Friday, March 16, 2007

SIGN THE PETITION call 994-9648


Add your name and/or comments to this thread. If you want to go BACK TO THE PIT click on "COMMENTS" below and write in the space provided. To sign up for a Google account, is completely free, or you can comment using the other options.
Contact us at cmj2nc@aol.com

2008, 2009, 2010 FAMILIES
CALL YVETTE 994-9648, email Nanee_angel@yahoo.com

1,318 comments:

1 – 200 of 1318   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

Kool!

Anonymous said...

Do Rio Rancho Parents have no rights!!!!!!!?????????
Is their anyone else out there that wants to invite their extended relatives to their son or daughters graduation? Please, who has only 6 relatives to invite, unless you only have one kid, no aunts?
Uncles, cousins and only one set of grandparents then yes you are fine. But what about the graduates that have 2 sets of grandparents, 12 brothers and sisters and their wives or husbands, their kids and their other aunts and uncles on the other side. We have always supported our nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and want to when she/he graduates and accepts her/his diploma. Why should we not be allowed to go see them graduate and feel their excitement that they are finally finished with one chapter in their life.

Anonymous said...

Yeahh to the RR BLOG!!!

Anonymous said...

Who had the right to change the graduation ceremony from The Pit to the Santa Ana Star Center without everyone’s input?!

Doesn't the graduating class of 2007 have a say in where they want to celebrate this great achievement that they have worked so hard for, 13 long years, and this is how they are treated as if they do not matter?!!

Where is our governor, our mayor, our leaders of this community that are supposed to help and support our young citizens? Don’t they matter?

They are the VISION of Rio Rancho and by what you do for them in this situation will impact them. Please show them they matter by speaking up and changing the ceremony “back to The Pit”. If you need be go to the school and ask them what they want, contact all of the families then that would be fair.

I know that many are VERY STRESSED about this situation and how they will decide who can or can't go see them receive their diploma. What a shame that it had to come to this with everything else they have to be concerned about along with their finals.

I know this isn’t the first email you have received asking for this change and it won’t be the last! Please think how you would feel if it were your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson or granddaughter? Would you be doing more if it was????

Anonymous said...

http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/

!!!!!!!!!!!!!ATTENTION SENIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!

· PLEASE CONTACT http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/ or email: cmj2nc@aol.com TODAY!

· CALL RRPS DISTRICT TODAY IF YOU OR YOUR PARENTS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT GRADUATION BEING CHANGED TO THE SANTA ANA STAR CENTER (896-0667 SUPERINTENDENT & SCHOOL BOARD).

· TELL THEM YOU WANT IT AT “THE PIT”

· MAKE SURE YOUR PARENTS KNOW YOUR GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL STILL SAY “THE PIT” ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT BUT THERE WILL BE AN INSERT STATING THE CHANGE (HOW TACKY) YOU CAN STILL GET A REFUND.

· REMEMBER THERE IS ONLY ONE LANE ENTERING AND ONE LANE LEAVING THE CENTER IMAGINE THE MESS FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS HAVING TO DRIVE THERE.

· WE SHOULD HAVE A SAY IN WHERE WE WANT TO GRADUATE; REMEMBER SENIORS IN THE WORDS OF OUR PRINCIPAL “THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!!!!!!!!!”

Anonymous said...

EMAIL THEM:

schoolboard@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, nmiqgovima@state.nm.us, robert.sjostrand@jostens.com, theobserver@rrobserver.com, news@rrobserver.com, wduncan@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, dnsimmons@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, district@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, opinion@abqjournal.com, kvesely@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, target7@thenewmexicochannel.com, news@kobtv.com, sandrade@hearst.com, dick.knipfing@krqe.com, erika.ruiz@krqe.com, krqesoundoff@krqe.com, cizaguirre@hearst.com, mmaez@hearst.com, mgarofalo@hearst.com, jjojola@kobtv.com, administration@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us, cmj2nc@aol.com, mayor@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us, PStephenson@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, mhartranft@abqjournal.com, romero@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, asweet@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, parentconnect@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, Arteche@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, DKelly@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, pivy@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, plopez@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, aeveleth@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Dobson@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Moreno@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, rgalindo@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Simmons@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, barbour@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, yvalencia@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, Romero@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, webmaster@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, vonancken@rrhs.rrps.k12.nm.us, service@Jostens.com, rmartinez@abqjournal.com, sspalding@kobtv.com, rdereyes@kobtv.com, van.tate@krqe.com, SStucker@kobtv.com, JLucas@kobtv.com, mike.powers@krqe.com, Roland.Glembine@krqe.com, annie.mccormick@krqe.com, jen.jackson@krqe.com, bill.diven@krqe.com, cornelas@kobtv.com, cmahoney@kobtv.com, adarveaux@kobtv.com, jmaher@kobtv.com, gschwartz@kobtv.com, aantonio@kobtv.com, ekahnert@kobtv.com, nbrady@kobtv.com, jvigil@kobtv.com, caragon@kobtv.com, tjoles@kobtv.com, KOBWebmaster@kobtv.com, edreher@rrdo.rrps.k12.nm.us, kkobam@citcomm.com, Talkradiojim@aol.com, ebriseno@abqjournal.com, barmijo@abqjournal.com, editor@abqtrib.com

Anonymous said...

Max and Joan agree 100%

OUR PURPOSE
Whatever the merits of moving the Rio Rancho High School graduation ceremony to the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, the decision should have been made before rather than after families had begun planning. Extended family members have already made travel plans and requested vacation times in anticipation of attending the ceremony for which they may not now get tickets. It is apparent there was not enough public deliberation about this issue. A decision affecting the entire school population should have been discussed publicly so that all voices were heard prior to the decision, particularly since the number of seats available to family and friends of the graduates has been reduced by more than two thirds. Please join us in moving the graduation ceremony back to The Pit. Sign the Petition by adding a comment to the open thread.

Anonymous said...

Subject: What's wrong with you!!!!!

I am in disgust of your decision to change the Rio Rancho’s graduation ceremony from the pit to Santa Ana Casino! My niece is graduating from Rio Rancho this year and because of you and your “too good to drive more than 18 miles” parents I won’t be able to watch her receive her diploma! I know this isn’t the first email you have received asking for this change and it won’t be the last! I urge you to reconsider this decision!!!!

Anonymous said...

RIO RANCHO GRADUATION SITE


Please relocate the graduation ceremony to The PIT as our family will not have enough tickets for all of us to witness our nieces graduation.



Thank you

Anonymous said...

RANTS & RAVES:

"What gives the school board the right to have my daughter graduate from the Santa Ana Star Casino Center without even asking me? In my day, each of the high schools graduated on their own football field, what the hell's wrong with that? I don't want my kid going to the Santa Ana Star Casino Center. C'mon, Sue Cleveland, do things properly, ask the parents, or we can vote you out."

Anonymous said...

Rio Rancho Observer - Rants and Raves:

"Oh, Rio Rancho school board, what a huge mistake you have made concerning this year's graduation. Did you think to ask the parents of graduates, and the community, where graduation should be? What about the relatives who have already bought expensive airline tickets to attend our son's graduation and will not be able to attend because our family will not be able to get the tickets we need. Maybe they can stay at our house while we attend the ceremonies. We don't care about it being cheaper to rent the Santa Ana Star Center, the convenience; our son wants his family there, that's what is important. What kind of kickback is the school board getting for holding graduation there? Thanks for the big notice on the change; if we had known earlier, we could have let our family know so they could have saved their money and told them not to buy a plane ticket so they could sit on our couch."

Anonymous said...

RE: Rio Rancho High School Graduation 2007:

"1. To the Attention of Superintendent, Dr. Sue Cleveland and the School Board, we have been informed through the news media that Mr. VonAncken your high school Principal has only received 10 emails? Well get ready to receive a whole lot more and add this to the collection of concerned parents. We are looking forward to seeing the three of you on Monday. We have been informed by Mr. VonAncken that all of the concerns of families affected here were taken into consideration? If true then this is very alarming. This is a much bigger deal then your poor decision concerning Good Friday, please change your mind concerning using the Pit. The information copied here in this document has not been addressed, both Mr. VonAncken and Mr. Duncan's responses skirt only certain concerns listed here by our good friends that took the time out of their important day to share this with us. Mr. VonAncken and Mr. Duncan are puppets in this, both of their responses confirm they copied off the same sheet of paper. I am waiting for Dr. Cleveland and each member of the School Board to respond to a tax paying, voter, active in all school events supporting, parent. Dr. Sue Cleveland and the School Board please respond to me and all of our/my concerns added here. Dr. Sue Cleveland I have always liked you but you are so very wrong on this one. This poor decision will follow you the rest of your legacy and I am praying you see this. You can't do what you are doing here with important concerns that out weigh your well-intended plan. Just stop and take good look at all the people affected here. Please Sue before we are way past the point of no return and we’re close. The center will understand your decision to change your mind here. Tear up this contract you state you agreed to. Sue Cleveland here is a golden opportunity for many thousands of people to applaud you and you really need to consider the opposite of that. It is not too late yet, call the business putting the inserts in and making tickets, he is gonna get hit with a lot of refunds, mine for sure. Tickets Sue? Next year or when ever they open your named school then you can have those tickets made. Call the center and call the Pit please you are going to get a standing ovation for this trust us on this one. Take several steps back and then really carefully read all of these points here - I want you to know I have shared this - all of this with many other professionals in various professions - they are like a reality show observer and very interested in knowing how this will play out. They see the big problems with your current last minute decision in this matter along with your reasoning - they see the many thousands of persons affected by you and they also see the buck stops with you. They too conclude the ramifications will be extremely long term, the printed graduation announcements themselves bear written witness to this bad decision as both locations are listed on each announcement, (no one is going to like that little point of interest). Dr. Sue Cleveland we are counting on you to pull up - please!

Mr. VonAncken and Mr. Duncan all I need from you is to make sure Dr. Cleveland and the entire School Board gets this lengthy document- all of this – and know it is updated constantly, thanks.

I will look forward to your response Dr. Cleveland along with the School Board’s.

Thank you of your time

and thank you Junior for your compilation of information about this major problem.

signed, Praying

Post Script:
I suggest you carefully reread all of this information here, because I added to it myself it continues to grow - it is like a moving growing blog against your decision."

Anonymous said...

"RIO RANCHO BASKETBALL TEAM YOU JUST ROCKED THE “PIT”,
YOU JUST WON YOUR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP;
MR. VONDUNCAN ENCOURAGED YOU AND ALL STUDENTS
TO “SHOW THEM WE OWN THE ‘PIT’!!
….AND YOU DID!!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?
“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY LAN….WAIT….NO…..
WE WANT TO GO BACK TO THE “PIT” FOR OUR GRADUATION, WE OWN IT NOW!!
DID YOU SEE HOW MANY FANS WE HAD THERE?! IT WAS GREAT-GO RAMS!!!"

Anonymous said...

The Rio Rancho High School Principal left parents out of a significant decision. Parents were told the graduation would be held at the PIT which holds up to 17,000 people. The STAR Center, at most, might hold 7500. This year, RRHS has one of the largest graduating classes in recent history. Plans should have been discussed with the people it most affects. Last year the PIT was packed with families and the graduating class was not as large. Let's rethink this now!

Anonymous said...

Hello Lizard,
Thank you for joining in.
Exactly 4,500 tickets were printed so the Rio Rancho venue is going to be tight! Because 750 Seniors times 6 tickets equals 4,500!

You are right "The PIT" will hold 18,000+ and for the Graduation it is blocked off to hold 15,000 to 16,000.

You are right on target about this significant decision and the fact RRHS does have largest graduating class in NM and in their school's history.

This decision is affecting 10,000+ people especially the Seniors and their Loved Ones!

You are right, "Let's rethink this now!"

Please pass on the blog space:
http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/
and this email address:
cmj2nc@aol.com

we need to get out this message to everyone, thanks again
Sincerely,
Sam Cooke can sing

Anonymous said...

Awesome BLOG.

I agree, we need Gov. Richardson to negotiate this matter “BACK TO THE PIT”
Where are you Bill?

Where is Marty, visiting Bill Clinton,
Marty Chavez we need you now!

Action Jackson, Mayor of Rio Rancho, where are you?

Susie Cleveland lets go “BACK TO THE PIT”

Where have all our leaders gone?

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh I just got this blog info from my best friends daughter, she is graduating with my son Ed!

