Parents of LaGuardia High School Safety Alliance
"What happens to one of us, happens to all of us."
Dr. Lisa Mars, Principal
LaGuardia High School
New York, NY, 10023
June 9, 2019
Dear Dr. Mars,
Until such time as the DOE makes their final decision regarding the events currently taking place at LaGuardia High School, including the student's peaceful sit-in, the student's list of grievances presented to the Superintendent and LaG administration, the vote of no confidence from the teachers, and the abuse of power you exercised at the meeting you called for Friday, June 8, 2019 (i.e., where you expressly told the student reps from the Drama studio that their desire to have and adult teacher in the room with them was not allowed), the parents are asserting new ground rules of engagement with our children until further notice.
Parent Ground Rules for Meeting with Students of LaGuardia High School:
1. The student(s) must be allowed to have any and all adult advocates they wish to have in the room with them in order to ensure that emotional safety, tone, and respect are kept on equal standing at all times.
2. There can be no more "grilling" of students in a closed office where the intimidation and manipulation practices of Dr. Mars are conducted (i.e. complaining that her feelings are hurt or making them feel unsafe). Accordingly, Dr. Mars is not allowed to bring in additional back up administration members to create a 'gang-up" atmosphere.
3. Students must be allowed to express their grievances and suggestions freely (including addressing about the lack of teachers and APs, the cut back hours of rehearsal, the forced AP class assignments, the lack of building repairs, and Dr. Mars harassment style and overall negative tone she has created in the building).
4. There must be full transparency at all times; all meetings involving any student(s) must be recorded and transcribed, creating a lasting record to be available to the student body, faculty and parents.
5. The number of administrative staff must never out number the amount of students asked to participate in any meeting (as was specifically requested by the students in their letter to Dr. Mars earlier this year).
6. There can be no retaliation of any kind against the students or the teachers who stand with them for speaking their mind.
For the avoidance of any doubt, LaGuardia High School's rigorous academic program coupled with its conservatory style arts curriculum are cherished by the students, faculty and parents. That is not what is in question here. In fact, we believe that the dual mission is not mutually exclusive, but rather must be mutually supported and celebrated for generations to come.
Protection of our children is a parent's first right. Accordingly we expect nothing less than full compliance with our ground rules when interacting with them.
We, the undersigned,
Concerned Parents of LaGuardia High School Students
