: How else are we going to radically change, on a grassroots level, the current socio-economic patterns instilled in *many* black homes across our nation? When you are born into a home where there is no father, Mom does crack or is working 4 jobs and never home to care for the 4 children she has, and growing up you are forced to head to the streets for a sense of "family and belonging" because you don't receive it at home.... this IS our problem folks-- to STOP this trainwreck by salvaging these kids before they grow up and begin that cycle all over again. I see post after post here criticizing the students for not bucking up and fending for themselves to get ahead, get an education, etc. One needs proper role models and a solid foundation to propel themselves towards that. And this is what this program does. Again-- KUDOS TO J-VILLE SCHOOLS.
Need further examples? We have a new President tomorrow and his wife, that for all intensive purposes, in the time that they grew up in, should have fallen through the cracks and been on welfare and in gangs, yadda, yadda from their back-stories. But they had solid, passionate family members behind them nurturing them along the way, despite how much money they had or didn't have or how they lived. A lot of the minority kids today, LACK THIS. Hence the need for great programs such as this. Sooner or later we'll end this cycle, years from now, but it will end thanks to a few citizens going the extra mile and through fantastic programs such as this.
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:47 p.m.
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Thank you Stacymarie. That is exactly what I was asking, if the been there/done helped. I have been to many meetings where people in the know, supposedly, told us to never tell your kids the mistakes you made as they will use it as an excuse or tool against you. I wondered if because Mr. Bell had been there, experienced the same things as some of these children, that perhaps the children could relate to him and he to them on a deeper level, besides just the color of his skin. The way the article was posted, it seemed he and the others were hired solely on the color of their skin. While I still question some things I read on ccap, it is nice to see someone posting on here that has personal knowledge of the people in the article and that will share their experiences with us.(Boys and Girls club post)
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.
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I have known Dondre for 8 years, even before he worked with the kids at Jackson School. My son still says he misses seeing him everyday since Dondre switched schools. He says Hi! I think this program is great, the kids all love it!
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:15 p.m.
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I believe Mr Bell's past is a great testament to why this type of program is needed. The purpose of the program is to mentor young ones to "make the right choices." How powerful is it for him to be candid with his students and say "I made some bad choices, BUT..." Adolescents relate to adults who have had similar experiences. By sharing your own experiences with a teen who is struggling to make the right choices helps you to bond with that teen. Human nature is very predictable, we trust first those who we relate to--be it the color of our skin, the clothes we wear--in other words--as humans we seek out those that are like us--it gives us basic comfort. Now think about the comfort level these kids have if they have someone to go to at school that, at the most basic level, looks like them--the color of their skin, then the kid finds that this person who looks like them also has similar experiences--hence what develops is a relationship based on mutual trust. This program is no different than what every support group known to mankind does. They take people with similarities (diabetes, families of suicide, yes AA and NA, MADD, etc.) and give them a forum to voice their thoughts and feelings. I give a resounding YES to this program, and a heartfelt thank you to Dondre, Shelton, and Jacque for opening their hearts and lives to the children in this community. I would also like to give these people a bit of advise--keep doing what you're doing and never mind the negatives that are being presented in some of the comments posted. Carry on and stay strong!
Jan 19, 2009 at 5:07 p.m.
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"The more we treat these individuals as different, the more they will feel they are different and feel the need to be treated..."
How the heck would you know? Because you have a black friend? Save your armchair psychology. As the article states: "The district is on notice from the state to do something about the disproportionate number of black youths identified as emotionally disturbed. Janesville also can hang its head over the fact that few blacks get picked for gifted-and-talented programs, few enroll in Advanced Placement classes, and the test-score gap between whites and blacks that afflicts schools nationwide is well represented in Janesville." Some of these students ARE different! Obviously, treating these students in need the same as everyone else ISN'T WORKING. Ignoring these students, and trying to use the same old solutions, also negatively effects those students that don't need assistance.
Jan 19, 2009 at 5 p.m.
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focus I agree. Why do we feel we need to judge people. I know I do not some of the best people I know have a horrible back ground. They work hard to change. I prefer to watch action. Shelton has worked with my boys and the most postive role model I have ever met. I do work with children and there are plently of people who have nothing in ccap and are the worst role models. I am so glad we have good ones!!!!!
Jan 19, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.
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Congratulations to this outstanding group of individuals who care about these students and show the commitment, care and concern to help them succeed in life. We've had the opportunity to work with Shelton at the B&G Club and he is a tremendous role model.
For those of you who find it necessary to comment negatively on every article that shows someone with care and compassion, how about getting off of your coach, put the remote down and do some good yourselves. Wouldn't it be amazing to see what the world would be like if everyone quit complaining and starting doing something.
Jan 19, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.
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SarahB, No. You do not have the right to know my background because you pay taxes but if I worked with your child, you bet you would/should and can. I didn't bring the drama, you did. Like I said in my post that yes, our tax money pays them and more so, they are with/around our children so we have every right to know their background! And I will stand behind that.