Our hats off to you guys that got this going, we are all for going back to the PIT!

Ed’s Mom

Anonymous said...

Rio Rancho High School, we agree and support your return the UNM PIT,
Frank and Betty

Anonymous said...

when you all open the other high school then you can have your graduation in rio rancho because until then RRHS will continue to have the most seniors graduating year in and year out who is keeping count? if i know that how is it the ones responsible for this somehow forgot that? that is why a new school is needed right? we fully support the have the graduation at the pit.

Anonymous said...

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

A blogger commented how this whole graduation change stepped on peoples rights.

The entire history of our government was to escape bad government, bad and unfair decisions, bad practices, bad leaders.

What really bothers me is our children are involved.

The event is an important chapter in their lives.

They are seeing first hand another history lesson.

Democracy did not play a part in this poorly planned change and that is why I am joining in on this push to address the graduation.

Even if this situation affected two people it is wrong.

After reading the newspaper and reading several emails this is affecting thousands.

I completely see why it was changed and there are those that support the change.

But when you consider how this was handled then you scratch your head and wonder how well paid, educated people forgot the opening lines of THEIR Constitution, they forgot their history and at the expense of our children.

What also stands out and causes me to cringe is the very same people have charge over our children.

They will read these words and not understand what they did and what they are doing is wrong.

These same individuals will look in the mirror and say "I'm ok".

Our children are our most precious part of our community and should not be taken for granted at any expense.

The contract is now the excuse they are so diligently clinging to and hiding behind in order to right their wrongs.

The Star Center should also know their history and let the school out of this contract.

It should have never been about the money it should have always been about the children, our children.

Anonymous said...

JOEY T said...
BACK TO THE PIT, COUNT OUR FAMILY IN......

March 16, 2007 4:22 PM

Anonymous said...

“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”

After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the koat newscast we are behind you.

Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.

Extended family of 11 in support of

J and J

Anonymous said...

My daughter wants all of her family at her graduation. Mom, dad, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. That comes to 16! Don't make her choose who gets to go and who gets to stay home. We all want to celebrate with her. BACK TO THE PIT! Graduates and parents should have had a choice, it's our graduation, not the administrations!

Anonymous said...

The University Arena

"The Arena"

"The PIT"

Sports Illustrated's Top-20 Sports Venues of the Century:

In June, 1999, Sports Illustrated listed its top-20 sporting venues of the century and The Pit checked in at No. 13.

“Sports Illustrated in 1999 named The Pit one of the Top 20 sporting venues of the 20th century — a list that includes Yankee Stadium, Wrigley Field, Pebble Beach and Daytona International.

Yeah, that’s big-time company. That’s like being compared to Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, Man O’ War, the Roman Empire, George Washington, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn.

When you make an elite list like that maybe something special had to happen in The Pit above and beyond Lobos basketball.

And it did.”

There is beaucoup (bookoo) history and memories regarding "The PIT"! It is now 41 years young! I remember as a kid walking past from a distance as they prepared to build it. Gigantic hills were formed as they removed dirt.

“Famous hole has hosted superstars, special events… It’s probably the most famous hole in the ground since the Grand Canyon. It’s almost aged as well, too. Just look at some of the characters who have brought their acts to The Pit over the past 40 years: Michael Jordan, Mick Jagger, the Eagles, Jimmy Valvano, Dennis Rodman, Jethro Tull, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Steve Nash, Elton John, James Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Led Zeppelin, Christian Laettner, Luciano Pavarotti, George Strait, Patrick Ewing, John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino.” Stevie Wonder, Magic Johnson, Santana, Larry Nance, John Thompson, Bill Cosby and that’s the short list!

The name "The Arena" or "The PIT" were always popular titles when talking about the great concerts that took place there.

"The PIT" known for incredible Basketball, at the Professional, Collegiate and High School level. My Brother helped Coach a State Championship there!

And of course UNM and High School Graduations all at "The PIT"!

If you were fortunate to have had your graduation there either from High School or UNM or both there is a fondness about the place and you have to love the name, "The PIT"! Perhaps it was the event, but there is an undeniable "energy" there. Sure its a hole in the ground but if will always remain a location of celebration, accomplishment, music, history, success, defeat, incredible wins and gut wrenching losses, woulda, coulda, shoulda, lore, myth, legend, fact, fiction, blood, sweat and tears and forever simply, "The PIT".

I am sure there has been some very good stories written and told about the various events that have taken place there (see blow). Santana played there in the early 70's, the concert was ranked in the top 4 among all concerts that summer throughout the southwest.

Endless sports stories, concerts and graduations, I remember a graduation when the entire graduating class of Eldorado High School as well as families in the audience gave the principal a standing ovation this was in 2001 or 2002, that was impressive?

Last year they estimated over 11 million people have come to the Lobo games, that does not include ALL of the Graduations, concerts, etc.!

“Bill Cosby took on the Lobos 31 years ago and came out on top”

"What a terrific atmosphere for college basketball. Great building...great history...18,000 screaming fans. It's big time hoops, baby!" - Dick Vitale ESPN

“The Pit got its nickname because it is literally a pit dug out of Albuquerque’s Southeast Mesa. The roof was built first, then dirt was excavated to create a large hole. The arena floor is 37 feet below ground level. In 1966-67, season tickets for Lobos men’s basketball were $20 for bench seats and $30 for chairbacks. A single-game ticket was $2.50.

The opening season in The Pit featured 15 home games. The highest ranked Lobos team to play in The Pit was the Lobos men of 1966-67 who achieved a No. 3 ranking in January 1967.”

“One of college basketball's most famous and recognizable buildings, University Arena is the home of New Mexico men's and women's basketball.

The Pit is built in a 37-foot hole on Albuquerque's southeast mesa. First the roof was constructed, then the hole was dug and the Arena built. That all happened in 1966. The unique Behlen roof (338 by 300 feet) was set up by contractors and then 55,000 cubic yards of earth were removed. About 28,000 yards of concrete were poured in the initial construction, which allowed a seating capacity of 14,831. The cost - an incredibly economical $1.4 million.

Arena expansion was undertaken when it became apparent that fan interest was too great even for the original structure. The expansion in 1975 cost near $2.2 million and involved the extension of a cantilevered deck above the existing facility. There are six rows in the deck, with a seating capacity of 2,300. Reserved standing-room-only spots increase The Pit's capacity to 18,018.
The 2006-07 season will be the 41st year that University Arena has served as home for Lobo hoops. The first game was played Dec. 1, 1966, with New Mexico defeating Abilene Christian, 62-53. A total of 704 games have been played overall. The Lobos have come away the victor in 569 of those, good for a stunning .808 winning percentage.

What is even more impressive about UNM's home court is that over 11 million fans have flocked into this sunken edifice to see their beloved Lobos play basketball. The exact figure stands at 11,023,733. The Lobos have averaged an astounding 15,659 fans the past 40 years, an amazing 97% of capacity.
The Lobos have finished second in the nation in attendance five times, third on four occasions, and fourth six times.

2005-06 Attendance Numbers
The University of New Mexico is one of very few schools to have both its men's and women's basketball programs rank in the top-25 in attendance during the 2005-06 season. The Lobo women were fourth while the men finished No. 21. The UNM men and women have both finished in the top-25 in each of the past eight seasons.

The rankings:
Although the men's average of 13,387 is its lowest in 25 years, UNM has still finished in the top-25 for 40 consecutive years, or every season the Lobos have played in The Pit. No other school in the country can make that claim.

UNM hosted the NCAA Championship in 1983, won by North Carolina State over Houston, the 1968, '78, '92 and 2000 West Regional, the 1985 and 1996 West Region First and Second Rounds, and 1988 McDonald's High School All-American basketball game. The NCAA Men's First and Second Rounds were here in 2002 followed by the Women's First and Second Rounds and the Midwest Regional in 2003. UNM hosted the women's first and second rounds again in 2004, followed by the men's Albuquerque Regional in 2005 and the West Regional for the women's tournament in 2006. The Pit will again host NCAA women's tournament action in 2008 and 2009.

The UNM women's basketball team is also enjoying the home court advantage The Pit offers. Over the past nine seasons under current head coach Don Flanagan, The Pit has become one of the rowdiest places in all of women's college basketball. The women have compiled a home record of 159-32 (.832) over the last 11 years. The women's team has also been in the top-10, nationally, in average attendance in each of the last eight seasons. In 2006, the women's team averaged 10,355 fans per game, fourth in the NCAA, and posted a 16-2 record. On nine different occasions, the women's squad has sold out The Pit. Five times they have filled it to the 18,018 regular season capacity. Four times they sold out NCAA tournament games when the capacity was over 16,000. Each of these nine games has come since the 1999 season.”


Rio Rancho, “Go BIG or stay HOME”! “The PIT” is the Biggest venue in the state!

Ironically, I already wrote my Brother is the Uncle of this years Graduate from Rio Rancho, who helped Coach a State Championship at "The PIT", he also graduated at "The PIT" and lives in Albuquerque but will not be able to attend this Graduation because we won't have enough tickets and this is my Brother's favorite Nephew!

I have read a lot of diplomatic emails, I've read several comments back and forth when this all started here in March with good news coverage by KOAT and then very one-sided editors from the newspapers writing without the entire facts.

Read all of those emails sent to you and then please "PASS IT ON!


RIO RANCHO BASKETBALL TEAM YOU JUST ROCKED “THE PIT”,
YOU JUST WON YOUR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP;
MR. VONDUNCAN ENCOURAGED YOU AND ALL STUDENTS
TO “SHOW THEM WE OWN ‘THE PIT’!!
….AND YOU DID!!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?
“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY LAN….WAIT….NO…..
WE WANT TO GO BACK TO “THE PIT” FOR OUR GRADUATION, WE OWN IT NOW!!
DID YOU SEE HOW MANY FANS WE HAD THERE?! IT WAS GREAT-GO RAMS!!!

http://epaper.abqjournal.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VEUvMjAwNi8xMS8wOSNBcjAzMDAw&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom


http://epaper.abqjournal.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=QVRMLzE5OTkvMTEvMTIjQXIwMzUwMA==&Mode=Html&Locale=english-skin-custom

http://epaper.abqjournal.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VEUvMjAwNi8xMS8wOSNBcjAzMjAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

http://www.abqtrib.com/search/?q=%22the+pit+at+40%22&search_submit.x=0&search_submit.y=0

Anonymous said...

DITTO!

TO ALL THE "BLOGS" HERE!
GREAT SITE!
THANK YOU red rabbit

Anonymous said...

These bastards are discriminating against large families!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Aunt Mary they are discriminating against large families and against the graduate that has more then six (6) people that would be honored to attend their graduation and were invited. I agree with this blog site take it back to the PIT!!

Anonymous said...

ATTENTION: SENIORS, PARENTS, GUARDIANS, FAMILIES, RELATIVES, STUDENTS AND CONCERNED PERSONS

Please visit the web log, copy and paste this into your browser
http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/

You can also email: cmj2nc@aol.com if you have any problems posting comments on the blog, thank you.

We are a group of families that would like to have the Class of 2007 Graduation returned to "The PIT."

At minimum, let’s put this matter to a fair vote.

We are respectfully asking Dr. Sue Cleveland to make the decision to return to "The PIT."

RRPS has broken contracts before and can break this contract now and go "BACK TO THE PIT."

We need all persons that want the Graduation to be returned to "The PIT" to let your voice be heard.

In an unprecedented administrative decision, input was NOT allowed to be given by everyone affected. Only certain voices were heard.

This last minute decision affected more than 10,000 people.

We have heard all the reasons given by the administration and strongly feel they do not outweigh the fact that a fair process did not occur in the first place concerning this matter.

Please go online now. We have every right to be heard. "It’s not over till it’s over."

BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP

Please visit the web log, copy and paste this into your browser
http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/

You can also email: cmj2nc@aol.com if you have any problems posting comments on the blog, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Mike and Julie agree:

ATTENTION: SENIORS, PARENTS, GUARDIANS, FAMILIES, RELATIVES, STUDENTS AND CONCERNED PERSONS

Please visit the web log, copy and paste this into your browser
http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/

You can also email: cmj2nc@aol.com if you have any problems posting comments on the blog, thank you.

We are a group of families that would like to have the Class of 2007 Graduation returned to "The PIT."

At minimum, let’s put this matter to a fair vote.

