Attachment 1 to December 1, 2002 letter to Fairfax County School Board

Books challenged at Groveton ES

Girl Goddess #9

The Rose and the Beast

Tenderness

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows all 3 of these books as being on the circulation shelves at Groveton ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows all 3 of these books (2 copies of one of them, 4 books total) as being on the circulation shelves at Groveton ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to these 3 books sent to Groveton ES.

10 November 2002 - Still have heard nothing by phone or in writing from Groveton ES.

11 November 2002 - Telephoned Principal Christine Lamb, unavailable, left message.

12 November 2002 - 9:00 AM called Principal Lamb, unavailable, in meeting. Talked to her secretary, left message. Secretary said principal would be in between 3:30PM and 5PM.

12 November 2002 - 3:30 PM called again, got secretary.

12 November 2002 - 4:45 PM called again, talked to Principal Lamb. From the start to the end of the conversation she was hostile, evasive and defensive. She said the books were “no longer there.” Told her we wanted a meeting and asked when she determined the books were “no longer there.” She said she received our letter on October 16, 2002 but did not check on books until the week of 29 October and “they were gone then” when “she checked shelves.” When asked if she talked to the librarian about the books she said no! In response to a question about why they were shown in the catalog system as being at Groveton ES she blamed “old computer systems.” for their inability to track. When we asked her how this explained it, since Groveton used the same simple internet based iBistro catalog system as other schools, she didn’t really answer.

When asked [twice] if she thought the books were stolen she said she didn’t want to say. When asked what could have happened she provided no answer. She stated she saw no purpose for the meeting we requested since the books were “not there.” When asked if she was refusing to meet with us she finally gave some possible dates to meet. After that she asked what we wanted to discuss at the meeting. We told her our concerns expressed in the material we sent her [Reg 3009.5 requirements], including specifically what had been the purpose of selecting these three books for the library originally, when they were purchased, the rationale for use, how many times they had been checked out, and when “lost.” She complained about all the time it would take to get this information. We told her other schools had done it without any problem and it was mostly all available easily through the library catalog system. Again she was asked didn’t Groveton use the same catalog system as other schools. She did not answer.

13 November 2002 - Called school and scheduled conference through secretary for November 20, 2002.

19 November 2002 - Principal Lamb called and said she was advised not to meet with us - no need since books “not there.” She said we have to go to a Mr. Paul Regnier through a Freedom of Information request with any questions we want answers to. When asked if the books had been stolen, she said “those are your words, not mine.” When asked if they were checked out and not returned she said “maybe.” When asked if the Groveton librarian could tell us she said “no.”

We said the books were there when we started this process and she said no the books were not there, the data base was wrong.

19 November 2002 - Called Principal Lamb. Was placed on hold. While on hold secretaries kept coming on line and asking if there was message to leave. Asked one of them what the principal was doing. The secretary said she had walked in and went right into her office with her secretary Mrs. Tabarini. We told the secretary we were talking to that this was important, principal Lamb knew it was important and it was interesting that it seemed like she didn’t want to talk. The secretary said she would interrupt the principal. She came back shortly and said Principal Lamb was in conference. We left message and had secretary read it back to make sure it was correct, and asked to be transferred to the librarian (Barbara Russell) but she was with a class. Message left was:

1 - As previously mutually agreed we would still like to meet with you on these 3 books at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Please reconsider your refusal to meet with us.

2- Since you refuse to meet with us on these three books we want to know who advised you not to meet with us.

19 November 2002 - Mrs. Tabarini from Groveton ES called and left message that our appointment for tomorrow was confirmed. Called her back and confirmed.

20 November 2002 - Met with Principal Lamb, Librarian Barbara Russell, and Reading Specialist Nan Martin. The principal was obnoxious and antagonistic from the start and through the meeting. As we were heading into the meeting room she shook both our hands with a used tissue in it! She said “books are no longer here. They are missing in action.” She refused to provide any information or answers to our questions. Told us to go to Mr. Paul Regnier with Freedom of Information request. Gave us telephone number and title on a sheet of paper. He is with the Office of Community Relations. She said her school has trouble with infrastructure and the computers sometimes crash in thunderstorms implying that that somehow had something to do with all these books being “missing in action.” The librarian said they used to have another catalog system but now have iBistro. [Note: All FCPS has had iBistro for sometime] The librarian said sometimes computers down - books checked out by hand. The librarian was very nervous.