Anyways, like I said, I do see the benefits of the program. I just question the choice of people. Period.
Jan 19, 2009 at 4:36 p.m.
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Why think, I, too wondered on the title and why they decided on it. It just seemed wrong.
BTW, I do checks on everyone that has contact with my children. Neighbors, teachers, friends. Not that because someone has a bill or a ticket means they are bad people, but if there is something more than that, it could and mostly does influence my decision on what my child is allowed to do with people. If say a parent has 3 OWI's, they don't drive my kids. I will meet them at the movies, drive them to their house, etc. Drugs convictions, unless I know them very, very well and know it is totally in their past, my child doesn't go there. A record of violence in the home, my kids won't be there.
I use ccap as a parenting tool.
Jan 19, 2009 at 4:15 p.m.
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No drama intended. I am just really tired of people being flamed for using ccap. Granted, it does get overused and used improperly but in this case, I think it needs to be used. These are people that work with/around our children. They put themselves in a position where what they do/did will get questioned. And drug use is a big one, I don't care if it was 10 years ago or yesterday. I can only hope that it was addressed by whoever put him in his role model/mentor position. Maybe it is helpful, the whole been there/done that...as long as he isn't doing that now. I wouldn't know as I haven't been there/done that. I just really don't see the drama in any of it.
I will still stand by what I said earlier. To be a role model/mentor you should be living your life at a higher level than what a couple of these do, or seem to by their records.
Jan 19, 2009 at 4:01 p.m.
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This entire discussion should be taken down. Most of the discussion is by hateful people looking to criticize two young men who work to help student who need a mentor.
I don't understand why the title of this article was chosen...it asked for this type of hateful discussion but the mentoring program is a good program. Dondre and Shelton are good men. The district, the mentoring program and all of the mentors deserve better than this article and discussion has given.
Step up and be a mentor or SHUT UP!
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.
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Trish - If the Dondre Bell featured in this article is the same Dondre Bell arrested for possession of THC...the conviction was TEN years ago. TEN. An entire DECADE. Let it go.
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:29 p.m.
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atta girl, sarah!
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:01 p.m.
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Trish: The pay these people are receiving comes from a federal grant. Yes, ultimately, maybe a penny or two of your tax payment is included in that. But guess what? A penny or two of my tax money pays for the clean air over your house, the water flowing through your pipes, the corn that becomes your taco shell at supper tonight, etc., etc. Does that mean I have a right to know everything about your background? I would hope not. Quit being so dramatic and try to see the positive in this program.
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:55 p.m.
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I applaude the state for recognizing that Janesville Schools need help in this area. I also applaude the schools for coming up with an inventive solution that is making changes in the lives of these students. I am not a Janesville native but have lived here for nine years. I was shocked at the racism and negative stereotypes I heard and saw directed against African-Americans when I first moved here. I am saddened and disappointed by so many of the comments posted on this forum. So many reflect writers that must not comprehend what the story is trying to tell them. These people were hired because they are people of color and are needed to help some of the minority students navigate their way toward success in a school system where all but 1 percent or so of staff are white. This is not a racist program. Use your imagination and turn the tables here: Your white child attends school where most of his peers and 99 percent of the staff are black (African American). The system develops a plan to help your child feel more comfortable and succeed to the best of his ability. Is that a racist program? Of course not! Please let Janesville change for the better, folks.
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:51 p.m.
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Again, who is babysitting or motivating the white students to take advantage of the free education? A formal eduaction will make you a living. A self-education will make you a fortune. Who will be babysitting Darnell when he is out of the school system? The more we treat these individuals as different, the more they will feel they are different and feel the need to be treated...
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.
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The headline seems wrong...I can't put my finger on it, but it bugs me.
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Just seems like a headline oriented to the color of skin instead of the content of character.
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
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It's truly amazing to me how quickly the topic here is twisted into racism. This article seemed to be about 3 individuals who are in our children's schools advocating for the success of minorities who may lack the motivation to make that happen for themselves! I say bravo and thank you!!
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
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What is this teaching the kids? Dont go to school to get the skills you need to secure your caree, just wait around and someone will give you a job because of the color of your skin. This is discrimination to the rest of the races.What does this say to the other races, they are not qualified for this because of the color of their skin. This is racism! Shame on the school distric for promoting rasism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan 19, 2009 at 12:17 p.m.
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darwin - I was holding back because I thought your stupid comments was a bait trick. Why don't you stop on down to the Armory located on the corner of Palmer and Beloit Ave, and tell those folks that their life means nothing to you because they are just government welfare cases. Those soldiers will work 10 times your amount in their lifetime, and could possibly be killed all for their "government welfare" as you state. Your blog name is fitting, as you have not quite devoloped your brain matter yet. Do you stand up straight yet?
Jan 19, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
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Judge me all you want!
The charge that bothers me the most is the THC. Paying your debt is important too.
Jan 19, 2009 at 11:59 a.m.
