Public Relations Project

Sources:

Toyota hopes media blitz will reassure customers

http://www.ocala.com/article/20100131/ARTICLES/100139966

Toyota reps offer apology: MICHELINE MAYNARD

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/business/30toyota.html

Toyota Announces New Quality Leadership Initiatives, Building on Significant Accomplishments to Date

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx

 

Let’s talk strategy.  Look at the organizations/person’s PR Strategy

q  Describes how, in concept, the above objectives are to be achieved, providing guidelines for the overall program.

Before the recall Toyota’s strategy was to focus on branding and marketing their vehicles in a way to make them into the “automobile empire in the world” based purely on the quality and reliability of their vehicles. The head vehicles were the Camry a big seller for Toyota. Once the recall happened the main objective was to restore and reinsure that Toyota brands were still reliable and of good quality.   

q  What was the public relations strategy for each key public?  Could include key messages/themes to be reiterated throughout the campaign on all materials. 

The public relations strategy for each key public is their loyal customers, buyers (new customers), investors. Once the Camry a popular selling car by Toyota for years was included in the recall list, loyal customers became a top priority besides investors. Mainly because their were entire families who owned Toyotas customers who only had these type of cars and believed them to be of great quality and reliability were suddenly let down by a company they believed in and invested a lot of money into. In the case, of long-time customers, new customers, and investors Toyota released a apology for the massive recall and their slow response to the problem. Even though they received massive backlash, “for failing to show adequate remorse for those who had been killed in accidents involving acceleration problems” (Maynard).

The next step taken by Toyota was to launch a massive media campaign in order to reassure customers and rebuild the brand. Crisis management for the company expressed that the recall is only half the battle that Toyota’s biggest battle would be to regain the public. Toyota has for years placed out a branding method of reliable and good quality vehicles. Crisis management professionals say, “Its message to Toyota owners — delivered in full-page ads Sunday in 20 major newspapers — isn’t as clear and reassuring as it needs to be” (Ocala.com). As a result Toyota released a, “black-and-white ads Sunday characterized the halt in sales and production as a “temporary pause” to put customers “first.” The ads don’t give details on how the pedals will be fixed or when customers can expect a remedy” (0cala.com).

Lastly, Toyota began to offer new quality leadership initiatives and milestones. A program created after a sharp drop in customer concerns about acceleration in their vehicles that was reported to Toyota. A program that includes, “equipping all of its new vehicles with advanced safety features, including Smart Stop Technology and enhanced event data recorders (EDR)” (pressrelease.com). As a result of these initiatives Toyota found that their customers found the remedies to be “both effective and durable”. Proving for Toyota a turn around in their image and how the brand is rebuilding.

 

 

q  Was the strategy flawed?  Rushed?  Incomplete?  Poorly implemented or well-done?

The strategy was not flawed but seemed rushed and incomplete. Toyota did not take action until after reports about accidents which were caused by stuck accelerators came in. Once they did the recall they gave little insight on what exactly was being done. However, as time passed they came into a more complete plan.  Toyota released ads that promoted safe cars and their appreciation for loyal and new customers.  

Should the First Amendment Apply to Bloggers?

Sheerlan Jones

JRN-655-Final Project

 

Should the First Amendment Apply to Bloggers?

The culture of blogging was first introduced online in the early 1990’s, when Justin Hall a student at Swarthmore College, “created what is considered to be the very first blog “Links.net”. Some industry trackers cite the first blog as belonging to David Winer, “Scripting News” (webopedia.com). However, blogging very much similar to diaries and journals, a series of opinionated entries regarding topics of personal interest. However, in this new technological world, blogging has now become a prominent source of breaking news, and often sought to be creditable information regarding reports about important members of the world. Often blogs follow closely national news such as presidential elections, and often cite political views and opinions. However, the question is can these opinions be protected by the First Amendment rights?

