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Cheerleading coach resigns over pot cookies incident, but parents want her back
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More from EducationParents implored Ventura High School officials on Thursday to reconsider the resignation of a cheerleading coach they claimed was forced out of her post.
The parents said Diane Thelander was forced to resign after school officials found out she did not immediately tell her supervisors that some students took marijuana-laced cookies to a summer cheerleading camp, held Aug. 11-14 at UC Santa Barbara.
When Thelander found out about the contraband, she alerted camp officials, who then helped the coach inspect all 50 girls' bags, said parent and cheerleader booster club secretary Lori Rivas. The squads include girls from Ventura and Foothill high schools.
"One of the girls on the varsity squad admitted they had something, they found it and she (Thelander) destroyed it," said Rivas, whose daughter is a captain on the junior varsity squad and has worked with Thelander for years.
Two students were reprimanded by Thelander, but Ventura High Principal Val Wyatt said she found out about the incident only on Monday — from a parent three weeks after the fact.
Wyatt and assistant principals Charles Cornwell and Lorelle Dawes met with more than 30 parents at the school Thursday.
Thelander was not at the meeting and did not return calls seeking comment Thursday.
School officials said they gave Thelander the option of participating in a school investigation of the incident or resigning. School and district officials are trying to determine if more students were involved with buying or dispensing the cookies, Cornwell said.
"She didn't have to resign if she didn't want to," Cornwell said. "Our goal is the safety of the children."
Wyatt also said Thelander was not "forced out" and that she resigned Tuesday.
Several of the parents, however, defended the coach. "Her intention was not to hide it," said booster President Tammy Carlton. Thelander planned to report the incident to school officials, Carlton said.
Others at the meeting said Thelander might have made a bad judgment but it was not necessary for her to resign.
"I was upset about it, but I look at it as some of the girls were being young and dumb, and they need to realize the result of their actions," Rivas said. "I don't condone it, but we have all done something bad during our youth. If anything, they should have verbally reprimanded (Thelander) so that this can't happen again."
Parent Alan Howard, however, said he was upset that parents were not immediately informed about the camp incident.
"If it was my kid (involved with the drugs), I would've taken her out of there right away, because I would never want to put other kids in jeopardy," said Howard.
Wyatt would not confirm if the two girls were suspended but said they were taken off the team.
Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, Ventura Unified School District's superintendent, said teachers, staff and others who work with students are instructed to immediately inform their supervisors if a student brings drugs to campus or a school function.
"We take drugs on campus or the supplying of drugs very seriously," she said.
Arriaga said Thelander is a walk-on coach and not a regular teacher at the school. Cheerleading, however, is a physical education class for which students earn credit.
For now, Wyatt herself will oversee the sixth-period class, with help from a volunteer former cheerleader.
Several cheerleaders said they were sad to see their coach go.
"She wasn't just our coach, she was our mentor," said Mariann Olivarez, 16, who is on the varsity squad. "We depend on her a lot. She's like our family."
Posted by christafrankmiller on August 29, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i think it was handled incorrectly and i would have been livid if my daughter was on the squad and i didnt find out about it!! if it was "no big deal" then it should have been made public knowledge right then! the way she just destroys it makes it sound suspicious and like shes trying to hide it! i dont know that she should have been "forced" to resign, but it was wrong and should have been dealt with...sooner than right now...for crying out loud i got a note sent home from my sons teacher about a funny odor in the class...that very day....and this is quite a bit more serious than a funny odor!! i just wonder what sort of a role model she can really be for these girls by acting this way...its ok to do bad things cause youre "just" teenagers...but make sure you get rid of the evidence ASAP!! its only bad if you get caught!?
Posted by oxnard40 on August 29, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What's the deal with Ventura Cheer? A couple years ago, one of the male coaches was having sex and giving extasy to the girls.
Hmmm. Seems there is a problem with cheer.
Posted by jkaspr on August 29, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She shouldnt have been forced to resign...She should have been fired!...To not report when children bring drugs to school...That is inexcusable...MY guess is her daughter is on the team and is BFFs with all of the other athletes...She didnt want to be a adult in this matter...She wanted to be the cool teacher...or instructor...Kids can be expelled and arrested if reported...Since it didnt get reported and the evidence was destroyed...She got forced out...She is in the same category as parents who let their kids and their kids friends drink on prom night at their house because its "safer"
Posted by N_Cash on August 29, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go team, go! Good job by those cheerleaders! Way to support your coach, girls! Hope it was worth it bringing drugs to camp! Good job getting your coach fired! Eh, I'm sure you don't care. Whatever, right?
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Spare me!
Posted by ca4ever on August 29, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I am really torn on this one. It seems as though parents are always trying to blane everyone else for their childrens mistakes, instead of making the child take responsibility for their own actions. Yet at the same time, drugs are nothing to mess around with and those girls should have been kicked off immediately (if they wernt already) and the principal notified.
Posted by bwall on August 29, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great! My 8th grader wants to try out for cheer next year. Fortunately it's at Buena High, but still! Now I'm inclined to not let her...hmmm..
Posted by manchu49 on August 29, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Cheerleading? It's only cheerleading, what's the big deal?
Posted by christafrankmiller on August 29, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
um..i havent eaten a marijauna brownie...ive never even seen the stuff!! just cause "everyones dont it"...thats no excuse!! thats why kids act the way they do these days...and im not even that old..but they have excuses for everything and everyone has a kids rule the world attitude!! not in my house!! this is MY world..they just live in it!!
Posted by oxnard40 on August 29, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Was there any follow up on where the girl got the drugs?
Last I heard marijuana is illegal.
Were charges pressed?
Did the other little girls know that they were eating pot cookies?
So many questions.
The parents want her back? They should investigate a bit more.
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The article states that she was given the choice to be involved in the investigation or resign. She choose to resign, hmm anyone else think that is funny?
If I was one of the parents with a child on that squad I would not be backing her, I would be furious. Not being informed that my child was involved in one way or another.