We asked who told you not to provide any answers to our questions. She said it was Mr. Regnier. When asked to repeat that, she said that he requested that she not answer questions, but did not direct her not to do it. When asked if it was her that was making the final decision to not provide us the information she refused to answer. She said that Mr. Regnier said that since the books are “not here” there can be no challenge.

We asked why the catalog system had not been updated to reflect the books not being there since it now was over 3 weeks since they “knew” they were not there. Principal Lamb said the librarian spends her time on instruction, not cataloging.

We asked again where the books were but did not get an answer. We asked did the librarian purchase the books? The librarian looked scared and the principal interrupted before she could answer.

Since further action was desired, we submitted to Principal Lamb formal challenges to the three books in accordance with FCPS Reg 3009.5.

23 November 2002 - Received letter (dated 20 Nov 02) from Principal Lamb. It said the books “are not part of the library collection” at Groveton ES and the that they are working to correct the catalog “as quickly as possible.” The letter also said the books were “no longer part of our collection.” It said again that we must submit a request under the Freedom of Information Act. It noted that “if there are documents responsive to your request, [there will be] search and copying fees.” The letter informed us we cannot challenge any of these books since they are “not part of the... library collection.” It also stated that the Superintendent has imposed a moratorium on new challenges and that she cannot accept new challenges until the School Board issues a revised policy.

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Books challenged at Rocky Run MS

Beloved

The Bluest Eye

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows all 3 of these books as being on the circulation shelves at Rocky Run MS. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows all 3 of these books as being on the circulation shelves at Rocky Run MS. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to these 3 books sent to Rocky Run MS.

26 October 2002 - Letter (dated 24 Oct 02) received from Rocky Run Principal Daniel Meier inviting us to call and set up conference.

5 November 2002 - Talked to Principal Meier and scheduled meeting for November 11 2002.

11 November 2002 - Conference with Principal Meier and the librarian (Mrs. Geiger). Was told by the librarian that all these books were in the “professional collection” and not accessible to students. She said that in Spring of 2002 all these books had been moved to the professional section. She said that Beloved and The Bluest Eye were purchased so that “African American teachers could read them”. She said that The Perks of Being a Wallflower purpose was “professional” and that it was a “great book.” When asked about the original rational for its purchase she only would say “was purchased for teachers.” When asked when purchased she said she didn’t know.

When informed we had records from when we had initiated the challenge process, and even going back to the summer, showing that iBistro had the books not as professional, but rather in circulation she appeared nervous and upset. When asked why the iBistro records showed as in circulation for students, she could not explain. The principal could not explain this either.

After this discussion Principal Meier said that The Perks of Being a Wallflower had actually been moved to the professional section after the challenge process was initiated. He reiterated that the original use for all 3 books was “purchase for professional use.” When asked if he thought the books were appropriate for MS students he indicated that it seemed “too much, not appropriate.”

At this time the conference required by FCPS Reg 3009.5 was concluded.

This FCPS regulation states that if after the conference the complainant “desires further action” that they must take steps to begin the “formal challenge process.”

Since further action was desired, in accordance with FCPS Reg 3009.5 Para III. D., Attachment C’s of the same regulation was submitted to the principal initiating the “beginning of the formal challenge process” on these 3 books. He wrote on all 3 challenges Rec’d 11/11/02 and signed and gave us a copy.

22 November 2002 - Letter (dated 18 Nov 02) received from Rocky Run Principal Daniel Meier. The letter said that we had been informed that two of the books “have always been located in our professional library and that they were never available to students.” It said the third book had originally been placed in the general section of the library but had since been removed and placed in the “professional library.” Since the three books were all [now] not available to students the principal would not accept the challenges since there were “no grounds.”

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Book challenged at Shrevewood ES

Note: Previously submitted challenge at Sunrise Valley ES

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Sunrise Valley ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Sunrise Valley ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to this book [and another book] was sent to Sunrise Valley ES.

