One possible reason kids are so disconnected from school is that their world is changing far faster than our world... at least as far as "school" is concerned.
Here is a thoughtful blog post about how the technological world of the teenager is far more diverse and integrated than the type of assignments we give in schools.
Blog post here.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
It's not on the test...
I have appreciated the comments on the previous blog post regarding how to motivate and engage students. With that in mind, I thought you might enjoy this tongue-in-cheek song.
Here is a link to a song and lyrics titled, "It's not on the test!"
Link courtesy of Principal Jeff Neumann
Here is a link to a song and lyrics titled, "It's not on the test!"
Link courtesy of Principal Jeff Neumann
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
So...what should we do?
A commenter on the last post regarding the Indy Star series on truancy, made the comment that schools should do more to motivate students.
What should we do? I am asking sincerely with no pretenses here. Describe for us a compelling vision of inspiring and motivating teaching within the context of the curricular restraints that teachers currently face.
Describe for us a system of schooling that will motivate most all students to perform well and stay in school till graduation.
Please be professional and tactful.
I believe that if most instructors knew what they could do tomorrow to motivate all their students to care deeply and perform their best, they would do it immediately.
Society has changed a lot in just a few decades, yet schools look pretty much they way they always have. We all have this intuitive feel that societal changes are causing students to feel less and less connected to school. We struggle to know how to respond.
So...what's your vision of a compelling and inspiring education that would motivate almost all of today's students?
What should we do? I am asking sincerely with no pretenses here. Describe for us a compelling vision of inspiring and motivating teaching within the context of the curricular restraints that teachers currently face.
Describe for us a system of schooling that will motivate most all students to perform well and stay in school till graduation.
Please be professional and tactful.
I believe that if most instructors knew what they could do tomorrow to motivate all their students to care deeply and perform their best, they would do it immediately.
Society has changed a lot in just a few decades, yet schools look pretty much they way they always have. We all have this intuitive feel that societal changes are causing students to feel less and less connected to school. We struggle to know how to respond.
So...what's your vision of a compelling and inspiring education that would motivate almost all of today's students?
Chronic truants become dropouts
It might seem like restating the obvious, but the Star reports today in their ongoing report on truancy, that students who miss a lot of school for unexcused reasons often become dropouts.
Story here.
Story here.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Technology revolution continues
No more keyboards
Voice recognition software is common place
Everything is wireless
Students finally give up books for wireless Internet connected tablets
and more....
Bill gates says here that the tech revolution will not plateau.
Voice recognition software is common place
Everything is wireless
Students finally give up books for wireless Internet connected tablets
and more....
Bill gates says here that the tech revolution will not plateau.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Freedom's costs are rising
So... we fly our flags again at half-staff in honor of another senseless mass murder. This time touching our raw nerves because it took away our young people on a college campus, a place that perhaps represents a place of natural idealism and youthful hope.
The costs of freedom and liberty are not always paid by soldiers fighting for our country.
The costs of liberty are often paid by the innocent bystanders and students caught in the deadly crossfire of another free person gone haywire.
Gun control won't fix it.
More campus police won't fix it.
A locked down, prison style security system won't fix it.
Watch everyone scream out now for their favorite solution.
The only real solutions lie within each individual and their personal responsibility and their responsibility to birth and to properly raise other healthy individuals. And there are still no guarantees in a land of liberty.
Sigh....
The costs of freedom and liberty are not always paid by soldiers fighting for our country.
The costs of liberty are often paid by the innocent bystanders and students caught in the deadly crossfire of another free person gone haywire.
Gun control won't fix it.
More campus police won't fix it.
A locked down, prison style security system won't fix it.
Watch everyone scream out now for their favorite solution.
The only real solutions lie within each individual and their personal responsibility and their responsibility to birth and to properly raise other healthy individuals. And there are still no guarantees in a land of liberty.
Sigh....
Monday, April 16, 2007
General Assembly
The Indiana General Assembly closes in on the legislative session deadline.
Indy Star discusses three bills here.
Indy Star discusses three bills here.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Friday's Funnies
Wawasee teacher, Christi Overman has her own delightful blog called "Chocolate for Teachers: Sweet stuff from funny kids!"
She blogs about the funny and delightful stories her students provide.
Click here for Christi's blog.
She blogs about the funny and delightful stories her students provide.
Click here for Christi's blog.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Indiana Senate OK's shift away from property tax
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill that would shift taxes away from property and over to income.
There are positives and negatives to such a switch - but in recent years the state legislature has pushed more and more funding responsibilities to local governments making the property tax increasingly unpopular.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article here.
There are positives and negatives to such a switch - but in recent years the state legislature has pushed more and more funding responsibilities to local governments making the property tax increasingly unpopular.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article here.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
No Delay Today
Wawasee Community Schools are beginning on time today. Two radio stations have mistakenly broadcast a delay. There is no delay today.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The only world they've known...
Just to give their faculty some concept of the world their college students have always known, Beloit College has for many years provided a list of facts about their students.
Here is the only world the College Class of 2010 has known.
Beloit College's Mindset List for the Class of 2010
The Soviet Union has never existed and therefore is about as scary as the student union.
They have known only two presidents.
They have grown up getting lost in "big boxes." (Walmart)
There has always been only one Germany.
They have never heard anyone actually "ring it up" on a cash register.
They are wireless, yet always connected.
Thanks to pervasive headphones in the back seat, parents have always been able to speak freely in the front.
A coffee has always taken longer to make than a milkshake.
DNA fingerprinting has always been admissible evidence in court.
They grew up pushing their own miniature shopping carts in the supermarket.
They grew up with and have outgrown faxing as a means of communication.
"Google" has always been a verb.
Text messaging is their email.
Mr. Rogers, not Walter Cronkite, has always been the most trusted man in America.
Bar codes have always been on everything, from library cards and snail mail to retail items.
Madden has always been a game, not a Superbowl-winning coach.
There has never been a "skyhook" in the NBA.
Carbon copies are oddities found in their grandparents' attics.
Computerized player pianos have always been tinkling in the lobby.
Non-denominational mega-churches have always been the fastest growing religious organizations in the U.S.
They grew up in mini-vans.
Reality shows have always been on television.
Young women's fashions have never been concerned with where the waist is.
They have rarely mailed anything using a stamp.
Brides have always worn white for a first, second, or third wedding.
Being techno-savvy has always been inversely proportional to age.
"So" as in "Sooooo New York," has always been a drawn-out adjective modifying a proper noun, which in turn modifies something else
Affluent troubled teens in Southern California have always been the subjects of television series.
They have always been able to watch wars and revolutions live on television.
Green tea has always been marketed for health purposes.
Small white holiday lights have always been in style.
Most of them never had the chance to eat bad airline food.
They have always been searching for "Waldo."
The really rich have regularly expressed exuberance with outlandish birthday parties.
Michael Moore has always been showing up uninvited.
They never played the game of state license plates in the car.
They have always preferred going out in groups as opposed to dating.
There have always been live organ donors.
They have always had access to their own credit cards.
They have never put their money in a "Savings & Loan."
Bad behavior has always been getting captured on amateur videos.
Beach volleyball has always been a recognized sport.
Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti have always been luxury cars of choice.
Television stations have never concluded the broadcast day with the national anthem.
LoJack transmitters have always been finding lost cars.
Diane Sawyer has always been live in Prime Time.
Dolphin-free canned tuna has always been on sale.
Disposable contact lenses have always been available.
They have always "dissed" what they don't like.
The U.S. has always been studying global warming to confirm its existence.
They grew up with virtual pets to feed, water, and play games with, lest they die.
Professional athletes have always competed in the Olympics.
Here is the only world the College Class of 2010 has known.
Beloit College's Mindset List for the Class of 2010
The Soviet Union has never existed and therefore is about as scary as the student union.
They have known only two presidents.
They have grown up getting lost in "big boxes." (Walmart)
There has always been only one Germany.
They have never heard anyone actually "ring it up" on a cash register.
They are wireless, yet always connected.
Thanks to pervasive headphones in the back seat, parents have always been able to speak freely in the front.
A coffee has always taken longer to make than a milkshake.
DNA fingerprinting has always been admissible evidence in court.
They grew up pushing their own miniature shopping carts in the supermarket.
They grew up with and have outgrown faxing as a means of communication.
"Google" has always been a verb.
Text messaging is their email.
Mr. Rogers, not Walter Cronkite, has always been the most trusted man in America.
Bar codes have always been on everything, from library cards and snail mail to retail items.
Madden has always been a game, not a Superbowl-winning coach.
There has never been a "skyhook" in the NBA.
Carbon copies are oddities found in their grandparents' attics.
Computerized player pianos have always been tinkling in the lobby.
Non-denominational mega-churches have always been the fastest growing religious organizations in the U.S.
They grew up in mini-vans.
Reality shows have always been on television.
Young women's fashions have never been concerned with where the waist is.
They have rarely mailed anything using a stamp.
Brides have always worn white for a first, second, or third wedding.
Being techno-savvy has always been inversely proportional to age.
"So" as in "Sooooo New York," has always been a drawn-out adjective modifying a proper noun, which in turn modifies something else
Affluent troubled teens in Southern California have always been the subjects of television series.
They have always been able to watch wars and revolutions live on television.
Green tea has always been marketed for health purposes.
Small white holiday lights have always been in style.
Most of them never had the chance to eat bad airline food.
They have always been searching for "Waldo."
The really rich have regularly expressed exuberance with outlandish birthday parties.
Michael Moore has always been showing up uninvited.
They never played the game of state license plates in the car.
They have always preferred going out in groups as opposed to dating.
There have always been live organ donors.
They have always had access to their own credit cards.
They have never put their money in a "Savings & Loan."
Bad behavior has always been getting captured on amateur videos.
Beach volleyball has always been a recognized sport.
Acura, Lexus, and Infiniti have always been luxury cars of choice.
Television stations have never concluded the broadcast day with the national anthem.
LoJack transmitters have always been finding lost cars.
Diane Sawyer has always been live in Prime Time.
Dolphin-free canned tuna has always been on sale.
Disposable contact lenses have always been available.
They have always "dissed" what they don't like.
The U.S. has always been studying global warming to confirm its existence.
They grew up with virtual pets to feed, water, and play games with, lest they die.
Professional athletes have always competed in the Olympics.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Friday's Funny
A little girl was eating lunch in the crowded lunchroom at Syracuse Elementary School. French Fries were on the menu for the day. The fries were shaped like little smiley faces. Very cute. Everyone was munching away except for one little girl. The principal sat down next to her and asked, "What's the matter honey, don't you like french fries?" The little girl looked up and said, "Yes, I like french fries, I just don't like smiley faces!"
I will take a blogging break and start back up in a week or so!
Have a safe and happy spring break.
I will take a blogging break and start back up in a week or so!
Have a safe and happy spring break.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ethanol Plant backs out of Milford
The Times Union yesterday reported that the VeraSun Ethanol plant has backed out of Milford.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Is anyone surprised by this?
Here's an online article saying that good quality daycare results in higher vocabulary skills for students than lower quality daycare.
It also goes on to say that students who were in daycare were reported to have a higher percentage of reported behavior problems than those who were not in daycare.
I guess its good to know that parents are not obsolete!
It also goes on to say that students who were in daycare were reported to have a higher percentage of reported behavior problems than those who were not in daycare.
I guess its good to know that parents are not obsolete!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Kill Bills, Shill for Bills, or maybe you've had your Fill of Bills
Some people hate legislative gridlock when political parties are split in the state and federal legislatures. Their complaint is that nothing gets done. Others breathe a huge sigh of relief and say, "Whew - at least if there is gridlock they will kill each other's bills. At least then they can't screw it up any worse than it is!"
No matter what your position is on political gridlock, this is your monthly reminder to keep track of what your Indiana General Assembly is up to. Here is the complete list of bills still alive in the Indiana General Assembly. The bills listed in gray have already been dropped. (Gridlock at its finest.)
The bolder type lists bills that are still alive.
Remember to put your zip code in the little red, white and blue box on the Wawascene sidebar and click "GO." You will be prompted for your address and then your personal legislator's email address will pop up. You will be able to give your representative your personal opinion on one of those bills. (Tip #1: Once you fill out the address form, you shouldn't have to fill it out again the next time you want to send them an email. Tip #2: After you send them a message, you will be given an option of providing 6 friend's email addresses so you can let them know what you sent to your legislator.)
