Sweet N' Saur

Florida Virtual School

2009-02-08T08:55:00.002-05:00

http://www.flvs.net/
Middle and High School

http://www.connectionsacademy.com/state/home.asp?schoolCode=fca
K-8, see flyer
http://www.connectionsacademy.com/pdfs/20080808-flvsca-press-release.pdf

I don't know about you but I have had it with the typical Florida classroom. The disruptions, lack of assistance, lack of teaching, lack of (fill in the blank) is horrifying. I am looking at fundamental, charter and even changing my work hours so I can home school. I can clearly see FLVS in our future.

I'd like to hear from you.

Oh Lord!

2008-12-02T21:49:00.003-05:00

http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2008/12/thousands-of-pi.html

"More than 18,000 Pinellas elementary school students would be forced to change schools next year under a plan that the Pinellas School Board gave tentative approval to today."

I like this statement: "We have to strap in because it's going to be a rough ride," board member Carol Cook said."

Me thinks the shit will be hitting the fan.

Here is some more...

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article922708.ece
Just a little summary.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article928798.ece
Oh puleeze. Stop already people.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article928242.ece
Yes, Please. Start with the administration building in Largo. Find better and more efficient ways to manage.

Glenn Beck-Worst Teacher Ever

2008-11-09T17:25:00.003-05:00

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/17923/

GLENN: This is going to blow your mind and we have posted this video on our website at GlennBeck.com. This is a "Must see" video. This is the video. It comes from a Finnish documentary about the American election. Now, why we have to go to Finland to get information like this, this should shock and horrify every single person in America, especially because it's from a teacher, it's from a public school, it is -- it was never ratted out. It was never shown on any of our television sets. We never heard this, although we all know it's going on. And worse, the unions are going to grab us by the throats. The teachers unions have our children. Listen to the audio of a teacher here in America talking to her class. Looks to be maybe third or fourth grade maybe, probably fourth grade, about the election. Watch this.

Sadly, I believe this happened alot in schools and it angers me.

School Changes

2008-10-21T08:50:00.001-04:00

Key Components of the new Pinellas County School Plan

Transition from the Pinellas County Choice Plan

Getting Back to Close-to-home schools or zoned schools

Predictable feeder patterns

Multiple choice options

Reduce transportation issues and costs

Diversity

Equitable distribution of resources

What Pinellas County Home Buyers / Residents Should know during the Transition Period

All students except those entering Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade - will stay where ever they were last year

Students entering Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade will get their close-to-home school this year (or they can also opt for an older sibling’s school)

New students (not in one of the 3 grades listed above) are assigned on a space available basis to the close-to-home school or the next closest school. The challenge here is that the Florida Class Size Amendment limits the number of students that can be assigned to a school.

3 schools were closed this year - South Ward, Largo Central and Riviera Middle that are impacting mid county assignments

Parents - Got More Questions?

If you have any questions you can contact Jim Madden directly at 727-588-5186 or email him at maddenj@pcsb.org or

Call the Student Assignment Department at 727-588-6210 or

District Call Center at 727-587-2020

Visit their website at www.Pinellask12.fl.us

What do you need to enroll in school? Proof of residency - a power bill, rent receipt, cable bill, phone bill, etc. - in some cases a purchase contract to buy a home or a lease agreement will also be accepted. Exceptions handled on a case by case basis.

You Could Have Heard A Pin Drop

2008-09-06T08:07:00.012-04:00

When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building' by George Bush. He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he in tended to do, bomb them?' A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use intransporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speakingFrench?' Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE . . . Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate hispassport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously then you should know enough to have your passport ready.' The American said, "'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it. "Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !' The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hardlook. Then he quietly explained, "'Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country , I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't feel the need to discuss what this has to do with education!

New Orleans repeating deadly levee mistakes

2008-08-23T17:38:00.014-04:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26365406

"Signs are emerging that history is repeating itself in the Big Easy, still healing from Katrina: People have forgotten a lesson from four decades ago and believe once again that the federal government is constructing a levee system they can prosper behind.

In a yearlong review of levee work here, The Associated Press has tracked a pattern of public misperception, political jockeying and legal fighting, along with economic and engineering miscalculations since Katrina, that threaten to make New Orleans the scene of another devastating flood."

Imagine that! A city under sea level flooding and we can’t build the levees right? I’d like to say that I thought they would get it right this time, but I didn’t. I had zero expectation that New Orleans would be rebuilt into a safe place to live. The insanity of spending billions upon billions of dollars year after year is frightening.

We have been cut millions of dollars for education, public K-12 and colleges. The federal government never did fund No Child Left Behind, yet they can find the money to build a wall that is going to come down. Not if it will come down, but when. Think about the education our children could be getting. Our schools could become beautiful inside and out. Our teacher could teach with the supplies and materials they need. Our children could learn with the supplies and materials they need. Centers of Excellence, gifted, interventions to help the struggling and the misguided could be implemented, and so much more.

In short, history is about to repeat itself.

What Bush Got Right

2008-08-09T21:15:00.002-04:00

http://www.newsweek.com/id/151731

"For the next president, simply reversing this administration's policies is not the answer."

"Compared with the flutters and flurries of the near-daily polls in the presidential race, one set of numbers has stayed fixed for months, even years. now enters his 23rd consecutive month with an approval rating under 40 percent. (It currently stands at 32 percent.) No matter what he does, or what happens in the world, the public seems to have decided that Bush has been a failure. As a result, both candidates are promising a change from the Bush presidency. , of course, promises a wholly different approach to the world. But even Bush's fellow Republican, John McCain, has on several issues suggested that he would depart from the administration's policies. McCain was last seen with the president at a fund-raiser more than two months ago at which no reporters or photographers were allowed."

I read this very interesting article in Newsweek and thought I would share it. Regardless of who becomes our next president. He will do well to remember, "...simply reversing this administration's policies is not the answer."

The Start of School

2008-08-02T20:39:00.004-04:00

2008-2009 School Calendar.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752135.ece

Bus Stops.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752228.ece

Back to School Nights.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752223.ece

Report Card Schedule.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752138.ece

School Board Meetings.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752195.ece

Breakfast at School.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752187.ece

Immunizations.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article752165.ece

Some of these websites are vague, but it's a start. Two weeks and summer vacation is over. Do yourself, and your child, a favor and get some of your school routines started. Get those kids back into a bedtime routine. Don't forget to start setting the alarm to wake up early too. Get back into the habit of reading (hopefully you didn't stop), math would be a good idea too.

If you haven't started already, get to Staples and Office Depot. They have weekly sales. I have penny pencils and folders, and rulers. I have 5 cent, 25 cent, and 50 cent items such as crayons, paper, journals, and 3 ring binders. Don't wait for the "official" school supply list.

College

2008-07-23T19:45:00.003-04:00

It has been such a long time. I have no idea if anyone even checks this blog out anymore.

I want to let you all know I am back in school. First day of college is August 25, 2008. I have a 2-year Marketing degree. I am going for a Bachelor's in International Business degree.

I am taking classes as much as I can online. I cannot wait! Wish me luck please!

Don't Tase me, Bro!

2007-09-21T08:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in our town of Gainesville, Florida, John Kerry made an appearance at the University of Florida. And Andrew Meyer decided to attend.

By now, many of you have seen the video. If you haven't, it's published below.

Meyer is apparently a very impassioned young liberal, who is quite taken with the views of the extreme left, and had just finished reading a book that had really inflamed him. He ran up to the microphone, cutting in front of everyone, and proceeded to both preach at Kerry and the audience and then attempted to ask three questions of Kerry. Incidentally, if you watch the video you can see he wasn't outrageously extreme, and was obviously a fan of Kerry's and not a heckler (as Glenn Beck has claimed).

At this point, campus police rushed him as if he were a dangerous criminal. Using excessive force, they subdued him. When he continued to demand to be released and asked why they were responding in such a manner, they tasered him.

During the entire incident, Kerry drones on limply in a monotone, quietly telling the police that he'll answer the questions. If it had been anyone else, they would have been screaming at the police to stop! Kerry apparently felt it best to quietly protest but not get deeply or passionately involved. Does the man take a stand in anything?!

What really alarms me (more than this obvious police brutality) was that almost all the conservative talk show hosts yesterday made fun of Meyer and laughed over the incident. The only one that saw it for what it truly was, was Michael Savage.

Say what you want about Michael Savage... and yes - he definately lacks the suave polish of most of the others... but Michael got it right, and the others were dead wrong.

And I remain alarmed.

Yes, Meyer was rude. And yes, he's gained the reputation of being the campus weirdo - the annoying gadfly that nobody really likes much. And yes, he's known as being a practical joker. But simply being weird or annoying doesn't constitute an offense worthy of this reaction! Such police behavior is reminiscent of the brutality seen in the early 1960s civil rights marches.

This is the danger of putting tasers in the hands of the police. Tasers were originally meant to be a humane substitute for a gun! Please tell me that no policeman in his right mind would consider shooting Meyer under the same circumstances!

Obviously many people will choose to enroll their children in other colleges instead of the University of Florida as long as such gestapo tactics are sanctioned there.

Also obvious is the whopper of a lawsuit that Meyer now has. Thank goodness he didn't have a medical condition, or it would be his parents suing for wrongful death, instead.

Our Kids Are in Danger

2007-09-12T13:35:00.000-04:00

As I wrote here in May of 2006, terrorists did a dry-run on a local school bus in Hillsborough County, Florida. If you go to that link, you can read the details. Increasingly, authorities are admitting that such incidents as that one have been cropping up all over the country.

The terrorists are getting ready to hit our schools and our children, in a mass attack, and the government is very reluctant to let you know this for fear of wide-spread panic.

This week, Glenn Beck is beginning a series intent on proving that the terrorists are ready to strike.

Examples abound. A large number of school buses are missing in Texas. Middle Eastern men are trying to buy school buses. They've been seen outside of schools throughout the nation, taking pictures, watching and waiting, learning traffic patterns and more.

The real question is not if they are planning it. The real question is, how can we thwart it?

Some schools have been trained by the FBI in counter-terrorism. But will it be enough? And what about the schools that haven't been trained?

And what about the schools that are seemingly well-fortified, but could be breached by a car bomb or simply a determined group of Islamic terrorists with automatic weapons?

Parents are being encouraged to contact their schools and find out what's being done. But, will that be enough? Schools can make assurances of protection, but unless we've seen it with my own eyes, and we have everyone in those schools doing regular terrorism drills, we can't know how effective it all will be until it's too late.

The government needs to come out with some standards, and they need to move quickly. Schools need to be forced to at least meet or exceed those standards. These new standards need to take into consideration as many possible alternatives as they can.