We are respectfully asking Dr. Sue Cleveland to make the decision to return to "The PIT."

RRPS has broken contracts before and can break this contract now and go "BACK TO THE PIT."

We need all persons that want the Graduation to be returned to "The PIT" to let your voice be heard.

In an unprecedented administrative decision, input was NOT allowed to be given by everyone affected. Only certain voices were heard.

This last minute decision affected more than 10,000 people.

We have heard all the reasons given by the administration and strongly feel they do not outweigh the fact that a fair process did not occur in the first place concerning this matter.

Please go online now. We have every right to be heard. "It’s not over till it’s over."

BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP

Please visit the web log, copy and paste this into your browser
http://rioranchogradsunite.blogspot.com/

You can also email: cmj2nc@aol.com if you have any problems posting comments on the blog, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Arnold and Lee agree to BACK TO THE PIT

Anonymous said...

please take the time to read all this input and return this graduation to the pit, thank you.

Anonymous said...

Who is going to pay for my families airline tickets? I cannot get a refund now. This has to go back to the pit!

Anonymous said...

“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”

After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the koat newscast we are behind you.

Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.

Anonymous said...

“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”

After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the koat newscast we are behind you.

Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.

THANK YOU FOR SETTING THIS UP I HOPE IT DID NOT COST YOU TO MUCH?

Anonymous said...

THINK ABOUT THIS!!!
Everyone here has a good point but really, really think about this:

Driving to; Parking; Leaving; Driving home!
How much traffic comes in and out of the pit when you are at an event?
But at least there you have 4 different ways to get in and out and a new 4 lane freeway out, so the time to get home if you live in Rio Rancho or on the west side is maybe a half an hour or so, not bad.
At the Santa Ana, with 700 to 750 students, which at least three fourths and more will be driving themselves, since they have to be there 2 hours early. Or their parents will be driving them. Plus school staff and Santa Ana staff that have to get there to prepare. Then all the families will be driving and the other fortunate ones that get to go, so total you are looking at a lot of automobiles driving there all at once. You will have to drive through Rio Rancho to get to a 2 lane road, with ONLY a 1 lane entrance, now that is dangerous! Could and accident occur? Yes! That will not cut down on driving time it will take you longer.
What about the parking?
That too, is going to be a major mess, and will not properly accommodate all of those vehicles. That will also add to the delay before the graduation even starts.
Now when it is time to go home you are looking at all those people and cars trying to get out of an area that has ONLY 1 way out and back to a 2 lane road! Here you are looking at a long wait if you are lucky and with no accidents. If there is an accident it is really going to be a major mess because then everyone heading in that direction will have to wait, do you get the picture?
I’d rather be coming out of the pit with more ways out to help us if something goes wrong, where if God forbid someone gets in an accident, at least you can find a way to turn around or find another road to turn on to.
What if someone gets in an accident coming from or going to the Santa Ana, where are our choices to get out of traffic? WAIT, there are NONE because there is ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out and it is a 2 lane road with NO turn around area anywhere except when you are on 528 or Northern!!!
TO ALL OF THE OFFICALS WHO CHANGED THIS!!
Start praying no one gets hurt on their way there or the way home because then you will have legal problems to deal with! God forbid a loss of life occurs!
Nobody wants that?!
Better yet change the graduation Back to the Pit and avoid all this.
THINK ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!!!
I agree with “Driving to; Parking; Leaving; Driving Home”
TO THE OFFICALS WHO CHANGED THIS,
Yes, just like they wrote, going to and from the Pit you have 4 different ways to get in and out and a newly constructed 4-lane freeway.
The Rio Rancho location only has 1 way in and 1 way out with no way to turn around.
If a member of my family gets hurt I will be holding you accountable to the fullest.
Yeah…….THINK ABOUT THAT!!
Julie

cc: Attorney

Anonymous said...

Yes, tear up the contract!

“BACK TO THE PIT
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RIO RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES DISCUSSION GROUP”

After reading your blogs, newspaper stories, and the KOAT newscast we are behind you and support returning to The Pit.

Dr. Cleveland we want this graduation at THE PIT, thank you.

Anonymous said...

“BACK TO THE PIT”

Anonymous said...

I'm on my lunch break, this blog deal is really great. My mom said to check out the weblog because everyone is concerned. Thank you for being concerned enough to get involved. Seniors lets tell them we want to go back to the PIT.

Shout out to Becky!

Anonymous said...

Take you back...
do do do do
take you back...
oh...
take you back...
do do do do
take you back
to the PIT!!!!

(song from the movie Rocky i added the last line)

Anonymous said...

auntie m said...
Okay, I finally saw the KOAT footage by Rod Green. It is very well done. It would not play on my mac, but it did on my pc. I'm surprised the school did not revisit their decision after this aired. It made them look really stupid.

Excellent newscast, copy this info here into your browser (there will be a short commercial first):

www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb

or go to first page of this blog and look for "NEWS COVERAGE" and click on KOAT-TV it will take you to the newscast.

Anonymous said...

Rio Rancho, “Go BIG or stay HOME”! “The Pit” is the Biggest venue in the state!

This ain't over until the lady sings, we are just getting warmed up, believe it!

Rio Rancho, you have the largest Graduating Class in the entire State and School History what will you do now?

Well we are not going to Disneyland.....NO!!! We are going to have our graduation in Rio Rancho so our money WILL NOT be spent in Albuquerque (as stated by the administration) but NO wait the administration OK’d our announcements, cap & gown, class ring and pictures to be bought in Albuquerque?! Hey, at $100 a pop that is $75,000 or at $180 a pop that is $135,000 or at $200 a pop is $150,000, get the picture? Someone other then Rio Rancho is making out good! Do you realize after all is said and done over $500,000 is being spent in Albuquerque on the whole enchilada anyway?

Our Basketball Championship games leading to the finals were at “The Pit" where everyone that we know seemed to make it there with no complaints of the drive, and all done in Albuquerque. (Which was one of the complaints it was too far (17 miles) and dangerous to drive to the graduation but not for the games, and on several different days Rio Rancho drove there because we kept winning and WON IT ALL!?) We have numerous families in Rio Rancho that are season ticket holders to events at the “The Pit” and other events taking place in Albuquerque where the venue is over 18,000+ persons.

FYI: At “The Pit" you have at least 4 ways to enter from and leave North, South, East and West with at least 3 lanes and a newly constructed Freeway you can use going to or when leaving! Lets compare the venues, who knows how long it will take for us to get to and out of the Santa Ana with the whole 2 ways to get there on a 2 lane road with only 1 lane going in and only 1 lane going out, just exactly like a bottle neck, there are no U turns on this little journey. That sounds like fun to me, make sure the family members that received the “golden ticket” and that are allowed to go, all bring their DVD or CD players while driving to and then leaving to get back home that depending on where you live in Rio Rancho is 15 minutes away, each way, that is with no heavy traffic either. Yes this Graduation is going to take a lot longer then 15 minutes drive time each way both going and coming. Also, take a jaunt out there yourself time it from your driveway all the way to where you stop, where you actually park, it will take some of us longer, and speaking of parking, that is going to be a mess! Don’t forget ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out. Did they take into account people other then Rio Rancho and from Albuquerque or even other cities in the state as well as out of state will be coming to this Graduation? This is very important, not everyone going lives in Rio Rancho! You did not take that into consideration.

The decision lends itself with all of the limits placed on it to: no outsiders allowed! We decree by order of VonDuncan and the “many”, at the very last minute - in Rio Rancho, for Rio Rancho, by Rio Rancho, God forbid if you have more then 6 guests!! 2 Parents, 2 Siblings and only 1 set of Grandparents, that is 6, too bad for “Grammy” and “Grampa”, the other set of Grandparents! If you don’t fit into that cookie cutter template logic if you by chance have an extra family member, then you are out of luck, too bad so sad. And to hell with the Aunts and Uncles and Cousins! Draw straws, that is a great idea! Arm wrestle that’s better yet! And to all you folks that bought airline tickets in advance, …shucks. Or if you worked like hell, extra hours or O.T. to have these days off….oops. Oh and the “extra” tickets available, those will be few and far between because 4,500 divided by 750 is 6! But not everyone will need 6, true but based on previous year’s numbers for person’s attending and the fact this is the Largest Graduating Class ever, both mathematically and logically there will be “many” more Seniors that will need more then 6 tickets! We know because several of the Graduates have stated that “everyone” is asking for extra tickets. Think about it a 15,000-person venue down to a 4,500-person venue, WE NEED TICKETS!!

You say, in the past “we always got ‘The Pit’ on a bad day” well not this year, we have in on a Saturday at 4 PM.

And it is very sad to read in the newspaper, people actually condemning those that just happen to have a larger inner circle of more then 6! The attitude is like shame on you for wanting so many tickets, you know if one family needs 2 tickets tops or less, that’s cool, and if one family needs 20 tickets more or less, that’s cool too! But to condemn anyone that have more in their network is ignorance. Just think about the last high school graduation you went to that was not your own child then think about the one you went to that was not related. Now, after you have done that we only go to graduations that we want to go to because of our history with the graduate. We criticize and punish the person graduating because of too many contacts, how very sad. The persons complaining wrote it was “ridiculous”, that narrow-minded mentality is what is “ridiculous” not those that have a larger inner circle of people. More power to you if you know people that want to come witness your achievement! FYI: Our state has one of the highest dropout and suicide rates in the country, just ask Dr. Cleveland. So obtaining your High School diploma is outstanding!

But large sums of money were saved? So says the administration. Yes exactly $1,990.06 was saved! Great that means the 15,000 seats available at “The Pit” for $8K is a much better deal then the 4,500 seats at the hockey rink for $6K? Wait a minute we better ask someone Graduating who can add, if you do the math, each seat at the rink actually costs more then each seat at “The Pit”? Somehow by that logic if both seats are priced the same we should be only paying a total $2,385.00 for the use of the rink not $6,000.00! Again, that total ($2,385) is based on if both the seats at both venues cost the same.

Speaking of more savings, too bad the decision makers don't pay for the graduation accessories that we have to pay for, bought in Albuquerque not Rio Rancho. If you don’t know, Jostens who is handling the announcements was also affected by this last second poorly planned decision. It is too late for them to take out “The Pit” and the location!!! OOPPSS!! It is already etched in stone so to speak, in all of the announcements! (That is NOT going to look good) And because of the downsizing with this last minute decision we now have a surplus of incorrect announcements, much more then we needed in the first place! Now with all the extra announcements that we paid for, now we have to put a total of 2, yes Dos inserts in them, the administration's insert and now our own insert (how professional looking) because the original announcement will in fact still read the Graduation is at “The Pit", maybe with a thick black magic marker we could draw a large X thru that? But hopefully they will see the first insert, which will explain, no it's not at “The Pit" that portion is wrong it is at the “Santa Ana Star owned by the Casino Center hockey rink” here is a map to show you how to get to the 2 lane road after you have driven thru Rio Rancho, (the professionals spent a lot of time clarifying that little tid-bit of info-the name of the venue, even an editor chimed in) but hopefully we who paid for now too many announcements because of the terrible last minute change without everyone’s input are praying they somehow they will see the second insert stating you can't go we are just teasing you, we only have 6 tickets so we can be like “all the other districts” that can ONLY use their Gym, (although if these districts were 17 miles away would love to use “The” storied “Pit”) unlike us with the State’s largest Graduating Class and can use “The Pit”. HEY, No inserts needed if we stay at “The Pit”. Whether you choose one or two inserts to try to explain this debacle in your announcement it won’t look good and will be confusing. So to those lucky ones that won’t be able to go, just send your regards to your Sister or Brother, or Granddaughter or Grandson or favorite Relative that will be Graduating and we the limited family members that flipped a coin to get in, will tell you how it went!

According to the administration of course the most important part of all this graduation, is, it will be in Rio Rancho at the best facility they could get, so that our Graduates can limit the number of members of their families to see them Graduate after 12 years of working hard and they don't get to decide where they want it, the district did it for them, and with only 2 months to go, thank you so much for the early notice, you allowed us no real time to prepare. Even though we had plans that have to be completely changed! People that purchased airline tickets, took time off, etc. We have nothing else going on in our lives. To change venues with such short notice is affecting our Graduates along with thousands of people, and the administration is OK with that?!

