8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 12

[jonesing]

Discipline seems to be the most discussed issue in the classroom. When we first moved downhere. we were friendly with a gal who ran a daycare. It was located next to elem school and she got the older kids for aftercare. She told us one of the kids' dad was an attorney and he used tothreaten to make up stories of abuse if she didn't let him do what he wanted.

I'd get the little cretin on tape using a nany cam, show it to dad and tell him to handle the situation or the kid can't come back!

 

[jonesing]

I don't get it at all. Why is it we all got fairly decent educations in the 50's 60's and 70's. We didn't have computers, electronic anything. Heck most of us disn't even have color tv I remember if a kid had a problem with reading, they went out for special classes. My friend had a speech impediment and went to speech class 2x a week. WE all excelled in the state Regents exams and without the help of calculators. The only electrical device we owned was a transistor radio. Now that the schools have all the electronics, it seems they are failing to teach the kids.They can't read, spell or count without a calc near by.We are really failing our kids in this country and the systems really do need to wise up.The only time I had to bbring anything in to class was when I got caught eating candy or chewing gum and had to bring in for the whole class

Kentucky School Wants to Eliminate 'C' as Passing Grade

EMINENCE, Ky. —

A small northern Kentucky school district that has eliminated the "D" as a passing grade is now considering making students earn better than a "C" to pass.

The Eminence Independent School District eliminated D's four years ago, meaning students would have to earn a C or better to pass.

"Getting a D is like doing the bare minimum," said Carter Martin, a middle and high school business teacher. "Life isn't like that."

The school district in Henry County will vote next month on whether to eliminate C's beginning in 2009-10, which would require about 300 middle and high school students to score no lower than 80 percent to earn a passing grade.

School officials said eliminating D's has dropped the failure rate and raised standardized test scores by 13 percent in middle school and 10 percent in high school.

"We raised their standards, and they met them," said Steve Frommeyer, principal of Eminence's middle and high schools.

Even students who initially worried about the no-D policy say they are now believers.

"I thought everyone would fail," said Ethan Keiser, a 16-year-old junior. "But we were actually pushed a lot harder, and students really kicked in gear. It got a lot more people focused."

The policy has its critics. Nationally, at least two school systems — one in Maryland and another in Florida — abandoned the policy because too many students were failing.

In Oldham County, two high schools have also abolished D grades, but some parents said the move is unfairly damaging students by forcing them off athletic teams and hurting their grade point averages.

"There are kids with learning disabilities that are falling through the cracks," said David Miller, who pulled his son out of North Oldham High School after he failed several classes under the policy. "This policy seems to be a way to push them through the cracks more quickly."

Eminence officials said districts considering a grading overhaul should phase it in, one grade at a time.

Frommeyer said there are safeguards that can be put in place to guard against damaging students, including offering assistance. He said Eminence has learned from the mistake of pushing the policy in too quickly.

When it eliminated D's for all middle schoolers in 2002, the failure rate jumped from 5 percent to 18 percent, with many students being held back that year.

"You just don't raise the standards and say, 'Good luck, kids,' " Frommeyer said. "You have to have a lot of other standards in place." He said the new grading scale would eliminate the C grade gradually.​

 

[yargrnhoj]

Posting this here because I know a lot of us don't always have time to venture to other boards. Saw it on the budget board just now. Agent Cool Blue rinse has been recalled. You can get the form for a refund here.
http://www.agentcoolblue.com/

Ok, if Listerine is supposed to kill 99% of germs, then how can it be contaminated with micro-organisms?

Or is this just the very definition of 'ironic'?

 

[kap158]

Don't know if anyone else has this lineup today, but my travel channel is running the Disney Specials today.Cruise line coming up soon.Enjoy

I am watching it now. Even though I have been there and watched these shows before I always watch again to get my Disney Fix.


Karen

 

[captaincrash]

I'd get the little cretin on tape using a nany cam, show it to dad and tell him to handle the situation or the kid can't come back!

An excellent suggestion! However, a simple microcassette recorder or a minicam would suffice. OR... better to simply say the child is unable to re-enroll as I would not want to deal with such a child. No need for any of that!

Of course, I have the opinion that child care faci\lities are always flush with attendance. It seems all the places we would seriously consider to use in the past had huge waiting lists! At the P-school where our girls attended they had a 15+ month waiting list... meaning it was hopeless to get in unless you put your name in BEFORE you conceived IF you wanted infant care! Wow... is what I mused when I learned of their initial waiting period.

