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>

Flat earth parents

A group of parents asked that the Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board to include information about "ex-gay therapy" and "Gay related immune deficiency (GRID)" in its curriculum policy revisions. The Parent Action League (PAL) apparently subscribes to the notion that shaking the rooster claw over GLBT children will cure them and wants to use language (GRID) that hasn't been used in the medical community for over 25 years! We are waiting for them to advocate blood-letting and routine exorcisms as well. Thankfully, the board has resisted pressure from the community neanderthals. This is a district that has experienced six suicides in less than 24 months, some of which were gay students. We join Tammy Aaberg, mother of one of the suicide victims, in support of the board for resisting pressure from PAL.
STORY: Conservative Parents Demand School Teach About Ex-Gay Therapy (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.happyheartandmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flat-earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://www.happyheartandmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flat-earth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A group of parents asked that the Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board to include information about "ex-gay therapy" and "Gay related immune deficiency (GRID)" in its curriculum policy revisions. The Parent Action League (PAL) apparently subscribes to the notion that shaking the rooster claw over GLBT children will cure them and wants to use language (GRID) that hasn't been used in the medical community for over 25 years! We are waiting for them to advocate blood-letting and routine exorcisms as well. Thankfully, the board has resisted pressure from the community neanderthals. This is a district that has experienced six suicides in less than 24 months, some of which were gay students. We join Tammy Aaberg, mother of one of the suicide victims, in support of the board for resisting pressure from PAL.<br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/conservative-parents-demand-school-teach-ex-gay-therapy_n_1231409.html">Conservative Parents Demand School Teach About Ex-Gay Therapy (VIDEO)</a>

One tough cookie

New York City high school student Nesshell Rainford provides a powerful essay chronicling her journey through adolescence and her confrontation with racism> with one crowd she was "too white" with another "ghetto" and she experienced these stereotypes both face-to-face in her schools as well as in cyberspace. At one point her mom advised her to "be satisfied with the body God gave you" and she thought "how can I be satisfied when I felt God had made a mistake in my skin color?" Her essay makes us question the culture of schools where this is pervasive...even her African drum instructor told her she had no rythm...she was too white.We sense that this talented young woman will be successful and will speak volumes to folks that need to listen to her message as a human being. Thanks Nesshell.

STORY: Racism In High School: 'I'm Not Oreo Or Ghetto -- I'm Just Being Me'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sciencebob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/oreo_cookie_moon_phases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://www.sciencebob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/oreo_cookie_moon_phases.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> New York City high school student Nesshell Rainford provides a powerful essay chronicling her journey through adolescence and her confrontation with racism> with one crowd she was "too white" with another "ghetto" and she experienced these stereotypes both face-to-face in her schools as well as in cyberspace. At one point her mom advised her to "be satisfied with the body God gave you" and she thought "how can I be satisfied when I felt God had made a mistake in my skin color?" Her essay makes us question the culture of schools where this is pervasive...even her African drum instructor told her she had no rythm...she was too white.We sense that this talented young woman will be successful and will speak volumes to folks that need to listen to her message as a human being. Thanks Nesshell.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/racism-in-high-school-im-_n_1208065.html">Racism In High School: 'I'm Not Oreo Or Ghetto -- I'm Just Being Me'</a>

Dress for success

Eighteen year-old aspiring dancer and model Sydney Spies had her yearbook photo yanked by Durango High School. It apparently did not meet community or professional standards. Ms. Spies acknowledged that some people might think it was too sexy, but she sees this as freedom of expression and we must agree. We have to wonder if the cheerleaders at Durango High are sporting jump suits, or if the wrestlers have thrown away the standard singlets as too revealing. Any ideas as to how the swim team photo may turn out? Finally, watch for this photo on Joan River's "Bitch stole my look!"