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Judge not lest ye be judged.
Jan 19, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.
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Most jobs these days do background checks. These people work for us, the tax payers and we have every right to look them up! And they work around our children, even if our children are not in their "target" group. With what I read on ccap, I wonder if these are the kinds of people we want around our children. One, if it is him and it seemed to be, was arrested for possession of THC. Isn't that pot? And, two of them lived together at Village Green and didn't pay their rent in 2005. It is still not paid, 4 years later? Role models?
Many cases of non-payment of debt against at least two of them. Operating While Revoked. Mr. Bell not only didn't pay rent at Village Green, he also didn't pay his rent to Mr. Cash in Beloit, if ccap is correct. Is this person really qualified to be a mentor or role model? Are any of them? What standards did the district hold them to?
Jan 19, 2009 at 10:13 a.m.
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Well then, you obviously don't know him. He shouldn't be in this line of work...you really are the ones who don't have a clue. Hahaha. This makes me laugh, if you only knew the truth.
Jan 19, 2009 at 8:40 a.m.
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Are you kidding me? Get a life, people. This poor guy cant even have a few words written in the local paper about the positive difference he's making in the lives of area children without idiots like you not only running around checking out his financial history BUT THEN REPORTING TO THE REST OF US ON IT. Really?
Get a job, get a life, get some class, or give us your REAL NAME so we can check you out as well.
Jan 19, 2009 at 8:32 a.m.
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Looking up someone on CCAP. How old are you? The research clearly shows that one has nothing to do with the other and when you bring it up it only demonstrates how stupid you are.
Yes, the military is a welfare program. Your position there is dependent on the welfare of the government and taxpayers. I realize that as a military person this is difficult to understand because your so full of yourself you have to constantly remind us you were in the military.
On 911 the military couldn't even tell if it was real or a simulation. It took a bunch of heroic civilians on United Flight 93 to save the people working at the White House that day because we know GeorgeB wouldn't be there.
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:56 a.m.
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saltnpepper you are kidding right. What is on his ccap as you want all to check out is normal finacial issues. Please we are talking about working with children. ALOT of people have that kind of stuff you must be one who is perfect. They do back ground checks before you can work with children. GET REAL!
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:31 a.m.
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Check out Dondre's record on CCAP.
Jan 19, 2009 at 2:01 a.m.
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"Why are you assuming that all of the posters are white?"
Who did that?
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:42 a.m.
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what is Dondre teaching? If this is the same guy on ccap its probably how to not be responsible.
Jan 19, 2009 at 1:15 a.m.
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justsaynotomath---" the armed forces is a social program, he was trained for free"
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Are you serious? A social program? Trained for free?
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Performing a service (a job) with required training is now defined as a social program...America, we let anyone vote.
Jan 19, 2009 at 12:56 a.m.
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Why are you assuming that all of the posters are white? Would you be surprised that I am not? It is simplistic of you to think that anyone that doesn't agree with this is white and racist. There are valid reasons for not agreeing with this (LIKE THEY HAVE NEITHER TEACHING NOR SOCIAL WORK DEGREES).
Jan 19, 2009 at 12:23 a.m.
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Good points peaches.
I have to chuckle a little when some white folks say they "don't see color". In their well intentioned desire to be politically correct, they fail to recognize an entire culture. They fail to recognize race, and a persons identity. You can't improve race relations until you take off the blindfolds and look at each other.
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:40 p.m.
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it's always damned if ya do, damn if ya don't in this town, everyone wants minorities to get jobs, but not at their business, they listened to the best radio station jnsvl had, but wouldn't support it, now ya don't want kids to be encouraged, but ya don't want them to deal drugs to support their families cause ya won't hire them. just what are people to do? ya all want to bring up race as an issue and it is, it's high time ya realize we are not all the same, some of these kids haven't had a fighting chance since they were born. let people live, be good people, look into these kids face and see how bitter they are cause they need the examples these people set for them, they need to know it is possible for them, they don't have to fight and be on the street and feel bad about themselves, you don't understand just how they are influenced out there to take the easy way out that usually ends them in jail. they come from a different environment than you and your children, let them learn, there is enough for them too. if we don't support each other we are a blight on ourselves. find out where they come from and if you don't care about them at least don't bring them down. there's just too much hatred here. and stop bringing down history, listen to the message, do you know what our white forefathers did, omg, talk about the pot callin the kettle black!
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:18 p.m.
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mooshoo- PER THE ARTICLE "Numbers of Hispanics are on the rise as well, AND THE DISTRICT is taking similar steps in those areas." Perhaps YOU should re-read the article, honey. So, they ARE looking into this for other minorities as well... It would have been nice if the Gazette would have said what they hold degrees in. Instead of merely stating that they don't hold degrees as teachers or social workers. I know Bob is a great guy. I know him professionally and he has been a great influence on non-profits in Janesville, as has his wife. Nonetheless, It seems appropriate to list what qualifications they have. WIthout this information it make it sound as though they are just hiring on basis of skin tone.
