Testimonials Against Transfers

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Testimonials in support of Bert Wartski and Anne
Thompson
Accounts of first-hand experiences with these teachers throughout the years
from parents, students, and faculty alike. These are stories of how Wartski’s
education literally saved a life and Thompson’s dedication to the school has
changed the lives and perspectives of many great students. These are the
stories of two of the best teachers in the world.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Mr. Wartski is, by far, the best science teacher I have had in both my
middle school and high school careers. No teacher has pushed me so far in order to reach
my full potential like he has. He brings both challenges and fun to AP Biology. He
teaches discipline and independence to his students. Furthermore, if I did not have him as
my AP Biology teacher, I definitely would not have as much interest in biology as I do
now. Thanks to him, I now know what I want to pursue in the future: medicine. There are
certain teachers that students of Chapel Hill High must have before they graduate in order
to experience what Chapel Hill High has to offer to the fullest, and Mr. Wartski is
definitely one of these teachers. Mr. Wartski and his AP Biology class are irreplaceable
parts of the Chapel Hill High School experience."
~Nicole Chang, CHHS Class of 2013
"Mrs. Thompson was one of the bet teachers I've ever had. She definitely prepares
her students for college and a new way of thinking. I really enjoyed her class. It was a lot
of work at times but I feel extremely prepared for college reading and writing because of
this. She is an amazing teacher and her class was one of my favorites. I think everyone
should have a chance to be in her English class as she is one of the best
teachers at Chapel Hill. Transferring a teacher as great as Mrs. Thompson is unfair to her
and future students."
~Geneva Walata, CHHS Class of 2012
“My name is Alex Marcheschi, and I am a member of the CHHS class of 2009. I
am 21 years old, and I have just completed the first year of the PharmD program at
Midwestern University. I am not exaggerating whenI say90% of my success
is attributed solelyto the influence Mr. Wartskihad on my life.

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During my high school career I was a rebellious student. I wouldn’t study for any
tests, I would complete homework assignments during class, and my only goal was to get
out of the school system as fast as possible.
In my junior year I elected to take AP Biology in an attempt to find a class that
interested me and could be a challenge. The first day of school, Mr. Wartski made a
significant impression on me. His demeanor, his teaching style, and his echoing voice let
me know I wasn’t going to be able to just mess around and skate through his class. He
demanded a tremendous amount of work from his students, and tested our knowledge
frequently.
I also remember how he would come up with nicknames for most of the class, and
it helped lighten the mood and make attending his class more personal. He would always
play Beatles music during down time or while we were working on an assignment, which
always made the work seem easier. There were a couple of times when I felt too sick to
be present for full day of school, but no matter what I would attend the two periods of AP
Bio because I didn’t think any excuse was good enough to miss his class.
Another aspect of his course I enjoyed was how advanced some of the labs were.
Working with micropipettes, conducting experiments involving electrophoresis,
and learning how to use a spectrophotometer allowed me to develop invaluable skills that
I continue to use in the laboratory at pharmacy school. There are many students at
Midwestern University who are learning these skills for the first time, while I gained
experience four years earlier.
At the conclusion of his class I had learned how to study, what hard work felt like,
and of course I became an expert in biology. I felt confident with every single
answerI put on the AP exam and easilyearned a 5. Even later than that, I
took the PCAT (A requirement for applying to pharmacy school) and scored in the 80th
percentile on the biology section. Not too impressive of a score, but I took the test after
only one year of college and the only biology I had learned at that point was what Mr.
Wartski taught me two years earlier. On top of that, I relied on Mr. Wartski to write a
letter of recommendation for me when applying to college and grad school. He came
through both times with absolutely no hesitation.
Mr. Wartski is absolutely the best teacher I had during my four years at
Chapel Hill High School. If I never took his class, I am not sure where I would be today.
He is the perfect teacher to reach out to a student like me and get them set on the right
track. Transferring him is a crime againstall of the students he would
teachif he could stay at CHHS. He has earned his place at that school, and if that
is where he wants to teach, that is where he should stay. Nothing is accomplished by
forcing him to go work at East, and he deserves to be treated better than that. He is not a
tool for the school board to use as they please.”
~Alex Marcheschi, Class of 2009

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"Though I am no longer a student at CHHS I can say that Mr. Wartski really
touched my life. He is one of the few teachers that I have had that showed that he truly
caredabout each student, even those who were not top performers. He showed a special
interest in every one of his students and he was an excellentteacher. He made sure
that he was available at all times for support, tutoring, advice or anything that was
needed. He did not mind speaking to parents directly or doing whatever was necessary to
help a student reach their maximum potential in their academics. While in his class I
really felt like I mattered and he cared about how well I performed. Even now that I am
in college I would visit him and know that he would be happy to see me and welcome
me."
~Samaria Farrar, CHHS Class of 2009
"I was one of the students who took AP Biology their sophomore year. Most
people argued that we were too young and immature to deal with the workload, but Mr.
Wartski let us take his class if we thought we were ready. I knew that I would be fine
academically because he teaches in a way that makes it easy to succeed if you truly want
to. I believe that anyone can get an A in his class and a 5 on the AP exam if they put the
work in, because that is what he wants for his students. He truly wants his students to
learn and to succeed. I knew all of this before I entered his class and believed it even
more fully once I had completed it. As a first-year in college, I took second level biology
(for those who had already gotten a 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam), and did not have to
study for one exam. Not only did I learn in Mr. Wartski's class, I also retained the
information through my junior and senior years in high school and remembered it once I
got to college.
"Most of his students can attest to the fact that he is indeed one of the best
teachers that CHHS has. Many people that have not even taken his class can attest to
that. What I did not know before going into his class was what a truly kind person he is.
His tough attitude is no more than skin deep. When my life fell apart half way
through sophomore year, he is the teacherwho made me feel
unexpectedly safe and caredfor. Many teachers tried to pry into my business and
many others simply turned the other way. When I came into Mr. Wartski’s class crying,
however, he waited until the other students were focusing on their own work before
bringing me a pile of tissues. After that day, he was always quietly there for me if
I needed it, both through the end of that year and through the rest of my high school
years. Is that not all you could ever ask for from a teacher?"
~Kaela Cogswell, CHHS Class of 2011
Wartski's class was by far the most well taught class I took at CHHS. I am
now a sophomore in college and the information he taught me is still being covered in my

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core biology courses. His comprehensive coverage ofmaterial has put me
far aheadof many of my classmates. Moving Wartski to a different school will
not only build resentment among the student body towards administration, it also sends a
message that silencing critical opinions is more important than excellent teaching.
Wartski's opinions never interfered with the education he was providing his students. If
the School Board's true focus was on the students of CHCCS, they would realize that
removing one of Chapel Hill's most well-regarded teachers is what will actually
contribute to a negative and hostile environment."
~Haley Hegedus, CHHS Class of 2011
"After travelling with Mrs. Thompson on two EF trips and spending countless
hours getting advice from her over the years I have only positive things to say. She is
one of the strongestwomenI have ever met who will fight for what is in
the bestinterest for those she cares mostabout: her students. Spending 2-
week long vacations with her proved that she will defend her students and will always
encourage them to do their best. She has motivated me to excel in college and it is thanks
to her and her husband that I have faith in myself to have a successful future. She is full
of knowledge about not just English but every subject and never ceased to add her
tidbits of information throughout our treks of Europe. Seeing this happen to such an
undeserving woman makes me want to fight as strong for her as she does for her students
to see a just final result."
~Amanda Thompson, CHHS Class of 2011
“Though I never had the pleasure of taking Mr. Wartski's AP Biology class (as an
engineer I opted for physics instead), I still consider him an integral part of Chapel
Hill High School. The many friends I have that were lucky enough to have him as a
teacher, absolutely loved him and would all say the same.
In my time at CHHS I had some okay teachers, some great teachers and a few
truly amazing teachers. Those amazing teachers pushed me outside my comfort zone and
forced me to think harder and work harder than I was accustom to. However what really
separated them from their peers was how apparent it was that they cared about their
students— in the subject they taught and in life.
These are the teachers who arrive before the first bell and leave well after the
school day has ended. They support their students in the classroom but more importantly
they help prepare them for the world beyond high school. These are the teachers that
every student wants to hug at graduation. They are the teachers past students come back
to visit. The impact they have doesn't end at 3:50pm, it doesn't end when school lets out
for summer vacation, and it doesn't end when students graduate and grow up. They are