Doc Stock's rule for the day is, "If you haven't sent your legislator an email about something this session, then you are hereby forbidden to complain about a political issue until you do!" So there! :-)
I have made it as easy as click click click.
Doc Stock's short list of education related bills of interest:
SB 0567: Full Day Kindergarten
HB 1304: Requires state to tell teachers what standards are to be tested (imagine that!)
SB 0262: Public School Choice
HB 1581: Allows schools to use 3 full days for professional training instead of only 6 half days
No matter what your position is on political gridlock, this is your monthly reminder to keep track of what your Indiana General Assembly is up to. Here is the complete list of bills still alive in the Indiana General Assembly. The bills listed in gray have already been dropped. (Gridlock at its finest.)
The bolder type lists bills that are still alive.
Remember to put your zip code in the little red, white and blue box on the Wawascene sidebar and click "GO." You will be prompted for your address and then your personal legislator's email address will pop up. You will be able to give your representative your personal opinion on one of those bills. (Tip #1: Once you fill out the address form, you shouldn't have to fill it out again the next time you want to send them an email. Tip #2: After you send them a message, you will be given an option of providing 6 friend's email addresses so you can let them know what you sent to your legislator.)
Doc Stock's rule for the day is, "If you haven't sent your legislator an email about something this session, then you are hereby forbidden to complain about a political issue until you do!" So there! :-)
I have made it as easy as click click click.
Doc Stock's short list of education related bills of interest:
SB 0567: Full Day Kindergarten
HB 1304: Requires state to tell teachers what standards are to be tested (imagine that!)
SB 0262: Public School Choice
HB 1581: Allows schools to use 3 full days for professional training instead of only 6 half days
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
NCLB losing steam?
Are conservative Republicans starting to abandon the president in his support for NCLB? Some seem to think so.
Remember when conservatives used to be the party advocating for a limited federal government? I know - it's been awhile - but in the not so distant past - that is what conservatives supposedly stood for. But when Teddy Kennedy and George Bush found themselves mysteriously aligned behind NCLB, you knew we were about to see the biggest federal intrusion into education seen to date.
Are conservatives heading back to their roots - at least on educational issues?
Article here.
Remember when conservatives used to be the party advocating for a limited federal government? I know - it's been awhile - but in the not so distant past - that is what conservatives supposedly stood for. But when Teddy Kennedy and George Bush found themselves mysteriously aligned behind NCLB, you knew we were about to see the biggest federal intrusion into education seen to date.
Are conservatives heading back to their roots - at least on educational issues?
Article here.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Congratulations to the Wawasee HS Drumline.
The Drumline competed in the Indiana Percussion Association State Prelims at Avon HS this past Saturday. The group performed their best show of the season and qualified for State Competition this coming weekend at Ben Davis H.S. In Indianapolis. Great Job Drumline!
And yes...their hair is supposed to be standing up! The show was called "Static Electricity."
Friday, March 16, 2007
Wawasee Winter Sports Major Award Winners from March 15, 2007
Front Row L to R
Danyl Wallace - Blanket Award
Taylor Goshert - GBB Performance Player of the Year
Jenna Haab - MVP Cheerleading
Laura Capps - MVP Gymnastics
Back Row L to R
Cory Smith - MVP Swimming & Diving
Haven Hoffman - Blanket Award
Krista Spearman - MVP Swimming and Diving
Back Row L to R
Cory Smith - MVP Swimming & Diving
Haven Hoffman - Blanket Award
Krista Spearman - MVP Swimming and Diving
Justin Wegener - Wrestling Mental Attitude Award Winner, Blanket Award
Andrew Mock - MVP Basketball
Joe Leach - MVP Basketball
Thursday, March 15, 2007
NCLB target out of reach?
The Washington Post discusses the federal debates over NCLB targets.
"There is a zero percent chance that we will ever reach a 100 percent target," said Robert L. Linn, co-director of the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing at UCLA. "But because the title of the law is so rhetorically brilliant, politicians are afraid to change this completely unrealistic standard. They don't want to be accused of leaving some children behind."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wawascene makes eSchool News
The Wawascene was part of a featured story in eSchool News.
We were tipped off by N.W. teacher Cheryl Miller who is a subscriber.
We were tipped off by N.W. teacher Cheryl Miller who is a subscriber.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Editorials for Today
Here is the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette's editorial on charter schools and charter school funding.
Meanwhile the Star's voice on public education, RiShawn Biddle, teed off on ISTA and all the other educational lobbying groups again. (Note: this is a re post from 2006)
More interesting than RiShawn's daily rant are a few of the comments that explain the figures tossed around in his blog.
Meanwhile the Star's voice on public education, RiShawn Biddle, teed off on ISTA and all the other educational lobbying groups again. (Note: this is a re post from 2006)
More interesting than RiShawn's daily rant are a few of the comments that explain the figures tossed around in his blog.
Monday, March 12, 2007
School Funding Dilemma
The Indy Star yesterday posted this editorial regarding the Democrats' plan for education funding.
The solutions are not simple. Even with increases in the last few years, growing suburban schools are hurting because their student populations are growing faster than their revenue is growing. On the other hand, declining enrollment schools struggle with declining revenue under the school funding plan the Republicans put through in recent years.
Hence, you see in the Star article that rural districts could receive $500 extra per student in the proposed plan. This is because economies of scale work against small districts.
Here are the comments from readers at the Star.
As you can see, there are also a variety of opinions on charter schools.
The solutions are not simple. Even with increases in the last few years, growing suburban schools are hurting because their student populations are growing faster than their revenue is growing. On the other hand, declining enrollment schools struggle with declining revenue under the school funding plan the Republicans put through in recent years.
Hence, you see in the Star article that rural districts could receive $500 extra per student in the proposed plan. This is because economies of scale work against small districts.
Here are the comments from readers at the Star.
As you can see, there are also a variety of opinions on charter schools.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Friday's Funny
The new elementary school student came sprinting around the hallway corner making loud noises and ran straight into the principal. The principal scolded him and made him walk the rest of the way down the hall. A few minutes later the boy was running again. The principal scolded him again. He made a loud noise and sprinted off.
This time the principal cornered the boy and says sternly, "Young man, do you know who I am?"
The young boy says sympathetically, "No, but I am sure if you ask the secretary she can tell you."
True story provided by Syracuse Principal Jim Garner. I am unclear as to whether Jim was the student or the principal in the story!
This time the principal cornered the boy and says sternly, "Young man, do you know who I am?"
The young boy says sympathetically, "No, but I am sure if you ask the secretary she can tell you."
True story provided by Syracuse Principal Jim Garner. I am unclear as to whether Jim was the student or the principal in the story!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Friday's Funnies on Thursday
Here are the funniest stories from last week's conference presenters.
The speaker starts out by remarking how uncertain the current educational climate is in our country. Then he says, "There is a lot of uncertainty right now in our nation about a number of things. But...there is one thing of which I am absolutely 100% certain. I am 100% certain that I am NOT the father of Anna Nicole's baby."
Best student story:
One principal had a teacher march two little first grade boys down to the office. She was not happy. She marches them into the office and says, "I caught these two little boys making a mess in the restroom. They were having a contest to see who could urinate the highest on the wall!"
The principal squints his eyes and rubs his chin. "What did you do about it?" he asks the teacher.
She exclaims, "I hit the ceiling!"
He says, "You win!"
The speaker starts out by remarking how uncertain the current educational climate is in our country. Then he says, "There is a lot of uncertainty right now in our nation about a number of things. But...there is one thing of which I am absolutely 100% certain. I am 100% certain that I am NOT the father of Anna Nicole's baby."
Best student story:
One principal had a teacher march two little first grade boys down to the office. She was not happy. She marches them into the office and says, "I caught these two little boys making a mess in the restroom. They were having a contest to see who could urinate the highest on the wall!"
The principal squints his eyes and rubs his chin. "What did you do about it?" he asks the teacher.
She exclaims, "I hit the ceiling!"
He says, "You win!"
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
The President's Speech
Here is the press release of President Bush's speech on NCLB at an elementary school in Indiana.
Comments?
Comments?
Monday, March 05, 2007
Why right-brainers will rule the future!
There are right-brainers, left-brainers and even no-brainers. Depending on the issue I suppose I get accused of being all three!
At this week's AASA conference, the most compelling argument I have heard yet for why NCLB is either wrong or insufficient (take your pick) was delivered this weekend by Daniel H. Pink.
I blogged about it here.
Pink explains why the overemphasis on testing, standards and bubble mania may be our undoing. He explains in his book "A Whole New Mind" why reading, writing and math are not sufficient. He explains that the industrial revolution was spawned by the logical and analytical mind (the left hemisphere) but the modern era will belong to the empathetic, creative synthesizer. This person will not only be able to read, write and do math well but will be comfortable operating in the right hemisphere of the brain as well.
He explains how three things have caused this:
1. Abundance: We have most of what we need (created by the left-brain), and we are now in search of beauty and meaning (sought by the right-brain). Note: Have you noticed how the car commercials are not selling function any more? Now they are moving works of art! Have you noticed that many commercials do not even mention the product? They aren't appealing to your left-brain, they are now appealing to your right hemisphere. Why? Many homes in our country are no longer just trying to survive (that's left brain). Now, they are in search of meaning (that's right-brain).
2. Asia: As Thomas Friedman and others point out, even white collar functions like accounting, computer programming and engineering (left-brain skills) are now being out sourced to China and India. America must have creative designers and developers who can take existing products and develop new uses, new styles, new designs and new applications.
3. Automation: In the industrial age we automated the work place to save our backs. Now we automate our work place to free our minds. Now we are interested in meaning, design, integration, empathy, sympathy and beauty.
I'll close with this example. See the picture above? Pink says that your grandparents would have thought you to be insane if you had spent $168.00 on a designer toilet brush. Today, many simple products have reached their engineering limits. Now the questions are different. Can we use them in a new way? Can we make them more aesthetic? Can we integrate them with a new product? Can we differentiate them from a million other toilet brushes?
At this week's AASA conference, the most compelling argument I have heard yet for why NCLB is either wrong or insufficient (take your pick) was delivered this weekend by Daniel H. Pink.
I blogged about it here.
Pink explains why the overemphasis on testing, standards and bubble mania may be our undoing. He explains in his book "A Whole New Mind" why reading, writing and math are not sufficient. He explains that the industrial revolution was spawned by the logical and analytical mind (the left hemisphere) but the modern era will belong to the empathetic, creative synthesizer. This person will not only be able to read, write and do math well but will be comfortable operating in the right hemisphere of the brain as well.
He explains how three things have caused this:
1. Abundance: We have most of what we need (created by the left-brain), and we are now in search of beauty and meaning (sought by the right-brain). Note: Have you noticed how the car commercials are not selling function any more? Now they are moving works of art! Have you noticed that many commercials do not even mention the product? They aren't appealing to your left-brain, they are now appealing to your right hemisphere. Why? Many homes in our country are no longer just trying to survive (that's left brain). Now, they are in search of meaning (that's right-brain).
2. Asia: As Thomas Friedman and others point out, even white collar functions like accounting, computer programming and engineering (left-brain skills) are now being out sourced to China and India. America must have creative designers and developers who can take existing products and develop new uses, new styles, new designs and new applications.
3. Automation: In the industrial age we automated the work place to save our backs. Now we automate our work place to free our minds. Now we are interested in meaning, design, integration, empathy, sympathy and beauty.
I'll close with this example. See the picture above? Pink says that your grandparents would have thought you to be insane if you had spent $168.00 on a designer toilet brush. Today, many simple products have reached their engineering limits. Now the questions are different. Can we use them in a new way? Can we make them more aesthetic? Can we integrate them with a new product? Can we differentiate them from a million other toilet brushes?
Let's assume for a moment that Pink is correct.
What do you think this means for schools?
Academic Super Bowl
On Thursday evening Wawasee Academic Super Bowl team members won 3rd place out of 16 teams at the Warsaw Invitational.
