{"id":420,"date":"2023-05-17T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T02:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/?p=420"},"modified":"2023-05-17T21:00:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T02:00:05","slug":"for-immediate-release-school-district-of-waukesha-recommends-termination-for-teacher-who-spoke-out-about-rainbowland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/2023\/05\/17\/for-immediate-release-school-district-of-waukesha-recommends-termination-for-teacher-who-spoke-out-about-rainbowland\/","title":{"rendered":"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WAUKESHA RECOMMENDS TERMINATION FOR TEACHER WHO SPOKE OUT ABOUT RAINBOWLAND"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Espa\u00f1ol abajo<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The Alliance is disappointed to learn that on May 15, 2023, after being on administrative leave for more than a month, Heyer Elementary School First Grade Teacher, Melissa Tempel, was notified that the Superintendent of the School District of Waukesha, was recommending her termination. Tempel had been placed on leave on April 3, 2023 and advised that if she communicated about the matter, she could be terminated. She remained silent for five weeks while the District investigated her alleged violations of Board Policy.<\/p>\n

Tempel gained national attention when she shared the District\u2019s decision to prohibit first graders from performing Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus\u2019 song, \u201cRainbowland,\u201d in the first-grade musical.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI have missed my first graders every single day since I was removed from the classroom with no notice, no ability to provide plans and no ability to communicate with my first-grade families.\u201d Tempel said. \u201cIt will take me a long time to process how cruel the District\u2019s actions were to those families and the chilling effect my termination will have on any other educators in the Waukesha Community,\u201d Tempel continued.<\/p>\n

The District has asserted that Tempel violated Board Policy in the form and forum she chose to disagree with the decision of the District. Tempel, a 23-year veteran educator, is an award winning, National Board Certified Teacher, an advocate for inclusivity and ally for marginalized students.<\/p>\n

According to Tempel, \u201cthe lyrics of Rainbowland are beautiful and promote inclusivity. This song, as well as Dolly Parton\u2019s work through the Imagination Library and Miley Cyrus\u2019 Happy Hippie Foundation, are examples of the type of inspiration and kindness the world needs right now. I remain committed to the work I have done throughout my life and career.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Alliance sees this recommendation for termination as one more attempt of the District to avoid accountability for its own poor decisions and lack of transparency. Melissa Tempel is an outstanding educator who spoke to parents and members of the community about the District\u2019s on-going misuse of policy as a shield for its pattern of harmful decisions negatively impacting the school community.<\/p>\n

Tempel plans to pursue a First Amendment claim against the District. \u201cI cannot allow others to be intimidated into silence. These are matters of public concern that the Waukesha Community has a right to know about and I stand by my decision to share the impact of Policy 2240 with the public. I will rest easy every night knowing that I did what was right for children.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Alliance would also like to share the attached statement on behalf of Melissa Tempel.<\/em><\/p>\n

###<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \n PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM MELISSA TEMPEL <\/span>\n\n \n \n May 17, 2023 <\/span>\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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On Monday, April 3rd, I arrived at Heyer Elementary to begin a normal school day. I was met at the door by The School District of Waukesha\u2019s human resources and district administrators who informed me that I was being placed on administrative leave. I was told that I could be disciplined if I discussed this matter with other staff, students, parents, or members of the public. The District took 42 days to make their decision. On Monday, May 15th, Superintendent Jim Sebert informed me that his recommendation to the School Board is that I be terminated.<\/p>\n

During the last month and a half, I have received an outpouring of loving, supportive emails, phone calls, text messages and hand written letters from parents, colleagues, residents of Waukesha, and beyond. I have not been able to answer any of them, nor have I been able to check in on my students and their families. I would like to thank all of those who contacted me. Your support kept me going during this stressful time. To my students, I would like to say, \u201cLos extra\u00f1o mucho todos los d\u00edas y quer\u00eda estar con ustedes en la escuela todo este tiempo. Los amo y los ver\u00e9 pronto. \u00a1Les dar\u00e9 a todos un gran abrazo!\u201d.<\/p>\n