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:02 p.m.
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Ladulce: The article does not state that these mentors have not been to college. It only notes that they do not hold degrees in social work or education.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:46 p.m.
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I suggest you re-read the article Ladulce. Black mentors are hired because black kids disproportionately underperform in school. Not so with asian, and east indian students, who usual outperform their white cohorts. Latinos children tend to do less well than white children, but not to the point that extraordinary interventions are required.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:33 p.m.
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My question is: WHERE is the line? Our Latino population IS THE QUICKEST growing population in ROck COunty, and, is estimated to be the "majority" of the "minorities" within 10 years. So, when do we hire all of the Latinos without degrees because they are Latino? And, then, the Asians because they are Asian, and, the East Indians because they are East Indian? This is a stupid policy and the Gazette's printing it only points out to the rest of the world how backwards our thought process is. AND, if we are hiring people without degrees, but, by the color of their skin? HOW are these people supposed to be role models for kids to go to college, if they THEMSELVES have not?
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:05 p.m.
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Uhm...Ivotelspeak, thats the whole point of the story. Hire a few minority role models and mentors for the minority kids. About 15% of the children in the district are minority. There are few if any minority teachers. Bell, Evans and Williams are mentors to those kids. Its about a strategy to make them succeed. Can some please tell me what is wrong with that? It is not as if the white kids lack role models or somehow getting cheated.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:46 p.m.
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If this was titled Whites for Whites there would be alot of outcry. People screaming rasism. Rememebere you dont have to be white to be a rasist. It just upsets me when you see someone hired for the color of their skin. That is exactly the case here. SICKNING!!!
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:32 p.m.
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stacymarie - Been there, done that. One needs to open their eyes and minds and look BEYOND the color of ones skin.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:29 p.m.
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justsaynotomath...interesting you use the word redneck.
So, we can call someone a redneck here, but if you say 'black gangbanger', someone calls you racist?
It works both ways.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:17 p.m.
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I was a minority student at Parker (not black). Born in America. Back when I was in school in the '80s, besides myself, the only other minority students were the foreign exchange students or kids who'd been adopted from foreign countries (mostly Asian countries). I went to college based on my parents' expecting me to go to college. I LEFT Janesville and took my higher-earning degree to the big cities because the narrow-minded ignorance/racism was uncomfortable. Many people were nice, and I go back to visit family, but no one in Chicago or Los Angeles asks me the inane, offensive questions about my skin color, surname or culture that I had to field while in Janesville.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:16 p.m.
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bigteva, you're getting your information about Dr. King from a website run by Stormfront, a white supremacist organization.
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metr...
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:07 p.m.
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I have never met a group of mentors who have bigger hearts than the three mentioned above. To see the smiles on the faces of the kids they have touched is indeed priceless. A big thank you to them for not only touching my life, but also the lives of my students.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.
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localboy wrote..." I just don't get it."
That's a fact!
Jan 18, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.
Jan 18, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
Jan 18, 2009 at 6:29 p.m.
Jan 18, 2009 at 6:23 p.m.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:58 p.m.
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Shelton Evans is an incredible human being. I have worked with him and he is respected by every kid that he works with. He is a great example, showing kids how to be respectful, hard working, and confident. Shelton did not get the job simply because he is an African American he was hired because he makes a huge difference in these kids lives.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.
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justsome1here---I wasn't looking for an answer to my question. My point is that this district does not recognize the cultural differences that are present in our world. Janesville is predominantly white, and the sad part is there are many people in this community that want to keep it that way. Let's not expose our young to other cultures, let's not teach them that there are many, many non-white people in history that were pivitol in shaping our country, let's stick to Washington and Lincoln when teaching American history. Open your eyes and your mind to what non-whites have done for THEIR country, also. May I suggest a college level class on black history--to me, very enlightening. Peace.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:41 p.m.
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Sorry - Should be "eliminate".
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.
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The day that all people (meaning every human being) is given an equal chance is the day that we will be living in Utopia. To guarantee that day comes, the world needs to elimanate hunger, poverty, wars and inequality due to social and economic class.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:33 p.m.
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Why doesn’t the school district recognize George Washington’s birthday and Lincoln’s birthday? This two gentleman were pivotal in shaping this country's history and should be honored as such.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:32 p.m.
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I am happy that the day has come that Janesville is getting to experience some diversity. When I went to school here there was very limited diversity.
Now I read this article & I started to read the comments & it maked me sick to my stomach the way a lot of people think here. How narrow minded & naive can people be? I would encourage you to get out of your little town & go see the world & how it truly can be a beautiful place if people would work & live together.
Be glad that you never had the deck stacked against you & didn't need someone to lean on. EVERYONE needs someone to lean on at some point & mentoring OUR youth is a beautiful thing.
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:14 p.m.
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Why doesn't the Janesville School District recognize Martin Luther King JR Day as a national holiday?
