Sept. 2009 @ WDW! Be a Pop Tart 2009~come share your(Bounce Back or NOT)Dates !!!

[thunderbird1]

Real life is just too busy since the kids are back in school. It should be the other way around, shouldn't it?

S/G--So sorry to hear that you have to go back in for another "reboot," but if you got nearly a year out the of last one, hopfully this one will last at least as long, so you should be fine for your Disney trip next month. Sorry also to hear that Tom is sick--I know having the dh sick is more work than having you, or the kids, or you AND the kids sick! Hopefully he'll recover quickly and be back to his old self in no time.

Ang and JM--I'm right there with you on the school thing--just this afternoon we got to spend some time with dd's math/science teacher going over her missing/incomplete/poorly done assignments/tests/notebooks. Not that she has such bad grades, but she can and should be doing better. It sounds like the same thing you're both dealing with--laziness, carelessness, not turning work in, etc. Now she and dh are making a list of what she needs to get done and when she needs to finish it by. I'm trying to stay out of it--too much drama for me.

On interesting thing I heard on a news show or talk show the other night was about the impact the feminist movement has had on the schools. They said that the quality of teachers have declined in the last few decades. One theory is because it used to be that the best and brightest women became teachers because that was the highest achievement for a woman in the workplace. Now that women have more career options, fewer and fewer of the best and brightest are becoming teachers (because of the low pay and hard work required). Interesting theory, anyway.

Well, the baby birds are calling, so I'd best go tend to them before a riot breaks out!

 

[angwill]

Melissa,
There is a problem if the kids at Jacobs school are allowed to bring the weapons in the school. When I worked at a school like the one Jacob is at they had to use clear book bags so we could see what was in them and they were searched if we needed to see behind things or if the girls had purses. Then they were patted down and walked through a metal detector. The principal and 3 teachers would stand there greeting the students searching, and making sure they turned over lighters, cigarettes etc. If they had gang symbols like those stupid crowns on clothing nowadays they had a roll of duck tape and had to cover it with the tape or if it was a shirt turn it inside out. They never had a weapon problem but if we did the police would be called and the student arrested and they were well aware of that. We had a fist fight about once a year and it was always with high school aged kids and the principal/vice principal would break it up and again police were called and kids arrested. There is no excuse that students should not be safe at school. Part of the problem is that it is a mix of learning difference and behavior differences in those schools. The kids with LD get sent there only because they don't fit in the box or score high enough and are ususally the target of the BD kids. If the schools took the time to give them the help with their LD it wouldn't be an issue in the regular school system.

As for salaries the highest paid person in our school district is the high school football coach and that is all he teaches. He makes in the area of $150,000 per year. Our principals make $110,000 or more. Our middle school principal who makes $125,000 does nothing but sit at his computer and go to meetings. He refuses to deal with any problems with students and passes that off on everyone else from the social worker to the teachers. In return he will back them no matter what even if they are wrong. Dealing with things is so beyond him that the students know they can swear at him and get away with it. We never had teacher salary cuts in our area.

Our teachers here start in the $30,000 range and that goes up with experience but more so with extra schooling. The heck with ability and background in our district you can only work here if you were raised here, did your student teaching here and got on someones good side, or know someone really well who grew up here. Small town living.

Our teachers get a half day once a month to catch up on stuff. I am sure now that they have the state on their case they are doing a lot of meetings too.

SG,
I agree with the fact that not every child needs or has an interest in things like trig or calculus etc. but they are expected to take 4 years of math starting with pre-algebra or algebra Freshman year. It's sad that they have to take advanced math but most can not count change back as a cashier. lol

The only time I ever saw a high schooler get a real every day math education was a kid in the special needs school I worked in. We would take him one on one in the hallway and taught him how to count money, make change, and eventually how to use a checkbook. He was the neatest kid who sadly had no self esteem.

He just could not do the advanced math seeing that he still didn't even understand the basics thanks in part to the wonderful special needs math teacher at our local middle school. Her focus was to give daily timed math tests to a classroom of students who included quite few with ADHD and or anxiety and would panic during those tests. Then when they were done they got their test from the day before and had to write any they didn't get to in that time or got wrong 10 times each. Anyone who finished that had free time for the rest of the period. She would sit at her desk and correct the timed tests so she didn't have to bring them home with her. I worked with her in her classroom several times and I eventually refused to work at that school at all. Hmmm, think that might have something to do with the state putting them on the NCLB list in math. Oh yeah, she was married to another teacher at the school who used to get so angry he would throw things around the room to scare the kids. He would also pick one student, who's parents spoke spanish, per year to berate and make fun of on a daily basis till they cried. He would even try to get the students to agree with him and make fun of her. The principal was notified about it by many parents too.