Posted by seaqueen93001 on August 29, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The comments in the news article are not the statements of the coach, they are from the parents. The coach obviously made a bad choice of how to handle the situation, and she has taken responsibility for her actions with her resignation. Once again VHS cheerleading is getting blamed for the decisions of a select few who cared nothing about their teammates or the coaching staff. I know I speak for many parents who love and respect Ms Thelander. For more than a decade she has been coaching & caring for our children without incident. Diane is welcome to coach my daughter anytime. As for Ventura High School's decision, they have a zero tolerance policy and followed it.
Posted by Amazon on August 29, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Myopenyum, I haven't eaten a marijuana brownie! But I know plenty of people who have! LOL!
Yeah drugs are a serious issue...but it looks like the teacher DID do something about the incident initially and perhaps thought that's all she needed to do. Maybe she wasn't fully aware of the correct procedure, figuring she's a walk-on coach. But it looks like she had the option to stay in her position and participate in an investigation and she decided not to.
Posted by Jacksprat on August 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She shoulod have been fired because she did not handle this right. The girls involved should have been kicked off the squad and turned over to the police. She tired to cover it up by repremanded and she also destroyed the cookies again breaking the law, as she destroyed evidence. What was this women think, she was hoping that no one would know very wrong thinking. She does not belong working with young people as a leader. She broke a bunch of laws.
Posted by SoCalMommy on August 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Star indicated that the Ventura Unified School District's superintendent, said that "We take drugs on campus or the supplying of drugs very seriously," Then you have parent and cheerleader booster club secretary who said that the girls were being “young and dumb and they need to realize the result of their actions.” With that said, the girls who were involved with the purchasing, bringing them to camp and the ones who consumed the cookies should be kicked off the team. The perfect solution/consequence of being “young and dumb”
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Coach made the mistake of being the nice gal and only destroying the evidence. The destruction of the evidence certainly does great damage to the ability to prosecute the offending cheerleader, but I cannot figure out why there is nothing said about expulsion from the team of the responsible girl. Yes, the coach should be gone. She knew she was supposed to report this up the chain-of-command immediately, and it is beyond me why she wouldn't, what with a very large number of girls having knowledge. Someone would most certainly share this information with the parents. If they can determine who made/brought the cookies, and anyone who knowingly participated in this matter, they should all be kicked off the team...forever! And if you want to play the "warning" card, don't bother. They had been warned. It is known this is wrong, and they already knew it. Hence, they were already warned.
Posted by SoCalMommy on August 29, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If it were a boy on the football or baseball team at "camp" things would be different!
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
myOpenyun said..."Who out there hasn't eaten a marijuana brownie?"
Me!! And just what does that have to do with anything?
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
myOpenyun said..."This probably would have been swepted under the rug if there werent so many big mouth people out there."
Swepted? Sounds like you've been eating brownies for breakfast. Are you saying that the honest kid who shared this information with her parents is one of these "big mouth people?"
Posted by NowHearThis on August 29, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've know many, many people whose lives have been ruined, or at least sidetracked because of drugs. And many of the above posters have condoned this illicit activity? I don't get it.
The cheer coach should not be in charge of the cheer leading team for her inaction after the pot was discovered. I know what goes on in today's youth popular culture and it's not very pretty. There is no discipline, and no consequences.
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As someone with firsthand knowledge and information of the events that led up to Miss Thelander's resignation, I would like to set the record strait as it pertains to the motives behind the acceptance of Diane's resignation by the Principal of Ventura High School and her subordinates. Diane was NOT given the option of "participating in a school investigation". She was, in fact, intimidated into resigning by the Principal and Vice principal of Ventura High School. The option that was presented to her was to resign or face the possibility of a criminal investigation for which she could be prosecuted. She was also told by the Principal of Ventura High School to not mention the reason for her resignation when she addressed the cheer squad and their parents as to keep the whole incident under wraps. This strategy seems to have backfired. If Ventura High School and the Ventura Unified School District truly has the best interest of their students and their parents in mind, why then would they want to keep this incident quiet and on the down low? I suggest that they were hoping to punish the 2 scapegoats and Miss Thelander and brush the rest of their "investigation" under the rug. Mrs. Wyatt states that she didn't find out about it for "three weeks after the fact". I don't know what kind of math they teach at Ventura High School,but if the incident happened at camp around the 14th and this witch hunt to blame Miss Thelander started on the 25th, it seems closer to 1 week than three. The obvious promulgation of misinformation by the Principal at Ventura High School and the School District seems to speak to their true motives surrounding this incident. I would also question the School District on what measures they take to make sure that their policies are implemented at the school level and if there was ever any written or verbal communication to Miss Thelander on how to handle this type of situation. For the School District to simply state that "teachers, staff and others who work with students are instructed to immediately inform their supervisors if a student brings drugs to campus or a school event" is laughable. In closing, I would like to pose one last question to those parents who want to blame Miss Thelander for the transgressions of their children. At what point do you talk to your kids and look in the mirror to find the real reason your kids are who they are?
Outside Looking in From Idaho!
Posted by eaudejane on August 29, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pot isn't the worst thing you have to worry about, trust me. We teach our children well, and they will still do things that will totally amaze us. The girls shouldn't have done what they did, but they did. It's done, it's over. Hopefully it's a good lesson for everyone. Forcing a teacher to resign...? Maybe. Firing her? Maybe. WHo knows why the school systems make the choices they do. Most of which aren't the best choices either.
Anyway. Pot *is* illegal and so is drinking. What if the girls would have brought a bottle? Just a suspension? Or would charges have been pressed on that one too.
Okay so I'm rambling. Yes, I have teenagers. Yes, I know some of the girls on the squad. Yes, it's a shame...
Yes, yes, yes. Okay, okay, okay.
Just be glad the teacher got to the cookies before they were eaten.
Done.
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Outsidelookin...unless you were present at the meeting that took place between Ms Thelander and School Officials then you do not have "firsthand information" it now becomes "hearsay". Obviously you are close with Ms. Thelander as you can tell in your post, therefore your vision is tinted.
Ms. Thelander was not a first time "coach" she has been at the school for years according to another poster, therefore school rules and regulations are past down in meetings and other correspondence. As a person in a position of authority and supervision of children she should have known better.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by NowHearThis on August 29, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've know many, many people whose lives have been ruined, or at least sidetracked because of drugs. And many of the above posters have condoned this illicit activity? I don't get it.