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what make Chapel Hill High Schoolone of the best schools in North
Carolina.
Mr. Wartski is one of those amazing teachers and deserves to remain a
Tiger, not a wildcat. As I said before, I never had the pleasure of having him as a teacher
but I was lucky enough to work with him as a speaker at my graduation. Even with that
small interaction, it was abundantly clear how passionate he is about everything he does.
He motivates students to be great at what they do whatever that is, and will not settle for
an underwhelming display of effort. This is a lesson that resonates beyond the classroom
and will serve students long after they forget the stages of mitosis.
I am begging you all to reconsider the involuntary transfer of Mr. Wartski. Don't
take away one of the teachers that makes me and so many other students proud to call
Chapel High Hill School our alma mater.”
~Katherine Jeraschek, CHHS Class of 2010
“I had Mrs. Thompson as my English teacher my senior year of high school in
2006-2007. She not only was a great teacherbut she is a greatpersonas
well. She provided many wonderful class activities and helped all of her students learn
the best she knew how. Mrs. Thompson also provides spring break trips
eachyear for students, teachers and parents to go on through the
EducationalFoundation tours. I went with her on a trip for spring break of 2007,
which happened to be the same year that our cruise ship sank on our trip and we lost
everything. Mrs. Thompson made sure that all of the students and parents who went on
the trip were taken care of the best way possible and helped them stay in touch with their
loved ones at home. That was a trip of a lifetime for me and many others despite the fact
that our ship sank, and we all made the most of the situation. These trips provide a great
way for students to see the world, learn and experience new cultures, get to know each
other and to know her better.
My experience in her class and with her on spring break really helped impact who
I am as a person. I learned a great deal about English through her class as well as had fun
while I was learning. Mrs. Thompson goes above and beyond her duty as a
teacher for CHHS, by meeting with students outside of class time to assist them in any
way possible and by providing these spring break trips to help students learn in ways that
are not possible in the classroom. Chapel Hill High School would lose a teacher who
cares about her students and their success if she were to be transferred. Mrs. Thompson
wants to remain at CHHS and I believe that it would be a mistake to send a teacher like
her elsewhere and take her away from the students, faculty, and parents of a place that
she loves.”
~Kathryn Small, CHHS Class of 2007

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“I don’t think I learned or worked as hard in any other class in high school.
Wartski motivates his students to work to their potential while making any topic
interesting. I always felt like he really “got” high schoolers… which is saying a lot. His
enthusiasm for biology was infectious and was a huge reasonI ended up
getting a BA in biology, which subsequently led to my current pursuit of a PhD in
plant biology. I often think about his class when I think about the kind of teacher I want
to be someday.”
~Katie Putney, CHHS Class of 2006
"Although I never had the opportunity of having Ms. Thompson as a teacher, she
was one of the few teachers that really influenced my life during high
schooland continues to help me today. For two straight years I went on her
annual spring break trip for juniors and seniors and it was these trips that really
strengthened our relationship. She is one of the only teachers that takes students on these
trips every year to coincide with the curriculum and to bond with students because while
we travel the world with her we are able to both bond with a teacher on a personal level
and learn about the countries we visit as she draws from her extensive knowledge of
every subject. Even though I was never in her class, I could always come and talk to her
at any time to get help with my own English class or just to talk. The fact that she has
been deemed a negative influence to the school is egregiously false and appalling. Ms.
Thompson cares so much for her students that she is willing to speak out to the
administration when she feels something is wrong and will hinder the education
experience and opportunities her students have. She is one of the few teachers at Chapel
Hill High School that challenges and truly cares for her students."
~Clare Greene, 2011
“I believe that I was very fortunate to have Mr. Wartski as a teacher at CHHS, and
I believe that his outlook on teaching was always that a student should be given every
opportunity to succeed and learn the material that he presented. I never saw his style as
negative, and he only became angry when a student acted in a blatantly lazy way and yet
questioned the poor grades that they had received. As long as the student did not show
him disrespect, he showed nothing but the utmost care and attention to each and every
student.
The only real complaint that I ever heard from classmates was that his class was
hard. I personally think that a class at that level should be challenging, and I never had a
problem with this fact, despite the amount of work that I did for his class. In fact, while I
have not touched a biology book in two years and have no real plans on pursuing biology
in college, I have found that I can still answer some of the most detailed questions from
his class. That ability to instill lasting knowledge in students can be attributed to
few teachers that I have had. It takes a special teacher to be able to do that. I have always
thought that Mr. Wartski was one of the best teachers that I have ever had at
communicating ideas.

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Two years ago, I went to him seeking a recommendation as part of my application
to the NC School of Science and Mathematics, which you may be familiar with as the
state-funded public high school in Durham that is geared towards excellence in science
and mathematics education. His immediate response was to question my motive for
leaving, saying that the science department at CHHS was far superior to that at NCSSM.
Even so, he did everything in his powerto write the best possible
recommendationfor me, and I believe that his involvement in my application was
one of the key components that allowed me to gain entrance in one of the best public high
schools in the country. While he did everything possible to help me succeed, he
constantly questioned my reasons for leaving, constantly praising CHHS and its
programs. Even when I returned to visit, he would shake his head at me for leaving. That
kind of advocate for the school is necessary and essential to CHHS, and would be sorely
missed.
As a soon-to-be-registered voter, I seriously doubt the ability of any official who
would support the relocation of these teachers, and I would actively express my concerns
to as many fellow voters as possible. It's time that we set a precedent by supporting our
teachers and rewarding them for their hard work, hopefully showing bright young minds
that they would have the support of their superiors, if they were to pursue a career in
education. If more districts would do that, politicians wouldn't have to spend time
attempting to fix the education system in this country. Better-qualified teachers would be
bred, and the system would fix itself.
Thank you for listening to my opinion on the matter, and I hope that you will
choose the path that will truly benefit CHHS the most.
Sincerely,
Jaret Dawson
CHHS Student, 2009-2010
NC School of Science and Mathematics '12”
“I am writing to offer my unconditional support to retain Bert Wartski at Chapel
Hill High School. I am a 2011 valedictorian of CHHS, now studying at Tufts University.
Bert Wartski taught me AP Biology, and he is the most dedicated,
hardworking teacher I have ever had. He takes enormous pride in the work he
performs at CHHS and has shown unwavering dedication and loyalty to CHHS, both
inside and outside his subject. Bert Wartski deserves the same loyalty from CHHS and
the school board and should be allowed to retain his position at CHHS. Loss of Bert
Wartskiwould be devastating to the CHHS community.

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Additionally, Bert Wartski has stood for me as a profound model of character. He
led the CHHS chapter of the National Honor Societywhile I was a member,
and he impressed on me that one’s values are never to be compromised. Frankly I think a
non-voluntary transfer would be shameful after everything he has contributed to
CHHS. Bert Wartski is an iconic part of the school.”
~Kayley Abell-Hart, Valedictorian, CHHS Class of 2011
"I have been on both the Varsity Field Hockey and Varsity Lacrosse teams here at
Chapel Hill High School since I was a freshman. Since most of the kids were older than
me, I would always listen to them talk about the advanced classes they were taking and
how heavy their workload was. Being the baby on the team and just starting at this new
school I found this terrifying. However, they would always say that one class was
definitely worth the amount of work they put into it. That's Wartski's
AP Bio class. During stretches before practice and those long, never ending warm-up
laps we would always end up having deep conversations about something weird or
interesting the older girls learned that day in AP Biology. My interest grew in the class
the following year. On the field.hockey team I am the "Flyer" on the defensive corners.
That means that burst out of the goal straight towards the offender hitting the ball straight
at me- a pretty dangerous job. One day at practice we were working on this and the ball
smashed my fingers! Some seniors rushed me up to the trainer’s room, to find that the
trainer had left with the football team to an away game. I was beginning to feel nauseous
and the girls remembered everything that they learned from Biology class the previous
year to keep me from passing out in the trainer’s room before my mom arrived to take me
to the ER. After that happened I REALLY wanted to take his class. I thought it was
awesome that they remembered what they learned in his class to use in a real emergency
an entire year later! That is definitely not true with most classes. I have been waiting
patiently to take this class for two years now, and was very upset when I
heard about his potential transfer. He has already made a lasting impression on
me and I haven't even met him! Also, his class is known for your ability to achieve a
good grade as long as you truly work hard and I think we need more classes like that at
CHHS. I also heard a rumor that one of the main reasons he was going to be moved was
that people were afraid that his outspoken nature would make finding a new principal
difficult. I don't know if its true but personally I believe that there will be
outspoken teachers at school, and it is the principal’s job to manage it. Plus, it's good to
have some teachers interested in the good of the students. In Civics and Economics this
year we learned all about first amendment rights, and it seems like Mr. Wartski is being
punished for his right to free speech. After memorizing those gazillion court cases I can
tell you with full confidence that that isn't fair or legal. Please reconsiderthe
movement of Mr. Wartskifrom our school. It is the class I am most
excited to take this year! I appreciate your time and consideration. Thank you."
~Rebecca Heine, CHHS Class of 2014