At any rate... I gotta run now.... it's "VIva Las Vegas Baby for the next three days! Or, rather,... it'll be a seafood buffett, and carnival style games for a few hours at Circus Circus and Excalibur, plus pool time at the Westin, then I have a break for a short business meeting. Otherwise, it'll be walking, and walking and more walking to get from here to there!

Adios!

 

[kap158]

I am watching it now. Even though I have been there and watched these shows before I always watch again to get my Disney Fix.


Karen

The ships go into drydock here in Norfolk, VA at the shipyard. I go down at least once to see the ships.



Karen

 

[captaincrash]

Kentucky School Wants to Eliminate 'C' as Passing Grade

EMINENCE, Ky. —

A small northern Kentucky school district that has eliminated the "D" as a passing grade is now considering making students earn better than a "C" to pass.

The Eminence Independent School District eliminated D's four years ago, meaning students would have to earn a C or better to pass.

"Getting a D is like doing the bare minimum," said Carter Martin, a middle and high school business teacher. "Life isn't like that."

The school district in Henry County will vote next month on whether to eliminate C's beginning in 2009-10, which would require about 300 middle and high school students to score no lower than 80 percent to earn a passing grade.

School officials said eliminating D's has dropped the failure rate and raised standardized test scores by 13 percent in middle school and 10 percent in high school.

"We raised their standards, and they met them," said Steve Frommeyer, principal of Eminence's middle and high schools.

Even students who initially worried about the no-D policy say they are now believers.

"I thought everyone would fail," said Ethan Keiser, a 16-year-old junior. "But we were actually pushed a lot harder, and students really kicked in gear. It got a lot more people focused."

The policy has its critics. Nationally, at least two school systems — one in Maryland and another in Florida — abandoned the policy because too many students were failing.

In Oldham County, two high schools have also abolished D grades, but some parents said the move is unfairly damaging students by forcing them off athletic teams and hurting their grade point averages.

"There are kids with learning disabilities that are falling through the cracks," said David Miller, who pulled his son out of North Oldham High School after he failed several classes under the policy. "This policy seems to be a way to push them through the cracks more quickly."

Eminence officials said districts considering a grading overhaul should phase it in, one grade at a time.

Frommeyer said there are safeguards that can be put in place to guard against damaging students, including offering assistance. He said Eminence has learned from the mistake of pushing the policy in too quickly.

When it eliminated D's for all middle schoolers in 2002, the failure rate jumped from 5 percent to 18 percent, with many students being held back that year.

"You just don't raise the standards and say, 'Good luck, kids,' " Frommeyer said. "You have to have a lot of other standards in place." He said the new grading scale would eliminate the C grade gradually.​

I don't know if I'd buy into this notion. I think "D" grades have thier place in an academic setting. It provides for a uniform scale and range. If we're elimenating "D"s then why not make it a simple "pass" and "fail" system? Then we would have no basis for excellance or margainal passage of courses. My spouse used to get in the 95% plus range on courses when the norm was below the 30s in some classes. Would it be fair to acknowledge her as simply passing? And by the same token I actually scored a "d" in a course before... so would I be a passing or failing student? If passing... THEN THAT would be unfair to others who did well. In fact, with a simple pass fail system... we're encouraging kids to just pass... and not to excell... and THAT is wrong!

That's my 2 cents... now I gotta go cuz I might have stirred a ruckus with my comments - so it's best that I fade now! Have a great Friday the 13th and weekend folks!

 

[jonesing]

At any rate... I gotta run now.... it's "VIva Las Vegas Baby for the next three days! Or, rather,... it'll be a seafood buffett, and carnival style games for a few hours at Circus Circus and Excalibur, plus pool time at the Westin, then I have a break for a short business meeting. Otherwise, it'll be walking, and walking and more walking to get from here to there!

Adios!

Have a safe trip! Enjoy the Heavenly Bed! Don't forget to stop by M&M World while you're there.

 

[lbgraves]

Ok, if Listerine is supposed to kill 99% of germs, then how can it be contaminated with micro-organisms?

Or is this just the very definition of 'ironic'?