The Islamic terrorists feel that if they kill, rape, and torture our children (as they did in the Russian middle school in Beslan), then they will be able to bring the nation to its knees. Additionally, if America's children are no more, there will be no future generations that can arise to fight these monsters.

We are overseas, fighting a war elsewhere, while our borders and schools remain relatively unprotected. It's like going on a lecture tour about preventing home robberies while leaving your front door unlocked.

We want to live in peace, but they want us to die in pieces.

If you are as concerned as we all should be, then write or call your congressional representatives today to ask that they make a concerted effort to protect the children of our nation.

To contact your Senators, go here.
To contact your Representative, go here.
Or, simply click on the envelope at the bottom of this post to forward this article to them instead.

Do it. Before it's too late.

(published from Saurly Yours)

The 10 percent solution

2007-08-08T16:15:00.000-04:00

"Heeding Gov. Charlie Crist's call, the Department of Education has submitted its proposal for where to cut its budget by 10 percent. The $966-million plan would affect the state's 67 school districts most, with the biggest chunk - $644-million - coming from the Florida Education Finance Program (that's the per-student funding that drives the system). Another $49-million would come from student transportation, with $27-million coming out of instructional materials."

Read more...
http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/

More school fund cuts proposed by the state. If I could I would home school.

School Closing

2007-08-07T20:12:00.000-04:00

http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2007/08/pinellas-offici.html

Here is the updated list for possible school closing. Very interesting!

Cost of Education - for illegals

2007-07-21T09:24:00.000-04:00

http://www.sltrib.com/education/ci_6409569

What do you think of this?

2007-07-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

I admit it, I stole this from fellow blogger "AQ". These are her words, but I agree 110% .

"I was upset about the push to force all Florida school districts to move the school year start date to later in the summer. As we know it wound up being "no earlier than 2 weeks before Labor Day," even though the group that began this wanted it to be after Labor Day, "like everyone else north of here."

My frustration stems from several factors. One being - "everyone else" does NOT do it that way. Another is that I am a firm believer in and supporter of local control. Now the whole state has to comply with the wishes of this activist group, "Save our Summers." Just another reason to be paying attention to the Legislature especially when it is in session.

We are enjoying the extra time off this year, but I have to tell you what my 8 year old son said today."It's too hot to play outside." (A common complaint, actually) "Mom, why don't we go to school when it's hot out and have time off when the weather is nicer?" I wish I knew...... "

We started going to the beach at 6pm. Tonight we got in the pool at 7pm. To bad we could not turn night into day for the summer months, at least here in Florida. Sleep during the heat and play when the sun goes down. I know there is a whole lifestyle like that, I mean families!

Do Kids Need a Summer Vacation?

2007-07-12T06:34:00.000-04:00

http://www.slate.com/id/2170230/?gti=10238

"Most American school kids are about three weeks in to their three-month summer vacation. Yet working adults (the Explainer included) spend the better part of June, July, and August toiling away as usual. Why do kids enjoy such generous summer breaks?"

Interesting. I believe schools should be open almost year round. Reduce summer to 6-weeks sounds reasonable to me. Parents work these days. Children are not getting the benefits from being home that they use to. Summer camps are not that entertaining. Children should be in school learning. Perhaps with year round schools there would be time for more hands on learning...

Schools Close??

2007-07-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/10/Southpinellas/First_hint_of__school.shtml

"Pinellas school superintendent Clayton Wilcox on Monday named 10 schools that are among those that could close at the end of the 2007-08 academic year, a move prompted by district enrollment declines."

Preliminary list. The schools named Monday for possible closure:

• Anona Elementary in Largo
• Clearview Avenue Elementary in St. Petersburg
• Gulf Beaches Elementary in St. Pete Beach
• Largo Central Elementary
• North Ward Elementary in Clearwater
• Orange Grove Elementary in Seminole
• Rio Vista Elementary in St. Petersburg
• San Jose Elementary in Dunedin
• South Ward Elementary in Clearwater
• Riviera Middle School in St. Petersburg

"What's next. Superintendent Clayton Wilcox and other district leaders will continue discussions of possible school closures and eventually bring a recommendation to the School Board for a vote."

Children Learn in the Home

2007-07-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

A recent study has come to the conclusion that no matter how many programs the government throws at children extolling the virtues of healthy living and eating, there is no discernible change in the eating habits of our increasingly fat kids.

Why?

Because no matter how much the government, liberals, and our school system would like it to be otherwise; children are still more influenced by their parents and families than anything else.

Obviously, this is not always good. However, it also shows that education needs to begin with adults, and adults are the ones which must be held accountable for their childrens' behavior. This includes eating as well as disciplinary issues.

To some extent, we are all to blame. The American public has lowered its standards. We no longer care to compete with the Jones' next door. We aren't interested in what others think. Instead of having good old-fashioned shame to curb our behaviors, we are defensive: It's our right to "act the fool"!

And what fools there are!

We have kids who are undisciplined in the home, and subsequently ungovernable in the schools. We have kids who eat Twinkies for dinner and sugary cereal for breakfast, so is it any wonder that they eat crap at lunchtime, too?

In August of 2006, I reported on our local school system's Cupcake Controversy. Once it was declared that schools could no longer serve cakes or cupcakes more than 3 times a year, many parents were up in arms! Why? Because these are the same parents who are overweight and undernourished, and they inflict this abuse on their kids, too. Perhaps they see no wrong in this, but I believe that they do! And in order to justify such lax behavior, they are insistent on seeing it sanctioned in the schools, as well.

Perhaps it shocks you to hear that I believe that such parents know that they are being bad parents, but persist in such behavior anyway. But look into the depths of your own soul and ask yourself about the time that YOU did something wrong, knew it was wrong, and were willing to go to the mat to defend it so that you wouldn't have to directly face it yourself. If you're honest with yourself, you'll admit to such a time. I know that I've had to!

The truth is that there are parents who are behaving badly. They are not enforcing discipline in their homes. They have subrogated their duties to the schools and the community. Their kids grow up to be badly behaved and/or, in increasing amounts, obese as well.

How do we stop a parent from behaving badly? By forcing them to, whenever possible. That means fines if their children are playing hooky or behaving badly. But how do we tackle obesity?

We have become a nation that is so bent on being politically correct that we make more mistakes than ever before. The illegal immigrant problem could be solved by enforcing the laws, but those of us who cry for legal redress are accused of being racist.

We need to keep stronger tabs on the Muslim community: After all, the vast majority of all terrorist attacks come from middle eastern Muslim males. However, when we suggest the logical, we are accused of being prejudiced.

We suggest that parents be held accountable for kids' behaviors: Then we see the crying mom on television who insists that she could have won Mother of the Year and that she doesn't know why little Johnny brought the gun to school and killed three classmates. We don't hear the reporters question her truthfulness! No! Instead we hear them murmur something sympathetic, like "It is CERTAINLY not YOUR fault!" Perhaps investigative and probing journalism is merely a thing of the past.

But WE, as the American public, need to start asking questions again.

Yes, we've all heard that overweight kids need good self-esteem: A recent movie (Hairspray) actually promotes this. However, there are times and situations in which self-esteem should NOT be encouraged.

I know it's politically correct to pretend that fat is as equally acceptable as thin. But if Halle Barry or Nicole Kidman (who could use a sandwich, herself) suddenly put on 200 pounds, do you think they'd be landing all the movie roles that they're landing now? Fat is simply not attractive to most Americans. Nor is it HEALTHY.

I am not insensitive: I'm simply realistic. Many of my friends are fat. But their fat (like the majority of Americans) is due to poor eating habits, not glandular or health problems. So (although I love them dearly) I must be honest here: Their fat is due to poor self-control.

How do we teach our kids such self-control? Obviously, their parents aren't doing it.

Why?

Because their parents don't care.

And if WE truly care about these children, we may need to seek more drastic measures in the schools such as weighing them, giving them weight loss goals, and making physical education mandatory once more.

If we don't, who will?

Court axes efforts at desegregation

2007-06-29T11:13:00.000-04:00

Court limits schools on race

"A shaky 5-4 majority says public school diversity plans in Seattle and Louisville, Ky., violated students' Constitutional rights."

It is officiall. You may not use race to make schools racially balanced.

Talk to me. Read the article and give me your opinion.

More on the "NEW" Choice Plan

2007-06-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

Which schools to close?

Closing schools?
Smaller zones?
Closer to home?

Do we do it all at once or do we take it slow and easy? I say go for it. If we need to transition then no more than 2 years for the elementary and middle schools.

High school student should be able to finish out at their current high schools. These students are trying to build a portfolio for college. Having them move from one high school to the other could compromise their hard work.

My opinion of course. What's yours?

Kids' Right to Skateboard?

2007-06-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

There isn't much talk about kids' rights. Why? Well, kids are still legally... kids. And they don't have any purchasing power. Sure, they will someday - but by then, most of them forget what it's like to be a kid! And, this is NOW.

Parents can intervene on their kids' behalf, but parents are usually busy and drained, and if a kid's rights are only slightly impacted Mom usually tells him to suck it up (when she'd be wailing if it had happened to her).

There aren't many champions for kids' rights, except for those basic rights to which we are all guaranteed. At one time children were often regarded more as "property" of the parents: After all, the parents ultimately bear the responsibility, call the shots, and rule the roost. Women were treated much the same way until the mid 1900s. However, as we began to realize that society needed to step in in certain situations (such as abuse), the concept of kids' rights developed.

And it gets sticky: Kids' rights can't usually trump parental rights, or there will be complete chaos. After all, kids don't always have the best judgement, and studies show the brain isn't fully developed until age 25.*

So unless someone is quirky or immature, they usually stay away from kids' rights issues.

Call me quirky.

There is a law in Tampa which says that no kid can skateboard in the downtown business district. If a kid is caught skateboarding he can be arrested, fined, and his skateboard will be taken away.

Arrested for merely riding a source of transportation in the wrong location with your property confiscated?! Imagine if this were a rule for adults who rode bicycles: How many adults would allow such a law to stand? Such draconian measures are strong, indeed!

This law is, in actuality, unconstitutional - but no one has challenged it. The City of Tampa has NO right to restict someone's choice of transportation.

I understand where the adults are coming from. They don't want kids to ollie down the steps of the courthouse, or ride the rails in the park: Such activities damage public property and/or add confusion and distractions that we can't afford to have. But if the goal is to protect public property and keep the peace, then they need to pass a law specifically banning those actions - not pass a law banning skateboards all together!

Look at it this way: City Council gets together and decides there are too many car accidents. Why, cars can careen off bridges, smash up buildings, and can even run into lightpoles and short out an entire neighborhood! WELL, we can't have THAT, can we? OK then, they decide: Let's ban all cars!