18 October 2002 - Telephone conversation with Sunrise Valley Principal Christine Brogan. She said both the books challenged at her school were not at the school. She was informed we had iBistro catalog record that they were there and asked her if that was a mistake. She would not answer this directly. She hedged and said “they are not used at my school.” When asked if they were in the library she didn’t answer the question; she said again “they are not being used.” When asked if she thought these books were appropriate for elementary school she said they were not. When it was requested that she meet with us she refused. Conversation ended with the principal saying she would “look for [the] books” and call us back next week.. She was very hostile throughout the whole telephone conversation.

22 October 2002 - Letter (dated 21 Oct 02) received from Sunrise Valley Principal Brogan stating that this book was not used at her school and that it was erroneously listed in the catalog. She said she had taken steps to correct this miscataloging. She also stated this about the other book we initiated the challenge process with at Sunrise Valley ES. At that time we thought occasionally mistakes might be made regarding cataloging. [Since that time we have learned that books not really there, miscataloged, lost, etc. are extremely likely to occur when a challenge is involved.] Since she refused to accept our two challenges at Sunrise Valley, and it seemed it was at least possible it might be an honest miscataloging mistake, we submitted the two challenges [separately] to other elementary schools. The one for I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings went to Shrevewood ES.

28 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to this book sent to Shrevewood ES.

4 November 2002 - Received telephone call from Principal McCoy. She said she had received our letter. She said the book was not accessible to children, it was in “library office.” When asked if she would send a letter saying the book was in the library office and not accessible to students, she said she would. When asked if the “library office” was the “professional” library she said no, it was not. She said she would be happy to have a meeting.

5 November 2002 - Telephoned principal McCoy and scheduled conference.

8 November 2002 - Received letter (dated 5 Nov 02) form Principal McCoy stating book was in library office and not in circulation to students.

11 November 2002 - Conference with Principal McCoy. Went over some of previous conversation. Told her we wanted the book removed from all ES and MS libraries and that the regulation said that a challenge of that type should (in accordance with FCPS Reg 3009.5) be sent up by her to DIT. After the conference, since further action was desired , we submitted to Principal McCoy a formal challenge to the book in accordance with FCPS Regulation.

19 November 2002 - Received letter (dated 12 Nov 02) from Principal McCoy stating that “it did not appear there are grounds for a challenge because the book is not in circulation here.”

21 November 2002 - Called principal McCoy and left message.

22 November 2002 - Telephone conversation with Principal McCoy. Said she was told there was “no challenge since not in circulation.” She refused to tell us who told her this. She said call the Lacy Center and ask for Nancy Sprague or Pat Fege. She did not have their telephone numbers. When asked if this book had been purchased with taxpayer funds, she said it was so long ago she did not remember but also said that it may have been donated since sometimes they have “used book sales.” It was unclear to us if all donated books or just some would be placed in the library catalog system. It was also unclear to us if all donated books, or just some, would be placed in the “library office”, or on the student circulation shelves.

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Book challenged at Waynewood ES

Fallen Angels

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Waynewood ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Waynewood ES . We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to this book sent to Waynewood ES.

24 October 2002 - Called Waynewood ES, left message with Principal Coughlan.

24 October 2002 - Principal Coughlan called back and said the librarian had pulled the book. We asked her to send something in writing saying this. She was unclear on if she would do this. [Note: We never got this from her]

11 November 2002 - Left message for principal, was informed she has been sick..

12 November 2002 - Left message on Principal Coughlan’s voice mail requesting meeting, noted that this was 3rd call.

13 November 2002 - Called Waynewood. Secretary said principal was busy but would call back later that day.

14 November 2002 - Called Waynewood, left message on voice mail. Principal called back later that day and arranged for meeting on Nov 21, 2002.

?? November 2002 - Principal called and changed meeting to Nov 26, 2002.

21 November 2002 - Principal called and said there was no need to meet since the book had been removed at her school. We said we were glad it had been removed but still wanted meeting. She said there can be no challenge to a book not there. She said that she was told this by Susan Thornally (sp?), “one of the library people.” We told Principal Coughlan that the book was at your school when the challenge process was initiated and it is at other schools and we are requesting it be removed from all FCPS ES and MS. Told her that she was violating the FCPS regulation. She said she was told not to meet. We asked if she was refusing to meet with us. She said yes, was told not to meet. Asked again that as we had previously requested that she tell us in writing that this book had been removed from Waynewood ES. She said she would call Mrs. Thornally the next day and ask her if she could do that. She said she would call us back.

