Mr. D. was fired without warning and they don't like it
Here are the students at the Arts and Minds School protesting yesterday.Apparently their band teacher, Mr. de la Rosa (Mr. D) was let go without notice right before Thanksgiving, supposedly because he didn't have his grades in his grade book in time, but the story is that he was about to start his own music program elsewhere and was planning on poaching his favorite students. This is a rumor going around.
Apparently his new charter school is currently under construction, he received approval from the Miami-Dade Public School System. Mr. D. informed parents so that it didn't appear as if he was just up and leaving the students after convincing so many of them to join the Arts and Minds program.
Now, two weeks before the orchestral concert, the students are left without their band leader. So for now, from 3 to 4 pm daily, the students will exercise their first amendment rights, in spite of what the staff and ownership of the school think. They aren't trying to get Mr. D back at this point, they just want people to know what happened. Continued here.
posted by Tom Falco at 10:00 AM
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35 Comments:
Inmates running the Asylum.
All to common in American education today.
Wow what a great view of our kids! INMATES??!!
I guess you feel our schools should not be teaching children about their first amendment right to question the power of those with influence over them? American education needs MORE of it.
SHAME ON YOU!
I have been watching all of this with great interest. My daughter has been at A&M for several years. The protests are definately in support of Mr. de la Rosa, but it seems to me, as a parent, that the kids are also trying to shed light on the nature of the people running the Arts & Minds Center under the disguise of a "school". It has always been a not-so-well-kept secret that the school has long been the personal interest in real estate of owner Manuel Alonso-Poch, founder of the school. Apparently, many parents, students and teachers have questioned Mr. Alonso's tactics which include firing the school's previous administration and threatening others with the same if they questioned his policies. Other concerns have surfaced such as violations of the Florida Sunshine Laws regarding public board meetings. The school's board is largely unknown to the community, always meets in secret and seems to be a puppet board of Mr. Alonso-Poch. Many parents have wondered about the existence of a licqour licence on campus and the most pressing issues have mostly been regarding the school's rent to Mr. Alonso-Poch, which is over $900,000this year, draining vital resources from the students' education. Adding to all of these problems is the new principal hired by Mr. Alonso-Poch, Mr. William Machado, who comes to the Arts & Minds school after being involved in a grade-change scandal for athletes several years ago while principal at Coral Park High School. He was placed in a desk job and was forced to retire. Many parents are wondering what the process was that the school's governing board utilized toward interviewing and selecting this principal who has now fired the music teacher. Apparently he was not well-vetted. What is going on at A&M? I have never been notified by the school's administration about any board meetings in three years. It seems the kids feel a teacher was let go without due process. This smells improper and I am seriously looking at other options for my daughter next year.
This is defintely a moment to try to shed some light on what is the true underlying problem at this school. It seems like this person Alonso-Poch is running the show at A&M and only to the interest of lining his pockets. I saw him personally threaten a student yesterday afternoon after the kids had finished voicing their 1st amendment right. It seemed like he waited until there was no one around in order to threaten this student who is 30 years younger than him, "At Least". He threatened him with expulsion, and last time I checked he is only the building owner and not the school's administrator. Someone please send in the right people to investigate!!! I too am searching for other alternatives in regards to my childrens' education. Oh and by the way, the reason why Alonso-Poch is getting away with the liqour license situation is due to that the license is registered to the school's location but under an alias other than the Arts and Minds Center.
IT'S ABOUT TIME ALL THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO THE OPEN.
This is the same person that it is on boards and such here around the grove. Says a lot about his personality and character........
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS GUY M. ALONSO IS NOTHING MORE THAN A "WHITE COLLAR CRIME" THIEF AND NEEDS TO BE STOPPED. I HAVE TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS FOR THE SAKE OF MY KIDS THAT ARE IN THE SCHOOL NOW, ALLTHOUGH NOT FOR LONG, BUT WITH MY RELATIONS AND THE SCHOOL BOARD LEGAL SYSTEM I WILL MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO HAVE THE SCHOOL, BOARD MEMBERS, AND THE LAND LORD MANUEL A. POCH INVESTIGATED AND FULLY PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW FOR ANY AND ALL ILLEGAL WRONG DOINGS.
