An estimated 2,000 people converged on Comsewogue High School yesterday to tell the powers that be what they should do with the Common Core State Standards.  The crowd, a mixture of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and other concerned citizens turned out despite only having a week to organize the rally.

Speaking at the rally were Comsewogue Board Trustee Ali Gordon, PJSTA President Beth Dimino, NYSUT President Dick Ianuzzi, Comsewogue Superintendent Dr. Joseph Rella, Comsewogue High School student Arya Hezarkani, parent Gina Renard, New York State Assemblymen Steve Englebright and Al Graf, and former Suffolk County Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher.

Perhaps the highlight of the rally was Assemblymen Englebright saying, “Somebody’s head should be on the block and it should be John King!”  He was right of course, but he neglected to mention King’s host of other ed deform cronies: Barack Obama, Arne Duncan, Andy Cuomo, John J. Flanagan, Ken LaValle, Chris Christie, Cory Booker, Mike Bloomberg, Merryl Tisch…. and the list goes on and on and on.

PJSTA members should be taking the next few days to bombard their elected officials with their feelings on these matters.  Ask them if they are with us or against us.  Tell them there is no middle ground.  They will earn our votes or they won’t.  It should be noted that 2,000 people at a rally in Comsewogue is a nice turnout with only a week’s notice.  However it is hardly enough.  It’s nice to gather together, make signs, wear green laces, show our community and union pride, and scream and shout a bit.  However it all means nothing without sustained further action.  The PJSTA will again provide you with ample opportunities in the coming school year to work towards our agenda.  It’s time for you to decide whether or not you are willing to get involved.  Yesterday was the fun part.  Today the work starts.

Reality-Based Educator’s view on the rally.  Please read this, it’s worth it.

Enjoy the pics from the rally below.  Fell free to use the comments section to link to your own pics from the rally.

Sign making on Friday night

I don’t care what research says! You’ll do what I say… and you’ll like it!