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Book challenged at Lanier MS

Shogun

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Lanier MS. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Lanier MS . We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to this book sent to Lanier MS.

16 October 2002 - Secretary for Principal Noonan calls and said they had received our certified letter

17 October 2002 - Secretary for Principal Noonan calls and sets up 23 Oct meeting.

23 October 2002 - Met with Principal Peter Noonan, Asst. Principal Sharon Eisenberg and Librarian Jan Rice. Principal said all excerpts must have page numbers. Said that he just found that out today. We asked when today. Principal wouldn’t say. We complained why didn’t you call us, you dragged us out here just to tell us this, and didn’t call or leave message or anything. The principal looked uncomfortable.

Librarian Rice said the book was not checked out a lot, we are allowed choice, students have right to read what they want. We said we understood this, lots of books outside school library [public library, public bookstore, etc.], but this book was in school library. We asked if this meant anything could be in a school library, at any age. We did not get answer. The purpose of the book was explained as “choice reading” and “historical fiction of life in Japan.” We asked for a copy of the school specific book collection policy. They said they would mail it to us. They said this book was not only in Lanier MS but in others. Librarian Rice said every school has collections with “no specific rationale for choice books.” She also said she was not here when this book was selected, but it was appropriate. She talked some more about “free choice.”

We asked again when Principal Noonan heard today that page numbers were required. We also asked who told him this. He would not answer. We asked again and still no answer.

Since further action was desired, we submitted to Principal Noonan a formal challenge to the book in accordance with FCPS Reg 3009.5. He initialed that he received it and gave us a copy.

26 October 2002 - Received letter (dated 23 Oct 02) form Principal Noonan saying he could not initiate challenge until page numbers were included.

11 November 2002 - Submitted challenge again with page numbers included [by mail]. In letter stated we still had not received a copy of the Lanier MS specific library collection policy he had promised, and asked if it would be forthcoming soon.

29 November 2002 - Received letter (dated 26 Nov 02) signed by Principal Noonan and Librarian Rice stating “Upon further consideration we have decided that we will no longer keep a copy of [the book] on the shelves at Lanier.” It did not mention the copies in the other schools and did not say our challenge was going forward as required by the regulation when requesting removal from all ES and MS libraries.

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Book challenged at Oakton ES

A Time For Dancing

July 27 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Oakton ES. We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - FCPS iBistro Library catalog shows this book as being on the circulation shelves at Oakton ES . We have record of this.

13 October 2002 - Letter initiating challenge to this book sent to Oakton ES.

17 October 2002 - Principal Acuff called, said she had received our letter. Said she “cannot find book” and asked how we knew it was in school. We said it was in catalog there and other elementary and middle schools. Based on what we had sent she said it was inappropriate and needs to go. She said they will look for book, look into situation and call back. She thanked us.

24 October 2002 - Called Oakton ES, principal out. Later in day called again, left message with Principal Acuff.

24 October 2002 - Principal called back, said she has committee reading book but she has read enough to know she “doesn’t want it.” We tentatively arranged conference for Oct 30. She called back later to confirm.

30 October 2002 - 11:00AM: Principal Acuff called and said she had “pulled book” and there was no need for the meeting later that day. We explained that the book was in other elementary and middle schools and since we were challenging the use countywide in ES and MS per the regulation she needed to send the challenge up to the DIT no matter what she did in her school. She said she can’t do that... it was “out of her school and out of her hands.” The conversation ended. Called her back a little while later. She was abrupt but agreed to meet for 30 minutes and that is all. She said she can’t do anything and “she had talked to the superintendent about it and it is done at her school.”

30 October 2002 - We met with Principal Acuff. She was polite and professional. She said (again) that she had removed the book. She said, “Don’t know why it was here, but maybe for advanced readers.” She said the “book was rough.” She said the DIT has “all our challenges.”

Since further action was desired, we submitted to Principal Acuff a formal challenge to the book in accordance with FCPS Reg 3009.5. She initialed (and dated) that she received it and gave us a copy.

1 December 2002 - Still have not heard anything back from Principal Acuff

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Note: As of today [December 1, 2002] we have not been contacted regarding these book challenges by anybody in FCPS except for those in the local schools.