My son just graduated the other day. I think it speaks volumes my younger son will never ever attend Cardinal Spellman in Brockton MA. We had four years worth of experience. Mr. Hodes (President) lacks knowledge and experience in how to appropriately interact with families from other backgrounds, other than his own (white). In 10th grade, my son got into a physical altercation with another child. This was an isolated incident. I do not instill violence in my children. There was a "zero tolerance" policy in place. So they suspended him and naturally I was enraged by their inability to be open to another approach/ perspective. I emailed and met in person about my concerns. I researched and provided reputable resources to support my concerns. Additionally, my son has always struggled academically, due to being formally diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. He just had a most recent psychological testing by my district that further supported key components that should have urged them to reevaluate their policy. After all that time, energy and effort, it amounted to nothing. Instead, Mr Hodes personalized my advocacy and embraced his ego and privilege of being a white! How typical! Later that same year, I came across him at my sons basketball game. He looked me right in my face with disgust and couldn't maintain his professionalism, especially given his title. He is a non entity, so I found humor in it and was satisfied seeing him for who he really is.
Then Mariann Hogan was my son's guidance counselor! What a joke! I have my MSW and basic skills to create a healthy experience under the scope of a guidance counselor was not present. Each year, a new academic support plan was to be developed. I was only able to get two plans out of four years (freshman and sophomore year). Half the time the teachers didn't adhere to the whole purpose of the academic plan. The worst of it all is senior year, during the most critical time of the college application process, she takes three weeks off. There was no one to take her place so my son had the crucial support he needed. This was an extremely stressful time, which should make sense to the average school personnel. To no surprise, my son backed out of the idea of college. Mrs Hogan sent a very strong message with her careless absence and lack to interpersonal skills to have built an appropriate relationship with my son. The whole school needs to get revamped and embrace Critical Race Theory. Culturally, so lost! read more