The cheer coach should not be in charge of the cheer leading team for her inaction after the pot was discovered. I know what goes on in today's youth popular culture and it's not very pretty. There is no discipline, and no consequences.
RIGHT ON!!!
Posted by oxnard40 on August 29, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've heard of cheerleading fundraisers, but selling pot cookies at cheer camp, that's new.
Posted by myangelabove on August 29, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is lame!!! First off she is a Cheer coach and is there to teach the Cheerleaders how to cheer. She is not there to monitor what they do outside of Cheerleading. In my eyes she did what was appropriate and alerted camp officials, who in turn investigated all the Cheerleaders bags and found the items and destroyed them. Did you expect her to eat them??? Diane did reprimand the students!!!! She WAS forced to resigned, but she will not have a hard time finding another job for sure. It should have been camp officials that informed everyone!!! We love you Diane!!!!
Posted by irishgirl5240 on August 29, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, some of you people need to get off your soap box and get a life! I am going to go out on a limb here and state that the majority of you people do not even KNOW Diane! Well I do know her as she has been my daughter's cheer coach for the past three years and I think the way you people are crucifying her on this site is not only pathetic but heartbreaking. I know, how about you get the facts straight and keep your comments to yourself. One fact you can start with is that Diane does not have a child on the VHS squad nor is she "covering" up for anyone. So get over yourselves and take a look in the mirror because people in glass houses should never throw stones...
Posted by bscamarillo on August 29, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If this happened with the Buena Boys Football team, or any other prominent BOYS team would their coach be "fired" or the boys kicked off the team? No!!! This stuff happens all the time at all the camps, open your eyes people!
Posted by VtaPrnt7433 on August 29, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The coach obviously made a bad judgement call. She has taken responsibility for her actions with her resignation. She was told by VHS that she could face a criminial investigation or resign. She felt that she was backed into a corner and had no other choice but to resign. She has never faced anything like this before. She was never told or trained on how to deal with something like this. She panicked and made a poor judgement call. In the 6 years she has coached she has never had one complaint. If you look at your kids class schedule it prints the advisor for each class. The faculty advisor for Pep Squad is Val Wyatt, Principalof Ventura. Where was she? Why didn't she go to the summer camp? Ms Thelander was only the coach, Val Wyatt is the paid, trained faculty advisor who should have been there as well. She knew there was only two coaches going to camp with 49 girls. Why didn't she go? Why didn't she suggest parent chaperones? Drugs were not found on the school campus, they were found at the summer camp before school started. Only 2 cheerleaders were involved. Those 2 girls have now damaged the reputation of every girl on that team and that is not fair to the other girls. As for the booster secretary whose comments were not all published by the Ventura Star. She was trying to make a point. She said, "that some people would think that the girls were young and dumb." She didn't agree, or condone what they did. She was outraged that she was not informed and that the girls were only suspended for three days and kicked off the team. That's all the school did. The coach received a more severe punishment. She was wondering why wasn't the school trying to find out where the 2 girls got the drugs. That portion was never published by the Star. She is also very upset because they did not print everything and now she is put in a bad light. She now knows never to trust a reporter. Many parents love and respect Ms Thelander. I trust Ms Thelander to coach my girls anytime.
Posted by oxnard40 on August 29, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It sounds like a case of a big sister didn't want little sister to get in trouble for having drugs.
So she didn't tell mom and dad.
That is unacceptable.
These are students that need adult supervision at all times at school functions.
You trust your daughter to go to camp with school approved supervision.
Not to have that adult hide the fact a girl had drugs.
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For all you know the person that brought the cookies, has a MediCann card, and it is her medication. Now if that is the case, if she was sharing with her "friends" then that is not okay.
Posted by star on August 29, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
swtnsass, it's not "hearsay." This isn't a court, for one thing. For another, what OutsideLookingIn posted is as valid as anything in the article we're posting about. You think her vision is tinted? You don't think nearly everybody quoted in the article has an agenda?
If Outside is right, that the school wanted to hush it up, then the school is doing the exact same thing they're firing the coach for -- but on a bigger scale. If that's true, heads need to roll, not just because of violations of policy, but because of the rank hypocrisy.
That doesn't mean I'm defending the coach. I'm not. If it had been boys, it might not have been swept under the rug. Then again, would a football coach be given more leeway in handling a situation with his athletes? In some schools, yes, but I hope that's not true at Ventura HS.
Two weeks was plenty of time to report it (August 11 to 25, that's 14 days.) With all due respect to Lori Rivas, a student bringing drugs to a school event deserves far more than a verbal reprimand. I shudder to think what kind of injuries stoned cheerleaders might suffer, or inflict on others.
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, the officials at cheer camp were informed, at this point either the camp officials or the coach should have contacted the parents/authorities & school officials. The girls that were involved should have been removed from camp at that moment, not just "talked to".
My sister-in-law went to that camp several years ago and they were informed of the rules prior to going and that they could/would be removed from camp if found breaking any of the rules/regulations of camp.
VHS has a zero tolerance and they are following it one poster stated and that is true and great I am happy to see them following the rules. Not everyone will be happy with the decisions of the School Officials, however they also have laws/regulations to follow, and they are a good group of adminstrators.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Legalize Marijuana. It's no more intoxicating than alcohol and no more addictive than tobacco. Legalize it and put restrictions on it like alcohol and tobacco products. People will continue to do it anyways.
The reason the US will not, is because the US does not have a big share of the market on it. If they tax it like cigarettes, it would generate more tax revenue for the country. No wait....the government funding the "war on drugs" pays better you say???? Hmmm....maybe that's why?
Posted by VtaPrnt7433 on August 29, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the comment to Lori Rivas - she never said all the girls needed was a verbal reprimand. She told the Star that Diane should have received a verbal or written reprimand for not following school protocol. She thought the girls should be held accountable and a more severe punishment that just 3 day suspension and removal from the squad. Her comments were not all printed and she will never talk to a reporter again. She is outraged that her comments were twisted.