A magnet school would be very welcome by the parents in our town but we are such a small town and have so few of them in our state as it is. I don't think it is likely to happen anytime soon.

Cheryl,
We had less days over 60 degrees in all of October than we have had in just the first 6 days of November. We are supposed to be in the 70's tomorrow and I am loving it. What is with the hurricane down there? Does the hurricane season end Nov 1st or Nov 30th?

 

[angwill]

TB,
I am sad to hear you are having issues with your child doing work as well but you need to know what a relief it is to know I am not alone.

As for the feminist movement and teaching...what about all the great male teachers in the field nowadays. DS has mostly male teachers this year and each of them are awsome.

 

[jmskinner]

TB, sorry to hear about DD's issues with her schoolwork. I would say Jacob doesn't care, but then he does get upset when he realizes he has forgotten something. He has homework to get done today because he didn't bring it home with him on Thursday.

Ang, nothing makes me madder than to hear of coach's making more than anyone else. My old high school they still have to teach at least one other class. Of course I can remember one of my history teachers that was a coach giving the players preferential treatment over everyone else.

I think some parents need to get together and get a lawsuit together on that married couple and the administration. Always makes you wonder what those people have on the higher ups that they can keep their jobs.

Yesterday was our last day of soccer. The kids got one goal when our littlest guy remembered how we have been telling them that if the goalie catches the ball and then puts it on the ground to kick it, it is still in play. That goalie put the ball down and little Michael kicked it in the goal. That poor team looked so shocked and confused. Jonas and I felt bad afterwards. Felt kind of sneaky. But they ended up beating us anyways. I think the kids had a great time. Now trying to decide if we should play the winter league. I'd love to, but $155???

Couldn't sleep and then at 5:30am I remembered that we didn't pick up Jonas' uniform yesterday. Once I figured that out I knew there was no use attempting sleep.

 

[MsDisney23]

Hi Ladies, I am just checking in to say hello to everyone! I am booked for this coming Sept. 2010, looking forward to it... So ya'll know I have been hanging out over on the scrapbooking board, yes, I am going to learn how to scrap!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

No way will I ever be able to keep up with all these postings. I never got any notice at all and was so pleasantly surprised to see all the visit and even some of our older friends returning!

I think vouchers are the way to go in education. Frankly for the length of time that our kids are in school they are being taught very little. Too much time is wasted, by administration duties, teachers and yes, the students. There would be parents who would pick the most convenient school rather than one that fits their kids but those folks are not the sort who were involved or interested in the first place.

As long as there are parents who are willing to get up early, stay up late and drive the students to wherever and support athletics but not academics why should our schools do any differently? I attend every single academic event that our school has and it is appalling how few parents show up for them. Granted they are often held during the day when most are at work but I am betting that many parents would take a sick day to attend something athletic, not to mention the schools would not dare schedule them at such inconvenient times. I have seen the enemy and he is us.

Along with reading ,and the enjoyment of such, I have also been known to teach a child how to tell time, count money and other basic skills. It is heartbreaking how many actually want to know this but cannot find anyone to spend the time teaching them or helping them overcome their fear of learning it.

I saw the same show about women having more choices and being less interested in becoming teachers. It is not that having more men in the field is bad, I think it is great as male role models are as important as female ones, but it is the fact that the 'Brightest and Best" are less inclined to be teachers because they are not rewarded with either money or respect that the job should provide. If you base pay on results you are going to have many teachers who will avoid certain students because of the impact on their job performance. With vouchers the teachers at the better performing schools should be rewarded appropriately.

We are stuck in the dark ages and while we have so much technology now it is not being used to its fullest extent and our students would be better served by its implementation. Slower learning students would be able to go at their own pace without public humiliation and and quick learners would not be held back by the others through the use of personal computers and such.

I see so many wonderful parents, like yourselves, who are bucking the tide and have hopes that things will change, just not fast enough, I fear. Teachers and parents need to work together, not against each other. They each have such a special insight into the child.

We are in a competition, a world competition, and if we do not do something about our educational system we will be the losing team.

Stepping down from my soapbox now.

As far as Tom being sick. It really makes no impact other than having to take him to the doctor and that is not difficult. He sleeps, he eats, watches TV and repeats daily.

Oh, BTW, at our school if someone was dumb enough to come in with a weapon a couple of the boys, probably shop class, would slip out to their trucks for their guns and take them down. I think the principal is armed as well as a few of the teachers. Most everyone, including females, carry a pocket knife too. (me included) Us country folk do not follow the rules well.

Concrete work today. It will be warm enough today and tomorrow and then will get too cold. Will do other work on those days.

SG

 

[cherylp3]

just checkin in - it was an exciting day in Orlando on friday. then last night jasper was attacked by a dog who got loose.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Cheryl, I am glad you were having a good day until the dog attack. How is Jasper doing? Was he hurt badly? That is my worse nightmare. I cannot blame the animals but their owners are another matter. I am sorry it happened to you and yours.

