Testimonials in support of Bert Wartski and Anne Thompson

Accounts of first-hand experiences with these teachers throughout the years from parents, students, and faculty alike. These are stories of how Wartski’s education literally saved a life and Thompson’s dedication to the school has

changed the lives and perspectives of many great students. These are the stories of two of the best teachers in the world.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

"Mr. Wartski is, by far, the best science teacher I have had in both my middle school and high school careers. No teacher has pushed me so far in order to reach my full potential like he has. He brings both challenges and fun to AP Biology. He teaches discipline and independence to his students. Furthermore, if I did not have him as my AP Biology teacher, I definitely would not have as much interest in biology as I do now. Thanks to him, I now know what I want to pursue in the future: medicine. There are certain teachers that students of Chapel Hill High must have before they graduate in order to experience what Chapel Hill High has to offer to the fullest, and Mr. Wartski is definitely one of these teachers. Mr. Wartski and his AP Biology class are irreplaceable parts of the Chapel Hill High School experience."

~Nicole Chang, CHHS Class of 2013

"Mrs. Thompson was one of the bet teachers I've ever had. She definitely prepares her students for college and a new way of thinking. I really enjoyed her class. It was a lot of work at times but I feel extremely prepared for college reading and writing because of this. She is an amazing teacher and her class was one of my favorites. I think everyone should have a chance to be in her English class as she is one of the best teachers at Chapel Hill. Transferring a teacher as great as Mrs. Thompson is unfair to her and future students."

~Geneva Walata, CHHS Class of 2012

“My name is Alex Marcheschi, and I am a member of the CHHS class of 2009. I am 21 years old, and I have just completed the first year of the PharmD program at Midwestern University. I am not exaggerating when I say 90% of my success is attributed solely to the influence Mr. Wartski had on my life.

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During my high school career I was a rebellious student. I wouldn’t study for any tests, I would complete homework assignments during class, and my only goal was to get out of the school system as fast as possible. 

In my junior year I elected to take AP Biology in an attempt to find a class that interested me and could be a challenge. The first day of school, Mr. Wartski made a significant impression on me. His demeanor, his teaching style, and his echoing voice let me know I wasn’t going to be able to just mess around and skate through his class. He demanded a tremendous amount of work from his students, and tested our knowledge frequently.

I also remember how he would come up with nicknames for most of the class, and it helped lighten the mood and make attending his class more personal. He would always play Beatles music during down time or while we were working on an assignment, which always made the work seem easier. There were a couple of times when I felt too sick to be present for full day of school, but no matter what I would attend the two periods of AP Bio because I didn’t think any excuse was good enough to miss his class.Another aspect of his course I enjoyed was how advanced some of the labs were.

Working with micropipettes, conducting experiments involving electrophoresis, and learning how to use a spectrophotometer allowed me to develop invaluable skills that I continue to use in the laboratory at pharmacy school. There are many students at Midwestern University who are learning these skills for the first time, while I gained experience four years earlier.

At the conclusion of his class I had learned how to study, what hard work felt like, and of course I became an expert in biology. I felt confident with every single answer I put on the AP exam and easily earned a 5. Even later than that, I took the PCAT (A requirement for applying to pharmacy school) and scored in the 80th percentile on the biology section. Not too impressive of a score, but I took the test after only one year of college and the only biology I had learned at that point was what Mr. Wartski taught me two years earlier. On top of that, I relied on Mr. Wartski to write a letter of recommendation for me when applying to college and grad school. He came through both times with absolutely no hesitation.

Mr. Wartski is absolutely the best teacher I had during my four years at Chapel Hill High School. If I never took his class, I am not sure where I would be today. He is the perfect teacher to reach out to a student like me and get them set on the right track. Transferring him is a crime against all of the students he would teach if he could stay at CHHS. He has earned his place at that school, and if that is where he wants to teach, that is where he should stay. Nothing is accomplished by forcing him to go work at East, and he deserves to be treated better than that. He is not a tool for the school board to use as they please.”

~Alex Marcheschi, Class of 2009

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"Though I am no longer a student at CHHS I can say that Mr. Wartski really touched my life. He is one of the few teachers that I have had that showed that he truly cared about each student, even those who were not top performers. He showed a special interest in every one of his students and he was an excellent teacher. He made sure that he was available at all times for support, tutoring, advice or anything that was needed. He did not mind speaking to parents directly or doing whatever was necessary to help a student reach their maximum potential in their academics. While in his class I really felt like I mattered and he cared about how well I performed. Even now that I am in college I would visit him and know that he would be happy to see me and welcome me." 

~Samaria Farrar, CHHS Class of 2009

"I was one of the students who took AP Biology their sophomore year. Most people argued that we were too young and immature to deal with the workload, but Mr. Wartski let us take his class if we thought we were ready. I knew that I would be fine academically because he teaches in a way that makes it easy to succeed if you truly want to. I believe that anyone can get an A in his class and a 5 on the AP exam if they put the work in, because that is what he wants for his students. He truly wants his students to learn and to succeed. I knew all of this before I entered his class and believed it even more fully once I had completed it. As a first-year in college, I took second level biology (for those who had already gotten a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam), and did not have to study for one exam. Not only did I learn in Mr. Wartski's class, I also retained the information through my junior and senior years in high school and remembered it once I got to college.

"Most of his students can attest to the fact that he is indeed one of the best teachers that CHHS has. Many people that have not even taken his class can attest to that. What I did not know before going into his class was what a truly kind person he is. His tough attitude is no more than skin deep. When my life fell apart half way through sophomore year, he is the teacher who made me feel unexpectedly safe and cared for. Many teachers tried to pry into my business and many others simply turned the other way. When I came into Mr. Wartski’s class crying, however, he waited until the other students were focusing on their own work before bringing me a pile of tissues. After that day, he was always quietly there for me if I needed it, both through the end of that year and through the rest of my high school years. Is that not all you could ever ask for from a teacher?"

~Kaela Cogswell, CHHS Class of 2011

Wartski's class was by far the most well taught class I took at CHHS. I am now a sophomore in college and the information he taught me is still being covered in my

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core biology courses. His comprehensive coverage of material has put me far ahead of many of my classmates. Moving Wartski to a different school will not only build resentment among the student body towards administration, it also sends a message that silencing critical opinions is more important than excellent teaching. Wartski's opinions never interfered with the education he was providing his students. If the School Board's true focus was on the students of CHCCS, they would realize that removing one of Chapel Hill's most well-regarded teachers is what will actually contribute to a negative and hostile environment."

~Haley Hegedus, CHHS Class of 2011

"After travelling with Mrs. Thompson on two EF trips and spending countless hours getting advice from her over the years I have only positive things to say. She is one of the strongest women I have ever met who will fight for what is in the best interest for those she cares most about: her students. Spending 2-week long vacations with her proved that she will defend her students and will always encourage them to do their best. She has motivated me to excel in college and it is thanks to her and her husband that I have faith in myself to have a successful future. She is full of knowledge about not just English but every subject and never ceased to add her tidbits of information throughout our treks of Europe. Seeing this happen to such an undeserving woman makes me want to fight as strong for her as she does for her students to see a just final result."

~Amanda Thompson, CHHS Class of 2011

“Though I never had the pleasure of taking Mr. Wartski's AP Biology class (as an engineer I opted for physics instead), I still consider him an integral part of Chapel Hill High School. The many friends I have that were lucky enough to have him as a teacher, absolutely loved him and would all say the same.

In my time at CHHS I had some okay teachers, some great teachers and a few truly amazing teachers. Those amazing teachers pushed me outside my comfort zone and forced me to think harder and work harder than I was accustom to. However what really separated them from their peers was how apparent it was that they cared about their students— in the subject they taught and in life. 

These are the teachers who arrive before the first bell and leave well after the school day has ended. They support their students in the classroom but more importantly they help prepare them for the world beyond high school. These are the teachers that every student wants to hug at graduation. They are the teachers past students come back to visit. The impact they have doesn't end at 3:50pm, it doesn't end when school lets out for summer vacation, and it doesn't end when students graduate and grow up. They are

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what make Chapel Hill High School one of the best schools in North Carolina.

Mr. Wartski is one of those amazing teachers and deserves to remain a Tiger, not a wildcat. As I said before, I never had the pleasure of having him as a teacher but I was lucky enough to work with him as a speaker at my graduation. Even with that small interaction, it was abundantly clear how passionate he is about everything he does. He motivates students to be great at what they do whatever that is, and will not settle for an underwhelming display of effort. This is a lesson that resonates beyond the classroom and will serve students long after they forget the stages of mitosis.

