First and foremost I would like to thank all of the individuals involved in coordinating and organizing this year’s Puerto Rican Festival. I enjoyed the food, reconnecting with old friends and the entertainment was pleasant. As I walked the enclosed layout of the festival, I kept thinking to myself, why are we here? What are we celebrating? What have I, or my community achieved that we are here celebrating so joyously this weekend? With these questions stuck in my mind I began to think about the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs annually from September 15 through October 15. I began to think about what do we do here in Rochester that recognizes the importance and contributions of this nationally recognized month. The short answer… not enough.
Now more then ever Latinos must begin to be a part of the everyday conversation. In fact, according to the most recent projections from the U.S. Census, Latinos are the nations largest ethnic minority at an estimated 46.9 million individuals. Given that, only Mexico had a larger population of Latinos than the United States. To coincide with this President Obama most recently placed the first ever Latina to the highest court in the land. The confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican from the Bronx on August 6, 2009 was a historic moment for Latinos across the country. In my eyes it was a glimpse of hope that opportunities still exist for an often-overlooked population.
I know our community has a lot of struggles some self-inflected and others systematic, but now more then ever we have individuals in positions to impact change. Yes, that includes me! What we have to do now is focus our agenda back on advocating for our community. We have to create opportunities for our community to help one another and be viewed by the larger community as an asset. Whether those opportunities involve community service, health outreach or educational exposure, more must be done. As a community, we should have a unified presence that has resources for all Latinos to look towards as an advocate or beacon of hope, regardless of political affiliations. In an era where many of our youth feel disengaged and the family structure has dismantled. I feel that we need to go back to the basics of educating our population on all we have accomplished and still have yet to do. We should be exposing our community to the various cultural practices that make us so unique and special. Our language, food and family traditions are important and should not be abandoned. As a community we should have monthly events that continue to recognize all things that make us Latino. We should be educating our youth on what it means to be Latino and in turn sharing all of the rich cultural history we have.
I repeat, what we need is continual ongoing events that are both educational and community service based, events that allow us to truly be viewed as entitled to a celebration. So ask again, what do we celebrate?
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label rochester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rochester. Show all posts
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Back to School
As I write this section I am sitting in the blazing temperatures of Orlando, Florida vacationing with my family in Disney. During my week here, one thing keeps popping back into my mind, that one thing is “back to school.” I keep thinking about the many things I have still to accomplish, but more importantly the many important things that students and parents can do to ensure a successful start to the school year. I thought I would take this month's issue to address some of my “back to school” recommendations for parents and students.
First, parents this is the best time to sit with your daughter or son and clearly go over their performance last school year. It is the best time to discuss those results before you head into the start of another school year. You should both clearly lay out some goals together and then periodically check on your child's progress as the school year goes along. Let me warn you though first, please don't make the goals just about academic performance but make sure you include behavior as well.
Parents, August is also a great time to revisit what is necessary for “back to school” shopping. I often times see many of my students coming to school with the latest and greatest clothing and footwear, but with no book bags, pens or calculators. I know it's important to look good, but if you don't have school supplies from the onset, then your telling your teachers and administrators that it's more important that you look good rather than be prepared for school. If you don't know what's needed for your school, then call them up and ask for a “back to school” supply list. I am sure they would love to provide one for you, but you can never go wrong with lots of notebooks, pens, folders and pencils.
Parents, I will stop here but I cannot emphasize it enough that our students don't hear it enough at home that being successful in school is the most important thing in their lives and that everything else will fall in place once they are successful in school.
Now, some words of advice to the students of Rochester. Let me first start out by saying I hope you have enjoyed your summer, but I also hope you have spent some time thinking about how you will continue your successes or improve on your past performance in school. I will keep my recommendations short and focused really around a couple of things, all which surprisingly you can control.
My first word of advice to you is that you take some time before school and get use to being on a schedule. What do I mean by a schedule? Well, what I mean is that you go to bed at a reasonable hour (no later then 10 P.M.) and that you wake up with the use of an alarm clock. Getting your body in a routine similar to school will help ensure that you are ready to start your school day fully engaged.
My next piece of advice is that you start to read daily, especially if you haven't been doing this at all this summer. I don't care what you read, it could be something that interests you like a good novel or a magazine. What matters to your teachers is that you are reading daily. Unfortunately for you reading alone won't do it and you must take the time to also practice your writing. Again, I am not asking for much, but after you read something take the time to write a quick blurb about what you just read, or maybe it's a paragraph asking some questions that you have about the article or book. The combination of both elements will determine your overall success in school and in life.