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"I was one of the few students to have Mr. Wartski for general biology and AP
Biology. His classes were the most engaging, structured, enjoyable, and
meaningful of any I have ever had. In addition to teaching me about biology, he taught
me how to be a good student. I learned incredible note taking techniques, and how an
efficient work ethic is the way to succeed. The mentorship he gave me, and still gives me
to this day, is something I hope every future Chapel Hill High student gets the
opportunity to experience. I always knew Mr. Wartski was acting in the best interest of
his students. I hope you appreciate the profound impact he canhave in
someone’s life."
~Michael Rockman, CHHS Class of 2011
“Not only was Mr. Wartski the best science teacher I ever had, but he was
easily the best teacher of how to prepare for school beyond high school. I learned
more from his AP Biologyclass than I did in most of my first year
college science classescombined(after placing out of the entry level
ones). He motivates students and keeps them excited and engaged like no one else I
have interacted with while also enforcing no nonsense redirection for those that stray off
task. He is an essential asset to Chapel Hill High School not only in the classroom, but as
a part of the faculty and the school fabric as a whole. Like so many others, Mr. Wartski
played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue science as a career. I hope that he will
continue to mentor and inspire students at Chapel Hill High School for years to come.”
~Steven Pattishall, MD, CHHS Valedictorian, Class of 2002
“I graduated from CHHS in 2004 and had 2 older sisters that also spent four years
there. Thanks to urgent recommendation I had the privilege of taking Mr. Wartski's class,
and he proved an incredible teacher -- my friends will tell you I can still recite an
unreasonable collection of biology facts.
Students who have walked the halls of CHHS understand its imposing
atmosphere. Almost no one possesses an ability like Mr. Wartski to connect to its
students, and it is tragic to hear about these circumstances.
Not only am I embarrassed by the disrespect my school shows to a cornerstone of
its history, I'm saddened to see us shoot ourselves in the foot by removing a jewel of an
asset. I'm also appalled that the revolving door of incompetent CHHS administrators
would be blamed on one of its strongest teachers ever.
As only the great teachers do, Mr. Wartskigives his students the tools
not only to participate in society, but to influence it. In addition to his

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commitment to his classroom, Mr. Wartski cultivates community between the school
walls. He understands what the faculty and students need to create a positive learning
environment and puts his neck out for them. He is a leader.
Every example he sets is admirable and effective. He has honesty and integrity,
and has proven that time and time again in the battlefield of high school teaching. More
than two decades ofteaching in Los Angeles and ChapelHill is
unparalleled experience that demands respect.
Mr. Wartski is an irreplaceable role model. It's no secret there is an uproar as a
result of what's happened, and that's because he has inspired so many people.”
~Daniel Becton, CHHS Class of 2004
“My name is Angelica Hinchman and I am currently a junior at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. It has come to my attention that a beloved CHHS teacher is being
transferred and I can’t imagine why. Mr. Wartski has played such a crucial role not only
in my life, but in all the students at CHHS. He not only helps plan Project
Graduation, but the graduation ceremonyitself. I’ve seen him assist the valid
Victorians prepare their speeches for graduation day. But these are all fairly minor roles
in comparison to his role as an educator. I first met Mr. Wartski in my AP Biology class
my sophomore year in high school. The beginning of the semester was definitely a
struggle to say the least. I was the youngest student in the class, and quite frankly,
probably one of the laziest. Mr. Wartski had high expectations for his entire class,
including me. So, when asked him how I could improve my grades he took the time to
help me. He told me what he expected from me, how to be thorough, and how to improve
my study habits. I am proud to say that at after following his recommendations by the end
of the year I not only walked away with a 5 on my AP test, but also an inspired love
for biology. I immediately applied to volunteer in a UNC genetics research
lab that summer and have been working in researcheversince. I am now
a lab technician at the University of Wisconsin Public Health Neurosurgery department, a
certified lab animal surgeon and a published author. There is no way that I could
have gottenthis far without his help. To remove him from CHHS irresponsible.
You will be robbing future students from having the same experience and opportunities
that I have had. After seeing him unify so many people, teachers, current students,
alumnae and parents alike, who are all passionate about keeping him at CHHS, I hope
you can see how influential he truly is. CHHS simply cannot afford to lose an educator
like Mr. Wartski.”
~Angelica Hinchman, CHHS Class of 2010
“Everything Wartskidoes is for his students. If he argues a point
vehemently, it is because he thinks something will impede his ability to teach or his

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students' ability to learn. His attitude and style of teaching has created a great learning
environment at Chapel Hill for all students. He's a Chapel Hill legend and transferring
him would be detrimental to Chapel Hill's academic environment. We need more teachers
like him who are dedicated to their students' success and learning over anything else. I
had Wartski for AP Biology my junior year and the class was both exciting and well
taught. We need Wartski at CHHS.”
~Hannah Blackburn, CHHS Class of 2013
“Today I had the opportunity to tour a drug discover lab at Duke University. As I
explored the area, I was able to converse with the researchers about restrictive
endonucleases and RFLPs. I understood the advanced science diagrams that outlined how
a brain slice can reveal the synapses and dendrites of a neuron. And best of all, I actually
truly enjoyed and was thrilled by every single part of it (which is impressive because I
have NO desire whatsoever to go into a science career). All of the above, though, is
thanks to Bert Wartski.
When I heard that Mr. Wartski might be transferred to the horrendous school that
is ECHHS (Come on, I'm a Tiger. I can't write that without spitting upon the name of my
former rival school), I was devastated. I am a recent graduate and the memory of
Wartski's presence and impact at CHHS will forever be imprinted in my mind (in the
hippocampus region to be exact).
Ever since I was a freshman walking into my freshman bio class next door, I
knew that I wanted to take Wartski's AP Biology class. Every single student who had him
talked about how challenging he was, but also how much they learned. As the years went
by, it seemed like I wouldn't have the Chapel Hill High School experience if I skipped
out on the chance to take his class.
And all of that is true. Wartski is probably one of the best teachers I have
ever had. Not only did I learn more in his class than my last two years of science
combined, but I still retain a ton of that information as well! There is no doubting
his ability as an excellent teacher.
But Mr. Wartski's impact is far greater than simply educating the next wave of
scientifically aware students. He has dedicated countless hours to improving our school
and protecting what students hold dear. From graduation to the SIT, Wartski
cares deeply about the quality of our school. He knows CHHS has more to
show and he is pushing for that excellence. What school would want to lose that type of
advocate?
Finally, Mr. Wartskiis Chapel Hill High School. While he might not be
loved by all, removing one teacher from our school is going to do FAR more damage to
the psyche of the student body and staff than it will help the few offended by his actions.
(Personally I don't think transferring is even an effective option for such an outspoken

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person. It seems silly to think you can silence or change Mr. Wartski by moving him to a
different location. But I digress).
Many students feel like CHHS is in decline, especially with so many
administrative and faculty change ups that have seemed to decrease the quality of one's
education. We are tired of seeing this instability and ineptitude at a level we are supposed
to place trust in. Removing Mr. Wartski, one of the MUST-HAVE teachers of our school,
is only going to worsen the problem.
As someone who's life was personally changed by Mr. Wartski, I ask that you
keep him at a school that he loves and one where he is not just wanted, but needed. Please
do not corrupt the experience for students who follow. I honestly don't think I would love
CHHS as much as I do if it weren't for him. Our teachers define this school. I kindly
ask that you repeal any decisionthat would damage this identity.”
~Kristen Powers, CHHS Class of 2012
“As a recently graduated student of Chapel Hill High School and a former student
of Anne Thompson, I am shocked and bewildered by the news that she is to be
transferred to another school. Mrs. Thompson is an amazing Englishteacher
who cares aboutnothing more than her students. My experience with Mrs.
Thompson was inspirational, educational and unforgettable. She always made the
learning experience interesting and fun. Every day I found myself anticipating what we
would learn next in English. She taught us not only the curriculum, but also what we
could learn from the mistakes of the characters in the novels we read. She has impacted
my life not only in an educational way, but in a more permanent way with the life lessons
she taught me by lecture and demonstration in her everyday outlook on life. She cares
and looks out for her students academically and personally. She’s been a trustworthy and
dependable teacher I could go to if I ever needed help. For example, I was stuck in a
teacher’s assistant position where the teacher didn’t want, appreciate, or even like me.
Mrs. Thompson was understanding and let me join her study hall class so I could leave
that terrible situation. She was a person who was willing to listen and help me when I
needed her most. It’s situations like this where Mrs. Thompson affects the environment
of Chapel Hill High School in such a positive way, that it would be a disservice to the
rest of the students at CHHS if she were to be transferred. The future seniors of this high
school will miss a great opportunity to learn under one of the best teachers I have ever
had. I can’t imagine CHHS without Mrs. Thompson, and no one should ever
have to do so.”
~Kalli J. Smith, CHHS Class of 2012
“I had the privilege of being in Mrs. Thompson’s Honors English IV class in the
past school year, and also had the opportunity to travel with her to Greece as a