Sadly, in the “words of wisdom” from Rio Rancho High School’s own principal’s mouth, where is says, “the choice is yours.” Clearly this is not true even though it has been stated everyday on the announcements he gives. Not ALL of the Seniors had a say a “choice” in this and it is THEIR DAY, right? Not ALL the parents/guardians had a say a “choice” in this and it is THEIR CHILD’S DAY, right? Only a certain few received this important privilege. Just think about that for a minute or 2, how unfair is that? The “Class Song” is “Dream On”, and that is exactly what VonDuncan and Cleveland has told the Class of 2007, “oh you would like your graduation to be returned to ‘The Pit’ Seniors”? “Well ‘Dream On’ Seniors”.

We heard the excuse, “we couldn’t get all the Seniors on the floor last year if we go the the hockey rink we can”. I’m not sure what has changed on the floor of “The Pit” but check and verify this fact, I know I was present in the early 70’s, Sandia High School graduated 2 classes with over 900+ students on the floor and one class which is the Largest Class ever in NM history, with over 1,000+ Seniors all on the floor. So you might want to see why or how that was. Basically, it can be done.

Because of issues with past Graduations but last years in particular, the Class of 2007 and those closest to them get to feel the brunt of the penalty that they are innocent of. What an interesting lesson in life, forget about the stress this ripple affect is causing right now, the decree has spoken. Forget about what is right or wrong or fair and unfair, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact your announcement will be tacky and confusing and you have much more then you needed, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact we disrupted your plans and peoples lives, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact this is YOUR DAY, this is a Celebration, and ALL of your supporting cast does not have to be present, the decree has spoken. Forget about the fact we told you at the last minute, gave you no fair warning with input coming only from the privileged and the administration, sprinkled with a few politicians, the decree has spoken!

An editor and the administration all referred to the “many” that wanted this, what is the problem with putting this to a vote, right now? You will all find out the actual “many” want this event at “The Pit”. Our Seniors will have to revert back to their grade school days, you print up what 750 notes home with 2 boxes to check on the note - “The Pit” or no “Pit”, parents and guardians along with each Senior will vote. Unlike the decree that has been imposed upon everyone, where only a certain “many” voices were heard and acted on, simply, that decision that act in itself is so wrong and so very unfair, this is America right? (The school Board is supposed to uphold the Constitution of the United States, just ask them). Make sure you number each one of these notes that way they can be counted fairly. Add a few lines so the Graduate and their Parent/Guardian can print and sign. If you have a better idea, wonderful as long as the vote process is fair. If the vote comes back no “Pit”, then the editor, the administration and the so called “many” had a finger on the pulse and IF the vote comes back “The Pit” then Hallelujah! Times a wastin’!

At this point, no fair or reasonable explanation can out weigh ALL the reasons why the Graduation should be at “The Pit”. Go ahead and weigh each and every matter honestly and fairly, both sides, the “proof is in the pudding”, fact, the way this entire decision was imposed has been handled, is wrong and very unfair. If it were above board, we would not be writing this.

Sincere apologies if I offended anyone with my sarcasm, I’ve read several comments back and forth when this started here in March with some good news coverage and then very one sided editors chiming in, contradictions and so on, so like a magnet I am jumping in.

And like those before me read everything below and then please "PASS IT ON!


RIO RANCHO BASKETBALL TEAM YOU JUST ROCKED “THE PIT”,
YOU JUST WON YOUR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP;
MR. VONDUNCAN ENCOURAGED YOU AND ALL STUDENTS
TO “SHOW THEM WE OWN ‘THE PIT’!!
….AND YOU DID!!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?
“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY LAN….WAIT….NO…..
WE WANT TO GO BACK TO “THE PIT” FOR OUR GRADUATION, WE OWN IT NOW!!
DID YOU SEE HOW MANY FANS WE HAD THERE?! IT WAS GREAT-GO RAMS!!!

Anonymous said...

Quoting a famous movie line - "We are mad as hell and we are not going to take it"!

We concur with the blog and count us in as a family against this negative decision imposed upon our children, PASS IT ON!:

Excellent newscast, copy this info here into your browser (there will be a short commercial first):

www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb

Anonymous said...

2. Please help! We are asking you all please change the Graduation back to the “Pit”; the date is still open and available at this venue. For the “GREATER GOOD” GO BACK TO THE PIT! Hey even our Basketball Team and Fans had to go to Albuquerque for the entire tournament and Rocked the Pit”!

Anonymous said...

3. 2007 - Largest Graduating Class in the entire state and in our school’s history.

Anonymous said...

4. The venue change is simply too small, 14,000+ persons attending reduced down to 4,500. Mr. VonAncken said “4,500”.

Anonymous said...

5. With only 2 months to go we were just informed of this change, but up until March 2007 we have always been of the clear understanding that “The Pit” was the location, we were given no forewarning at all, this is absolutely too short of notice, plans, invitations, time off and out of state airline tickets had already been purchased. The timing to inform us is absolutely terrible; this completely throws off our plans along with several thousands of others.

Anonymous said...

6. The Class of 2007 and their Loved Ones are being punished and made the guinea pigs.

Anonymous said...

7. The actual average amount of persons attending per each Senior for prior Graduations was about 19, some would have more, some less but that is the average, within the last few years there was no official ticket (Dr. Cleveland said the Class of 1999 was at Johnson Gym). And within recent years Rio Rancho has always packed “The Pit”. But now there are tickets and it has been limited to exactly 6. Also there is a claim that 2 extra tickets will supposedly be given out to bring the total to 8 however this will still not remedy this poor plan. No amount will remedy this because 4,500 seats is around 10,000+ persons short that won’t be allowed to attend. Mathematically 6 times 750 equals 4,500 so not very many Graduates will be getting over 6 tickets.

Anonymous said...

8. Safety, yes, all of the other facts listed here speak for themselves. We have the Largest Graduating Class, EVER AND EACH GRADUATE HAS A SUPPORTING CAST THAT ABSOLUTELY DESERVES TO BE IN ATTENDANCE, ENOUGH SAID.

Anonymous said...

9. SERIOUSLY…SIMPLY, WHAT PRICE DO YOU PLACE ON A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LIFE?! THE COST THE SAVINGS THAT MRS. CLEVELAND AND MR. VONANCKEN ALLUDE TO ABSOLUTELY DO NOT OUT WEIGH WHAT WILL BE COMPLETELY LOST! YES, EVEN TO ATTEMPT TO PLACE A PRICE ON THIS ENTIRE PROCESS, CELEBRATION AND EVENT IS INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE IT IS TRULY “PRICELESS”! TO ARGUE THIS IMPORTANT POINT IS IGNORANCE AND…..WELL….VERY WRONG.

Anonymous said...

10. AGAIN, EACH GRADUATE HAS A SUPPORTING CAST THAT ABSOLUTELY DESERVES TO BE IN ATTENDANCE!

Anonymous said...

11. If you take EVERYTHING into consideration, both sides of the coin, ALL of their points, and now their explanations and contradictions to not concede. This is a mess; we cannot even begin to explain how bad this truly is. The very Best thing they can do at this point is to take this celebration this Graduation back to “The Pit" and then they can regroup for next year, that way Graduates and Loved Ones can actually be allowed input for next year. It won’t be one sided like now and the powers that be would have a whole year to explain their logic.

Anonymous said...

12. Please consider this very important fact, if they put it to a vote now right now, the Graduation would go back to “The Pit" please really think about this, they are displacing over 10,000+ persons!

Anonymous said...

13. Please consider at this time is the very end of the year, the very end of their 13 years in school, and consider the stress this is placing on our Graduates and their Loved Ones?! Is anyone taking that into consideration? 2007 will be the year they truly remember when their own Family, Relatives and Loved Ones at the last minute were denied the opportunity to see them Graduate, even though this was planned before hand. We already had 2 Children Graduate at “The Pit”; we surely are not going to forget this Graduation. We are very upset right now!

Anonymous said...

· A High School Graduation is a very important celebration! An accomplishment of what you have completed in your life. As "Pomp and Circumstance" begins to play a myriad of memories and emotions flood into your mind, you see this young woman or young man dressed in their Graduation attire, glimpses of Pre-school, their Kindergarten and First Grade Graduations seem like only yesterday! “Did 13 years really pass by, you ask yourself?” You and Everyone that joined you for this moment are so very proud. Some will have tears of joy, some will clap, whistle and holler, but without a doubt a feeling of happiness will dominate your senses. And those that were with you through the good times and even the difficult times will beam with honor! “She did it-He did it!” You will remark or think yourself! Please know this celebration includes a Graduate(s) and Everyone that helped make this happen, through influence, nurturing, encouragement and love. Again, this process involves Everyone, not a limited number due to a facility change at the last minute. Please know each process, each individual has their own unique story along with the supporting cast involved. You only Graduate from High School once in your life. Please carefully consider everything herein and understand your well-meaning intentions do NOT outweigh all of the reasons to allow this very important celebration to remain at “The Pit” and the several thousands affected.

Anonymous said...

· In the High School announcements on 3/5/07, Mr. VonAncken stated the venue would not be changed back to “The Pit” and would remain at the center. On a very interesting note he always ends his daily announcements stating the “choice is yours”, on this day (3/5) as he stated this again, he actually chuckled, he literally chuckled as if though a “Freudian slip” in that he lied, because the reality is that the choice is NOT the Seniors and all Students it never was! It was his and Mrs. Cleveland’s all along.

Anonymous said...

· On a very positive proactive note we are aware of 3 petitions that the Seniors themselves have started, but this is a difficult task with connecting with other students due to schedules and classes. We applaud these future leaders for “stepping up”. Mrs. Cleveland, the school board, Mr. VonAncken and company should take particular note.

Anonymous said...

· In a KOAT newscast on television Mr. VonAncken contradicted himself, from what he advised the newspaper. He advised reporter Rod Green that he would leave it up to the student to secure any extra tickets beyond the allotted 6!!! That is going to be interesting! Now it us up to the student!!!! Surely, each student graduating have many other important tasks to take care of with only two months left in the school year? This is what he told Rod Green! Consider how unfair this process is to secure extra tickets? This confirms how poorly planned the “let’s just wing it” now thinking is in full affect! Please share this with others KOAT-TV newscast with reporter Rod Green, (hats off great news report) check this out, copy this info here into your browser there is a short commercial so please be patient: www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb

Anonymous said...

· Herein, confirms that the person or persons involved in making this last minute decision/change did not take into full account all of this information! If this was not a last minute decision, then why did it take until March 2007 to spring it on us? Was there a vote? Was balanced input solicited? Who, What, When, Where, Why and How did this come about? Please be respectfully advised that we are not in the minority here, we are in the majority here and absolutely not at all happy with this last minute change! Lets put it to a vote now.

Anonymous said...

· The casino . . . seriously, the casino, please tell me it is not true that the power or powers that be, decided to have a important event for young Women and Men Graduating, also where babies, young children and Loved Ones will come to this important event at the casino??!! NOTE: per Barbara Armijo at the Journal/Tribune newspaper, it will be held at the “CENTER”, the casino owns the center – hockey rink. OK! So…it is officially the Santa Ana Star owned by the casino/center hockey rink, yes? But another note: Quoting Jake Rigdon with the Journal in his recent piece, YES he referred to this location as "The Star Casino", this was on the front page, oops he must notta' got the memo?!!

Anonymous said...

· At the beginning of the year at the Senior Assembly when the Seniors were being told about ordering their cap and gowns and graduation announcements both Mr. Duncan, the activities director and Mr. VonAncken said that the class of 2007 would most likely be the biggest graduating class in New Mexico and in the history of Rio Rancho and that there are Seniors that have been going to RRPS their whole lives and they would like to do something special about that this year. It was absolutely clear the venue would be “The Pit” and their would be no limit on people attending. Therefore, plans, ordering announcements, buying airline tickets, scheduling time off were ALL done prior to this change! They were well aware of this! This also means they were well aware that just by the very size of the class graduating would indicate the strong likelihood that potentially more persons would be in attendance then all of the previous graduations!

Anonymous said...

· Regarding your decision to change this year’s Graduation to the owned by the Casino/Center hockey rink. The Rio Rancho High School Agenda Book clearly states the Graduation will be at “The Pit”. And with that original information this is what we all used to plan out this important event in our Child’s life. Your Website also confirms it will be at “The Pit”.

Anonymous said...