Slightly Goofy

 

[cherylp3]

Jasper is fine, he has a puncture wound and is on antibiotics. The owners seem to care and say they will pay the vet bills.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Cheryl, I was wrong about my thoughts of the other dog's owner, and I am glad of it. Stuff happens. I just happen to have some very irresponsible pet owners across the street. The neighborhood complained because he let his dog roam all over and now he has tied it up to a tree in his front yard and the poor thing barks all the time. They have a huge back yard for the dog to roam in. Makes one wonder what they are doing that they feel the need for a watch dog.

I am certainly glad that Jasper did not get hurt badly and is healing up fine.

SG

 

[jmskinner]

Cheryl, glad Jasper is ok. That is always a fear of mine when walking my dog.

My DBIL previously worked in Animal Control, some of the stories he can tell.

SG, I have thought it sad how many parents don't come to events at the school, but never thought about how many will take time off for sporting events, but not academic. It is very sad. I stayed at my last job because they did allow me to have all the time I needed to attend Jacob's events and all of his IEP meetings, even though I really wanted to switch jobs.

It is 2:47am and I can't sleep. Figured I'd goof off on the web instead of just laying in bed. Hope you all have a great day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

JM. you are smarter than I. When I cannot sleep I do some housework. Of course if I got on the Internet I would be up all night long as it is far more interesting.

Schools are built around athletics. I am not for doing away with them because they do add value, exercise, incentive and pride as well as discipline and working well with others. Look at the facilities and how much room/money is expended on sports and how much to academics. Check the salaries of those who teach and those who coach as well as who gets the most respect. Walk the halls and check out the trophy cases, how many are for academic achievement? You will see parents dropping off children before and after school for practices but how many are willing to do so for quiz teams and such? Folks complain about the cost of school supplies but shell out hundreds, and sometimes more for traveling sports teams and lessons. I just think we need more balance.

I read the honor roll lists every time and used to write postcards to all of the kids in grade school who made the grade. I am no longer able to do that but I send emails, sometimes call, or tell in person and occasionally send a post card to those who need the encouragement, especially those who only make it occasionally. That is my mission, my church, if you will.

Have lots to do today as I will not be wanting to do a whole lot tomorrow. Bil will be here at 9 to pick me up. I appreciate him even though I know he does it mostly for his brother.

SG

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am home. The procedure was not as easy as last time. Had to do more shocks to get me back on track. Feels like a really bad sunburn front and back but that is the worst of it. Reduced my erratic heartbeat from the 200+ to about 60+. Hard to say how I feel as the drugs have not quite worn out yet though.

Thanks for all you good wishes and all. Will write more when I have the time.

SG

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Linda, how thoughtful for you to let us know you are home and okay. I am sorry it did not go as easily as last time. The procedure sounds horrendous, but thank goodness it will help you feel better.

Will continue to hold you near in heart and prayer - hope you can get a good night's rest.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

M&N, I have been thinking about you and wondering how your travel plans are going. You have not been around so I figure you are either so busy getting ready to go or depressed because you cannot go. I hope the former.

The procedure is not bad at all. They shoot those drugs into the IV and then you wake up about ten minutes later and it has all been done and you do not remember a thing.

When you are feeling so bad with the rapid heartbeats just having them magically gone is a fantastic feeling. It will make my life so much better for however long it lasts. Hopefully at least a year.

Grandson coming after school to bring down luggage, take Halloween stuff to basement, bring up a bit of Christmas stuff, in other words, do all the things that I cannot do . He wants to wash and wax the car as well. I might let him. He needs the money and I need a break. Just wish I could get him to do work more often but I will take what I get and be glad of it.

Is everyone else starting to get ready for the holidays?

SG

 

[angwill]

Hi all boy I miss a lot of info when I don't get updates.

Cheryl,
Poor Jasper. I hope he is feeling better now. My fear in the country isn't of stray dogs but the coyote and coydogs (coyote dog mixes). We have had a few come in our yard so I am really careful not to let the dogs out for too long. That said my neighbors have 2 labs who roam the neighborhood all day long every day. One day one got bit by a brown recluse (thank goodness it wasn't a black widow) and sadly lost the bottom of one of his legs. You just never know.

JM and SG,
IMHO sports are just the icing on education and good for social skills and exercise. I will show up for the academics before the sports anyday. I also will not hesitate but to pull him from a game or practice if I find he didn't do homework. One of the coaches called her son over when I came to pull Will out of the one game, when I found 2 missing math assignments, just to tell him "see I am not the only mean mom who makes you do your homework before you play." lol She said I am the only other parent who puts academics before sports.