13
member of the student travel group that she led during the spring break of the
2011-2012 school year. I believe that Mrs. Thompson is a valuable asset to Chapel Hill
High School, and I hope that she can remain there so other students can have the same
positive learning experience that I have enjoyed.
Among the many of Mrs. Thompson’s outstanding characteristics are her
knowledge, compassionfor students, inclusiveness, and dedicationto
her profession. Mrs. Thompson has an expansive knowledge about the
history, time periods, and culture that underlie the literature we
studied. Her discussions were engaging and insightful, and gave her students a
thorough understanding of how and why a particular piece of literature was written.
Beyond teaching, Mrs. Thompson demonstrates care and compassion for her students.
She made herself available outside of class to discuss issues of interest, as well as address
any concerns of her students. I found these conversations to be very helpful in shaping
my academic interests and preparing me for college.
One of the most beneficial aspects of Mrs. Thompson’s teaching style are her
projects. For example, I participated in the creation of a comic book that depicted the
story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Through this experience, my understanding of
the novel was made more complete. I also gained important skills in teamwork and time
management. Another outstanding project was the creation of a play depicting The
Canterbury Tales in a modern setting. Through the development of modern day
counterparts to the classic characters, we were able to see similarities in modern life, and
better appreciate the context of the literature. I was surprised to see how relevant classical
literature is in today’s world.
Another unique aspect of Mrs. Thompson’s class is the level of student
engagement. She is able to structure conversations that are relevant, creative, and
inclusive. Because Mrs. Thompsonis passionate aboutthe subject she
teaches, andyet open minded, even the shyeststudent feels comfortable
expressing their opinions. She is truly a talented teacher and a caring person.
Because of teachers like Mrs. Thompson, I feel very prepared for study at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Not only do I understand the subject matter,
I have gained valuable skills in organizing projects, and collaborating with fellow
students. Mrs. Thompson has played a significant role in making Chapel Hill High one of
the finest schools in the nation. I hope that she is allowed to continue her teaching where
she feels that she can have the greatest impact. She is a true inspiration and represents the
best characteristics of professional educators. Her absence wouldbe a
devastating blow to Chapel Hill High.”
~Kristen Segars, CHHS Class of 2012
“My name is Emily Rebecca Abide and I am a 2008 graduate of Chapel Hill
High and current double-major, dean's list student at UNC-Asheville. It has come to my
attention that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System has decided to transfer Bert

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Wartski. I cannot iterate enough what a disappointing, embarrassing blunder this decision
is on your behalf. Bert Wartski continues to be the most influential, involved,
knowledgeable and passionate teacher I have ever had the pleasure of studying under,
including all of my college professors. To this day I have never been more
challenged, motivated, and encouragedto succeedas I was during my
year in Bert Wartski's AP Biologycourse. As Bert's student I consistently
looked forward to the two hours I would spend in his class everyday, not only because he
was introducing me to a level of science that I had previously never been exposed, but
because of his passion for teaching, his innovative and creative ways of engaging
students, and the sheer challenge that he posed before us all. During my time with Bert
Wartski I gained not only an incredible knowledge ofbiology, which allowed me
to pass the AP exam with a score of 4, but I also learned how to truly study and challenge
myself. I have always been an honor student that could usually exceed academic
expectations with little effort; that is, until I met Bert Wartski. Bert Wartski has such an
inherent gift for engaging students' intellectual level and knowing how to set the bar just
high enough to challenge each and every one according to their own needs. If ever I had
an issue that I needed help with, Bert Wartski was the first person I would go to, and I
know for a fact I am not the only one who felt the same. This is by far the greatest, most
hard working, committed teacher you have in your system. Please do not reward his years
of service with this cowardly, despicable transfer because you are consistently too
lethargic to address a dissenting voice.
It greatly saddens me to hear of such poor performance on your behalf and I truly
worry for the future of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools under this kind of inferior
supervision. I beseechyou, for the sake of future students, not to go
through with this decision. I expected more than this from all of you; please do not
continue to disappoint me and the myriad of students Bert Wartski has taught.”
~Emily Rebecca Abide, CHHS Class of 2008
“I graduated from CHHS in 2009 and Mr. Wartski inspired me unlike
any other teacher during my education, during both my high school and college
career. I had him for both freshman and AP Biology and he made the world of science
more interesting than anything I had ever experienced before. Because of him, I greatly
excelled in high school and in college. I even took geometry the summer after my
freshman year just so I could be in his AP class my junior year. I still tell stories about
my experiences in his classes and what I learned there. It would be such a loss to so many
CHHS students to have him leave that school. Superintendent Forcella, you should be
ashamed of yourself and you do not deserve to be in the field of education if this is how
you deal with those that do not agree with everything you dictate.”
~Natalie Parks, CHHS Class of 2009

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“I used to pride myself on the education I received at CHHS. While I am still and
always will be grateful for my time spent there, I was IN NO WAY shaped by the
administration of the School board, but by my amazing professors and teachers. I am
in pharmacy school and the person I am because of the teachers who shaped me, not an
idiotic administration. They not once taught me or even know who I am as a person, but
rather an expensive taxpayer. Our teachers are the best in the state, our students are some
of the best in the country, but our school board just plain sucks.”
~Desirae Lindquist, CHHS Graduate
“I think to this day (I will be a senior at UNC next year) I leanedmore from
Mr. Wartskiand his class than I have from any other teacher,
professor, classorotherwise. I can still rattle off information about DNA a Protein
synthesis as if I was just tested on it. The material I leaned from Mr. Wartski
has helped me tremendously in college andhis teaching method taught
me how to be a better student and how to study efficiently. Transferring
Mr. Wartski is one of the worst decisions that the board could make, it is in tough times
like now that schools need teachers like Mr. Wartski the most. He has always dedicated
his time and effort to CHHS and gone above and beyond the expectations of his position.
I, like many others, will do whatever I can to make sure he stays at Chapel Hill High
School, for the school's sake.”
~Shawn Kuruganti, CHHS Class of 2010
“The administration (CHCCS) told Mr. Wartski that he created a "negative
climate" at CHHS. Due to this, Superintendent Forcella decided to transfer Mr. Wartski
to another school in the district.
Wartskiis critical of the administration, however, I believe he
puts the best interests of the schooland students first. I do not think
that outspokenteachers shouldbe sentaway from the school. Thatis
what creates a negative environment.
Furthermore, Wartski is a fantastic teacher, and he is incredibly involved in the
school (Graduation, ProjectGrad, School Improvement Team, etc.).”
~Norman Archer, Class of 2013
“To this day, I have never had a better teacherthan Mr. Wartski. I
will be heading to medical school in August and I believe his class has allowed me to do
so. I learned more in AP Bio than I did in many of my college science classes. He taught

16
me how to work hard and definitely how to study! I cannot believe they are transferring
him. CHHS will be losing a great teacher.”
~Elizabeth Ann Wallace, CHHS Class of 2009
“While I never had the pleasure of being in Wartski's class, I am definitely
appalled and concerned at the notion that the School Board would allegedly transfer
teachers as retaliation for speaking out against the Administration.
I remember during my tenure at CHHS when teachers, students, and parents alike
joined forces to speak out against the implementation of Block Scheduling in our
district. While the Administration viewed teachers like Warstki, Curtis, and Melega (and
many others) as 'rebels' or 'troublemakers', we students knew that they were actually
putting their jobs and reputations on the line in the best interest of our education. As one
earlier commenter said, the School Board never once made a positive impact on my
education, but this passionate group of teachers who consistently did the right thing by
their students even when it was the more difficult path definitely did.
There's no question that the group of teachers being threatened
with transfers are some of the most tenured and respectedat CHHS. I
should think that if the District simply looked at the test scores, they'd find that these
teachers consistently outperform. More importantly, these teachers contribute to what I
believe to be a positive atmosphere at CHHS that teaches students to take charge of their
own education and stand up for what they believe in.
Thank you, teachers of CHHS, for all that you do, and especially all that you put
up with on our behalf!”
~Heather Minchew, CHHS Graduate
"I graduated from CHHS over 10 years ago, and while many of my high school
memories have faded, my memories of Mr. Wartski and his AP Biology class remain
clear. He is hands down, one of the bestteachers I have ever had. Sitting
in a Biology class for two hours every day for a year should have been painful, but Mr.
Wartski's teaching style always kept us entertained (and on our toes!). Yes he is strict,
but his passion for teaching shines through his tough "Sensei" exterior. I learnedso
much in his class, and the intense work environment was the only AP
class I took that actually prepared me for my undergraduate
and graduate studies. Transferring Mr. Wartski from CHHS will result in a huge
loss for the school, but more importantly for students. Schools should be recruiting more
outspoken and passionate teachers like Wartski, not transferring them."
~Alissa Weinberger, CHHS Class of 2001