That must be the 1% of micro-organisms that it doesn't kill. BTW...did you know that

Listerine was invented in the 19th century as a powerful surgical antiseptic. It was later sold, in a distilled form, as a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea.

?

 

[jonesing]

hmmmm looks like it was just captaincrash and myself here!

I'll turn off the lights--heading home early because the sn*wfall is moving in, not sticking but the roads will be slick and I have to go get the blown tire replaced. Luckily I have extended coverage so it won't cost anything extra.

 

[lbgraves]

Be careful on the way home. The kids are out riding their bikes now enjoying the 70 degree weather we have. Nice switch from the 40s but who knows how long it will last.

 

[micmse2003]

.

WTH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The friggin' weathergoon was just on TV and they are forecasting potential BLIZZARD conditions starting tomorrow night!!!! They are calling for 9"-18" of SNOW but since we live right next to the Palmer Divide we'll get the worst of the fronts from the north and south!

Well, at least I'll get the day off

Welcome to my world!!!! We had 5 inches lyesterday and it tried to snow again this morning. The good news is back to the 60's by Monday.

LOL . . . don't be too impressed . . . if you do homework with your kids, then you homeschool. Remember as the teacher, I get the teacher's manual with all the answers . . LOL. My son's are 10 & 12. We've been homeschooling for 8 years. And no, patience is still something I am constantly working on . . .I am thankful we have this option, but we have good days and the OTHER kind of days . . .LOL. I admire 1st grade teachers! I can't imagine having the patience and tolerance to deal with a room full of antz boys and chatty girls . . .and teach them to read! . . .thanks for the encouragement

Teachers can escape from the children they teach. You live with them!!!! Some school districts are really bad in Illinois. Fortunately, we have the best in the state here. Every child from first grade on gets a computer to take home with them. We do pay a lot of real estate taxes for our education!!! I still think you have a lot of patience but well worth the outcome.

OK, can someone please help me out here, as there is NO way I can read ~50,000 entries - I was looking for some info/feedback on this cruise. We'd be interested in taking this cruise (submitted a quote request to DU) - is it too late for a decent cabin, or is it more that most of these posts from the same group of people "sharing"? I have to say, this thread is rather intimidating for someone interested in joining in on this cruise!

I hope you get a chance for a room. Not being prejudice,everyone makes you feel welcome on this board. We have a geart bunch of Diser's.(No lime green for us)

Hey, no problem Stacey, it's just been a bad week and I needed to do a little venting, that's all..............

Hazel also received a call from one of her docs yesterday and he wants her to come in and see him about one of the tests results that came back in the other day. Seems blood was found in her stool sample she had taken just before we left for vacation. He doesn't think it is anything serious, but the unkown is always a bit scary. She sees the doc on April 25th.

Don't let Hazel panic. It can be hemorroids. The unknown is always worse than dealing with what is wrong. She will be in our prayers Andy.

 

[Verandah Man]

Are you unionized? Our county and unions have offered early outs several times to get rid of the higer paid employees. The last offer was in 2004 and all you needed was 20 yrs service. We have to work 25 yrs with 55 yrs of age. We get to keep health care. A couple of contracts ago they changed the 25 yrs to 30 if you want healthcare. If you were here before a certain date you were grandfathered in. In Aug I need 7 more years, but if an early out comes in the next couple of years and I have the 20 yrs, I'm taking it!

No, we aren't unionized in our township.

Our contract with the township is at least 20 years of service AND attain the age of 55, then we will be able to have our medical benefits taken care of for life after retirement. The pension goes through the State of New Jersey. I remember many years ago an early retirement was offered to those 50 and over, but I haven't seen that happen since. If it was offered within the next year or two(I'm not holding my breath, lol), I would probably take it too................

 

[micmse2003]

I am deathly afraid of the water. I am so afraid of the water that I am afraid when my kids are in the water and one is a competitive swimmer.

(So, how do I spend my limited free time -- 15 days on a ship at sea. See what I mean about more than a 'little' nuts).

I hate the ocean and heights!!!! I also do not like small confined places. Someone please tell me why I am going on my third cruise???

I say egg the place!!! (No, I would never do that but at this point I would picket the building.)

Lisa you are my kind of girl.

Morning

just a quik hi.. I have to get back to work..




I work for a software company.. no cellular systems in sight.. but ...

I was fun talking to you on the phone. Arlene thought so too. I will set up IM this weekend. I will probably need instructions. I have not used it in years.