Removing me from my classroom had a harmful and traumatic impact on my students and the children at Heyer Elementary school. One parent shared an email she sent administrators that states, \u201cMy daughter\u2019s self-image and self-esteem has been greatly affected without Melissa in her classroom. She is very stressed about the behavior and actions of other children and is often in tears before bed because she is so worried about school.\u201d There are 24 first graders in my classroom and many of them have special needs. My students\u2019 parents, many of whom speak Spanish, did not receive any information about my absence or when I would return, even when they asked for it directly. As recently as last week some of them didn\u2019t know that I was placed on administrative leave. This is not normal procedure during a teacher\u2019s absence and doesn\u2019t prioritize the emotional or academic well being of my students. I have missed my first graders every single day since I was removed from the classroom with no notice, no ability to provide plans and no ability to communicate with my first-grade families. It will take me a long time to process how cruel the District\u2019s actions were to those families and the chilling effect my termination will have on any other educators in the Waukesha Community.<\/p>\n

In my 23 year career, I have been consistently held up as a model educator. I am an award winning, National Board Certified Teacher who was rated \u201cdistinguished educator\u201d by my administrators for three years in a row. Last year, I was named Outstanding Educator by Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and WEAC. I have never had disciplinary action taken against me.<\/p>\n

I remain committed to the work I have done throughout my life and career, both inside and outside the classroom, as an activist, advocate, and ally. I believe we need to have conversations in our communities about how to make sure our schools are inclusive spaces where our students feel safe and can focus on learning. Organizations in Wisconsin like GSAFE Wisconsin, Diverse and Resilient, and Forge Wisconsin During my time in Waukesha, deserve recognition for supporting these efforts any time they are called upon.<\/p>\n

The information I have shared publicly about this issue has been shared during my personal time, off duty, and has been rooted in matters that are a public concern to the Waukesha Community, the state of Wisconsin and beyond. I shared my feelings as an individual member of this community. I cannot allow others to be intimidated into silence so I do plan to pursue a First Amendment claim. These are matters of public concern which the public has a right to know about and I should not have been recommended for termination because I shared them.<\/p>\n

The lyrics of Rainbowland are beautiful and promote inclusivity. This song, as well as Dolly Parton\u2019s work through the Imagination Library and Miley Cyrus\u2019 Happy Hippie Foundation, are examples of the type of inspiration and kindness the world needs right now. My goal has, and continues to be, to provide transformative experiences that educate, reflect, and inspire my students and us as individuals and a community, while acknowledging those individuals who have been marginalized or disenfranchised within our same community.<\/p>\n

Press inquiries can email rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Please do not call the District and leave messages. Calling the District isn\u2019t going to change their minds and I don\u2019t want to take any time or resources from the students.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \n PARA PUBLICACI\u00d3N INMEDIATA <\/span>\n\n \n \n EL DISTRITO ESCOLAR DE WAUKESHA RECOMIENDA EL DESPIDO DE LA MAESTRA QUE HABL\u00d3 SOBRE RAINBOWLAND <\/span>\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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La Alianza est\u00e1 decepcionada al saber que el 15 de mayo de 2023, despu\u00e9s de estar en licencia administrativa durante m\u00e1s de un mes, la maestra de primer grado de la Escuela Primaria Heyer, Melissa Tempel, fue notificada de que el Superintendente del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha, estaba recomendando su despido. Tempel hab\u00eda sido puesta en licencia el 3 de abril de 2023 y le informaron que si se comunicaba sobre el asunto, podr\u00eda ser despedida. Ella permaneci\u00f3 en silencio durante cinco semanas mientras el Distrito investigaba sus presuntas violaciones de la Pol\u00edtica de la Junta.<\/p>\n

Tempel gan\u00f3 atenci\u00f3n nacional cuando comparti\u00f3 la decisi\u00f3n del Distrito de prohibir que los estudiantes de primer grado interpretaran la canci\u00f3n de Dolly Parton y Miley Cyrus, “Rainbowland”, en el musical de primer grado.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“He extra\u00f1ado a mis alumnos de primer grado todos los d\u00edas desde que me sacaron del aula sin previo aviso, sin capacidad para proporcionar planes y sin capacidad para comunicarme con mis familias de primer grado”. Tempel dijo. “Me llevar\u00e1 mucho tiempo procesar cu\u00e1n crueles fueron las acciones del Distrito para esas familias y el efecto escalofriante que mi despido tendr\u00e1 en cualquier otro educador en la comunidad de Waukesha”, continu\u00f3 Tempel.<\/p>\n