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“To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Kelsey Harris and I am a graduate of Chapel Hill High and had the
pleasure of being taught by Anne Thompson. While not only being a remarkable
teacher, Mrs. Thompson understands and cares for her students outside of the
classroom. The thought of future CHHS students not having the chance of having her as a
teacher truly saddens me. I don't understand why she is being moved to a different school
without reasoning. To do this to a devoted teacher, who has been teaching at the same
school for 26 years is hurtful to not only Mrs. Thompson, but also the students. I learned
not only about English Literature while in her class, but also how to be a good person
outside.
Along with her 34-year teaching career, Mrs. Thompsonhas opted to take
Chapel Hill students to Europe on various educationaltours for many
years, starting in 1986. I was lucky enough to go on one of the trips in 2010, and
they are not only fun, but Mrs. Thompson makes sure we are learning as well.
Mrs. Thompson always welcomed her students to come to her with problems we
were having, even if it didn’t involve her class. She took us in like we were one of her
own kids, and that is a feeling you don’t get from many teachers. She would talk to you
like a parent and let you know everything would be okay. Her students were always her
first priority.
It is with utmost regret that I write this letter in hopes that you will reconsider
moving Mrs. Thompson from the students that know her, love her, have experienced her
and for those who will never get that experience at Chapel Hill High.”
~Kelsey Harris, CHHS Graduate
“My strongest memory of Wartski is from long after I had successfully
completed- and thoroughly enjoyed- his AP Biology class my junior year at CHHS.
Although I value the unparalleled academic experience of his class and still to this day
consider the notes from his class as law, I most treasure the time that Wartski takes to get
to know his students. In January of my senior year, it came to light that my required
teacher recommendation for my college applications was never sent. Despite having
agreed to write the recommendation in September, my lackadaisical teacher let the
January 1 deadline come and go without telling me that she had never written anything at
all. Confused, deflated and enraged, I collapsed into tears in the hallway that Friday after
classes when everyone had left for the weekend. Wartski found me and asked “What’s
up, Freak?” referencing, of course the endearing nickname I earned when my freakishly
small lungs failed to move the respirometer during the Human Bio lab a year prior. I
explained the gravity of the situation and was fully convinced that my collegiate
admission would be jeopardized due to this gaping hole in my application. Wartski

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consoled me and nonchalantly told me to enjoy my weekend and come find him Monday
morning. Sure enough, he had written a thoughtful and personal recommendation, signed
and sealed, ready to be sent expeditiously to colleges of my choice. In the moment, that
measly piece of paper meant the world to me. In retrospect, however, I realized that my
strengthened relationship with Wartski, not the recommendation he thoughtfully whipped
up, was the greatest thing I walked away with that day. Wartskiwas a champion
for the successof his students even after they finished his class. I know I
don’t stand alone when I say I could not wait to visit CHHS after I had graduated,
specifically to catch up with Wartski and fill him in on how influential his class has been
on my higher education career. My decision to major in neuroscience in college was
heavily influenced by the passion for human biology that Wartski instilled in me. I will
proudly considermyself one of BertWartski’s students forever and can
only hope that many more at CHHS will have the opportunity to do so
as well.”
~Jane E. Hannon, CHHS Class of 2007
“My name is Jennifer Lyu and I am a rising senior at Chapel Hill High School. I
am writing this email concerning the transfer of Mr. Bert Wartski, one of the best and
most knowledgeable teachers in the state of North Carolina. The thought of him
being transferred is completely shocking and appalling. As a student who
took his course last year, I would rate his class a 12 out of 10. Mr. Wartski exceeds the
expectations of an excellent teacher. His number one priority is to help his students learn,
and from the way he lectures our class, one can tell that he really wants his students to
succeed. He always makes sure he asks students if they have any questions and if a
student does not completely understand a topic, he figures out another method to explain
the concept to the student until he/she is confident enough with that topic that he/she
could teach it in front of the class. He works ten times harder than most teachers, coming
in on early mornings and staying after-school every single day, in order to let students
come in for extra help. Additionally, he is the most efficient teacher I have ever had. He
grades all of our labs and assignments within a 24 hour period, making critical but helpful
marks that shows us,as students what mistakes we make so that in the future we would
not make the same mistakes. Mr. Wartski's class includes a large amount of work for
students, but it is this amount of work that has students eventually coming out of the AP
exam with confident smiles on their faces and numerous scores of 5 in the mail. Not only
is Mr. Wartski an adroit teacher, but he is always encouraging his students to
work hard in athletics and/or theater arts, or whatever other extra-curricular activities
students participate in, and to make sure we balance our school work with these activities
and to always "stay on top of our game" to succeed. Furthermore, biology is one of my
favorite subjects and I feel that I have learned so much in Mr. Wartski's class. He teaches
in such detail and conciseness for every concept we learn. I also have friends who prior to
taking his course, did not like biology all that much, but once they took Mr. Wartski's
class, they looked at biology completely differently, their interests broadened, many of
whom are already considering majoring in biology in college. His positive influence

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spreads across the entire school. In fact, I have had many rising juniors who have talked
to me about Mr. Wartski's class and how excited they are to take it. However, now they
have spoken about how they would not be willing to take the course this coming year if
the school board decides to transfer him. I don't understand why the school board would
do this, but from what it looks like, just be aware that if he is transferred, the number of
students taking AP Biology in the fall will decrease an immense amount.
I am not writing this letter out of any sort of pressure from my fellow peers or
teachers. Mr. Wartski is truly an awe-inspiring and fantastic teacher who has
taught and has been loved at Chapel Hill High School for many years. It seems only fair
that future students will be able to experience the greatness that come out of his class and
I am willing to do anything to make sure they obtain this privilege.”
~Jennifer Lyu, CHHS Class of 2013
“Bert Wartski's AP Biology class was a truly transformative experience
for me, and one that was instrumental to my interest in science and my current position as
a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. Mr. Wartski is an
amazingly dedicated teacher who taught us a great deal about biology. However, biology
was far from the only thing we learned from Mr. Wartski: his discipline, selflessness and
devotion to his students were apparent to us, and cultivated one of the best learning
environments I experienced whether in high school at CHHS, in college at UNC-Chapel
Hill, or in graduate school at Duke.
When I found out about Mr. Wartski's involuntary transfer, I could not believe
that this decision could possibly be a good one. I then tried to find more information
about possible reasons for his proposed transfer, which only served to confirm my initial
suspicions. Surely, I might be biased, as I was a student in Mr. Wartski's class. However,
I count myself very fortunate to have had the experience of being taught by Mr. Wartski.
So if I am biased, it's because in all this time I have never heard a student from Mr.
Wartski's class complain about him, and to the contrary, every student I spoke with is
thankful to Mr. Wartski for all that he does for his students. Like thousands of other
students who had a similarly transformative and positive experience thanks to Mr.
Wartski, I cannot believe that the reasons for this transfer have any merit
whatsoever.
Perhaps most upsetting are the possible reasons for Mr. Wartski's transfer that we
have been hearing about. The administration of a school or a school district does not have
a military command structure, last time I checked. If Mr. Wartski protested potential
changes that in his view were somehow harmful, then this is not an acceptable reason for
his transfer. In fact, his opinions may be of great service, considering his
excellent record as an educator. If it were a matter of grading policy (and how it
affects learning), the school board may want to consider the performance of Mr.
Wartski's students on AP tests, which has always been exemplary. In my experience, Mr.
Wartski spoke from experience, and most of the lessons I learned in his class I still

20
attribute to him more than a decade later. His transfer from CHHS would be a great loss
to the school and the community.
Like many others, I plan to travel hundreds of miles to Chapel
Hill on July 19th to protest Mr. Wartski's transfer.”
~Pavel Yarmolenko, CHHS Graduate
“I had the good fortune to be in Mr. Wartski’s AP Biology class from 2007-2008,
my senior year of high school. Mr. Wartski is a wonderful teacher, a fact that I do
not think can be contested. I am far more talented in English than science or math but
Mr. Wartski made me love biology. His class was one of the most difficult I have taken,
but it was also absolutely the most engaging and interesting class in the entirety of my
high school career. Even though I did not think I was very good at science, he
encouraged me to keep going in the sciences and even consider a major in biology in
college. Whenever I or anyone needed extra help, he was always in his room, whether
we needed that help before, during, or after school. He always allowed us to re-take tests,
coming in hours before school started so we could do so. Even when I take into
consideration my college professors, Bert Wartski is without a doubt the best teacher I
have ever had.
Beyond his prowess as a teacher, which I’m sure can be utilized just as well at
East Chapel Hill High School as it can at Chapel Hill High School, Mr. Wartski is an
unrelenting advocate for the well-being of Chapel High School and the
students of Chapel Hill High School. Beyond everything he does on paper (such as
coordinating graduation and sponsoring Key Club), he truly wants CHHS to be the best
place it can be for students and faculty alike. His critiques of school policy and school
administration do not come from a place of malice, but from a place of profound concern
about his students and his school. These critiques should not be looked at as threats or as
detrimentally impacting the environment at CHHS; instead, the administration should be
proud to have a teacher who cares so much about what is best for the school and its
students.
Mr. Wartskiis absolutely the strongestfaculty advocate for
student’s interests at CHHS. He refuses to go along with administrator’s
decisions because it is easier to do so, or out of fear of retribution (such as this
transfer). Unfortunately, CHHS is the worst of the three schools in the district, if one
looks at progress goals. If Mr. Wartski is transferred to ECHHS, the school that is
meeting the most progress goals will have the best faculty advocate, and quite honestly, it
is not the most privileged students who need Mr. Wartski to advocate for them. I had a
different principal every year I was at CHHS and with Mr. Dingle’s departure that pattern
does not seem to be changing. With these constant administrative changes, it is virtually
impossible as a student to feel that administrators know or care about student
interests. Mr. Wartski’s presence at CHHS made me feel like there was at least one