 

Due to the fact that the stipulations for freedom of speech and freedom of the press does not state specifically where bloggers stand within the present guidelines of free speech. Determining guidelines for this new method of free speech can be quite difficult as the law was created in a time where bloggers were not called bloggers, and there were most definitely no computers or internet for this information to be shared and broadcasted to millions of people daily. Justices of the highest Court agree stating, “even if they could determine with certainty what the words of the First Amendment meant in 1791, that meaning would not be relevant nearly 225 years later” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 51).  In turn, the Court decides rather or not certain forms of speech are protected under the First Amendment. The initial intention behind the inclusion of the First Amendment was not to place limitations on the speech but instead with the intention to, “prevent the U.S. government from adopting the types of suppressive laws that flourished in England during the 300 years following the introduction of the printing press in 1450” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 53). The First Amendment introduced for so as protection of the citizens from the government. Rightfully giving justification that bloggers should be protected by the First Amendment.

 

Over the years, as technology has evolved so has the world of blogging. Certain media companies have turned to blogging to broadcast news and as the demand for news to travel faster so has the demand to include bloggers. However, where does the First Amendment rights belong within all of this, how blogging can be considered justified and protected by this Amendment. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 50). According to the First Amendment as stated blogging would be protected by the freedom of speech in which bloggers engage in. However, what provisions currently stand limiting what information can and cannot be published on blogs?

 

A blog is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “a web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments and often hyperlinks provided by the writer” (Merriam-Webster.com). The definition of blog states that statements found on an online blog are essentially reflections and opinions of the writer. However, similar to journalist opinions and reflections can often be taken out of content, or can defame the name or character of an individual prominent to the community or not if certain statements are considered to be factual statements. However, it has been found that the First Amendment, “protects people’s right to say offensive, unkind and even ugly things to each other” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 110). Often citing justifications for people to have, “the ability to vent anger in words rather than in physical violence is a primary value of free speech” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 110). However, at what point are these words, often harmful intentional can be considered defamation of character if facts printed are considered to be factual. A supporting case study New York Times Co. v. Sullivan in The Law of Journalism and Communications, justices on the case stated, “that general proposition that freedom of expression upon public questions is secured by the First Amendment has long been settled by our decisions” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 179). The  Court later determining that, “we are required in this case to determine for the first time the extent to which the constitutional protections for speech and press limit a State’s power to award damages in a libel action brought by a public official against critics of his official conduct” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 178). Although the ruling at the time was regarding a media group in a case against libel the same protections for private citizens stand, although many bloggers now in the twenty-first century are both bloggers.

 

However, bloggers have not been exempt from subpoenas for the purposes of entities attempting to control or remove the reporting of certain controversial and it is not uncommon for a blogger to be called to Court based on the opinions and statements made on their blogs. Real world law content in the text The Law of Journalism and Communications examples how a blogger Chris Elliott was subpoenaed to Court in a case where he had posted content regarding information posted on his blog regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s controversial airline security pat-downs. The subpoena was later withdrawn, after Elliot’s lawyer stated they would challenge the subpoena.  

 

Although, bloggers can be summoned by the court as witnesses, or subpoenaed bloggers should be protected by First Amendment rights because there is an understanding that bloggers and the content posted online by a blogger is believed to be the opinions and ideas of the individual posting the items. These ideas and opinions although posted about public officers, and often celebrities in the limelight.  However, what has become a difficult task for courts regarding subpoenas is that bloggers are often not considered journalist if they are not afflicted with a media organizations. Even though, bloggers are called upon by the Courts, several cases shown in the text show that bloggers have been protected within the rights of the First Amendment. There are limitations and restrictions of what bloggers post , the First Amendment does not protect all speech especially speech deemed to be harmful, certain speech and post written by bloggers would be considered unprotected if they were to fall under other laws. Such as, cases related to defamation, cases involving statements pertaining to a crime that was commented. Information posted regarding criminal acts could be subpoenaed as they would be had the individual spoken the words, or a journal was discovered regarding the information.