The science team placed first in their competition. Members of the science team are: Kristen Bardsley, Luke Blakeslee, Jeff DeLeon, Tyler Guyas, Elizabeth Olson, James, Rigby, and Jessica Ruiz. Congratulations to the team members and coaches!
Our next competition will be the NLC meet hosted by Wawasee on March 12. Come out and support our teams!
The science team placed first in their competition. Members of the science team are: Kristen Bardsley, Luke Blakeslee, Jeff DeLeon, Tyler Guyas, Elizabeth Olson, James, Rigby, and Jessica Ruiz. Congratulations to the team members and coaches!
Our next competition will be the NLC meet hosted by Wawasee on March 12. Come out and support our teams!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Amazing Technology
The score is 38 to 38 at the end of the third quarter. I am listening to the girls' state championship game being streamed live by wawaseetv.com while I blog this from a New Orleans hotel room. Bill and Caz are about to have a heart attack!!!!
One funny thing about technology is that Clayton Wilcox the superintendent of Pinella County Schools in Florida has become a Wawasee girls basketball fan. How?
Clayton is the superintendent that teamed up with me for our AASA presentation on blogging. After reading The Wawascene from Florida he started following our girl's basketball team through the tournament.
In fact, he intends to download the file from wawaseetv.com and listen to the game on his iPod on the plane trip home! He has dinner plans right now so he probably isn't listening yet. He is a former basketball coach so it's in his blood.
Score is 43-40 right now. Go Warriors!
Now it's 45-40. Lantz nails a three and we are back within two.
Bill goes beserk!
One minute left and it's 49-43.
Ouch. They are pulling away from us.
Game over - but what a season!!!
Thank you Warriors!
One funny thing about technology is that Clayton Wilcox the superintendent of Pinella County Schools in Florida has become a Wawasee girls basketball fan. How?
Clayton is the superintendent that teamed up with me for our AASA presentation on blogging. After reading The Wawascene from Florida he started following our girl's basketball team through the tournament.
In fact, he intends to download the file from wawaseetv.com and listen to the game on his iPod on the plane trip home! He has dinner plans right now so he probably isn't listening yet. He is a former basketball coach so it's in his blood.
Score is 43-40 right now. Go Warriors!
Now it's 45-40. Lantz nails a three and we are back within two.
Bill goes beserk!
One minute left and it's 49-43.
Ouch. They are pulling away from us.
Game over - but what a season!!!
Thank you Warriors!
Friday, March 02, 2007
Tired of the Snow?
If the snow is getting to you and you wonder what your superintendent is up to since he wasn't there to make the call today, you can go to "Taking Stock of the AASA Conference" and see what is happening.
You can also follow all the events at "The Conference Daily" where professional journalists and photographers report on the events.
I wish I could tell you I missed the snow today - but that wouldn't be telling the truth!!
:-)
You can also follow all the events at "The Conference Daily" where professional journalists and photographers report on the events.
I wish I could tell you I missed the snow today - but that wouldn't be telling the truth!!
:-)
In the picture above, you will see Dr. Eugene White (IPS Superintendent and national president of AASA) standing to the far right with a group handing an award to the Superintendent of the Year, Krista Parent. This award is a $10,000 scholarship that goes to a high school student in the high school she graduated from.
Plans for Monday, March 5th at WHS and Milford Middle School
Monday, March 5th at Wawasee High School and Milford Middle School will be the last day of the 2nd trimester with a regular full day schedule so teachers can administer any exams that were planned for today. Milford Middle School will be a "B" day.
Tuesday at WHS and Milford Middle School will be the first day of the 3rd trimester. If you have questions, please call WHS or MMS.
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services
Tuesday at WHS and Milford Middle School will be the first day of the 3rd trimester. If you have questions, please call WHS or MMS.
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services
Boy's Basketball Sectional Game
The Boy's Basketball Sectional Game vs. Angola will be played tonight at Northwood High School at approximately 7:30pm.
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services
Wawasee Schools are closed today, Friday, March 2, 2007
Due to the late occurring storm, we delayed school. At this point, conditions have not improved, roads are slick, high winds are causing poor visibility due to the blowing snow, and we are expected to get 2-4 more inches.
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services at 7:58am
Posted by Wendy Hite, Director of Special Services at 7:58am
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The Dangerously Irrelevant blog links to the following article from the Wichita Eagle. The article is entitled "Are We Losing Our Boys?" and raises lots of issues about a lack of involvement and engagement in school by teen aged boys. There are thoughts about what is happening and theories about why it is happening. The authors deal with issues ranging from pop culture to video games to a lack of "Velcro classes" in high schools. What's a "Velcro class"? Check out the article.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
AASA's annual conference
The American Association of School Administrators hosts their National Conference on Education this year in the city of New Orleans!
This year Clayton Wilcox and I were asked to address the nation's school administrators and school board members about the topic of "blogging." (List of Distinguished Lecturers is here.)
Then AASA called and asked if I would be willing to "blog" the conference each day so that people around the nation who were unable to attend would get some idea of the topics being covered and what is happening down here.
Hence, a new blog is born, "Taking Stock of the AASA Conference."
I will not be posting as often on The Wawascene this week, but you may be interested in following along by checking in over on the other site!
P.S. It's not snowing here!
This year Clayton Wilcox and I were asked to address the nation's school administrators and school board members about the topic of "blogging." (List of Distinguished Lecturers is here.)
Then AASA called and asked if I would be willing to "blog" the conference each day so that people around the nation who were unable to attend would get some idea of the topics being covered and what is happening down here.
Hence, a new blog is born, "Taking Stock of the AASA Conference."
I will not be posting as often on The Wawascene this week, but you may be interested in following along by checking in over on the other site!
P.S. It's not snowing here!
Early Release Days and Weather
Friday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 6 are scheduled as early release days for students. If we were to experience any weather issues on either of those days which would cause us to call a 2 Hour Delay, we will cancel the early release, go to school all day (after the delay, of course) and dismiss at the regular time.
At this point, we do not anticipate any problems with weather, and hopefully we will have none.
At this point, we do not anticipate any problems with weather, and hopefully we will have none.
Monday, February 26, 2007
So what would you tell the Congressman?
Congressman Mark Souder's staffers called yesterday seeking three school district representatives to attend a meeting discussing the No Child Left Behind re authorization.
Here are a few talking points that we intend to share:
1. NCLB was a noble idea. (But...do all noble ideas make good laws?)
2. Schools should be accountable for the growth of their students but that accountability should take into consideration where the students are performing before the teachers receive them. In others words, move the accountability system to a growth model but still report the percentages of students meeting overall proficiency.
3. Someone at the federal decision-making level needs to spend some time IN the classrooms of today and see if this level of "accountability" is worth it. This is a hugely important national discussion. It is easy to chart changes in the test scores and call it "improvement." It's not so easy to chart what is NOT being taught now. A recent commenter mentioned the difference between teaching rote history dates versus teaching/discussing/debating sociological changes.) Well, guess which one will be taught if it's "on the test?"
4. How fair is it to hold an entire school's reputation (under current NCLB rules) based on the performance of a sub population of 12 students? This is what is happening now.
5. Special Education students have been doing well considering the circumstances. But some changes in the testing expectations for some types of students in this population HAVE to be considered.
So....what would YOU respectfully tell the Congressman if you had the chance?
Here are a few talking points that we intend to share:
1. NCLB was a noble idea. (But...do all noble ideas make good laws?)
2. Schools should be accountable for the growth of their students but that accountability should take into consideration where the students are performing before the teachers receive them. In others words, move the accountability system to a growth model but still report the percentages of students meeting overall proficiency.
3. Someone at the federal decision-making level needs to spend some time IN the classrooms of today and see if this level of "accountability" is worth it. This is a hugely important national discussion. It is easy to chart changes in the test scores and call it "improvement." It's not so easy to chart what is NOT being taught now. A recent commenter mentioned the difference between teaching rote history dates versus teaching/discussing/debating sociological changes.) Well, guess which one will be taught if it's "on the test?"
4. How fair is it to hold an entire school's reputation (under current NCLB rules) based on the performance of a sub population of 12 students? This is what is happening now.
5. Special Education students have been doing well considering the circumstances. But some changes in the testing expectations for some types of students in this population HAVE to be considered.
So....what would YOU respectfully tell the Congressman if you had the chance?
State BB Ticket Info
The Wawasee Girls’ Basketball team will play for the IHSAA Class 3A State Championship. The Warriors are matched with Indianapolis Brebeuf Jesuit High School and are scheduled for a 6:00 pm tip-off. Reserved seating tickets will be available for $10 each. The ticket is good for the Class 3A and Class 4A State Championship which will be played immediately following the Wawasee-Brebeuf game.
Saturday, March 3
Wawasee -vs- Brebeuf Game time 6:00 PM Conseco Fieldhouse
Tickets will be $10.00. No ticket will be required if a child is 24 months of age or less. Presale tickets will be made available in the Wawasee Athletic Office in the following order: (All seats are reserved)
Monday, February 26
7:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.: Parents of Players and Cheerleaders
Tuesday, February 27
7:00 a.m.: Corporation Faculty and Students
9:00 a.m.: Green and Gold Ticket Holders and Season Ticket Holders, until 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 28
Open sales Begin at 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Media announcement:
Wawasee Basketball coaches and players will be available for a media night Tuesday, February 27th at 5:00 p.m. Please announce – Community pep rally Thursday, 7:00 PM.
Saturday, March 3
Wawasee -vs- Brebeuf Game time 6:00 PM Conseco Fieldhouse
Tickets will be $10.00. No ticket will be required if a child is 24 months of age or less. Presale tickets will be made available in the Wawasee Athletic Office in the following order: (All seats are reserved)
Monday, February 26
7:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.: Parents of Players and Cheerleaders
Tuesday, February 27
7:00 a.m.: Corporation Faculty and Students
9:00 a.m.: Green and Gold Ticket Holders and Season Ticket Holders, until 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 28
Open sales Begin at 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Media announcement:
Wawasee Basketball coaches and players will be available for a media night Tuesday, February 27th at 5:00 p.m. Please announce – Community pep rally Thursday, 7:00 PM.
Swim Results at State!
At the IHSAA State Swim Meet, Wawasee placed:
16th in the 200 medley relay. Swimmers were Tyler Wear—backstroke, Cory Smith—breaststroke, Jake Garner—fly,
Chris Szynal —free.
18th in the 400 free relay. Swimmers were Haven Hoffman, Szynal, Smith, and Garner
20th in the Fly—Szynal
32nd in the 200 Free—Smith
26th in the 100 Free—Smith
Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Frank, and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Stookey for making the trip to support the Warrriors.
16th in the 200 medley relay. Swimmers were Tyler Wear—backstroke, Cory Smith—breaststroke, Jake Garner—fly,
Chris Szynal —free.
18th in the 400 free relay. Swimmers were Haven Hoffman, Szynal, Smith, and Garner
20th in the Fly—Szynal
32nd in the 200 Free—Smith
26th in the 100 Free—Smith
Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Frank, and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Stookey for making the trip to support the Warrriors.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Girl's BB are going to state!
The Wawasee girls basketball team is heading to the state finals after knocking off the number one ranked team in 3A - the St. Joe Indians.
The video will be available on wawaseetv.com by 4:00 PM on Sunday. Thanks Bill!
Link here.
The video will be available on wawaseetv.com by 4:00 PM on Sunday. Thanks Bill!
Link here.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Sleepless in high school
Wait... wasn't that a movie or somethin'?
Here is an article about adolescent sleep patterns...or lack thereof.
No solutions proposed.
I guess you could push the high school student day to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM but then there are all those extra-curriculars etc. If you went later in the day the students would be awake but then the adults would be nodding off! :-)
Here is an article about adolescent sleep patterns...or lack thereof.
No solutions proposed.
I guess you could push the high school student day to 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM but then there are all those extra-curriculars etc. If you went later in the day the students would be awake but then the adults would be nodding off! :-)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Did you know...?
Does it feel to you like life itself is speeding up?
This slide show, entitled "Gone Fischin" is a slide show set to music that simply lays out changes happening in the world today.
This comes from a blog site by Dr. Scott McLeod who teaches at the University of Minnesota. Dr. McLeod teaches in the educational leadership program, preparing future educational leaders to be users of technology. His site is called "Dangerously Irrelevant."