Posted by truereality on August 29, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lighten up people. It's marijuana for crying out loud. Yes it's illegal, but it's a lot safer than the tons of other harsh drugs out there today. Daily consumption of it is even safer than alcohol, and that's legal. Kids today aren't given enough credit for how smart they are. They are aware that weed is a better alternative than coke, meth or heroin. The older generation was subject to mass brainwashing by the government, Nixon and Reagan over the years. Do some research, read up on it. There have been numerous amounts of scientific research the past few years that show it's nowhere near as bad as you were all lead to believe. It's a plant! Legalize.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For all you know the person that brought the cookies, has a MediCann card, and it is her medication.
Now that's lame.
Posted by opns on August 29, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Prosecution is in order.
And kicking the student out of the team is in order. Start a new clean team.
Posted by slyy1099 on August 29, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Same old thing. Students break the law and the Coach or Teacher gets punished. Wake up, students aren't kids when they start having sex at 12. Students aren't kids when they seduce their Coach or teacher. They know right from wrong, so maybe they should be tried as an Adult and suffer the same penalty as the Adult?
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
swtnsassy
whether innocent or guilty, it is always better to resign.
also, if you dont want your children around drugs, home school them, and NEVER let them out of the house.
I hope you don't let your children go to the mall.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All this time I've been wondering why I can't keep my marijuana cookies lit and now I find out that I'm supposed to EAT them? DOH!!!
Posted by butterflygone on August 29, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a waste of marijuana. Baking it cooks out most of the THC, and your cookie tastes like crap. If they were going to do it, they should have just smoked it. They live in Ventura, so I guess they could afford to waste weed that way.
Seriously, I think the coach felt like she reamed them enough, I'm sure she felt that the girls learned their lesson and didn't deserve to be suspended over it. I think she resigned to save face and to make it simple. She probably figured she would get fired over it eventually.
Hope the girls learned a valuable lesson, that their actions can effect and harm other people around them. Hopefully this wasn't intentional.
Posted by del on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a great story about my 72 year old mother-in-law inadvertently eating some 'laced' brownies. You would have thought the world was coming to an end.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I once inadventently smoked a whole ounce of Maui Wowie.
Posted by dse_kpa on August 29, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just give me the damn cookies, i'll eat 'em!
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outadabusiness
Would you rather be around someone hopped up on synthetic drugs that cause other health problems. Marijuana is a very safe alternative to most prescription drugs, and less addictive.
Also, I have to say, if this girl doesn't have a card/prescription, then she should be expelled!
This is just horrible.
Oh and parents of your perfect little innocent cheerleaders/or any other girl for that matter, check there phones, they take nude pictures of each other and send them out. Very risque, there own child porn. It is freaking disgusting, what these $lutty girls are doing these days just to get attention!
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JR, "Inadvertently", cuz I meant to save some. Ooops!
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Livinpoor... I dont know what you were reading but...I never said she should not resign I believe she should, also I do not believe in home school, I went to public school although my child is not old enough to be at VHS I have family who have been there and continue to go there and I back the School Officials completely. She did wrong!
ps no I do not let my 7year old go to the mall alone.
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on August 29, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks sunbear! Oh the memories from when I lived on Maui, DaKine!
I totally agree patticake, they should ALL be tested, just like the football team.
I think ALL the teachers/staff/admin including you Val, should be tested on a monthly basis!
And I also agree with other posts, if this was some CIF Football coach, everything would have been hush hush.
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fact: Miss Thelander has coached cheer through her business and for schools for over 12 years.
Fact: Miss Thelander has coached the Ventura High Cheer Squad for six years.
Fact: Miss Thelander is not employed by the School District as a teacher, administrator, counselor or in any other capacity. She is paid minimally ($2500)for her time and effort to coach a squad of high school cheerleaders throughout the school year. She receives no other compensation or benefits from the Ventura High School or the School District.
Fact: Miss Thelander has received no formal or informal training on School District protocal as it relates to handling a situation of this magnitude. She is a Cheer Coach!
Fact: Right or wrong, once Miss Thelander found out about the the intended illegal consumtion of Marijuana cookies by those members of her cheer squad, she confronted those responsible and informed their parents.
Fact: Miss Thelander was told by the Principal, Mrs Wyatt, that if she did not resign she would open herself up to "criminal charges"
Fact: Miss Thelander was told by Principal Wyatt that when she talked to her cheer squad and their parents about her resignation, she was not to talk about the reason behind her resignation.
Fact: Miss Thelander and her sister have dedicated their lives to providing an opportunity for adolescent and teenage girls a positive experience through cheerleading which has resulted in several state and national competition championships.
Fact: The ONLY reason Miss Thelander had postponed her move out of state this year was because of her love for the girls of Ventura High School Cheer and to finish what she started with them.
Fact: Your loss is going to be our gain in Idaho!
swtnsassy ...FUNNY HOW YOU MENTIONED NOTHING IN YOUR RESPONSE TO MY POST ABOUT THE THE TRUE ISSUE AT HAND AS IT PERTAINS TO THE VENTURA HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND THE VENTURA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS, WHICH BEGS THE QUESTION, WHO IS "TINTING" YOUR VISION?
Outside Looking In (Thank Goodness!)
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How is a minor under the influence of a controlled substance NOT against the law JR?
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LivinInPoorMansPV, I'm always in Maui...in my mind! Shaka, Brah!
Posted by Prissy_Leghorn on August 29, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
VtaPrnt7433, "Many parents love and respect Ms Thelander. I trust Ms Thelander to coach my girls anytime". I totally agree with you!
If the girls who made these cookies brought them to camp, where did they gain access to the marijuana and where did they make them? Maybe the parents of these girls should be held accountable too.
Posted by NowHearThis on August 29, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scenario:
Cheerleader takes pot, is part of group that throws another cheerleader in the air...forgets to catch girl on her way down, the group, minus one cheerleader who is loaded...drops cheerleader onto her head on the ground. Cheerleader dies. Community is outraged.
Thank God the Cheerleaders are safe. I hope there was a proper consequence.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Marijuana is EVERYWHERE! Not hard to "gain access".