I am begging you all to reconsider the involuntary transfer of Mr. Wartski. Don't take away one of the teachers that makes me and so many other students proud to call Chapel High Hill School our alma mater.”

~Katherine Jeraschek, CHHS Class of 2010

“I had Mrs. Thompson as my English teacher my senior year of high school in 2006-2007.  She not only was a great teacher but she is a great person as well.  She provided many wonderful class activities and helped all of her students learn the best she knew how.  Mrs. Thompson also provides spring break trips each year for students, teachers and parents to go on through the Educational Foundation tours.  I went with her on a trip for spring break of 2007, which happened to be the same year that our cruise ship sank on our trip and we lost everything.  Mrs. Thompson made sure that all of the students and parents who went on the trip were taken care of the best way possible and helped them stay in touch with their loved ones at home.  That was a trip of a lifetime for me and many others despite the fact that our ship sank, and we all made the most of the situation.  These trips provide a great way for students to see the world, learn and experience new cultures, get to know each other and to know her better.  

My experience in her class and with her on spring break really helped impact who I am as a person.  I learned a great deal about English through her class as well as had fun while I was learning.  Mrs. Thompson goes above and beyond her duty as a teacher for CHHS, by meeting with students outside of class time to assist them in any way possible and by providing these spring break trips to help students learn in ways that are not possible in the classroom.  Chapel Hill High School would lose a teacher who cares about her students and their success if she were to be transferred. Mrs. Thompson wants to remain at CHHS and I believe that it would be a mistake to send a teacher like her elsewhere and take her away from the students, faculty, and parents of a place that she loves.”

~Kathryn Small, CHHS Class of 2007

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“I don’t think I learned or worked as hard in any other class in high school. Wartski motivates his students to work to their potential while making any topic interesting. I always felt like he really “got” high schoolers… which is saying a lot. His enthusiasm for biology was infectious and was a huge reason I ended up getting a BA in biology, which subsequently led to my current pursuit of a PhD in plant biology. I often think about his class when I think about the kind of teacher I want to be someday.” 

~Katie Putney, CHHS Class of 2006

"Although I never had the opportunity of having Ms. Thompson as a teacher, she was one of the few teachers that really influenced my life during high school and continues to help me today. For two straight years I went on her annual spring break trip for juniors and seniors and it was these trips that really strengthened our relationship. She is one of the only teachers that takes students on these trips every year to coincide with the curriculum and to bond with students because while we travel the world with her we are able to both bond with a teacher on a personal level and learn about the countries we visit as she draws from her extensive knowledge of every subject. Even though I was never in her class, I could always come and talk to her at any time to get help with my own English class or just to talk. The fact that she has been deemed a negative influence to the school is egregiously false and appalling. Ms. Thompson cares so much for her students that she is willing to speak out to the administration when she feels something is wrong and will hinder the education experience and opportunities her students have. She is one of the few teachers at Chapel Hill High School that challenges and truly cares for her students."

~Clare Greene, 2011

“I believe that I was very fortunate to have Mr. Wartski as a teacher at CHHS, and I believe that his outlook on teaching was always that a student should be given every opportunity to succeed and learn the material that he presented. I never saw his style as negative, and he only became angry when a student acted in a blatantly lazy way and yet questioned the poor grades that they had received. As long as the student did not show him disrespect, he showed nothing but the utmost care and attention to each and every student.

The only real complaint that I ever heard from classmates was that his class was hard. I personally think that a class at that level should be challenging, and I never had a problem with this fact, despite the amount of work that I did for his class. In fact, while I have not touched a biology book in two years and have no real plans on pursuing biology in college, I have found that I can still answer some of the most detailed questions from his class. That ability to instill lasting knowledge in students can be attributed to few teachers that I have had. It takes a special teacher to be able to do that. I have always thought that Mr. Wartski was one of the best teachers that I have ever had at communicating ideas.

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Two years ago, I went to him seeking a recommendation as part of my application to the NC School of Science and Mathematics, which you may be familiar with as the state-funded public high school in Durham that is geared towards excellence in science and mathematics education. His immediate response was to question my motive for leaving, saying that the science department at CHHS was far superior to that at NCSSM. Even so, he did everything in his power to write the best possible recommendation for me, and I believe that his involvement in my application was one of the key components that allowed me to gain entrance in one of the best public high schools in the country. While he did everything possible to help me succeed, he constantly questioned my reasons for leaving, constantly praising CHHS and its programs. Even when I returned to visit, he would shake his head at me for leaving. That kind of advocate for the school is necessary and essential to CHHS, and would be sorely missed.

As a soon-to-be-registered voter, I seriously doubt the ability of any official who would support the relocation of these teachers, and I would actively express my concerns to as many fellow voters as possible. It's time that we set a precedent by supporting our teachers and rewarding them for their hard work, hopefully showing bright young minds that they would have the support of their superiors, if they were to pursue a career in education. If more districts would do that, politicians wouldn't have to spend time attempting to fix the education system in this country. Better-qualified teachers would be bred, and the system would fix itself.

Thank you for listening to my opinion on the matter, and I hope that you will choose the path that will truly benefit CHHS the most.

Sincerely,

Jaret Dawson

CHHS Student, 2009-2010

NC School of Science and Mathematics '12”

“I am writing to offer my unconditional support to retain Bert Wartski at Chapel Hill High School.  I am a 2011 valedictorian of CHHS, now studying at Tufts University. Bert Wartski taught me AP Biology, and he is the most dedicated, hardworking teacher I have ever had.  He takes enormous pride in the work he performs at CHHS and has shown unwavering dedication and loyalty to CHHS, both inside and outside his subject.  Bert Wartski deserves the same loyalty from CHHS and the school board and should be allowed to retain his position at CHHS. Loss of Bert Wartski would be devastating to the CHHS community. 

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Additionally, Bert Wartski has stood for me as a profound model of character.  He led the CHHS chapter of the National Honor Society while I was a member, and he impressed on me that one’s values are never to be compromised.  Frankly I think a non-voluntary transfer would be shameful after everything he has contributed to CHHS.  Bert Wartski is an iconic part of the school.”

~Kayley Abell-Hart, Valedictorian, CHHS Class of 2011

"I have been on both the Varsity Field Hockey and Varsity Lacrosse teams here at Chapel Hill High School since I was a freshman. Since most of the kids were older than me, I would always listen to them talk about the advanced classes they were taking and how heavy their workload was. Being the baby on the team and just starting at this new school I found this terrifying. However, they would always say that one class was definitely worth the amount of work they put into it. That's Wartski's AP Bio class. During stretches before practice and those long, never ending warm-up laps we would always end up having deep conversations about something weird or interesting the older girls learned that day in AP Biology. My interest grew in the class the following year. On the field.hockey team I am the "Flyer" on the defensive corners. That means that burst out of the goal straight towards the offender hitting the ball straight at me- a pretty dangerous job. One day at practice we were working on this and the ball smashed my fingers! Some seniors rushed me up to the trainer’s room, to find that the trainer had left with the football team to an away game. I was beginning to feel nauseous and the girls remembered everything that they learned from Biology class the previous year to keep me from passing out in the trainer’s room before my mom arrived to take me to the ER. After that happened I REALLY wanted to take his class. I thought it was awesome that they remembered what they learned in his class to use in a real emergency an entire year later! That is definitely not true with most classes. I have been waiting patiently to take this class for two years now, and was very upset when I heard about his potential transfer. He has already made a lasting impression on me and I haven't even met him! Also, his class is known for your ability to achieve a good grade as long as you truly work hard and I think we need more classes like that at CHHS.  I also heard a rumor that one of the main reasons he was going to be moved was that people were afraid that his outspoken nature would make finding a new principal difficult. I don't know if its true but personally I believe that there will be outspoken teachers at school, and it is the principal’s job to manage it. Plus, it's good to have some teachers interested in the good of the students. In Civics and Economics this year we learned all about first amendment rights, and it seems like Mr. Wartski is being punished for his right to free speech. After memorizing those gazillion court cases I can tell you with full confidence that that isn't fair or legal. Please reconsider the movement of Mr. Wartski from our school. It is the class I am most excited to take this year! I appreciate your time and consideration. Thank you."

~Rebecca Heine, CHHS Class of 2014

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"I was one of the few students to have Mr. Wartski for general biology and AP Biology. His classes were the most engaging, structured, enjoyable, and meaningful of any I have ever had. In addition to teaching me about biology, he taught me how to be a good student. I learned incredible note taking techniques, and how an efficient work ethic is the way to succeed. The mentorship he gave me, and still gives me to this day, is something I hope every future Chapel Hill High student gets the opportunity to experience. I always knew Mr. Wartski was acting in the best interest of his students. I hope you appreciate the profound impact he can have in someone’s life."