21
person who knew me and my peers and would go to the ends of the earth to promote ours
and the school’s well-being.
I’d like to mention Mr. Wartski's impact on my life, beyond the realm of
education and advocacy. During my senior year in high school, I was having a lot of
personal problems. I, like many high school seniors, was confused about what I wanted
from life, what I should major in in college, and what college I should go to. I, again,
like many high school seniors, had a complicated relationship with my family, friends,
and boyfriend. Mr. Wartski was one of the only adults I felt comfortable going to to talk
about these problems and more. He was not only there for his students as a teacher but
also as an invaluable source of emotional support and advice. I would have felt so
much more lost at that time in my life without his guidance, and I will
be forever grateful to him for helping me figure out what paths I should
take.
Mr. Wartski is an incredible teacher, student advocate, and
mentor. As I mentioned earlier, he remains the best teacher I have ever had. He would
be an asset to any school he taught at, but Chapel Hill High School simply needs him
more than East Chapel Hill High School does. Transferring Mr. Wartski to another
school without his consent is a shameful way to treat someone who has done so much for
this district. I hope you will take the time to reconsider your decision regarding his
transfer.”
~Gina Balamucki, CHHS Class of 2009
“As a 2010 graduate of Chapel Hill High, I am deeply concerned to hear about the
plans to transfer Mr. Bert Wartski and Mrs. Anne Thompson from the Chapel Hill High
community. Both of these teachers significantly impacted my Chapel Hill High
experience and helped me to grow as a student in countless ways. The transfer of
these teachers would be an enormous loss for Chapel Hill High.
Mr. Wartski was the most challenging teacher I had at CHHS -- he encouraged
students to really engage with material both in lecture and lab. And although his class
was challenging, his methods ensured we truly understood the material. I left his class
with not only a 5 on the AP test, but a greaterinterest and
understanding of Biology.
While I never had an English class with Mrs. Thompson, I had the opportunity to
go on EF tour trips with her during spring break of both my junior and senior year. Mrs.
Thompson's enthusiasm for traveling with students enabled me to see experience new
cultures, practice my language skills, and gain appreciation for our global community.
She truly understands the importance of learning outside of the classroom
-- and loved teaching enough to spend her spring break educating students abroad.

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I hope that you will reconsider transferring these teachers -- they have made a
positive impact on so many former and current Tigers.”
~Caitlin James, CHHS Class of 2010
“I am writing in regards to the potential transfer of Bert Wartski to East Chapel
Hill High School this coming Fall 2012. Upon receiving this news, I was in shock and at
a loss for words. Bert Wartski was by far the best teacher I had during my four
years at Chapel Hill High School (2004-2008). His diligence and care for all of his
students' academic careers is undeniable; he goes above and beyond his
responsibilities as a high school teacher to ensure that each student feels competent
with every piece of material covered in his AP Biology class. I have never had another
teacher like Bert Wartski who was more than willing to meet with me before school,
during lunch and after school to discuss any material from class in addition to my
personal academic interests and goals. He was the one teacher I encountered during my
high school career that urged students to think outside of the box, and to express their
own opinions without judging them. This is an essential aspect of education as high
school is a time where teenagers develop their true personality, goals and future
aspirations. During my junior year of high school, I was honored to call Bert Wartski my
teacher and the person who I chose to write my college recommendation letters. My
experience in Bert Wartski's AP Biologycourse IS the reasonI chose to
go into the medical field to become a nurse. I am currently pursuing my
Bachelor of Science in Nursing in one of the nation's top nursing programs at UNC-
Chapel Hill. In going above his duty as my teacher, Bert Wartski instilled hope and pride
in me regarding my academic achievements. I owe him great thanks for this endeavor as I
now know that I could not be in a more critical professional field. Moving Bert Wartski
from his long-time classroom in the science wing of Chapel Hill High School would not
only be a mistake, but would serve as a disgrace to the entire Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
School system. Students are privileged to have a teacher such as Bert Wartski, and there
is a reason why students continue to sign up for his exceedingly difficult AP Biology
class year after year--because they know that the education received from Bert Wartski's
class is worth every minute of required studying. I urge you to reconsiderthis
decision, while recognizing that any of Bert Wartski's personalopinions
or conversations aboutCHCCS policies fall under his rights of freedom
of speechand expression.”
~Bentley Fisher, CHHS Graduate
“I graduated from CHHS in 2008 and just graduated from Xavier University this
year (2012) cum laude from the honors program with a bachelors degree in biology. I
originally intended on attending medical school, took the MCAT and did well, however
before applying I decided my dream in life was to beome a nurse practicioner. I applied

23
to Xavier's accelerated nursing program and was accepted. I truly believe none of
this would have been possible with out Mr. Wartski.
I took AP biology with Mr. Wartski my junior year, 2007 and it was the most
memorable class ofmy entire learning career, including college. I brought my
AP biology notebooks with me to college and often used them. Mr. Wartski taught me
the importance of hard work and the difference between memorizing and learning. Yes,
his class was frustrating, but I had never before been asked to think for myself. He not
only gave me an incredibly sound foundation in biology but taught me skills integral to
my success in college. He taught me to think for myself, study in advance, ask for help
from your peers as well as the professor. Wartski makes learning fun. If the goalof
CHHS is to enlighten and inspire and encouragelearning, transferring
Bert Wartskiwould be incredibly detrimental.”
~Caity Burke, CHHS Class of 2008
“I am writing to vehemently oppose your decision to involuntary
transfer Mr. Wartskifrom Chapel Hill High School. As a 2000 alum from
Chapel Hill High I only have good memories of the positive impact Mr. Wartski had on
the school. If you remember, the late 90's were not necessarily a positive time for Chapel
Hill Hill High with multiple principal changes, redistricting, and the issues with changing
the educational environment at the school. Mr. Wartski never lost a beat during this time.
In fact, looking back on my education, Mr. Wartskiwas the epitome of a
positive impact, not to mention one of the bestteachers I've EVER had
(throughout an education that included Duke, University of Glasgow, and a doctorate
from North Carolina State University). I remember Mr. Wartski not only mentoring and
spreading his passion of science and learning to his students, but also as a mentor to other
less experienced teachers. Mr. Wartski was known for his fair and effective biology
courses that left students ready to excel easily in the subject at the collegiate level.
Students would look to him as an advocate for their voices and interests. If you pursue
this involuntary transfer, I feel that you are doing a huge disservice to the current and
future Chapel Hill High School students and teachers, as well as to the culture of the
school. I ask you to please rethink your decision.”
~Lindsay Warner, CHHS Class of 2000
“I was extremely disheartened to learn of the forced transfer of Bert Wartski from
Chapel Hill High School. I was a student in Mr. Wartski's AP Biology class my senior
year (class of 1997) and he remains to this day THE most influential teacher
that I have ever had. I cannot express how much I enjoyed his class and how much
I learned. His obvious love of the subject and enthusiasm for engaging his students made

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me realize how much I enjoyed the subject as well. I received a 5 on the AP Biology
exam that yearand loved his class so much that when I went to UNC-CH the
following year for college, I picked Biology as my major. I went on to receive my
Bachelors in Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
class of 2001. No other teacher has had this much of an impact on my life; I would not
be the person that I am today had I not been in a student of Mr. Wartski. I can only hope
that this transfer is appealed and that he will continue to shape other student's lives the
way that he has mine.”
~Erin Lemon (formerly Erin Toews), CHHS Class of 1997
“Although I understand the need to have a positive school
environment, I believe that the schoolboard’s decisionto transfer these
two teachers is contrary to the very fiber of the school’s purpose. The
purpose of a school is to educate students and make them enthusiastic about learning. As
a student of Bert Wartski, I was given just that. Despite Mr. Wartski’s habit of ruffling
feathers, he is passionate about his teaching and helped to inspire my love of science. I
realize that there were concerns about his lack of professionalism. However, I think that
even with this, he spoke out about his concerns for the educational standards in our
school, something that not every teacher did. His bluntly statedopinions show
his dedicationto teaching. I think that it is wrong for someone to be persecuted for
making their ideas known, especially as these ideas were for the betterment of the
school.”
~Chiara Salemi, CHHS Graduate
“My name is Kristen Lee. I was part of the CHHS class of 2000. I strongly
disapprove of the involuntary transfer of Mr. Wartskibecause his presence at
CHHS is crucialto both student and faculty development. CHHS cannot
afford to lose sucha brilliant educator.
Personally, I can attest that he may have saved my high school education, and
therefore, my functional status in adult life. I was verbally and physically abused
throughout my childhood and into high school; only through later therapy work did I
come to understand how dysfunctional and damaging my family life was. Wartski knew
that my father was an alcoholic, and that my mother needed heart surgery. During these
formative, critical years of my youth, I lacked strong role models at home. I was
neglectedby parents who had far too much going on to 'parent' their
three children. They failed me, but Wartskimost certainly did not.
Wartski's recognition of my situation and his subsequent response was incredible.
Today, I attribute my high-functioning status to him, in part, because he stepped in
appropriately not only with additional tutoring, but also with a safe environment in which
I could relax enough to learn. By looking at my face on any given day, he