Now for my final recommendation for all of you students as you get ready to head back to school. Take the time to take advantage of all the programs, support and opportunities your school has to offer. School is about you, it's not about the adults that work there. In fact, many of them are there to guarantee that you succeed, but they cannot do it without your willingness to succeed in school. Regardless of whatever obstacles you face, school is the one place that can help you move beyond them but you have to want it. I will leave you with this final piece of advice. I can show you all that needs to be done in order to succeed in school, but you the parent and student must take what I give you and actually do it! If you do your part, then the rest will fall into place. Have a great start of the school year and remember to start getting ready now!
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
A New Day
The summer months are often spent relaxing and enjoying time with your family and friends, but for me it’s a time to begin a new journey. In late May, I was announced and appointed the new school principal of East High School a surprise too many outside my family and close friends. With this appointment comes a new day for not only East High School, but for the Latino community. It is the first time in a very long time that the Rochester City School District has more than one Latino male leading a school. This appointment also puts me, a Latino male in a high public position that has direct access to the city's community. It is my hope that with this position I can help bridge the gap with many families who don’t see a direct association with our public school system. In particular, the Latino families who often feel underrepresented, uninformed and misguided by our school system.
As I write this article, I have been at East High School for two and half weeks and what I have seen is extremely promising. I have seen students engaged and orderly throughout the school. I have seen staff and teachers working closely with students to ensure they succeed. I have also experienced award ceremonies that recognize the hard work and dedication of students, student- athletes and the families that support them. I have also been able to interact with phenomenal programs that exist within the school walls at East High School. School programs such as the Firefighter Training Program that provides high school students an opportunity to gain employment in the Rochester Fire Department after successful completion. In fact, five graduates of East High School were just inducted into service. East High School also has an array of National Academy Foundation programs that focus on business, information technology, culinary arts and hospitality and tourism. Too compliment those programs there is also a Teaching & Learning Institute that prepares and exposes high school students to what is required to become a school teacher. Once more, these are just some of the many positive programs often not recognized by the media that exist at East High School.
With that being said, there are still many areas of improvement for my new school and moving forward to next year it is my hope to continue to build upon the successes currently at East. It is my goal to surround myself with dream builders that understand the challenges we have ahead of us. It is also my goal to continue to foster and build upon the strength of the Rochester community. I look to challenge and enhance the current partnerships with local colleges and universities, to ensure they are truly doing their part in educating our children. I look to enhance the educational experience of all my students. I look to create a high performing environment that fosters high expectations for all students regardless of their socio-economic background. Additionally, my goal is to create a school with a top-ranked staff that competes academically, athletically and artistically with those from more affluent environments. The task will not be easy; in fact it will be arduous. I often have to remind myself that the great pyramids of Egypt were not built over night but stone by stone.
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
It Takes A Village...
Two months ago, the community was hit with another immense setback. The Executive Director, of the Rochester Surround Care Community Corp., formerly known as the Rochester Children’s Zone had stepped down. Thus putting the organization further back and in my opinion completely out of reach of finally producing something that will affect our community. This was not only a huge blow to the fledgling efforts of this organization, which was initiated approximately three years ago by Dr. Rivera who ambitioned replicating what is still going on in Harlem; but it also is a devastating setback to our Latino community. This was the first direct concerted effort that I can remember by various organizations within this community to begin to have conversations around addressing the socio-economic barriers involved in educating our children. Unfortunately, like most initiatives that start with these intentions this effort has resulted in little to no community improvements.
Now my reason for writing about this is not about putting down the organizations efforts, but more about raising awareness that this cause and effort cannot be lost. The old proverb and often-used rhetoric clearly states that it takes a village to raise a child, but right now our village is disconnected. Currently within our village we have only small pockets of individuals stepping up and making educating our children, and specifically our Latino and African-American students a priority. It is my fundamental belief that if we focus on educating our community and specifically those individuals of various ethnic backgrounds who live in the heart of the city that then, and only then will we see improvements in our city. This community needs an individual or leadership that is not afraid to put the critical issues at the forefront. A leader, who understands that the health, well-being and social environment of our students directly effects student achievement considerably. When I visit my grandparents who still live off “La Avenida” and I see abandoned house after abandoned house, or I see local drug dealers hustling just a block away, you can’t tell me that these conditions don’t affect our students abilities to perform let alone dream. The social problems and economic gaps our students live in are real, and must be addressed before we worry about implementing a citywide literacy initiative.
It is my hope that regardless of the outcome of R.C.C.C. that someone or some organization of our community will come together to lead the blended efforts in educating our children. A focus on leveling the playing field for students who have economic and health gaps when they enter our school doors. It is also my conviction that these efforts must be lead by an individual who is specific about the intentions of bettering the lives of African-American and Latino students. A realization that the achievement gap isn’t just about those who live in poverty or are in a lower class, but more importantly a gap that has racial significance. An individual that understands these are issues of access and exposure that our current system is not addressing within our community and schools. Again, we know schools cannot do it alone and that education is the key to opening the doors of opportunity, but until someone is specific and targeted we will continue to have racial achievement gaps and efforts that will continue to die out to bureaucracy. I will leave you with this thought or uncertainty, if not you then who, if not now then when?