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Actually it isn't... if you're driving, yes... if you're making a nuisance in public, yes... if you're at home and the police come knocking, no."
this scenario is correct...provided by Jr.
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What I stated was the if you were not in the meeting then you can not know "firsthand" as I was not in the meeting and anything I would be told by any person attending that meeting was not be "firsthand knowledge". No matter if it were Ms. Thelander or the School Officials.
None of us know what exactly was stated because none of us were there. That was my point Outsider...
After being a coach for so many years one would think that she may know that she should say something. Either way "memebers of her squad" put her in the situation that she is in, she did not help the matter by not bringing it to the attention of the school, since camp is considered a "school function" as they represent the school.
It is an unfortunate that these teenagers did not think or realize that their actions will not only effect them but those around them, and those around them will usually be effected by far greater lengths.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
isn't thats all im saying the (tm)? or are you branching out?
Posted by blonderunner on August 29, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There should have been severe consequences for those kids. In high school they think they're immune to everything, and there is never proper discipline. Maybe if kids got expelled for things like BRINGING ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES to school or being caught with them, it would cut down on the offenders.
Posted by swtnsassy on August 29, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
patticake is right...we can all sit here and point fingers however like my last post said it is unfortunate that these girls did not think of who could/would be hurt by their actions.
Outsider...it does sound like she had the best interest of the girls at heart, however they in turn did not have her best interest in mind. She was the adult in the matter and thus consequences are as they are.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The U.S. Government is to blame for the 'ladder affect' of drug use. They put ALL drugs in the same category. They should have a better means of drug prevention/education.
The truth is, most are dangerous. THC-not the most dangerous; the worst that happens is you
a)giggle/get happy
b)eat/get the munchies
c)sleep
So then the average youngster realizes if thats all that happens then this other stuff can't be THAT bad. They then try other truly DANGEROUS drugs and get hooked. Those drugs have far worse consequences. End of story.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think everyone needs to light up. Oh...I mean lighten up.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The key is whether or not the person is "in public".
CA Penal Code 647 (f) states:
(f) Who is found in any public place under the influence of
intoxicating liquor, any drug, controlled substance, toluene, or any
combination of any intoxicating liquor, drug, controlled substance,
or toluene, in a condition that he or she is unable to exercise care
for his or her own safety or the safety of others, or by reason of
his or her being under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any
drug, controlled substance, toluene, or any combination of any
intoxicating liquor, drug, or toluene, interferes with or obstructs
or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk, or other public
way.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eating marijuana cookies is just planning ahead for the munchies. Killing two birds, if you will.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nojustice_justus...so none of them drive stoned? You must be one of them to have left that all important part out. How about the loss of work time for stoned people? Go ahead and tell me how much worse alcohol and cigarettes are. Difference is, alcohol and cigarettes are still legal. Bad for you? Frequently, but still legal.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poking yourself in the eye with a sharp stick is legal also, but would you do that?
Posted by oxnard40 on August 29, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fact: Miss Thelander did not report drug use at a school sanctioned activity to the proper authorities.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's scarey! Nurses with hangovers!
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outadabusiness: You're outta tune. "You must be one of them to have left that all important part out. How about the loss of work time for stoned people? Go ahead and tell me how much worse alcohol and cigarettes are."
How much production do you get from someone that comes to work or better yet missed work because of alcohol abuse or needs to take a nicotine break every 15 minutes? I think that your counter-argument is nullified if you consider this.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Something tells me NO employer would allow smoking reefer at work if they don't allow boozing it up. (if marijuana was legal)
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JR: I totally missed the post where I just copied you...essentially. My bad.
Posted by kasskass19 on August 29, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can I just say all of your comments make me sick! You don't know thelander you don't know the type of coach she is you know nothing, so for you to sit here and make these accusations about her is just ludacris! And I know her very personally and would trust her with anything in the world. First of all "oxnard40" the coach who was charged with having sex with a minor was from the city quoted in your username...OXNARD. Yes it was oxnard high school so lets get your sources straight. And secondly all you moms sitting here writing these comments: put yourself in a situation like this. As a coach your students are like your daughters and sons you never know how to react because you feel ashamed of what they have done especially when it comes to something as serious as marijuana and you especially dont want something going public like this. so yes maybe things took too long for a reaction but guess who had the brownies? the girls and guess who was eating the brownies? the girls..not the coach!! she had a staff member help investigate and get all the drugs out which is all she could do while being at camp! so get over that! and another point all your comments are just sickening in the sense that your pointing the finger at strictly cheerleaders! it goes back to the same old stereotype about cheerleaders being the "trouble-makers" and its just disgusting. lets take a look at the football team, baseball team, tennis team, volleyball team, or how about everybody in high school and college! please starting using your brains...you obviously have one since your capable of coming up with such ridiculous comments.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kasskass19: THESE people need to get with the times and show their kids "Reefer Madness"....marijuana is EVILLLLLLLLLLLL....LLLLLLLL.....LLLLLLLLL!!!!!
LLLLLLL!!!
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What was the subject?
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh...I thought we were talking about Cheerleaders...not REAL athletes.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry. Short term memory loss. Don't know why, but it happens all the time.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rah Rah Rah, pass the doobie, Brah!
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Highlarious, BabyzDaddy. ...real athletes.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kasskass19: Any clues as to where the girls got the "sticky-icky" for their Easy-Bake Oven treats??
Probably from the city in "Oxnard40"'s name....OXNARD! (you say it like it's a bad place...are you related to CAMDAD?)
Posted by jkaspr on August 29, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Watch out....these cheer types stick together..I swear its like a gang...I will admit that cheerleaders are pure athletes...They work harder than most male sports...but is is most definitely a tight knit clique...both coaches and the people who work with them...the parents...I mean wasnt it a TV and real life incident about trying to whack a student to get a shot on the team...these people are blind to everything else...
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Give me a "W"!
Give me a "H"!
Give me an "O"!
Give me a "C"!
Give me an "A"!
Give me a "R"!
Give me an "E"!
Give me a "S"!