· Our Graduate’s Graduation announcements and keep in mind as well as numerous other families’ announcements were ordered with the understanding the Graduation would be at “The Pit”. Had we known the location would be changed this would have influenced our purchase of these announcements and the amount needed.

· Why would we have wasted money on announcements that are inviting many people to an event they can’t go to? Most of the tickets are going only to immediate family. People with large families and a large network are penalized. Not so at “The Pit” venue.

· “The announcements do say The Pit, however, there is an insert being done for the new location with a map”. This is the exact quote by Jostens, the business doing our announcements; we have requested that they provide us with a full refund, as we will cancel this order. We are encouraging others to do likewise.

Anonymous said...

oh man, I really like your blogspot. we support everyone rising to this task, blog on and “seize the time” go back to the PIT Rio Rancho, NM!
Roy S.

Anonymous said...

· The Largest Graduating Class in Rio Rancho history and the largest Class in the state. To place the largest Class in a smaller venue is not a well thought out plan at this late notice no matter what the logic.

Anonymous said...

· Family, Loved Ones, Friends have already booked flights and taken time off because it was our understanding prior to March 07 that this event was going to be at “The Pit”. Please know that these are flights that cannot be refunded. What now?

Anonymous said...

· 6-ticket limit. One Graduate, has 4 Grandparents, 2 Parents, that equals 6 tickets, but what about divorced families that would now have 6 Grandparents and 4 Parents, that equals 8? That does not even include Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Loved Ones, Neighbors, past Teachers, Employers and Friends!

Anonymous said...

· Last year’s Graduation easily had over 14,000 people in attendance, there is no way a facility that holds 6000 people but then adjusted down to 4,500 seats for the graduation would be able handle this size event. You are now cutting it down by more then two thirds! Again, this is punishing this year’s Seniors and Loved Ones.

Anonymous said...

· We heard last year’s Graduation had a rowdy crowd and security was an issue? Please do not penalize the class of 2007 that cannot be blamed for last year.

Anonymous said...

· We heard even if they have it at “The Pit” they would still limit the tickets to 6 due to security! How much is the cost of additional security? Again the Class of 2007 should not be penalized! Please remember that this is a celebration.

Anonymous said...

· We ourselves witnessed 3 Graduations at “The Pit” last year because of our Nephews Graduating, “The Pit” more then handled the flow of people coming to celebrate. These very same Graduations would not have fit in a 4,500-seat facility. And we would have not been able to be present for each of our nephew’s Graduations if it was limited to 6. We filmed each of these events for our Sister and Brothers and our Nephews, a gift that they will always cherish.

Anonymous said...

· We the Parents and Graduates should have been advised about this change in August 2006 not this late, not barely now in March 2007, that is terrible planning! Who voted? Who decided? Input should have been requested by everyone not to a few that voiced their concerns. Or the “many” as is being explained now, there are “many” more that want this at “The Pit”. Input should have been asked of Everyone! How could this have been overlooked? Lets vote now!

Anonymous said...

As a senior at Rio Rancho, I would like to have the graduation moved back to University Arena. I have a large family – some of which are flying overseas to attend – that have bought tickets and now cannot attend. If funds are an issue, why can’t the school have a fundraiser?
Cesar

Anonymous said...

I’ve been to the Santa Ana Star Center several times as a hockey fan, and I’m curious as to how traffic is going to be handled at graduation. The Scorpions get about 2,000-2,8000 fans a game, and there are two traffic cops at every game handling a very congested parking lot. How in the world can the poorly designed parking lot handle well over 5,000 people? ScorpsRule19

Anonymous said...

I don’t ever recall a school board meeting regarding the original decision to move the location of graduation. It’s very difficult to believe that a majority of parents, some of who aren’t yet aware of the venue change or the ticket limit, made this decision.
Mark

Anonymous said...

Most graduates take pride in completing high school, and would like to enjoy this seminal moment with friends and family. The administration of Rio Rancho High School has done a disservice to the students, their families, and the entire community by moving graduation to the event center. Mr. Richard Von Ancken should remember that this is the students’ time to shine, not the time for him to push around his weight.
Very Discouraged

Anonymous said...

If Dr. Cleveland is so worried about graduates and their families driving down to the Pit, why did the high school encourage students to drive there to celebrate the basketball team reaching the state finals? I sense a bit of hypocrisy from the higher-ups in Rio Rancho.
ECV

Anonymous said...

THAT TAKES THE PROVERBIAL “CAKE”!

INPUT FROM ONLY A CHOSEN FEW OR WHO YELLED THE LOUDEST!

NOT EVERYONE WAS ALLOWED TO VOTE OR GIVE ANY INPUT!

DISTRICT’S EGO IS HURT BECAUSE THEY WERE BOOED LAST YEAR!

NO WONDER THEY WERE BOOED!

DECISION TO CHANGE JUST HAPPENED AND NOT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT IT, I JUST GOT AN EMAIL TODAY!??

WHAT IS UP WITH THAT, I NEVER GOT THE MEMO?

PLANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE!

DISTRICT IS NOW USING THE WE ALREADY SIGNED THE CONTRACT EXCUSE!

I OWN A PAPER SHREDDER!

10,000 PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE THERE CAN’T BE THERE!

ANNOUNCEMENTS STILL HAVE “THE PIT” ON THEM, THAT IS BEYOND TACKY, THAT IS RIGHT ABOVE B. S. IN MY BOOK!

LAST I CHECKED WE LIVE IN AMERICA!

WE HAVE RIGHTS, HERE!

IF THE DISCTRICT GETS AWAY WITH THIS SMOKE AND MIRRORS JOB, WE HAVE ALL JUST WITNESSED A CRIME!

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, THESE PEOPLE HAVE HAD AUTHORITY OVER OUR KIDS!

I AM FURIOUS!!!

I ALSO WANTED TO THANK ALL OF YOU THAT PUT THE BLOG TOGETHER YOU REALLY DID A GREAT JOB I WILL PASS IT ON!

I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE HOW I REALLY FEEL BUT I THINK YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO HAVE SUCH ANGER, RAGE, PROFANITY IN YOUR NICE WEBSITE!

WILLIAM

Anonymous said...

ditto to what William just wrote! I think I might just pop I'm so mad! PLEASE WAKE UP RRPS!

Anonymous said...

Ok, wow!
I just saw the koat newscast and I am most interested in all of the names of school staff that decided this? I am also interested in knowing how many people wanted this change? I WOULD LIKE THE GRADUATION IN RIO RANCHO TOO, BUT NOT LIKE THIS! This is not how anyone should conduct business, especially when our youth are involved our own kids. My son told me it would be going to be in Rio Rancho and I was pleased. But not so pleased to rip-off thousands of families. I won’t have a ticket problem but I am more aware now of many families that will. The bottom-line: this is absolutely wrong I am 100% for returning this graduation and all the future graduations to the UNM PIT, until, repeat, UNTIL, EVERY SINGLE FAMILY AFFECTED HAS HAD CHANCE TO PROVIDE THEIR VOICE IN THE MATTER!
The idea to have the change when the new school is built sounds ok, but we still need everyone’s say in this. Everything written on the blog space here makes great sense. I do like the reasons to have it here but too many people are getting the short end of the stick, this is very unfair.
John L.

Anonymous said...

· The concept that Graduates are being asked to return tickets is at best wishful thinking because common sense dictates that the majority of students won’t return their tickets. And for various reasons! Again, placing other needy Families at their mercy. This strategy again, verifies that this was not planned well. What percentage will actually do this, who will be in charge of the returns, and who gets them? This sounds good in theory but in practice will be very problematic. Since you have never done this before it will be very difficult to do for the very first time. Update: In a KOAT newscast on television Mr. VonAncken contradicted himself, from what he advised the newspaper. He advised reporter Rod Green that he would leave it up to the student to secure any extra tickets beyond the allotted 6!!! That is going to be interesting! Now it us up to the student!!!! Surely, each student graduating have many other important tasks to take care of with only two months left in the school year? This is what he told Rod Green! Consider how unfair this process is to secure extra tickets? This confirms how poorly planned the “let’s just wing it” now thinking is in full affect! Please share this with others KOAT-TV newscast with reporter Rod Green, (hats off great news report) check this out, copy this info here into your browser there is a short commercial so please be patient: www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb

Anonymous said...

Hello Anonymous you logged on Sunday after 3, please email me direct at cmj2nc@aol.com
thank you for your time.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Cleveland and Mr. VonAncken, I fully support you and respect all that you have to deal with, I am all the way on your side.

But I am motivated to write this to let you know that the way this entire matter was processed is absolutely wrong.

I think someone already wrote to allow everyone to have a say and that actually is the right way and is the way it has to be.

If we let this slide then who knows what will be next? It is too important and too many people are affected.

Yeah, I whole lot of people were booed last year and I did not agree with that. The only thing I will point out is we here in Rio Rancho are TOUGH! The graduation last year went on too long, people were getting restless and well, mad. If you think downsizing will help, well then you have not learned from last year. I have seen first hand what just 20 people can do if they choose to get rowdy. The Pit has had graduations since forever. There are many more things that fostered that and RRPS needs to take a good look at themselves in the mirror and that is actually the truth.

I did not agree with what happened at last year's graduation. But I sure don't agree with all of this.

It smells like, money as in kickbacks, or politics, or stupidity is driving this. What else could it be? Either someone is benefiting, or someone with power has an agenda, or you are deaf, dumb and blind? My apologies for being so blunt, but let us call it what it truly is. It is one of the three, or two of the three, or it is all three. If you stop and ask yourself why are we doing this hopefully you will find the answer.

I sincerely ask because what you are imposing and how you are imposing it is "DEAD WRONG". "I see said the blind man."

Additionally, if you would have had 4500 persons from last year’s graduation at the Star center, you would have still been booed. Consider that? Downsizing is not your problem. But what concerns me is with these shenanigans that you now refuse to bend on have only severely added to your woes.

Thanks for your time, and GO BACK TO THE PIT,
Ben

Anonymous said...

Go back to The Pit, because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

OR

Put it to a vote period and you will have all your answers and problems solved and then you did what you should have done in the first place.

It really is that simple.

Wise up, or forget about the "money and the contract", or tell who is ever driving this you won't do it, you won't do thousands of people and children wrong.

Sorry, but this blog dealy is bad to the bone!

Anonymous said...

I fully support the petition. Our children and families shouldn't have to pay for this late decision. I hope all of my out of town relatives will get tickets, but I don't expect that to happen. This was handled very poorly and the decision should be reconsidered with the input of all the affected students and parents.

Anonymous said...

Why would you make a decision two months before graduation without a vote from your graduates? I've heard security was too much and that the venue is cheaper, why didn't you have a fundraiser or make the tickets a dollar each?! If it's about money then if 14,000 people showed up at the PIT like in previous years that would be $14,000! PLEASE change it back to the PIT!

Anonymous said...

I have worked my butt off in high school and my ENTIRE family has supported me in these twelve hard years of work and this is how you repay the class of 2007. It's not my fault you're only giving me six tickets, since RRPS is so good at making my decisions for me than maybe you can help me evaluate how I am going to divide up my tickets among my HUGE family.

Anonymous said...

I want my family to see me graduate and 6 tickets won’t be enough! Rio Rancho needs to re-think their decision!

Anonymous said...

Being a senior is very stressful because of everything we have to get done through the year and down the stretch and for me the graduation change makes my senior year a MILLION TIMES more stressful. Now I don’t get to have ALL of my loved ones see me graduate. Thanks for ruining one of the most important events of my life. I am sorry we are a very close family. I was really looking forward to graduation when I saw my cousins (with our ENTIRE family) graduate last year at the PIT from West Mesa and Eldorado, but now I'm not because not even half of them will be there. What a great way to show your appreciation to one of the largest graduating classes.

Anonymous said...

· Now this plan that has just been unveiled allows us only 2 months notice, thus making it more hectic for families because of all the costs and sacrifices we now have to make regarding everything listed here. Cancelled plans, leave time, calling people and telling them they can’t come, no airline tickets etc. If you really took all of this into consideration like you claim you did, then that is very cruel of you! You don’t mind stressing people? You don’t mind allowing us hardly any time to really prepare? You don’t mind our child’s announcements are goofy? You don’t mind not asking everyone his or her thoughts on this? You stated “many” people complained, I have not met anyone yet that wants it in Rio Rancho, I read what the newspaper has put out but that read liked “canned” statements to me. An editor for the Albuquerque Journal wrote more people wanted it in Rio Rancho. May I state bluntly, that is a Damn lie! How in the hell do they know this? Show me proof that more people wanted it in Rio Rancho, you won’t because you can’t. If we put it to a vote right now, a fair vote, and more people say Rio Rancho they I will be happy to shut up. But they are afraid to put it to a vote because they know exactly what will happen. We should place bets and put this to a vote. RRPS will lose big time.