~Michael Rockman, CHHS Class of 2011

“Not only was Mr. Wartski the best science teacher I ever had, but he was easily the best teacher of how to prepare for school beyond high school. I learned more from his AP Biology class than I did in most of my first year college science classes combined (after placing out of the entry level ones). He motivates students and keeps them excited and engaged like no one else I have interacted with while also enforcing no nonsense redirection for those that stray off task. He is an essential asset to Chapel Hill High School not only in the classroom, but as a part of the faculty and the school fabric as a whole. Like so many others, Mr. Wartski played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue science as a career. I hope that he will continue to mentor and inspire students at Chapel Hill High School for years to come.”

~Steven Pattishall, MD, CHHS Valedictorian, Class of 2002

“I graduated from CHHS in 2004 and had 2 older sisters that also spent four years there. Thanks to urgent recommendation I had the privilege of taking Mr. Wartski's class, and he proved an incredible teacher -- my friends will tell you I can still recite an unreasonable collection of biology facts.

Students who have walked the halls of CHHS understand its imposing atmosphere. Almost no one possesses an ability like Mr. Wartski to connect to its students, and it is tragic to hear about these circumstances.

Not only am I embarrassed by the disrespect my school shows to a cornerstone of its history, I'm saddened to see us shoot ourselves in the foot by removing a jewel of an asset. I'm also appalled that the revolving door of incompetent CHHS administrators would be blamed on one of its strongest teachers ever. 

As only the great teachers do, Mr. Wartski gives his students the tools not only to participate in society, but to influence it. In addition to his

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commitment to his classroom, Mr. Wartski cultivates community between the school walls. He understands what the faculty and students need to create a positive learning environment and puts his neck out for them. He is a leader.

Every example he sets is admirable and effective. He has honesty and integrity, and has proven that time and time again in the battlefield of high school teaching. More than two decades of teaching in Los Angeles and Chapel Hill is unparalleled experience that demands respect.

Mr. Wartski is an irreplaceable role model. It's no secret there is an uproar as a result of what's happened, and that's because he has inspired so many people.”

~Daniel Becton, CHHS Class of 2004

“My name is Angelica Hinchman and I am currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It has come to my attention that a beloved CHHS teacher is being transferred and I can’t imagine why. Mr. Wartski has played such a crucial role not only in my life, but in all the students at CHHS. He not only helps plan Project Graduation, but the graduation ceremony itself. I’ve seen him assist the valid Victorians prepare their speeches for graduation day. But these are all fairly minor roles in comparison to his role as an educator. I first met Mr. Wartski in my AP Biology class my sophomore year in high school. The beginning of the semester was definitely a struggle to say the least. I was the youngest student in the class, and quite frankly, probably one of the laziest. Mr. Wartski had high expectations for his entire class, including me. So, when asked him how I could improve my grades he took the time to help me. He told me what he expected from me, how to be thorough, and how to improve my study habits. I am proud to say that at after following his recommendations by the end of the year I not only walked away with a 5 on my AP test, but also an inspired love for biology. I immediately applied to volunteer in a UNC genetics research lab that summer and have been working in research ever since. I am now a lab technician at the University of Wisconsin Public Health Neurosurgery department, a certified lab animal surgeon and a published author. There is no way that I could have gotten this far without his help. To remove him from CHHS irresponsible. You will be robbing future students from having the same experience and opportunities that I have had. After seeing him unify so many people, teachers, current students, alumnae and parents alike, who are all passionate about keeping him at CHHS, I hope you can see how influential he truly is. CHHS simply cannot afford to lose an educator like Mr. Wartski.”

~Angelica Hinchman, CHHS Class of 2010

“Everything Wartski does is for his students.  If he argues a point vehemently, it is because he thinks something will impede his ability to teach or his

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students' ability to learn.  His attitude and style of teaching has created a great learning environment at Chapel Hill for all students. He's a Chapel Hill legend and transferring him would be detrimental to Chapel Hill's academic environment. We need more teachers like him who are dedicated to their students' success and learning over anything else. I had Wartski for AP Biology my junior year and the class was both exciting and well taught. We need Wartski at CHHS.”

~Hannah Blackburn, CHHS Class of 2013

“Today I had the opportunity to tour a drug discover lab at Duke University. As I explored the area, I was able to converse with the researchers about restrictive endonucleases and RFLPs. I understood the advanced science diagrams that outlined how a brain slice can reveal the synapses and dendrites of a neuron. And best of all, I actually truly enjoyed and was thrilled by every single part of it (which is impressive because I have NO desire whatsoever to go into a science career). All of the above, though, is thanks to Bert Wartski.

When I heard that Mr. Wartski might be transferred to the horrendous school that is ECHHS (Come on, I'm a Tiger. I can't write that without spitting upon the name of my former rival school), I was devastated. I am a recent graduate and the memory of Wartski's presence and impact at CHHS will forever be imprinted in my mind (in the hippocampus region to be exact).

Ever since I was a freshman walking into my freshman bio class next door, I knew that I wanted to take Wartski's AP Biology class. Every single student who had him talked about how challenging he was, but also how much they learned. As the years went by, it seemed like I wouldn't have the Chapel Hill High School experience if I skipped out on the chance to take his class.

And all of that is true. Wartski is probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. Not only did I learn more in his class than my last two years of science combined, but I still retain a ton of that information as well! There is no doubting his ability as an excellent teacher.

But Mr. Wartski's impact is far greater than simply educating the next wave of scientifically aware students. He has dedicated countless hours to improving our school and protecting what students hold dear. From graduation to the SIT, Wartski cares deeply about the quality of our school. He knows CHHS has more to show and he is pushing for that excellence. What school would want to lose that type of advocate?

Finally, Mr. Wartski is Chapel Hill High School. While he might not be loved by all, removing one teacher from our school is going to do FAR more damage to the psyche of the student body and staff than it will help the few offended by his actions. (Personally I don't think transferring is even an effective option for such an outspoken

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person. It seems silly to think you can silence or change Mr. Wartski by moving him to a different location. But I digress). 

Many students feel like CHHS is in decline, especially with so many administrative and faculty change ups that have seemed to decrease the quality of one's education. We are tired of seeing this instability and ineptitude at a level we are supposed to place trust in. Removing Mr. Wartski, one of the MUST-HAVE teachers of our school, is only going to worsen the problem.

As someone who's life was personally changed by Mr. Wartski, I ask that you keep him at a school that he loves and one where he is not just wanted, but needed. Please do not corrupt the experience for students who follow. I honestly don't think I would love CHHS as much as I do if it weren't for him. Our teachers define this school. I kindly ask that you repeal any decision that would damage this identity.”

~Kristen Powers, CHHS Class of 2012

“As a recently graduated student of Chapel Hill High School and a former student of Anne Thompson, I am shocked and bewildered by the news that she is to be transferred to another school. Mrs. Thompson is an amazing English teacher who cares about nothing more than her students. My experience with Mrs. Thompson was inspirational, educational and unforgettable. She always made the learning experience interesting and fun. Every day I found myself anticipating what we would learn next in English. She taught us not only the curriculum, but also what we could learn from the mistakes of the characters in the novels we read. She has impacted my life not only in an educational way, but in a more permanent way with the life lessons she taught me by lecture and demonstration in her everyday outlook on life. She cares and looks out for her students academically and personally. She’s been a trustworthy and dependable teacher I could go to if I ever needed help. For example, I was stuck in a teacher’s assistant position where the teacher didn’t want, appreciate, or even like me. Mrs. Thompson was understanding and let me join her study hall class so I could leave that terrible situation. She was a person who was willing to listen and help me when I needed her most. It’s situations like this where Mrs. Thompson affects the environment of Chapel Hill High School in such a positive way, that it would be a disservice to the rest of the students at CHHS if she were to be transferred. The future seniors of this high school will miss a great opportunity to learn under one of the best teachers I have ever had. I can’t imagine CHHS without Mrs. Thompson, and no one should ever have to do so.”

~Kalli J. Smith, CHHS Class of 2012

“I had the privilege of being in Mrs. Thompson’s Honors English IV class in the past school year, and also had the opportunity to travel with her to Greece as a

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member of the student travel group that she led during the spring break of the 2011-2012 school year. I believe that Mrs. Thompson is a valuable asset to Chapel Hill High School, and I hope that she can remain there so other students can have the same positive learning experience that I have enjoyed. 