El Distrito ha afirmado que Tempel viol\u00f3 la Pol\u00edtica de la Junta en la forma y el foro que eligi\u00f3 para estar en desacuerdo con la decisi\u00f3n del Distrito. Tempel, un educador veterano de 23 a\u00f1os, es una galardonada maestra certificado por la Junta Nacional, una defensora de la inclusi\u00f3n y aliada de los estudiantes marginados.<\/p>\n

Seg\u00fan Tempel, “las letras de Rainbowland son hermosas y promueven la inclusi\u00f3n. Esta canci\u00f3n, as\u00ed como el trabajo de Dolly Parton a trav\u00e9s de la Biblioteca de la Imaginaci\u00f3n y la Fundaci\u00f3n Happy Hippie de Miley Cyrus, son ejemplos del tipo de inspiraci\u00f3n y amabilidad que el mundo necesita en este momento. Sigo comprometido con el trabajo que he hecho a lo largo de mi vida y carrera”.<\/p>\n

La Alianza ve esta recomendaci\u00f3n de terminaci\u00f3n como un intento m\u00e1s del Distrito para evitar la rendici\u00f3n de cuentas por sus propias malas decisiones y falta de transparencia. Melissa Tempel es una educadora sobresaliente que habl\u00f3 con padres y miembros de la comunidad sobre el mal uso continuo de la pol\u00edtica del Distrito como escudo para su patr\u00f3n de decisiones da\u00f1inas que afectan negativamente a la comunidad escolar.<\/p>\n

Tempel planea presentar una demanda de la Primera Enmienda contra el Distrito. “No puedo permitir que otros sean intimidados para que guarden silencio. Estos son asuntos de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico que la Comunidad de Waukesha tiene derecho a conocer y mantengo mi decisi\u00f3n de compartir el impacto de la Pol\u00edtica 2240 con el p\u00fablico. Descansar\u00e9 tranquilo todas las noches sabiendo que hice lo correcto para los ni\u00f1os”.<\/p>\n

La Alianza tambi\u00e9n desea compartir la declaraci\u00f3n adjunta en nombre de Melissa Tempel.<\/p>\n

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\n \n DECLARACI\u00d3N PERSONAL DE MELISSA TEMPEL <\/span>\n\n \n \n 17 de mayo de 2023 <\/span>\n <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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El lunes 3 de abril llegu\u00e9 a la escuela primaria Heyer para comenzar un d\u00eda escolar normal. Me recibieron en la puerta los administradores del distrito y de recursos humanos del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha, quienes me informaron que me hab\u00edan puesto en licencia administrativa. Me dijeron que podr\u00eda ser disciplinado si discut\u00eda este asunto con otros miembros del personal, estudiantes, padres o miembros del p\u00fablico. El Distrito tom\u00f3 42 d\u00edas para tomar su decisi\u00f3n. El lunes 15 de mayo, el superintendente Jim Sebert me inform\u00f3 que su recomendaci\u00f3n a la Junta Escolar es que me despidan.<\/p>\n