The "Gone Fischin" slide show takes 6 minutes to view and he gives you a variety of download options.
Are your children ready for this world?
This slide show, entitled "Gone Fischin" is a slide show set to music that simply lays out changes happening in the world today.
This comes from a blog site by Dr. Scott McLeod who teaches at the University of Minnesota. Dr. McLeod teaches in the educational leadership program, preparing future educational leaders to be users of technology. His site is called "Dangerously Irrelevant."
The "Gone Fischin" slide show takes 6 minutes to view and he gives you a variety of download options.
Are your children ready for this world?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Public Education in a Flat World
Here is an interesting post from a fellow superintendent blogger entitled, "Public Education in a Flat World."
I have not personally read Thomas Friedman's book referred to in the posting.
I have not personally read Thomas Friedman's book referred to in the posting.
Closed
Wawasee has closed for Wednesday.
Fog lifted - roads are worse.
Unfortunately it will be beautiful by noon!
Fog lifted - roads are worse.
Unfortunately it will be beautiful by noon!
2 Hour Delay Wednesday
Wawasee Schools will be on a two hour delay on Wednesday with alternate kindergarten schedule.
Dense fog with very poor visibility.
Dense fog with very poor visibility.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
What do you think of this proposed law?
Here is a bill that would take take away the Indiana driver's license of any minor that was caught smoking.
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Driver's license suspension for minors who smoke. Permits a court to order a: (1) one year suspension of a driver's license of; or (2) a six month delay in the issuance of a driver's license to; a minor who violates tobacco laws.
Authored by Senator(s) Boots
Hmmm. Is this a good idea or not?
If you have an opinion - just put your zip code in the blue box labeled "Write your legislators." Enter your address and your legislator's email address will come up. You can let your representatives know what you think.
Here is a list of all proposed legislation. Scroll through them and see what your legislators are up to!
DIGEST OF INTRODUCED BILL
Driver's license suspension for minors who smoke. Permits a court to order a: (1) one year suspension of a driver's license of; or (2) a six month delay in the issuance of a driver's license to; a minor who violates tobacco laws.
Authored by Senator(s) Boots
Hmmm. Is this a good idea or not?
If you have an opinion - just put your zip code in the blue box labeled "Write your legislators." Enter your address and your legislator's email address will come up. You can let your representatives know what you think.
Here is a list of all proposed legislation. Scroll through them and see what your legislators are up to!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Autism breakthrough?
Most schools have seen an increase in students with autism over the last several years, prompting a surge in research.
Here is an article discussing some potentially revealing genetic research.
If that one was a little boring because it had words like "genome" in it, then try this one.
Here is a heartwarming story about a little boy with autism who is making great gains.
Wawasee has 25 students with autism.
Here is an article discussing some potentially revealing genetic research.
If that one was a little boring because it had words like "genome" in it, then try this one.
Here is a heartwarming story about a little boy with autism who is making great gains.
Wawasee has 25 students with autism.
GBB Ticket Info
The Wawasee Basketball team will play in the IHSAA North Semi-State against SB St. Joseph’s at North Side Gym in Elkhart in the second afternoon game.
Saturday, February 24 Two Semi-State Championship Games:
Game 1 Class 2A Jimtown -vs- Oak Hill Game time 1:00 PM
Game 2 Class 3A SB St. Joseph’s -vs- Wawasee Approx 3:00 PM
The winner of each Semi-State game advances to the IHSAA State Championship game at Conseco Fieldhouse the following Saturday.
Tickets will be $7.00. There is no charge for a pre-school child who is with their parent/s and will not occupy a reserved seat. Presale tickets will be made available in the Wawasee Athletic Office in the following order: (All seats are reserved)
Tuesday, February 20
7:00 a.m.: Students at Wawasee High School, Parents of Players and Cheerleaders, and Corporation Faculty
12:00 Noon: Green and Gold Ticket Holders and Season Ticket Holders, until 4:00 PM.
Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22
7:30 a.m.: Open sales until 4:00 PM. All unsold tickets returned Friday.
Saturday, February 24 Two Semi-State Championship Games:
Game 1 Class 2A Jimtown -vs- Oak Hill Game time 1:00 PM
Game 2 Class 3A SB St. Joseph’s -vs- Wawasee Approx 3:00 PM
The winner of each Semi-State game advances to the IHSAA State Championship game at Conseco Fieldhouse the following Saturday.
Tickets will be $7.00. There is no charge for a pre-school child who is with their parent/s and will not occupy a reserved seat. Presale tickets will be made available in the Wawasee Athletic Office in the following order: (All seats are reserved)
Tuesday, February 20
7:00 a.m.: Students at Wawasee High School, Parents of Players and Cheerleaders, and Corporation Faculty
12:00 Noon: Green and Gold Ticket Holders and Season Ticket Holders, until 4:00 PM.
Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22
7:30 a.m.: Open sales until 4:00 PM. All unsold tickets returned Friday.
Updated Swimming Report from Sectionals
Congratulations to the boy's swim team and coaches on a sectional win. This is coach Karn's 9th boy’s sectional win. Team scores:
Wawasee 324.5
Culver 293
Warsaw 253.5
Plymouth 107
Columbia Cty 79
Manchester 73
Rochester 61
Knox 61
Tippy Vly 43
Northfield 26
Fairfield 20
Individual Results:
The following swimmers will be going to the state meet at the Natatorium in Indy this Fri. and Sat. (2/23,24/07)
220 Free Relay—Tyler Wear, Cory Smith, Jake Garner, Chris Szynal
200 Free—Cory Smith
100 Fly—Chris Szynal
100 Free—Cory Smith
400 Free Relay—Chris Szynal, Haven Hoffman, Jake Garner, Cory Smith
Wawasee 324.5
Culver 293
Warsaw 253.5
Plymouth 107
Columbia Cty 79
Manchester 73
Rochester 61
Knox 61
Tippy Vly 43
Northfield 26
Fairfield 20
Individual Results:
The following swimmers will be going to the state meet at the Natatorium in Indy this Fri. and Sat. (2/23,24/07)
220 Free Relay—Tyler Wear, Cory Smith, Jake Garner, Chris Szynal
200 Free—Cory Smith
100 Fly—Chris Szynal
100 Free—Cory Smith
400 Free Relay—Chris Szynal, Haven Hoffman, Jake Garner, Cory Smith
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Warrior Swimmers win sectional!
Two relays and two individuals also moved on.
Cory Smith won the 100 and 200 free and Chris Szynal won the 100 fly. They were also on the winning relay teams.
Cory Smith won the 100 and 200 free and Chris Szynal won the 100 fly. They were also on the winning relay teams.
Warrior Girls BB Win Big
Wawasee Girls are BB Regional Champs!
After posting a 47-26 win over Concordia, Wawasee will move to semi state action next week!
Don't forget to go to http://www.wawaseetv.com/ to watch the games. Bill will appreciate the traffic!
After posting a 47-26 win over Concordia, Wawasee will move to semi state action next week!
Don't forget to go to http://www.wawaseetv.com/ to watch the games. Bill will appreciate the traffic!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Warriors Win
The boys BB team beat Westview last night.
The girls BB team won in the regionals this morning in Peru against Elwood and will play Concordia this evening at 8:00 PM at Peru.
The boys BB team will play this afternoon at home.
Go Warriors!
The girls BB team won in the regionals this morning in Peru against Elwood and will play Concordia this evening at 8:00 PM at Peru.
The boys BB team will play this afternoon at home.
Go Warriors!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Making up missed days
Most of you know that the state law requires making up all days missed due to inclement weather. Here is the plan for making up days and adjusting for lopsided trimester schedules.
1. Monday, Feb 19th is now a school day as a snow makeup day
2. Monday, Feb 26th WAS a teacher work day with no students but will now become a regular school day as a snow makeup day
3. Friday, March 2nd will now be the end of the second trimester BUT it will be an early dismissal day (approximately 12:30 PM depending on the school) for students in order to allow at least SOME work time for staff for grading exams and getting ready for the new trimester on the next Monday. This also gives the weekend for teachers to prepare for the new classes on Monday.
4. Friday, March 23rd is now a school day as a snow makeup day
5. Monday, May 14th is now a school day as a snow makeup day
This will still leave Friday, June 1st as a snow makeup day if there are any other cancellations yet to come. Commencement will remain on Friday night even if school gets pushed into the next week. This is because many parents and grandparents already have their travel plans arranged.
This schedule does the following things:
It allows more second trimester teaching days for those teachers whose course content cannot be easily adjusted .
1. Monday, Feb 19th is now a school day as a snow makeup day
2. Monday, Feb 26th WAS a teacher work day with no students but will now become a regular school day as a snow makeup day
3. Friday, March 2nd will now be the end of the second trimester BUT it will be an early dismissal day (approximately 12:30 PM depending on the school) for students in order to allow at least SOME work time for staff for grading exams and getting ready for the new trimester on the next Monday. This also gives the weekend for teachers to prepare for the new classes on Monday.
4. Friday, March 23rd is now a school day as a snow makeup day
5. Monday, May 14th is now a school day as a snow makeup day
This will still leave Friday, June 1st as a snow makeup day if there are any other cancellations yet to come. Commencement will remain on Friday night even if school gets pushed into the next week. This is because many parents and grandparents already have their travel plans arranged.
This schedule does the following things:
It allows more second trimester teaching days for those teachers whose course content cannot be easily adjusted .
It provides at least a little work time for teachers to grade exams and enter grades into the computers.
It maximizes the use of available days for student instruction.
It decreases the chance we would need to require seniors to return after commencement .
Blog Tips
There have been over 416,731 "page loads" and 181,452 "unique visitors" to The Wawascene in the last 30 days as of 8:23 AM this morning. Over 50,000 of those are listed as "First Time Visitors." There are so many new readers lately that I think a few blog tips might be in order.
1. What are "page loads?" When you click on "The Wawascene" and then click on the "Comments" that would be two page loads. The stat counter program records every page load.
2. What are "unique visitors?" Each computer has a unique numerical address. There is a little piece of software code on your computer called "cookies" that allows web sites and blog sites to recognize that unique numerical address. Whenever you log onto The Wawascene the stat counter program checks to see if you have been on in the last hour or so. If you clicked on the blog site 45 times in that hour the stat counter would only count you as one "unique visitor." However, if you have your "cookies" turned off, the stat counter program will think you are a new visitor each time. How would you know if your "cookies" are on? If you go to a web site you have registered at before and it recognizes who you are, then your "cookies" are turned on. If you register over and over again every time you go, then your "cookies" are turned off. And that my friends, is how the cookie crumbles!
3. How is a blog site different than a web site? A blog is an informal, frequently changing web site that often links to other sites. Web sites are generally more formal sites that contain information and links that are changed less frequently.
4. Did you ever have a question, but then wonder if I have already blogged on the topic before. All you have to do is go to the to the top left corner of The Wawascene's homepage and look for the little white rectangular box. Next to it is a button that says "Search This Blog" if you type a word such as "ISTEP" in the box and then click on the "Search This Blog" button it will list every post I have made that has "ISTEP" in it. There is one caution though. That post was written at a certain point in time. Laws and opinions of those laws may have changed since then. But, you can at least see what was written about that topic at that point in time.
Enough for now. Have a good day.
1. What are "page loads?" When you click on "The Wawascene" and then click on the "Comments" that would be two page loads. The stat counter program records every page load.
2. What are "unique visitors?" Each computer has a unique numerical address. There is a little piece of software code on your computer called "cookies" that allows web sites and blog sites to recognize that unique numerical address. Whenever you log onto The Wawascene the stat counter program checks to see if you have been on in the last hour or so. If you clicked on the blog site 45 times in that hour the stat counter would only count you as one "unique visitor." However, if you have your "cookies" turned off, the stat counter program will think you are a new visitor each time. How would you know if your "cookies" are on? If you go to a web site you have registered at before and it recognizes who you are, then your "cookies" are turned on. If you register over and over again every time you go, then your "cookies" are turned off. And that my friends, is how the cookie crumbles!
3. How is a blog site different than a web site? A blog is an informal, frequently changing web site that often links to other sites. Web sites are generally more formal sites that contain information and links that are changed less frequently.