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Now my reason for writing about this is not about putting down the organizations efforts, but more about raising awareness that this cause and effort cannot be lost. The old proverb and often-used rhetoric clearly states that it takes a village to raise a child, but right now our village is disconnected. Currently within our village we have only small pockets of individuals stepping up and making educating our children, and specifically our Latino and African-American students a priority. It is my fundamental belief that if we focus on educating our community and specifically those individuals of various ethnic backgrounds who live in the heart of the city that then, and only then will we see improvements in our city. This community needs an individual or leadership that is not afraid to put the critical issues at the forefront. A leader, who understands that the health, well-being and social environment of our students directly effects student achievement considerably. When I visit my grandparents who still live off “La Avenida” and I see abandoned house after abandoned house, or I see local drug dealers hustling just a block away, you can’t tell me that these conditions don’t affect our students abilities to perform let alone dream. The social problems and economic gaps our students live in are real, and must be addressed before we worry about implementing a citywide literacy initiative.
It is my hope that regardless of the outcome of R.C.C.C. that someone or some organization of our community will come together to lead the blended efforts in educating our children. A focus on leveling the playing field for students who have economic and health gaps when they enter our school doors. It is also my conviction that these efforts must be lead by an individual who is specific about the intentions of bettering the lives of African-American and Latino students. A realization that the achievement gap isn’t just about those who live in poverty or are in a lower class, but more importantly a gap that has racial significance. An individual that understands these are issues of access and exposure that our current system is not addressing within our community and schools. Again, we know schools cannot do it alone and that education is the key to opening the doors of opportunity, but until someone is specific and targeted we will continue to have racial achievement gaps and efforts that will continue to die out to bureaucracy. I will leave you with this thought or uncertainty, if not you then who, if not now then when?
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Latino to Watch
Recently I was selected by a new publication here in Rochester, New York as a "Latino to Watch." The publication focuses on the Latino community and the issues or topics within that community. Check out this month's latest issue here: La Voz download the PDF on the main page.
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
RCSD graduation rates on the rise, but what about Latinos?
Today, the Rochester City School District held a press conference releasing the positive news that graduation rates are going up in the school district. In fact they are up 6% from last years 39%. Superintendent Brizard acknowledged the fact that although the numbers are positive there is still much work to do. He spoke of a new web based program that will help schools keep track of their incoming 9th graders and follow them throughout their four years. The web based software program will be the main tool used to identify what supports are needed for students to ensure they complete high school within four years. Superintendent Brizard, also spoke of various programs that will be in place that will allow various non-traditional students, or students with special circumstance the opportunity to graduate on time.
One thing that wasn't talked about at all in the media, was the success of Latino students in the RCSD. Over the past three years their graduation rate has increased, but they are still the lowest of the three major ethnic groups. Latinos also possess the highest percentage of dropouts within the city school district at 35%, a title which they have also had for quite some time. Latino students make up 21% of the student population within the school district but the reflection in teaching staff, and school leadership is not the same. In fact no one except for School Board member, Melisza Campos represents the Latino voice in the Rochester City School District. If you look at the restructuring makeup of Central office and the key positions, you will notice an obvious void or lack of an individual who is Latino and represents the voice of Latinos students and community members within the Superintendents leadership cabinet.
So, I wonder why hasn't the Latino community come forward in outrage? Why haven't they called for immediate action to this crisis affecting our children? Why isn't the Rochester City School District investing in resources or programs to help alleviate this matter? What is being done to ensure Latinos will have the same opportunity to graduate as their classmates of other ethnic backgrounds? What is being done instructionally to allow students dominant in their native language of Spanish to be viewed as an asset rather then a criteria for academic hardship? If it is about every child, then why are they not represented in terms of school and district leadership? As you can tell I am very passionate about this subject and I have many questions, concerns and recommendations when it comes to the education of my people.
If nothing changes, another year will go by and Latinos will continue to fall into the same categories. The time is now to take a stand and bring about change to this crisis. If not me then who? In the words of Dr. King, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' "
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
--
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Living the Dream: We Are All We Got!!!
The city and suburban residents of Rochester, have to realize one thing, "We are all we got!!" It is not good enough for us to turn away from the problems plaguing the city. We cannot allow for the economic breakdown of class to be reflective of our city and our priorities.
We have to be comfortable enough to speak out when we see wrong. We ALL have a civic responsibility to each other as humans in this world. We must not be afraid to advocate for those in need. We must not be afraid to speak out for inequities that occur in the school system. We must not be afraid to challenge one another to do what is right for our children, students and the world. If we see crimes committed, we have to speak out against them or eventually they will consume and dictate how we live our lives.
