Know you body parts

We applaud the release of new Sex Education Standards that establish a developmentally-based set of guidelines from elementary through high school designed to educate children about sex, bullying, and healthy relationships. Supported by many organizations including the National Education Association (NEA), the new standards are not without critics. Valerie Huber, executive director for the National Education Abstinence Association opposes these guidelines because "controversial topics are best reserved for conversations between parent and child, not in the classroom." She probably advocates that kids continue to use "wee-wee" and "voo-voo" instead of penis and vagina unless approved by momma and dada.

STORY: Sex Education Standards Encourage Teaching 'Safe Sex,' Sexual Identity, Anti-Bullying In Schools

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSczAk_qUEhHxCi4YWSOXA6IboVNvAxewvp5YGrJ_fmZdj_IACP" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSczAk_qUEhHxCi4YWSOXA6IboVNvAxewvp5YGrJ_fmZdj_IACP" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We applaud the release of new Sex Education Standards that establish a developmentally-based set of guidelines from elementary through high school designed to educate children about sex, bullying, and healthy relationships. Supported by many organizations including the National Education Association (NEA), the new standards are not without critics. Valerie Huber, executive director for the National Education Abstinence Association opposes these guidelines because "controversial topics are best reserved for conversations between parent and child, not in the classroom." She probably advocates that kids continue to use "wee-wee" and "voo-voo" instead of penis and vagina unless approved by momma and dada.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/new-sex-education-standar_n_1195129.html">Sex Education Standards Encourage Teaching 'Safe Sex,' Sexual Identity, Anti-Bullying In Schools</a>

Play/protest for pay in the windy city

Recent demonstrations supporting the closure of "under-performing" schools have drawn scrutiny from the teacher's union membership and others. The Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III, leader of Englewood's HOPE organization advocates these closing and has allegedly paid folks a "training stipend"  of $25 to hop on the bus and get out there and support shuttin' em' down. We don't recall any such tactics from Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, nor do we remember cashing in on Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests during our college years. Perhaps the good reverend is trying to stimulate the economy in Chicago. Some protesters didn't have any idea as to why they were there or what they were protesting!

STORY: Paid To Protest? Chicago Schools Watchdog Investigating After Needy Residents Paid To Support Closures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlR-Ro7K3_or82fNZkI3gvqiOu4UtKhbJTbZDK1okQrzXxmClv6A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlR-Ro7K3_or82fNZkI3gvqiOu4UtKhbJTbZDK1okQrzXxmClv6A" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Recent demonstrations supporting the closure of "under-performing" schools have drawn scrutiny from the teacher's union membership and others. The Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III, leader of Englewood's HOPE organization advocates these closing and has allegedly paid folks a "training stipend"  of $25 to hop on the bus and get out there and support shuttin' em' down. We don't recall any such tactics from Saul Alinsky's <i><b>Rules for Radicals</b></i>, nor do we remember cashing in on Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests during our college years. Perhaps the good reverend is trying to stimulate the economy in Chicago. Some protesters didn't have any idea as to why they were there or what they were protesting!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/paid-to-protest-chicago-s_n_1233571.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Paid To Protest? Chicago Schools Watchdog Investigating After Needy Residents Paid To Support Closures</a>

Let's undo lunch!

3200 Chicago Public School cafeteria workers staged a protest aimed to question the school district's menu choices. Described as "bland, frozen," and largely ignored by most principals and students (there's a revelation), one worker asked the telling question: " How can we make real food if you take away real kitchens?" ANSWER...schedule a field trip to your local McDonald's. Bon appetite!

STORY: Lunch Ladies Protest Chicago Public Schools Food, Release Report Detailing Deficiencies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/v3/07-13-2010.NMC_13floydMAIN1.G8A2RKN7F.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/v3/07-13-2010.NMC_13floydMAIN1.G8A2RKN7F.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> 3200 Chicago Public School cafeteria workers staged a protest aimed to question the school district's menu choices. Described as "bland, frozen," and largely ignored by most principals and students (there's a revelation), one worker asked the telling question: " How can we make real food if you take away real kitchens?" ANSWER...schedule a field trip to your local McDonald's. Bon appetite!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/lunch-ladies-protest-chic_n_1232033.html">Lunch Ladies Protest Chicago Public Schools Food, Release Report Detailing Deficiencies</a>