It certainly is about time!! Mr. de la Rosa and, not to mention, Mrs. de la Rosa, are two of the most positive influences children could ever hope to have. Parents should be appauled over this!!!! Just who do they think they are?!!!Mr. D should be honored and flattered that the students love him and are so loyal. It truly reflects what we parents have always known, and the reason for which I allowed my child to attend A&M- because of Mr. de la Rosa's talent as a teacher and love for the students. The great thing about children is that they don't hold back any punches. I trust those kids more than Manuel Alonso. This is the same guy who goes around touting his standing in the Grove. Even if the music teacher IS taking his talent elsewhere, why should he be fired mid-year? Could it be that the music teacher is truly the one with the power and talent at that school? Since when does the eventual departure of ONE teacher threaten an entire school justifying what has been done to the students? I am very upset about this. Mr. Machado should have done the right thing in this situation and stood up to Mr. Alonso. As principal, his job and loyalty should be to our students. It is because of them that he has a job as principal and a salary- not Mr. Alonso. Where is our school's BOARD!!! Why did they not intervene? This is a terrible example for our students regarding ethics, honesty, integrity, justice and due process. I hope they continue to protest as it is their right to do so and, apparently, the only recourse they have to combat this corrupt administration!!!
yeah, this guy is definately a clown. He rents the building to the school and then rents it again for all of his own events and kicks the kids out. glad to see people are on to him. a real shame for those kids. i don't know the music teacher really, my kid is in another area, but i bet i'd like him. i feel bad for him. alonso did this during christmas just hurt him. unfortunately, the kids got hurt too. i'm sure he knew that it would hurt everyone. he's lost my confidence and will lose my son soon too. this is not right. hell, fire the principal!!
Gosh! This guy sounds like a real creep. Do you think he'll run for mayor?
Don't fire the principal, get rid of Manuel. If everyone pulls their kids out, not only the music students, then the school will be forced to shut down---that is if the county doesn't close it down before that....cough cough AUDIT.....Obviously we cannot "get rid" of Manuel but you can put him out of business which will keep him from stealing money and putting it in his owns pockets instead of back to the school and the kids.
I like it when students speak up and say what is on their mind, rather than go around painting graffiti on the walls, as they are known for. It is a positive outlet for them exercise their right without being threatened. Power to the students and "Manny" Manuel Alonso-Poch for the mayor of King Mango Parade.
ARE YOU GUYS SERIOUS? WHY ARE YOU ALL SO SURPRISED? THERES ALOT OF THAT THAT GOES ON HERE IN THE WORLD AND DEFINITLEY THE GROVE/ MANY PEOPLE THINK THAT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE RICH, POPULAR AND OF ONE CULTURE OR ANOTHER THAT THEY ARE BETTER THAN SOME AND ABOVE THE LAW... AND THE WORST PART OF IT ALL IS THAT WE LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT
I agree with the previous post. let's not let him get away this time. I went on Sunbiz.org and found that the school's name is really Acting for All, Inc., A non-profit. I will list the directors below. Maybe someone should contact them? I am suspicious as to why they would allow all of this to go on in their name? They seem to be conspicously silent here. I also noticed that at one point in 2006, M. Alonso was the director of the board? Somehow the marriageof a non-profit school and M.Alonso is a bit smelly to me.
The Directors are now Ignacio Ortiz-Petit, Ruth Montaner, Jorge Guerra and Jose Noy. Does anyone know any one of these people?
At the very least they should explain why they allowed this. And what exactly is Alonso's role?
I am the parent of a formaer A & M student, I must say I am appauled at what has occurred in that school within the last couple of months. My daughter began there when the school first opened and through its trials and tribulations, the administration was the backbone and what kept us all going with such faith that they WOULD make sure all of our children were going to exceed all expectations! THEY SURE DID, my daughter was one of the many kids who was accepted to a Florida University. It is a shame that they are no longer there. They were strong, they were committed but most importantly they WERE Arts & Minds. They dedicated four years to an incredible institution whos owner has allowed its demise. WHAT A SHAME! It is with great pride that I mention their names, Alex Tamargo and Leoni Martin WERE the reason why Arts & Minds became what it was till August of 2008. If there is anyone out there that can tell them, please let them know the parents of Arts & Minds graduating class did recognize their efforts and wish them the best. As for the administration there now SHAME ON YOU! Mr. De La Rosa is and will be an outstanding music instructor, that man takes his music in his heart and that is priceless! Mr. D, you will do well wherever you go! hope this continues and hope many parents and students alike voice their opinions and their feelings. Arts & Minds could have been a place to be proud of, it was for 4 years................ lots of luck.