Yesterday kids in Tampa celebrated National Skateboarding Day. It was a peaceful protest as scores of them filed down the streets of downtown Tampa, carrying their skateboards. Some were (wrongly) defiant, and two were arrested for that. But overall they showed themselves to be well-behaved.

Will this be enough to make Tampa's City Council stand up and take notice? Let's hope so. They need to rethink this mistaken law.

*By age 25, the human brain has finally developed the portion that is responsible for decision-making.

Schools Out

2007-06-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

http://itsyourtimes.com/?q=node/2887

"I have been a volunteer at a local elementary school during the last school year, tutoring mathematics on a weekly basis. This has been both enjoyable and rewarding. It is something I look forward to and I think more adults should play an active role in volunteering. This experience has also opened my eyes to a lot of problems in the system which impairs the ability of teachers to teach and children to learn. Some of these are simply beyond the capability of the school to control. A child needs a structured and disciplined home life where values and responsibility are taught. There needs to be at least one parent making sure the child does his homework and communicates with the teacher in a culture of cooperation. This aspect of a child’s life is too frequently missing, The ignorance, neglect, and sometimes child abuse will result in poor school performance and disruptive behavior in the school. The family life is a vital and too frequently an absent partner in education."

Reversing Faux Integration

2007-06-15T20:21:00.001-04:00

Dr. Clayton Wilcox is directly responsible for this blog.

A couple of years ago, he started a blog in an attempt to encourage more parental and community participation. Many of us, including Michelle, UWL, and Senore Caiman/Herr Krok, and Always Questioning were participants in the forum. We grew frustrated because "Clayt", as he is known to those that are close to him, never maintained or monitored the blog and it was continual chaos. Eventually he closed down that blog, later opening another one.

It was, perhaps, an unfortunate introduction to Clayt, because the community instantly perceived him as a bumbling idiot, lacking the ability to control himself or others. Teachers grew to hate him quickly, rebelling against his idea to link pay increases to how well the children did in their FCAT scores.

Clayt is in the news again.

This time he's reversing faux integration. For once, I agree with him. As the St. Pete Times wrote, "Pinellas school superintendent Clayton Wilcox said busing has resulted in "faux integration," where black and white kids attend the same schools but generally separate at lunch tables and in classrooms."

This faux integration has been practiced since WE were young, and just as it was ineffective then, it remains ineffective now. Of course this is all predicated on the assumption that the Supreme Court "will no longer allow school districts to assign children to schools based on their race. A ruling on that is expected before the court recesses this month."

Interestingly, local studies have shown that people consistently want to locate their children in schools relatively close to their homes. Black people have said repeatedly that they'd rather not have their kids shipped off to a white school across the county, and white people also agree that location is a much higher priority to them than racial integration. Why force integration upon people who don't wish for it?

This goes against years of political correctness. We have been taught that forced integration will or may change the way the different races view each other. Time has shown us otherwise. We have been taught that it doesn't matter what people WANT, it's what they NEED. We have become officious busybodies, blithely prescribing bitter medicine to cure an illness that cannot be cured with that medicine.

Forced faux integration ignores the truths that we don't always want to hear or see. People are resistant to such integration because they don't like being forced to mix with others that they have little to nothing in common with.

However, this becomes a problem for people who want to arise above and beyond the restrictions that their own cultures impose upon them. As Thomas Sowell pointed out in "Black Rednecks, White Liberals", the black culture has repeatedly reinforced the idea that education and good behavior are "white" traits. How much more inbred will our black youths become if they're allowed to retreat to an all-black school?

These are questions not easily answered.

FCAT

2007-05-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

State: FCAT fiasco: Scores wrong

State: FCAT blunder overlooked

I believe that it is time for the FCAT to not be the end all be all. From my experience (my stepson, nieces, and nephew) it does show accurately what their areas of strengths and weaknesses are. I don't think this is a bad thing if it set the FCAT on the track of its intended purpose. What are your thoughts?

This is just stupid. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/28/State/Pass_FCAT__collect_10.shtml

MAP - Merit Award Program

2007-05-14T17:36:00.000-04:00

Teachers wary on pay plan Teachers wary on pay plan

Will it pass or fail? Read about the new and improved plan to replace the STAR plan that Pinellas County School Board rejected earlier this year.

What do you think teachers?

What do you think parents?

I think that it is time to either accept plan or put the money into educational programs for the students. Which is where the money should go to begin with, IMHO.

Risky Business

2007-04-11T16:14:00.000-04:00

Survey says kids' behavior is risky

25 Percent of eighth-graders who have seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives. The vast majority were girls.
20 Percent of sixth-graders who have had suicidal thoughts. Ten percent had made a suicide plan, and 6 percent had attempted suicide.
9 Percent of high school students - 84 of 900-plus - surveyed who said they had attempted suicide at least once in the previous year.
57 Percent of sixth-graders who have talked to their parents about sex.
50 Percent of high school students who reported having had sexual intercourse or oral sex. Of them, the vast majority said their first such experience was between ages 14 and 16, and 10 percent said they have had more than six partners.
25 and 13 Percent, respectively, of eighth-graders and sixth-graders who reported being touched inappropriately. Ten percent of high school students said they had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives. One in five were young men
60 Percent of sixth-graders who said their weight was "about right," but 46 percent of them were still trying to lose weight.
98 Percent of sixth-graders who said they consumed "treat food" such as chips, candy, soda or cookies at least once a day. Fifteen percent said they consumed this food six or more times a day.
50 and 31 Percent, respectively, of eighth-graders and sixth-graders who said they have been a passenger in a car with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.
40 Percent of eighth-graders who said they had carried a weapon, such as a knife, club or gun in their lifetimes. Sixteen percent of high school students reported carrying a weapon in the previous month. Five percent said that weapon was a gun.
30 Percent of high school students who said they felt sad or hopeless for more than two weeks in the year before the survey. Most of them were girls.
20 Percent of middle and high school students who said they do no chores at home.
46 Percent of high school students said they spent at least an hour on the phone each day. Ten percent said they spent at least four hours on the phone.
60+ Percent of eighth-graders who said they went to bed at 11 p.m. or later.
41 Percent of high school students who had paying jobs. More than one-fourth of them worked four or more hours a day.
43 Percent of sixth-graders who said they had not read for pleasure at all.

2007-04-08T11:23:00.000-04:00

For kids, banish word 'fat'

"It's a problem more parents face as studies and statistics continue to chart the increase of overweight and obese children: how to get children to develop a healthy relationship with food and exercise when all around them are images both of the dangerously overweight and the dangerously underweight."

I have worked with my stepson for years on what eating healthy is. For our family it is really simple. We eat the right portions and the right foods. For dinner we usually have a meat and veggie. The kids get plenty of carbs in their school lunch. For breakfast we have variety - cereal, eggs and toast, or oatmeal are our most common.

Last summer my stepson spent 5-weeks with us and 5-weeks with his mom and step dad. The first half of the summer was with us. I am not sure how much my stepson lost when he was with us, maybe 7 pounds if I had to guess. I do know that he lost over one pant size, not quit two sizes. We had our normal breakfast and dinners. I packed his lunch for his day-camp. Ham or turkey sandwich, yogurt, chocolate covered yogurt raisins (he loves them), the small bag of chips (chips, Cheetos, funions, whatever), a fat-free pudding or jello, a gator-aid, and a water. Keep in mind this was lunch and snacks for the day. At night he got a snack too. A junky snack like ice-cream, chips (the small bags), or popcorn.

Lets break this down:
Breakfast at 7am - Eggs and toast most of the time. Cereal or Oatmeal sometimes.
Lunch at 11am- Sandwich, yogurt, chips.
Snack at 2pm- Raisins, pudding or jello
Dinner at 5pm - Meat and veggie
Snack at 8pm - Junk.
Bedtime at 10:30pm (this is for a middle school student)

Now we get to the 5-weeks with his mother. It is obvious that the kitchen is open at all hours, there was no summer day-camp or other activities. My stepson came back to us one pant size bigger than he left us. That means since he gained over two pant sized in 5-weeks. He states he did swim a few times.

PARENTS - you control your child's diet. Eat well balanced meals. Serve the meal in the proper portions. Get your kids walking, riding their bike, skate boarding, swimming, or something. This is not rocket science and it is your choice.

I am happy to say that since Christmas my stepson has lost a pant size. We have not said a word to him since last summer other than to let him know when he asks for something to eat that the choice was a healthy snack or junk was ok. On the weekends we told him he cannot sit down twice a day and eat tons of food. He can sit down every 2/12 - 3 hours and eat a small portion of food. He loves eating this way. One day my stepson had a shirt on he no longer wore. I asked if why he had not worn it in a while. He said it did not fit, but it does now. He said he stopped eating snacks at his moms house. I don't know what that means at her house, but I think he is finally getting it. This summer we will stick to our normal every-other-week schedule. This way one week he is at day-camp and one week he is not. Perhaps weight control will even out a little better this year?

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T09:10:00.000-04:00

Rap Easter Bunny

http://i.flowgo.com/greetings/rapeasterbunny/rapeasterbunny.swf

Driving home a message

2007-03-23T08:45:00.000-04:00

Driving home a message

I'll let the article speak for itself.

Spring Break starts after school today.

Read this to your children the minute they get home TODAY!

Student Assignment

2007-03-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/21/Tampabay/Schools_tackle_plan_f.shtml

Finally, the PCSB will be able to work on a new student assignment. The people have spoken and by a long shot parents a want their children closer to home. Especially the elementary school age children. It is about time.

Personally I think that this county, because of lawsuits and court orders, has been running in circles making something hard out of something easy. If a parent thinks that diversity is more important than being close to home Pinellas County has options for you. Simply pick another school, apply for a magnet program, apply for a fundamental program, home school, virtual school, private school...the county has many choices for everyone that wants something different.

I also believe that if once and for all we get back to having our children closer to home that it is time for parents to put their money where their mouth is. Parents state that they can't be involved because their child is too far from home. They state their child can't be involved because their school is too far from home. Well now, hopefully, no child or parent will be far from school. That means there is no excuse for not participating. Participating does not mean being at school every day, or every week, or every month. It means looking at your child's agenda, class work, and homework. It means writing a note to the teacher when you have had to be less than involved due to work or other commitments. It means talking to your child and the teachers. It means asking your child to show you their homework and making sure there is an answer beside every question (an answer that looks somewhat correct if you have a child that has work harder than we can help them with). It means having books around and flashcards for math (homemade is just fine). The list goes on. None of it has to cost money or being at the school.