Examples of cases throughout the years both written and now with the emergence of video blogging added to the traditional written blogs most recently the headlines are often littered with these sort of free speech protections. A most recent headline example would be the video ‘blog’ of Matthew Cordle confessing to a hit and run of another Ohio man, posted on YouTube confessing to the crime he had committed. Although Matthew Cordle had posted a video of his confession his rights to free speech as protected in the sense that he is free to speak out about what he had done, however, there is no protection regarding the crime he speaks of. Freedom of speech is not a protection against what is written or posted by bloggers but a protection against the laws the government may attempt to enforce over this form of speech and other forms of speech. Bloggers would be considered protected by the First Amendment right in most cases because as stated by the Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Trager, Russomanno, Ross 50). The task of the Court if brought to the attention of the Court is to determine and interpret which forms of speech within a ‘blog’ is deemed as a part of the First Amendment or if it has crossed a line to where it is no longer protected by the regulations of the First Amendment.

Ethical Personal Statement

It is my purpose in life to be driven to success in all that I do however, it is not without the consideration and duty to do for others as I would like done for me to be the purpose driven behind my work as a journalist it is for this that my work will be deeply rooted in the idea of the Golden Rule of ethical standards. However, it would be my ethical obligation to myself and my readers to stand on the ethical principle that is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. It is important to think of others in my writing to always attempt to place myself in the shoes of others as it were. To make the attempt to view life and decisions based on what those decisions will do to affect those closely related to what I am reporting on. Whatever decision I make creates an impression on the person the work is written about. It is my goal to always maintain clear intentions when reporting and always attempt to a great extent to take into consideration the views, beliefs, and ethical standards of others. I also stand strongly behind the Society of Professional Journalists’ Ethics Code to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently, and to be accountable. It is my duty to always seek the truth, making sure to gather all information accurately, utilizing trust worthy sources who are also ethically inclined to seek only the truth. If a promise by me has been made it is my obligation to keep promises, and always determine ahead of time the conditions of these promises to ensure that no harm is caused.  In seeking the truth I will always be sure to ask questions, never distort content, or create any misleading information and all work will be produced by me or I will be sure to always indicate whom the information belongs to. It is my responsibility to also minimize harm showing compassion for others and sources rather they be written documents, verbal words spoken, individuals or companies. I take responsibility for all my actions and act independently to avoid any conflicts of interest rather they be real or perceived by others. It is my burden as a journalist and as a human being to always be accountable of my own actions and my own work. I will admit swiftly to my mistakes and correct them promptly, and expose any unethical practices of journalism and the news media, and most importantly I will, “abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.”

Source: Foreman, Gene. The Ethical Journalist: Making Responsible Decisions in the Pursuit of News. Chichester, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. Print.

Reporter Interview-Riepenhoff

In the time span of May 2012 to December 2012 a three part series published by the Columbus Dispatch. The main focus of the series was to uncover credit errors commonly made on credit reports annually. The series found that millions of people have been affected by errors on their credit reports and given no real resolution for making corrections to their credit information. Although attempting to uncover stories of individuals affected by credit errors would result in multiple reports. However, the true research came 2 years earlier in 2010 when investigative reporters Jill Riepenhoff and Mike Wagner began searching for additional information. According to Jill Riepenhoff, the story came from speaking to a former manager who had experienced an issue due to the spelling of her name. Throughout the series the goal was not so much to seek out the issues and the scars that credit reporting errors caused but to place a face to millions of Americans who had placed complaints regarding these errors.

Behind the reporting of this case were investigator reporters Mike Wagner and Jill Riepenhoff, I was allowed the opportunity to speak with Ms. Riepenhoff who insisted I call her Jill regarding the process taken to capture a story so common to many all around the country. After reading the Columbus Dispatch, “Credit Scars” series, I initially wanted to learn more about Jill’s experience as an investigative reporter. Jill has been working for the Columbus Dispatch for 29 years ago beginning her career at the Dispatch in 1985 back before the push for digital technology in the production of Newspapers. However, Jill has been working on her current investigative team since 2004. She says for the most part they are allowed time to spend on investigative projects such as “Credit Scars”. Jill says that the research process took, “about one year or a little longer.” The initial idea behind the story was only to produce one story, however, in the end resulted in a three part series. There were some moments in the initial research of public records information that caused Jill and her investigative partner Wagner to stop research was an even that occurred regarding a scandal surrounding the OSU football head coach news that rocked the Big Ten team and the city. Jill and Wagner had to stop research to focus on the investigation and reporting of that story.  This story halted the research process for about three or four months before they were able to continue research on the “Credit Scars” series.

