Here are the long awaited updates on the meeting with Principal Urbina:
The meeting with the principal went very well. It was a such a great surprise for all of us who have thought that the school might be against the uncovering of the name. It's very good to know that Michael is still very much a part of the school. We have been informed that he is being continually honored by always mentioning his name, playing his music during ceremonies, and the kids are always happy and excited and they really love him. So even though his name is covered up, his memories are being cherished. Now, if only we can complete that by having those boards taken off. But we will, soon! Don't lose hope. He seems to be on our side, however, he needs to remain neutral so we have to respect that.
Actually, he was aware of the very first group who campaigned against the covering of Michael's name, MJJSupport.com (Germany). He started addressing this to board members and had meetings at the school. He spoke with Steve Z. (board member) and Earl Perkins, too. No one seems to have a problem with it, however, the final decision lies with the Superintendent, Mr. Ramon Cortines... and so far, you all know what his response is (at least, those who have been replied at before). If not, here's a refresher:
---------
FW: GARDNER ST. ES AUDITORIUM
From:
"Palma, Danny" <[email protected]>
To: [email removed]
Thank you for your interest. At this time, we will not be making any changes to the school signage.
Thanks,
Danny A. Palma on behalf of Ramon C. Cortines
Los Angeles Unified School District
333 S. Beaudry Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
---------
So, that's what we're going to do, continue to ask Mr. Cortines to make a decision to uncover Michael Jackson's name. However, before we can get to Mr. Cortines, we need to talk to Mr. Earl Perkins (Assistant Superintendent), because everything goes through him (before it gets to Mr. Cortines), so that's going to be the next step for now - to contact and talk to Mr. Perkins. We are going to contact him ASAP, so we'll fill you in with details soon.
Overall, the meeting was great because now we know the school's stand on this issue and the direction we need to go.
There were six books that were given to Mr. Urbina, and yes they contain your letters. He was really surprised at the amount we have gathered in a few weeks. He thanked us and the supporters for the cards and the gift that we gave him when he got into a car accident a few weeks ago.
Planning/strategizing commences on Thursday so please stand by for more updates and ways to help. Please remember to "suggest" this page to ALL your Facebook friends. The more supporters we have, the better. We're still continuing our photo/video/audio petition so please send them to [email protected]. Again, if you have suggestions and ideas, please leave them on this thread: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=339260689115&topic=13733
Thank you very much for tuning in! We appreciate every effort you have made. Thank you for sending in your letters, they surely did not go unnoticed! We have copies of all these letters, if ever we need them, we can still access them.
- The Uncover MJ Team
The meeting with the principal went very well. It was a such a great surprise for all of us who have thought that the school might be against the uncovering of the name. It's very good to know that Michael is still very much a part of the school. We have been informed that he is being continually honored by always mentioning his name, playing his music during ceremonies, and the kids are always happy and excited and they really love him. So even though his name is covered up, his memories are being cherished. Now, if only we can complete that by having those boards taken off. But we will, soon! Don't lose hope. He seems to be on our side, however, he needs to remain neutral so we have to respect that.
Actually, he was aware of the very first group who campaigned against the covering of Michael's name, MJJSupport.com (Germany). He started addressing this to board members and had meetings at the school. He spoke with Steve Z. (board member) and Earl Perkins, too. No one seems to have a problem with it, however, the final decision lies with the Superintendent, Mr. Ramon Cortines... and so far, you all know what his response is (at least, those who have been replied at before). If not, here's a refresher:
---------
FW: GARDNER ST. ES AUDITORIUM
From:
"Palma, Danny" <[email protected]>
To: [email removed]
Thank you for your interest. At this time, we will not be making any changes to the school signage.
Thanks,
Danny A. Palma on behalf of Ramon C. Cortines
Los Angeles Unified School District
333 S. Beaudry Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
---------
So, that's what we're going to do, continue to ask Mr. Cortines to make a decision to uncover Michael Jackson's name. However, before we can get to Mr. Cortines, we need to talk to Mr. Earl Perkins (Assistant Superintendent), because everything goes through him (before it gets to Mr. Cortines), so that's going to be the next step for now - to contact and talk to Mr. Perkins. We are going to contact him ASAP, so we'll fill you in with details soon.
Overall, the meeting was great because now we know the school's stand on this issue and the direction we need to go.
There were six books that were given to Mr. Urbina, and yes they contain your letters. He was really surprised at the amount we have gathered in a few weeks. He thanked us and the supporters for the cards and the gift that we gave him when he got into a car accident a few weeks ago.
Planning/strategizing commences on Thursday so please stand by for more updates and ways to help. Please remember to "suggest" this page to ALL your Facebook friends. The more supporters we have, the better. We're still continuing our photo/video/audio petition so please send them to [email protected]. Again, if you have suggestions and ideas, please leave them on this thread: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=339260689115&topic=13733
Thank you very much for tuning in! We appreciate every effort you have made. Thank you for sending in your letters, they surely did not go unnoticed! We have copies of all these letters, if ever we need them, we can still access them.
- The Uncover MJ Team