Among the many of Mrs. Thompson’s outstanding characteristics are her knowledge, compassion for students, inclusiveness, and dedication to her profession. Mrs. Thompson has an expansive knowledge about the history, time periods, and culture that underlie the literature we studied. Her discussions were engaging and insightful, and gave her students a thorough understanding of how and why a particular piece of literature was written. Beyond teaching, Mrs. Thompson demonstrates care and compassion for her students. She made herself available outside of class to discuss issues of interest, as well as address any concerns of her students. I found these conversations to be very helpful in shaping my academic interests and preparing me for college. 

One of the most beneficial aspects of Mrs. Thompson’s teaching style are her projects. For example, I participated in the creation of a comic book that depicted the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Through this experience, my understanding of the novel was made more complete. I also gained important skills in teamwork and time management. Another outstanding project was the creation of a play depicting The Canterbury Tales in a modern setting. Through the development of modern day counterparts to the classic characters, we were able to see similarities in modern life, and better appreciate the context of the literature. I was surprised to see how relevant classical literature is in today’s world. 

Another unique aspect of Mrs. Thompson’s class is the level of student engagement. She is able to structure conversations that are relevant, creative, and inclusive. Because Mrs. Thompson is passionate about the subject she teaches, and yet open minded, even the shyest student feels comfortable expressing their opinions. She is truly a talented teacher and a caring person.

Because of teachers like Mrs. Thompson, I feel very prepared for study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Not only do I understand the subject matter, I have gained valuable skills in organizing projects, and collaborating with fellow students. Mrs. Thompson has played a significant role in making Chapel Hill High one of the finest schools in the nation. I hope that she is allowed to continue her teaching where she feels that she can have the greatest impact. She is a true inspiration and represents the best characteristics of professional educators. Her absence would be a devastating blow to Chapel Hill High.”

~Kristen Segars, CHHS Class of 2012

“My name is Emily Rebecca Abide and I am a 2008 graduate of Chapel Hill High and current double-major, dean's list student at UNC-Asheville. It has come to my attention that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System has decided to transfer Bert

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Wartski. I cannot iterate enough what a disappointing, embarrassing blunder this decision is on your behalf. Bert Wartski continues to be the most influential, involved, knowledgeable and passionate teacher I have ever had the pleasure of studying under, including all of my college professors. To this day I have never been more challenged, motivated, and encouraged to succeed as I was during my year in Bert Wartski's AP Biology course. As Bert's student I consistently looked forward to the two hours I would spend in his class everyday, not only because he was introducing me to a level of science that I had previously never been exposed, but because of his passion for teaching, his innovative and creative ways of engaging students, and the sheer challenge that he posed before us all. During my time with Bert Wartski I gained not only an incredible knowledge of biology, which allowed me to pass the AP exam with a score of 4, but I also learned how to truly study and challenge myself. I have always been an honor student that could usually exceed academic expectations with little effort; that is, until I met Bert Wartski. Bert Wartski has such an inherent gift for engaging students' intellectual level and knowing how to set the bar just high enough to challenge each and every one according to their own needs. If ever I had an issue that I needed help with, Bert Wartski was the first person I would go to, and I know for a fact I am not the only one who felt the same. This is by far the greatest, most hard working, committed teacher you have in your system. Please do not reward his years of service with this cowardly, despicable transfer because you are consistently too lethargic to address a dissenting voice.

It greatly saddens me to hear of such poor performance on your behalf and I truly worry for the future of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools under this kind of inferior supervision. I beseech you, for the sake of future students, not to go through with this decision. I expected more than this from all of you; please do not continue to disappoint me and the myriad of students Bert Wartski has taught.”

~Emily Rebecca Abide, CHHS Class of 2008

“I graduated from CHHS in 2009 and Mr. Wartski inspired me unlike any other teacher during my education, during both my high school and college career. I had him for both freshman and AP Biology and he made the world of science more interesting than anything I had ever experienced before. Because of him, I greatly excelled in high school and in college. I even took geometry the summer after my freshman year just so I could be in his AP class my junior year. I still tell stories about my experiences in his classes and what I learned there. It would be such a loss to so many CHHS students to have him leave that school. Superintendent Forcella, you should be ashamed of yourself and you do not deserve to be in the field of education if this is how you deal with those that do not agree with everything you dictate.”

~Natalie Parks, CHHS Class of 2009

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“I used to pride myself on the education I received at CHHS. While I am still and always will be grateful for my time spent there, I was IN NO WAY shaped by the administration of the School board, but by my amazing professors and teachers. I am in pharmacy school and the person I am because of the teachers who shaped me, not an idiotic administration. They not once taught me or even know who I am as a person, but rather an expensive taxpayer. Our teachers are the best in the state, our students are some of the best in the country, but our school board just plain sucks.”

~Desirae Lindquist, CHHS Graduate

“I think to this day (I will be a senior at UNC next year) I leaned more from Mr. Wartski and his class than I have from any other teacher, professor, class or otherwise. I can still rattle off information about DNA a Protein synthesis as if I was just tested on it. The material I leaned from Mr. Wartski has helped me tremendously in college and his teaching method taught me how to be a better student and how to study efficiently. Transferring Mr. Wartski is one of the worst decisions that the board could make, it is in tough times like now that schools need teachers like Mr. Wartski the most. He has always dedicated his time and effort to CHHS and gone above and beyond the expectations of his position. I, like many others, will do whatever I can to make sure he stays at Chapel Hill High School, for the school's sake.”

~Shawn Kuruganti, CHHS Class of 2010

“The administration (CHCCS) told Mr. Wartski that he created a "negative climate" at CHHS. Due to this, Superintendent Forcella decided to transfer Mr. Wartski to another school in the district.

Wartski is critical of the administration, however, I believe he puts the best interests of the school and students first. I do not think that outspoken teachers should be sent away from the school. That is what creates a negative environment.

Furthermore, Wartski is a fantastic teacher, and he is incredibly involved in the school (Graduation, ProjectGrad, School Improvement Team, etc.).”

~Norman Archer, Class of 2013

“To this day, I have never had a better teacher than Mr. Wartski. I will be heading to medical school in August and I believe his class has allowed me to do so. I learned more in AP Bio than I did in many of my college science classes. He taught

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me how to work hard and definitely how to study! I cannot believe they are transferring him. CHHS will be losing a great teacher.”

~Elizabeth Ann Wallace, CHHS Class of 2009

“While I never had the pleasure of being in Wartski's class, I am definitely appalled and concerned at the notion that the School Board would allegedly transfer teachers as retaliation for speaking out against the Administration. 

I remember during my tenure at CHHS when teachers, students, and parents alike joined forces to speak out against the implementation of Block Scheduling in our district. While the Administration viewed teachers like Warstki, Curtis, and Melega (and many others) as 'rebels' or 'troublemakers', we students knew that they were actually putting their jobs and reputations on the line in the best interest of our education. As one earlier commenter said, the School Board never once made a positive impact on my education, but this passionate group of teachers who consistently did the right thing by their students even when it was the more difficult path definitely did. 

There's no question that the group of teachers being threatened with transfers are some of the most tenured and respected at CHHS. I should think that if the District simply looked at the test scores, they'd find that these teachers consistently outperform. More importantly, these teachers contribute to what I believe to be a positive atmosphere at CHHS that teaches students to take charge of their own education and stand up for what they believe in.

Thank you, teachers of CHHS, for all that you do, and especially all that you put up with on our behalf!”

~Heather Minchew, CHHS Graduate

"I graduated from CHHS over 10 years ago, and while many of my high school memories have faded, my memories of Mr. Wartski and his AP Biology class remain clear.  He is hands down, one of the best teachers I have ever had.  Sitting in a Biology class for two hours every day for a year should have been painful, but Mr. Wartski's teaching style always kept us entertained (and on our toes!).  Yes he is strict, but his passion for teaching shines through his tough "Sensei" exterior.  I learned so much in his class, and the intense work environment was the only AP class I took that actually prepared me for my undergraduate and graduate studies.  Transferring Mr. Wartski from CHHS will result in a huge loss for the school, but more importantly for students.  Schools should be recruiting more outspoken and passionate teachers like Wartski, not transferring them."

~Alissa Weinberger, CHHS Class of 2001

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“To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Kelsey Harris and I am a graduate of Chapel Hill High and had the pleasure of being taught by Anne Thompson. While not only being a remarkable teacher, Mrs. Thompson understands and cares for her students outside of the classroom. The thought of future CHHS students not having the chance of having her as a teacher truly saddens me. I don't understand why she is being moved to a different school without reasoning. To do this to a devoted teacher, who has been teaching at the same school for 26 years is hurtful to not only Mrs. Thompson, but also the students. I learned not only about English Literature while in her class, but also how to be a good person outside.

Along with her 34-year teaching career, Mrs. Thompson has opted to take Chapel Hill students to Europe on various educational tours for many years, starting in 1986. I was lucky enough to go on one of the trips in 2010, and they are not only fun, but Mrs. Thompson makes sure we are learning as well.