4. Did you ever have a question, but then wonder if I have already blogged on the topic before. All you have to do is go to the to the top left corner of The Wawascene's homepage and look for the little white rectangular box. Next to it is a button that says "Search This Blog" if you type a word such as "ISTEP" in the box and then click on the "Search This Blog" button it will list every post I have made that has "ISTEP" in it. There is one caution though. That post was written at a certain point in time. Laws and opinions of those laws may have changed since then. But, you can at least see what was written about that topic at that point in time.
Enough for now. Have a good day.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Thursday - 2 hour delay
Thursday, February 15th will start with at least a two-hour delay. But stay tuned. We have to decide by 8:00 AM tomorrow about closing decisions.
This will give the county plows a little more time.
They will pull the plows at 4:00 PM tonight and return at 4:00 AM to see how much progress they can make.
While most roads are open (at least one lane) there may still be turnarounds and intersections where buses cannot negotiate the turning radius. The problem is that going is slow because the snow is unusually hard packed. That wind just packed it in.
P.S. Due to popular demand we are adding WNDU Channel 16 back to the call list today. We dropped them last year due to their internet system failing to post our information or posting incorrectly on several occasions. We will try it again.
This will give the county plows a little more time.
They will pull the plows at 4:00 PM tonight and return at 4:00 AM to see how much progress they can make.
While most roads are open (at least one lane) there may still be turnarounds and intersections where buses cannot negotiate the turning radius. The problem is that going is slow because the snow is unusually hard packed. That wind just packed it in.
P.S. Due to popular demand we are adding WNDU Channel 16 back to the call list today. We dropped them last year due to their internet system failing to post our information or posting incorrectly on several occasions. We will try it again.
Basketball Game Update
Things are improving but it's slow going because the snow is so packed it doesn't push very well.
The boys BB make up game for the make up game tonight will be played here at home with one major change.
There will be no JV game and the varsity game will be played at 6:30 PM in order to get people home in a timely fashion.
The report from the Kosciusko County highway department is that they should have every country road open by 4:00 PM this afternoon. There will still be some that are one lane.
The boys BB make up game for the make up game tonight will be played here at home with one major change.
There will be no JV game and the varsity game will be played at 6:30 PM in order to get people home in a timely fashion.
The report from the Kosciusko County highway department is that they should have every country road open by 4:00 PM this afternoon. There will still be some that are one lane.
Shocking!
OK - so maybe it's not shocking, but it's at least surprising to see a bill going through the legislature that repeals a duty that was handed off to public schools. This may be the first time I can recall a law change that didn't add a new requirement for public schools.
Senate Bill 0010 would repeal the public school requirement to test all students in grades 5, 7 and 9 for scoliosis.
Speaking of Bills - here is the entire list of bills introduced into the Indiana General Assembly.
If you have an opinion on one of them, go to the blue sticker on the sidebar where it says "Write Your Legislator." Put in your zip code and then your address, click "GO" and you will be given the email addresses of your representatives. In 60 seconds you can tell them what you think.
One legislator told me privately, that he puts far more weight behind the personal emails and letters from constituents than he does the form letters from professional lobbying organizations.
One of the first reasons I started blogging was to try to make it easier for patrons to not only know how laws affected their local schools but to make it easier for patrons to let their own personal opinions be known to their representatives.
Senate Bill 0010 would repeal the public school requirement to test all students in grades 5, 7 and 9 for scoliosis.
Speaking of Bills - here is the entire list of bills introduced into the Indiana General Assembly.
If you have an opinion on one of them, go to the blue sticker on the sidebar where it says "Write Your Legislator." Put in your zip code and then your address, click "GO" and you will be given the email addresses of your representatives. In 60 seconds you can tell them what you think.
One legislator told me privately, that he puts far more weight behind the personal emails and letters from constituents than he does the form letters from professional lobbying organizations.
One of the first reasons I started blogging was to try to make it easier for patrons to not only know how laws affected their local schools but to make it easier for patrons to let their own personal opinions be known to their representatives.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Board Meeting Time Change
The Wawasee Community School Board has moved the 7:00 PM meeting tonight to 4:00 PM. in the central administration office. The executive session has been cancelled.
Tonight's Boy's BB Game Rescheduled
The make up game for the make up game against Northridge will be Wednesday, February 14th. JV game starts at 6:15 PM.
Tuesday - Cancelled
School will be closed on Tuesday the 13th. The snow started around 5:00 AM and the wind is causing some drifting.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
"2% circuit breaker" - For some cities, towns and schools it blows a fuse!
Someone emailed me last week and wanted to know how Indiana's new law, coined the "2% circuit breaker" was going to affect the Wawasee school system. Evidently they had seen the TV coverage of the South Bend school system fretting about how this law could hurt them badly.
The "2% circuit breaker," passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2006 is designed to cap property taxes at 2%. That sounds simple enough, right?
Yet, this law could have a devastating impact on some municipalities, towns, cities and schools but little or no impact on others.
Here is how it works. To make the example simple, let's assume you had a home and property that was valued for property tax purposes at $100,000 and your total property tax exceeded $2,000. In this example the "2% circuit breaker" kicks in and then anything over that $2,000 is noncollectable and the taxing entities would not receive their portion of that money.
What if you live in a town that has a library tax? What if your town provides sewer service? Maybe they collect your garbage or plow your streets and pick up your leaves? These services are provided for those that live in the taxing area. But if your total property taxes including school taxes exceeds 2% (or in the $100,000 example - $2,000) then the taxing entities do not receive their portion over the $2,000 amount.
This seems a little weird to me. Just because you live outside these municipal areas doesn't necessarily mean you don't use such services. Maybe you pay for your own garbage pick up. When the private gravel drive to your subdivision is drifted in you may have to pay separately to have it plowed. You probably pay every year to have it scraped and potholes filled. Maybe you pay for septic tanks to be pumped and when the systems go bad you may pay privately to put in a new system. These items are not covered on the property tax rolls but that doesn't mean you don't have to use those services. I suppose the thinking is that at least you have a choice. I suppose so. You could let the garbage pile up at the roadside I guess! :-)
But, here are the real problems with the "2% circuit breaker:"
1. These towns, municipalities and schools already have their budgets set and services developed long before they are informed about how much revenue is not collected.
2. The Indiana General Assembly passed the law without solid information on how and who it would affect.
3. They did not pass any alternative revenue sources.
As far as Wawasee Schools is concerned, it does not appear to have too much of a direct effect. Wawasee Schools tax rate is low enough that even adding all the other property taxes up inside the towns it should not have a major impact on our schools. But time will tell.
To see Wawasee's property tax rate and current ranking (Click here) then scroll down to "Delve deeper into data" and select "top 10 corporations," then select "tax rate (before CAGIT)" and you will see Wawasee ranked 292 of 293 school districts.
The "2% circuit breaker," passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2006 is designed to cap property taxes at 2%. That sounds simple enough, right?
Yet, this law could have a devastating impact on some municipalities, towns, cities and schools but little or no impact on others.
Here is how it works. To make the example simple, let's assume you had a home and property that was valued for property tax purposes at $100,000 and your total property tax exceeded $2,000. In this example the "2% circuit breaker" kicks in and then anything over that $2,000 is noncollectable and the taxing entities would not receive their portion of that money.
What if you live in a town that has a library tax? What if your town provides sewer service? Maybe they collect your garbage or plow your streets and pick up your leaves? These services are provided for those that live in the taxing area. But if your total property taxes including school taxes exceeds 2% (or in the $100,000 example - $2,000) then the taxing entities do not receive their portion over the $2,000 amount.
This seems a little weird to me. Just because you live outside these municipal areas doesn't necessarily mean you don't use such services. Maybe you pay for your own garbage pick up. When the private gravel drive to your subdivision is drifted in you may have to pay separately to have it plowed. You probably pay every year to have it scraped and potholes filled. Maybe you pay for septic tanks to be pumped and when the systems go bad you may pay privately to put in a new system. These items are not covered on the property tax rolls but that doesn't mean you don't have to use those services. I suppose the thinking is that at least you have a choice. I suppose so. You could let the garbage pile up at the roadside I guess! :-)
But, here are the real problems with the "2% circuit breaker:"
1. These towns, municipalities and schools already have their budgets set and services developed long before they are informed about how much revenue is not collected.
2. The Indiana General Assembly passed the law without solid information on how and who it would affect.
3. They did not pass any alternative revenue sources.
As far as Wawasee Schools is concerned, it does not appear to have too much of a direct effect. Wawasee Schools tax rate is low enough that even adding all the other property taxes up inside the towns it should not have a major impact on our schools. But time will tell.
To see Wawasee's property tax rate and current ranking (Click here) then scroll down to "Delve deeper into data" and select "top 10 corporations," then select "tax rate (before CAGIT)" and you will see Wawasee ranked 292 of 293 school districts.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Friday's Funny
Today's Friday Funny comes from Syracuse teacher, Dina Coverstone.
Last year when Dina was teaching Kindergarten she had a little fellow come up to her and exclaim, "Miss Coverstone, my mom is having her throat cut and her thyroid taken out."
Another little girl chimed in and added, "Now your mom can't have babies anymore!"
Have a great weekend. Go Warriors! Beat Northwood in the girl's sectional tonight in Angola. We play the early game.
Last year when Dina was teaching Kindergarten she had a little fellow come up to her and exclaim, "Miss Coverstone, my mom is having her throat cut and her thyroid taken out."
Another little girl chimed in and added, "Now your mom can't have babies anymore!"
Have a great weekend. Go Warriors! Beat Northwood in the girl's sectional tonight in Angola. We play the early game.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Community Big Read!!
“The Big Read”
North Webster Community Public Library, Milford Public Library, and Syracuse Public Library will host book discussions in March on the book “The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck. All of Kosciusko County is being encouraged to read “The Grapes of Wrath,”in March for “The Big Read,” a program that was planned by Kosciusko Literacy Services to encourage our whole community to read one book for pleasure and enlightenment.
The book discussions, open to anyone, are scheduled for March 1 (Thursday) 6:30 PM at Milford Public Library, March 5 (Monday) 5:30 PM at North Webster Comm. Public Library, and March 14 (Wednesday), 7 PM at Downtown Grounds in Syracuse.
Each time a student participates in an event of “The Big Read”, he or she may enter a drawing for an iPOD. Adults participating in an event may enter a drawing for two tickets to a local theater production and dinner for two at an area restaurant.
Other contests include a writing and art contest.
Contact your local library for more information.
FREE BOOKS are available in the Wawasee Administration Office (the small brick building in front of the high school). Stop in and pick one up! The only requirement is that you pass it on to a friend to read when you are done. Join the entire county in The Big Read!!
Provided by NW Librarian Helen Leinbach
North Webster Community Public Library, Milford Public Library, and Syracuse Public Library will host book discussions in March on the book “The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck. All of Kosciusko County is being encouraged to read “The Grapes of Wrath,”in March for “The Big Read,” a program that was planned by Kosciusko Literacy Services to encourage our whole community to read one book for pleasure and enlightenment.
The book discussions, open to anyone, are scheduled for March 1 (Thursday) 6:30 PM at Milford Public Library, March 5 (Monday) 5:30 PM at North Webster Comm. Public Library, and March 14 (Wednesday), 7 PM at Downtown Grounds in Syracuse.
Each time a student participates in an event of “The Big Read”, he or she may enter a drawing for an iPOD. Adults participating in an event may enter a drawing for two tickets to a local theater production and dinner for two at an area restaurant.
Other contests include a writing and art contest.
Contact your local library for more information.
FREE BOOKS are available in the Wawasee Administration Office (the small brick building in front of the high school). Stop in and pick one up! The only requirement is that you pass it on to a friend to read when you are done. Join the entire county in The Big Read!!
Provided by NW Librarian Helen Leinbach
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Changes coming...
I am still hoping that our community and our students can be a model for the country on how a blog can provide an open avenue for communication. For two years the "comments feature" has been turned on allowing all anonymous comments. It worked very well. During that time I can only recall deleting one or two comments due to profanity. Problems have come with the increased volume of traffic. For the near future we will only turn the comments on for posts that are substantive in nature where a variety of thought and opinion are relevant. Announcements of various kinds such as snow delays and cancellations will have the comments turned off.
