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Anisa Faruqi 04/25/2010 5:20:00 AM
I am not Deaf but I have MANY friends who are.I know that "speaking"(Hearing) people will never truly understand the Deaf World,but even as a regular teacher I wouldn't want her near my child.She NEEDS sensitivity training.I may not be a parent at the moment but I would pull my child "immediately" with a principal like her. She is not a PAL to students.
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truthbetold 06/12/2009 11:42:00 PM
Dr. White- AKA "Suze," and "Proud TH Rogers Parent," It's good to see you are reading these comments. Now you should work on repairing all the damage you've done!
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John Doe 06/12/2009 5:21:00 AM
In reference to # 12 from "Proud T.H.Rogers Parent"
The least you could do is write a message that sounds like it came from a parent and not the principal. Just saying!
What parent would write "For those parents that are joining our school. I promise you, that you will be very happy with our administration?" - It is good to see a "Proud T.H.Rogers Parent" taking such high interest in "our school" and "our administration."
Next sentence -
"Dr. White�s main and number one focus is our children irrespective of what these disgruntled teachers may tell you. She is straight forward and do not entertain gossip, carries herself very professionally and ensures teacher accountability." - Seriously, how is it even possible you are trying to pass as a parent with comments about "Dr. White�s main and number one focus" and "teacher accountability."
I am a PROUD th rogers PARENT(extra stress on PROUD and PARENT) and it seems pretty clear to me who comment 12 from "Proud T.H.Rogers Parent" really came from.
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J.S. 06/11/2009 9:03:00 PM
Thank you so much for reporting on this topic and continuing to seek answers. I have been an HISD teacher for many years and have impeccable evaluations from my former administrators. I hope they will assist me in search of new employment, as I will not be returning to Rogers this fall.
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another HISD GT teacher 06/11/2009 4:10:00 AM
To "Suze" and "Proud T.H.Rogers Parent from Houston"--
First of all, it's interesting how very similar your writing styles are. Are you related?
Second, the Houston Press has been at the forefront of reporting on HISD's fraudulent dealings for years. Downing and other Press reporters tackled issues like the rigged dropout rates and test cheating long before any other media would touch the subject. And their reporting always turned out to be accurate. Other media, such as the Houston Chronicle and national television networks (CBS and 60 Minutes) came late to the stories. Do a search to find previous articles, some dating back ten or fifteen years to see for yourself (or yourselves, whichever is accurate), assuming you aren't being disingenuous in claiming you have never heard of Margaret Downing.
On the other hand, maybe you shouldn't. It might scare you, and you probably will need all the sleep you can get in the coming months.
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HISD Teacher 06/08/2009 6:32:00 AM
#12
I'm glad you're happy, but don't presume to know the whole story. We're not talking about a few disgruntled teachers here. "This too shall pass," is spoken by many.
That being said, we are a VERY dedicated staff and have not and will not let administrative problems impact our classrooms. We put the students first. Period.
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Proud T.H.Rogers Parent 06/08/2009 5:08:00 AM
In reference to no.11
Given that you have no association with T.H.Rogers and seem to be basing your opinion on this one sided punitive article, I would not put much stock in your opinion.
As a parent at T.H. Rogers, I am very proud of our school and very supportive of the administration. For those parents that are joining our school. I promise you, that you will be very happy with our administration. Dr. White�s main and number one focus is our children irrespective of what these disgruntled teachers may tell you. She is straight forward and do not entertain gossip, carries herself very professionally and ensures teacher accountability.
That could be the reason why she didn�t want to be interviewed by the Houston Press. People of intellect would not waste their time with a second rate newspaper like the Houston Press. As far as the Union is concern, instead of working in a constructive manner with the administration they choose to bring down the school in the media. My best advice to these disgruntled teachers is to leave T.H.Rogers and find other schools were the administration is not going to be as diligent as this one and hold them accountable for doing their job properly.