25
could tell when I needed some space and quiet time, or some light-
hearted humor. He allowed me to use the small side room adjacent to his classroom
so many times that it became a safe haven. He provided a stable environment in which I
could stay after school for additional help, and as a result, I scoreda 5 on my AP
Biologyexam(despite the odds, nonetheless).
Beyond that, I learned that there are actually some adults whom you can trust in
life. I hardly understood it at the time, but I was on a pathway to developing
severe trust issues before I became a student of Wartski's. Under his watch,
I learned that rare and special individuals do care, and not only are they perceptive
enough to identify your issues, they are also skilled at directing you toward educational,
emotional, and overall mental success. Wartski is one of these rare individuals. To this
day, he is the one teacher I return to visit time and time again at CHHS. As I advance
through life, the significance of Wartski's role in my youth becomes more and more
apparent. Therapists have wondered how on earth I managed to mature into such a stable
adult despite the hardship I endured as a child. My first thought is always to credit the
remarkable teachers I had at CHHS, with Wartski being the most influential.
You may argue that his relationship with his students is stellar, but that he is
disruptive to faculty. (I have heard that this point has been raised, so I am responding in
kind; I never witnessed this in my 4 years at CHHS.) I challenge you to question what
this means about yourselves. The outpouring of support you are seeing for Bert Wartski
is happening because he is an increasingly rare breed of teacher, andCHHS simply cannot
afford to lose him. Wartski understands the educational system, and he is brilliant at
producing erudite, inquisitive, well-adjusted teenagers for a lifetime of challenges. Can
you all say that you do the same, that you make such a positive impact on young lives?
Can you say that if you were the individual in question here, you would receive such
vociferous support?
Removing one outstanding individual from the faculty is like
clipping a tall rose on the bush for aesthetics. The performance level of all
faculty is augmented by the presence of a teacher like Wartski. I would be intimidated if I
were teaching an AP science class alongside him; I would be challenged to teach at the
highest level to achieve results like his. I would admire the fact that students come back
to visit him decades after graduating. I would admire him for the simple fact that he
effectively does what every educator sets out to do with best intentions: change young
lives for the better.
I believe that this involuntary transfer is a mistake. Apparently, CHHS is
not the quality school that I used to know. In our time, we were ranked in the Wall Street
Journal as one of the top ten public high schools in the nation. The status of CHHS would
no doubt further fall without Bert Wartski. I urge you to seriously reconsider this motion.
Thank you for your attention to this matter; I feel quite strongly that you are
making a grave mistake, but there is yet time to correct your trajectory.”
~Kristen Lee, CHHS Class of 2000

26
PARENT AND FACULTY TESTIMONIALS
“We are the proud parents of a recent graduate of Chapel Hill High School who
will begin her studies in Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill this fall, due largely to the amazing
enthusiasm, excellent teaching, and high expectations provided by Mr. Bert Wartski as
her AP Biology teacher. Not only did Mr. Wartski further her lifelong interest in science,
he ignited her passion for a career in either biology, medicine, or public health. Picking
up on her interest in a career in science, Mr. Wartski recommended our daughter for an
internship this summer with one of his former students, now a graduate student in the
Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC. Even before her studies at UNC begin, she will
have worked on a pancreatic cancer research project. Imagine the head start this gives her
as she walks onto campus in August… Last fall when she was deferred in the early
admission process at Duke, Mr. Wartski wrote an unsolicited additional recommendation
letter for her. We cannot say enough about how much we appreciate Mr. Wartski’s love
of science, teaching, and students.
We have a son who will begin his freshman year at CHHS this August, and part
of why we are so excited for him to start his high school career is the opportunity to be a
student of Mr. Wartski. Imagine our disappointment that the best teacher either of our
children have ever had is being transferred against his will to a school that has newer
facilities, serves a (perceived) wealthier and less diverse population, and offers more AP
classes than CHHS . East Chapel Hill High School is already nationally recognized for its
academic excellence, while our hardworking and equally brilliant CHHS students have to
watch ECHHS receive the accolades which negatively affect their college admissions.
We are very displeased with this decision which, we would argue, is a terrible
strategic move. CHHS already has outdated facilities compared to the two other high
schools in town – why take away one of the best attributes of CHHS’s academic
strength? If personnel re-assignments are necessary, I would suggest that the CHCCS
administration look to the performance and test scores of students/teachers in some of the
other departments at CHHS, which I would be happy to discuss with any of you in
person. There is plenty of room for change, growth and improvement, but NOT in Mr.
Wartski’s classroom.
In closing, thank you for re-considering this ill-conceived move, and we look
forward to hearing from each of you.”
~Gina and Steve Reynolds, Parents
“I read the article this morning in the Chapel Hill News and am concerned and
alarmed that the school system would transfer CHHS's best teachers to ECHHS. My son
Maxwell Tice-Lewis was in Mr. Warski's AP Biology class in 2009 and is now majoring
in Biology at UNC-CH. Maxwell became passionate about Biology in this demanding
class and it was certainly the highlight of his CHHS experience. I will be at the meeting

27
on Thursday to support this fine teacher. Please reconsider this unfortunate idea and
support your finest faculty.”
~Susan and Seth Tice-Lewis, Parents
“We are writing to strongly oppose the transfer of Bert Wartski out of CHHS to
ECHHS and describe for you our family’s very positive experiences with Mr. Wartski.
We have three children in the CHCCS district, two with significant experience at
CHHS. Our son just graduated from CHHS. Our daughter is a rising sophomore. Our son
just finished a wonderful and challenging year of AP Biology under the instruction of Mr.
Wartski. Our daughter just finished a miserable year of freshman Biology with another
teacher. (If you would like more in-depth information on their 2 years of experience with
that teacher, please let me know. I would be happy to share that with you!)
Bob is a faculty member in the Biology department at UNC and a life-long lover
of biology and research. In fact, his love of science began with an amazing experience in
high school biology as a 9th grade student in Massachusetts many years ago. We were
very much hoping for a similar experience for our daughter while at CHHS and one that
her brother just enjoyed as a senior. Her freshman year biology experience almost single-
handedly killed her love for science and research, and that is not an exaggeration! The
same can be said for our son’s freshman year (with the same teacher). It was through Mr.
Wartski’s thought-provoking and stimulating AP Biology class that our son re-discovered
his interest in science and will pursue biology in college.
Bert was strict and had high expectations for his students, but he was fair and
attentive. He was always available after school and during lunch for help or make-up
work. He was organized and detailed and his students knew what to study for and what
to expect in their lab work and in exams. The direct opposite would be true for their
experience as freshman biology students.
Sue worked with Bert on the SIT at CHHS this past year. While his skills in
diplomacy may be less than ideal, she whole-heartedly agree with others’ assessments of
his motivations. He was always concerned with what is in the best interests of the
students and his fellow faculty members at CHHS. Transferring him to another school
after more than 20 years of giving above and beyond the call of duty to CHHS is a grave
injustice. And who in the world would teach AP Biology at CHHS? The void his
absence would create leaves us very concerned.
In our opinion, more action needs to be initiated towards those teachers who have
become stale, uninspiring and are clearly lacking the dedication and ability to provide a
stimulating and valuable educational experience for their students. Removing
underperforming and ineffective teachers is a much more urgent need in our schools
rather than disrupting and displacing those teachers that a school community has come to
value and appreciate. Mr. Wartski is one of those teachers and he certainly needs to
remain at Chapel Hill High School.