I believe that once the child is in high school it is time to let the child pick where they go. I hope that if the county splits in half for high school that the board considers programs be duplicated. Not expensive programs. I mean if there is a school in north county that has 2 programming classes and 3 graphic arts classes - so the student can study for a Graphic Arts career - that a south county school has the same classes. I don't advocate duplicating programs such as the CAT program. I would bet that costs a million bucks a year, easy. That is however a magnet program and any high school student can apply from anywhere in the county, so duplication is not necessary. I hope you get what I am saying.

The bottom line is the time has come to stop the madness of sending children far from home. We have many great schools. Save money on busing, but the money in the schools, and watch ALL of our children make great strides in learning.

Majors and Minors - In High School!

2007-03-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/10/Northpinellas/meetings_set_on_choos.shtml

Meetings being held for middle school parents regarding high school major and minors. Two meetings are set so far, with all middle schools setting their own meetings in March and April.

7 p.m. Tuesday in the multipurpose room at Dunedin Highland Middle School, 70 Patricia Ave.

7 p.m. Thursday in the multipurpose room at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle, 3901 22 Ave. S in St. Petersburg.

All students entering high school next year must earn one credit in a chosen major during each of their four years in high school. Parents please go!

Invasion of Privacy?

2007-03-05T17:34:00.000-05:00

I just posted about new airport xrays. Click on my blog "Michelle" on the side bar.

If you prefer go to the below topic regarding education.

Stars - Teacher Bonus Plan

2007-03-02T17:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/21/Southpinellas/_Absurd__teacher_bonu.shtml

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/27/Tampabay/Teacher_bonuses_a_flo.shtml

http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2007/02/pinellas_reject.html

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/02/Opinion/Today_s_Letters__Stat.shtml

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/02/Opinion/Grades_are_in__Bonus_.shtml

Teacher bonus pay. Big topic, big debate, big mess.

High School Tours

2007-02-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

We, my husband and stepson, toured four high schools. We were looking at the computer graphic arts, animation, and programming. My stepson wants elective classes that will get my him prepared to go to college to learn about gaming. He wants to go to college for Game Art and Design and Animation.

We started out by going online and checking out which sites had information on elective classes and clubs. We called a few schools and went and picked up curriculum guides. We then went to the Choice Fair at Pinellas Park High. Finally we went on the tours.

We started out at Dixie Hollins because of their Graphic Arts Academy. We liked their presentation. They were willing to take us into any classroom. Once we hit our destination of the graphics classroom our tour stopped, for us that is. We stayed behind to talk to the teacher. She was very interested, willing to take time out, and was very upbeat and positive. We were invited to come to the day tour or call to talk to a teacher, guidance counselor, or anyone else that could help us. The principal was very motivated, positive, and willing to do what ever it took to make sure our questions, concerns, interests, and curiosities were answered. Our mistake was going on the tour at night instead of during the day. Go to the daytime tour.

Our next tour was Osceola Fundamental. They had a great presentation. We got a small dose of the band and chorus. We heard about sports, clubs, and other activities. We did not get a tour, we went at night and it was set up differently. More like a come and listen session. What is great is they do have computer graphics, a new graphics lab, and are looking at more because they want computer graphics to be one of their major/minor curriculums. This school has a team ready and willing to do bigger and better things. When we found out we got an invitation they were ready to answer our last minute questions.

Our third tour was Largo High, once again at night. Do not go at night. You do not see the school in action. I was not impressed, I am sorry to say. They did not have enough faculty members to answer questions in the different areas. You know I really don’t know what to say. It isn’t that anything bad happened or was said. I just was not impressed and left feeling like this school would just not be on the list at all if the decision was up to me. I will say that when I called with a few questions they were happy to help me every way they could.

Our last school tour was Countryside High. We finally realized we needed to go during the day. The downside is your child will miss class. The upside, you see the school in action. This school was good – great. They do have some dress code issues, in my opinion. The kids were focused on the teachers and answering questions. A senior English class was expecting us and gave the incoming 9th graders advice – time flies, study, and don’t mess up. We saw the TV station in action. This group was focused, self taught, and motivated. At the end of the tour we said we were interested in their graphics and programming classes. They immediately found a teacher that had time to talk to us. In all I would say that this school has its act together, except for the dress code part.

My stepson has not made his decision on Osceola. He really wanted the Dixie Graphic Arts program. I have a feeling he will go for Dixie and then Countryside in hope that his waiting list #62 will come up and he can transfer to the Graphic Arts Academy at Dixie. Then again Countryside does have that Interactive Gaming elective…

Oh my! What do we talk about now?

2007-02-21T07:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/21/St...ol_slots.shtml
Magnet, fundamental, and career academies.
My opinion: Open more seats or find another school to duplicate programs that are relatively easy, and cost effective.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2...in +hot+water
Caught on camera.
My opinion: Welcome to the work world. I have cameras in my work place. It is really no big deal.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/21/So...her_bonu.shtml
Teacher bonus pay.
My opinion: This just sucks.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/21/Ne...pits_tax.shtml
Bus compound issues.
My opinion: Someone has to give in and get over it. We need a north county bus compound.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/21/Ta...nk_holid.shtml
School holiday calendar.
My opinion: Why is this all an issue? For years and years we had basically the same calendar. Why are public schools catering? Do what you have to do to have the kids in school when they need to be in school to get educated. If a parent wants a child to stay home for a religious holiday then write a note to the school stating why you child will not be in school on that particular day. Don't forget to have your child get his or her work in advance so it can be turned in on time and your child is up to date on what is going on in the class room.

The New Choice?

2007-02-17T08:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/02/15/Tampabay/Study__Racial_makeup_.shtml

"A task force is proposing that Pinellas public schools end the long-standing practice of balancing enrollment by race, and also give students a better chance of attending a school close to home."

It looks like Choice for Pinellas County schools may end as we know it. Of course that all depends on if the school board agrees. I believe it is a good plan. I believe that in a perfect world we would have diversity in each school. I believe that using students with learning disabilities, limited English skills, poor test score, free and reduced lunch, etc. as a way to create diversity is an excellent alternative to using black and non-black. I believe we will reach many more students and be able to help all children better. I believe the resources can and will be distributed throughout the schools better.

I know there are people out there that would not want to go to a segregated school. I think that the task force is on to something. I think that a balance of getting a school closer to home, especially for elementary school students is exactly what the parents of Pinellas County want. I think once in high school the children are starting to get a feel for what interests them and the students will choose were they want to go. Everyone wants diversity. Most are willing to used the funds to get there. I think that using the factors mentioned about, and in the article, is just a new and possibly improved way of getting an excellent public school education for ALL students.

ALL students have a right to an excellent education. I think the task force did an excellent job of thinking of ALL students.

I am a slacker.

2007-02-10T18:08:00.000-05:00

I have not been on top of things much this year, well as far as this blog goes. We have been looking at high schools for my stepson. We meaning my husband and I along with my stepson. Bio-mom has not been to one school. Although she will tell you she has been to every school in the county at one time or other.

If you have read my blog you will know that bio-mom stated she has chosen a school and that is that. Since then my husband has talked to her at length. By that I mean through email and the good old doctor that has the pleasure of mediating for us from time to time. Suddenly my stepson is allowed to go with his dad to visit any school and pick his top three.

The funny thing about all of this...his top three does not include the school bio-mom chose. Now on one hand I just want to jump up and down. On the other hand it is not about me so I have decided to not jump up and down, literally anyway. The most important thing, and I am thrilled believe me, is that my stepson will be making the choice of which high school he has to attend for the next 4 years. The school that he has to like, and make the grade, and make friends, and decide what classes to take to get prepared for college or a job. Pray he picks the college route first please.

I don't know about all of you out there that is in the position be school shopping right now. If you are I imagine you are feeling like me somewhat. Excited, bored, impressed, let down, energized, and tired. My point to this blog topic is this. Take your child to the schools. Listen to what your child has to say. Let your child take part in his fate. If your child is like my stepson he thinks school is prison. The least us parents can do is let our children have a say in which institution he is imprisoned in for the next few years.

Things You Should Never Have to Ask Your Teen

2007-01-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

I have recently begun to compile a List of Things You Should Never Have to Ask Your Teen. I would dearly love to never have to ask these questions, but after comparing notes with other parents, I find that most of us have asked these questions at least once:

1. Did you remember to use deoderant? Let's face it: Teens can end up smelling like Sasquatch on a hot summer day. They've just come out of a childhood when they never considered smearing deoderant in their armpits, and this is now a new and necessary part of their routine. It's easy to forget... until it's around 3 PM in the summer heat.

2. Have you done your chores? Now by the time they're teens, you would think that they would have made their chores a habit... but no. There are times that they do exactly what they should for weeks on end, and then one day you glance at the ferret cage and realize that at some point they've forgotten to put water in there, as you watch the ferret frantically scrabbling at the water bottle. Then it's up to you to make sure the ferret doesn't suffer until you can get ahold of your teen (and make him suffer a little, instead!)

3. What did you do today? Why is it that teens become so reticent at this age? I'm lucky. My own son is a wonderful communicator. However, one of my friends has a son that has spoken mainly in grunts for the last year. Discovering what he did during the day takes a Herculean effort.

4. Why in the heck do you guys choose to [insert fashion choice here]. Duh! It's, like, totally what everyone else is doing, right? Like, Brittany Spears totally wears stuff like this! And lots of girls are dying their hair blue this semester! Gawd, mom, yer such a geek!

5. What is in your pocket? Are you concealing something? I have a friend who recently saw her son furtively try to hide something he'd mistakenly taken out of his pocket. "Mike, what is that?" she demanded. He quickly told her that it was nothing. "I know better than that, Mike!" she said. But his continued denial began to cause her to panic. Finally, in agony, she said "Please tell me it's only a condom! I hope to God it's not drugs!" He sheepishly opened his hand to reveal... a condom. Although it was startling to discover that her son was sexually active, she was relieved that he was protecting himself. She was even happier to know that it wasn't drugs. Not great choices, but the condom was the lesser of two evils.

6. Are you out of your mind? ...and other unanswerable questions. The truth of the matter is that all teens are out of their minds at some point or other. It is pointless to ask them questions that they cannot, in all honesty, answer. Other such questions include "What were you thinking?!", "Do you know what you're doing?", "Do you have any idea that you're driving me crazy?!" These are all Damned if You Do/Damned if You Don't type of questions and at this point, the wise teen takes the 5th.

The teen years are a time of wonder, when boys and girls become men and women. This is the time that you can see the Magic of Hormones as a formerly happy child becomes a surly individual, muttering darkly about piercings and tatoos. That is, unless, you're an incredibly lucky parent. So far, I am counting my blessings. But in the Land of the Hormone, it is sometimes simply a matter of time.

Job training in high school?