Students, educators, school leaders, politicians must remember one thing,...
WE ARE ALL WE GOT!!!
------
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
We have to be comfortable enough to speak out when we see wrong. We ALL have a civic responsibility to each other as humans in this world. We must not be afraid to advocate for those in need. We must not be afraid to speak out for inequities that occur in the school system. We must not be afraid to challenge one another to do what is right for our children, students and the world. If we see crimes committed, we have to speak out against them or eventually they will consume and dictate how we live our lives.
Students, educators, school leaders, politicians must remember one thing,...
WE ARE ALL WE GOT!!!
------
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Living the Dream: Back 2 Back Section V Champs!
Congratulations to the Charlotte High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team! They have accomplished what most student-athletes never get to experience once in their careers, they won back-to-back Section Five Championships.
This team of boys have been together since middle school and their hard work, determination and commitment has paid off. They have help rebuild and make Charlotte High School a powerhouse in boys basketball.
I wish all the Seniors on the team, good luck and we will be looking forward to their college careers.
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Monday, October 8, 2007
A Letter to the Mayor, City Councilman and School Board Officials of Rochester
Dear Mr. Duffy, Mr. McFadden and Mr. White,
As a citizen of this community I want to applaud you on your efforts to
increase the awareness of this ongoing issue of violence and poverty within
our Rochester community. I view this problem as not just belonging to the
City of Rochester, but belonging to the entire community including the
suburbs of Greece, Gates, Brighton and so on. As you know the demographics
of the suburbs are changing as more of us minorities are moving out into
those areas.
I work in the City School District, as a High School Vice Principal and I
love my job and the students I serve. I have spent my entire professional
career in the Rochester City School District as a teacher and now as a
school administrator. I attended elementary, middle and high school in the
city and I would have graduated from them if it wasn’t for my family moving
down lake avenue one street over into a town called Greece, where I completed
high school.
This problem of violence I see as a huge breakdown of the educational system
and what it offers Latino and African American students. Being Latino the
issue of relevance was something that I struggled with while attending city
and suburban schools, relevance was something that was not in place in
curriculum nor in practice.
Today as a school administrator I encourage my staff that they build,
relationship with the students they serve and that they model what is it to
be a positive and productive citizen. That they incorporate strategies
which help show relevance to why it is important to succeed at school,
especially to a student who comes from an environment where school is low on
the list of priorities.
As you gentleman continue to push forward with your various projects that
will affect the students and the community of Rochester please remember to
encourage that the RCSD place a Superintendent that is vested in this
community and wants to remain here to see things through. One who knows
that the true litmus test for any project in the educational system, is
whether the project is truly beneficial to students. A Superintendent who
understands the various influential variables of urban education, a
Superintendent who is truly focused on raising the level of success for our
students.
I also want to remind you that most of the individuals regardless of
nationality in our city school system want to see the students succeed, and
work very hard to make sure that this occurs. All the students I serve do
not care what the color of the teacher is but rather that the teacher CARE
and is there because they want to make a difference, although ethnicity
helps build a connection it is not the ultimate factor in determining
student success.
I often go home from work frustrated and discouraged that more cannot be
done in terms of providing resources and support for the students that I
serve. I do not sleep well at night knowing that statistically half of the
students that enter my school building will not finish high school. This is
a crisis!
As you are all aware it takes a community to raise a child, and education
equals opportunity. I hope the Children’s Zone does come to fruition for
the sake of our students and community.
Once again keep up the great work as we are in a state of emergency to save
thousands of youth! Don’t hesitate to lean on others like myself for
support or help as the success of our city depends on it.
Thank you for your time and have a blessed day!
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
As a citizen of this community I want to applaud you on your efforts to
increase the awareness of this ongoing issue of violence and poverty within
our Rochester community. I view this problem as not just belonging to the
City of Rochester, but belonging to the entire community including the
suburbs of Greece, Gates, Brighton and so on. As you know the demographics
of the suburbs are changing as more of us minorities are moving out into
those areas.
I work in the City School District, as a High School Vice Principal and I
love my job and the students I serve. I have spent my entire professional
career in the Rochester City School District as a teacher and now as a
school administrator. I attended elementary, middle and high school in the
city and I would have graduated from them if it wasn’t for my family moving
down lake avenue one street over into a town called Greece, where I completed
high school.
This problem of violence I see as a huge breakdown of the educational system
and what it offers Latino and African American students. Being Latino the
issue of relevance was something that I struggled with while attending city
and suburban schools, relevance was something that was not in place in
curriculum nor in practice.
Today as a school administrator I encourage my staff that they build,
relationship with the students they serve and that they model what is it to
be a positive and productive citizen. That they incorporate strategies
which help show relevance to why it is important to succeed at school,
especially to a student who comes from an environment where school is low on
the list of priorities.