Anonymous said...

· We would like to know at what meeting did the community decide this? There was no notice that this was subject to change. There was not a vote taken! The School Board did not even sanction this, this was a Mr. VonAncken, Mr. Duncan, Dr. Cleveland plan, Lets put this to a vote.

Anonymous said...

Parent, reader rebuts rant on graduation ceremonies at the Star

Editor:
This is directed to the person who called in with a rant about the RRHS graduation.
I am sorry you have no relatives that want to share in your child's graduation ceremony. It must be a lonely life you have not having family that wants to celebrate such a huge accomplishment with you.
But from the tone of your rant, who can blame them?
The person who made the original rant was very sad that their child's grandparents all could not attend, not the silly reference you made to the "cousins of you stepsisters' half-brothers. You seem to be a very cold, selfish person.
My child doesn't graduate until next year and I will beg Sue Cleveland to reconsider having the ceremony at The Pit so all my child's siblings and spouses, and his 80-year- old grandparents, and his niece and whoever else that wants to share in this very emotional, happy time in my child's life can attend.
You keep your two extra tickets. I doubt you'll be able to get popcorn this night, but you enjoy. I hope your child has a happy memory and isn't hurt or upset because their extended family doesn't wish to attend.
I know someone will be good enough to give this person an extra ticket so the grandparents are all able to attend.
Not all people are as heartless as your rant leads me to believe you are. Just a question though. What do the football games and the band have to do with graduation, except that some of the band will be performing at the graduation?
Generally speaking, if I go to see my child play at halftime my family stays for the entire game and loudly roots for the football team (there is a lot of us). Do you applaud the band?
Yes, I am signing this letter, I am not ashamed of my feelings.

Anonymous said...

School Officials:
If you don’t change the graduation back to the Pit,
My daughter won’t be going to her graduation.
I will also cancel my announcements as we can’t invite everyone who wants to go so why hurt the other relatives that want to go. Thanks for your help in ruining my daughter’s graduation.
Hope this doesn’t happen to your child when they graduate.
It won’t because you will do what suits your own needs.
Mary M

Anonymous said...

Take the GRADUATION back to the Pit like all of the other Rio Rancho graduations.
We won’t get to have all our loved ones there who have contributed to our getting our diploma and to celebrate and enjoy with us.

Anonymous said...

PLEASE LISTEN:
Let the Graduates decide for themselves and then we can go from there.
This is America and we have the right to vote.
H. S.

Anonymous said...

To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in regards to the change of the graduation to the Santa Ana Star Center from The Pit that came up just 2 months prior to my granddaughter graduating.
I have been in my granddaughter’s life since she was born and so have her uncles, aunts, cousins (they are more like her brothers and sisters then cousins).
I was there when she graduated from kindergarten.
I was there when she graduated from 5th grade to go into middle school and
I thought I would be there when she graduated from high school.
But we don’t have enough tickets and to press you or anyone for more tickets just cheats someone else that is just as deserving, from going.
Don’t you all see that?
Sure there will be those that will have more then enough tickets because they were able to finagle them better.
Then that means someone else will go with out.
Someone wins someone loses, leave that to a sporting event not a person’s life.

At a family gathering we had on Friday, yes a total of 25 members of family and friends were present, who knew one girl could have that many special people in her life.
We never counted until now.
She had to tell all of us (I could tell it was the hardest thing she had to do) her uncles, aunts and cousins that the most rewarding and greatest achievement that she has accomplished so far, will not be celebrated with ALL of her family.
Only a few will be able to see her walk up proudly, take her diploma, look up at her family representing her and wish she could have had them all there like normal when we celebrate birthdays and any other special occasions.
Rio Rancho School system you took the right away from us and at such a short notice?
Don’t we get any say in this or have a vote I thought this was America?
I know others have already stated this but I’m going to state it again, I thought this was America?
Don’t the graduates get to decide where they want to have THEIR graduation? Please let her family celebrate with her and change it back to The Pit.
Please don’t stress the graduates more by making them choose who can or can’t go. Let her have everyone important in her life there.
She and all the other graduates need to focus on the graduation and not the harm you have already done to this special occasion.
Let them focus on what is important, their grades, planning what they will do from now on, they are all heading into the next phase of their lives.
I don’t write, see, hear or walk very well. I am not very good with words, sorry. But I want each of you to do is think of your grandfather and then your grandmother for a few minutes and think about how much they mean to you.
I’m way down the hill and who knows when the Lord is going to call me home?
It won’t be long.
I’m not asking for extra tickets I already explained that.
But, I am asking that we return to The Pit.
Please accept this for all of the other grandparents that can’t contact you or write you.
I know for sure they all want to be at the granddaughter or grandson’s graduation.
Let the change happen and see what a change will do to your school’s attitude.
Pay it Forward Now!!!!
Be the better person and speak up for our children.
I am praying that you understand and do the right thing.
N. Kennedy

Anonymous said...

If you have never read the words here is your chance

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen thro’ the mist of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream
’Tis the star-spangled banner. Oh! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation,
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Anonymous said...

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.

Anonymous said...

I still get chills when I read this, this is for all of RRPS. It might be a great idea that you really read this.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let the Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Anonymous said...

· A newspaper article in the newspaper states “many” parents called asking to have the graduation changed to the Santa Ana Star owned by the casino/center hockey rink, there will now be “many more parents calling to complain that this was not a well thought out idea. Per the newspaper a handful of parents requested this? This does not go over very well to Everyone affected regarding the decision process and the person or persons behind it. “Many”? How many was “many? Lets put this to a vote, just do the math if 10,000+ persons can’t attend, then clearly there are “many” more then the “many” the administration is stating wanted this change, just think about this logically.

Anonymous said...

· http://129.24.2.119/fbonline5/calendar.asp?filter=&month=5&day=19&year=2007&x=14&y=6 Please paste this info into your browser, or you might be able to click on it, the original Graduation date of 5/19 is still open. We can return to “The Pit”. Regarding your decision to change this year’s Graduation to the owned by the casino/center hockey rink - The Rio Rancho High School Agenda Book clearly states the Graduation will be at “The Pit”. This is what we used to plan out this important event in our Child’s life.

Anonymous said...

Knock! Knock!

who's there?

PIT!

PIT who!

PITiful decision by the school to change the graduation!

Anonymous said...

Our Graduate has three (3) generations of over 50 relatives, including his parents and two (2) Brothers that Graduated at “The Pit”.
All of those generations no longer live in NM, but we are tight group.
We participate in Family Reunions and the turnout is huge.
Someone already noted not to penalize large families and this is true.
We need a lot more then six (6) tickets, sorry.
We adhere to the philosophy go forth and multiply, we did and we do.
Now we have an “owned by the casino/center hockey rink” venue to look forward to that is just too small.
We are talking in circles here and I have read and heard enough evidence to confirm the school’s decision is totally wrong and unfair.
Sorry, this inappropriate decision and how it is being forced upon everyone is way, way out of line. Quoting others here, “we have rights”, “this is America”, hell someone submitted the Declaration of Independence for goodness sake!?
But, they are right!
Because there was no input from everyone, no vote and no Democracy, more like hypocrisy and dictatorship!
There are some classic rebuttals here I have really enjoyed reading them, they all sing the same song when all is said and done.
In support of GO BACK TO THE PIT.

Anonymous said...

We support what district office in Rio Rancho is doing in theory. We truly applaud you for that. We want to make that crystal clear.

Please take the time to carefully review everything submitted here. Every single rebuttal clearly counters any and all of your points, period. I am sorry but it is true. Everyone here makes an excellent point. Is the crux of this entire matter the security issue? The booing? What the cost would be? Past input from past boards?

Don’t punish the Class of 2007 for something they did not do, period. You are only saving $2K on the change and that means the 4,500 seats cost more then all of the potential seats at “The Pit”. We are paying more at the center per seat, period! You refer to input from past boards wanting it in Rio Rancho? The accurate facts are this current board maintains, “I see nothing, I hear nothing, I know nothing”! They are pointing the finger at you, district office! Past boards did not envision how BIG our schools were going to get! “Hindsight regarding all of the facts is 20/20”. We will probably break the state’s all-time record sometime soon; did the old boards see that coming? If they did then they should have realized that we would need a venue that could hold between 16 and 20K, not 4K, period. Sorry district office we like your idea in theory but the reality is this is not right, period. Not the way to bought and sold it. It is actually quite ugly because look at who is being impacted by it. The Pit is still available, renege on the contract and go back, period.

Sally

Anonymous said...

So sorry about writing the word "period" so many times, yikes! My son just text message me and said to add, "you reap what you sow", transaltion, the way this has all been implemented is horrible and so so wrong and the ripple effect will not be positive now and in the long haul. I love my son, (period).

Anonymous said...

it is not what you know it is who you know

it is not what you did rrps it is how you did it

in support of the return to the pit

lets not this one get by us lads

or it will be hell to pay

Anonymous said...

THIS BLOG SPOT REALLY REALLY REALLY IS GREAT KEEP UP THE OUTSTANDING WORK HERE WE ARE SO SO GLAD TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A VOICE IN THIS GIGANTIC MISTAKE AFFECTING OUR CHILDREN OUR FAMILIES OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE
SUSAN

Anonymous said...

Dr. Sue Cleveland,
Comes now the injured individuals.
The decision to vacate the University Arena for graduation ceremonies in May 2007 is erroneous and nefarious at best.
We ask for mercy and pray you see the complete facts as they have transpired.
We hold you fully responsible and find you completely culpable of any and all wrongdoing and include Richard Von Ancken.
As it is not our intentions to shame you publicly more so to reason with you on all correct and factual counts.
The injured specifically request you to reconfirm your original position and proceed with said ceremonies in whole at noted location.
As you are the responsible party and have full care of this matter in complete finality we encourage you Godspeed.
We further insist on your expeditious action.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Save my brother's sanity!

Please move the Rio Rancho High School graduation ceremony back to The PIT.

Right now, dammit!

Anonymous said...

"don't push me cause i'm close to the edge
i'm trying not to lose my head.....
it's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder" why you changed it from THE PIT?!

Anonymous said...

Dr. Sue Cleveland and Mr. Von Anken

Please be respectfully advised that after you have read everything here along with all of the newspaper statements, the news coverage, persons calling, petitions, discussions, complaints and you still don’t see the “Big picture”?

Then please put yourselves in our shoes - we absolutely were not given enough notice, we were not allowed to vote, there are people flying in, all of the expenses involved, elderly Grandparents, Relatives and Loved Ones that won’t get to go, along with over 10,000+ displaced persons and the clear fact the new venue is too small.

Each Graduate has a supporting cast that absolutely deserves to be in attendance!

And there are many, many more important reasons to have this celebration at “The Pit”.

We are truly shocked that you don’t get this?!

Then if you still don’t understand without a doubt we all have a very, very serious problem in RRPS, and it starts at the top.

The correct choice is so obvious even outsiders that have nothing to gain can unbiasedly see the problem and the simple solution in this matter.

George

Anonymous said...

Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote. Put this problem to a FAIR vote.

Anonymous said...

Ditto:

Lets vote now said...
Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote. Put this problem to a FAIR vote.

Norm

Anonymous said...

I also agree:

Lets vote now said...
Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote. Put this problem to a FAIR vote.

Monica

Anonymous said...

Si,

Lets vote now said...
Please allow the parents the legal guardians and seniors vote. Put this problem to a FAIR vote.

Ernesto

Anonymous said...

I am the mother of four children and writing this on behalf of my husband and family. Our son is graduating and we don't have enough tickets. Four grandparents, two parents and three siblings comes out to nine guests. We are three tickets short. A person noted earlier that they don't want to shortchange anyone out of a ticket, neither do we.

You are making us choose who will get to go and you are making us cheat someone else from going.

My son has asked for extra tickets and there is none available.

We are asking Dr. Cleveland to allow families and graduates to vote and return this celebration to the Pit.