Blogging is best done in small doses because we all have work to do! The volume of inflammatory comments has created an editing problem. We do not have the time to monitor the blog all day and spend our time deleting or censoring comments.
Why do I say a "model for the country?" There have been 90,209 different computers access this site in the last 7 days for a total of 229,791 page loads in one week. That means other parts of the country are watching our "experiment" here.
For the near future we will only turn the comments on for posts that are substantive in nature where a variety of thought and opinion are relevant. Announcements of various kinds such as snow delays and announcements will have comments turned off.
We will see how that works. If that doesn't work then we will have to either require all commenters to register which many blogs do (that means you are identifiable) or turn off the interactive features which makes this all dry and boring!
Let's see if we can find the middle ground! Good luck!
Blogging is best done in small doses because we all have work to do! The volume of inflammatory comments has created an editing problem. We do not have the time to monitor the blog all day and spend our time deleting or censoring comments.
Why do I say a "model for the country?" There have been 90,209 different computers access this site in the last 7 days for a total of 229,791 page loads in one week. That means other parts of the country are watching our "experiment" here.
For the near future we will only turn the comments on for posts that are substantive in nature where a variety of thought and opinion are relevant. Announcements of various kinds such as snow delays and announcements will have comments turned off.
We will see how that works. If that doesn't work then we will have to either require all commenters to register which many blogs do (that means you are identifiable) or turn off the interactive features which makes this all dry and boring!
Let's see if we can find the middle ground! Good luck!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Two Hour Delay Wednesday
Wawasee Schools are on a two-hour delay with alternate kindergarten schedule for Wednesday. There will be no early release. Students will remain in school until the regular dismissal time.
Girls' Basketball Sectional Postponed
Due to a water main break at Angola High School, the girls' basketball sectional game at Angola has been postponed to Wednesday. Wawasee will play Angola in the second game which will begin around 7:30 p.m.
Congrats to Warrior Athletes
Wawasee High School had several champions in athletics over the weekend.
Chase Davis won a high school wrestling regional championship at 130 pounds on Saturday. He will compete in the individual semistate on Saturday at Merrillville. Justin Wegener also advanced by placing third at 160 pounds.
Krista Spearman won the 100 yard breaststroke in the Warsaw Girls' Swimming Sectional on Saturday. She will compete in the state finals this weekend. Eleaya Rodes finished third in diving and will compete in the diving regional at South Bend Riley tonight
The varsity girls' basketball team became the champions of the Northern Lakes Conference by defeating Northridge on Friday night. They finished the conference 7-0. They play Angola tonight around 7:30 p.m. in the second game of the sectional at Angola.
If any postponements occur with tonight's events, we will post that information here on the blog.
Chase Davis won a high school wrestling regional championship at 130 pounds on Saturday. He will compete in the individual semistate on Saturday at Merrillville. Justin Wegener also advanced by placing third at 160 pounds.
Krista Spearman won the 100 yard breaststroke in the Warsaw Girls' Swimming Sectional on Saturday. She will compete in the state finals this weekend. Eleaya Rodes finished third in diving and will compete in the diving regional at South Bend Riley tonight
The varsity girls' basketball team became the champions of the Northern Lakes Conference by defeating Northridge on Friday night. They finished the conference 7-0. They play Angola tonight around 7:30 p.m. in the second game of the sectional at Angola.
If any postponements occur with tonight's events, we will post that information here on the blog.
Tuesday Cancellation - School All Day Wednesday
Wawasee Community Schools are closed today, Tuesday. This day will be made up on March 23rd.
On Wednesday, students will be in session all day. There will be no early release.
On Wednesday, students will be in session all day. There will be no early release.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Monday Cancellation
No school Monday.
We tried this morning, but according to Mr. Green, our head mechanic, all the buses in the "bull pen" have trouble staying running. Cold weather is causing the fuel to jell up.
Too many buses will not stay running.
Make up day will be February 19.
We tried this morning, but according to Mr. Green, our head mechanic, all the buses in the "bull pen" have trouble staying running. Cold weather is causing the fuel to jell up.
Too many buses will not stay running.
Make up day will be February 19.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Two hour delay Monday
There will be a two-hour delay on Monday due to the extreme wind chill.
This will give the Transportation Department the needed time to make sure the buses will start after an idle weekend.
This will reduce the likelihood of children standing in the cold too long waiting for a late bus.
We are announcing it early to make it easy for parents to make plans.
(No - It's not a premature celebration of the Colt's anticipated victory! :-)
This will give the Transportation Department the needed time to make sure the buses will start after an idle weekend.
This will reduce the likelihood of children standing in the cold too long waiting for a late bus.
We are announcing it early to make it easy for parents to make plans.
(No - It's not a premature celebration of the Colt's anticipated victory! :-)
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Boys' Basketball Games Postponed
The junior varsity and varsity boys' basketball games against Northridge have been postponed due to weather. They will play on Tuesday, February 13th at Wawasee with the junior varsity game starting at 6:15 p.m.
Why I seldom censor comments
A handful of people have suggested that I should delete some of the more inflammatory comments that get posted, especially those that take potshots at teachers or administrators.
Here are some random thoughts on the issue:
1. The wide-open forum of the internet is here to stay. Schools should embrace the technology and use it for good, instead of getting squeamish. The internet has given everyone an equal voice. You just didn't hear that voice before. Not all voices will make sense to you and not all voices will be respectful. That doesn't mean they weren't out there before - it just means they ran in different circles than you and you never heard that voice.
2. When you were in school did you know who the superintendent was? Did you interact with him or her? Having a voice in the past meant you had to have "connections." Today, connections may be technology-based.
3. It will take time for people to adjust to maintaining their dignity when they think no one is physically watching. You see, they just don't realize yet that the whole world is now watching. It's just electronic. Bill Gates calls it, "Living the documented life." Every key stroke you make leaves a digital footprint. Every place you go the security cameras and web cams are likely to be recording you. Every person that posts wild ramblings and embarrassing personal information on their website will have to explain it to a future employer. Many large businesses now employ people specifically to search out every internet reference to a potential employee before they hire them.
4. Twenty years ago you older folks left your imprint on the world by carving your initials in the tree with your rusty pocketknife. "Leroy was here." Today your children and grandchildren blog their views to the world and publish their daily lives to thousands by posting to their personal websites. It's no different in that respect, their imprint is just digital and far reaching - even into the future. It is a permanent record.
5. As far as censoring or deleting comments goes, I have not yet had to censor any comments except for one or two for profanity.
6. Comments, suggestions, criticisms and compliments are appropriate here when they are in reference to policies, practices or school-wide issues. If a criticism is in reference to a specific individual or department it is best made directly to the individual or their "boss." I will delete any inflammatory comments that reference an individual or employee. Except for references to me. Everyone considers the superintendent fair game I guess. (Someone came up to me recently and started pinching my upper arm lightly. They looked up with a grin and said, "I was just checking to see if you had thick skin!")
7. The biggest problem with internet communication is that it lacks the non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face interaction.
8. And the simplest reason for blunt and sometimes inflammatory posting is actually quite simple. Some people get lazy (perhaps they aren't very good typists) and they don't take the time to soften their words and explain themselves more carefully the way they would face-to-face.
Here are some random thoughts on the issue:
1. The wide-open forum of the internet is here to stay. Schools should embrace the technology and use it for good, instead of getting squeamish. The internet has given everyone an equal voice. You just didn't hear that voice before. Not all voices will make sense to you and not all voices will be respectful. That doesn't mean they weren't out there before - it just means they ran in different circles than you and you never heard that voice.
2. When you were in school did you know who the superintendent was? Did you interact with him or her? Having a voice in the past meant you had to have "connections." Today, connections may be technology-based.
3. It will take time for people to adjust to maintaining their dignity when they think no one is physically watching. You see, they just don't realize yet that the whole world is now watching. It's just electronic. Bill Gates calls it, "Living the documented life." Every key stroke you make leaves a digital footprint. Every place you go the security cameras and web cams are likely to be recording you. Every person that posts wild ramblings and embarrassing personal information on their website will have to explain it to a future employer. Many large businesses now employ people specifically to search out every internet reference to a potential employee before they hire them.
4. Twenty years ago you older folks left your imprint on the world by carving your initials in the tree with your rusty pocketknife. "Leroy was here." Today your children and grandchildren blog their views to the world and publish their daily lives to thousands by posting to their personal websites. It's no different in that respect, their imprint is just digital and far reaching - even into the future. It is a permanent record.
5. As far as censoring or deleting comments goes, I have not yet had to censor any comments except for one or two for profanity.
6. Comments, suggestions, criticisms and compliments are appropriate here when they are in reference to policies, practices or school-wide issues. If a criticism is in reference to a specific individual or department it is best made directly to the individual or their "boss." I will delete any inflammatory comments that reference an individual or employee. Except for references to me. Everyone considers the superintendent fair game I guess. (Someone came up to me recently and started pinching my upper arm lightly. They looked up with a grin and said, "I was just checking to see if you had thick skin!")
7. The biggest problem with internet communication is that it lacks the non-verbal cues that accompany face-to-face interaction.
8. And the simplest reason for blunt and sometimes inflammatory posting is actually quite simple. Some people get lazy (perhaps they aren't very good typists) and they don't take the time to soften their words and explain themselves more carefully the way they would face-to-face.
Friday, February 02, 2007
They methed it up
Friday's Funny
Mr. Garner, Principal of Syracuse Elementary, reported he saw the following methed up abbreviation running on a local TV channel during the snow cancellations:
"Milford Meth Church - Activities cancelled"
Have a Super weekend. Go Colts!
Mr. Garner, Principal of Syracuse Elementary, reported he saw the following methed up abbreviation running on a local TV channel during the snow cancellations:
"Milford Meth Church - Activities cancelled"
Have a Super weekend. Go Colts!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Is school work getting harder? You be the judge.
Many of you may not know this, but Indiana was recently ranked first in the nation in its academic standards and its assessment system. (link here) That might start some debate!
Many veteran teachers feel like the curriculum has been shoved down and shoved down. Most parents wouldn't recognize the material from their elementary days!
Here is a 2nd grade writing standard for Indiana:
Write or deliver a research report that has been developed using a systematic research process (defines the topic, gathers information, determines credibility, reports findings) and that: uses a variety of resources (books, technology, pictures, charts, tables of contents, diagrams) and documents sources (titles and authors).organizes information by categorizing it into single categories (such as size or color) or includes information gained through observation.
Whoa Nelly! When I was in second grade I think I was still having 3 recesses a day and maybe even milk and cookies! If middle schoolers could do this with consistency we would be thrilled. Now granted, the subject matter can be scaled down considerably.
Parents, do you want to know what your children are expected to know and be able to do in Indiana at each grade level? Click here and choose a subject from the pull down menu. Then move your cursor over the colored buttons for every grade level and look at the standards. It's all here.
You can also print off sample problems to practice with too.
Many veteran teachers feel like the curriculum has been shoved down and shoved down. Most parents wouldn't recognize the material from their elementary days!
Here is a 2nd grade writing standard for Indiana:
Write or deliver a research report that has been developed using a systematic research process (defines the topic, gathers information, determines credibility, reports findings) and that: uses a variety of resources (books, technology, pictures, charts, tables of contents, diagrams) and documents sources (titles and authors).organizes information by categorizing it into single categories (such as size or color) or includes information gained through observation.
Whoa Nelly! When I was in second grade I think I was still having 3 recesses a day and maybe even milk and cookies! If middle schoolers could do this with consistency we would be thrilled. Now granted, the subject matter can be scaled down considerably.
Parents, do you want to know what your children are expected to know and be able to do in Indiana at each grade level? Click here and choose a subject from the pull down menu. Then move your cursor over the colored buttons for every grade level and look at the standards. It's all here.
You can also print off sample problems to practice with too.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Netiquette
We evidently have attracted a lot of new readers with the recent snow delay controversies. Evidently it was the "Jerry Springer" atmosphere that attracted so many! There were 11,000 separate computers that accessed the site over 39,000 times yesterday. Given the volume, I thought it might be helpful to provide a few links that review internet etiquette. Why?
In educational terms, it is a "teachable moment!" :-)
Most blog sites or internet forums go through growth stages as new readers grow accustomed to interacting online. It is said that much of human communication is transmitted through non-verbal cues. If this is true than it would be easy to misread the written communication of others in an online format, or to forget basic courtesies when posting anonymously.