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:05 p.m.
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Till the day we no longer need to "hire blacks" just to get diversity off the ground. It will come, but what a shame that we have to go out of our way to make diversity take place. What a shame this headline was even thought of. Great work by the teachers featured. Whoever "started" this "diversity thing" in Janesville should be commended also. When all people have an equal chance, and all people are represented fair, we will have a much better world to live in. We may never be perfect. If we make equality and diversity a way of life the benefits will be a way of life too.
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:49 p.m.
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Who is babysitting the "white" kids to make sure they take advantage of the free education that is right below their nose? I just don't get it.
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.
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So this program is available only to Blacks? And they brow beat teachers into compliance? When was this subject decided and by whom? What ever happened to fair treatment regardless of Race? If they are changing the teaching methods of our children I as a parent want a say in this.
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:20 p.m.
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Thank You to all of these individuals who make a difference. I am glad we have this program. Everyone deserves help when they need it. Some need it a little more than others and that's ok. Racism does exist in this country and anything we can do to change that is a move in the right direction. I commend the people who came up with this program. Thank You.
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:14 p.m.
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so these guys were hired just becuase of the color of their skin. This sounds like discrimination.
Jan 18, 2009 at 2:46 p.m.
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Rooster - I am not sure what ignorant "white power" people you hung around, but I can say I never heard that, and I have been around for awhile.
Jan 18, 2009 at 2:03 p.m.
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Really rooster..."white power" said that? Could you be more specific? I highly doubt that there are ever team owners sitting in their offices saying to themselves, "Gee, I'm sure the black guy is the best candidate and has what it takes to win us a Super Bowl, but I'm gonna hire the white guy anyway."
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:52 p.m.
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Great job to those individuals who see a need for helping these kids reach for the stars! Keep up the good work!
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.
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i remember white power saying that black managers in football and baseball couldn't get the job done. i remember when the thinking was that quarterbacks had to be white because blacks were not smart enough to play the position. i remember when on the basketball teams that blacks were prrtrayed as the power and whites as the thinkers.as usual, white america was proved wrong. now, with obama as our elected president. we've come a long way baby.
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:33 p.m.
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Hey Zoom, the people interviewed said that there is still pervasive discrimination, and they also accused the unnamed white teacher of racism. Such kind of subtle racism, assumed to be present in all white people, is used as a cudgel against the teachers. And, if there students don't do well, their performance is blamed on the teacher, not on other social circumstances, including widespread social discrimination. I'm worried about what this program means for teachers generally, if these people are encouraged to "mentor" kids by speaking to and interfereing into their colleagues' classroom. I worry that teachers need more empowerment, not more people managing their time, their curriculum, and actions.
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:27 p.m.
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NVgrf: Way to go to help civil discourse! It's this kind of mean-spirited name-calling, which does not allow us to discuss these tough issues.
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:25 p.m.
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Reading the comments, I think some people should consider the issue of gender diversity. It seems that, once again, Janesville thinks in terms of men helping boys, and women helping girls. How many more articles are we going to read about how boys need strong men? Sorry, but strong women -- women who require that boys and girls respect them -- are needed in our school system. But, if a woman stands up to a boy, especially a black boy, she will be accused, this article demonstrates, of being a racist. I hate the presumption that all people are racist. I just don't believe it even though I do believe in such a thing as secondary racism.
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:18 p.m.
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I know both Shelton and Dondre and they both do tremendous work with kids. Have been doing so for many years. No they don't have a degree in teaching or social work. But what they do have is a proven track record that works. Sometimes a proven track record is what is needed to perform a job well. Not a piece of paper. Any idiot can buy a piece of paper only a few can actually make a difference in peoples lives and that is exactly what Dondre and Shelton have been doing for years. Janesville residents need to wake up and realize that if we keep doing what we have always done we will get what we have always got. I'm guessing a lot of you would like to keep it that way. Big Shelt...Dondre keep shining! You are an inspiration to many!
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.
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Since we're talking about blacks going to college, and there is such a thing as the United Negro College Fund, why not just call them that?
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:59 p.m.
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sahmama: Not all black people are from Africa!
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:57 p.m.
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sahmamma - why were they born in Africa?
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:51 p.m.
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I cant believe the title of the story. Has the Gazette heard of the term "African American"
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:16 p.m.
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I agree with some of the posters on here that that black students need someone to relate with and turn to in times of need. But how are we teaching them to succeed in a society that is mostly white by segregating them in small groups of black students? If we want everyone to appreciate each others cultures and experiences than shouldn't we be teaching students by integrating them and not having them miss class to attend an all black girls meeting? Do I think they should meet and talk about struggles and learn from each other, of course, but not at the expense of their education. Do it at lunch or after school. It almost seems as if we are moving in a reverse direction here. I believe everyone should get the same opportunities to education, jobs, ect and not given something because of race. Especially a free college tuition and a guarrenteed teaching job after graduation with the JSD just to increase the amount of black teachers. What a slap in the face to the people that actually had to interview and compete amoungst other applicants for the job. Not to mention pay for thier schooling.
