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Didio says she is ready to move on after discussion at Reagan Library
Trustee apologizes for comments to fifth-graders
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More from EducationA Conejo Valley Unified School District trustee said she has offered an apology and is ready to move on after weeks of criticism from parents who believe that she made inappropriate comments in front of their fifth-grade children.
Trustee Dolores Didio said she called officials at Westlake Elementary School shortly after parents complained about a comment she made to a group of fifth-graders participating in a "We the People" program June 5 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley.
Mary Schroeder's fifth-grade class was at the library, where a panel asked students questions about topics involving the Constitution.
Didio, a panelist, asked students about their thoughts on freedom of speech related to news reports about a panel discussion on unprotected sex and drugs that took place at a high school in Boulder, Colo.
Some parents said they were shocked when Didio brought up such a mature topic to fifth-graders, who are 10 and 11. They voiced concerns at school board meetings, and some have written letters to Superintendent Mario Contini and local newspapers.
Didio said she immediately called Westlake Elementary School officials after the event. "I offered my apology to the kids, but the school said they have moved on and it wasn't necessary," Didio said. "I did take full responsibility early on, and that's all I can do."
Andrea Ainley, who heard Didio's question at the event, said she was shocked. Ainley's daughter, Rachel, was in the audience along with her fifth-grade class.
"It was such a bizarre, outrageous moment, and she didn't even redirect her question," Ainley said. "The kids were dumbfounded. These kids don't know about sex, let alone about unprotected sex. Parents have become alarmed at her lack of judgment, and it's been a cause for concern."
Parent Gina Conti agreed. "We are trying to keep the purity of our children and their minds from this nonsense," she said. "We cherish as much of their childhood innocence as we can. I don't want a woman in her 70s to be discussing this with our children."
Didio said some people are now using the incident for political purposes.
"I did what I think is necessary at the time, and everyone involved with the situation felt we should move on from there," Didio said. "We have a lot more issues to deal with, and that's what I want to focus on."
Posted by AnnaWhaat on July 2, 2007 at 6 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Im glad the teacher did realize her mistake and apoligize, those discussions should be made at home by the parents !
Posted by KatieTeague on July 2, 2007 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds to me like some parents are trying to redirect attention from the recent censure of Michael Dunn. I know at least one of the parents cited in the article (Conti) is a big Dunn supporter and spoke in support of him at the board meeting in which Dunn was ultimately censured for his out-of-line behavior.
Interesting enough, the Dunn supporters seem to think that age discrimination is A-OK. Notice how Conti mentions age in her last quote. It seems to be the theme of a lot of the Dunn supporters. That and lots of references to religion.
Posted by themaxwellclan on July 2, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Religious references? Where? I see no religious references in this article. It sounds to me like some people are trying to redirect attention TO the Michael Dunn issue and/or religion, neither of which has any bearing in this situation.
The real issue here is why a school board member -- someone who is supposed to be "in the know" about what is best for children -- would bring up a topic that is totally age-inappropriate, and in a very public forum to boot. Obviously this woman is unfit for her position, and I would feel very uncomfortable having this woman set policies that affect my children's education!
Here's another thought regarding Michael Dunn vs. everyone else on the Board of Education....
If all the REGISTERED VOTERS in the Conejo Valley would actually VOTE, then maybe all of this nonsense would stop!
Let your voice be heard on election day!
Posted by AnnaWhaat on July 2, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
themaxwellclan, very good comment ! I agree !!!!!
Posted by KatieTeague on July 2, 2007 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Max, I'll clarify.
The religious references and invocations of Jesus were at the meeting to censure Dunn. Ms. Conti spoke at the meeting in defense of Dunn and frequently referenced prayer and her religious beliefs. Others also did and, in fact, Dunn's e-mail also cited prayer.
It wasn't clear if the messages made to the reluctant supervisor by Dunn had any religious references to it.
However, at the CVUSD meeting to consider censuring board member Michael Dunn, several Dunn supporters expressed either religion and/or Mrs. Didio's age when presenting their case.
I don't think age discrimination is ever appropriate and most people think religion should be kept out of public schools.
Posted by socal2310 on July 2, 2007 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, someone made a thoughtless comment and the pitchforks and torches are being called into service.
Sounds familiar.
Yawn.
Posted by mandynathan on July 3, 2007 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure those poor 5th graders will have permanent emotional damage from some innocent (yet admittedly in poor judgment) comments made in reference to (gasp!) SEX! Horrors! What will their parents tell them? How will they explain? C'mon! If they watch ONE sitcom during the week they're more than likely to hear much worse! Lighten up people! For heaven sakes, how did you ever get pregnant in the first place? People who make a big deal out of little things nearly always have a hidden motive. And I think Mr. Dunn is a nut job who should RESIGN IMMEDIATELY. Bless his little mind.
Posted by narc121 on July 4, 2007 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
right on Mandy! I think we all underestimate the knowledge that these 10 and 11 year olds have about sex. I see these kids in R-rated movies where they view all kinds of sexual acts. I think the comment was inappropriate, but get over it!
