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Schools brace for walkouts [Protest Marches]
The Arizona Daily Star ^ | 04.08.2006 | Daniel Scarpinato

Posted on 04/08/2006 6:02:41 AM PDT by Borax Queen

Plans made for teacher absences during big immigration protests - An entire school will relocate for a day and classes at other campuses may be combined Monday to cope with teachers calling in sick, school officials said Friday as they prepared for large-scale protests against immigration reform.

And as the immigration debate showed no signs of leaving their doorstep, officials in the city's largest school district addressed concerns about a speech given Monday at Tucson High Magnet School in which a speaker said, "Republicans hate Latinos."

Tucson Unified School District officials are taking their hardest stance against the walkouts to this point. Safford Magnet School, 200 E. 13th St., will be shut down because it is near Armory Park, the protesters' destination, Superintendent Roger Pfeuffer said at a press conference Friday. Students in grades K-5 will attend class at Carrillo Magnet School, 440 S. Main Ave., and those in grades 6-8 will go to Rincon High School, 421 N. Arcadia Blvd., where some will be taking the AIMS test.

And unlike last week, when thousands of students marched Downtown and schools sent buses to return them to school, TUSD and Amphitheater Public Schools have said they will not do that this time. However, TUSD officials said students can return to school on their own and be accepted back.

A new development is the potential that teachers may join the marches. Roughly 450 teachers, of 3,700 TUSD-wide, have requested the day off.

Pfeuffer said the district has found substitutes for 90 percent of those teachers, but in some cases students may have to share teachers. While the numbers requesting days off in TUSD and Sunnyside Unified School District aren't much larger than on an average Monday, both districts are bracing for additional teachers calling in sick.

At TUSD's press conference, Pfeuffer also answered questions on comments made Monday at Tucson High by labor activist Dolores Huerta, in which she said she wanted to start a postcard campaign with the theme "Republicans hate Latinos." During the speech, she also congratulated students for walking out earlier and advertised Monday as the big day for walkouts, a stark contrast to TUSD's message not to ditch.

"This is an issue that has many, many viewpoints," Pfeuffer said. "It is not our responsibility to advocate for any one viewpoint or to necessarily censor any one viewpoint. Our purpose and our commitment when these things began was to create forums for students to discuss this issue and information for them to use in those discussions. This was one of those things we provided."

But the comments have TUSD preparing a response to state Rep. Jonathan Paton, a Republican, who wrote a letter questioning the speech, Pfeuffer said. Paton's office said he was traveling Friday afternoon, and he did not immediately return phone calls from the Star.

The incident is just the latest to occur since the national immigration issue landed in the laps of school officials, who have struggled to not take sides.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, said he would like to see the district invite someone with an opposing view, such as his deputy superintendent, Margaret Garcia-Dugan.

"She would talk about why Republicans are the best party for Latinos," he said. "I'm a Republican. And, by far, the strongest support for me in my last statewide election were parents of Latino students who wanted their children to learn English."

But TUSD officials, including those who attended the speech, said Huerta's message was educational, not political, and her comments about Republicans are being taken out of context.

"I think it's crucial to pass the message to all the students to educate themselves and others on the substance of each legislative proposal," said TUSD governing board member Alex Rodriguez, who had heard a recording of the speech. "At least having listened to the comments, I think that was one of the clear messages that came out — learn facts, learn the proposals and you are better off for having done so."

Still, officials said the incident shouldn't overshadow efforts they've made to objectively present a political hot potato. Pfeuffer said Huerta's speech was scheduled long before the walkouts started.

Now, the district's efforts focus on keeping operations running smoothly Monday, with stricter plans in place to deal with potential walkouts.

Students who leave campus will have an unexcused absence, which could result in missing out on graduating. Students cannot make up work if they miss class. And parents have again been urged to tell their children to stay in school. To what extent parents will do that remains to be seen.

Tucson High parents Dennis and Vanessa Garrison — who admit they aren't passionate on the issue one way or another — say they don't mind if their son Greg, a freshman, walks out as he did last week.