As an investigative reporter for nearly three decades Jill found it important to seek out a story like this because it would be something that is important to readers. Jill and her partner Wagner began their research at the Ohio Attorney General Complaints for Credit Bureau. Hundreds of complaints regarding credit report errors and issues concerning errors found on credit scores were found there. Jill went about requesting a spreadsheet with this information, these spreadsheets covered the details of each complaint, and however, much of the information contained any personal information. In gathering this information they made the decision to branch out and explore Credit report complaints from all 50 states through their appropriate Attorney’s Generals office. Through research they found that some states held complaints in different departments, about half of the state’s consumer reports are not considered public records and others required a fee be paid for the information to be, in turn Jill found they needed to attempt to negotiate these fees in order to retrieve the information. Jill shared that, “Georgia wanted $5,000” in fees to provide consumer reports regarding credit reports. A fee they were not able to negotiate which was found to be unfortunate because the state of Georgia served as the home state for Equifax, a major credit bureau. When the attempt was made to collect information from the state of New Jersey, they reached another road block when they learned that the Attorney General in that state shipped their complaints directly to the state of Georgia as they did not handle consumer complaints regarding credit reporting errors. Although they used the Freedom of Information Act for each state to request information, these reports and complaint documents still contained no personal information, or used the information for analyzing, hindering their attempts to actually speak with the individuals who filed the complaints.

As a team Jill and her partner Wagner worked closely together on the series. Jill took the lead on the research aspect of the story. Most of her time spent reading dense and often difficult to decipher, she spent time reading through 60,000 plus pieces of paper explaining only in data terms what the information meant. Wagner spent more time interviewing individuals who had been affected by credit reporting errors, placing names and faces to the stories that the information collected had not.

Due to the extent of research done on this series, and the expansion from local to national in attempting to collect information in all 50 states, the writing process was not easy. The important measures taken during the writing process on this story was outlining the story, they talked about how many days they would have for each topic of the day. They both joined together to make a decision as to which story would mesh well with the topic of the day rather it would be an issue of mixed files due to name, date of birth, or similar errors, would they include stories in cases involving Identity Theft or cases involving children. Decisions such as “what is this thing going to look like?” Each portion of the series were about a three to five day timespan. When making a decision of stories to include before beginning to write they considered what data supported the information they planned to include, Jill and Wagner spent time attempting to mesh the interviews and the data to paint a strong story. Jill mentions that they once spent an hour attempting to determine rather or not they should use a particular word in the series, although she laughs about it now, it played a major role in the way they considered writing the series and what the effects would be.

In a series such as “Credit Scars” where a major part was spent on research, and dealing with attempting to request information from 50 states, most of the road blocks were found in the very beginning of the research process. Learning that the complaints and information received contained no personal information created a road block because the complaints essentially contained no faces. However, Jill and her partner Wagner overcame these obstacles by searching in other places to tell the stories, in essence facing obstacles head on. Jill found that she would not have done anything differently, “you always go back I could have done things differently, everybody does it that just human nature.” 

Request for Information

Sheerlan Jones
815 Bulen Ave
Columbus, OH 43205

January 15, 2015

Barbara Reed
Columbus City Schools
270 E. State St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Barbara Reed:

Under the Ohio Open Records Law, §149.43 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public records that contain a compiled and comprehensive list of the graduation rates for all high schools within the Columbus City Schools district for the last 10 school years.

If there are any fees for searching or copying these records, please inform me if the cost will exceed $10.  However, I would also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest and as a Journalism graduate student this information will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of the lack of ambition of young adults beyond the secondary school sector and to determine what measures can or have been taken to assist students in their future goals. This information is not being sought for commercial purposes.

I would request a prompt response to this request.  If you expect a significant delay in responding to or in fulfilling this request, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.

If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.

Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

Sheerlan Jones

614-460-1370

 

Enterprise Story

It is almost like a ghost town. Windows and doors boarded up, and loose siding dangling on the sides of homes, grass and weeds overgrown in almost every yard, sidewalks and streets disheveled, abandoned vehicles slumped over from flattened tires, glass sprayed on the ground from shattered bottles and windows from fights or disagreements are all that remain. One neighborhood nearly forgotten, remaining residents peer out their windows in fear. Now, try to imagine this same neighborhood more than 100 years ago, thriving proudly with some of the most prominent and up and coming residents. In the early part of the 1900’s in Columbus, Ohio stood the Driving Park neighborhood, once considered the area for recreational attractions in Columbus hosting park featured rides, buggy, bicycles, auto races, and airplanes attracted many diving, flipping, and turning through the air. Street cars a major source of transportation, zoomed down Livingston Ave the main road that crosses through the middle of the neighborhood. A breathing ground for prominent and notable residents like Eddie Rickenbacker an American fighter ace in World War I who grew up on Livingston Avenue just east of Lockbourne Avenue within the Driving Park district.  

In 1922, the attractions stopped and the Driving Park community once built for speed and fun was subdivided to create 522 city lots for housing. By 1924, Fairwood Elementary was built taking the Driving Park neighborhood into a different era. Several children new to the area attended the school and lived within close proximity of the school. Attendance and school records show student addresses and their parents’ occupations showed a greater part of parents worked as salespersons, teachers, shop owners, and bank employees. As the neighborhood began to settle into its own rhythm more African-American families began to move in around the late 50’s and 60’s which attest to the population of the neighborhood today. Residents who have moved in over the years selected the neighborhood because it seemed like a nice area. May Rice, 87, has lived on Berkeley Road since 1974 and she remembers a time when the neighborhood was booming. “I remember moving in this house, it was a time when neighbors would come on over and greet ya. Now, I know what people think when they drive through here, it’s become dangerous. All these drug dealers moves in and out, filled up the whole neighborhood with that mess now look” Pointing across the street only three other homes occupied, the others abandoned or have for sale signs.  The rise in crime in the area has been a significant result in why residents have long gone from the area.

In most recent years, 12 shootings and 6 murders have plagued the streets of the Driving Park community, bringing it a long way from the amusement and street car life it once was. The demographic of the neighborhood has changed just in the last 10 years, the population of the Driving Park area according to the 2000 Census Summary File 1 shows the total population was 14,644, the largest race in the population African Americans 11,952 of the total population and the population of single mothers in the area shows “Female householder, no husband present” as 1,090 holding 18.3% of the household population in the Driving Park district. Although several homes remain occupied with families in the area the 2000 census already showed an increase in vacant homes showing 1,590 vacant housing units.

The most recent General Population and Housing Characteristics 2010 Demographic Profile Data shows a decrease of 2,372 residents, the largest population still Black or African American race but depleting at 8,737, 71.2% of the total population in 2010. The number of vacant housing units is 1,984 a 27.2% of the total housing occupancy. Although a decline due to the declining total population still shows the population of single mothers at 799, 15% of the total population.  Single mother attesting to the consequences and decline of a community like this research found on “Discover the Networks” states, “children in single-parent households are raised not only with economic, but also social and psychological, disadvantages. For instances, they are four times as likely as children from intact families to be abused or neglected; much likelier to have behavioral problems; much more apt to experience emotional disorders; far likelier to have a weak sense right and wrong; significantly less able to delay gratification and to control their violent or sexual impulses”. The changes of the neighborhood are seen mostly in the faces of the students who attend the oldest school in the area that still remains open, Fairwood Elementary that opened at the beginning stages of the neighborhood. Ms. Morgan a teacher at the school for only the past five years has seen a decline in her short time there with the children from the surrounding area. “I have only been teaching here [Fairwood Alt. Elem.] for a few years, but I have a brother and sister who attended this school back in 1995, and I can tell you that it is different out there and it shows in here. Most the kids who attended this school in 1995, my brother and sister included came from homes where every parent worked, even single parents, the students wore uniforms crisp and clean every day, the school building was clean inside and out, we used to be able to have parades through the neighborhood, now it’s way too dangerous for that, we have to be on a level 1 lockdown every day for safety. Some many of the kids come in here hungry, dirty, and just mistreated and it was not like that back then”. The sound of children began to fade away as some grew other, or others wisely placed in safer places in the city to allow their children to grow up. The neighborhood did not seem to transform overnight, it has taken gradual moves seemingly in the wrong direction, spiraling out of control, crippling the people living within the skin and bones of it all. However, Driving Park Area Commission former president James A. Johnson who recently passed away on January 29, 2014 says this of rebuilding Driving Park, “Community leadership and resident participation are key ingredients in making the Driving Park neighborhood a safe and thriving community.”