Durante el \u00faltimo mes y medio, he recibido una gran cantidad de correos electr\u00f3nicos, llamadas telef\u00f3nicas, mensajes de texto y cartas escritas a mano de padres, colegas, residentes de Waukesha y m\u00e1s all\u00e1. No he podido responder a ninguna de ellas, ni he podido controlar a mis alumnos y sus familias. Me gustar\u00eda agradecer a todos los que se pusieron en contacto conmigo. Su apoyo me ayud\u00f3 a seguir adelante durante este momento estresante. A mis alumnos, me gustar\u00eda decirles: \u201cLos extra\u00f1o mucho todos los d\u00edas y quer\u00eda estar con ustedes en la escuela todo este tiempo. Los amo y los ver\u00e9 pronto. \u00a1Les dar\u00e9 a todos un gran abrazo!\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sacarme de mi sal\u00f3n de clases tuvo un impacto da\u00f1ino y traum\u00e1tico en mis estudiantes y los ni\u00f1os de la escuela primaria Heyer. Una madre comparti\u00f3 un correo electr\u00f3nico que envi\u00f3 a los administradores que dice: \u201cLa imagen y la autoestima de mi hija se han visto muy afectadas sin Melissa en su sal\u00f3n de clases. Est\u00e1 muy estresada por el comportamiento y las acciones de otros ni\u00f1os y, a menudo, llora antes de acostarse porque est\u00e1 muy preocupada por la escuela\u201d. Hay 24 alumnos de primer grado en mi sal\u00f3n de clases y muchos de ellos tienen necesidades especiales. Los padres de mis alumnos, muchos de los cuales hablan espa\u00f1ol, no recibieron ninguna informaci\u00f3n sobre mi ausencia o cu\u00e1ndo regresar\u00eda, incluso cuando lo solicitaron directamente. Recientemente, la semana pasada, algunos de ellos no sab\u00edan que me hab\u00edan puesto en licencia administrativa. Este no es un procedimiento normal durante la ausencia de un maestro y no prioriza el bienestar emocional o acad\u00e9mico de mis alumnos. He extra\u00f1ado a mis alumnos de primer grado todos los d\u00edas desde que me sacaron del sal\u00f3n de clases sin previo aviso, sin la capacidad de proporcionar planes y sin la capacidad de comunicarme con mis familias de primer grado. Me llevar\u00e1 mucho tiempo procesar lo crueles que fueron las acciones del Distrito con esas familias y el efecto escalofriante que tendr\u00e1 mi despido en cualquier otro educador de la comunidad de Waukesha.<\/p>\n

En mi carrera de 23 a\u00f1os, se me ha presentado constantemente como un educador modelo. Soy un maestro certificado por la Junta Nacional ganador de premios que fue calificado como “educador distinguido” por mis administradores durante tres a\u00f1os seguidos. El a\u00f1o pasado, Wisconsin Badgers Athletics y WEAC me nombraron Educador Sobresaliente. Nunca me han tomado medidas disciplinarias.<\/p>\n

Sigo comprometida con el trabajo que he realizado a lo largo de mi vida y carrera, tanto dentro como fuera del aula, como activista, defensora y aliada. Creo que debemos tener conversaciones en nuestras comunidades sobre c\u00f3mo asegurarnos de que nuestras escuelas sean espacios inclusivos donde nuestros estudiantes se sientan seguros y puedan concentrarse en aprender. Organizaciones en Wisconsin como GSAFE Wisconsin, Diverse and Resilient, y Forge Wisconsin Durante mi estad\u00eda en Waukesha, merecen reconocimiento por apoyar estos esfuerzos cada vez que se les solicita.<\/p>\n

La informaci\u00f3n que he compartido p\u00fablicamente sobre este problema se ha compartido durante mi tiempo libre, fuera de servicio, y se basa en asuntos que son de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico para la comunidad de Waukesha, el estado de Wisconsin y m\u00e1s all\u00e1. Compart\u00ed mis sentimientos como miembro individual de esta comunidad. No puedo permitir que otros se sientan intimidados para guardar silencio, por lo que planeo presentar un reclamo de la Primera Enmienda. Estos son asuntos de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico sobre los que el p\u00fablico tiene derecho a saber y no deber\u00edan haber recomendado mi terminaci\u00f3n porque los compart\u00ed.<\/p>\n

Las letras de Rainbowland son hermosas y promueven la inclusi\u00f3n. Esta canci\u00f3n, as\u00ed como el trabajo de Dolly Parton a trav\u00e9s de Imagination Library y la Fundaci\u00f3n Happy Hippie de Miley Cyrus, son ejemplos del tipo de inspiraci\u00f3n y amabilidad que el mundo necesita en este momento. Mi objetivo es, y sigue siendo, brindar experiencias transformadoras que eduquen, reflejen e inspiren a mis estudiantes y a nosotros como individuos y comunidad, al mismo tiempo que reconozco a aquellas personas que han sido marginadas o privadas de sus derechos dentro de nuestra misma comunidad.<\/p>\n