"I would like him to know why he's walking and not just because he wants to get out of school," said Vanessa, 50 and a TUSD employee.

Husband Dennis, a partner at a local manufacturing firm, said of the marches: "Yes, it's disruptive to the school system. But if they strongly believe in their issue," he won't oppose it.

To learn more -

To hear the TUSD superintendent present his plans to deal with possible walkouts, go to www.tusd.k12.az.us and click on "News Conference."


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; US: Arizona
KEYWORDS: antirepublican; az; chaos; illegalaliens; immigration; juveniledelinquents; laraza; liberalteachers; protests; schools; truancy
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To: NaughtiusMaximus

lol


41 posted on 04/08/2006 10:28:09 AM PDT by Borax Queen
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To: Borax Queen

Lock the doors once the kids walk out. Suspend them all for the remainder of the year. They can all repeat their current grade levels next year, if they are not deported yet.


42 posted on 04/08/2006 11:07:10 AM PDT by trubluolyguy ((C))
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To: Borax Queen

Here in my area it is Easter vacation oops sorry, spring break /s/ next week. Sorta robs their thunder. Most everyone goes to the river, should be quiet here. I will check with my brother who is a teacher in Phoenix.


43 posted on 04/08/2006 11:28:22 AM PDT by Conservative4Ever (Buy Danish!)
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To: randita
Marxist Agitator Dolores Huerta Speaks at Tucson High School "Republicans hate Latinos!" (Audio)
44 posted on 04/08/2006 1:27:16 PM PDT by Texas_Jarhead (Say NO! to the "No Illegal Alien Left Behind" legislation...)
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To: backhoe

That pic is preety disgraceful regarding the flag,I must admit.
But looking at the whole picture and looking at those FINE senoritas,is there any way THEY could get amnesty and we could send the rest back home???


45 posted on 04/08/2006 1:35:41 PM PDT by Riverman94610
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To: Riverman94610
But looking at the whole picture and looking at those FINE senoritas,is there any way THEY could get amnesty and we could send the rest back home?

One of the mysteries of women originating from what my Dad called "the romance language countries" ( meaning Italy, and Spain, mainly ) is that they seem to come in only two varieties- homely, or gorgeous.

46 posted on 04/08/2006 1:45:21 PM PDT by backhoe
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To: Borax Queen
At TUSD's press conference, Pfeuffer also answered questions on comments made Monday at Tucson High by labor activist Dolores Huerta, in which she said she wanted to start a postcard campaign with the theme "Republicans hate Latinos." During the speech, she also congratulated students for walking out earlier and advertised Monday as the big day for walkouts, a stark contrast to TUSD's message not to ditch.

That woman needs to be fired!! BQ, you guys in Tucson need to get on top of that and keep up the pressure until she is fired. These liberal teachers need to be taught a lesson that they keep THEIR politics out of the classroom. Kids are VERY impressionable and they will pass this information on to their families and friends. The GOP better get down there and do some serious damage control.

47 posted on 04/08/2006 2:20:08 PM PDT by NRA2BFree (NO GUEST WORKER PLAN THAT IS REALLY AMNESTY, SHAMNESTY OR SCAMNESTY - IT IS THE SELL OUT OF AMERICA)
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To: NRA2BFree

NRA - it's all over. Donde es tu Aztlan flag?


48 posted on 04/08/2006 2:31:33 PM PDT by Borax Queen
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To: Liz

Thanks for the ping Liz-It gets worse!

Big turnout expected for Des Moines immigration rally

http://www.crgazette.com/2006/04/08/Home/News/immigrationrallybigturnoutexpected.htm

Compromised Immigration Bill Fails, Rallies Planned

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2389/section/compromised.immigration.bill.fails.rallies.planned/1.htm

Senate's Failure to Agree on Immigration Plan Angers Workers and Employers Alike

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/09/washington/09immig.html?hp&ex=1144555200&en=0b3fc67bc2006772&ei=5094&partner=homepage

The backlash from them is going to be horrible! Danged Bullies!