 

Non-Fiction Feature Story

There are children being left behind each day, some believe that it is the neighborhood that creates drop outs, and other factors point towards recent budget cuts. The current dropout rate in Ohio is 20%. The greatest number of children dropping out of school daily are Hispanic, Black, and American Indian children. Hispanic children are 34% of the population, Black children are at 41% and American Indian children are 29%. Children at the bottom of the dropout rate are white children and Asian children. Sociology researcher Geoffrey Wodtke, “tracked 2,100 children from age 1 to age 17, and they report that children growing up in neighborhoods with high levels of poverty and unemployment are much less likely to graduate from high school. While the results may seem expected, much of the previous research in the field had taken only snapshot measurements of such ‘neighborhood effects,’ coming up with small or no impacts on academic performance.” In the case of Columbus City schools a neighborhood can easily slip through the doors of an elementary school affecting the projected dropout rates already stacked against these children.

Wodtke believes that, “children from poor families are doubly disadvantaged because they suffer the harmful effects of family poverty, and also they’re more likely to live in poor neighborhoods, which is extremely harmful in its own right, the consequences of deindustrialization and disinvestment in urban communities have been devastating for the residents of those areas.” This theory supported right in the backyards of many, however, the light has not been shade on these areas before.

Two schools separated by 2.7 miles a 7 minute drive, one passing all requirements in reading, mathematics, writing, science and social studies with a cumulative grade of a B+, and then the other barely carrying a D+ in all areas. However, Fairwood a once up and coming school up until 2008, the school was lead by Principal Walter Jefferys, the school was holding a strong B+ under district standings, despite the neighborhood surrounding the building. Now, Jefferys principal at Berwick School not much different has changed. So, the question is asked what causes children to excel in one school and not in the other, is it really a difference of neighborhoods or leadership?

Settled in a polished neighborhood, the homes that line the street are a buzz with the sound of lawnmowers. The streets smooth from cracks and potholes and the grass on each property perfectly green. In the center of this beautifully polished neighborhood, on Scottwood Avenue sits the newly remodeled Berwick Elementary school. Then, settled in a unkempt, pothole, ruined neighborhood, a gray image of its former glory, the sounds of babies crying, and cars with their stereos blaring, zooming down the street, in the center of this sits Fairwood Elementary school. One school failing and one school passing. However, what separates these schools in the category of grades, and achievements are more about what happens within their doors than the neighborhood that surrounds them.

The arrival at Berwick School welcomes you with the surrounding area, and everything is outlined perfectly and newly sculpted. Walking up the walk way that leads to the front office, you must be buzzed in to enter the office. Arriving without an appointment will send you straight through the door you came through. Secretary and longtime parent consultant Susan and Jackie, anyone may not entered. Greeted by Mr. Jefferys a tour is lead through a clean school building. On the way to the Sixth grade classrooms. A student by the name of Damian walks by with his uniform pant leg tucked inside colorful socks. He is instantly stopped by Mr. Jefferys and questioned on where he is headed and to untuck his pants from his sock. Each child is dressed in the school uniform, clean and pressed from the night before.

The first classroom is a Sixth grade English class taught by Mrs. Florence. A teacher at Berwick School for four years and a teacher for thirteen years. A former teacher at Fairwood School. Although Columbus City Schools does not set requirements on the how but what teachers are required to teach. Mrs. Florence states that, “the District has required us to step it up in English, in regards to essay writing. I have incorporated technology to assist students in digital writing of argumentative papers, and thesis papers. Each quarter breaks up a type of paper and I require each student to complete that portion of writing to complete one full written work.” Only allowed a few moments, students in Mrs. Florence’s class set quietly, the halls quiet although a line of children make their way from my classroom to the other. Guided by one teacher, neither make a noise. Already the differences between the two schools are growing rapidly besides just the distance, and look of the neighborhood.