Go to Miami-dade.gov and click on the Inspector Geneeral link on the right. That is the office charged with looking into corruption and abuse of power, including in the schools. If there has been any real crime,corruption, or abuse of power, that would be the place to inform. They have an online reporting form and you can remain anonymous. Regards.
Hey Machado! Thanks for the wonderful Christmas gift you have given us students. Also, thanks for letting us know how you really felt about us at the protest yesterday. We feel the same way about you! we hope you feel great about this. Have a REALLY Merry CHristmas.
KB
Were they really expecting this to help them? OK, this was really stupid.
I am also the parent of a graduating student, the bad part is my other child still remains at Arts & Minds, not for long though. What a different school, i dont know where to start. I am so dissappointed, it is unbelievable that such an amazing institution has lost its fizz. I agree as to the previous administration, to say the least they were two peas in a pod. Warm hearts always welcomed you at Arts & Minds. they certainly went out of their way to help each and every student there. Mr. D and Mrs. D are another pair who will be irreplaceable. Hope change takes place soon. GO A & M STARS voice your opinions, and protest peacefully.
I agree, A&M is a completely different school than it was last year. This new administration has ruined everything that had been worked for and achieved for this new school with so much talent and potential! The protest's purpose is not just to demand and explanation for the random and pointless firing of Mr.D, an outstanding music instructor and overall wonderful person, but also to show that as students we are angry and disappointed with what has become of the school we once loved. As far as I know, a school is meant to educate students and provide them with a chance to become successful. This school is failing in its purpose for many, many reasons-too many to list.
Parents, Attend the parent meeting tomorrow thursday the 4th at 7 in A&M and make your voices of concern be heard for OUR future since clearly, they only have their own self-interest at heart.
Ms. Phillips, was that you taking names for Mr. Alonso from his office window? So what exact crime will we be charged with in school? Illegal disagreement? Unlawful expression of opinion? I figured as a history teacher you might know best. Thanks for helping Mr. Alonso try to intimidate us. It helps show more clearly how he operates.
I just want to say to our administration that i think the right thing to do would have been to talk this whole thing out with Mr. de la Rosa. As far as I could see, he was only looking to move in a different way in his life and everyone should have just been happy for him. It looks bad on the school owners when it seems that a fake reason waqs made up to fire him because people are afraid of his success. God blessed him with that gift and he should not be made to go through this because of it. I don't hate A&M because it is my school, but this has been really bad for me personally. Though it is only my foirst year at A&M I have heard by many seniors that when they first came to A&M it was Mr. D's first year too. And that they did not have amusic room or even instruments but that they still did amazing music thanks to Mr. D. So I can understand why seniors must feel really bad that they are having to go out this way. I have tried to put myself in the principal's point of view but I still would have talked to Mr. D. I know him and I know he would have tried to do what was best for everyone. I hope it all works out O.K. but I will miss him and it won't be the same for me without him.
Mr. D!!, Mr. D!!, Mr. D!! We love you, Bro!!!!!!!!! Don't let it all get you down. Good luck wherever you go. No matter where you are I know your band is gonna rock!!!
The school is being entirely remodeled, but the students don't have textbooks for several classes. That is preposterous!
We miss Mr.D! I am a band student at A&M and i've been watching the school grow and and grow each year. this year has been diffrent. we didnt even have enought books to give out. we didnt have enough classrooms i mean my p.e class is in the cafeteria. I really think that Mr.D was a positive influnce on all of us. i think that his goal was always to get things done and he always cared very much for all the kids. he is a great person and many people should see him as an example. another thing is Mr.Machado is a horrible principle. i never see him around during the day. hes just there to be Alonso's little dog wearing a leash. they should have done what was right and not thought about themselfs. it was selfish and careless to fire Mr.D. all they did was ask for more trouble. they deserve what is yet to come to them. i plan to audition for Mr.D's school to attend next year. i am very intrested in his school. it is going to be the best school in the world (:
i love you Mr.D and we miss you!
Today as I was there supervising the student protest. Mr. Alonso thought that by taking pictures of my car as I loaded the students' signs in my trunk he would intimidate me. He's got another thing coming to him buddy! I look forward to posing for more pictures tomorrow!