Las consultas de prensa pueden enviarse por correo electr\u00f3nico rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Por favor, no llame al Distrito y deje mensajes. Llamar al Distrito no los har\u00e1 cambiar de opini\u00f3n y no quiero quitarles tiempo o recursos a los estudiantes.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Alliance is disappointed to learn that on May 15, 2023, after being on administrative leave for more than a month, Heyer Elementary School First Grade Teacher Melissa Tempel was notified that the Superintendent of the School District of Waukesha was recommending her termination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[29,30,16,28,46,18,25],"class_list":["post-420","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-releases","tag-policy","tag-rainbows","tag-rights","tag-school-board","tag-superintendent","tag-teachers","tag-transparency","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"yoast_head":"\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WAUKESHA 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<p>The Alliance is disappointed to learn that on May 15, 2023, after being on administrative leave for more than a month, Heyer Elementary School First Grade Teacher, Melissa Tempel, was notified that the Superintendent of the School District of Waukesha, was recommending her termination. Tempel had been placed on leave on April 3, 2023 and advised that if she communicated about the matter, she could be terminated. She remained silent for five weeks while the District investigated her alleged violations of Board Policy.<\/p> <p>Tempel gained national attention when she shared the District\u2019s decision to prohibit first graders from performing Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus\u2019 song, \u201cRainbowland,\u201d in the first-grade musical.\u00a0<\/p> <p>\u201cI have missed my first graders every single day since I was removed from the classroom with no notice, no ability to provide plans and no ability to communicate with my first-grade families.\u201d Tempel said. \u201cIt will take me a long time to process how cruel the District\u2019s actions were to those families and the chilling effect my termination will have on any other educators in the Waukesha Community,\u201d Tempel continued.<\/p> <p>The District has asserted that Tempel violated Board Policy in the form and forum she chose to disagree with the decision of the District. Tempel, a 23-year veteran educator, is an award winning, National Board Certified Teacher, an advocate for inclusivity and ally for marginalized students.<\/p> <p>According to Tempel, \u201cthe lyrics of Rainbowland are beautiful and promote inclusivity. This song, as well as Dolly Parton\u2019s work through the Imagination Library and Miley Cyrus\u2019 Happy Hippie Foundation, are examples of the type of inspiration and kindness the world needs right now. I remain committed to the work I have done throughout my life and career.\u201d<\/p> <p>The Alliance sees this recommendation for termination as one more attempt of the District to avoid accountability for its own poor decisions and lack of transparency. Melissa Tempel is an outstanding educator who spoke to parents and members of the community about the District\u2019s on-going misuse of policy as a shield for its pattern of harmful decisions negatively impacting the school community.<\/p> <p>Tempel plans to pursue a First Amendment claim against the District. \u201cI cannot allow others to be intimidated into silence. These are matters of public concern that the Waukesha Community has a right to know about and I stand by my decision to share the impact of Policy 2240 with the public. I will rest easy every night knowing that I did what was right for children.\u201d<\/p> <p><em>The Alliance would also like to share the attached statement on behalf of Melissa Tempel.<\/em><\/p> <p>###<\/p>\n<h3>PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM MELISSA TEMPEL<br\/>May 17, 2023<\/h3>\n<p>On Monday, April 3rd, I arrived at Heyer Elementary to begin a normal school day. I was met at the door by The School District of Waukesha\u2019s human resources and district administrators who informed me that I was being placed on administrative leave. I was told that I could be disciplined if I discussed this matter with other staff, students, parents, or members of the public. The District took 42 days to make their decision. On Monday, May 15th, Superintendent Jim Sebert informed me that his recommendation to the School Board is that I be terminated.