This story does a great job of making the teachers and the schools look like racism is accepted and thriving with in the classroom. Yet there are very few if any solutions to fixing the problem with the exception of the history classes teaching more diverse history lessons.
Don't get me wrong I think a mentor program is excellent for all students not just blacks. We have many many white students falling through the cracks and growing up in low income families and need attention as well. The school district should look to the community and try to start a volunteer mentor program for all students.
And finally Darwin, I would love to call you numerous names for insulting our military personel with your commments, "The military protects us? How? The two times we were attacked: Pearl Harbor and 911 they did a pretty bad job. On 911 they couldn't even figure out if it was a simulation or real. It took a bunch of heroic civilians to save George Bush's behind." Why don't you stop in your local VFW and make those comments and see if you are able to walk back to your car.
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:55 a.m.
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This is quite an interesting article. Mr. Sims has demonstrated no desire to fill out an application for a scholarship which seems to be sports based and not academic based. He is reported to have been in the halls without books and never once was it mentioned that he had any academic prowess. So......Janesville has created positions to hire babysitters whose only qualification appears to be color (not racist by any means) to prod and cajole those who would not necessarily make the effort to help themselves because they do not really desire an education and don't find an education attractive as a way to succeed in life but will go for a sports scholarship (dreaming that they may become the next major sports figure?). I applaud these people who are trying to instill some values and a work ethic into the "disadvantaged". All children who are soon to be unleashed into the world to take jobs or go to college as adults should be doing such things for themselves at this point in time. I realize that the word "dissadvantaged" has become synonomous as a description for people of color who are not assimilating into society, however, my definition of a disadvantaged child is one who has the grades, the desire, the work ethic, but no money to attend college. For those who are working to develop a greater diversity in Janesville, and for the State of Wisconsin who has put Janesville on notice, I have only one question: Why is Janesville being cited when the same problems exist nationwide (as reported in the article)?
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:40 a.m.
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My father came to this country from Italy. He was considered a minority, too. Did he ask for handouts or use that for a tool to get free everything?? No! He worked 7 days a week about 16 hours a day for years and became self-employed with a manufacturing business. No one owes anyone anything. You make your own life what it is with hard work and dilligence. There are tools and aid out there to help you, if you truly need it. Use it, but do not depend on it for the rest of your life. My Dad did not have free anything to help him, and he made a life for himself and his family all on his own.
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:16 a.m.
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None of the four has a degree in teaching or social work. Are any of them in school to pursue their degree to have the required education to be a teacher or social worker? Why did these positions need to be held specifically by minorities? People with degrees must be unable to relate to students? This is not the society that many minorities have worked so hard for.
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.
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One of my good friends is black. And that really doesn't make a difference other than for the good of this article. He won 3 National Championships as a middle linebacker in college. He has a BS, a MA and is self driven to suceed at anything he takes on. He often states; "I don't buy in to the program of woe is me, I need what is free". He is driven to succeed by success itself. That is why we respect him so well, and any other person (color or race not needed)who is of the same MIND.
Jan 18, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
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The color of ones skin only makes a difference if you let it.
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:27 a.m.
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Maybe we should look at this a different way....if this program actually works (and I don't know enought about it to say if it does or doesn't), then it is a small investment now to help prevent people from living off of the government in the future. It is taking future tax burdens and turning them into future tax payers. Isn't that good for the community?
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:22 a.m.
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i am also tired of the white guilt propaganda
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:20 a.m.
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Hire by skills and education, not color. This is not news it's PC propaganda
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.
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justsayno - fyi - Being in the Armed Forces is not just 'free training', it is a JOB. Benefits come with some jobs. What, no 401K and free college tuition at your workplace? Mine either. But I'm not putting my life on the line for my nation. Military personnel SHOULD get more perks than I do. Live with it.
darwin - Please educate us all and translate that.
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:07 a.m.
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I submit the radical notion that the air force is not mentioned in this article on local teachers and may not have much relevance.
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The idea that the schools are supposed to do everything they can to educate, EXCEPT IN THIS CASE, is bizarre. They are paid to make every effort to help students of any skin color or ability level to succeed. Obviously the school district has a more comprehensive understanding of their responsibility to their constituents and students than some of the commenters in this thread. There are many classes of students who are, for many reasons, more resource-intensive. When students succeed, the community is better off.
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:05 a.m.
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There are two young innoncent children playing together. All they know is that they enjoy playing together and are having fun. So when do they start focusing on the fact that it is the color of their skin that makes them different from each other? When the adults around them and society tells them so. And so the cycle continues. . . . .
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:45 a.m.
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darwin - move to Canada you ungrateful, commi.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:39 a.m.