Here is a link to Wikipedia (an open, collaborative, online encyclopedia) that discusses some of the pitfalls to online communication.
Here is a link to an excerpt from a book entitled "Netiquette" that summarizes 10 guidelines for online interaction.
Here is a link to a 10 question quiz on "netiquette."
I do not post these because I am offended or upset by the criticism. It comes with the territory and sometimes it is deserved.
I post these because a number of commenters tried to bring civility and politeness back into the picture and found it difficult.
In educational terms, it is a "teachable moment!" :-)
Most blog sites or internet forums go through growth stages as new readers grow accustomed to interacting online. It is said that much of human communication is transmitted through non-verbal cues. If this is true than it would be easy to misread the written communication of others in an online format, or to forget basic courtesies when posting anonymously.
Here is a link to Wikipedia (an open, collaborative, online encyclopedia) that discusses some of the pitfalls to online communication.
Here is a link to an excerpt from a book entitled "Netiquette" that summarizes 10 guidelines for online interaction.
Here is a link to a 10 question quiz on "netiquette."
I do not post these because I am offended or upset by the criticism. It comes with the territory and sometimes it is deserved.
I post these because a number of commenters tried to bring civility and politeness back into the picture and found it difficult.
Online access to grades and attendance
Students:
Do you know what your current grade average is in each class?
Do you know if you have missing assignments still to turn in?
Parents:
Have you sat down with a printout of your son or daughter's grades and discussed it with them?
Don't forget those high school age young adults. They need to know you care too.
It's a click and a password away.
Click on the grade portal links on the sidebar, enter your password and take a "look-see."
If you do not have your password handy or you lost it, call the school or e-mail them for the information. (TIP: Post the passwords somewhere handy and teach your children to access and monitor their own grade book!)
SE 457-4484
MLF 658-9444
WMS 457-8839
NE 834-7644
WHS 457-3147
In addition to having online access to grades and attendance, next year we will be able to provide access to your child's lunch account as well.
Do you know what your current grade average is in each class?
Do you know if you have missing assignments still to turn in?
Parents:
Have you sat down with a printout of your son or daughter's grades and discussed it with them?
Don't forget those high school age young adults. They need to know you care too.
It's a click and a password away.
Click on the grade portal links on the sidebar, enter your password and take a "look-see."
If you do not have your password handy or you lost it, call the school or e-mail them for the information. (TIP: Post the passwords somewhere handy and teach your children to access and monitor their own grade book!)
SE 457-4484
MLF 658-9444
WMS 457-8839
NE 834-7644
WHS 457-3147
In addition to having online access to grades and attendance, next year we will be able to provide access to your child's lunch account as well.
Wednesday Delay Update
Road reports show that many of the drifted areas we were worried about this morning are plowed out now.
Drive careful. Have a good day.
Drive careful. Have a good day.
Wednesday Delay
Two hour delay.
Road conditions are actually pretty decent considering everything. But....there are isloated sections of certain roads where we have drifting.
Ninety-percent of the roads are clear. The remaining 10% are one lane. Some of those would hang up a school bus.
Skies are clear, some roads are even bare.
This will give the county road crews time to knock down the extra drifts.
Road conditions are actually pretty decent considering everything. But....there are isloated sections of certain roads where we have drifting.
Ninety-percent of the roads are clear. The remaining 10% are one lane. Some of those would hang up a school bus.
Skies are clear, some roads are even bare.
This will give the county road crews time to knock down the extra drifts.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Our Condolences
We would like to pass along our condolences to the family of Jodi Molle. Jodi was the driver of the vehicle involved in the head-on collision with the Wawasee school bus on Friday morning north of Dewart Lake. Jodi has family that attend the Wawasee Schools.
Jodi passed away Monday afternoon at KCH hospital.
Thank you blog reader D.S. for the private e-mail concerning the details.
Jodi passed away Monday afternoon at KCH hospital.
Thank you blog reader D.S. for the private e-mail concerning the details.
Early Dismissal
Wawasee Schools will be dismissing early on Tuesday due to the wind advisory being extended. Blowing and drifting snow is expected until 1:00 AM Wednesday morning.
Dismissal is 1:00 PM for all schools except Wawasee Middle School which will be 1:20 PM.
Afternoon Kindergarten will be cancelled.
Dismissal is 1:00 PM for all schools except Wawasee Middle School which will be 1:20 PM.
Afternoon Kindergarten will be cancelled.
I blew it.
As many commenters have pointed out, some politely and some not so politely - there should have been at least a two-hour delay today without any question. Yesterday we could have gone without one and not much would have been said.
I made a bad call no matter how you look at it.
I made a bad call no matter how you look at it.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Survey Results
I have re-posted the snow delay survey above by request. In order to see the current results of the survey, click on "view stats."
Due to the results I did not do a follow up survey on TV stations.
Stay warm. Drive carefully.
Due to the results I did not do a follow up survey on TV stations.
Stay warm. Drive carefully.
Monday Delay
Wawasee Schools will be on a two hour delay for Monday morning.
County road crews are already out ( it is 4:53 AM right now) but it will take them awhile to cover the routes.
There are still many slick areas and 1 to 2 inches of fresh snowfall during the night.
County road crews are already out ( it is 4:53 AM right now) but it will take them awhile to cover the routes.
There are still many slick areas and 1 to 2 inches of fresh snowfall during the night.
Friday, January 26, 2007
This Morning's Bus Accident Update
Some of you know by now that there was bus accident around 7:30 AM this morning. Bus 16 was traveling on the north side of Dewart Lake and was struck head on by a small car.
Everyone appears to be ok but due to the severity of the collision we transported all the students to Kosciusko Hospital just to be sure.
Administrators met the parents at the hospital to explain the situation.
After checking all the students over carefully, KCH released some to their parents and others were transported back to the school.
KCH provided a breakfast and snacks for students after they were officially released.
We wish to thank the EMS workers and volunteers as well as law enforcement officials for their professional and speedy response.
Thanks to the hospital for allowing me to blog this directly from the hospital computers.
Everyone appears to be ok but due to the severity of the collision we transported all the students to Kosciusko Hospital just to be sure.
Administrators met the parents at the hospital to explain the situation.
After checking all the students over carefully, KCH released some to their parents and others were transported back to the school.
KCH provided a breakfast and snacks for students after they were officially released.
We wish to thank the EMS workers and volunteers as well as law enforcement officials for their professional and speedy response.
Thanks to the hospital for allowing me to blog this directly from the hospital computers.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Students With Special Needs Across the State
Highest 10 School Corporations
1 Benton Community School Corp 29.6%
2 Kokomo-Center Twp Con Sch Corp 27.2%
3 M S D Mount Vernon 27.1%
4 New Harmony Town & Twp Con Sch 26.7%
5 Richmond Community Schools 26.2%
6 South Henry School Corp 26.1%
7 Southwest School Corp 26.0%
8 Cannelton City Schools 25.8%
9 Muncie Community Schools 25.6%
10 Randolph Central School Corp 25.4%
Lowest 10 School Corporations
285 School Town of Highland 12.0%
286 M S D of New Durham Township 12.0%
287 Greater Jasper Con Schs 11.9%
288 Adams Central Community Schools 11.9%
289 Pioneer Regional School Corp 11.7%
290 Dewey Township Schools 11.3%
291 Westview School Corporation 11.2%
292 Southeast Dubois Co Sch Corp 10.2%
293 Bremen Public Schools 10.1%
294 Northeast Dubois Co Sch Corp 9.8%
State Average 17.9%
Wawasee Average 14.8
OK - now hang with me here. This is a crash course on statistics.
Pearson Correlations
The Pearson R Correlations listed below compare the student special education counts with other statistics and tries to see if they are related to one another. A very high number for a Pearson R (such as .90) means that the two items are highly "co-related." If you "square" .90 (meaning multiply it times itself [.90 x .90] ) you will get .81. This means that 81% of the variation in the numbers on the one statistic are in some way explained by the other statistic. In other words they are highly "correlated."
Pearson Correlations (For All Corporations)
Special Ed Students, Pct 2005-06,
Dec 1 Count with Pearson R Pct of Variation Explained
Free Lunch, Pct Pupils Elig 2006-07 0.3069 9.4%
ISTEP Pct Pass Both Engl and Math 2006-07 -0.3029 9.2%
ISTEP Pct Pass Math 2006-07 -0.3087 9.5%
What does this mean? It means that only 9 % of the variation in percentages of students in special education across the state of Indiana can be explained by poverty or ISTEP scores. And...these were the highest correlations reported. Now - you will notice that the ISTEP Pearson R numbers were negative. This means that as the special education numbers increased, ISTEP pass rates slightly decreased, but still the relationship was not a very strong one across the state.
All data has been taken from the Indiana Department of Education website.
1 Benton Community School Corp 29.6%
2 Kokomo-Center Twp Con Sch Corp 27.2%
3 M S D Mount Vernon 27.1%
4 New Harmony Town & Twp Con Sch 26.7%
5 Richmond Community Schools 26.2%
6 South Henry School Corp 26.1%
7 Southwest School Corp 26.0%
8 Cannelton City Schools 25.8%
9 Muncie Community Schools 25.6%
10 Randolph Central School Corp 25.4%
Lowest 10 School Corporations
285 School Town of Highland 12.0%
286 M S D of New Durham Township 12.0%
287 Greater Jasper Con Schs 11.9%
288 Adams Central Community Schools 11.9%
289 Pioneer Regional School Corp 11.7%
290 Dewey Township Schools 11.3%
291 Westview School Corporation 11.2%
292 Southeast Dubois Co Sch Corp 10.2%
293 Bremen Public Schools 10.1%
294 Northeast Dubois Co Sch Corp 9.8%
State Average 17.9%
Wawasee Average 14.8
OK - now hang with me here. This is a crash course on statistics.
Pearson Correlations
The Pearson R Correlations listed below compare the student special education counts with other statistics and tries to see if they are related to one another. A very high number for a Pearson R (such as .90) means that the two items are highly "co-related." If you "square" .90 (meaning multiply it times itself [.90 x .90] ) you will get .81. This means that 81% of the variation in the numbers on the one statistic are in some way explained by the other statistic. In other words they are highly "correlated."
Pearson Correlations (For All Corporations)
Special Ed Students, Pct 2005-06,
Dec 1 Count with Pearson R Pct of Variation Explained
Free Lunch, Pct Pupils Elig 2006-07 0.3069 9.4%
ISTEP Pct Pass Both Engl and Math 2006-07 -0.3029 9.2%
ISTEP Pct Pass Math 2006-07 -0.3087 9.5%
What does this mean? It means that only 9 % of the variation in percentages of students in special education across the state of Indiana can be explained by poverty or ISTEP scores. And...these were the highest correlations reported. Now - you will notice that the ISTEP Pearson R numbers were negative. This means that as the special education numbers increased, ISTEP pass rates slightly decreased, but still the relationship was not a very strong one across the state.
All data has been taken from the Indiana Department of Education website.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The day I became convinced that special needs students aren't the only ones benefiting from being included.
The Setting
It was the fall of 1984. I had just moved to Indiana from Ohio to take a 6th grade teaching position. One of the differences I noticed at Washington Elementary in Warsaw, was the number of special needs students in the school due to the centralized special education cooperative. There were students from Whitko, Wawasee, and Tippecanoe Valley all attending our school. The school I came from in Ohio did not have any special needs students with the exception of Learning Disabled (LD) students.
The Story
The sun was shining brightly, reflecting off the dark asphalt of the outdoor basketball courts outside Washington Elementary. Several hundred students stood silently in straight lines, hands at their sides, squinting into the sun and watching their teachers for a silent signal to re-enter the school after a fire drill practice.
Suddenly a strange noise came from the playground. The students silently turned to look. A little handicapped boy with Down's Syndrome came skipping and prancing off the playground, dancing and singing loudly to a tune only he could hear. A fire drill wasn't going to interfere with his day!
I immediately whipped around and gave everyone the "evil teacher eye." You know, that stern piercing look that all teachers learn fast or they don't survive long. I expected rude laughter and some version of poking fun at him. Young teenagers can be cruel and unmerciful at times when it comes to picking on others and I expected this to be ugly.