28
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter.”
~Bob and Sue Duronio, Parents
“Wartski is a phenomenal teacher. My youngest has been looking forward to AP
Bio with him after watching her sister "experience" his class. Wartski builds both
knowledge and character! The Chapel Hill paper talked about outspoken teachers being a
deterrent to good applicants for administration positions—well, frankly, that sounds like
a good strategy to deter candidates who we wouldn't want anyhow! Teacher of the year,
holder of considerable institutional memory, rigorous instructor, coordinator of
graduation, cares deeply about students...hard to see any rationale for transfer.”
~Cindy Bulik, Parent
“I am a long-time school volunteer and PTSA Board member at schools in our
district. My son is a rising junior at Chapel Hill High and my daughter is a 2010 graduate.
I would not normally write a letter based on third-hand information, but I feel I must
express my opinion about a rumored change at Chapel Hill High.
I hear that in the next few weeks as many as 10 teachers may be reassigned to
other schools from Chapel Hill High primarily due to their strong opinions on how CHHS
should be run. Many of the most vocal teachers in our school are also some of the most
competent teachers. They know how to engage and motivate their students; they have
high expectations; and I believe their AP students generally score 4’s and 5’s on the AP
exams. Students hope to be in their classes because they want good teachers who they
care about their students.
Over the last 10 years or so, Chapel Hill High has had many principals come and
go. These strong teachers have stepped in to fill the leadership vacuum that developed
from this high turnover. For some time, many parents have realized that any new
principal entering our school would need to be a strong administrator. Many believe that
Jackie Ellis was a strong administrator who was willing to listen to teachers, students and
parents, but she also had the confidence to express her own opinion and act on it. I
believe that Jackie Ellis left CHHS, not because of difficult teachers, but to spend more
time with her young children while her husband was commuting to northern Virginia for
work. I would add that many parents see our outgoing principal as a very nice man but a
weak administrator and leader.
If these excellent but vocal teachers are moved, who will replace them? It is
highly unlikely that competent teachers from the much newer high schools would
volunteer to move to 60-year-old Chapel Hill High School, especially given the spotty
administrative leadership over the last 10 years.
Removing these superior teachers whom the students love and respect would have
a very negative impact on the CHHS student and parent communities. These are teachers

29
who motivate our children to choose their subjects as fields of study. They are the ones
whom our children will look back and name as their best high school teachers. Many
parents are thankful when their children are assigned to these teachers because they know
their children will be challenged, well-taught, and prepared for futures at good colleges
and universities.
While it’s not a perfect analogy, reassigning a number of our best teachers would
be a bit like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Please do not sacrifice our
students’ education and enthusiasm in an effort to clean up administrative issues at
Chapel Hill High. These strong and vocal teachers are assets to our school and contribute
greatly to the positive experiences of our students.
Thank you for considering the thoughts of a concerned parent and long-time
volunteer.”
~Kim Williams, Parent & Volunteer
“Hello Mr. Wartski - I am in shock. After seeing you at Project Graduation and
knowing the tremendous job you have done at CHHS, this does not compute. You have
always been a great advocate for our children and I have never heard anything that
indicates any negative coming from you from anyone. I am onboard with whatever
support is necessary. Please stand firm in your stance and things will be made right for
you. I am a believer that when things appear at their worse, right will prevail. Take care.”
~Phyllis Greene Daniels, Parent
“It has come to my attention that the workplace environment at Chapel Hill High
School has been referred to by some as “negative,” and “toxic.” Furthermore, blame for
such labels is being laid primarily upon two of my esteemed co-workers. As a long-time
teacher at CHHS, I would like to try to dispel the notion that the atmosphere there is so
destructive.
Over the years that I have called CHHS my home, I have worked with an
incredibly dedicated faculty. They are thoughtful, highly educated themselves, and work
extremely hard to provide the best education possible for Chapel Hill students. The
students have always come first. I am most proud of my coworkers when we come
together to institute a plan to improve on existing practices. A sense of commitment to
the work and a feeling of group self-direction is what I believe makes our faculty one of
the most successful schools in the state.
One of the people who makes CHHS such a success is Bert Wartski. His mastery
style of teaching has inspired my own instruction and work with the AVID students and
Blue Ribbon Task Force, helping me to improve outcomes in my own classroom and
narrow the achievement gap. Student after student has experienced his intense dedication
to their education; many of them are inspired by him to explore medical fields. Mr.

30
Wartski is furthermore deeply dedicated to CHHS and its faculty. His support for his
colleagues is nothing less than admirable, whether it be to guide them through National
Board Accreditation, help an inexperienced teacher, or to simply be on a committee when
volunteers are lacking. He is quite frankly one of the best teachers I've ever known.
I'm not sure how a recent Teacher-of-the-Year has come to be labeled as “toxic”
or contributing to a “negative environment,” nor can I understand how a teacher such as
Ms. Thompson, who was honored by students in the yearbook, could be. I hope that
gossip, hearsay, and the agendas of a couple disgruntled parents and teachers are not what
has caused this. I'm proud of the teachers at CHHS, and am honored to be one of Bert
Wartski's and Anne Thompson's colleagues.”
~Alan Rissberger, CHHS Faculty
“I have known Ms. Thompson since 2009 when my twin daughters entered Chapel
Hill High School (CHHS) as freshmen. Both of my daughters were very fortunate in
receiving instruction from Ms. Thompson. In fact, one of my daughters had Ms.
Thompson as her English teacher this past year and, despite Ms. Thompson’s extended
absence due to her husband’s serious illness and eventual death, felt that she was the best
teacher she ever had.
I urge you to challenge Dr. Forcella’s decision to transfer Ms. Thompson from
CHHS to Carrboro High School. I feel that Ms. Thompson is one of our finest teachers
and to lose her would be highly detrimental to the teachers and student body at CHHS.
Unfortunately I will be traveling to Mayo Clinic for a scientific meeting next Thursday
and therefore unable to attend the Board meeting in person. However, I would be more
than willing and able to meet with any of the Board members individually in support of
this excellent teacher. My contact information is below and I hope to hear from you.
Thank you for your attention.”
~Sophia Smith, Parent
AND OF COURSE, SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST:
Dear Mr. Forcella and ALL members of the CHCCS Board of Education...
These comments may be poorly planned and thought out and inelegant at best,
but they are heart-felt and honest and
thus a MUCH better job than you've all been doing!
What the heck did WE do to YOU???? Why do you have it in for Chapel Hill
High?
What did the students and parents of Chapel Hill do to deserve this ambush?

31
By "this ambush", I mean the forced trasfer of certain faculty members that I
understand
the Board of Education will NOT ALLOW US TO SPEAK OF in a positive light
using their name(s).
(Geez... what happened to the freedom of speach? What happened to the
freedom of assembly?)
How did we offend Mr. F. and the board and why are you punishing and attacking
Chapel Hill High??
Clearly this is meant to cause harm to current and future students of Chapel Hill
High School!
Haven't you done enough harm to our school over the years?
Transferred teachers will still have a job, but WE will suffer the
GRIEVOUS LOSS of the MOST POSITIVE INFLUENCE at our school, THE
teacher who fights for the students,
THE teacher who shows what it means to care, to work hard to earn just
rewards,
to band together and support one another, to do what it takes to get the job done
right!...
THE teacher who believes that every student can achieve great things if they
apply themselves,
gives them the actualy opportunity to do so, and makes it happen!
THE teacher who puts it all on the line and gives it everything he's got to help our
children!
THAT's who and what you want to take away from us?!?
Clearly, supporting a POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT at Chapel Hill High
is NOT part of your agenda.
Clearly, supporting student effort and true learning, and working WITH and FOR
the students and parents
is NOT part of your agenda. What IS your agenda???
Obviously, you want to dash students' hope and demonstrate that the system
will control and dominate their lives, and they will have no say in their future.
You consulted no students, no parents, nor the individuals involved.
Obviously, you don't want students or parents to know about your serious,
offensive actions.
You make important decisions in secret and isolation in the middle of summer
when as many of
YOUR CONSTITUENTS are out of town.
You DON'T announce your decisions to ANYONE until they are made and very
difficult to change,
and then ONLY to specific individuals when they are out of town via e-mail.
VERY low class!
You don't inform THOSE PEOPLE MOST SERIOUSLY AND NEGATIVELY
AFFECTED: the sons and daughters

32
of those who ELECTED YOU to have their sons' and daughters' BEST (not
worst) interests at heart!
Obviously, you don't want to hear the opinions of students about major actions
that will greatly affects their futures.
You KNOW no one will like your actions, so you limit comments you will even
agree to READ
to a VERY LIMITED TIME FRAME that YOU DO NOT ANNOUNCE! And you
plan to make a FINAL DECISION
BEFORE YOU HAVE HEARD A SINGLE ONE OF YOUR CONSTITUENT'S
SPEAK!
Mr. Putin, ...er uhm... Forcella WHAT COUNTRY DO YOU THINK THIS IS?
Next to the incredibly bone-headed and VERY harmful grading policy changes
that have been made in the past
(and that many prospective students and parents probably are not even aware
of),
this is the WORST and MOST OFFENSIVE decision you could force down our
throats.
What could you possibly have to gain from creating such an EXTREMELY
NEGATIVE environment for SO MANY
current and future Chapel Hill High School Students.
Why do want to discourage our students?
Why do you want to lower grades and test scores?
Why do you want students to give up on or never consider certain academic and
career options?
WHAT DID WE DO to deserve such disrespect and punishment...
Some, or even many Teachers, and many Policies, and procedures could be
'tranferred' OUT
to make very significant improvement, but YOU PICKED THE WRONG ONE!!
AND HOW DO YOU EXPECT US TO REACT TO THIS??? I can't begin to tell
you how fast and far my opion of
CHCCS has dropped over the years (though you obviously couldn't care less
about that),
but this is a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD DECISION.
NONE of you are innocent, none of you made any attempt to consult or inform
the public
(i.e. the voters and their children). You all chose to blind-side us and stab us in
the back!
We can't wait for the next election; or will you take THAT away from us as well?!
Jonathan Parkinson,
Chapel Hill High School Parent

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