2007-01-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

Shift to job training proposed

Job training in high school? Leave high school with a diploma and a certification? This is what is being proposed for Pinellas County High schools. The district has been looking at the Okaloosa County School District here in Florida, their test scores have risen significantly since they made their move to a career technical education system.

Read the article. Watch the school board meeting on Ch 14 tomorrow, 1/24/07 at 6pm, to see with is up and coming. Personally, I am excited about the hands-on learning and other possibilities than can come from this. What do you think?

The Amber Alert: How Well Is It Working?

2007-01-22T15:57:00.002-05:00

The Amber Alert (which varies from state to state) seems to be working pretty well at the moment. We hear of the successes, though perhaps the failures fall to the wayside.

Yet, there are still some ways it could be improved upon. For instance, until there is an agreement from all radio stations to broadcast such alerts, I wonder how truly effective it can be. Additionally, it's being said that The Amber Alert would be more efficient if it were to be made uniformly into a national plan that all states follow. However, there is a National AMBER Alert Coordinator whose responsibility is to ensure information is transmitted across state lines.

The good news is that The Amber Alert has saved over 200 lives so far, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. I simply wonder if it could be improved to save even more.

What are your thoughts?

Kids Out of Control

2007-01-19T07:17:00.000-05:00

In an article titled 'Mean Girls' Trend Points to Deeper Problem, we are told that there is an alarming rise in violence among girls. In fact, sociologists are projecting that if this trend continues, there will be as many violent female criminals as there are male ones.

This particular article discusses the vicious beating that three girls gave a fourth girl in New York. Shockingly, they videotaped that beating, then displayed it on My Space. Sadly, they are only part of a bigger problem.

Some of this is societal. With the rise of Thug Stars such as Eminem and Lil' Kim, we are letting people into our homes and our lives that we would not usually allow in to clean our carpets! Our kids see such trash as acceptable role models, because we allow it.

I haven't addressed the subject of KOOCs in a while, but it has always been a passionate topic for me.

Here's the easy solution:

Yearly mandatory parenting classes for all parents. Sure, it would be an inconvenience for those of us that are dedicated, involved parents. But in the end, the inconvenience would be worth it if the classroom bully's parents suddenly realized what they were doing wrong. And it would give us all a baseline we can refer to when problems do occur.

Just imagine: The classroom bully (let's call him Hannibal) kicks little Tomeka and makes her cry. Tomeka's teacher or parents can call Hannibal's father and say "Hey, Hannibal Sr., do you remember when they told us that kicking is unacceptable?" And Hannibal's father can also do what he was trained to do: punish Hannibal for bad behavior. If Hannibal continues to behave badly, we move to...

Solution 2: Hold parents legally accountable for their children's behavior. How should we do this? We can always get into the details later. But my favorite idea is a monetary fine. There's nothing that creates more of an impression than money going out of your pocket.

Let's face it, folks. We've arrived at a time where bad kids and bad parents aren't going to get any better unless they're forced to. And right now, they've got a free ride.

Choice

2007-01-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/01/17/Neighborhoodtimes/Kids_make_friends_as_.shtml

Choice is upon us. It is time to start applying to your choice of Magnets, Fundamentals, and Career Academies. The above is an article in today's St. Petersburg Times. Dixie Hollins High School is a local school with the Graphic Arts Career Academy. Please click on the link below to obtain key dates and information.

http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/Choice/files/Choice%20Guide%202007-08.pdf

Happy New Year! Better late than never.

2007-01-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

How is everyone? I went on vacation. A real one for once. Went on a plane and everything. We ALL had a great time.

What is new and exciting? What shall we talk about first?

Trouble at Gibbs

2006-12-24T07:49:00.001-05:00

From Michelle:

Read The Article Here

I want to say that I HIGHLY doubt this is the climate at Gibbs and only Gibbs. There are around 17 high schools in Pinellas County and I am willing to bet that more are as described in this article than not. If there is a high school or two doing better then what is it that is being enforced or implemented to make a high school with a better, safer, atmosphere?

As a step-parent of a child entering high school next year I am not happy with any of the choices really. So far I know of very few students that are getting out with a degree, then going on the get any type of college. As a matter of fact my niece quite at the tail end of her junior year. She obtained her GED in October, which should be her senior year, and is starting St. Pete College in January. January should be her final semester of high school. I don't think many students are doing as well as my niece, especially the one's that quit.

I think when the two administrators that are assigned to Gibbs are done there, they should move on to the next school, and the next, and so on. Get the job done, and get it done right the first time. Enough is enough, time to kick some teen butt.

Time for YOU to Write the New Topic

2006-12-21T16:39:00.000-05:00

Please let us know what issues are currently important to you, in regards to the school system, education, and our children.

Education Of The Races

2006-12-19T06:48:00.004-05:00

The St. Pete Times and Bay News 9 have both had article regarding the achievement gap. This is an ongoing issue. Some of these articles are finally talking about the Gap from the perspective that it starts at home. I say finally because that is where I believe it starts.

I really believe that not only does the Gap start at home, there is something parents can do about it and just don't. Every parent has the ability to help their child. Yes, I mean every parent! There are resources after resources available. I don't care if you can or cannot read or write, have computers or phones, there is help. Go to Coordinated Child Care, Head Start, Department of Children and Families. Go to any public school and ask. I am certain they will put you in touch with someone that can help. Go to your church, community center, or YMCA. In my opinion there is absolutely no excuse for a child living in Pinellas County to not have the right skills to succeed. All the children need are for us parents to get off our tailends and do something.

Leaders decry integration efforts

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2006/12/17/207907.html?title=A+call+to+close+the+education+gap+in+Pinellas+County

Gap starts at home, study says

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2006/12/18/208157.html?title=Closing+the+achievement+gap+between+races

Botanical Gardens

2006-12-17T11:24:00.000-05:00

My, how the gardens glow

This is the most relaxing and beautiful lights display. I highly recommend you and your family go and enjoy yourselves.

The Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, Florida
727-582-2100

Body Sox

2006-12-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Parents gripe over Body Sox

A 4-year-old was put into a Body Sox to help calm himself. The mother does not like it one bit. Please read the story and check out the links I have found regarding Body Sox and tell me what you think.

http://www.sensorysmarts.com/diet.html

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/body-sox.html

http://www.rehabtoys.com/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=37&idproduct=246

http://www.integrationscatalog.com/sportime-shared/adaptedProductIndex.jsp?product=BodySox&pdf=true&adapted=false

http://stars4kidz.com/BODY_SOX-p1030.html

http://www.musicmotion.com/product.htm?pid=407923

The Achievement Gap

2006-12-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

Gap starts at home, study says

"A report says black kindergarten students start out trailing their peers and that schools can't be blamed."

Ok, let's hear it. What do you all think???

The New Choice

2006-11-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

Parents to have say on choice

Parent surveys go out this week. If you get one in your mailbox, please, fill your survey out and get it back in quickly. What do you want for your children?

Daycare Needs

2006-11-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

Day care rule ruffles Pinellas parents

Yet another problem in this county. I know that it is ideal for parents to be home to tuck their children in and spend quality time. Obviously that is in the best interest of the child. This outdated policy is not helping. Imagine having a job with 24 hours shifts and not being able to have your child in the same home for that same 24 hours. That is unrealistic and is not in the best interest of th child at all. A paramedic, firefighters, etc needs stability for their children. Sending them to two different homes during one work shift is ridiculous.

Achievement Gap

2006-11-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Faith leaders asked to fight achievement gap

"Brown, newly re-elected to the School Board, addressed the gathering, as did St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and several others involved in what is being called "St. Petersburg Promise: Saving Our Youth for Future Leadership."

The school district can do the same, said Doretha Jackson, supervisor of family and community relations for Pinellas County schools.

Mary Brown's passion is that we have got to empower families, because they are the first teachers of children and the consistent teachers of the children," she said. "We've got to give them tools, and many of our families don't have the tools."

I can't say I disagree with this, although I do wonder why many families don't already have the tools. Ms. Jackson also stated, "We cannot lose another generation." Why have so many been lost to begin with. Why didn't past generations get it through to the current generation that behavior and school is important? What are your thoughts?

You give teachers, a bad name.

2006-11-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

Teacher suspended for stuffing homecoming ballot box

This teacher is part of the problem. What kind bullcrap is this? I know that not everyone considers the same things as important, or not, but this is pushing all kinds of limits. This teacher can go bye-bye as far as I am concerned, and I don't think that often.

Post-election Questions

2006-11-11T22:22:00.000-05:00

My sisters, friends, and co-workers have talked about the elections a lot. We have some post-election questions.

1. Is Charlie Crist's wide margin of victory a mandate on continuing Governor Bush's use of standards and accountability in education?

2. Did the message of the voters sending an incumbent back to the board in every race there was an incumbent as a show of support for Dr. W. and the current direction of the SB?

3. Did the excessive negativity of some campaigns change your vote?

4. Do you really think every Constitutional Amendment should have passed?

5. The younger voters that I work with had a terrible time figuring out the Charter Amendments. How about you?

School Fight

2006-11-09T07:31:00.000-05:00

School fight may be racial

How often does this happen in our schools that we are not aware of?
Which schools does this happen in?
Will anything be done or is this just swept under the carpet?
Talk to me, what else do we need to know about?

The 2007/2008 school year choice process is coming up soon. Give us parents some information so we can help our children make the best choice.

Students Grade Teachers

2006-11-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

Teachers get mediocre grades
"Thousands of Pinellas high school students say their teachers don't inspire them, care about them or seem to be having much fun."

Mayor gaining fame as class act
And other news.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction

2006-11-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

I am a little late with this one.

The week of October 23rd - 27th was Red Ribbon Week for Pinellas County Schools. In my son's elementary schools they had a daily theme. They dressed in red one day, they wore crazy socks to "Sock It To Drugs", they wore their favorite sports team shirt to "Team Up Against Drugs", and so on.

http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/SDFS/home.html

This is such an important subject to talk about with your children. The reason I am late getting this topic up is because of the death of my boss son. He was a life long addict. He was 13 years old when his mother found out. My boss helped her son fight his addiction for 17 years. I have been with my boss for 14 of those years. Let me tell you, this is not easy.

You can call an addiction an illness, a disease, a weakness, or stupidity. I call is evil, a demon from within. Johnny fought his demon with everything he had. He was in PAR, he was in prison, he was in a half-way house,he was in counseling, he was in outpatient treatment, he was in inpatient treatment. John just could not seem to find whatever it takes to stay clean and sober.

For John he never found the answers. He did find God, and he was saved. His mother has the greatest peace because of that. I can see her peace. I can see her pain too. There has got to be a better way to save our children. The only way I know how is to help them to learn and understand what drugs and alcohol can do so that the vicious cycle of addiction never starts.

Please, talk to your children. Be their example. Be their role model.