The incident I witnessed following this exchange, has forever convinced me that general education students learn a lot from going to school with students with diverse needs.
My class watched the little boy with understanding expressions and quiet, patient smiles. Several whispered his name, "Hi Jon!" Others covertly snuck their hands out and gave him a quiet "high five" as he danced by. No snide remarks. No secret whispers. No knowing grins.
I glanced at every student and studied their expressions carefully. I could see only signs of friendliness. I studied them carefully again, this time looking for pity in their eyes. Still - only friendliness.
It was awhile later before I truly understood how this could be. You see, Washington Elementary 6th grade students were friends with Jon. They routinely gave up their recesses and went to the special needs classrooms to help tutor and befriend the students. They didn't poke fun at Jon because they knew him. They didn't pity him because they knew he could do a lot of things. They were Jon's friends.
While there are certainly challenges when we include special needs students in regular education, let's not forget that special education students aren't the only ones who benefit.
It was the fall of 1984. I had just moved to Indiana from Ohio to take a 6th grade teaching position. One of the differences I noticed at Washington Elementary in Warsaw, was the number of special needs students in the school due to the centralized special education cooperative. There were students from Whitko, Wawasee, and Tippecanoe Valley all attending our school. The school I came from in Ohio did not have any special needs students with the exception of Learning Disabled (LD) students.
The Story
The sun was shining brightly, reflecting off the dark asphalt of the outdoor basketball courts outside Washington Elementary. Several hundred students stood silently in straight lines, hands at their sides, squinting into the sun and watching their teachers for a silent signal to re-enter the school after a fire drill practice.
Suddenly a strange noise came from the playground. The students silently turned to look. A little handicapped boy with Down's Syndrome came skipping and prancing off the playground, dancing and singing loudly to a tune only he could hear. A fire drill wasn't going to interfere with his day!
I immediately whipped around and gave everyone the "evil teacher eye." You know, that stern piercing look that all teachers learn fast or they don't survive long. I expected rude laughter and some version of poking fun at him. Young teenagers can be cruel and unmerciful at times when it comes to picking on others and I expected this to be ugly.
The incident I witnessed following this exchange, has forever convinced me that general education students learn a lot from going to school with students with diverse needs.
My class watched the little boy with understanding expressions and quiet, patient smiles. Several whispered his name, "Hi Jon!" Others covertly snuck their hands out and gave him a quiet "high five" as he danced by. No snide remarks. No secret whispers. No knowing grins.
I glanced at every student and studied their expressions carefully. I could see only signs of friendliness. I studied them carefully again, this time looking for pity in their eyes. Still - only friendliness.
It was awhile later before I truly understood how this could be. You see, Washington Elementary 6th grade students were friends with Jon. They routinely gave up their recesses and went to the special needs classrooms to help tutor and befriend the students. They didn't poke fun at Jon because they knew him. They didn't pity him because they knew he could do a lot of things. They were Jon's friends.
While there are certainly challenges when we include special needs students in regular education, let's not forget that special education students aren't the only ones who benefit.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The challenges we face in educating ALL children
I think one of the most endearing (and yes - challenging) things about America's public schooling philosophy is our desire to educate every child.
A person recently told me that her grandchildren are attending a rural school in China. There are certain tests they take and if the students do poorly, they are not allowed to come back. How is that for "high stakes testing?"
In the American system, right or wrong (it's ok to debate it!) schools are expected to take most of the responsibility for adjusting to the students needs. Americans will never tolerate a system that is designed to shut doors for students - and then lock them out.
Wawasee's teachers for some time have been discussing the trend of seeing more and more children with greater educational needs coming through the schoolhouse doors. The numbers back them up.
The graph below shows a 36% increase in students with special education needs since 2002/2003. The breakdown in numbers shows that the increases are in special education areas where the needs are the most serious.
Special Education Preschool: 17 students to 46 students (170% increase)
Developmental Delays: 8 students to 17 students (112% increase)
Learning Disabilities: 163 students to 159 students (2 % decrease)
Emotional Disabilities: 34 students to 86 students (153% increase)
Communication Disabilities: 115 students to 181 students (57% increase)
Autism: 11 students to 25 students (127% increase)
TOTAL Number of Students with special needs: 489 students
The state average for identified students with special needs is 17.9%. Wawasee's overall average is still under the average at 14.8%
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Board Meeting Highlights
At Tuesday night's meeting the WCSC Board of School Trustees:
...gave the oath of office to new board members Rebecca Linnemeier and Michael Wilson
...accepted donations of two vehicles from Subaru Of Indiana to the Automotive program; $7,000 to Summer Swim from Red Cross, Vineyard Community Church, Rinker Family Foundation; $500 from KCH and Dr. Van Ness; and $500 from the Wawasee Kiwanis Club to the Academic Super Bowl
...approved minutes, claims, personnel, year-end transfers, renewal of Dave Van Lue as Syracuse Parks Board representative and an overnight band tour
...approved Board Officers, Dallas Winchester - president, Mary Lou Dixon - Vice President, George Gilbert - Secretary, Mike Wilson - vocational representative, David Cates - attorney
...approved Dr. Stock, Mr. Evans, Mr Lahrman and Ms Swartzentruber as the only Board representatives to open sealed bids and receive quotes for school business
...approved the financial report
...approved Mr. Evans - Treasurer and Mrs. Hollar - Deputy Treasurer
...heard a report on Special Education in Wawasee from Director Mrs. Hite (these statistics will be reported on the blog site later this week)
...heard a report from Dr. Stock about forming a Reading committee to make recommendations on literacy issues in Wawasee, report on graduation statistics, and an update on the Wawasee Education Fund
...heard a report from Ms Swartzentruber on the Annual Performance Report, 2007-2008 calendar update, WHS Course Description Guide
...gave the oath of office to new board members Rebecca Linnemeier and Michael Wilson
...accepted donations of two vehicles from Subaru Of Indiana to the Automotive program; $7,000 to Summer Swim from Red Cross, Vineyard Community Church, Rinker Family Foundation; $500 from KCH and Dr. Van Ness; and $500 from the Wawasee Kiwanis Club to the Academic Super Bowl
...approved minutes, claims, personnel, year-end transfers, renewal of Dave Van Lue as Syracuse Parks Board representative and an overnight band tour
...approved Board Officers, Dallas Winchester - president, Mary Lou Dixon - Vice President, George Gilbert - Secretary, Mike Wilson - vocational representative, David Cates - attorney
...approved Dr. Stock, Mr. Evans, Mr Lahrman and Ms Swartzentruber as the only Board representatives to open sealed bids and receive quotes for school business
...approved the financial report
...approved Mr. Evans - Treasurer and Mrs. Hollar - Deputy Treasurer
...heard a report on Special Education in Wawasee from Director Mrs. Hite (these statistics will be reported on the blog site later this week)
...heard a report from Dr. Stock about forming a Reading committee to make recommendations on literacy issues in Wawasee, report on graduation statistics, and an update on the Wawasee Education Fund
...heard a report from Ms Swartzentruber on the Annual Performance Report, 2007-2008 calendar update, WHS Course Description Guide
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
How does it feel to be a new English speaker taking a graduation exam?
Here is an inside look at two ENL (English as a New Language) students taking a high stakes GQE (Graduation Qualifying Exam) graduation test. This is written by Phil Lederach, Assistant Principal at Goshen High School, and is published in the Goshen News as a letter to the editor. Mr. Lederach shares a teacher's narrative as she watched the students take the test.
I found it interesting from the human interest side of how high stakes testing can affect individuals.
Click here for Goshen News Letter to the Editor.
I found it interesting from the human interest side of how high stakes testing can affect individuals.
Click here for Goshen News Letter to the Editor.
Monday, January 15, 2007
2006 Published Graduation Rates
Indiana has a new formula for counting high school graduation rates.
Here are the state definitions for these categories:
OTHERS: students who move to a lower grade, were enrolled for less than 1 year or were early graduates
UNKNOWN: students who left and no transcripts were requested by any other school
COURSE COMPLETION: students who successfully completed the required courses but did not pass the graduation exam (10th grade ISTEP test)
SP. ED. CERTIFICATES: students who completed their education within the special education program, were foreign exchange students, or were home-schooled
DROPOUTS: students who left school early and participated in an exit interview
How is this formula different than past years? GED students are no longer counted as graduates. Special Education Students not on "diploma-track" who complete their IEP(Individual Education Program) successfully are no longer counted as graduates. If any students are missing the correct documentation for their category (such as a foreign exchange student) they may count as a "non-graduate." Students who are behind in their credits and graduate a year or more late are non-graduates until the year they receive their diploma.
Graphics supplied by Dr. Robert Cockburn
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Do you know how well your child is reading?
Here is a link to a "Red Flag Screening Test for Reading" that you can use to determine what grade level your child is reading at.
Parents can follow the directions given and print copies of various grade level reading assessments, including a state (not Indiana) reading assessment. Directions for scoring are provided.
If the results do not seem to be in line with what you know about your child, or if the results do not seem in line with information you received from your school about your child's reading abilities, then it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss it.
Parents can follow the directions given and print copies of various grade level reading assessments, including a state (not Indiana) reading assessment. Directions for scoring are provided.
If the results do not seem to be in line with what you know about your child, or if the results do not seem in line with information you received from your school about your child's reading abilities, then it would be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss it.
Monday, January 08, 2007
A conservative voice ponders NCLB renewal
Here is an interesting article from someone who helped the Bush administration promote NCLB. I don't agree with everything he says, but there are quite a few interesting points.
This article is probably best suited for people with at least a little background on what the No Child Left Behind law was about.
This article is probably best suited for people with at least a little background on what the No Child Left Behind law was about.
A teacher's New Year's Resolution
Click here to read a teacher's New Year's resolution published in a letter to the Indianapolis Star.
Here is an excerpt:
Here is an excerpt:
The students felt they were not being heard or understood. A student who does not trust a teacher may not ask for help. Teachers have become so concerned about testing and standards, we have forgotten about the connection we need to establish with students. How many students do not like a teacher because they believe the teacher does not like them? Teachers should take time to understand the students, not just the curriculum....
Friday, January 05, 2007
Friday's Funnies
Found at TeachersFirst:
Here's a collection of wisdom from an anonymous mother. If you'd like to add something you've learned, send an e-mail to editorial@teachersfirst.com.
A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.
If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
A 3-year-old's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 by 20 foot room.
You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. However, when using the ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit.
A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late.
A six-year-old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36 year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
A magnifying glass can start a fire even on an overcast day.
Certain LEGOs will pass through the digestive tract of a four-year-old.
The words "Play Dough" and "Microwave" should never be used in the same sentence.
Super glue is forever.
No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
VCRs do not eject PB&J sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
You probably do not want to know what that odor is.
Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not like ovens.
The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5 minute response time.
The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earth worms dizzy. It will however make cats dizzy.
Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
My opinion? Kids are natural born researchers!!
Have a good weekend!!
Here's a collection of wisdom from an anonymous mother. If you'd like to add something you've learned, send an e-mail to editorial@teachersfirst.com.
A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. foot house 4 inches deep.
If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
A 3-year-old's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 by 20 foot room.
You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. However, when using the ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit.
A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
The glass in windows (even double pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh-oh," it's already too late.
A six-year-old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36 year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
A magnifying glass can start a fire even on an overcast day.
Certain LEGOs will pass through the digestive tract of a four-year-old.
The words "Play Dough" and "Microwave" should never be used in the same sentence.
Super glue is forever.
No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
VCRs do not eject PB&J sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
You probably do not want to know what that odor is.
Always look in the oven before you turn it on. Plastic toys do not like ovens.
The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5 minute response time.
The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earth worms dizzy. It will however make cats dizzy.
Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
My opinion? Kids are natural born researchers!!
Have a good weekend!!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Reporter follows 9th grader around school for a year
"What I learned in 9th grade this year!"
A reporter followed several ninth graders through school for a year and reflects on what he has learned about life and schools today.
It is a remarkable story. There is little to argue about here.
Click here for the link to the St Petersburg Times.
A reporter followed several ninth graders through school for a year and reflects on what he has learned about life and schools today.
It is a remarkable story. There is little to argue about here.
Click here for the link to the St Petersburg Times.
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