As you gentleman continue to push forward with your various projects that
will affect the students and the community of Rochester please remember to
encourage that the RCSD place a Superintendent that is vested in this
community and wants to remain here to see things through. One who knows
that the true litmus test for any project in the educational system, is
whether the project is truly beneficial to students. A Superintendent who
understands the various influential variables of urban education, a
Superintendent who is truly focused on raising the level of success for our
students.
I also want to remind you that most of the individuals regardless of
nationality in our city school system want to see the students succeed, and
work very hard to make sure that this occurs. All the students I serve do
not care what the color of the teacher is but rather that the teacher CARE
and is there because they want to make a difference, although ethnicity
helps build a connection it is not the ultimate factor in determining
student success.
I often go home from work frustrated and discouraged that more cannot be
done in terms of providing resources and support for the students that I
serve. I do not sleep well at night knowing that statistically half of the
students that enter my school building will not finish high school. This is
a crisis!
As you are all aware it takes a community to raise a child, and education
equals opportunity. I hope the Children’s Zone does come to fruition for
the sake of our students and community.
Once again keep up the great work as we are in a state of emergency to save
thousands of youth! Don’t hesitate to lean on others like myself for
support or help as the success of our city depends on it.
Thank you for your time and have a blessed day!
--
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
2007 Latino Upstate Summit
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural 2007 Latino Upstate Summit in Buffalo, New York. I was able to attend workshops that focused on various issues affecting the Latino population in New York State. The workshops ranged from Bilingual education to Gang and Youth violence to the voting process.
Also at the event I was able to hear the keynote address of Dr. Manuel Rivera, Deputy Secretary of Education for New York State. Dr. Rivera made some interesting and great comments during his keynote. He focused on items that he is going to implement or have already implemented, items such as the Schools Contract for Excellence. He also focused on changing funding to schools so that institutions that have a higher need will receive the funding they are rightly due.
Another major theme for the summit was education. What other arena affects everything else in society, but education. Latino's like many other minorities are falling behind their Caucasian counterparts. Some of Dr. Rivera's comments focused on that along with some of the workshops.
The event was the first of it's kind created to unite the Latino communities across New York State. I must commend the board of directors and everyone responsible for creating the event. It must start somewhere and I think they are off to a great start. The environment was very professional and great for networking and forming connections.
I am looking forward to next year's Latino Summit which is scheduled to be located in Rochester, New York.
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage month begins on September 15, and is scheduled yearly
to last until October 15. It is the time of year that is set aside by
every school to focus or recognize the contributions of Hispanics or
Latinos in society.
In most schools and school districts very little is often said or done.
Latinos are the largest growing minority in America, and yet very little
emphasis is placed on the necessity to understand, learn and appreciate
the culture.
I look at schools as a reflection of what society places value or weight on. Let's look at the Social Studies curriculum. Their is no mention of the role of Latinos in America, and the only mention of African Americans outside of slavery and civil rights is minuscule.
Has anyone realized that this is why so many students struggle in school? Releavance! Today's generation sees no relevance to their world or their culture in education.
During this month I was privileged enough to go into Ms. Martinez's Spanish
class and present to the students. My presentation was based off of the
independent movie directed by Rosie Perez,Yo soy Boricua, pa'que tu lo sepas! (I am Puerto Rican , Just so you know!).
I was speaking to a group of Latino students not one outside of the
culture or ethnicity. We spoke about our role today, what they need to
do, and who they represent. We spoke of my past and how I came to where
I am right now, a Latino with an education and a successful career. The
students were very intrigued and enjoyed our conversation. I left the
class and discussion hoping to havereached at least on student who will begin to live the dream!
Hispanic Heritage remembrance needs to occur daily along with Black History
month and all the other cultures and ethnicity's that make up this
beautiful country called America.
Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler
to last until October 15. It is the time of year that is set aside by
every school to focus or recognize the contributions of Hispanics or
Latinos in society.
In most schools and school districts very little is often said or done.
Latinos are the largest growing minority in America, and yet very little
emphasis is placed on the necessity to understand, learn and appreciate
the culture.
I look at schools as a reflection of what society places value or weight on. Let's look at the Social Studies curriculum. Their is no mention of the role of Latinos in America, and the only mention of African Americans outside of slavery and civil rights is minuscule.
Has anyone realized that this is why so many students struggle in school? Releavance! Today's generation sees no relevance to their world or their culture in education.
During this month I was privileged enough to go into Ms. Martinez's Spanish
class and present to the students. My presentation was based off of the
independent movie directed by Rosie Perez,Yo soy Boricua, pa'que tu lo sepas! (I am Puerto Rican , Just so you know!).