 

[micmse2003]

What does it say that I am sitting in Panera between meetings on the road so I can use the free wireless to catch up on DIS?

It is called SICK like the rest of us.

 

[geffric]

Just checking in to say Hi before dinner and meetings tonight..

micmse2003 great to talk with you this morning..

and it was fun IM'g Arlene too.

Now I have to work on some work stuff since I didn't do it today..

 

[justmestace]

#1 - Are you (or your spouse/kids) superstitious of some things?? Not at all....or maybe just a touch. The thought will cross my mind if I see a black cat or walk under a ladder, but I don't give it a second thought.

#2 - Do you watch any scary movies to mark the friday the 13th and Halloween occasions? Halloween, sometimes...but not Friday the 13th

#3 - Do you think twice when or if walking under ladders, spilling salt, stepping on cracks or if you break a mirror? Oops, already answered that one up above! Don't think twice, only a passing thought.

#4 - what is the first thing you can recall which you would call is something you have superstitious feelings about (other than what I mentioned in question 3?) Must be seeing a black cat, since that's the first thing I listed

#5 - So - for friday the 13th tomorrow are YOU doing anything special? Anything at all - superstitious oriented or not... does not matter. CHAT!

#6 - Do you gamble at all? If so ... what are your favorite games? I've gambled a time or two. Slots and blackjack, some video poker

#7 - And ... here's a new twist... what would YOU have posted as a Friday the 13th question IF you were drafting a 7 question query for chuckles? And - if you wish.... feel free to answer the one of the other posted responses to this question 7 as a "bonus" 8th question.... I might have asked what everyone's favorite scary movie is....but I can't come up with much more than that. My favorite "scary" movie is "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane"

 

[Verandah Man]

Don't let Hazel panic. It can be hemorroids. The unknown is always worse than dealing with what is wrong. She will be in our prayers Andy.

Thanks Cheryl, that's also what I was telling Hazel this morning, I think that's why the doc is not overly concerned, besides, all of Hazel's bloodwork came back normal!!!

 

[micmse2003]

..this is a very interesting site. * i am sorry
if i missed anyone reply...it isn't unusually for me to go to work &
be stuck there for 16 hrs...and with that, sometimes i am way behind.

ha! so some were granted room assignments?!, [micme2003]..sneaking
that in! ...we do not! , now why do they give some room
assignments..and us not?! * this reminds me of vacation times @ work.
if one sais i "hate" thew word "bumping"...i could not argued! [ however,
i am the new "king" of the hill at work..." ". while this is our 6th
cruise..we have never done gty. before... & i've "see" good {$$$}
reasons ..to worry!. allrighty~ miss micme? who do you know?
or what tricks for getting a room asignment before the next rounds of
bumping......esp. for this cruise, just based what occurred on the 31st.

I got the room number because Mickey loved my kitchen!!! The first cruise of my life DCL up-graded us from a 8 Cat. to a 5 Cat. Disney knew exactly what they were doing. I am totally hooked on Cat 5. It is a good thing I never got upgraded to the Roy or Walt Suites. Me DH would never get to retire.

Andrew, we really didn't get much coverage here on TV.Being closer to it, it must've been on your news outlets alot. I found out mostly from the online tabloids. It truely was a tragedy and hopefully will never happen again.

We really did not get the coverage here either. I really did not hear of the tradgedy til two after the fact. I have been too busy playing ketchup to even know what was said on the Dis Board.

Well...

... you COULD Blog it ... couldn't you? Then if U do ... post a link or PM ME the link! I love a good chuckle all the time... can't get enuf of the chuckles I'm always thinking!

OK... I'm off for Costco now. I have some vanilla soy milk which my kids detested... so I'm returning it in favor of picking up some of the chocolate soy in individual serving boxes which they love. U think the sugar has anything to do with it? PLUS... I gotta get some pizza for lunch/snacking enroute to Vegas!

Vanilla Soy milk does not sound to appealing to me either!!! Glad to hear your computer is almost fixed. Have a great trip.

Don't know if anyone else has this lineup today, but my travel channel is running the Disney Specials today.Cruise line coming up soon.Enjoy

Thanks but I just missed it.

 

[tom31b]

Princeton, West Windsor, No. Bruns or Woodbridge, Tom?

Hamilton (Route 130)