Sun, Jun 17, 2012 9:50 pm

Email Regarding Removal of the Arab World Studies Notebook from Newton Schools

Note: There were several discussions with Mr. Bassett and Ms. Price about reviewing the AWSN prior to these email exchanges

Fri, Jun 15, 2012 10:18 am

(No subject)

FromKerry Hurwitz khurwitz1000@aol.comhide details

Tojennifer_price jennifer_price@newton.k12.ma.us, jonathan_bassett jonathan_bassett@newton.k12.ma.us, jamie_moore jamie_moore@newton.k12.ma.usx

CcJennifer_morrill Jennifer_morrill@newton.k12.ma.us, ann_koufman ann_koufman@newton.k12.ma.us, cynthia_bergan cynthia_bergan@newton.k12.ma.us, david_fleishman david_fleishman@newton.k12.ma.us, schoolcommittee schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us

Dear Principal Price, Mr. Basset, and Ms. Moore,Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me earlier this week. It was very helpful for me to learn about the use of curriculum suupplements in class and about how the supplements are selected.

During the meeting, Ms. Price said that the schools would review the use of the Arab World Studies Notebook (the "Notebook") over the summer, and said it would be helpful to receive information about specific errors in Notebook excerpts. Obviously, vetting even some of the Notebook materials used by the schools will take time. I have begun the process and have also asked for assistance from other people and organizations. If you would let me know the date by which you will need the results of our work, we will give it to you by that time.

Also, who specifically will be reviewing the Notebook? We would like to direct communication regarding the Notebook to those persons rather than generally to school personnel.

Thank you so much for your help in this matter.

Very truly yours,

Kerry Hurwitz

______________________________________________________________________________Sun, Jun 17, 2012 9:50 pm

Re:

FromJonathan Bassett Jonathan_Bassett@newton.k12.ma.ushide details

Tokhurwitz1000 khurwitz1000@aol.com

Ccjennifer_price jennifer_price@newton.k12.ma.us, jamie_moore jamie_moore@newton.k12.ma.us, Jennifer_morrill Jennifer_morrill@newton.k12.ma.us, ann_koufman ann_koufman@newton.k12.ma.us, cynthia_bergan, cynthia_bergan@newton.k12.ma.us, david_fleishman david_fleishman@newton.k12.ma.us, schoolcommittee schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.usDear Ms. Hurwitz:I will be handling the review of the AWSN for North this summer. You don't need to review the entire volume - we only use a few pages, which you have from your earlier request. You can limit your review to those pages.I am planning to do this sometime in July.Cheers,Jonathan BassettHistory & Social Sciences Department ChairRoom 359Newton North High SchoolNewton Teacher Residency Program Directorhttp://www.newtonteacherresidency.org_______________________________________________________________________________Mon, Jun 18, 2012 11:00 am

Re: Follow-up on this week's meeting

FromJonathan Bassett Jonathan_Bassett@newton.k12.ma.ushide details

Tokhurwitz1000 khurwitz1000@aol.com

Ccjennifer_price jennifer_price@newton.k12.ma.us, jamie_moore jamie_moore@newton.k12.ma.us, jennifer_morrill jennifer_morrill@newton.k12.ma.us, ann_koufman ann_koufman@newton.k12.ma.us, cynthia_bergan, cynthia_bergan@newton.k12.ma.us,

david_fleishman david_fleishman@newton.k12.ma.us,schoolcommittee schoolcommittee@newton.k12.ma.us, Joel Stembridge Joel_Stembridge@newton.k12.ma.usDear Kerry:I have had several conversations with folks on this email list today, and we have agreed not to use the AWSN at North. Thanks for bringing your concerns to my attention. Cheers,Jonathan BassettHistory & Social Sciences Department ChairRoom 359Newton North High SchoolNewton Teacher Residency Program Directorhttp://www.newtonteacherresidency.org_______________________________________________________________________________Thank you and a question

FromKerry Hurwitz khurwitz1000@aol.comhide details

Todavid_fleishman david_fleishman@newton.k12.ma.us

Thu, Jun 28, 2012 1:13 pmDear Superintendent Fleischman,

I understand that the Arab World Studies Notebook will no longer be used in classes at Newton North High School. Is this the case also for Newton South High School and/or the Newton school district (including middle and elementary schools)?

Thank you so much for your support in ensuring that students receive accurate and balanced information. It is truly appreciated by parents like me.

Very truly yours,

Kerry Hurwitz

________________________________________________________________________________From: David Fleishman To: khurwitz1000 Sent: Thu, Jun 28, 2012 5:24 pmSubject: Re: Thank you and a question

Hi Kerry,The notebook was only used at the HS level and it will no longer be used at either one. Enjoy the summer.David