Heck Will is at the age that he would be happy if I don't show for anything school or sport related. He wouldn't let me go to his soccer banquet because he said his older friends were driving themselves and wouldn't have parents there. I gave him his salad he was to bring and dropped him off at the front door. I did make him kiss my cheek and give me a hug before he got out of the car though. lol Now had it been academic I would have gone anyway.

SG,
I am soooo glad things went well for you. I worry about you.

M&N,
What is up with your December trip or will it be May? Will is bugging me to take him when school gets out again. I want to go west and site see till we hit Disneyland and the beach. He wants us to put that off till he's older. I swear he is more obsessed with Disney World than I am. Either that or he is dreading the longer drive. lol

 

[Minnie&Nana]

No Disney for me this year..or probably next year. This year just did not work out. I was solo again and by the time a value opened up (ASSp!) my SIL had already made plans to visit his mother in Florida that weekend. I had told them I was not going, but do wish they had checked with me before booking his flight as they know my plans had been rather fluid. How's that for an understatement!

It's okay - I am glad he will see his mom - she is 85. About 3 1/2 yrs ago the Docs gave her 3 mos. She does not remember most things these days - long and short term memory is barely there. She does remember her children and older grandchildren and will sort of remember who Sophia is in a photo. Mia, Michael and Sophia try to visit every 6 mos or so, Michael goes about every 3 mos.

Linda, I am so happy the procedure is pain free and yet gives you such a boost. Now Disney will be far more enjoyable. Has a final decision been made concerning your BIL going down for a few days? Resorts are opening up a bit.

Nice your GS will be over to help - it's good to hear you can take it easy every now and then. Would love to see a pic after of house all decorated for Christmas.

How's your sister doing now?

I'm sorry I've not been around lately, my friends....looks to be lots to catch up on!! Better get to reading while Sophia naps later.

to all!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Ang, you were posting as I was writing, so bring lazy I'm going by your post for updates I miss.

Must go back and find the post about Jasper - my goodness, the poor baby. Cheryl, I am so sorry, but pray he is doing much better by now.

Ang, I know you are in the country, but I still never understand why folks let their pets roam free - the possibilities of injury are endless.

Gosh, how my hearts go out to you and Melissa - those yrs of school worries I'd not want to relive for a million $...honesty, think I'd turn down the million if I had to go back to those days. Not that either was a bad kid (though Toby could be a challenge at times - he felt the the need squeeze in every life experience). Mia was the perfect child - which holds it's own challenges!!

Anyhoo - I have the utmost respect for parents. Not a word of advice, but truckfuls of respect.

Nope, no May trip either....did not work out (though I would have had a very spirited travel companion). I am going to go with the flow and see what unfolds next year. Btw, we loved DL and the trip across country is fabulous - if you've time to stop along the way and enjoy all the unique sites. DL, maybe being the original, holds more magic for me than WDW....all the nooks and crannies (I hear some are no longer though), the Castle, Main St (all the buildings are smaller than WDW Main St)...sigh...you got me going, Ang!! Do not like California Adventure - an eyesore to me...but then I'm a purest who first visited DL at age 10 in 58.

Geesh..sure am babbling today!!! Sorry, gals!

 

[cherylp3]

Jasper is still skittish around other dogs - the owner is paying us 1/2 of the bill this week and the other half next week. He is healing well.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Thought I was coming down with the flu this morning since I had a headache and bit of a fever but I am thinking I dodged that bullet, this time.

Grandson came, he moved a small table in the garage, took the Halloween stuff to the basement and brought up a few Xmas things, covered the window a/c, brought down the 2 suitcases to the pool table AND opened the container of vinyl concrete patch that I could not budge. Took him about a half hour to do it all. Would have taken me days and then there were still a few things that I could not have done at all. $10 and well worth it!

M&N, I was afraid that you had your trip to falter. I am sort of glad cause it seemed like a disaster in the making but I will surely miss seeing you. I had looked forward to many long restful visits. I noted someone on the boards who was in an ECV that seemed like a really nice person. If I get a chance to look it up I will send the info to you. She was a solo.

Cheryl, those dog owners seem like very responsible and nice folks. The money is not going to come easy to them but they are taking responsibility and that says a whole lot. I am sorry it happened though. We have loads of dogs around these parts lately, mostly on leashes, but some are so darned big and rowdy that I fear there is little chance of the owners keeping them under control. Of course I am phobic so it might just be my imagination. Is Jasper doing well?

Ang, I agree with you about the place of athletics but folks round these parts equate being FOR more education to being AGAINST all sports and God even. They don't call it Hoosier Hysteria for nothing. It hurts when the one you love most in the world pulls away. It is a normal thing but it still hurts. He will find other ways to let you know that he loves you though as his personality will not allow anything else.

SG