Mrs. Thompson always welcomed her students to come to her with problems we were having, even if it didn’t involve her class. She took us in like we were one of her own kids, and that is a feeling you don’t get from many teachers. She would talk to you like a parent and let you know everything would be okay. Her students were always her first priority.

It is with utmost regret that I write this letter in hopes that you will reconsider moving Mrs. Thompson from the students that know her, love her, have experienced her and for those who will never get that experience at Chapel Hill High.”

~Kelsey Harris, CHHS Graduate

“My strongest memory of Wartski is from long after I had successfully completed- and thoroughly enjoyed- his AP Biology class my junior year at CHHS. Although I value the unparalleled academic experience of his class and still to this day consider the notes from his class as law, I most treasure the time that Wartski takes to get to know his students. In January of my senior year, it came to light that my required teacher recommendation for my college applications was never sent. Despite having agreed to write the recommendation in September, my lackadaisical teacher let the January 1 deadline come and go without telling me that she had never written anything at all. Confused, deflated and enraged, I collapsed into tears in the hallway that Friday after classes when everyone had left for the weekend. Wartski found me and asked “What’s up, Freak?” referencing, of course the endearing nickname I earned when my freakishly small lungs failed to move the respirometer during the Human Bio lab a year prior. I explained the gravity of the situation and was fully convinced that my collegiate admission would be jeopardized due to this gaping hole in my application. Wartski

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consoled me and nonchalantly told me to enjoy my weekend and come find him Monday morning. Sure enough, he had written a thoughtful and personal recommendation, signed and sealed, ready to be sent expeditiously to colleges of my choice. In the moment, that measly piece of paper meant the world to me. In retrospect, however, I realized that my strengthened relationship with Wartski, not the recommendation he thoughtfully whipped up, was the greatest thing I walked away with that day. Wartski was a champion for the success of his students even after they finished his class. I know I don’t stand alone when I say I could not wait to visit CHHS after I had graduated, specifically to catch up with Wartski and fill him in on how influential his class has been on my higher education career. My decision to major in neuroscience in college was heavily influenced by the passion for human biology that Wartski instilled in me. I will proudly consider myself one of Bert Wartski’s students forever and can only hope that many more at CHHS will have the opportunity to do so as well.”

~Jane E. Hannon, CHHS Class of 2007

“My name is Jennifer Lyu and I am a rising senior at Chapel Hill High School. I am writing this email concerning the transfer of Mr. Bert Wartski, one of the best and most knowledgeable teachers in the state of North Carolina. The thought of him being transferred is completely shocking and appalling. As a student who took his course last year, I would rate his class a 12 out of 10. Mr. Wartski exceeds the expectations of an excellent teacher. His number one priority is to help his students learn, and from the way he lectures our class, one can tell that he really wants his students to succeed. He always makes sure he asks students if they have any questions and if a student does not completely understand a topic, he figures out another method to explain the concept to the student until he/she is confident enough with that topic that he/she could teach it in front of the class. He works ten times harder than most teachers, coming in on early mornings and staying after-school every single day, in order to let students come in for extra help. Additionally, he is the most efficient teacher I have ever had. He grades all of our labs and assignments within a 24 hour period, making critical but helpful marks that shows us,as students what mistakes we make so that in the future we would not make the same mistakes. Mr. Wartski's  class includes a large amount of work for students, but it is this amount of work that has students eventually coming out of the AP exam with confident smiles on their faces and numerous scores of 5 in the mail. Not only is Mr. Wartski an adroit teacher, but he is always encouraging his students to work hard in athletics and/or theater arts, or whatever other extra-curricular activities students participate in, and to make sure we balance our school work with these activities and to always "stay on top of our game" to succeed. Furthermore, biology is one of my favorite subjects and I feel that I have learned so much in Mr. Wartski's class. He teaches in such detail and conciseness for every concept we learn. I also have friends who prior to taking his course, did not like biology all that much, but once they took Mr. Wartski's class, they looked at biology completely differently, their interests broadened, many of whom are already considering majoring in biology in college. His positive influence

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spreads across the entire school. In fact, I have had many rising juniors who have talked to me about Mr. Wartski's class and how excited they are to take it.  However, now they have spoken about how they would not be willing to take the course this coming year if the school board decides to transfer him. I don't understand why the school board would do this, but from what it looks like, just be aware that if he is transferred, the number of students taking AP Biology in the fall will decrease an immense amount. 

I am not writing this letter out of any sort of pressure from my fellow peers or teachers. Mr. Wartski is truly an awe-inspiring and fantastic teacher who has taught and has been loved at Chapel Hill High School for many years. It seems only fair that future students will be able to experience the greatness that come out of his class and I am willing to do anything to make sure they obtain this privilege.”

~Jennifer Lyu, CHHS Class of 2013

“Bert Wartski's AP Biology class was a truly transformative experience for me, and one that was instrumental to my interest in science and my current position as a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. Mr. Wartski is an amazingly dedicated teacher who taught us a great deal about biology. However, biology was far from the only thing we learned from Mr. Wartski: his discipline, selflessness and devotion to his students were apparent to us, and cultivated one of the best learning environments I experienced whether in high school at CHHS, in college at UNC-Chapel Hill, or in graduate school at Duke.

When I found out about Mr. Wartski's involuntary transfer, I could not believe that this decision could possibly be a good one. I then tried to find more information about possible reasons for his proposed transfer, which only served to confirm my initial suspicions. Surely, I might be biased, as I was a student in Mr. Wartski's class. However, I count myself very fortunate to have had the experience of being taught by Mr. Wartski. So if I am biased, it's because in all this time I have never heard a student from Mr. Wartski's class complain about him, and to the contrary, every student I spoke with is thankful to Mr. Wartski for all that he does for his students. Like thousands of other students who had a similarly transformative and positive experience thanks to Mr. Wartski, I cannot believe that the reasons for this transfer have any merit whatsoever.

Perhaps most upsetting are the possible reasons for Mr. Wartski's transfer that we have been hearing about. The administration of a school or a school district does not have a military command structure, last time I checked. If Mr. Wartski protested potential changes that in his view were somehow harmful, then this is not an acceptable reason for his transfer. In fact, his opinions may be of great service, considering his excellent record as an educator. If it were a matter of grading policy (and how it affects learning), the school board may want to consider the performance of Mr. Wartski's students on AP tests, which has always been exemplary. In my experience, Mr. Wartski spoke from experience, and most of the lessons I learned in his class I still

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attribute to him more than a decade later. His transfer from CHHS would be a great loss to the school and the community.

Like many others, I plan to travel hundreds of miles to Chapel Hill on July 19th to protest Mr. Wartski's transfer.”

~Pavel Yarmolenko, CHHS Graduate

“I had the good fortune to be in Mr. Wartski’s AP Biology class from 2007-2008, my senior year of high school.  Mr. Wartski is a wonderful teacher, a fact that I do not think can be contested.  I am far more talented in English than science or math but Mr. Wartski made me love biology.  His class was one of the most difficult I have taken, but it was also absolutely the most engaging and interesting class in the entirety of my high school career.  Even though I did not think I was very good at science, he encouraged me to keep going in the sciences and even consider a major in biology in college.   Whenever I or anyone needed extra help, he was always in his room, whether we needed that help before, during, or after school.  He always allowed us to re-take tests, coming in hours before school started so we could do so.  Even when I take into consideration my college professors, Bert Wartski is without a doubt the best teacher I have ever had.  

Beyond his prowess as a teacher, which I’m sure can be utilized just as well at East Chapel Hill High School as it can at Chapel Hill High School, Mr. Wartski is an unrelenting advocate for the well-being of Chapel High School and the students of Chapel Hill High School.  Beyond everything he does on paper (such as coordinating graduation and sponsoring Key Club), he truly wants CHHS to be the best place it can be for students and faculty alike.  His critiques of school policy and school administration do not come from a place of malice, but from a place of profound concern about his students and his school.  These critiques should not be looked at as threats or as detrimentally impacting the environment at CHHS; instead, the administration should be proud to have a teacher who cares so much about what is best for the school and its students.  

Mr. Wartski is absolutely the strongest faculty advocate for student’s interests at CHHS.  He refuses to go along with administrator’s decisions because it is easier to do so, or out of fear of retribution (such as this transfer).  Unfortunately, CHHS is the worst of the three schools in the district, if one looks at progress goals.  If Mr. Wartski is transferred to ECHHS, the school that is meeting the most progress goals will have the best faculty advocate, and quite honestly, it is not the most privileged students who need Mr. Wartski to advocate for them.  I had a different principal every year I was at CHHS and with Mr. Dingle’s departure that pattern does not seem to be changing.  With these constant administrative changes, it is virtually impossible as a student to feel that administrators know or care about student interests.  Mr. Wartski’s presence at CHHS made me feel like there was at least one

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person who knew me and my peers and would go to the ends of the earth to promote ours and the school’s well-being.  