<\/p> <p>During the last month and a half, I have received an outpouring of loving, supportive emails, phone calls, text messages and hand written letters from parents, colleagues, residents of Waukesha, and beyond. I have not been able to answer any of them, nor have I been able to check in on my students and their families. I would like to thank all of those who contacted me. Your support kept me going during this stressful time. To my students, I would like to say, \u201cLos extra\u00f1o mucho todos los d\u00edas y quer\u00eda estar con ustedes en la escuela todo este tiempo. Los amo y los ver\u00e9 pronto. \u00a1Les dar\u00e9 a todos un gran abrazo!\u201d.<\/p> <p>Removing me from my classroom had a harmful and traumatic impact on my students and the children at Heyer Elementary school. One parent shared an email she sent administrators that states, \u201cMy daughter\u2019s self-image and self-esteem has been greatly affected without Melissa in her classroom. She is very stressed about the behavior and actions of other children and is often in tears before bed because she is so worried about school.\u201d There are 24 first graders in my classroom and many of them have special needs. My students\u2019 parents, many of whom speak Spanish, did not receive any information about my absence or when I would return, even when they asked for it directly. As recently as last week some of them didn\u2019t know that I was placed on administrative leave. This is not normal procedure during a teacher\u2019s absence and doesn\u2019t prioritize the emotional or academic well being of my students. I have missed my first graders every single day since I was removed from the classroom with no notice, no ability to provide plans and no ability to communicate with my first-grade families. It will take me a long time to process how cruel the District\u2019s actions were to those families and the chilling effect my termination will have on any other educators in the Waukesha Community.<\/p> <p>In my 23 year career, I have been consistently held up as a model educator. I am an award winning, National Board Certified Teacher who was rated \u201cdistinguished educator\u201d by my administrators for three years in a row. Last year, I was named Outstanding Educator by Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and WEAC. I have never had disciplinary action taken against me.<\/p> <p>I remain committed to the work I have done throughout my life and career, both inside and outside the classroom, as an activist, advocate, and ally. I believe we need to have conversations in our communities about how to make sure our schools are inclusive spaces where our students feel safe and can focus on learning. Organizations in Wisconsin like GSAFE Wisconsin, Diverse and Resilient, and Forge Wisconsin During my time in Waukesha, deserve recognition for supporting these efforts any time they are called upon.<\/p> <p>The information I have shared publicly about this issue has been shared during my personal time, off duty, and has been rooted in matters that are a public concern to the Waukesha Community, the state of Wisconsin and beyond. I shared my feelings as an individual member of this community. I cannot allow others to be intimidated into silence so I do plan to pursue a First Amendment claim. These are matters of public concern which the public has a right to know about and I should not have been recommended for termination because I shared them.<\/p> <p>The lyrics of Rainbowland are beautiful and promote inclusivity. This song, as well as Dolly Parton\u2019s work through the Imagination Library and Miley Cyrus\u2019 Happy Hippie Foundation, are examples of the type of inspiration and kindness the world needs right now. My goal has, and continues to be, to provide transformative experiences that educate, reflect, and inspire my students and us as individuals and a community, while acknowledging those individuals who have been marginalized or disenfranchised within our same community.<\/p> <p>Press inquiries can email <a href=\"mailto:rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com\">rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com<\/a><\/p> <p>Please do not call the District and leave messages. Calling the District isn\u2019t going to change their minds and I don\u2019t want to take any time or resources from the students.