What Do You Think of the FCAT?

2006-10-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

So far, out of 24 votes (as of 2:30 PM EST on Tuesday, 10/31/06), the majority of the votes in the poll below are negative toward the FCAT.

However, I would also like to know how many of those voting are teachers, students, or parents (I'm assuming that no one is in administration, which is perhaps a simplistic assumption. If you ARE in admin, please check the "Teacher" box and note it in the comments section).

This isn't a scientific study, but it's very interesting to me. Your truthfullness would be appreciated. In the end, I'm pretty sure that it makes little to no difference to anyone but it will go a long way toward satisfying my curiousity.

Again, one vote is allowed per person. Thank you! ;o)

What are we talking about now?

2006-10-27T16:50:00.000-04:00

What are we talking about next?

High schools and vocational classes?

Kids?

The Final Flight

2006-10-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

The Final Flight

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one' touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Author: Unknown

In loving memory of Johnny.

3/24/76 - 10/22/06

UWL (Polanco)'s Thoughts on Reading First

2006-10-23T10:06:00.000-04:00

I asked UWL (United We Lay, a.k.a. Polanco) to share some thoughts with us. Here they are:

"The Reading First initiative had only one purpose - to improve literacy in our nation's schools. It's difficult to believe that the program, which has spread nearly 5 billion dollars over only 1,500 school districts (apparently many of them in Missouri) could have done so little to reach it's goal. It's obvious that this program was designed to help friends of the Bush administration make money. A majority of the 4,800 Reading First schools have chosen one of the five or six top-selling commercial textbooks, even though none of them has been evaluated against a control group or proven to be effective.

Reading First (which has not promised scientifically-based reading instruction as promised)was the Golden Child of the NCLB Act, but, as with many other programs led by the Bush administration, it has been riddled with corruption. The program administrators have refused grants to schools not using the pre-approved method, direct instruction, which requires the use of Reading Mastery (by McGraw-Hill) and focuses mostly on phonics rather than the whole language approach. Reading specialists from state to state, by the way, have seen that instruction is MOST effective when it combines the two. Reading materials were to be reviewed by a panel appointed by the government (of course, many of whom where chosen for their pro-direct instruction status), and anyone wanting to use or promote other reading programs was discredited. In fact, two of the programs excluded from the Reading First program (Success For All and Direct Instruction Full Immersion) have the highest effectiveness rating."

Your thoughts and comments, please!

2006-10-21T10:29:00.000-04:00

Parents, go ahead and start your school choice homework now

Here are the dates to mark on your calendar. Choosing a school for next year will come faster than you realize. Don't procrastinate, start your research now if you haven't already.

Here is Pinellas County School website. You can get information on individual schools along with school grades and other information.
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/Choice/

How is it going this year?

2006-10-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

I have questions!

1. What is better?
2. What is worse?
3. With budget cuts, did the right things go?
4. With the budget cuts, is the district sticking to is or are more people being hired? I mean top heavy?
5. How is discipline?
6. Just tell me what ever you want.

Open Forum

2006-10-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

I would love to have someone else do a little writing in here for us, for a change. Currently I'm fresh out of topics, and yet I know that there are plenty of issues out there. If you would like to volunteer to write a piece, or even if you have a short thought on a matter, please let us know in the comments section and we'll make arrangements.

This offer is not extended to Senor Caiman, who will undoubtedly want to write about the connection between Mr. T, the price of whiskey, and Harvard University.

Does Doubling Up Teachers Conform to the Class-Size Amendment?

2006-10-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

Today I saw a story about how we're now doubling up the teachers and actually enlarging the classrooms in order to conform to the new class-size amendment, which states that grades...

Pre-K through 3 must have an average of 18 students per teacher
Grades 4 through 8 must have 22 students per teacher
Grades 9 through 12 must have 25 students per teacher

So, if Mrs. A has 22 students in her first grade class, and Mr. B has 14 students, and they combine their classrooms, they meet the new standards. Mrs. A will teach, and Mr. B will "circulate" around the classroom, checking on the kids.

But... is this an improvement?

Don't students suffer in a bigger classroom, regardless as to how many teachers are in there with them? Isn't it going to be just as difficult (or even more difficult) for each student to interract well or develop any sort of relationship with the teachers? And what about the shy students who don't feel comfortable raising their hand in front of 18 others? Will they participate at all when there are 36 surrounding them?

Or... what if little Johnny has a question. In a class of 18, he stands a chance of being heard. But in a class of 36, there may be several others with questions, too. Will the teacher take the time to address all of them? Or will someone get lost in the shuffle?

Career Education Classes

2006-10-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

Outback takes its menu to class

"Administrators have given the project a green light, pending School Board approval. The project is estimated to cost $192,000, but the price tag after deducting services and in-kind contributions from Outback affiliates is unclear, said district project coordinator Jim Johannessen."

Other:
Beyond FCAT
City wins grant on human trafficking

UNschooling

2006-10-03T08:53:00.000-04:00

UNschooling. I thought that I had heard it all. What sort of lame-brained idiots belong to this new breed of fools?

Unschooling is the antithesis of teaching. Their philosophy is: Let's keep the kids home from school and let them play all day. If they want to learn, so be it! But god forbid we force knowlege on them!

Are parents really this stupid? Apparently!

At least this movement is gaining ground in California, so the trek across the border will be easier on these kids when they grow up to compete with illegal aliens to clean our toilets. If they can't make it in America, there will still be hope for them in Mexico. I hear there's money to be made picking fruit.

Unsafe Schools!

2006-09-29T19:55:00.000-04:00

School principal shot dead
‘I love U guys’ text before slaying
School gunman left suicide note

Read the headlines this week. In one case an outsider got in. In the other case it was a student.

WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO KEEP OUR SCHOOLS SAFE?

OK! Now I have to add Saur's blog link. http://franklysaurkraut.blogspot.com/

Not only do we have to worry about students within the schools and strangers getting into the schools, now we have a Representative we voted into office to worry about.

Reports: 6 dead in Amish school shooting
"A lone gunman walked into a one-room Amish schoolhouse and shot three people to death before killing himself, police said Monday. Seven others were wounded in the attack."

In The News

2006-09-27T16:52:00.000-04:00

Choice 2007/2008 school year.

In Pinellas schools, no race ratios

Teachers need to get certified in the subject they are teaching.

Teachers can earn and learn

Community meeting has low attendance.

Redouble efforts to address issues in black community

School ratios.

School daze on ratios

Majors and Minors

2006-09-24T17:44:00.000-04:00

School officials unveil an ambitious vision

Pinellas county is starting to plan for the new state mandate of majors and minors in high school.

The article starts out by saying, "Imagine a high school where a student interested in journalism could take a writing class in the morning and a graphic design class in the afternoon.

Or a high school where a student curious about international finance could study banking on Mondays and Wednesdays and Chinese on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

The county is also emphasizing career-technical education. This sounds great to me, I am behind vocational classes. What do you think so far?

Overall, Our Kids are Dumber

2006-09-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

I've written about this before. Perhaps I'm simply beating a dead horse. However, it's being reported that wealthy nations are producing fewer skilled workers than "developing" nations are.

"Richer nations, especially in Europe, face a growing lack of ambition among their children," claims the author of this recent article. She adds, "...fed partly by social inequality that schools have failed to redress." She is not clear if this last part of her statement is based on a factual study, or merely an editorial.

I suspect her last statement was an editorial. In my humble opinion, education standards have declined drastically now that we are spending a vast amount of time, energy, and money to accomodate students that are in the minority. Now, I'm not talking about racial minorities. I'm talking about behavioral ones.

Yes, I know all of you special ed teachers are about to start howling. But before you do, think about it. There is a job for you because we are no longer mainstreaming the extraordinarily difficult or unusual students. So, it's obviously to your benefit.

The problem that we face is that we still have disruptive students in the mainstream classes. These are kids that either have to be pandered to or coddled, while other students who are either better behaved (or simply more fortunate) are neglected.

In many ways, we have dumbed down our educational system to the lowest common denominator.

What can demotivate a bright child, eager to learn, faster than being neglected for the little girl across the aisle who is known for "acting up" all the time?

And what can motivate a kid in a third world country? Parents who demand more, and a society where television, illegal drugs, gangs, and food are all hard to come by.

Until our kids get the same sense of urgency, and until their parents start demanding more, Americans will continue to deteriorate both in standards and in education.

So, is this study really news? Sadly, it isn't.

Choice Task Force

2006-09-20T07:17:00.000-04:00

Choice Task Force - website
No easy path to school choice - most recent article from the St. Petersburg Times.

bbmom brought up the Choice Task Force in our last topic. How are they doing? This information can be found on PCS website.

The Choice Task Force meets monthly. The meeting minutes can be found on the link above. There is also documentation in which the Choice Task Force has looked at and read in order to come to some of their preliminary recommendations. They held seven community meetings last February and March. The turnout from the community was sparse. Just this month they met with the PCS Board to give their second update on their thoughts and ideas. A survey is going out to the entire community within the next month.

The entire Choice Task Force is made up of volunteers from PCS, parents, and community. There are monthly meeting in which are open to the public.

Bus Stops

2006-09-16T14:58:00.000-04:00

Bay News 9 had an article regarding bus stops and sex offenders.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2006/9/15/183113.html?title=Move%20that%20bus%20stop?

My questions to you are how are bus stops this year. Are they better located? Are they safe? Do you wait with your child or is there an adult that does wait with your child? Do you check regularly for the sex offender web site?

The Final Four

2006-09-07T17:38:00.000-04:00

Mary Brown - http://www.marybrown2006.com/
Ltyusbro@aol.com or call 866-0817

I believe we must do a better job of educating our children by:
~Closing the achievement gap.
~Increasing graduation rates.
~Providing a greater variety of programs for greater career opportunities.
~Finding better ways to engage our students in the classroom.
~Helping teachers teach instead of disciplining all the time.
~Getting our parents involved.

Jennifer Crockett - http://www.jennifercrockett.com/ crockettforschoolboard@yahoo.com

Jennifer's Objectives are to:
~Bring ideas and desires of parents, teachers and support staff to the School Board.
~Advance practical measures to reduce transportation costs.
~Ensure a high-quality education for each child and reduce the achievement gap.

Sean O'Flannery - http://www.seanoflannery.com/ oflannerys@hotmail.com

10 Leadership Principles that I use:
~Integrity: Take the harder right over the easier wrong.
~Duty: Do what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it.
~Passion: Be passionate about what you do, or do what you're passionate about.
~Impeccability: If it is worth doing, it is worth doing it right.
~Teamwork: There is no "I" in TEAM.
~Selfless Services: Give Back
~Fail to plan, plan to fail.
~Loyalty: Up, down, and across your organization.
~Perseverance: It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog.
~Flexibility: The person with the most varied responses wins.