What does that spell? My response to this article.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by juniormafia_ny on August 29, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outadabusiness, I know of many people that get stoned and go to work... I don't know of many alcoholics that drink and go to work... next time you're at work, look around and see if everyone is in the office, I guarantee you that a lot of the people missing are at home nursing a hangover.
Agreed
Posted by Dawn43 on August 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario:
Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957
Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007
School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized
students and teachers.
Scenario:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957
Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario:
Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957
Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a
disability.
Scenario:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she
remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Posted by Dawn43 on August 29, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scenario:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for
graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core
curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007- BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
This should hit every e-mail to show how stupid we have become!
AND no one fails no matter how poorly they do!!
Posted by NenaLatina30 on August 29, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WTF----
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On topic:
That lady did nothing wrong. The kids messed up and got her "persuaded to resign"....and...cheerleaders are as much athletes as the ladies at Poleates in T.O. and/or the Rhino girls. If I tried, I could do the splits too...but why would I WANT to?
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Scenario:
Dawn43 takes the time to post two very long comments on this thread about how less complicated life was in the 50's vs. nowadays.
1957 - Dawn has a lot of time on her/his hands.
2008 - Dawn has a lot of time on her/his hands.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
....patti....but WHY? What's the point?
Do you REALLY cheer more because Suzy can get TOSSED in the air? Most high school kids cheer more at the after-party the night after the game were Suzy is getting TOSSED off of two quick shots of Jaiger!
Posted by Dawn43 on August 29, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Copy and paste doesn't take much effort or time. Try again. Pot calling the kettle black (no pun intended).
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dawn43: What does pot have to do with black kettles? And why bring race into this?
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dawn43: I'm just messing with you Dawn. Lighten up.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
outadabusiness-one of them? one of whom? a cheerleader? LMAO! wrong wrong wrong.
maybe you should get 'indabusiness.'
Wheres my Tanqueray Rangpur? Oh there it is. Drink up!
Now thats LEGAL!!
that's all I'm saying tm I owe you JR.
Posted by caligirl1075 on August 29, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Regardless of All, the parents and the principal should have been notified... IMMEDIATELY.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's what I said before. Everyone should just light up.
Posted by sunnbear on August 29, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone have a great three day weekend. Except for those with hangovers on Tuesday. Then have a great four day weekend! I'm going home to burn a fatty.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I get it. Dawn. Lighten up.
Posted by Dawn43 on August 29, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A new beginning ;-)
The point of my post is how completely ridiculous society has become. This is a perfect example.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll admit the reference was a little vague but some of you "got it".
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dawn: Agreed. To force this coach to resign was just an excuse for someone to take the fall. Should be the girls only though....no matter HOW QUICK she would have notified ANYONE...it couldn't have gone back in time and stopped the girls from baking those brownies in someone's Mom's oven and taking them along.
Unless of course they serve those now at Coffee Bean and Weed Leaf...I mean Tea Leaf....LOL (TM)
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"on the house, you mean my $s no good here?"
all work and no play makes no justice a bad boy.
all work and no play makes no justice a bad boy.
all work and no play makes no justice a bad boy.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...and the "Jamaica Gold" stars for catching the double entendres are awarded to.....
Jr and nojustice....congratulations...every-ting be irie.
Posted by seaqueen93001 on August 29, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all obvious marijuana users posting on this issue, please stick to the subject. Making light of drug use among teenagers is not funny at all.
The fact is some girls brought laced cookies to cheer camp. The coach found out and confiscated the drugs and destroyed them prior to anyone injesting any! That being said there are consequences and Ms Thelander has taken hers. The girls involved were subject to school punishment and were suspended and removed from the squad.
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Thelander did nothing wrong....my guess is that she didn't make them for the girls...she didn't say: "hey girls, have some of these...you'll cheer better"...why did she have to take the fall and suffer consequences. If she deserved to be "influenced into resigning", then it surely didn't come from the urging of the parents as they want her back, evidently.
Just sayin' is all. (TM)
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JR: LOL (TM)
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BabyzDaddy_01: what about my 'shining' blog above your 3:22 one.
Or 'The Shining.'
Honey! I'm home.
Oh yeah muchas gracias for the award. But what about that stuff tied to a stick?
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seaqueen: Those on here making light of the marijuana use are merely doing so to prove a point that marijuana in and of itself is not really deserving to be grouped with much more fatal and highly addictive drugs that teenagers can get their hands on such as Meth, Cocaine and Heroin. To make such a big deal over the incident and getting a coach "influenced to resign" is really going over-board (admittedly, like some of our comments).
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't know there were obvious marijuana users.
Just because I'm at the checkout line at Von's with visine, jelly bellys, some sandwich bags and beef jerkey don't assume 'n e ting mahn.'
lion roars...
Posted by Latina_805 on August 29, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i'm totally lost. Yall must of started happy hour a little early.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by BabyzDaddy_01 on August 29, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seaqueen said: "Those on here making light of the marijuana use are merely doing so to prove a point that marijuana in and of itself is not really deserving to be grouped with much more fatal and highly addictive drugs that teenagers can get their hands on such as Meth, Cocaine and Heroin. To make such a big deal over the incident and getting a coach "influenced to resign" is really going over-board (admittedly, like some of our comments)."
Overboard? What about the fact the girl(s) certainly knew the expectations, rules, and the law? What about the fact the coach did not follow proper protocol? Why can't you accept that the rules were not followed, and the consequences of not complying was undoubtedly clear to all the parties involved. Rather than just make light of it being "only" marijuana, how about teaching our kids to simply follow the rules? Same applies to the coach. And, even if the reporting time by the coach was considerably less than what was previously reported, what was wrong with her pulling her girls out of the camp and returning home, telling the parents, telling the school, and having that part of it over with? Problem here is that as with many athletic teams, the sport, and the possible loss of good athletes who complement these sports teams, becomes the focus. Just follow the rules. Same goes for steroids and HGH...they know the rules. It should be, caught once...cya, you're outta' here.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Latina_805: Tanqueray Rangpur. Didn't you see the post above?
Posted by Latina_805 on August 29, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tanqueray Rangpur? It's a green colored gin, no? never tried it.