Thank you,

Julia

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I wrote a comment a little bit ago about needing nine tickets. I forgot to add that this completely leaves out aunts, uncles, cousins, neigbors etc.

You are making us choose who will get to go and you are making us cheat someone else out of going and you making us leave out family and friends we wanted to go.

We are asking Dr. Cleveland to allow families and graduates to vote and return this celebration to the Pit.

Thank you,

Julia

Anonymous said...

Do Rio Rancho Parents have no rights!!!!!!!?????????
Is their anyone else out there that wants to invite their extended relatives to their son or daughters graduation? Please, who has only 6 relatives to invite, unless you only have one kid, no aunts?
Uncles, cousins and only one set of grandparents then yes you are fine. But what about the graduates that have 2 sets of grandparents, 12 brothers and sisters and their wives or husbands, their kids and their other aunts and uncles on the other side. We have always supported our nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and want to when she/he graduates and accepts her/his diploma. Why should we not be allowed to go see them graduate and feel their excitement that they are finally finished with one chapter in their life.

Anonymous said...

I'm on my lunch break, this blog deal is really great. My mom said to check out the weblog because everyone is concerned. Thank you for being concerned enough to get involved. Seniors lets tell them we want to go back to the PIT.

Shout out to Becky!

Anonymous said...

Rio Rancho High School, we agree and support your return the UNM PIT,
Frank and Betty

Anonymous said...

Please consider this very important fact, if they put it to a vote now right now, the Graduation would go back to “The Pit" please really think about this, they are displacing over 10,000+ persons!

Anonymous said...

THAT TAKES THE PROVERBIAL “CAKE”!

INPUT FROM ONLY A CHOSEN FEW OR WHO YELLED THE LOUDEST!

NOT EVERYONE WAS ALLOWED TO VOTE OR GIVE ANY INPUT!

DISTRICT’S EGO IS HURT BECAUSE THEY WERE BOOED LAST YEAR!

NO WONDER THEY WERE BOOED!

DECISION TO CHANGE JUST HAPPENED AND NOT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT IT, I JUST GOT AN EMAIL TODAY!??

WHAT IS UP WITH THAT, I NEVER GOT THE MEMO?

PLANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE!

DISTRICT IS NOW USING THE WE ALREADY SIGNED THE CONTRACT EXCUSE!

I OWN A PAPER SHREDDER!

10,000 PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE THERE CAN’T BE THERE!

ANNOUNCEMENTS STILL HAVE “THE PIT” ON THEM, THAT IS BEYOND TACKY, THAT IS RIGHT ABOVE B. S. IN MY BOOK!

LAST I CHECKED WE LIVE IN AMERICA!

WE HAVE RIGHTS, HERE!

IF THE DISCTRICT GETS AWAY WITH THIS SMOKE AND MIRRORS JOB, WE HAVE ALL JUST WITNESSED A CRIME!

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, THESE PEOPLE HAVE HAD AUTHORITY OVER OUR KIDS!

I AM FURIOUS!!!

I ALSO WANTED TO THANK ALL OF YOU THAT PUT THE BLOG TOGETHER YOU REALLY DID A GREAT JOB I WILL PASS IT ON!

I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE HOW I REALLY FEEL BUT I THINK YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO HAVE SUCH ANGER, RAGE, PROFANITY IN YOUR NICE WEBSITE!

WILLIAM

Anonymous said...

Herein, confirms that the person or persons involved in making this last minute decision/change did not take into full account all of this information! If this was not a last minute decision, then why did it take until March 2007 to spring it on us? Was there a vote? Was balanced input solicited? Who, What, When, Where, Why and How did this come about? Please be respectfully advised that we are not in the minority here, we are in the majority here and absolutely not at all happy with this last minute change! Lets put it to a vote now.

Phil

Anonymous said...

Ditto

SERIOUSLY…SIMPLY, WHAT PRICE DO YOU PLACE ON A CELEBRATION OF LOVE AND LIFE?! THE COST THE SAVINGS THAT MRS. CLEVELAND AND MR. VONANCKEN ALLUDE TO ABSOLUTELY DO NOT OUT WEIGH WHAT WILL BE COMPLETELY LOST! YES, EVEN TO ATTEMPT TO PLACE A PRICE ON THIS ENTIRE PROCESS, CELEBRATION AND EVENT IS INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE IT IS TRULY “PRICELESS”! TO ARGUE THIS IMPORTANT POINT IS IGNORANCE AND…..WELL….VERY WRONG.

Norm

Anonymous said...

6-ticket limit. One Graduate, has 4 Grandparents, 2 Parents, that equals 6 tickets, but what about divorced families that would now have 6 Grandparents and 4 Parents, that equals 8? That does not even include Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Loved Ones, Neighbors, past Teachers, Employers and Friends!

We want to have all families and the graduates vote

Vicky

Anonymous said...

We concur because:

6-ticket limit. One Graduate, has 4 Grandparents, 2 Parents, that equals 6 tickets, but what about divorced families that would now have 6 Grandparents and 4 Parents, that equals 8? That does not even include Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Loved Ones, Neighbors, past Teachers, Employers and Friends!

Mithcell

Anonymous said...

This is true:
If you take EVERYTHING into consideration, both sides of the coin, ALL of their points, and now their explanations and contradictions to not concede. This is a mess; we cannot even begin to explain how bad this truly is. The very Best thing they can do at this point is to take this celebration this Graduation back to “The Pit" and then they can regroup for next year, that way Graduates and Loved Ones can actually be allowed input for next year. It won’t be one sided like now and the powers that be would have a whole year to explain their logic.

Lou

Anonymous said...

Go back to THE PIT

We ourselves witnessed 3 Graduations at “The Pit” last year because of our Nephews Graduating, “The Pit” more then handled the flow of people coming to celebrate. These very same Graduations would not have fit in a 4,500-seat facility. And we would have not been able to be present for each of our nephew’s Graduations if it was limited to 6. We filmed each of these events for our Sister and Brothers and our Nephews, a gift that they will always cherish.

Joe

Anonymous said...

2007 - Largest Graduating Class in the entire state and in our school’s history.
GO RAMS GO BACK TO THE PIT
Carl

Anonymous said...

Please help!

We are asking you all please change the Graduation back to "The Pit”!

The date is still open and available at this venue.

For the “GREATER GOOD” GO BACK TO THE PIT!

Hey even our Basketball Team and Fans had to go to Albuquerque for the entire tournament and Rocked the Pit”!

Anonymous said...

THINK ABOUT THIS!!!
Everyone here has a good point but really, really think about this:

Driving to; Parking; Leaving; Driving home!
How much traffic comes in and out of the pit when you are at an event?
But at least there you have 4 different ways to get in and out and a new 4 lane freeway out, so the time to get home if you live in Rio Rancho or on the west side is maybe a half an hour or so, not bad.
At the Santa Ana, with 700 to 750 students, which at least three fourths and more will be driving themselves, since they have to be there 2 hours early. Or their parents will be driving them. Plus school staff and Santa Ana staff that have to get there to prepare. Then all the families will be driving and the other fortunate ones that get to go, so total you are looking at a lot of automobiles driving there all at once. You will have to drive through Rio Rancho to get to a 2 lane road, with ONLY a 1 lane entrance, now that is dangerous! Could and accident occur? Yes! That will not cut down on driving time it will take you longer.
What about the parking?
That too, is going to be a major mess, and will not properly accommodate all of those vehicles. That will also add to the delay before the graduation even starts.
Now when it is time to go home you are looking at all those people and cars trying to get out of an area that has ONLY 1 way out and back to a 2 lane road! Here you are looking at a long wait if you are lucky and with no accidents. If there is an accident it is really going to be a major mess because then everyone heading in that direction will have to wait, do you get the picture?
I’d rather be coming out of the pit with more ways out to help us if something goes wrong, where if God forbid someone gets in an accident, at least you can find a way to turn around or find another road to turn on to.
What if someone gets in an accident coming from or going to the Santa Ana, where are our choices to get out of traffic? WAIT, there are NONE because there is ONLY 1 way in and 1 way out and it is a 2 lane road with NO turn around area anywhere except when you are on 528 or Northern!!!
TO ALL OF THE OFFICALS WHO CHANGED THIS!!
Start praying no one gets hurt on their way there or the way home because then you will have legal problems to deal with! God forbid a loss of life occurs!
Nobody wants that?!
Better yet change the graduation Back to the Pit and avoid all this.
THINK ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Who is going to pay for my families airline tickets?

I cannot get a refund now.

This has to go back to the pit!

Glen

Anonymous said...

The actual average amount of persons attending per each Senior for prior Graduations was about 19, some would have more, some less but that is the average, within the last few years there was no official ticket (Dr. Cleveland said the Class of 1999 was at Johnson Gym).

And within recent years Rio Rancho has always packed “The Pit”.

But now there are tickets and it has been limited to exactly 6.

Also there is a claim that 2 extra tickets will supposedly be given out to bring the total to 8 however this will still not remedy this poor plan.

No amount will remedy this because 4,500 seats is around 10,000+ persons short that won’t be allowed to attend.

Mathematically 6 times 750 equals 4,500 so not very many Graduates will be getting over 6 tickets.

This has to go back to the PIT.

I have heard they are trying like hell to push it to 5,000, seats that will still leave out right 10,000 people.

You can't right your wrong by adding some seats how is it you don't grasp this?

Alan

Anonymous said...

My daughter wants all of her family at her graduation.
Mom, dad, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins.

That comes to 16!

Don't make her choose who gets to go and who gets to stay home.

We all want to celebrate with her.

BACK TO THE PIT!

Graduates and parents should have had a choice, it's our graduation, not the administrations!

Anonymous said...

We are writing you to please take the time to read all this information and input and return this graduation to the pit.

Because valuable time is passing us by let the parents vote on this that way we can put this whole mess to rest.

We are getting sick over this it is not right, thank you.

Pat

Anonymous said...

Sue Cleveland, you are going to get sued or have an injunction brought against you.

What comes around will go around.

Honestly, you are a much better person than this big mess.

Here is your time to shine and stop this ordeal.

You have not heard the end of this.

Comment after comment show you never let parents vote.

You only let certain people call in and complain.

There is nothing wrong with that as long as you let everyone state their case.

That has not happened yet.

Have a fair vote or take it back to the PIT.

I am reading between the lines you are trying very hard to do the right thing and keep the graduation safe.

But the way you are handling this mistake will not set well at all.

Listen, just by you going back to the PIT will calm the crowd.

Sue, do the right thing.

Kyle

Anonymous said...

To save time and energy.

Please help!

We are asking you all please change the Graduation back to the “Pit”.

The date is still open and available at this venue.

For the “GREATER GOOD” GO BACK TO THE PIT!

Hey even our Basketball Team and Fans had to go to Albuquerque for the entire tournament and Rocked the Pit”!

Anonymous said...

Attention all you school staff we do not agree with how you handled this graduation.

Everything submitted here hits the nail on the head.

We need you to listen and GO BACK TO THE PIT

thank you,

Tim

Anonymous said...

"Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.

For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'."

Anonymous said...

The Rio Rancho High School Principal left parents out of a significant decision.

Parents were told the graduation would be held at the PIT which holds up to 17,000 people. The Star Center, at most, might hold 4500.

This year, RRHS has one of the largest graduating classes in recent history.

Plans should have been discussed with the people it most affects.

Last year the PIT was packed with families and the graduating class was not as large.

Let's rethink this now!

Anonymous said...

CHANGE IT BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I WANT MY FAMILY TO SEE ME GRADUATE!

Anonymous said...

This blog information tells the truth!

RRPS NEEDS to change their decision.

Anonymous said...

I like that the venue is closer to home, but I would rather have my entire family and grandparents and relatives see my special day.

It’s despicable that the administration did this at the last minute and without anyone’s consent.

Anonymous said...

RIO RANCHO PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Do something right and change this graduation back to the PIT.

Eric

Anonymous said...

RE: RIO RANCHO GRADUATION

Please relocate the graduation ceremony to The PIT. Our family will not have enough tickets for all of us to witness our grandson's graduation.

Thank you

Anonymous said...

At this point, no fair or reasonable explanation can out weigh ALL the reasons why the Graduation should be at “The Pit”.

Go ahead and weigh each and every matter honestly and fairly, both sides, the “proof is in the pudding”, fact, the way this entire decision was imposed has been handled, is wrong and very unfair.

If it were above board, we would not be writing this.

Anonymous said...