Peggy O'Shea - peggyoshea@yahoo.com or call 784-6666

Peggy O'Shea's campaign is all about our young people and she promises to:
~Make sure every student learns to read at an early age.
~Reforem our high schools to provide more vocational and technical opportunities.
~Increase graduation rates, and ensure those who graduate are successful and competitive.
~Restore disciple in the classroom by supporting teachers and staff.

I want to urge everyone to call or email these candidates. If you have questions get your answer from all of them, not just one of them. These are our Final 4. VOTE!

Finger Printing

2006-09-07T15:35:00.000-04:00

Finger printing ain't what it use to be...

http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news744509.html

"If using a scan of your finger as a credit card sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie to you, it may be time to catch up with local 5-year-olds.

Rome City Schools is switching its elementary schools, Rome Middle School and Rome High School to a finger-scanning system that accesses students’ accounts and lets them pay for meals with — literally — a touch of the finger."

http://209.41.184.21/partners/680/public/news744504.html

Nancy Bostock Re-Elected!

2006-09-05T16:26:00.000-04:00

Nancy Bostock wins 2006 re-election to the Pinellas County School Board!

Congratulations Nancy! I truly believe you are the right person for this job. I am proud to have worked on your campaign for re-election.

I want everyone to know that with Nancy on the school board we can count the focus being improved education. "Through standards and accountability, improved classroom discipline, and increased teacher moral, Nancy Bostock will work to improve student achievement for all of our kids."

It's About Our Kids!

Going The Extra Mile

2006-09-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

Going the extra mile

Busing and Choice, Choice and busing. It is expensive and it isn't working. Here is the perspective of a bus driver and a student. I think they are right. What do you think?

School Based Pet Shelters

2006-09-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

The Classroom blog has an interesting topic on sheltering pets during hurricanes.

http://blogs.tampabay.com/classroom/

Although the discussion has already been started on the Classroom blog I
am interested in hearing what you all have to say.

Please note that there is another new post beneath this topic.

Has Clayton Wilcox Overstepped His Boundaries?

2006-08-31T18:45:00.000-04:00

BookGuy1973 says:

"We need a new topic on how the Superintendent overstepped his bounds and violated the School Board ethics rules by endorsing two candidates in todays newspaper."

Wilcox takes sides in race
Schools' focus criticized

Your thoughts and comments, please!

Update on Friday, September 1: The St. Pete Times has weighed in and accuses Wilcox of going "too far".

The Cupcake Controversy

2006-08-28T08:58:00.000-04:00

The St. Pete Times discusses The Cupcake Controversy today. Schools are now limited to offering cupcakes or cakes only three times a year.

Please go to read my opinion on the matter here. But in this blog, I'd like to get practical.

"I understand the thought process behind it," Sheila Gallagher said. "I'm in nursing school right now learning about diabetes and obesity. But you can't put a birthday candle in an apple."

Sheila, if you're learning anything at all, you should know that a cupcake makes for a poor candleholder. Maybe it's time to think outside of the pastry box. And this picture's for you, by the way. It's amazing what can be done when you're feeling creative.

What are our other options to cupcakes? If parents have become used to providing these high calorie, nutritient-deficient goodies, what good alternatives could you suggest?

Read 180 Poorly Implemented

2006-08-27T08:43:00.000-04:00

In this article in today's Times, we learn that a very expensive program with a high success rate wasn't as effective as it should have been, due to mismanagement in our public school system.

Although I feel that Dr. Clayton Wilcox could be doing better, I have to admit that anything is better than his predecessor, Howard Hinesley. As a matter of fact, a troupe of rabid monkeys could have done better than Hinesley.

Let's hope that Wilcox whips this program into shape and demands that the administration gives the teachers the support which they need to make this a success.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

(Please note that there are two topics for discussion up. Look below.)

How to Raise an A+ Student: Tips for Success

2006-08-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

I read this article in Reader's Digest.

How to Raise an A+ Student: Tips for Success

The article had 6 Tips for A+ Parents:

Goals and rules are important. Set and stick to them.
The mind works best when the body is well cared for. Proper diet and sleep are critical.
If limits on "screen time" seem helpful, apply them.
Read often to young children so they come to love books.
Be aware of the world around you use every chance to analyze and discuss whatever you see.
Use waiting time to play "brain games": Estimate your grocery-cart total in the checkout line.

Election Special Report

2006-08-23T07:56:00.000-04:00

From Michelle:

Know Your Candidates 2006

The St. Petersburg Times has election coverage articles for all offices open for election in our area. I'd love to hear your input!

From Saur:

A special "shout out" to "Sam", the Special Ed teacher who was one of 3 men that had to tackle and hold down a 16 year old boy who was out of control last week.

The Pinellas County School system must have one helluva workers comp policy. It's taking quite a hit now, because Sam (a physically fit man with arms like a professional bodybuilder) has developed a tear in his aorta as a result. He also has other injuries which are very painful but are minor in comparison to this life-threatening injury.

When will we stop babying Kids Out of Control (KOOCs)?

The Classroom / The Dress Code

2006-08-20T14:08:00.000-04:00

The Classroom Blog is now open. http://blogs.tampabay.com/classroom/

August 5th was the first topic. To date there have been 53 posts. Of those 53 posts I counted 20 names. How many posters did the old Classroom Blog have? Do you think because we have to sign in some posters were lost?

At the beginning of the school year Dr. Wilcox put out a PowerPoint presentation that included discipline and the dress code. http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/superintendent/Presentations.html

How is discipline so far? How are the students dressing? How are these issues being taken care of when there is a student going against the rules?

GO NANCY!

2006-08-18T07:16:00.000-04:00

NANCY BOSTOCK FOR SCHOOL BOARD

IT'S ABOUT OUR KIDS!

Times Editorial: Bostock, O'Shea, Lerner, Brown

The St. Petersburg Times recommends Nancy Bostock for re-election to Pinellas County School Board.

Congratulations Nancy!

(Our topic on Volunteering is still open, please see below.)

Volunteer - Get Involved!

2006-08-17T07:52:00.000-04:00

mmm suggested we talk about volunteering. What do volunteers do, when do they do it, etc.

twdj does volunteering by doing computer related things that can be done home at night and special events; like the fall festival, spring fling, etc. Twdj attends PTA meetings and other night time events also.

Here is the PCS volunteer information site.
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/Volunteers/

Here are some ideas on how to help your child with homework. Schools need mentors to help children with homework. What else can parents do?
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/forStudents/homeworkhotline.html
http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/index.html
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/homework.html

Learning Math

2006-08-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

My son, 1st grade, told me he wanted to learn math. He told me he wanted me to teach him. "Oh great!" I was thinking. I can still help my stepson with his math homework so surely I can help my 6 year old. Lucky for me I know Christine. She loves math and over the summer gave me some tips.

First I went online and ordered some books to check out at the Largo Library. Christine recommended books by authors:

Greg Tang
http://www.gregtang.com/
Marilyn Burns
http://home.blarg.net/~math/burnsbooks.htm

Learning math using origami was another reccomendation of Christine's.
http://www.paperfolding.com/math/

I also googled "boys and girls math" and "boys and girls" reading out of curiosity. Here are a couple of articles from the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52344-2005Jan31.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35057-2005Mar14.html

Public School Choice

2006-08-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

PCS Choice Program is here to stay. I think that in general we know what we don't like about Choice. I think that we should talk about what we do like.

I, for one, like the idea of trying single-gender classrooms. I realize we are talking about public schools. That is why I said single-gender classrooms and not single-gender schools. I believe that having a choice of having our children in an all-girl class, and all-boy class, or a co-ed class is choice. Here is an article in which the school board candidates are asked this same question.
School Board hopefuls air views

I also googled public school choice florida. The Florida Department of Education has choice options. http://www.firn.edu/doe/flbpso/ Some of the choice selections are different kinds of schools, classrooms, course study, and other programs.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Program
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
Career Academies
Charter Schools
Dual Enrollment
Magnet Schools
Virtual Schools

Of course Pinellas County has a choice of Fundamental schools. Osceola High School is the most recent school added to the list as the counties first high school. Personally I would like more choices for fundamental schools. I think that since Oceola High School is mid-county that an elementary and middle school should also be added in mid-county.
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/magnet/home.html
http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/magnet/fundamentalhs.html

ParentCONNECT

2006-08-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

AQ educated me on ParentCONNECT. If you're currently experiencing it, tell me what your thoughts are about it! Teachers: will you do it? Are you doing it? Parents: will you use this tool? Are you using it now? Do you like it?

The Three R's

2006-08-06T20:52:00.000-04:00

I was reading www.tuff-teach.com and came across an article titled Students getting double dose of the three R's. It made me wonder what we do here in Pinellas County schools. I looked up curriculum on PCS website and this is what I found.

Elementary - http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/CI/Elementary/home.html
Middle - http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/CI/MSCurric/Home.html
High - http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/ci/hscurric/

I read the Belcher Elementary will be testing same-sex classrooms on http://www.tbnweekly.com/ in this article, Students return to class on Aug. 8 . I think that it will be interesting to see how the students will do. We talked about same-sex classrooms before, Single-Sex Classrooms and Schools .

Back to School, Elections, the Classroom Blog

2006-08-04T22:08:00.000-04:00

Please note that back to school nights have already started, and some of those times are during the day. See this article, Back to school nights. If you have not received information in the mail I would suggest you call your school first thing Monday morning.

Election focuses school issues is an fairly an article that repeats past articles. All of the school board members up for re-election and other candidates have weighed in on Dr. Wilcox's contract.

The Classroom blog is back. Here is the new website:
http://blogs.tampabay.com/classroom/. The look is new and improved. Are we hopeful?

This conversation started in the middle of answering Kathleen's questions in the topic below. A couple of posters brought up the importance, or non-importance, of school grades. What do you all think?

Dr. Wilcox, etc.

2006-08-04T07:46:00.000-04:00

From Michelle:

What does everyone think of the article in today's St. Petersburg Times: A Hopeful Message.

The message is hopeful. It talks about student discipline, a touchy subject for most. Here are some past posts from here on SweetnSaur.

Public School Uniforms
Effective Discipline
Discipline

From Kathleen:

I have a friend whose child was assigned to Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle School. They are on the waiting list for Southside Fundamental. She has asked me what I know about Thurgood Marshall - in particular why it's scores are so far behind Southside ... with both being fundamental schools. I really don't know a thing except that they got a new principal and the school is new and pretty high tech. Anyone have any info? I think she is wondering if she should stay with Thurgood Marshall because it is a nice facility and it offers more activities and sports.