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localboy1968, you are stupid not just your comments. Did the pilot reach his arms out and hold the plane together too. The military protects us? How? The two times we were attacked: Pearl Harbor and 911 they did a pretty bad job. On 911 they couldn't even figure out if it was a simulation or real. It took a bunch of heroic civilians to save George Bush's behind. Don't buy the old lie: Dulce et Decorum est Pro Patria Mori
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:25 a.m.
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True, the people in the story are important to us all.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:24 a.m.
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Benefits that stem from military service are not socialistic handouts. Those benefits stem from the value of the service.
Welfare and the kind of Social Security benefits that stem from not having paid into those systems are socialistic handouts.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:12 a.m.
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This is excellent. All young people need more people like this in their lives. Not just black young people. They need good outstanding roll models in their lives. Some times school is the only place they find these.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:09 a.m.
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oops - I mean to say "your comment is so stupid", not the person (I think).
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:08 a.m.
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justsaynotomath - You are so stupid, I wonder if this is a trick/trap? I choose to not fall for your engagement, and will not respond to your ignorant post.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:06 a.m.
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Just a few things to look at:
1: The state looking down on Janesville for all the black children being diagnosed with ED (emotional disturbed) this is a racist commit its self. Janesville has high levels of ALL children in the district being diagnosed with ED, ADHD, Autism, and so on. These children come in all colors and come from all different back grounds.
2. What are the school counselors doing in school??? When I went to school we had a meeting with our counselors at the beginning of our senior year to fill out our goals and what college we wanted to attend they helped us with everything we needed. What if a Hispanic child, polish child, white child, or a child with many different cultures and background needs help with college applications or just feels like they don’t belong can they go up to these mentors to get extra help. I don’t think racism is such a big issue as it is being displayed in the article. Kids discriminate against other kids that don’t fit in because of the cloths they are wearing, or who they hang around with, no so much the color of their skin. Kids are cruel we all went through the feeling of not fitting in when we were younger. It’s a hard age. It’s called life and growing up.
3. Why target one area isn’t that discrimination. If you have a support group for the black children that feel they don’t belong then you need to have a support group for all the other children that feel the same way. Example, the child with diabetes who is trying to finish a test but feels sick and has to leave because his/her blood sugar is at 40 and they can’t think straight. The teacher doesn’t understand and they fail the test or miss important information. The student feels out of place and different because of having to test their blood all the time and give them self shots. Are there support groups and mentors for these children??? Are the state and the school district crying out discrimination for them!!! And for the thousands of other children with discrimination problems. Our society needs to stop looking at only certain individual groups to help and start looking at everyone as a whole to help. Its all of our children who are affected not our white child, our black child, our Hispanic child. It’s just our CHILD.
Jan 18, 2009 at 9 a.m.
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Kudos to Bell, Evans, and Williams. They are doing a great thing by being there for the kids who need their help, and going above and beyond by offering their help on the weekends. We need more people like them EVERYWHERE!!!
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:55 a.m.
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darwin - did you know that plane and passengers were saved from ruin by an self made, USAF trained, nation protecting, American? Who probably never had to take advantage of a social program because he was driven to succeed by success itself? What a concept!
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:43 a.m.
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What they are doing has nothing to do with diversity. Diversity actually has no basis in reality. It is an assumption based on no facts. Even the Supreme Court just assumes it is a positive thing.
That being said, research does clearly demonstrate that the reason why people drop out is that they feel no one cares. Schools should spend less on technology and more on people like Mr Shelton.
Making blanket statements about groups of people is bigoted.
Hey, does anyone realize that the in tact plane on the Hudson was built by a bunch of high wage coddled Marxist Europeans.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:43 a.m.
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The reasons listed are poverty, poor parenting, lack of role models, lack of positive opportunities, poor education (students & parents), uncaring teachers, and all around acceptance by society that not all children will succeed. The belief that some will slip through the cracks. These reasons are felt by every student of every race, without regard to economic standing, in at least one way or another. Bell said in the article that "We target African-Americans, but anyone can join." This thinking inadvertently excludes kids. There will be kids that want/need help but don't seek it because they are afraid of being ridiculed because they are not the "targeted" group of people. These problems can't be fixed by a program at school. The only way to fix these problems would be a complete and total overhaul of our entire education system. Our politician's need to quit running their mouths about improving education and put some money where their mouths are. The bailout money would be a good place to start. They can start by getting every school the proper equipment, text books etc. and then move on to making teaching a more lucrative profession. Then, they need to implement strict student & parent accountability. If a parent doesn't want to be involved, force them to be. I can hear the yelling already. "Some parents are too busy." "They have to work." Poverty stricken parents could volunteer at the schools if they are receiving ANY type of government assistance. Plus, they could be forced to finish their own education. Company's could get a small tax credit for employees' that mentor a student. The possibilities are endless once people start thinking outside the box.