Quoting a famous movie line - "We are mad as hell and we are not going to take it"!

We concur with the blog and count us in as a family against this negative decision imposed upon our children, PASS IT ON!:

Excellent newscast, copy this info here into your browser (there will be a short commercial first):

www.koat.com/video/11177714/index.html?taf=alb

Anonymous said...

Hello Jerry,
I just found the web site blog thingy I will make sure to pass it on to other families that have seniors graduating.

Thanks for letting me know.

Dear Rio Rancho district office.

Upset is an understatement, we are P.O'd big time!!!

You are dazed and confused if you think people were just going to let you slide.

HELL NO!

Sorry guys, you need to regroup, rethink and return to the PIT!

Kay

Anonymous said...

"Parents of Rio Rancho graduates of 2007. Hey, I'll bet you all don't know that the graduation announcements that you undoubtedly spend hundreds of dollars on will tell your family and friends that your child is graduating from the University of New Mexico basketball arena, not the Santa Ana Star Center. Don't believe me? Call the printer."

Anonymous said...

"Graduation should be held at The Pit.

Somebody got that one wrong."

Anonymous said...

I am a Hispanic-Latino, Anglo American woman.

This decision is DISCRIMINATORY:

FACT: Class grade level seniors, young women and young men were scheduled to graduate from high school by a set location determined by date and time, at the original venue, which is the University of New Mexico Arena also known as The Pit.

FACT: Rio Rancho School personnel did willfully and knowingly change the original venue to the Star center owned by the Santa Ana casino with two (2) months remaining in the school year.

FACT: This school personnel imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly impedes families with a specific amount of children, parents, grandparents and alienates and excludes each of them from this public event where you are not monetarily charged to attend but you are allowed entry by rationed tickets only.

FACT: This school personnel imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly includes the dismissal of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and generations of living relatives.

FACT: This school personnel imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly includes the dismissal of any persons that have been deemed friend.

FACT: This school personnel imposition, requirement and mandate venue change from said, UNM Arena to the Star center assisted in this impeding, dismissal and exclusion of persons.

FACT: This venue change occurred as told by school personnel, when unnamed “persons” asked, complained and insisted said change occur. Exact time frame is undetermined.

FACT: An undetermined “many” persons superseded the one hundred percent availability of any input from the rest of all other persons directly affected by this willful change of venue.

FACT: School personnel admit to willfully and knowingly understand and stated they considered the entire matter affecting everyone! Thus confirming their complete negligence and ignorance of the seriousness of the matter.

FACT: No votes were cast formally or informally by one hundred percent of all persons affected. School personnel both willfully and knowingly did not utilize this method and tool.

FACT: No poll or other data was investigated and analyzed formally or informally by one hundred percent of all persons affected. School personnel both willfully and knowingly did not utilize this method and tool.

FACT: School personnel both willfully and knowingly did impose, require and mandate all actions causing an undetermined amount of persons to be adversely affected, emotionally, psychologically and financially. Contrary to the pursuit of happiness.

FACT: Said discrimination affects directly and indirectly both genders, all ages and all races.

FACT: An actual count of each nationality will determine which nationalities are affected and to what degree.

FACT: Your immediate family is absolutely penalized by the amount of persons in your household or related by blood. Example if you have 4 living grandparents and 2 parents you have exhausted the rationed amount of tickets given. Regardless of how many siblings you have.

FACT: Or if you have 2 parents and 4 siblings not counting the graduate as a sibling you have exhausted the rationed tickets given. Regardless if you have grandparents.

FACT: Keep in mind we have families here that in fact were not raised by their blood mother or blood father.

FACT: All scenarios exclude anyone else regardless of relationship blood or otherwise.

FACT: Allowing each senior to allocate additional tickets at best confirms, that someone loses out. And this process is not wholly fair. This also leads to a myriad of other dynamics within the social interaction of each person.

FACT: Allocating additional tickets at best confirms, that someone loses out. And no process is wholly fair. First come first served is least fair. Other dynamics factor in.

FACT: to be continued

Anonymous said...

THAT TAKES THE PROVERBIAL “CAKE”!

INPUT FROM ONLY A CHOSEN FEW OR WHO YELLED THE LOUDEST!

NOT EVERYONE WAS ALLOWED TO VOTE OR GIVE ANY INPUT!

DISTRICT’S EGO IS HURT BECAUSE THEY WERE BOOED LAST YEAR!

NO WONDER THEY WERE BOOED!

DECISION TO CHANGE JUST HAPPENED AND NOT EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT IT, I JUST GOT AN EMAIL TODAY!??

WHAT IS UP WITH THAT, I NEVER GOT THE MEMO?

PLANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE!

DISTRICT IS NOW USING THE WE ALREADY SIGNED THE CONTRACT EXCUSE!

I OWN A PAPER SHREDDER!

10,000 PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE THERE CAN’T BE THERE!

ANNOUNCEMENTS STILL HAVE “THE PIT” ON THEM, THAT IS BEYOND TACKY, THAT IS RIGHT ABOVE B. S. IN MY BOOK!

LAST I CHECKED WE LIVE IN AMERICA!

WE HAVE RIGHTS, HERE!

IF THE DISCTRICT GETS AWAY WITH THIS SMOKE AND MIRRORS JOB, WE HAVE ALL JUST WITNESSED A CRIME!

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, THESE PEOPLE HAVE HAD AUTHORITY OVER OUR KIDS!

I AM FURIOUS!!!

I ALSO WANTED TO THANK ALL OF YOU THAT PUT THE BLOG TOGETHER YOU REALLY DID A GREAT JOB I WILL PASS IT ON!

I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE HOW I REALLY FEEL BUT I THINK YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO HAVE SUCH ANGER, RAGE, PROFANITY IN YOUR NICE WEBSITE!

WILLIAM

Anonymous said...

Dr. Cleveland and Mr. VonAncken, I fully support you and respect all that you have to deal with, I am all the way on your side.

But I am motivated to write this to let you know that the way this entire matter was processed is absolutely wrong.

I think someone already wrote to allow everyone to have a say and that actually is the right way and is the way it has to be.

If we let this slide then who knows what will be next? It is too important and too many people are affected.

Yeah, I whole lot of people were booed last year and I did not agree with that. The only thing I will point out is we here in Rio Rancho are TOUGH! The graduation last year went on too long, people were getting restless and well, mad. If you think downsizing will help, well then you have not learned from last year. I have seen first hand what just 20 people can do if they choose to get rowdy. The Pit has had graduations since forever. There are many more things that fostered that and RRPS needs to take a good look at themselves in the mirror and that is actually the truth.

I did not agree with what happened at last year's graduation. But I sure don't agree with all of this.

It smells like, money as in kickbacks, or politics, or stupidity is driving this. What else could it be? Either someone is benefiting, or someone with power has an agenda, or you are deaf, dumb and blind? My apologies for being so blunt, but let us call it what it truly is. It is one of the three, or two of the three, or it is all three. If you stop and ask yourself why are we doing this hopefully you will find the answer.

I sincerely ask because what you are imposing and how you are imposing it is "DEAD WRONG". "I see said the blind man."

Additionally, if you would have had 4500 persons from last year’s graduation at the Star center, you would have still been booed. Consider that? Downsizing is not your problem. But what concerns me is with these shenanigans that you now refuse to bend on have only severely added to your woes.

Thanks for your time, and GO BACK TO THE PIT,
Ben

Anonymous said...

Great Kay!

Glad you found the web.
RRPS, hi.
Well you really did it this time didn't you? You moved the graduation. You never asked me. You only let certain people contact you and let you know what they wanted. Then you did what they wanted. And what you wanted. But you never asked me. Or Kay. Or actually anyone I know. An editorial in the Albuquerque Journal said that “many” more people wanted it at the star center? How could the editor know that? I never heard you took a poll or a vote? I’d like to put this to a vote right now. You know we stood a better chance if we flipped a coin. Then we had a 50/50 chance. This way we had 0 chance. Not good odds huh? Well back to the editor saying “many” more people wanted it changed. He must have heard that from you. He sure did not hear that from me. For sure if this was true you would have stated that first. Because that would have been an important piece of information huh? Well, I am willing to bet you a coke you are wrong and the editor is wrong. I bet you both more parents want this to “go back to the pit” (wow we have to quote that phrase now)!

Man, I going to win 2 cokes!

Yours truly,
Jerry
(not with Dean and not with Ben, just Jerry)
Hey, I’m referring to Dean Martin and Ben the ice cream dude.

Anonymous said...

As a senior at Rio Rancho, I would like to have the graduation moved back to University Arena.

I have a large family – some of which are flying overseas to attend – that have bought tickets and now cannot attend.

If funds are an issue, why can’t the school have a fundraiser?

Take our graduation back to the PIT

C

Anonymous said...

BACK TO THE PIT NOW
OR
LET PARENTS VOTE NOW

Anonymous said...

Hello
I am writing RRPS and asking that you cancel the contract and go back to the UNM PIT
thank you.
Liz

Anonymous said...

In support of returning the graduation to the Pit.
thank you

Anonymous said...

Note: RRPS received my comment at the very beginning when this all started - and before any contracts were signed!

The decision to move the 2007 graduation was handled improperly and was the wrong decision. Parents should have been surveyed prior to the decision. Please let me know who was responsible for this decision. The current class sizes are too large to try to graduate anywhere smaller than the Pit. My wife and I have 5 children, one of which graduates this year. My parents, who have already bought airline tickets from Ohio, my wife's parent's and a couple sisters plan to attend just like the past two years. Who do I get to leave home with my allotment of six tickets? I know there will be many other people in the same situation. Do you really expect people to return their six tickets? The only chance I have of letting my family share the occasion is to find some friend who isn't using all of their tickets. I highly recommend you reconsider the decision and keep the Pit location while you still can.

Anonymous said...

Consider this response as support for your efforts to returen our graduation to The Pit.

We agree with everything written here.

We will ask others to do the same

Paul

Anonymous said...

It is truly is amazing what you can get done on the world wide web.
I came across this site as I was doing a search. We like that other families in Rio Rancho feel the same way as we do. Our family is asking those in charge to have the graduation at the location we were always told it would be. We have told our freind about this. Pass it on to everyone you know.
Oscar

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HENRY

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NANA

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JENNY

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GLORIA

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mel

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Art

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JILL

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GWEN

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Augie

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Janelle

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MANNY

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve

Anonymous said...

I just received this email and support this call to action 100%
I will also share this with EVERYONE I know.

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAYNE

Anonymous said...

What about the extended family memebers from out of state that have already booked plane tickets? Your telling the parents sorry pick and choose your favorites who cares if feelings are hurt. That is crazy! The graduation should be moved back to The Pit so every family member that wants to be there can attend!!

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy S

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONNIE

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRENDA and family

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAVE

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DAN

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BILL

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MIKE

Anonymous said...

HALLELUJAH
IT IS ABOUT TIME WE CHALLENGE THIS HUGE PROBLEM
GO BACK TO THE PIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BRIAN & family

Anonymous said...

FACT: The school personnel decision, imposition, requirement and mandate willfully and knowingly prohibits aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and generations of living relatives from attending the graduation. Depending upon the size of the family and who uses the 6 available tickets.

Anonymous said...

I want my family to see me graduate and 6 tickets won’t be enough.
Rio Rancho schools needs to re-think their decision!

Return to the PIT!

Or allow parents and seniors to vote.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

J. B.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

I support returning the graduation to The Pit.

Anonymous said...

We agree with this PETITION to return the 2007 graduation back to the PIT.

Anonymous said...

WE SUPPORT THE PETITION

Anonymous said...

What about the extended family memebers from out of state that have already booked plane tickets?

Your telling the parents sorry pick and choose your favorites who cares if feelings are hurt.

That is crazy!

The graduation should be moved back to The Pit so every family member that wants to be there can attend!!

Anonymous said...

The Largest Graduating Class in Rio Rancho history and the largest Class in the state.

To place the largest Class in a smaller venue is not a well thought out plan at this late notice no matter what the logic.

Anonymous said...

I want to thank everyone involve in making the BLOG accessible.

We agree with everything place here.

Thanks again

Tammi

Anonymous said...

HOOOAAAAH!
We support Back to the PIT

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is really awesome!
We love it!!
GO RAMS
YES GO BACK TO THE PIT AGAIN!!
YOU DID ROCK THE PIT!

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