<\/p>\n\n<a name=\"espanol\"><\/a>\n<h3>PARA PUBLICACI\u00d3N INMEDIATA<br\/>EL DISTRITO ESCOLAR DE WAUKESHA RECOMIENDA EL DESPIDO DE LA MAESTRA QUE HABL\u00d3 SOBRE RAINBOWLAND<\/h3>\n<p>La Alianza est\u00e1 decepcionada al saber que el 15 de mayo de 2023, despu\u00e9s de estar en licencia administrativa durante m\u00e1s de un mes, la maestra de primer grado de la Escuela Primaria Heyer, Melissa Tempel, fue notificada de que el Superintendente del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha, estaba recomendando su despido. Tempel hab\u00eda sido puesta en licencia el 3 de abril de 2023 y le informaron que si se comunicaba sobre el asunto, podr\u00eda ser despedida. Ella permaneci\u00f3 en silencio durante cinco semanas mientras el Distrito investigaba sus presuntas violaciones de la Pol\u00edtica de la Junta.<\/p> <p>Tempel gan\u00f3 atenci\u00f3n nacional cuando comparti\u00f3 la decisi\u00f3n del Distrito de prohibir que los estudiantes de primer grado interpretaran la canci\u00f3n de Dolly Parton y Miley Cyrus, \"Rainbowland\", en el musical de primer grado.\u00a0<\/p> <p>\"He extra\u00f1ado a mis alumnos de primer grado todos los d\u00edas desde que me sacaron del aula sin previo aviso, sin capacidad para proporcionar planes y sin capacidad para comunicarme con mis familias de primer grado\". Tempel dijo. \"Me llevar\u00e1 mucho tiempo procesar cu\u00e1n crueles fueron las acciones del Distrito para esas familias y el efecto escalofriante que mi despido tendr\u00e1 en cualquier otro educador en la comunidad de Waukesha\", continu\u00f3 Tempel.<\/p> <p>El Distrito ha afirmado que Tempel viol\u00f3 la Pol\u00edtica de la Junta en la forma y el foro que eligi\u00f3 para estar en desacuerdo con la decisi\u00f3n del Distrito. Tempel, un educador veterano de 23 a\u00f1os, es una galardonada maestra certificado por la Junta Nacional, una defensora de la inclusi\u00f3n y aliada de los estudiantes marginados.<\/p> <p>Seg\u00fan Tempel, \"las letras de Rainbowland son hermosas y promueven la inclusi\u00f3n. Esta canci\u00f3n, as\u00ed como el trabajo de Dolly Parton a trav\u00e9s de la Biblioteca de la Imaginaci\u00f3n y la Fundaci\u00f3n Happy Hippie de Miley Cyrus, son ejemplos del tipo de inspiraci\u00f3n y amabilidad que el mundo necesita en este momento. Sigo comprometido con el trabajo que he hecho a lo largo de mi vida y carrera\".<\/p> <p>La Alianza ve esta recomendaci\u00f3n de terminaci\u00f3n como un intento m\u00e1s del Distrito para evitar la rendici\u00f3n de cuentas por sus propias malas decisiones y falta de transparencia. Melissa Tempel es una educadora sobresaliente que habl\u00f3 con padres y miembros de la comunidad sobre el mal uso continuo de la pol\u00edtica del Distrito como escudo para su patr\u00f3n de decisiones da\u00f1inas que afectan negativamente a la comunidad escolar.<\/p> <p>Tempel planea presentar una demanda de la Primera Enmienda contra el Distrito. \"No puedo permitir que otros sean intimidados para que guarden silencio. Estos son asuntos de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico que la Comunidad de Waukesha tiene derecho a conocer y mantengo mi decisi\u00f3n de compartir el impacto de la Pol\u00edtica 2240 con el p\u00fablico. Descansar\u00e9 tranquilo todas las noches sabiendo que hice lo correcto para los ni\u00f1os\".<\/p> <p>La Alianza tambi\u00e9n desea compartir la declaraci\u00f3n adjunta en nombre de Melissa Tempel.<\/p> <p>###<\/p>\n<h3>DECLARACI\u00d3N PERSONAL DE MELISSA TEMPEL<br\/>17 de mayo de 2023<\/h3>\n<p>El lunes 3 de abril llegu\u00e9 a la escuela primaria Heyer para comenzar un d\u00eda escolar normal. Me recibieron en la puerta los administradores del distrito y de recursos humanos del Distrito Escolar de Waukesha, quienes me informaron que me hab\u00edan puesto en licencia administrativa. Me dijeron que podr\u00eda ser disciplinado si discut\u00eda este asunto con otros miembros del personal, estudiantes, padres o miembros del p\u00fablico. El Distrito tom\u00f3 42 d\u00edas para tomar su decisi\u00f3n. El lunes 15 de mayo, el superintendente Jim Sebert me inform\u00f3 que su recomendaci\u00f3n a la Junta Escolar es que me despidan.<\/p> <p>Durante el \u00faltimo mes y medio, he recibido una gran cantidad de correos electr\u00f3nicos, llamadas telef\u00f3nicas, mensajes de texto y cartas escritas a mano de padres, colegas, residentes de Waukesha y m\u00e1s all\u00e1. No he podido responder a ninguna de ellas, ni he podido controlar a mis alumnos y sus familias. Me gustar\u00eda agradecer a todos los que se pusieron en contacto conmigo. Su apoyo me ayud\u00f3 a seguir adelante durante este momento estresante. A mis alumnos, me gustar\u00eda decirles: \u201cLos extra\u00f1o mucho todos los d\u00edas y quer\u00eda estar con ustedes en la escuela todo este tiempo. Los amo y los ver\u00e9 pronto. \u00a1Les dar\u00e9 a todos un gran abrazo!\u201d.