Parents were blocked from the Official School Public Facebook Page: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/s3qQ3659qTrHnYyr6

That link is a video sharing the blocking of parents from the Facebook page. 

On Monday, March 25th an update was posted to the Smoke Rise Elementary School's Public Facebook page regarding a personal accolade that Principal McCloud received in a different County and City in Georgia. I posted a comment that did not break any code of conduct rules, I congratulated the Principal for her personal accolade. I said I was confused how this moves the needle for our school being how it is in another community. Additionally, I said, I would love to learn more about how this connects with our school. Shortly after posting the comment, two people were blocked from accessing the Smoke Rise Public School Public Facebook Page. Both of us Latinas. One of us a previous parent and one of us a current parent. Now, you may or may not know this - but it is a direct violation of the 1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech. This is part of the job as a Public Employee.  If you want more details on what this really means- I'd recommend reviewing the recent case of Davison vs Randall. 

Now, if you have no awareness of what has been going on for the last few years -- I can completely understand how this just looks like the parents are being petty. I get that. However, living what we have been living and watching scare tactics, unprofessionalism and violation of laws happening -- it is really hard to just stay quiet. 

Now, I have nothing to lose, my kid is a smart kid, we are in a well off neighborhood and I speak English along with speaking Spanish. However, if this is happening to me - what about to those that don't live in affluent neighborhoods and can't defend themselves because of their culture, background, experiences, or language barriers? Or worse, those that do not have time to volunteer and be as involved because work doesn't allow them the opportunity? 

So, I am here to do it for my kid and your kid. I have another kid that will need to be in Pre-K before long - and my hope is that by then, we are in a better place, with a much better leader.