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Really? 06/07/2009 3:52:00 AM
Suze-I am glad that you have not had any issues with White or any of the administration. I am very, very happy for you as I have heard first hand that it is very unpleasant from several people. Keep it up and stay on her "good side" and maybe you will not be "next". Someone said that this is a one sided story, well I am wondering why White has not wanted to comment in her own defense if she is so wonderful and doing everything by the books? She has the power to make this a two sided story. To the people who think that it is a bunch of immature teachers-you need to do your own homework. I am not a Rogers employee nor a parent but I can tell you that I know veteran teachers and parents at Rogers (not just the ones quoted in the article, GT and RDSPD parents) that are also unhappy. Teachers at Rogers are not likely to cry over spilt milk. Perhaps we should look at the comments from the SBISD employees and notice that they are very similar if not identical to the Rogers employees. I have no bias toward the Houston Press or the journalist who wrote this, however if this is a concern to anyone where our children are involved, it should be looked into. I do know that I would not send my child to a school or work at a school where the head administrator is referred to as Hurricane White. Because even if she has just done that to a handful or a large number, would you like to be the next? Or would you like your child to be the next?
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suze 06/07/2009 2:02:00 AM
This article is written by someone who is clearly biased and appears to have some kind of axe to grind. It is a disgrace to honest journalism. ONE very biased, side of the issue is shown, facts are distorted and some are altogether made up.
I am a current TH Rogers teacher and I have absolutely no problem with Cathryn White. In fact, I have found her to be an extremely supportive administrator and a wonderful resource. I have never seen Dr. White call a meeting at the last minute or cancel one at the last minute either. I have never seen her humiliate a parent or staff member publicly rather I have seen her be a nice and genuine person at all times. The survey that was conducted at the school was not done in very small groups and Cathryn White did not stand over anyone while they were taking it. And lastly, the story about the controversy between the administration and Melissa Freeman and Patrick Henry is extremely slanted. This couple repeatedly showed a refusal to follow the check in and out procedures and behaved very immaturely when asked to do so. Our police officer was doing nothing but trying to keep children safe by regulating who comes and goes in the school.
I am not sure who Margaret downing is but she should not be allowed to call herself a journalist, which is probably why she works for a no name paper like the Houston Press
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maria 06/06/2009 8:53:00 PM
I am an HISD parent. We also had a conflict in our school between the administration and our teachers. I am glad our school teachers resolved the issues internally. I dread to be TH Rogers parent. TH Rogers always had a high and mighty image in our neighborhood. Looks like Humpty dumpty had a great fall!
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Zeph Capo 06/06/2009 5:47:00 PM
There is nothing out of context. The context is very clear-- this person has now ruined two schools across at least two school districts. I shutter to think what I would find if I investigated her record in Katy ISD or any of the others that she has been in.
Every opportunity has been given to HISD to do sometihng for months. The regional office chose not to speak with the staff until after they went to the board and they have lied to the media when they asked for their side as I suspect they lied to parents and community members. That is just wrong. Perhaps if you all would expect objective and unbiased reference checks with due diligence before making such important decisions as to whom will run our schools then we will all be better off. I've asked for such a change, what about you?
I suggest you check out all the facts yourself before pushing the blame on the teachers.
--There are none more blind than those who will not see.
P. Sainath, Indian journalist and author
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Two sides to every story.. 06/06/2009 5:05:00 PM
I personally don�t support or read the Houston Press because of their bias and attacking way of writing. I am also disappointed with the writer, but is of no surprise after all it�s the Houston Press. Did you check the records of these teachers, and the parent that is posing in the article? Let the record show, this is not the first time teachers at Rogers went to the Board to complain about their administration. Please go and do your homework. You are dealing with a few arrogant teachers that need to take a good look at themselves before making cheap comments.
Teachers, I am saddened to see how you are burning down this Great School. I have to question your maturity and professionalism with regards to this situation. Did we even consider how this is hurting our school especially our children? You teachers think you have accomplished something by using the media, WRONG, you are losing creditability.
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Disappointed! 06/06/2009 7:53:00 AM
Dear Editor,
While we readers welcome Houston Press and devoutly read articles of community interest, I must admit to being very disappointed by the biased and baseless story that was written by your staff journalist (Margaret Downing) about T. H. Rogers Elementary/Middle School. The writer has done a one-sided piece that lacked pertinent facts. She also neglected to research the background of the so-called allegations, quoted emails taken out of context, talked to exactly one set of parents about events that were not corroborated, and in my honest opinion as a reader, did not manage to convince me at all satisfactorily. Irresponsible journalism is inflammatory and harmful, and it needs to stop. Do urge your writer to revisit the subject and think journalism, not of personal vendettas.