I realize that some things will work and some won't. But the fact of the matter is that I am really tired of hearing about all the problems that this nation is facing while at the same time, no one's willing to do anything about it. Start with our kids. Instead of bailing out all of these company's that made poor management decisions and all of these nations that hate us, put our money to good use and give our kids all the tools that they need to be well balanced, properly educated adults. That will take care of all of the reasons that this type of program was ever needed. Besides, everyone knows that racism is the product of ignorance. A well educated society, where every child was afforded the same learning opportunities would go a long way in taking care of racism.
And since we all know that this is wishful thinking and will probably never happen because our politicians have screwed up priorities, I think that this program is a good place to start.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:37 a.m.
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I should have said:
Baby boomers helped contribute to the bankruptcy and fall of the Soviet Union by fighting the Soviet's heavily financially backed communist client-state in Vietnam.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:29 a.m.
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I never said I hate blacks. Don't be so ignorant. I hate the system of coddling individuals in making something of themselves. I am not talking about a mentor program (these are great), but social systems that take up my hard earned money to give it to somebody who OBVIOUSLY has no interest in working hard for themselves. This can be to any color or person. Period.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:24 a.m.
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Baby boomers helped contribute to the bankruptcy and fall of the Soviet Union by fighting the heavily financially backed communists in Vietnam.
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:16 a.m.
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Don't get me wrong, I am sure Shelton is an excellant man, my post is not about character assignation, but a flawed thought process. America is based on you are what you make yourself, and if being a lousy bum was not incentative enough to not be one, then go ahead and be one. We are already the land of opportunity, now we have people pushing you to take advantage of those opportunities. Wow, we have as a society really gone down hill in the last 40 years. I can't think of a generation (baby boomers) that has done more damage to our nation, then them. So much for their "ideaology".
Jan 18, 2009 at 8:05 a.m.
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I've worked with Shelton and he is a fantastic role model for ALL the kids. He definately isn't just here for the African-American boys, he treats all the kids the same. I think it's terrific that these adults want to help out our kids here in Janesville. Thanks to all of you!
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:58 a.m.
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How many more opportunities or free programs (if they become teachers)are we going to offer to the blacks? They already can get a free ride from birth to casket, and if they don't take advantage of it, so be it. Now we have to hire somebody to push them to take advantage of free programs? Wow. How much more socialist can you get? I guess we will find out with Messiah Obama in charge.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:54 a.m.
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Students do not fail because of material fees. They fail for not completing assignments or participating in class. This portion of the article is false. The particular student was a nice young man to have in class, however he did not complete any of the required work.
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:49 a.m.
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What these gentelmen/lady do is important and vital. I watch them work everyday with kids. They have that connection with some kids that other teacher/workers will not have. Anything we can do to help them should be done.
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As a white teacher, do I think there are not enough non-white teachers? You bet, but the article states only 1% of all teachers in the US are African-American males. That is the source of the problem.
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My only regret is the author's desire to focus on the one bad teacher as opposed to the hundreds of teachers that are doing their best to adjust to our changing community. We don't even know the details of the situation the author describes.
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Focus on the positive these people are doing and the teachers that are doing a good job adapting.
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:33 a.m.
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WONDERFUL article and fantastic program that J-ville has put into play. Like it or not racism on a high and low level is alive and well and the staunch socio-economic factor that creates this is also alive and well. Time to break the cycle, which is *exactly* what these types of programs do. We are at such a pivitol moment in history right now and kudos for J-Ville District for doing something about putting this demon to rest. There are so many other districts that could use this same model across the nation and I hope they do...after just reading an article about a HS in Mississippi having it's FIRST integrated prom this year, it makes me glad that I live in a slightly more progressive area. Inauguration Day 2009 can't come fast enough!
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:26 a.m.
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Hey here is a better idea? Unless you know the person you are speaking about its better to say nothing. I know Shelton personally, and let me tell you he has his hands full but he never turns a student away and he always offers his help. His has been remarkable in turning my 11 yr old around. He works in the CLC program at Edison and has gotten my child to work on things without an attitude, or any problems.He also has offered to check in with us on the weekend to see if we need assistance or if we are having problems with him. I am thankful that Janesville school district has someone like him who is there for all the kids whether they are black or white, high school aged or middle school. It don't matter to him they are all equal. That is the way it should be!!!!!
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:24 a.m.
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"Hey, here's an idea. Why don't parents have any responsibility?"
Who has said parents don't have any responsibility? Of course they do. That doesn't mean as a society we should just accept the problems and do nothing. After all, if some of these students learn how to be better people, won't that help them to be better parents one day, and break the cycle of irresponsibility? In the end, these programs help all of the students, directly or indirectly.
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:16 a.m.
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"Also, is it really so obvious that all teachers and all social workers for that matter are racist?"
Where in the article does anyone say that ALL teachers and ALL social workers are racists?
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:42 a.m.
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George "biggirl" Wallace
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:26 a.m.
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Hey, here's an idea. Why don't parents have any responsibility? Also, is it really so obvious that all teachers and all social workers for that matter are racist? There's really no proof here -- just assertions, and assertions from people, who have been promoted by the very institution that they call racist.
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