<\/p> <p>Sacarme de mi sal\u00f3n de clases tuvo un impacto da\u00f1ino y traum\u00e1tico en mis estudiantes y los ni\u00f1os de la escuela primaria Heyer. Una madre comparti\u00f3 un correo electr\u00f3nico que envi\u00f3 a los administradores que dice: \u201cLa imagen y la autoestima de mi hija se han visto muy afectadas sin Melissa en su sal\u00f3n de clases. Est\u00e1 muy estresada por el comportamiento y las acciones de otros ni\u00f1os y, a menudo, llora antes de acostarse porque est\u00e1 muy preocupada por la escuela\u201d. Hay 24 alumnos de primer grado en mi sal\u00f3n de clases y muchos de ellos tienen necesidades especiales. Los padres de mis alumnos, muchos de los cuales hablan espa\u00f1ol, no recibieron ninguna informaci\u00f3n sobre mi ausencia o cu\u00e1ndo regresar\u00eda, incluso cuando lo solicitaron directamente. Recientemente, la semana pasada, algunos de ellos no sab\u00edan que me hab\u00edan puesto en licencia administrativa. Este no es un procedimiento normal durante la ausencia de un maestro y no prioriza el bienestar emocional o acad\u00e9mico de mis alumnos. He extra\u00f1ado a mis alumnos de primer grado todos los d\u00edas desde que me sacaron del sal\u00f3n de clases sin previo aviso, sin la capacidad de proporcionar planes y sin la capacidad de comunicarme con mis familias de primer grado. Me llevar\u00e1 mucho tiempo procesar lo crueles que fueron las acciones del Distrito con esas familias y el efecto escalofriante que tendr\u00e1 mi despido en cualquier otro educador de la comunidad de Waukesha.<\/p> <p>En mi carrera de 23 a\u00f1os, se me ha presentado constantemente como un educador modelo. Soy un maestro certificado por la Junta Nacional ganador de premios que fue calificado como \"educador distinguido\" por mis administradores durante tres a\u00f1os seguidos. El a\u00f1o pasado, Wisconsin Badgers Athletics y WEAC me nombraron Educador Sobresaliente. Nunca me han tomado medidas disciplinarias.<\/p> <p>Sigo comprometida con el trabajo que he realizado a lo largo de mi vida y carrera, tanto dentro como fuera del aula, como activista, defensora y aliada. Creo que debemos tener conversaciones en nuestras comunidades sobre c\u00f3mo asegurarnos de que nuestras escuelas sean espacios inclusivos donde nuestros estudiantes se sientan seguros y puedan concentrarse en aprender. Organizaciones en Wisconsin como GSAFE Wisconsin, Diverse and Resilient, y Forge Wisconsin Durante mi estad\u00eda en Waukesha, merecen reconocimiento por apoyar estos esfuerzos cada vez que se les solicita.<\/p> <p>La informaci\u00f3n que he compartido p\u00fablicamente sobre este problema se ha compartido durante mi tiempo libre, fuera de servicio, y se basa en asuntos que son de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico para la comunidad de Waukesha, el estado de Wisconsin y m\u00e1s all\u00e1. Compart\u00ed mis sentimientos como miembro individual de esta comunidad. No puedo permitir que otros se sientan intimidados para guardar silencio, por lo que planeo presentar un reclamo de la Primera Enmienda. Estos son asuntos de inter\u00e9s p\u00fablico sobre los que el p\u00fablico tiene derecho a saber y no deber\u00edan haber recomendado mi terminaci\u00f3n porque los compart\u00ed.<\/p> <p>Las letras de Rainbowland son hermosas y promueven la inclusi\u00f3n. Esta canci\u00f3n, as\u00ed como el trabajo de Dolly Parton a trav\u00e9s de Imagination Library y la Fundaci\u00f3n Happy Hippie de Miley Cyrus, son ejemplos del tipo de inspiraci\u00f3n y amabilidad que el mundo necesita en este momento. Mi objetivo es, y sigue siendo, brindar experiencias transformadoras que eduquen, reflejen e inspiren a mis estudiantes y a nosotros como individuos y comunidad, al mismo tiempo que reconozco a aquellas personas que han sido marginadas o privadas de sus derechos dentro de nuestra misma comunidad.<\/p> <p>Las consultas de prensa pueden enviarse por correo electr\u00f3nico <a href=\"mailto:rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com\">rainbowlandteacher@gmail.com<\/a><\/p> <p>Por favor, no llame al Distrito y deje mensajes. Llamar al Distrito no los har\u00e1 cambiar de opini\u00f3n y no quiero quitarles tiempo o recursos a los estudiantes.<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/420","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=420"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/420\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":441,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/420\/revisions\/441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=420"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=420"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alliancewaukesha.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=420"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}