49 posted on 04/08/2006 3:33:26 PM PDT by JustPiper (We will NOT be a COMPROMISE !!!)
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To: Liz

You are an intelligent activist I like having on my side!


50 posted on 04/08/2006 3:43:14 PM PDT by JustPiper (We will NOT be a COMPROMISE !!!)
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To: Borax Queen

The more pressure we keep on Mexico, immigration-wise, the more reformers inside of Mexico can be emboldened and empowered to scale back monopolists' abuses down there which keep our own country flooded with economic refugees. Here's an interesting new thread on new legal progress that finally emerged in Mexico I think as a result of immigration reform's failure:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1611677/posts

We can make a difference for our sake, and their's as well. Isn't it the neighborly thing to do?


51 posted on 04/08/2006 4:01:03 PM PDT by Shuttle Shucker
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To: Borax Queen

And they wonder why we want their lawbreaking asses the hell out of our country...


52 posted on 04/08/2006 4:07:34 PM PDT by Czar (StillFedUptotheTeeth@Washington)
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To: Borax Queen

"Just curious - did Jeb say that recently, devolve?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sure did!

Jeb Bush Calls Tone of Immigration Debate `Hurtful'

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/1609512/posts


53 posted on 04/08/2006 5:33:05 PM PDT by texasbluebell
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To: texasbluebell; devolve

GAK!!! Thanks, Texasbluebell.


54 posted on 04/08/2006 6:37:13 PM PDT by Borax Queen
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To: Borax Queen; JustPiper
April 10th: National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice [from migramatters]

On April 10, 2006, immigrants and their allies from around the nation will mobilize in Washington, DC and multiple other cities to oppose the harsh and unworkable HR 4437. They will be demanding real immigration reform that is comprehensive, respects civil rights, reunites families, protects workers, and offers a path to citizenship for the current undocumented and future immigrants to the US.

In Houston, a march will be starting at Guadalupe Plaza, located at Navigation and Jensen (in front of Talento Bilingue de Houston) at 1:30pm. The march will go into downtown Houston and end at Allen's Landing. People are encouraged to get there early as parking may be really difficult. If this march ends up becoming larger than the Walk for a DREAM that took place on March 25th, it may very well be the largest march in Houston's history.

*side note** Newspaper and news said at least 10,000 expected in Houston.

Posted by JustPiper on the Threat Matrix:
Prices, immigration rallies to cut Tyson meat output on Mon
Because nearly 30% of Tyson's employees are hispanic, they expect large number of no shows at work.
The result--> reduced production of product. ~~~Effecting US economy~~~

55 posted on 04/08/2006 9:52:58 PM PDT by exhaustedmomma (Calling illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a burglar an uninvited house guest)
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To: exhaustedmomma

I wish we could organize all these marches on our new thread


56 posted on 04/08/2006 11:12:41 PM PDT by JustPiper (We will NOT be a COMPROMISE !!!)
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To: Riverman94610

Amen. Based on this and similar protest photos, beautiful Latin girls shall receive full amnesty --- all other illegals shall be deported immediately.

As Freud said, "Anatomy is destiny."

Or, in this case, amnesty...


57 posted on 04/09/2006 4:37:24 AM PDT by griffmorpho
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To: Borax Queen

I was listening to the Dallas 'sunday morning' crapola shows they play on the stations here.. Interviewing some La Raza type. The dj's name is Anna De Haro, so I guess you can imagine the communist-style one-world no-borders insanity.

I literally teared up at how this country is being ripped apart at the seams.


58 posted on 04/09/2006 4:38:40 AM PDT by ConTex
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To: ConTex
I literally teared up at how this country is being ripped apart at the seams.

I know what you mean :(

59 posted on 04/09/2006 4:48:48 AM PDT by Borax Queen
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To: griffmorpho

I was being somewhat facetious but,my goodness,these young ladies are muy caliente,Senor!


60 posted on 04/09/2006 9:26:03 PM PDT by Riverman94610
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