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Jeanne Mooney 06/05/2009 6:50:00 PM
I can assure anyone who might be considering that this is a case of a persecuted principal, that they are way off base. Having worked for Dr. White, I personally experienced and/or witnessed all of the allegations cited in the article. The woman is one woman wrecking crew - both in terms of interpersonal relationships on the campus, as well as reputations, and overall school function. I remember when Catheryn came to tell me she had gotten a position at T.H. Rogers, and wanted me to come with her, wondering how in heaven's name she ever got hired to lead such a prestigious school, considering the damage she had done at Spring Forest (it was known district wide how she operated, and how dysfunctional things were). I was equally astounded to find out that she had hired one of our teachers to be an Assistant Principal, even though he had just completed (as in a month prior) his "I Teach Texas" certificate. Simply put, the rules don't apply to Dr. White, as far as she's concerned. I am so sorry Rogers is having to go through this!
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Anonymous 06/05/2009 5:00:00 AM
Anse from Houston said, �The unfortunate truth is that many administrators are career bureaucrats with little concern for what actually happens in the classroom; they're too busy looking for the next promotion�.
Jane Smith from Houston said, �Shame on you Dr. White--you need to change careers. How about managing a sheep farm in Idaho?�
Regarding Anse�s comment: I teach at a school (not the one Dr. White came from) in SBISD but I offer TH Rogers my heart felt empathy in their struggle because I know people directly affected by this woman�s behavior in SBISD. I can not offer any definitive proof as it would be hearsay and I�m not willing to bet the farm on 17 years in education, I value and love my job. I make the choice to return to the classroom each year with new hopes, aspirations, and expectations for my students. My job allows me to give back to the community in a unique way in doing what is �right for kids.� I take my job and the influence I have on kids as an honor and a privilege. I�m with you in spirit and hope it all turns out for the best and HISD does right by you all.
Regarding Jane Smith�s comment: I�m not certain even as a manager on a sheep farm in Idaho should the sheep be subjected to such behaviors from this human being?
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Anse 06/04/2009 8:12:00 PM
I'm a teacher in HISD at a different school. I hate to say it, but this story really doesn't surprise me. I have witnessed first-hand the incredible amount of political nonsense that goes on at the administrative level. I've seen excellent principals get pushed out because the higher-ups didn't personally care for them, and I've seen terrible prinicipals who ruled by personal biases and ignored serious problems. It bothers me because I do believe teachers should be held accountable for what we do; but if these are the kinds of people who have the power to make these decisions, it doesn't do anybody any good. The unfortunate truth is that many administrators are career bureaucrats with little concern for what actually happens in the classroom; they're too busy looking for the next promotion.
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Jane Smith 06/04/2009 2:10:00 AM
Too bad that this principal should ruin the stellar reputation of a school like TH Rogers. Teachers had stayed at this school for years and loved it. It is or was the shangrila of HISD in terms of academic and personal growth.
Shame on you Dr. White--you need to change careers. How about managing a sheep farm in Idaho?
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HISD Teacher 06/04/2009 12:07:00 AM
I have been at Rogers for many years and, unfortunately, I have witnessed this radical change firsthand. Although I have never been targeted by White, I share the fear and unease of my colleagues. "Will I be next?" is not what you want to be asking yourself on your way to work each day. The teachers who were fired have been reinstated in HISD, but they will not be coming back to Rogers next year. That is a real loss to the school. An even greater loss is the many other (4? 5?)elementary teachers who are, or will be, leaving. That is nearly half of the elementary staff. Yes, the school can and will eventually recover, but it will never be the same without their dynamic teaching abilities. We'll miss you all.
HISD: What are you going to do to help us? A plan of action was not developed at the "Retreat" and many of us fear that things will not change. The new survey results confirmed what the HFT survey already brought to light; will you take this seriously now?
I miss the "real" Rogers. I still love teaching, but it has been the worst year of my professional life. I need some assurance that next year will be better.