Posted by nojustice_justus on August 29, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
its good stuff although the rangpur has lime botanicals in it. the green bottle is the regular tanq. theres a tanq ten that is a slight cut above. but more $. they are all high % alcohols
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You guys are making me thirsty.
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Diane has been my cheerleading coach since i was 7 years old, never in the last 11 years i have known her has she ever in any way condoned drugs or alcohol for that sort. she always told us we have to act proper because we have made a commitment to representing the school. i was on the ventura cheer squad the last 3 years and whenever Diane would hear about something that was inappropriate behavior by one of our squad members it was never ignored. we had squad meetings where she made it very clear what was expected of us and none less. i know the school made a huge mistake by letting her go. she has won us the title of 1st place the last 6-7 years at vhs and now she is gone? ventura stood out because we were known for having a big cheer squad with amazing talent. our coach motivated us to be the best and trying nothing but our hardest. we all love her very dearly.
& to the one who said somethings about the extacy incident, youre pathetic. dont say something you CLEARLY dont know s--- about. ventura high has never had a male coach, just Dawn & Diane. it was my freshman year that incident took place and it was a coach from a different highschool and if i am correct possibly the cheer coach for twisters?? i may be wrong, but i know im not wrong about it not having to do with ventura cheer.
my point, dont judge Diane! she is an amazing coach & those of us who know would tell you the same. the school made a HUGE mistake by making her resign.
I love you Diane!
ps...f--- ventura high school & val wyatt. that schools gone to s---
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
& to jkaspr...
Diane doesnt have any kids, so NO her "daughter" isnt on the squad. she coaches us because its her passion.
stop gossiping on the internet if you dont know Diane
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kaykay07
I understand your anger, and I understand your love for this woman. These selfish girls put her into this really crappy position, and I hope they are booted. She on the other hand, failed this time. That's the bottom line. It is not, what have you done for me lately, it is what are you doing today? She goofed, and if she's the woman you make her out to be, she knows it, and admits it. Unfortunate and sad situation all the way around.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
kaykay07
By the way, when you use language such as what you so thinly disguised, you lower yourself to the same level as some of these idiots who have you so angry. What would coach think of you using this language?
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my language...freedom of speech
period
Posted by holdenon_2000 on August 29, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man when I grew up the Cheerleaders where the "easy" party girls.
Be a cheerleader.
Get Drunk, and high.
Put Out.
And your parents will chalk it up, as kids having fun.
Thank God for cheerleaders!
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my language...freedom of speech
period
You are right, this is your freedom. Doesn't make it right though. Obviously you are in that age bracket where it will make no difference to have this discussion with you. Maybe the coach wasn't nearly as good an influence on you as you made her out to be?
Posted by previousNproudvhscheerleader on August 29, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all Ventura high school's spirit and support would not be the same if it weren't for the amazing coaching done by Diane over the past years. Ventura cheerleaders are discriminated against and bashed by students, teachers, and faculty but do not realize how much effort, money, and support the coaches and girls put in and quite frankly VHS cheer squad is best in the county and I dont think people realize that. AND for everyones information it was not just two girls who were involved it was majority of the squad, but of course they don't have the guts to come out and say that as well. Diane is a responsible woman who takes her time out for little money to come and teach and be an inspiration to these girls and previous as well. Diane did the best she could do and everyone needs to lay off of her back and maybe parents you need to pay more attention to your childrens actions, and why does this have anything to do with school when it was at a summer camp??? and everyones parents were not informed because there were only "two" girls involved which were reprimanded and took the blame for probably 30 of your "INNOCENT" children. Of course this gives everyone a reason to bash on VEnturas cheer squad because thats the only bad thing to say about the squad who are beautiful,intelligent, athletic, talented and first place winners at cheer camp every year. All i can say is that Ventura lost the best cheer coach imaginable and will regret it in the end and good luck VHS cause with out Diane you might as well go cheer for BUENA! ha thats a joke! love you diane, you are an amazing coach and I was honored to be on your squad!!! <3 Krystal Ekelund
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've read most of the posts and don't recall an attitude of "bashing" VHS cheer. I just see a couple of cry-baby's saying that this is being done. As for the whole group being involved, you are probably right. They should all have been booted. Perhaps this wasn't handled properly to save the program? Pretty weak reason for not doing the right thing, wouldn't you say? Or are you one of those who would turn a blind-eye for the sake of winning?
Posted by bray on August 29, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Time for her to get a real job.
Coaching cheer for a living?
What a joke.
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The funny thing bray is that she's owned a business teaching cheer for years. You an the other hand will spend your life at your "real" job at the Oxnard Walmart waiting on your big chance on getting that greeter job.
Loser
Posted by bray on August 29, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being a day care provider at an elitist cheer gym is not much higher than a Wal Mart greeter.
Stay outside!
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A daycare provider at an elitest gym that has won numerous state and national championships. While you collect your food stamps and welfare checks.
Yo quiero taco bell. I hear they're hiring.
Posted by bray on August 29, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They win competitions of three teams and call it a "national championship" You two sisters should be real proud
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess it's pointless to argue with an idiot.
Keep on keepin on bray!
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
by the way..funny alan howard had something to say to the newspaper considering his daughter bought one of the cookies. pahah pathetic people these days
Posted by bray on August 29, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I did not get fired for being an idiot
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way for those of you with an IQ over 10, these competitions are held yearly in Las Vegas with 100's of teams from all over the country. Yes, bray, the twins should be proud of themselves. In fact I hope they're as proud of themselves as I am!
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bray, it's obvious you're from the shallow end of the gene pool, but clearly it's impossible for you to have been fired if you don't have a job.
Posted by bray on August 29, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
100's of teams in 100's of divisions. Coming 1st out of 2 in a specific group doesn't make a champ.
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Genius bray returns. How is it bray that you know so much - yet so little? How many teams compete against Ventura High in the cheer camps that they always win? And why is it that teams from out of state fly the twins out and pay them to coreograph their routines year after year? I anxiously await you're one sentence line of thinking and logic bright one.
Posted by OUTSIDELOOKINGIN on August 29, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Words of wisdom: Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
With that, I'm done....