Posted by mlmlcc on July 6, 2007 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didio is the President of the school board, not a teacher. This was a contest. It was not just "a comment" when she asked the 10 year old during the contest what were the implications for freedom of speech regarding the panel in Colorado talking about the problems of unprotected sex and drugs in America. That kid and the other students were stunned. He didn't know how to answer Didio's question. It ruined the contest that they had worked so hard toward. Then when the parents there objected, Didio scolded them, saying that the District paid for this field trip, and SHE was in charge, not the parents!!!
In addition, there were 2 other CVUSD board members present. Dorothy Beaubien was very disrepectful for Nancy Reagan, who walked by with a wreath for his husband's grave. The children were very excited, jumping and waving. As Mrs. Reagan walked by and waved to them INSIDE THE REAGAN LIBRARY, 74 year old Dorothy Beaubien muttered, "This is silly, this is silly". If this Democrat hates the Reagan's so much, then next time, STAY HOME! It's the REAGAN LIBRARY!
This woman is in charge of a budget of $225M. She frequently talks to herself at board meetings,which are televised,then denies it! She interrupts public speakers and chatters all the time to Mrs. Didio, also 74, while Didio is trying to hear!! Didio now has to be helped finding her place in the agenda during meetings.
The reason that their ages are mentioned is because they have been on the board too long--22 years and 20 years. They have constantly voted "pro-union" to the detriment of the community. Why? Because they like their lifetime health benefits and the travel to parties/conventions. They get over $500 a month for a part-time job. That's why it is important to have term limits on school boards, and limits to campaign contributions. The unions bankroll these women during elections.
And let's not forget that a third trustee was there at the library. 70 year old (Democrat) Tim Stephens REFUSED to stand when the widow Nancy Reagan walked by. Parents had to goad him to stand, and he finally did after rolling his eyes and complaining. And he says he is non-partisan. Nice roll model for the kids.
Posted by Poppa on July 6, 2007 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didio did nothing wrong. This was all about a small group of Mike Dunn disciples trying to deflect the growing calls for a recall of Mike Dunn!
Posted by olreliable on July 6, 2007 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on people, 5th graders that don't know about sex!!!! Impossible. mandynathan said it, one night of TV will clue anyone in on sex. Granted, Ms. Didio did not pick the right forum, but these kids are not harmed. Maybe this will cause parents to have a needed conversation about sex with their children. It better to hear it from parents than from a PG13 movie!! I'm sure these kids are not sheltered from TV or PG13 movies. For goodness sakes people, forgive it and move on.
Posted by horsespinner on July 10, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
x
Posted by horsespinner on July 10, 2007 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Step down. The apology was that she felt the comment may have not been appropriate for 10 year olds. Just how old should my child be? I don’t want the CVSD teaching my children about illicit sex and sex with enhancing drugs. Maybe the CVSD has other plans for the youth.
Posted by Poppa on July 11, 2007 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Horsespinner, that has to be the most stupid thing I have ever read! You are obviously a Mike Dunnite who does not care about the truth and you are only trying to deflect the light from Dunn! Too late! Dunn will be recalled!
Posted by AnnaWhaat on July 13, 2007 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mandynathan ,If the children were in middle school I could see teaching them sex ed. But comeon! 5th graders ?????? Parents have that choice of when to teach thier children about the birds and the bee's. And the school has an obligation to teach math,english, spelling etc................ the list goes on. Her beliefs (this 70 year old) may not be my beliefs. So I believe she was totally out of line !!!!!!!!
horsespinner ,Well I for one agree with you!!!!
And I have no connection with this Dunn guy !
Posted by mlmlcc on July 14, 2007 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Didio is the President of the school board, not a
teacher. This was a contest. It was not just "a
comment" when she asked the 10 year old during the
contest what were the implications for freedom of
speech regarding the panel in Colorado talking about
the problems of unprotected sex and drugs in America.
That kid and the other students were stunned. It
ruined the contest that they had worked so hard
toward. Then when the parents there objected, Didio
scolded them, saying that the District paid for this
field trip, and SHE was in charge, not the parents!!!
In addition, there were 2 other CVUSD board members
present. Dorothy Beaubien was very disrepectful to
Nancy Reagan, who walked by with a wreath for her
husband's grave. The children were very excited,
jumping and waving. As Mrs. Reagan walked by INSIDE
THE REAGAN LIBRARY, 74 year old Dorothy Beaubien
muttered, "this is silly, this is silly".
Dorothy Beaubien, along with Delores Didio and the other trustees are in charge of a budget of $225M. Dorothy
frequently talks to herself, then denies it during
board meetings. She interrupts public speakers and
chatters all the time to Mrs. Didio, also 74, who now
has to be helped finding her place in the agenda
during meetings. The reason that their ages are
mentioned is because they have been on the board too
long--22 years and 20 years. They have constantly
voted "pro-union" to the detriment of the community.
Why? Because they get lifetime health benefits and
travel to parties/conventions and get over $500 a
month for a part-time job. That's why it is important
to have term limits on school boards, and limits to
campaign contributions. The unions bankroll these
women.
And let's not forget that a third trustee was there at
the library. Tim Stephens REFUSED to stand when the
widow Nancy Reagan walked by. Parents had to goad him
to stand, and he finally did after rolling his eyes
and complaining. Nice roll model for the kids.
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