I was speaking to a group of Latino students not one outside of the
culture or ethnicity. We spoke about our role today, what they need to
do, and who they represent. We spoke of my past and how I came to where
I am right now, a Latino with an education and a successful career. The
students were very intrigued and enjoyed our conversation. I left the
class and discussion hoping to havereached at least on student who will begin to live the dream!
Hispanic Heritage remembrance needs to occur daily along with Black History
month and all the other cultures and ethnicity's that make up this
beautiful country called America.
Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Welcome Back!
The first week of school has come and gone. As you are all already aware I am in my second year as an Academy Director (Vice-Principal) at Charlotte High School in Rochester, New York. Our school last year was labeled as persistently dangerous due to the suspension and incident rates of 2005-06. During my first year our school principal and administrative team put many things in place and well, it paid off. We are now off the list that gave us a negative perception by our community members and students.
On our opening day we were welcomed with a visit from Interim Superintendent Dr. William Cala, who was going to visit all 60 schools during the first two days of school. Along with the Superintendent's visit came the media, in particular Channel 10 NBC News was there to report on us getting removed from the list.
I was glad to see them there to report on all of our hard work. All of the things that our teachers, students and administrators have been doing to make Charlotte High School a world class institution of learning.
Here is the video and article of that morning. Click Here
Now that we are off the list and back to a fresh start our focus still remains on continuing a a safe learning environment and improving our instructional offerings. With time I am confident that Charlotte High School will move up and be known as an elite high school in the Rochester area.
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
On our opening day we were welcomed with a visit from Interim Superintendent Dr. William Cala, who was going to visit all 60 schools during the first two days of school. Along with the Superintendent's visit came the media, in particular Channel 10 NBC News was there to report on us getting removed from the list.
I was glad to see them there to report on all of our hard work. All of the things that our teachers, students and administrators have been doing to make Charlotte High School a world class institution of learning.
Here is the video and article of that morning. Click Here
Now that we are off the list and back to a fresh start our focus still remains on continuing a a safe learning environment and improving our instructional offerings. With time I am confident that Charlotte High School will move up and be known as an elite high school in the Rochester area.
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Addressing our ailing Rochester City Schools
As I was reading the paper this past weekend I came upon a request by the D&C asking community members their opinion of 6 different questions. I have written the questions below and I will answer the questions to the best of my knowledge. Again let me clearly state that these are my opinions and do not reflect any of the organization I work in. I speak for myself and no one else.
1.What is the most positive thing about city schools?
Diversity. The most positive thing about city schools is the diverse population that it serves. We have students that come from a variety of nationalities and cultures that will define the future of America.
2. Is the Children's Zone a good idea?
Absolutely! The Children's Zone, if modeled correctly after Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone will address the many social inequities that are often blamed as the single reason why students in Urban America fail. It will create schools that are a one stop shop for families. Schools that will offer social and medical services to families who would not receive it otherwise. Schools that will become 24 hour community hubs that will become pillars in their communities. My only fear with the Rochester Children's Zone is like many new initiatives, it brings huge political games especially with the City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District being managed independently. The other issue will be money, it has been two years since the Rochester Children's Zone was started and we have yet to see anything occur other then meetings and discussions. Our time is precious and the longer we wait the thousands we continue to lose. We need individuals who are passionate about this and have the extreme urgency as Mr. Canada had in Harlem.
3. Should more vocational/technical classes be offered?
Yes. When I was a city school student in Rochester, I was focused on attending Edison Tech because it offered me the option to learn a trade or skill that would allow me to immediately obtain employment. Although I was not excepted to Edison I still found academic programs of worth at East High School. The reason why was because the teachers at East showed me relevance on how their Art program would still benefit me even-though it was not a technical graphic arts class. They showed me relevance in what I was doing and based on a program of rigor allowed me to have the artistic skills to work or attend college anywhere. Vocational education is an essential option that needs to be offered in conjunction with the traditional comprehensive high school.
4. Rank in order of importance, and say why:
*A. School Security
*B. Good test scores
*C. Teachers and Principals who care
*D. Cost-effective administration
My ranking would be: A, C, B, D.
School Security is the most important thing that needs to occur in any institution of learning. Without staff and students feeling safe nothing can occur. No learning will occur in an environment that is disruptive and unsafe. The next essential piece is having a staff that cares. A staff that is truly vested in the success of the students. Staff members who go above and beyond with the students and are not tied to what is said on a union contract or if there is additional pay for doing extending themselves. One of my biggest frustrations with staff is a lot of them have never seen the neighborhoods that are student come from and assume that their role as a teacher or administrator ends when the student leaves the building. In inner city schools a teacher is not just a teacher and an administrator is not just an administrator. They will be mothers, fathers, big brothers, big sisters, friends, social worker, counselors and list goes on and on. With a staff that cares you will begin to get students to change the way they approach their education and in turn get the next choice, "Good Test Scores." The test scores will come once the other two items are in place, without the prior two being established nothing will improve.