Posted by seaqueen93001 on August 29, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear "outadabusiness"
Get your facts straight! Seaqueen did not say anything about going overboard. Maybe you should re read the posting you are reffering to. The posting was made by babyzdaddy 01
Posted by seaqueen93001 on August 29, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by kaykay07 on August 29, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
by the way..funny alan howard had something to say to the newspaper considering his daughter bought one of the cookies. pahah pathetic people these days
kaykay07, you probably should read my original posting from seaqueen @ 9:51am this morning.
Posted by NightLight on August 29, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's sad that people are using this incident to attack and/or make fun of all cheerleaders. Cheerleading is a fun, wholesome school activity (and requires a lot more athleticism than most people realize) and the people involved deserve more respect than most people give them.
Posted by sam_n_savsisters4life on August 29, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We're here to support Diane and nothing else. My sister and I have been cheering for Dawn and Diane for many years now and frequently help out at their gym. We are on the current squad and want to let everyone know that Diane is the best thing that ever happened to VHS cheer. We know people and have heard stories from before she was the coach, and both Dawn and Diane completely turned the whole program around. People want to be on VHS cheer, we did. It's one of the main reasons we attend VHS, because we don't live in Ventura District. In our experience, the administration has not been supportive of the cheer program ever since Mr. Emerich left. The air of distain for cheerleaders has spread from the administration, to the faculty, and even to many of the students. How can the students or teachers at VHS be expected to support cheer, when the administration so clearly doesn't? There is a double standard at that school, and we are tired of it. Like many people have mentioned, if this was ANY other team, the standards would have been very different. As it is, we, as students, have heard of several instances where students made mistakes of the same nature and their coaches handled the infractions. It's not fair to Diane or to any of the current or prospective cheerleaders that such a precedent has been set. Also, we have read several arguments that state that Diane knew that she should have gone to the administration because she knew the rules. Well I know for a fact that she never received any training or instruction as to how she should deal with a situation such as this. And as for how long she put it off, first off, she was going to go to the administration. We were at camp for the first week, and from cheer camp, she left to go out of state to teach another team for the second week. The second week was not even over when a parent went to Ms. Wyatt. We do not believe that she was given sufficient time to react. She was trying to be calm and make a responsible decision based on ALL the facts. At this point many of the facts are still hazy. There may have been several girls involved, but there were many students not involved. There are many hard working, honors, and college-bound girls that are on this team and they are having their names tainted along with everyone else.
Posted by sam_n_savsisters4life on August 29, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As far as the parents knowing, is every parent informed when a student is sent home for drugs, alcohol, fighting, or bringing weapons to school? Personally, our parents have never been notified of such incidents, so why should it be public knowledge when the coach dealt with the incident? It shouldn't. Cheer is far more than just cheer to us and to many girls on our team. Diane knows that the reason that many girls continue to attend school is so that they can keep cheering. Diane wanted to make sure that the situation was handled rationally and with mercy: something that this world seems to be unfamiliar with. It was never her intention to hide or keep these girls from the appropriate punishment, it was a matter of collecting the facts so that appropriate action could be taken. Diane is more that just a coach to us. Like Mariann said, she is our mentor and she is like a part of our family. However, she is NOT like the older sister trying to keep us out of trouble and be "cool". She repeatedly tells us that she is not concerned with whether or not we like her, she just wants what's best for us. We know that, and if you knew anything about her, you would too. Finally, she didn't resign to keep this hidden or save face, her intention in resigning was an attempt to preserve what was left of the integrity of the team. It is the administration that has been trying to hide the facts. Shame on them. They are the ones who are handling this poorly. Diane personally told us that the office said that she should tell us her reason for resignation was that she was "too busy." In response, she said that she would not lie. She was going to tell us the truth at any cost. We admire her honesty and integrity. We believe that she sets an incredible example and we are PROUD to know her and be a part of HER team. She will always be our coach, no matter what Val Wyatt says. The most incredible thing about Diane is that, even after all of this, she would never wish any ill upon the girls that put her in this situation. We wish that there were more people like Diane; the world would be a better place. We love you Diane, and we always will.
<3 Samantha and Savanna
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seaqueen93001
Perhaps you should re-read, as I did not post anything too, or about Seaqueen, other than to re-print something she said about them going overboard with the punishment. Perhaps he is the one you should be mad at...babyzdaddy that is. Honest mistake I'm sure.
Posted by jill on August 29, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
She definitely needed to be fired or resign. This is completely unacceptable. The cheerleaders involved also need to be replaced. There should be zero tolerance for drugs in athletics and cheerleading.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by jill on August 29, 2008 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
She definitely needed to be fired or resign. This is completely unacceptable. The cheerleaders involved also need to be replaced. There should be zero tolerance for drugs in athletics and cheerleading.
I'm with you...all the way.
Posted by vtabeachgrl on August 29, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i can assume that she didnt really have a choice to resign because if she didnt she would have had to go through a lot of court issues. From what i know, she loved her job and her life is cheer considering she is an all star coach! the girls definately learned their lesson knowing they lost an amazing coach. And why doesnt the school do anything about it when its a different sport? i know plenty of times when a volleyball team was caught drinking or a football team was in possession. nothing was done then.
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by vtabeachgrl on August 29, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i can assume that she didnt really have a choice to resign because if she didnt she would have had to go through a lot of court issues. From what i know, she loved her job and her life is cheer considering she is an all star coach! the girls definately learned their lesson knowing they lost an amazing coach. And why doesnt the school do anything about it when its a different sport? i know plenty of times when a volleyball team was caught drinking or a football team was in possession. nothing was done then.
If this is in fact true, put your effort where your text is and raise a significant stink. If not...oh well, the coach still screwed up.
Posted by seaqueen93001 on August 29, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seaqueen93001
Perhaps you should re-read, as I did not post anything too, or about Seaqueen, other than to re-print something she said about them going overboard with the punishment. Perhaps he is the one you should be mad at...babyzdaddy that is. Honest mistake I'm sure.
Outadabusiness,
No mistake! Again you say the overboard comment was "seaqueen said" and once again you are wrong. You should read the thread more closely, it started at 3:26pm. Better luck next time!
Posted by outadabusiness on August 29, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal