Posted on 02/24/2005 7:45:55 AM PST by BellStar
The Brooklyn teacher who sent an American soldier demoralizing letters written by sixth-graders apologized yesterday and admitted blame. In a statement issued by the Department of Education, social studies teacher Alex Kunhardt said he regretted offending Pfc. Rob Jacobs.
His statement, however, did not address whether he either coached the students or read their missives — which accused soldiers of committing atrocities in Iraq — before mailing them.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
She wasn't sorry, she was only sorry someone was offended.
As of yesterday the teacher still had not apologized to the soldier's father/family. Until there is eye-to-eye contact so the pain inflicted by this jerk can be experienced in person, the matter is not and never will be closed. In my humble opinion, he accomplished exactly what he set out to do, with one exception: the mail went to a soldier in Korea, not Iraq. That was the intent and that is probably what he is sorry about.
Wow the post published his name. Wonder how long it will take people to find out where he lives.
"Bloomberg's gotta go."
I will say on this case he is right, however.
BUT, what this person did was an act of treason. Yes critical letters should be allowed to be written (to the Senate or other governemt system) They should not be used to demoralize our boys!
This needs your attention ASAP too!
She wasn't going to admit anything. I'll bet she agrees. She said the soldier could have opened up a dialogue! LOL!!!!!
''I think most of [the soldiers overseas] believe that the freedoms that we have, like the freedom to write critical letters, are protected by them putting their lives at risk,'' Bloomberg said.
That's not the point and if it were, the kids weren't free to 'not' write letters since it was a class assignment. I dare say that probably not one of the 21 6th grade students would have written, much less mailed, a letter to an American soldier of their own volition.
The issue is the point of the assignment, the poor judgement of the teacher and a question of the teacher's agenda.
I think the kids need a 'meet & greet' with the soldier & his parents in their classroom in order to understand that there were real human beings on the receiving end of their missives.
One boy who wished soldiers would come home wrote, "From what I see on TV and in the newspaper, I don't think the US is even close to obtaining Iraqi freedom." ... He went on to say: "I'm concerned that George W. Bush is president for four more years, because he doesn't want to get troops out, so you might end up staying longer." ... Another boy wrote: "Bush thinks he's brave . . . in his safe little white house with as many guards as he thinks he needs." He concluded with: "By the way, when you shoot someone, is it great or horrible?" ...
Sometimes his interviewing the opposition is very frustrating.
Understatement of the day. IMHO :)
In Park Slope, no less!
This was one of the observations made on today's Curtis and Kuby Show, when they were discussing the political ramifications of this incident.
Perhaps this aspect of the story got lost in the ensuing furor, but I thought that it was worth noting.
-good times, G.J.P.(Jr.)
Sorry isn't good enough. He needs medical attention. Sheesh! Anybody that would use kids as a weapon for his political issues should be fired at the least.
At one time he would have been hanged or shot.
Agreed.
Bloomberg's a disgrace
"I think most of [the soldiers overseas] believe that the freedoms that we have, like the freedom to write critical letters, are protected by them putting their lives at risk," Bloomberg said.
Mayor Bloomberg, does the US Constitution protect a public school teacher who coerces his 6th grade students to send hate mail to a soldier serving in combat? Is that what Bloomberg thinks they're fighting for over in Iraq?
My question for Mayor Bloomberg (since he apparently is an expert on the First Amendment) is: can we now "petition the govenrment for redress of grievances" and get this son-of-a-b**ch fired?
Probably not, huh?
This teacher's just sorry she got caught.
I wonder if she would have sent the letters if they had been overwhelmingly supportive of the troops and their mission.
Actually, I don't wonder at all. I know she would not.
As El Rushbo sez, I never tell people to call or write. However, should you care to share your thoughts with the young and poorly educated Alex Kunhardt - apparently a product of the SUNY system, gently reminding him of his responsibility to the children in his care - I am including some information to make that convenient.
(Now MY sixth grade teacher would tell me I just produced the longest run-on sentence she had ever read!) :o)
I included information from their website, (which is nice), and also a link to the website if you need more information.)
http://www.nycenet.edu/OurSchools/Region8/K051/default.htm
ADDRESS
350 5TH AVENUE
BROOKLYN, NY 11215
Tel: (718) 369-7603
Fax: (718) 499-4948
XAVIER CASTELLI, Principal
Region: 8
Administrative District: 15
Local Instructional Superintendent: Alison Sheehan* (15)
(718) 935-3686
Parent Coordinator: Audrey Komaroff
(347) 563-5371
PTA President: Marylou Bradley
School Number: 51
Borough: Brooklyn
Grade Levels: 6, 7, 8
Student Enrollment: 973
Police Precinct: 78
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Our Mission
The William Alexander Middle School Community composed of administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, public and private affiliations, is committed to high standards for all. For our students, we are devoted to the fact that every child can learn. It is our responsibility to facilitate each student's academic, emotional and social development through a rigorous, standards-based instructional program. We are dedicated to facilitating the growth of leaders who demonstrate self-esteem, respect, and a strong value system. Our administration and faculty have made a commitment to professional development that continuously improves instruction. By promoting parent partnerships, the teaching and learning process is enhanced. It is our belief that we are all a part of this community of learners.
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Alex Kunhardt Image please!
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