I’d like to mention Mr. Wartski's impact on my life, beyond the realm of education and advocacy.  During my senior year in high school, I was having a lot of personal problems.  I, like many high school seniors, was confused about what I wanted from life, what I should major in in college, and what college I should go to.  I, again, like many high school seniors, had a complicated relationship with my family, friends, and boyfriend.  Mr. Wartski was one of the only adults I felt comfortable going to to talk about these problems and more.  He was not only there for his students as a teacher but also as an invaluable source of emotional support and advice.  I would have felt so much more lost at that time in my life without his guidance, and I will be forever grateful to him for helping me figure out what paths I should take.  

Mr. Wartski is an incredible teacher, student advocate, and mentor.  As I mentioned earlier, he remains the best teacher I have ever had.  He would be an asset to any school he taught at, but Chapel Hill High School simply needs him more than East Chapel Hill High School does. Transferring Mr. Wartski to another school without his consent is a shameful way to treat someone who has done so much for this district. I hope you will take the time to reconsider your decision regarding his transfer.”

~Gina Balamucki, CHHS Class of 2009

“As a 2010 graduate of Chapel Hill High, I am deeply concerned to hear about the plans to transfer Mr. Bert Wartski and Mrs. Anne Thompson from the Chapel Hill High community. Both of these teachers significantly impacted my Chapel Hill High experience and helped me to grow as a student in countless ways. The transfer of these teachers would be an enormous loss for Chapel Hill High.

Mr. Wartski was the most challenging teacher I had at CHHS -- he encouraged students to really engage with material both in lecture and lab. And although his class was challenging, his methods ensured we truly understood the material. I left his class with not only a 5 on the AP test, but a greater interest and understanding of Biology.

While I never had an English class with Mrs. Thompson, I had the opportunity to go on EF tour trips with her during spring break of both my junior and senior year. Mrs. Thompson's enthusiasm for traveling with students enabled me to see experience new cultures, practice my language skills, and gain appreciation for our global community. She truly understands the importance of learning outside of the classroom -- and loved teaching enough to spend her spring break educating students abroad.

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I hope that you will reconsider transferring these teachers -- they have made a positive impact on so many former and current Tigers.”

~Caitlin James, CHHS Class of 2010

“I am writing in regards to the potential transfer of Bert Wartski to East Chapel Hill High School this coming Fall 2012. Upon receiving this news, I was in shock and at a loss for words. Bert Wartski was by far the best teacher I had during my four years at Chapel Hill High School (2004-2008). His diligence and care for all of his students' academic careers is undeniable; he goes above and beyond his responsibilities as a high school teacher to ensure that each student feels competent with every piece of material covered in his AP Biology class. I have never had another teacher like Bert Wartski who was more than willing to meet with me before school, during lunch and after school to discuss any material from class in addition to my personal academic interests and goals. He was the one teacher I encountered during my high school career that urged students to think outside of the box, and to express their own opinions without judging them. This is an essential aspect of education as high school is a time where teenagers develop their true personality, goals and future aspirations. During my junior year of high school, I was honored to call Bert Wartski my teacher and the person who I chose to write my college recommendation letters. My experience in Bert Wartski's AP Biology course IS the reason I chose to go into the medical field to become a nurse. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in one of the nation's top nursing programs at UNC-Chapel Hill. In going above his duty as my teacher, Bert Wartski instilled hope and pride in me regarding my academic achievements. I owe him great thanks for this endeavor as I now know that I could not be in a more critical professional field. Moving Bert Wartski from his long-time classroom in the science wing of Chapel Hill High School would not only be a mistake, but would serve as a disgrace to the entire Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School system. Students are privileged to have a teacher such as Bert Wartski, and there is a reason why students continue to sign up for his exceedingly difficult AP Biology class year after year--because they know that the education received from Bert Wartski's class is worth every minute of required studying. I urge you to reconsider this decision, while recognizing that any of Bert Wartski's personal opinions or conversations about CHCCS policies fall under his rights of freedom of speech and expression.”

~Bentley Fisher, CHHS Graduate

“I graduated from CHHS in 2008 and just graduated from Xavier University this year (2012) cum laude from the honors program with a bachelors degree in biology. I originally intended on attending medical school, took the MCAT and did well, however before applying I decided my dream in life was to beome a nurse practicioner. I applied

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to Xavier's accelerated nursing program and was accepted. I truly believe none of this would have been possible with out Mr. Wartski. 

I took AP biology with Mr. Wartski my junior year, 2007 and it was the most memorable class of my entire learning career, including college. I brought my AP biology notebooks with me to college and often used them. Mr. Wartski taught me the importance of hard work and the difference between memorizing and learning. Yes, his class was frustrating, but I had never before been asked to think for myself. He not only gave me an incredibly sound foundation in biology but taught me skills integral to my success in college. He taught me to think for myself, study in advance, ask for help from your peers as well as the professor. Wartski makes learning fun. If the goal of CHHS is to enlighten and inspire and encourage learning, transferring Bert Wartski would be incredibly detrimental.”

~Caity Burke, CHHS Class of 2008

“I am writing to vehemently oppose your decision to involuntary transfer Mr. Wartski from Chapel Hill High School. As a 2000 alum from Chapel Hill High I only have good memories of the positive impact Mr. Wartski had on the school. If you remember, the late 90's were not necessarily a positive time for Chapel Hill Hill High with multiple principal changes, redistricting, and the issues with changing the educational environment at the school. Mr. Wartski never lost a beat during this time.

In fact, looking back on my education, Mr. Wartski was the epitome of a positive impact, not to mention one of the best teachers I've EVER had (throughout an education that included Duke, University of Glasgow, and a doctorate from North Carolina State University). I remember Mr. Wartski not only mentoring and spreading his passion of science and learning to his students, but also as a mentor to other less experienced teachers. Mr. Wartski was known for his fair and effective biology courses that left students ready to excel easily in the subject at the collegiate level. Students would look to him as an advocate for their voices and interests. If you pursue this involuntary transfer, I feel that you are doing a huge disservice to the current and future Chapel Hill High School students and teachers, as well as to the culture of the school. I ask you to please rethink your decision.”

~Lindsay Warner, CHHS Class of 2000

“I was extremely disheartened to learn of the forced transfer of Bert Wartski from Chapel Hill High School.  I was a student in Mr. Wartski's AP Biology class my senior year (class of 1997) and he remains to this day THE most influential teacher that I have ever had.  I cannot express how much I enjoyed his class and how much I learned.  His obvious love of the subject and enthusiasm for engaging his students made

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me realize how much I enjoyed the subject as well.  I received a 5 on the AP Biology exam that year and loved his class so much that when I went to UNC-CH the following year for college, I picked Biology as my major.  I went on to receive my Bachelors in Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, class of 2001.  No other teacher has had this much of an impact on my life; I would not be the person that I am today had I not been in a student of Mr. Wartski.  I can only hope that this transfer is appealed and that he will continue to shape other student's lives the way that he has mine.”

~Erin Lemon (formerly Erin Toews), CHHS Class of 1997

“Although I understand the need to have a positive school environment, I believe that the school board’s decision to transfer these two teachers is contrary to the very fiber of the school’s purpose.  The purpose of a school is to educate students and make them enthusiastic about learning.  As a student of Bert Wartski, I was given just that.  Despite Mr. Wartski’s habit of ruffling feathers, he is passionate about his teaching and helped to inspire my love of science.  I realize that there were concerns about his lack of professionalism.  However, I think that even with this, he spoke out about his concerns for the educational standards in our school, something that not every teacher did.  His bluntly stated opinions show his dedication to teaching.  I think that it is wrong for someone to be persecuted for making their ideas known, especially as these ideas were for the betterment of the school.”

 ~Chiara Salemi, CHHS Graduate

“My name is Kristen Lee. I was part of the CHHS class of 2000. I strongly disapprove of the involuntary transfer of Mr. Wartski because his presence at CHHS is crucial to both student and faculty development. CHHS cannot afford to lose such a brilliant educator. 

Personally, I can attest that he may have saved my high school education, and therefore, my functional status in adult life. I was verbally and physically abused throughout my childhood and into high school; only through later therapy work did I come to understand how dysfunctional and damaging my family life was. Wartski knew that my father was an alcoholic, and that my mother needed heart surgery. During these formative, critical years of my youth, I lacked strong role models at home. I was neglected by parents who had far too much going on to 'parent' their three children. They failed me, but Wartski most certainly did not.