The second classroom is a Sixth grade classroom currently working in the computer room. Although the computers are not overly high tech, the students are seated assisting each other attempting to complete an assigned paper from their teacher Mr. Antes. Mr. Antes has been a teacher for twenty-four years and five years at Berwick Schools. He believes the greatest teaching technique to remember and that has served him well is firm, fair and consistent.

Now, entering Fairwood School, one must be buzzed in similar to Berwick School. The secretary Ms. Brock greets parents, staff, and visitors with a familiar and friendly smile. The differences in the office space and hallways are immediately different. Fairwood School built and never remodeled maintains its old world look and feel.  Students are walking aimlessly through the hallways in dirty uniforms, or no uniform at all. Many have no hall passes, on the way to the first classroom, students walk in a cluster of lines, some halfway down the hall way from where the teacher is standing, each talking loudly and the teacher screaming for order that never comes.

The first classroom is of Mrs. Noe, a kindergarten teacher at Fairwood for the past 6 years and a teacher for the last 25 years. Mrs. Noe, a sweet and soft spoken woman has the highest scoring Kindergarten class, maintaining control and order. The second classroom is Ms. Steward a teacher at Fairwood for three years and a teacher for 22 years. Ms. Steward stands behind building relationships with her students and uses methods of cooperation of the students to effectively learn.

So, what has caused Fairwood to decline overall in state-wide tests, and fall into another year of schools still under improvement? According to the district Fairwood falls into a 4^th year of improvement, however, Berwick School is not on the same list.  Dropout rates, are not only based on the neighborhood that surrounds these schools but on the Staff and Teachers that work as the life lines of the schools. A SchoolDee Article states that, “a teacher that can get a student at a young age to realize the value in learning and a solid education is doing a great service not only to that child, but also to society in general. The more that kids want to learn and the smarter that they are the better a society will develop.” However, more and more individuals are not opting to become teachers as in past years. The decline due to recent budget cuts, Dan Sewell of the Associated Press states that, “state records show the number of full-time teachers in public schools fell by nearly 6 percent over a decade ending with the 2010-11 school year, and surveys by education associations and the Associated Press indicate the downward trend has continued in the past two school years. There is little expectation of immediate improvements as districts grapple with reduced state funding, declines in property-tax revenue and voter reluctance in many

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

 

The “American Dream:” Upon hearing these words for the very first time, as an immigrant, I could only wonder what they met. When I was five years old, I emigrated from Panama to the United States with my family. Although I had already been living in the United States for nearly six years, I had never considered what the “American Dream” really met. I was a timid, reserved, and naive student in a sixth grade middle school classroom sitting in the back of the room. As I grew older, I remained in the back of the class. Years would continue to roll by with me remaining the same, timid, quiet, shy, and unnoticed student.

Many immigrants come to America, chasing after this dream, one that I had never heard nor considered before that fateful day of my sixth grade history class. At the time, I had no real dreams, and no real direction, at least not for my future. I just wanted to be part of the “in-crowd.” I just wanted to fit in. However, I was a quiet odd ball; I spent many days with my head in the clouds, allowing my mind to take me away to places that only the pages of books could fabricate.

The “American Dream” is the promise of prosperity and success for all those who enter the United States. It is like someone telling immigrants that they matter, and that if they really want to do something in this country, they can. Throughout the years, I have learned that many countries do not offer this promise, not even my home country. Panama is a beautiful place, and the foundation of my family and my roots; however, Panama does not offer the dream of prosperity and success. My family immigrated to pursue opportunities and a better life.

In my sixth grade history class, I also learned about important historical leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., visionaries who both had dreams for their race, and because of their visions, they took a leap of faith against all odds to achieve what no one at the time had achieved. Both these leaders and many others have inspired me to take the first step, to strive for something bigger and greater than anyone else, and to claim my place in history.