My last item of importance is cost effective administration. Salary is usually dictated by established unions or reflective of the job market. I know most individuals have a tough time with the salaries made by central office administration. Here is what my solution would be for that I would require that one day of their work week be sent at a building of high need. This would be a school that is not making NCLB's AYP. This new requirement would place these highly qualified and highly paid experts back at the building level thus reminding them of what is truly the focus of their decision making.
5. Who should run city schools? Explain why.
This is an extremely tough question because there are current examples of a city run school district and an independently run school district throughout our country. Both have their pro's and con's and their success and defeats. My main point here is I think most would agree that we would like to see a consistent, vested and visible leader. A Superintendent who is not going to be here for the traditional 3 year term but one who will see his vision and projects through completion.
6. What's the most important quality of a city school leader?
This is a very difficult question because it is like asking what is the most important ingredient in meat-loaf. You would say that all the ingredients are important. I think a city school leader needs a culmination of characteristics, not one of them being more significant than the other but being equally reliant for an effective school leader.
Here is my list of qualities in no significant order: compassion, humble, visible, integrity, dedicated, passionate, knowledgeable and experienced
Once again let me remind you these are my feelings and opinions in response to the Democrat and Chronicle's article.
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
www.anibalsoler.com
1.What is the most positive thing about city schools?
Diversity. The most positive thing about city schools is the diverse population that it serves. We have students that come from a variety of nationalities and cultures that will define the future of America.
2. Is the Children's Zone a good idea?
Absolutely! The Children's Zone, if modeled correctly after Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone will address the many social inequities that are often blamed as the single reason why students in Urban America fail. It will create schools that are a one stop shop for families. Schools that will offer social and medical services to families who would not receive it otherwise. Schools that will become 24 hour community hubs that will become pillars in their communities. My only fear with the Rochester Children's Zone is like many new initiatives, it brings huge political games especially with the City of Rochester and the Rochester City School District being managed independently. The other issue will be money, it has been two years since the Rochester Children's Zone was started and we have yet to see anything occur other then meetings and discussions. Our time is precious and the longer we wait the thousands we continue to lose. We need individuals who are passionate about this and have the extreme urgency as Mr. Canada had in Harlem.
3. Should more vocational/technical classes be offered?
Yes. When I was a city school student in Rochester, I was focused on attending Edison Tech because it offered me the option to learn a trade or skill that would allow me to immediately obtain employment. Although I was not excepted to Edison I still found academic programs of worth at East High School. The reason why was because the teachers at East showed me relevance on how their Art program would still benefit me even-though it was not a technical graphic arts class. They showed me relevance in what I was doing and based on a program of rigor allowed me to have the artistic skills to work or attend college anywhere. Vocational education is an essential option that needs to be offered in conjunction with the traditional comprehensive high school.
4. Rank in order of importance, and say why:
*A. School Security
*B. Good test scores
*C. Teachers and Principals who care
*D. Cost-effective administration
My ranking would be: A, C, B, D.
School Security is the most important thing that needs to occur in any institution of learning. Without staff and students feeling safe nothing can occur. No learning will occur in an environment that is disruptive and unsafe. The next essential piece is having a staff that cares. A staff that is truly vested in the success of the students. Staff members who go above and beyond with the students and are not tied to what is said on a union contract or if there is additional pay for doing extending themselves. One of my biggest frustrations with staff is a lot of them have never seen the neighborhoods that are student come from and assume that their role as a teacher or administrator ends when the student leaves the building. In inner city schools a teacher is not just a teacher and an administrator is not just an administrator. They will be mothers, fathers, big brothers, big sisters, friends, social worker, counselors and list goes on and on. With a staff that cares you will begin to get students to change the way they approach their education and in turn get the next choice, "Good Test Scores." The test scores will come once the other two items are in place, without the prior two being established nothing will improve.
My last item of importance is cost effective administration. Salary is usually dictated by established unions or reflective of the job market. I know most individuals have a tough time with the salaries made by central office administration. Here is what my solution would be for that I would require that one day of their work week be sent at a building of high need. This would be a school that is not making NCLB's AYP. This new requirement would place these highly qualified and highly paid experts back at the building level thus reminding them of what is truly the focus of their decision making.
5. Who should run city schools? Explain why.
This is an extremely tough question because there are current examples of a city run school district and an independently run school district throughout our country. Both have their pro's and con's and their success and defeats. My main point here is I think most would agree that we would like to see a consistent, vested and visible leader. A Superintendent who is not going to be here for the traditional 3 year term but one who will see his vision and projects through completion.
6. What's the most important quality of a city school leader?
This is a very difficult question because it is like asking what is the most important ingredient in meat-loaf. You would say that all the ingredients are important. I think a city school leader needs a culmination of characteristics, not one of them being more significant than the other but being equally reliant for an effective school leader.