Wartski's recognition of my situation and his subsequent response was incredible. Today, I attribute my high-functioning status to him, in part, because he stepped in appropriately not only with additional tutoring, but also with a safe environment in which I could relax enough to learn. By looking at my face on any given day, he

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could tell when I needed some space and quiet time, or some light-hearted humor. He allowed me to use the small side room adjacent to his classroom so many times that it became a safe haven. He provided a stable environment in which I could stay after school for additional help, and as a result, I scored a 5 on my AP Biology exam (despite the odds, nonetheless). 

Beyond that, I learned that there are actually some adults whom you can trust in life. I hardly understood it at the time, but I was on a pathway to developing severe trust issues before I became a student of Wartski's. Under his watch, I learned that rare and special individuals do care, and not only are they perceptive enough to identify your issues, they are also skilled at directing you toward educational, emotional, and overall mental success. Wartski is one of these rare individuals. To this day, he is the one teacher I return to visit time and time again at CHHS. As I advance through life, the significance of Wartski's role in my youth becomes more and more apparent. Therapists have wondered how on earth I managed to mature into such a stable adult despite the hardship I endured as a child. My first thought is always to credit the remarkable teachers I had at CHHS, with Wartski being the most influential. 

You may argue that his relationship with his students is stellar, but that he is disruptive to faculty. (I have heard that this point has been raised, so I am responding in kind; I never witnessed this in my 4 years at CHHS.) I challenge you to question what this means about yourselves. The outpouring of support you are seeing for Bert Wartski is happening because he is an increasingly rare breed of teacher, andCHHS simply cannot afford to lose him.  Wartski understands the educational system, and he is brilliant at producing erudite, inquisitive, well-adjusted teenagers for a lifetime of challenges. Can you all say that you do the same, that you make such a positive impact on young lives? Can you say that if you were the individual in question here, you would receive such vociferous support? 

Removing one outstanding individual from the faculty is like clipping a tall rose on the bush for aesthetics. The performance level of all faculty is augmented by the presence of a teacher like Wartski. I would be intimidated if I were teaching an AP science class alongside him; I would be challenged to teach at the highest level to achieve results like his. I would admire the fact that students come back to visit him decades after graduating. I would admire him for the simple fact that he effectively does what every educator sets out to do with best intentions: change young lives for the better. 

I believe that this involuntary transfer is a mistake. Apparently, CHHS is not the quality school that I used to know. In our time, we were ranked in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top ten public high schools in the nation. The status of CHHS would no doubt further fall without Bert Wartski. I urge you to seriously reconsider this motion. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter; I feel quite strongly that you are making a grave mistake, but there is yet time to correct your trajectory.”

~Kristen Lee, CHHS Class of 2000

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PARENT AND FACULTY TESTIMONIALS

“We are the proud parents of a recent graduate of Chapel Hill High School who will begin her studies in Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill this fall, due largely to the amazing enthusiasm, excellent teaching, and high expectations provided by Mr. Bert Wartski as her AP Biology teacher. Not only did Mr. Wartski further her lifelong interest in science, he ignited her passion for a career in either biology, medicine, or public health. Picking up on her interest in a career in science, Mr. Wartski recommended our daughter for an internship this summer with one of his former students, now a graduate student in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC. Even before her studies at UNC begin, she will have worked on a pancreatic cancer research project. Imagine the head start this gives her as she walks onto campus in August… Last fall when she was deferred in the early admission process at Duke, Mr. Wartski wrote an unsolicited additional recommendation letter for her. We cannot say enough about how much we appreciate Mr. Wartski’s love of science, teaching, and students.

We have a son who will begin his freshman year at CHHS this August, and part of why we are so excited for him to start his high school career is the opportunity to be a student of Mr. Wartski. Imagine our disappointment that the best teacher either of our children have ever had is being transferred against his will to a school that has newer facilities, serves a (perceived) wealthier and less diverse population, and offers more AP classes than CHHS . East Chapel Hill High School is already nationally recognized for its academic excellence, while our hardworking and equally brilliant CHHS students have to watch ECHHS receive the accolades which negatively affect their college admissions.

We are very displeased with this decision which, we would argue, is a terrible strategic move. CHHS already has outdated facilities compared to the two other high schools in town – why take away one of the best attributes of CHHS’s academic strength? If personnel re-assignments are necessary, I would suggest that the CHCCS administration look to the performance and test scores of students/teachers in some of the other departments at CHHS, which I would be happy to discuss with any of you in person. There is plenty of room for change, growth and improvement, but NOT in Mr. Wartski’s classroom.

In closing, thank you for re-considering this ill-conceived move, and we look forward to hearing from each of you.”

~Gina and Steve Reynolds, Parents

“I read the article this morning in the Chapel Hill News and am concerned and alarmed that the school system would transfer CHHS's best teachers to ECHHS. My son Maxwell Tice-Lewis was in Mr. Warski's AP Biology class in 2009 and is now majoring in Biology at UNC-CH. Maxwell became passionate about Biology in this demanding class and it was certainly the highlight of his CHHS experience. I will be at the meeting

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on Thursday to support this fine teacher. Please reconsider this unfortunate idea and support your finest faculty.”

~Susan and Seth Tice-Lewis, Parents

“We are writing to strongly oppose the transfer of Bert Wartski out of CHHS to ECHHS and describe for you our family’s very positive experiences with Mr. Wartski.

We have three children in the CHCCS district, two with significant experience at CHHS. Our son just graduated from CHHS. Our daughter is a rising sophomore. Our son just finished a wonderful and challenging year of AP Biology under the instruction of Mr. Wartski. Our daughter just finished a miserable year of freshman Biology with another teacher. (If you would like more in-depth information on their 2 years of experience with that teacher, please let me know. I would be happy to share that with you!)

Bob is a faculty member in the Biology department at UNC and a life-long lover of biology and research. In fact, his love of science began with an amazing experience in high school biology as a 9th grade student in Massachusetts many years ago. We were very much hoping for a similar experience for our daughter while at CHHS and one that her brother just enjoyed as a senior. Her freshman year biology experience almost single-handedly killed her love for science and research, and that is not an exaggeration! The same can be said for our son’s freshman year (with the same teacher). It was through Mr. Wartski’s thought-provoking and stimulating AP Biology class that our son re-discovered his interest in science and will pursue biology in college.

Bert was strict and had high expectations for his students, but he was fair and attentive. He was always available after school and during lunch for help or make-up work. He was organized and detailed and his students knew what to study for and what to expect in their lab work and in exams. The direct opposite would be true for their experience as freshman biology students.

Sue worked with Bert on the SIT at CHHS this past year. While his skills in diplomacy may be less than ideal, she whole-heartedly agree with others’ assessments of his motivations. He was always concerned with what is in the best interests of the students and his fellow faculty members at CHHS. Transferring him to another school after more than 20 years of giving above and beyond the call of duty to CHHS is a grave injustice. And who in the world would teach AP Biology at CHHS? The void his absence would create leaves us very concerned.

In our opinion, more action needs to be initiated towards those teachers who have become stale, uninspiring and are clearly lacking the dedication and ability to provide a stimulating and valuable educational experience for their students. Removing underperforming and ineffective teachers is a much more urgent need in our schools rather than disrupting and displacing those teachers that a school community has come to value and appreciate. Mr. Wartski is one of those teachers and he certainly needs to remain at Chapel Hill High School.

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Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter.”

~Bob and Sue Duronio, Parents

“Wartski is a phenomenal teacher. My youngest has been looking forward to AP Bio with him after watching her sister "experience" his class. Wartski builds both knowledge and character! The Chapel Hill paper talked about outspoken teachers being a deterrent to good applicants for administration positions—well, frankly, that sounds like a good strategy to deter candidates who we wouldn't want anyhow! Teacher of the year, holder of considerable institutional memory, rigorous instructor, coordinator of graduation, cares deeply about students...hard to see any rationale for transfer.”

~Cindy Bulik, Parent

“I am a long-time school volunteer and PTSA Board member at schools in our district. My son is a rising junior at Chapel Hill High and my daughter is a 2010 graduate. I would not normally write a letter based on third-hand information, but I feel I must express my opinion about a rumored change at Chapel Hill High.

I hear that in the next few weeks as many as 10 teachers may be reassigned to other schools from Chapel Hill High primarily due to their strong opinions on how CHHS should be run. Many of the most vocal teachers in our school are also some of the most competent teachers. They know how to engage and motivate their students; they have high expectations; and I believe their AP students generally score 4’s and 5’s on the AP exams. Students hope to be in their classes because they want good teachers who they care about their students.

