My two recent columns about the theft of student emergency contact cards at North Miami Beach Senior High School elicited the usual and customary illiterate comments from those students who (a) think this is no big deal, (b) tell me it’s none of my business, and (c) actually believe they’re being educated.
I have not allowed some of their comments to be published due to their inappropriate and immature content. A few of them also have absolutely no clue about the purpose of this blog in the first place. As the regular readers of this column are already blog savvy, I thought it was my civic duty to enlighten some of the children of NMB Senior High who are unclear on the concept that there is a difference between journalism and punditry.
Before I focus on the hilarious, let me first address a comment by a former student, who is presently enrolled in college studying “Arts, Entertainment and Media Management; Journalism,” and who refers to himself as “The LIVEST.” Mr. LIVEST wrote:
“Ms.Kienzle you have a serious problem. A true journalist doest write with so much emotion all your job is to inform the people about what’s going on and keep it moving towards the next story. Second of all, if you have a personal vendetta with anyone at NMB stop writing about them and “sneak dissing”. If you have something to say then address that person in a professional manner (obviously you can’t). Thirdly, you are late the cards have been stolen for a while now, a real journalist would know and understands timeliness. You are not currently shedding light on anything so go get a real job and write about something that invokes prominence, impact, conflict, currency, and proximity in an accurate, fair, and clear manner. Fourth of all, who did your “so called journalist” ass interview? Let me take an educated guess… No one. You are a fake, you are writing “articles” by word of mouth and what you see on channel 4, 7, or 10. Go interview the students, principal, staff, and parents then you inform us don’t pass judgment unless you are willing to help what’s wrong with what your passing judgement on. You dunce bucket. Get a hobby fake ass columnist. And yes I may be wrong for name calling but that’s all you have been doing to NMB. (When it comes to being petty there are no rules!) Btw, tell your “source” Miller the Boss says hi :)”
Mr. LIVEST, although I am impressed that you actually graduated, made it to college and appear to be intelligent, you obviously have mistaken me for a “reporter.” I am not a “real journalist.” My “job” is not to merely “inform the people,” but to give my opinion on whatever topic I choose to address. The fact that the name of this column is “Voters Opinion” and not “News Articles” should have been your first clue. I am under no obligation to address “that person” or anyone else in a “professional manner” or in any other manner. This column is also not my “job.” I don’t get paid for expressing my opinion, but I do have a rather large readership. I’m also having fun.
“Thirdly,” the fact that “the cards have been stolen for a while now,” and that Channels 4, 7 and 10 are only now hearing and reporting about this crime, is a crime in and of itself. The fact that Principal Fontana waited ten, that’s TEN, days to inform the parents, students AND the press of this crime is loathsome. The parents and students had a right to know immediately that their personal and very sensitive information was compromised so that they would have been able to take swift action to protect themselves. The fact that he did not only proves his negligence and his incompetence as a high school administrator. Not to mention as Top Dog.
As a resident, community activist and parent of former students, I am a stakeholder in what occurs in the local high school and the City of North Miami Beach at large. What happens at NMB Senior High School is very much a concern to all the residents of the city whether the students like it or not. This is very much our business. The lack of leadership and regard for the parents, students and community is exactly what is wrong at that school. The citizens of North Miami Beach have a right to know how the school is being run and they have the responsibility to “pass judgement.” If that bothers you, oh well. Deal with it.
Lastly, my “source” is not Ms. Miller. She no longer teaches at NMB Senior High School. She is, however, a resident of North Miami Beach, and as such, is a stakeholder of the community. Again, it’s not my concern whether or not you believe me. Deal with that, too.
I do wish you much luck in your future career, though. You seem to be one of the few students who have a real chance at making all of us proud!
Not so much the next “writer” of a comment, who goes by the name of “Wedeland,” who wrote (CAUTION: FOUL LANGUAGE AND CRIMES AGAINST SPELLING AND GRAMMAR):
“Im realy sick and tired of this lady!! she always runing her mouth and bad mouthng the school!! ok, the cards got stolen! but wtf that gota do with u!! this bitch has no life!! she knows EVERY LIL THING that goes on in NMB from class shrits, to fight, and now emerengency contect cards.:(
ok the last one was on the news but who the fuck you are to talk that much shit about mr.fontana!! IF SHE KAN DO A BETTER JOB SHE NEED TO RUN UP AND BECOME PRINCIPLE OF NMB!! her no life booty scratching ass!! >:(“
Now THAT’S more like it! Exactly what I’ve come to expect from a typical student at North Miami Beach Senior High School these days. Yeah, that’s your tax dollars being well spent!
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
What I find confusing if not appalling is that Mr. Livest got into college in the first place. The fact that he is studying Journalism and doesn’t have the smarts to construct a proper sentence using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation boggles my mind. How about spell check at least, you ding-a-ling!
I hope no one believes that gutter girl who wrote the foul mouthed diatribe represents the student body of NMB, There is an amazing amount of talent in the school. For example, the voices of the NMB choir used to lift the entire community at this time of year. Sadly, the program was cut after Mr. Wells retired. Without a choral program, no one will ever hear this gifted choir of kids raise their voices in harmony. If you never experienced the glory that was the Spectrum Singers, you missed something.
NMB isn’t defined by the principal, the security guards, or the football team. It is defined by its body of students and classroom teachers who show up everyday and do the right thing despite….well, despite everything. Rock on, Chargers!.
I was, of course, being a tad facetious when I said that the comment was from a “typical student.” No, I certainly do not believe that, and I also know it’s not true. Hopefully, that student is not representative of a majority of the student body. But, it is kind of disconcerting that someone who writes like that even made it to high school, and might even be in danger of getting a diploma.
I don’t know too many students that are still at NMB, but I know many who have graduated since 2005. The vast majority of those students went to good colleges and now have awesome careers. I also know quite a few of the teachers who were on the staff, some of whom are still currently employed there, and they were all pretty amazing educators. These teachers and students are not the problem. I also remember when the football team was a force to be reckoned with, and contrary to someone’s comment, I LOVE football! What is discouraging is that some of the arts (including choral, drama, television production, etc.) have been put on the back shelf in favor of football. Even some of the other sports programs have suffered, which is a real shame.
I tip my hat to the students and teachers who really care about education and the school, despite its problems. And, I thank you for your comments.