Here is my list of qualities in no significant order: compassion, humble, visible, integrity, dedicated, passionate, knowledgeable and experienced
Once again let me remind you these are my feelings and opinions in response to the Democrat and Chronicle's article.
¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
www.anibalsoler.com
Monday, May 14, 2007
High School Graduation Rates
Recently it was reported by the Democrat & Chronicle that the Rochester City School District has a horrid 39% Graduation Rate the lowest of any of the Big 4 in New York. The Rochester City School District quickly refuted the claim and said that the number was inaccurate. The RCSD said their number is actually 53%. The RCSD did acknowledge that the number is still too low. Read the RCSD's response here.
As an Administrator in an urban school district I see all of the various issues educators and administrators face in educating our youth. I also see the difficult task in getting students to succeed and really understand the value of graduating from high school.
Our inner city youth live in a world where they need immediate feedback and affirmation. It is very difficult for most students to see the true rewards of a high school diploma and the doors which are opened from it. Many of them are worried and concerned about how they will make it through the day or night. Many of the students come from home structures that understand the importance of completing high school but do not reflect that in thier daily practices with their children.
I am not sure that there is one single thing that can be done to improve graduation rates other then building a solid foundation early in the educational career of a student. We need to invest a large amount of time and dedication to make relevant and engaging connections with our students. If we build these relationships with the students during their 9th and 10th grade years they are more likely to see it through till the end. When students have a vested interest in the school either through a teacher or a group of peers they are more likely to succeed and see themselves reach the end.
Waiting until they are in their senior year to try to get them to graduate is too late in my eyes. By this time they have already made a concious decision to put themselves in a difficult situation.
The work ahead of urban schools is difficult and rigourous, but I strongly believe that it will take everyone in the community to make a true difference in increasing graduation rates. Schools cannot be the only entity responsible for completing this task.
As an Administrator in an urban school district I see all of the various issues educators and administrators face in educating our youth. I also see the difficult task in getting students to succeed and really understand the value of graduating from high school.
Our inner city youth live in a world where they need immediate feedback and affirmation. It is very difficult for most students to see the true rewards of a high school diploma and the doors which are opened from it. Many of them are worried and concerned about how they will make it through the day or night. Many of the students come from home structures that understand the importance of completing high school but do not reflect that in thier daily practices with their children.
I am not sure that there is one single thing that can be done to improve graduation rates other then building a solid foundation early in the educational career of a student. We need to invest a large amount of time and dedication to make relevant and engaging connections with our students. If we build these relationships with the students during their 9th and 10th grade years they are more likely to see it through till the end. When students have a vested interest in the school either through a teacher or a group of peers they are more likely to succeed and see themselves reach the end.
Waiting until they are in their senior year to try to get them to graduate is too late in my eyes. By this time they have already made a concious decision to put themselves in a difficult situation.
The work ahead of urban schools is difficult and rigourous, but I strongly believe that it will take everyone in the community to make a true difference in increasing graduation rates. Schools cannot be the only entity responsible for completing this task.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Lose of a Colleague
It saddens me to say that the search of William “Bill” Thurston, a Rochester City School Vice Principal, father, and mentor has tragically ended. This afternoon Police Officials have revealed that they have found the body of Mr. Thurston.
I unfortunately did not have the opportunity and privilege to meet Mr. Thurston, but from the reactions of the students he served at John Marshall High School, and the information I received from fellow district administrators he was an amazing, loving and caring man.
I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that his family, students and dear friends will face. The road ahead of them must be filled with the positive thoughts, memories and influence that he had on their lives.
There are many questions still left unanswered.
I want to take this moment and send my condolences to the Thurston family. I want the students at John Marshall High School, although extremely difficult too continue to succeed in the name of Mr. Thurston. It is important that his legacy be never forgotten and that students demonstrate this through their positive attitude and success.
Mr. William Thurston, you will be missed! Rest in Peace.
Living the Dream,
Anibal
www.anibalsoler.com
I unfortunately did not have the opportunity and privilege to meet Mr. Thurston, but from the reactions of the students he served at John Marshall High School, and the information I received from fellow district administrators he was an amazing, loving and caring man.
I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that his family, students and dear friends will face. The road ahead of them must be filled with the positive thoughts, memories and influence that he had on their lives.
There are many questions still left unanswered.
I want to take this moment and send my condolences to the Thurston family. I want the students at John Marshall High School, although extremely difficult too continue to succeed in the name of Mr. Thurston. It is important that his legacy be never forgotten and that students demonstrate this through their positive attitude and success.
Mr. William Thurston, you will be missed! Rest in Peace.
Living the Dream,
Anibal
www.anibalsoler.com
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