Over the last 10 years or so, Chapel Hill High has had many principals come and go. These strong teachers have stepped in to fill the leadership vacuum that developed from this high turnover. For some time, many parents have realized that any new principal entering our school would need to be a strong administrator. Many believe that Jackie Ellis was a strong administrator who was willing to listen to teachers, students and parents, but she also had the confidence to express her own opinion and act on it. I believe that Jackie Ellis left CHHS, not because of difficult teachers, but to spend more time with her young children while her husband was commuting to northern Virginia for work. I would add that many parents see our outgoing principal as a very nice man but a weak administrator and leader.

If these excellent but vocal teachers are moved, who will replace them? It is highly unlikely that competent teachers from the much newer high schools would volunteer to move to 60-year-old Chapel Hill High School, especially given the spotty administrative leadership over the last 10 years.

Removing these superior teachers whom the students love and respect would have a very negative impact on the CHHS student and parent communities. These are teachers

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who motivate our children to choose their subjects as fields of study. They are the ones whom our children will look back and name as their best high school teachers. Many parents are thankful when their children are assigned to these teachers because they know their children will be challenged, well-taught, and prepared for futures at good colleges and universities.

While it’s not a perfect analogy, reassigning a number of our best teachers would be a bit like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Please do not sacrifice our students’ education and enthusiasm in an effort to clean up administrative issues at Chapel Hill High. These strong and vocal teachers are assets to our school and contribute greatly to the positive experiences of our students.

Thank you for considering the thoughts of a concerned parent and long-time volunteer.”

~Kim Williams, Parent & Volunteer

“Hello Mr. Wartski - I am in shock. After seeing you at Project Graduation and knowing the tremendous job you have done at CHHS, this does not compute. You have always been a great advocate for our children and I have never heard anything that indicates any negative coming from you from anyone. I am onboard with whatever support is necessary. Please stand firm in your stance and things will be made right for you. I am a believer that when things appear at their worse, right will prevail. Take care.”

~Phyllis Greene Daniels, Parent

“It has come to my attention that the workplace environment at Chapel Hill High School has been referred to by some as “negative,” and “toxic.” Furthermore, blame for such labels is being laid primarily upon two of my esteemed co-workers. As a long-time teacher at CHHS, I would like to try to dispel the notion that the atmosphere there is so destructive.

Over the years that I have called CHHS my home, I have worked with an incredibly dedicated faculty. They are thoughtful, highly educated themselves, and work extremely hard to provide the best education possible for Chapel Hill students. The students have always come first. I am most proud of my coworkers when we come together to institute a plan to improve on existing practices. A sense of commitment to the work and a feeling of group self-direction is what I believe makes our faculty one of the most successful schools in the state.

One of the people who makes CHHS such a success is Bert Wartski. His mastery style of teaching has inspired my own instruction and work with the AVID students and Blue Ribbon Task Force, helping me to improve outcomes in my own classroom and narrow the achievement gap. Student after student has experienced his intense dedication to their education; many of them are inspired by him to explore medical fields. Mr. Wartski is furthermore deeply dedicated to CHHS and its faculty. His support for his colleagues is nothing less than admirable, whether it be to guide them through National

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Board Accreditation, help an inexperienced teacher, or to simply be on a committee when volunteers are lacking. He is quite frankly one of the best teachers I've ever known.

I'm not sure how a recent Teacher-of-the-Year has come to be labeled as “toxic” or contributing to a “negative environment,” nor can I understand how a teacher such as Ms. Thompson, who was honored by students in the yearbook, could be.  I hope that gossip, hearsay, and the agendas of a couple disgruntled parents and teachers are not what has caused this. I'm proud of the teachers at CHHS, and am honored to be one of Bert Wartski's and Anne Thompson's colleagues.”

~Alan Rissberger, CHHS Faculty

“I have known Ms. Thompson since 2009 when my twin daughters entered Chapel Hill High School (CHHS) as freshmen. Both of my daughters were very fortunate in receiving instruction from Ms. Thompson. In fact, one of my daughters had Ms. Thompson as her English teacher this past year and, despite Ms. Thompson’s extended absence due to her husband’s serious illness and eventual death, felt that she was the best teacher she ever had.

I urge you to challenge Dr. Forcella’s decision to transfer Ms. Thompson from CHHS to Carrboro High School. I feel that Ms. Thompson is one of our finest teachers and to lose her would be highly detrimental to the teachers and student body at CHHS.Unfortunately I will be traveling to Mayo Clinic for a scientific meeting next Thursday and therefore unable to attend the Board meeting in person. However, I would be more than willing and able to meet with any of the Board members individually in support of this excellent teacher. My contact information is below and I hope to hear from you.

Thank you for your attention.”~Sophia Smith, Parent

AND OF COURSE, SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST:

Dear Mr. Forcella and ALL members of the CHCCS Board of Education...

These comments may be poorly planned and thought out and inelegant at best,but they are heart-felt and honest andthus a MUCH better job than you've all been doing!

What the heck did WE do to YOU????  Why do you have it in for Chapel Hill High?What did the students and parents of Chapel Hill do to deserve this ambush?By "this ambush", I mean the forced trasfer of certain faculty members that I understandthe Board of Education will NOT ALLOW US TO SPEAK OF in a positive light using their name(s).(Geez... what happened to the freedom of speach? What happened to the

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freedom of assembly?)

How did we offend Mr. F. and the board and why are you punishing and attacking Chapel Hill High??Clearly this is meant to cause harm to current and future students of Chapel Hill High School!Haven't you done enough harm to our school over the years?Transferred teachers will still have a job, but WE will suffer theGRIEVOUS LOSS of the MOST POSITIVE INFLUENCE at our school, THE teacher who fights for the students,THE teacher who shows what it means to care, to work hard to earn just rewards,to band together and support one another, to do what it takes to get the job done right!...THE teacher who believes that every student can achieve great things if they apply themselves,gives them the actualy opportunity to do so, and makes it happen!THE teacher who puts it all on the line and gives it everything he's got to help our children!THAT's who and what you want to take away from us?!?

Clearly, supporting a POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT at Chapel Hill High is NOT part of your agenda.Clearly, supporting student effort and true learning, and working WITH and FOR the students and parentsis NOT part of your agenda. What IS your agenda???Obviously, you want to dash students' hope and demonstrate that the systemwill control and dominate their lives, and they will have no say in their future.

You consulted no students, no parents, nor the individuals involved.Obviously, you don't want students or parents to know about your serious, offensive actions.You make important decisions in secret and isolation in the middle of summer when as many ofYOUR CONSTITUENTS are out of town.You DON'T announce your decisions to ANYONE until they are made and very difficult to change,and then ONLY to specific individuals when they are out of town via e-mail. VERY low class!You don't inform THOSE PEOPLE MOST SERIOUSLY AND NEGATIVELY AFFECTED: the sons and daughtersof those who ELECTED YOU to have their sons' and daughters' BEST (not worst) interests at heart!

Obviously, you don't want to hear the opinions of students about major actionsthat will greatly affects their futures.

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You KNOW no one will like your actions, so you limit comments you will even agree to READto a VERY LIMITED TIME FRAME that YOU DO NOT ANNOUNCE!  And you plan to make a FINAL DECISIONBEFORE YOU HAVE HEARD A SINGLE ONE OF YOUR CONSTITUENT'S SPEAK!

Mr. Putin, ...er uhm... Forcella WHAT COUNTRY DO YOU THINK THIS IS?Next to the incredibly bone-headed and VERY harmful grading policy changes that have been made in the past(and that many prospective students and parents probably are not even aware of),this is the WORST and MOST OFFENSIVE decision you could force down our throats.

What could you possibly have to gain from creating such an EXTREMELY NEGATIVE environment for SO MANYcurrent and future Chapel Hill High School Students.Why do want to discourage our students?Why do you want to lower grades and test scores?Why do you want students to give up on or never consider certain academic and career options?WHAT DID WE DO to deserve such disrespect and punishment...Some, or even many Teachers, and many Policies, and procedures could be 'tranferred' OUTto make very significant improvement, but YOU PICKED THE WRONG ONE!!

AND HOW DO YOU EXPECT US TO REACT TO THIS???  I can't begin to tell you how fast and far my opion ofCHCCS has dropped over the years (though you obviously couldn't care less about that),but this is a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD DECISION.NONE of you are innocent, none of you made any attempt to consult or inform the public(i.e. the voters and their children). You all chose to blind-side us and stab us in the back!We can't wait for the next election; or will you take THAT away from us as well?!

Jonathan Parkinson,Chapel Hill High School Parent

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