Every achievement begins with a goal, and for an immigrant like me, my goals have been influenced by the “American Dream.” After that sixth grade history class, I began to dream bigger than I ever had before. Even though I struggled keeping my grades up, I never failed to ask for more help, and I never stopped pushing myself. Each grade I completed in middle school was an achievement because I never gave up. Graduating from high school was my greatest accomplishment; I pushed myself, and I made it. I had begun to dream, and my dreams were being fulfilled right before my eyes.

Once I entered college, it was a very different experience, and many times I felt again like that timid student sitting in the back of the class. Many days I thought of dropping out; I thought of quitting, but something in me pushed me forward. When I did not receive a grade I wanted, I motivated myself in the next class. When I wanted to stay home and skip class, I thrust myself out of bed and onto the city bus to get there.

Finally, I am at the end of my senior year of college, and the years seemed to have passed by so quickly. There are some days when I feel like I am that sixth grade student again, but now I am sitting in the front of the class, allowing my voice and opinions to be heard. Instead of spending days locking up my creativity in daydreams and clouds, I have allowed many to see my work, hear and read my words, and see me for me.

Learning about the “American Dream” was just the beginning because now everything ends with my dream, the dream that has been formed, developed, and produced through my heart and felt throughout my entire body. I want to achieve greatness not just for my family but also for the common good. I want to hold an important position not just at a company or firm, but for my adopted country. I believe that all things are possible to those who believe. Having a foundation of faith in God, I know that I will make it, but not only do I know I will make it, I know also that many others will too. However, I will no longer allow myself to be cheated, cheated by my fears and my doubts, holding myself back from taking a place in this race of life. I deserve to win and be prosperous, not just because of the “American Dream” but because of my dream. This last semester of college, right before I hear my name at the graduation ceremony, and cross the stage at Ohio Dominican University, I will have this Martin Luther King Jr. quote in mind, “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.” All immigrants take the first step on American soil never truly knowing what awaits them.

I am taking the first, second, and third steps to my future, and at no point will I be certain about what awaits me on this staircase, but I do know that I will succeed and prosper, and I know this because I believe: I believe in God, and I believe in myself.

Public Relations Press Release Sample

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

CONTACT:

Sheerlan Jones

Burger Plant

614-493-2630

614-493-2633

Joness2@ohiodominican.edu

www.Burgerplanet.com

 

Burger Planet’s New Healthily Outlook

 

Gary, Indiana - November 12, 2010 - Burger Planet has enlisted popular fitness guru Jayne Petersen who will join forces with Corny the Clown in order to host nationwide events about healthy eating and activity events in support of Burger Plant’s new plan.

 

According to fitness guru Jayne Petersen, “Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson."

 

Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health. That is why she has been hired to launch a comprehensive program to assist those women in eating healthy. She will be featured in print and broadcast advertisements and will make appearances at Burger Planet franchises and at shopping malls around the country, doing healthy eating and activity events with Corny the Clown whose image has been revived.

 

Burger Planet has even added more healthy choices to the menu, while maintaining Burger Planet’s classical menu choices. Burger Planet offers customers the choice of ordering chicken and classic beef burgers without a bun, wrapped in lettuce, to make it a low-carb meal. Even with the bun, they have only 300 calories per sandwich. The menu has new choices of packaged fruit which come in five different types of fruit: Apples, grapes, peaches, pineapple, or bananas. No other competitors offer fruit as a substitute of fries without additional charges.

 

Burger Planet has enlisted the help of Jayne Petersen because of her experience with health and fitness. She has appeared on Opal Whitcomb's show more than a dozen times, preaching a message of moderation along with 20 minutes of walking per day. Women on her diet are allowed to eat whatever they want as long as that choice is only one of their meal items per day. She recently added beef to that list to stay current because of all the low-carb crazes.

 

Burger Planet was founded in 1934 by founder James Muellenbach I, who is now retired. Has served 52 billion customers and counting. At last count, had 8,921 franchises in every state and 17 countries; employs 48, 272 people and plans to maintain leader of the Quick Service Restaurant.

 

For more information contact: Sheerlan Jones 614-493-2630