Yikes!! What a hornet's nest!!! last year we had the Chongalicious girls at Arts & minds Center for King Mango- this year I think the vote will be unanimous!! Manny Alonso-Poch and Billy Machado for King Mango! Wadda you say boys?
I agree! Manny Alonso and Bill Machado for King Mango! The t-shirt can have a picture of Alonso with Machado on all fours and on a leash, as well!
i am not suprised at all that "manny" would take pictures of us protesting. what is he going to do witht them? are we gonna get arrested for illegal protesting? read the constitution you ref :]
In my honest opinion, Mr. D is the only one with a backbone in Arts and Minds.
I went there last year, and He was the ONLY one who kept the students well behaved. One look from Mr. D, was worth more than 100 detentions from any teacher. But in that same regard, he dealt with everything respectively. Everyone in A&M respects Mr. D with the most respect I've seen come from people my age.
He in no way, and even more the students, didnt deserve this. As students we earn for someone to alow us to vent our creativity and love for the arts, and Mr. D did that and so much more.
Mr. D has impacted me more than every single teacher I've had, and I wasn't even in a single class of his last year!
All in all, Mr. D didn't have to yell to get your attention, get your respect, or teach you a lesson.
He was a great teacher, and it was one of the biggest mistakes A&M has ever made, OTHER THAN HIRING MANUEL ALONSO POCH.
I hope they get their teacher back!!!!
Poor leadership has been shown in not IMMEDIATELY sending out a letter to the parents, explaining the action taken and the reason for it.
The longer the time delay, the greater the likelihood of a coverup taking place.
How wonderful to see young people standing up for what they believe in!
As we recently commemorated, many have died so that you and I can have the freedom and the right to free speech.
Commendations on the peaceful manner of your protests.
Continue boldly and with the decency you have all demonstrated until now.
Remember the beautiful saying: STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN, EVEN IF YOU STAND ALONE.
Remember, as quoted from the grove paper " you can put a tuxedo on a monkey, but he will still be a monkey."
So Machado and Alonzo, take off the that tux already. We already know what is under your cover, it's been obvious since the first day you walked into A&M. What you're doing to the school is just causing a major disturbance to both the students and parents. People say to look up to your elders, well gee what an example you to be giving. Going behind backs trying to scare the children off with your "threating words" try as you might but we all know the truth. There is NO harm in doing what the courageous students have been doing. Keep trying to look like a big tough hot shot, cause you havent convinced me yet. Why get all your anger out on poor innocent people? Its not our fault you came out looking how you did. Please find some other way to take this anger out and control it like a civilized adult should do. Some examples you are showing our children. Face the music, haha. Get it, the music? Cause there is going to be none at A&M after you all get threw with it. As a matter of fact, there isn't going to be much of a school. So have fun entertaining your friends with the new outstandingly gorgeous school. Shame, with all that money the students could have gotten textbooks and classrooms that didnt have floods and toxic smells.
What Mr.D did with that band was an outstanding glory. Maybe when you both were in school you weren't good enough for you highschool band. But guess what? The students at A&M are all very talented. Don't be hatin.
Outstanding work you bunch of monkey's! :)
Manuel Alonso Poch, a lawyer by trade and wealthy real estate investor needs to be fully investigated by the State of Florida, the Miami-Dade County School Board, the State Attorney's Office, and any other appropiate intitution for the mismanagement of the Academy of Arts and Minds. The administration of the school does not care at all for the academic progress of the students. However, the main point of the investigation should be focused on how the finances of the school have been mismanaged; and the fact that there are suspicions that the owner of the school uses the school funds as a cash cow for his real estate dealings.
To Anoynymous on 12/3 that inquires about a Jose Noy who is listed as one of the Directors of the school. Jose Noy is a Hematologist/Oncologist doctor, his office is on the Mercy Professional Bldg. 3659 S. Miami Avenue.
Please stop making accusations without proof - what you all need to do now is make the best of the situation so we can all complete this academic year. I love D. to death; but the reality is that for the remaining of the year we need to support Mr.Jacobs. One more advise; go ahead and express your opinions but with respect. even if we don't like Machado the fact of the matter is that he is our principal and for the next five month we need to deal with him weather we like it or not.
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