Mary Niemeyer

2006-08-03T16:29:00.000-04:00

For those of you who are new to the blog or need a reminder, I would like to address the situation of Mary Niemeyer.

I feel we need to tackle this subject, because we got a letter recently from someone who was mistakenly suspected of being another one of Mary Niemeyer's personalities. Sadly, even then I remained somewhat suspicious, because Mary has created an atmosphere of suspicion which is hard to dispel.

As we all know, Mary Niemeyer has tried her best to disrupt both this blog and the former Classroom blog. She recently claimed that her reason was to express her singular point of view. In order to give it more weight, and appear to have more people behind her, she became various different personalities. Her apparent true reason (obvious to those of us who were left to continually clean up her messes) is to behave as an internet troll or, as my grandmother might have said, she wanted to indulge in some bear baiting.

Each time Mary would start out with relative calm. Then she would begin to attack different people, calling them names, or being vicious in other ways. We would ban that particular manifestation, and then she would return as something else.

In a recent poll (that was only somewhat tongue-in-cheek) we asked everyone how this was affecting them. Obviously it's causing a great level of discomfort. We are concerned for Mary's mental health, of course, but we are also much more concerned about the impact this may have. We don't want the good people to be scared away due to her. We also don't want to scare away the good people by accusing them of being Mary.

The woman who wrote the letter to us is probably genuinely concerned that some posters have been scared away by those of us in here who may (at this point) be overreacting. This is understandable. We're all a little gun-shy.

However, while Michelle and I are dealing with the problem, we ask that you continue to interract in this blog, and be polite with each other. If there is a suspicion regarding a new personality, please contact us privately about it instead of attacking the character directly. If we agree with you, we'll take additional steps. Our email address is to the left of this post.

For anyone who's been frightened away, we invite you to participate once again. This situation should be handled shortly.

Teachers

2006-08-02T07:18:00.000-04:00

From Michelle:

I know that teachers are back in school this week. What is it that you all do before the kids arrive? What new, fun, and exciting things do you plan that is different than the year before?

From Saur:

Pinellas teachers just got a 6.4% raise. What are your thoughts about this? Is it enough? Will it help with the massive morale problems that Pinellas teachers are experiencing?

Back to School 2006

2006-07-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

Back to School 2006

Because Mary Niemeyer keeps hijacking the blog, we turned off comments to this particular post ONLY. We are in process of taking care of the problem.

A frying shame
Don't go crazy shopping for back to school supplies
2006-07 school calendar
What to do if your child isn't registered
Report card dates
2006-07 required immunizations
Pinellas County School Board members
School Board meeting schedule and dates
Special observance days
Back to school nights
Pinellas before and after school centers
Uniform policies
Want to keep your child's info private?
Bus stops here, there but it can't stop everywhere
Lunch at all schools; breakfast, at some
Riding the bus
Many schools to have new faces at the top
Frequently called numbers

What Unconventional Methods Would You Like to See?

2006-07-29T10:05:00.001-04:00

I was speaking to my father over breakfast today (Chris, he's waiting for you to call). He spoke dismissively of some of the curriculum which is being used at the elementary level, and he is in a position to speak knowledgeably about it.

It got me to thinking about how conventional methods are often, at best, a compromise. At worst, they're simply the path of least resistance.

For instance, many other countries use The Trachtenberg System*. The main reason that we don't is that there is little way to ensure that the children aren't cheating, since all the work is done in their head. In my opinion, that's a pretty lame reason to hold kids back from an easier way to learn mathematics.

What unconventional methods do you feel should be considered?

Here are a couple of past topics from here on sns:
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Single-Sex Classrooms and Schools

*Trachtenberg was a brilliant scholar who perfected this way to calculate when he was imprisoned in a concentration camp during WW2

Poll Shows Teachers are Respected

2006-07-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

An article in today's St. Pete Times says "Harris Poll released the results of its effort to measure public perceptions of 23 professions, with firefighters ranking on top, not far ahead of doctors and nurses and teachers. Real estate agents finished dead last."

So, if you're a teacher, you're better than a real estate agent.

No one said where exotic dancers and politicians fit in.

Who Do YOU Want to See at the Helm?

2006-07-24T20:52:00.000-04:00

I think it's also time to hear from the peanut gallery. Which candidates are looking good to you? And why? There are a lot of them out there! Why do you prefer one over another?

It's About Our Kids!

2006-07-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

ITSABOUTOURKIDS.COM or http://www.nancybostock.com/

September 5, 2006 is election day. Nancy Bostock has my vote for re-election to the Pinellas County School Board. I have agreed with her on many issues. Here are a few issues we agree on

(Please note, these are my beliefs, thoughts, ideas, and experiences. I am in no way speaking for Nancy and her beliefs, thoughts, ideas and experiences. I am simply want to let you all know some of the issues and reasons, in general, that I agree and/or support Nancy Bostock.)

When the school district was considering flop-flopping start times Nancy was against it, so was I. For me it wasn't about the fact that I did not want school times to change. The times do need changed. However trading one set of children starting at a poor time for another set is not the answer. When all grade levels can change to an appropriate start time then it will be a good idea.

Nancy and I both agree with pacing guides, please note the word GUIDE. My personal experience was when my stepsons 4th grade year. His 3rd grade teacher was fantastic and she wanted to teach the same class in 4th grade. For whatever reasons about half of the class moved on to other teachers in 4th grade leaving half the class old and half the class new. The new half of the class, overall, was not up to speed. There were students from other 3rd grade classes in the same school, new students from within the county, new students from out of town or state. It took about half of the school year to get everyone up to speed and on he same page. Pacing GUIDES would have helped the situation tremendously, I believe.

I do agree with state testing and accountability, so does Nancy. I do not think that teaching to the test is the answer, but what is going on with FCAT is a state mandate. I do think that there is a time for students to be held back. If a student is both immature and not working on grade level then that student may need a little extra time to get to where they need to be. Not every child works at the same pace, not every adult works at the same pace, if holding a child back at a younger age can help, then do it. I do think we ALL need to be held accountable. ALL meaning parents, students, teachers, and administration, and on up. When I look at my son's and stepson's testing I can clearly see where they are. My stepson was having issues with reading. By October of 1st grade the teacher called both parents at home letting them know that Big Guy was behind by 6 levels. By January we were able to get him not only up the 6 levels he was behind, but up 6 more levels. By 5th grade Big Guy had the highest lexile score in his school. The funny thing along the way was his FCAT reading scores. He clearly scores above average. One year he had a teacher that was mediocre in teaching. He score was raised by less than 50 points. He had been doing so well that this still put him at the above average range, but barely. We are talking about a child that raises his reading score by leaps and bounds yearly. This year I am proud to say his FCAT score sky rocketed this year. (I do clearly see and understand there are areas in which FCAT needs to be revised.)

Nancy supports vocational schools and classes. I believe there are many career opportunities in which vocational classes are appropriate. Technology, engineering, electrical, plumbing, and etc. I am stating the obvious. Combined with a strong general education in English, math, social studies and science I think that graduation rates can improve. The good thing about the new A++ plan is that it has an emphasis (majors) on vocational education. http://www.flgov.com/release/7321

I am a big believer in teamwork. I believe that Nancy shows great respect and is a team player during board meetings. I am lucky I have a wonderful director, manager, and supervisor. I have a job description, but I normally tell people I do this and that and whatever else my boss tells me to do. It helps that I have a great management team to that makes me feel this way. However, I learned a long time ago that this is a good policy to follow. Please don't tell me about how horrible your boss is and you could never do this. This is definitely one of those thing that there is always an exception to. Also, keep in mind that not liking or agreeing 100% with your boss is not a reason to not be a team player. Where I work we are basically not allowed to say it is not my job. Any job in the business office is my job. If I see a patient in need of being registers and the other's are helping a patient, it is my job. If a family member is walking in circles in the halls it is my job to walk them to where they need to go. If there is paperwork on the counter collecting dust, it is my job to do it. When we all think like this our office works like clock work. When a few of us say, "It's not my job." We all suffer for it.

I believe whole heartedly in class size being lowered. I do not believe it should be an amendment in the state constitution and I did not vote for it. Nancy believes this too. Our county now has to fund it. Class size amendment gives high growth districts (not us) a bigger share of additional state money in some circumstances, not a big factor, but every little bit counts. It all happened at the same time Choice started and now we are trying to "fix" Choice, and come up with smaller class sizes all at the same time. Not to mention a whole lot of other stuff that needs done and costs money, lots and lots of money.

As far as the tax referendum money goes, I don't think it was wise overall. I certainly am happy we have the money to use now that we have it, but what are we going to do in 2008? Raise taxes or give the teachers a pay cut? Nancy has stated that she will agree to place the 2008 tax increase on the ballot because she can't imagine lowering teacher salaries. I am certain that either situation is lose lose.

The last statement I would like to make is regarding Dr. Wilcox. I support Dr. Wilcox. I know that stones are being thrown right now, but I can take it. I think that Dr. Wilcox does want to improve our district. He wants education to be first and foremost. Does he stumble? Of course, who wouldn't in his position. Is he learning from his falls? I think so. Dr. Wilcox is trying hard to form a team from the bottom up and vice versa. Julie Janssen was just named deputy superintendent. I have met Julie Janssen and I 100% behind her.

http://www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/News/files/39CD7E500EBB4C8A92C75682133FA5C4.pdf

Nancy Bostock has recently served on the following committees and task forces:

State of Florida Text Book Selection Committee
Access to Higher Education Task Force http://www.fldoe.org/OSI/atf_members.asp
High School Reform Task Force http://www.fldoe.org/hsreform/members.asp

It's about our kids! Let's give our kids a world class education!

Public School Uniforms

2006-07-19T20:19:00.000-04:00

topic suggested by: meemaw2

http://www.ed.gov/updates/uniforms.html

I had to ask for topic suggestions once again. Meemaw2 suggested uniforms and stated this...

"I hate school clothes shopping especially with my teenager. I am tired of 40.00 Hollister shirts that hold up to two washings before falling apart at the seams literally. I have vowed not to use Credit cards for school clothes!!!!!!! I am going to pray tonight that when I wake up all of PCS students will be required to wear blue or brown pants and white collared uniformed shirts without any labels on them."

I am all for this. Before someone goes and tells me I am not open minded let me tell you I am not. I will even prove it. The uniforms don't have to have blue or brown pants and white collared shirts. As far as I am concerned the pants can be tan or black too. The shirts can be any color golf-style shirt you want to buy. Also, I think bermuda shorts would look fantastic.

WHAT ARE YOU?
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	FAIR: It's working for now, but needs some tweaking
	POOR: It's not working now, but it could work if it's properly used
	BAD: It will never work
	UNCERTAIN

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