STORY: Sydney Spies, Durango High School Senior's Photo Yanked From Yearbook For Controversial Attire 

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSISd4t1NYq_05ZJcSW-9Tp8zx5eLdHEd-VOU3zHnLdVP4TKWWngi8PTqetI7HZqDCXoUPJHmcn488xqtLC-5oVuyQmbp1ifvDZQjnO7NHjDefxnkSs3_3YSe5zckfaxdnSv0Y0GG5WU/s1600/633821078592410435-strippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSISd4t1NYq_05ZJcSW-9Tp8zx5eLdHEd-VOU3zHnLdVP4TKWWngi8PTqetI7HZqDCXoUPJHmcn488xqtLC-5oVuyQmbp1ifvDZQjnO7NHjDefxnkSs3_3YSe5zckfaxdnSv0Y0GG5WU/s400/633821078592410435-strippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Eighteen year-old aspiring dancer and model Sydney Spies had her yearbook photo yanked by Durango High School. It apparently did not meet community or professional standards. Ms. Spies acknowledged that some people might think it was too sexy, but she sees this as freedom of expression and we must agree. We have to wonder if the cheerleaders at Durango High are sporting jump suits, or if the wrestlers have thrown away the standard singlets as too revealing. Any ideas as to how the swim team photo may turn out? Finally, watch for this photo on Joan River's "Bitch stole my look!"<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/05/sydney-spies-durango-high_n_1188721.html">Sydney Spies, Durango High School Senior's Photo Yanked From Yearbook For Controversial Attire </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>

Science fair not fear

Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.

STORY: Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s1600/science_board.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s400/science_board.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/angela-zhang-high-school-_n_1207177.html">Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure</a>

That's dope

Talk about show and tell!! A four-year old special needs student broke out 9 bags of grass at snack time to share with his classmates...no bogarting here in Meriden, Connecticut. We advocate natural snack products and Hanover Elementary School may be experimenting with a new version of "Scooby Snacks" in order to maintain Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Talk about "high" levels of student achievement...

Perhaps DARE needs to reach down to pre-schoolers.

STORY: Boy Pulls Out Marijuana At School

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://images.clipartof.com/small/226856-Royalty-Free-RF-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Caterpillar-Eating-A-Marijuana-Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/226856-Royalty-Free-RF-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Caterpillar-Eating-A-Marijuana-Leaf.jpg" width="397" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Talk about show and tell!! A four-year old special needs student broke out 9 bags of grass at snack time to share with his classmates...no bogarting here in Meriden, Connecticut. We advocate natural snack products and Hanover Elementary School may be experimenting with a new version of "Scooby Snacks" in order to maintain Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Talk about "high" levels of student achievement...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Perhaps DARE needs to reach down to pre-schoolers.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/boy-brings-marijuana-to-school_n_1233779.html?view=print&comm_ref=false">Boy Pulls Out Marijuana At School</a></div>

Going Post-IT

Eighth-grade Middle School student Samantha Bremmer believes in positive messaging. In response to what she saw as mean-spirited bullying, she spent her holiday break composing 820 positive messages to be posted on classmates lockers. Mill Creek Middle School teacher Val Berryman said its nice to see student's encouraging each other. We love random acts of kindness and caring. Way to go Samantha...please consider teaching as a career! Our profession needs people with their hearts and minds in the right place.

STORY: UPDATED: Mill Creek Middle School Student Inspires Classmates Through Posts on Lockers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://gtdretail.webege.com/Photos/postit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://gtdretail.webege.com/Photos/postit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Eighth-grade Middle School student Samantha Bremmer believes in positive messaging. In response to what she saw as mean-spirited bullying, she spent her holiday break composing 820 positive messages to be posted on classmates lockers. Mill Creek Middle School teacher Val Berryman said its nice to see student's encouraging each other. We love random acts of kindness and caring. Way to go Samantha...please consider teaching as a career! Our profession needs people with their hearts and minds in the right place.<br /> <br /> STORY: UPDATED: <a href="http://dexter.patch.com/articles/mill-creek-middle-school-student-posts-inspirational-messages-to-classmates">Mill Creek Middle School Student Inspires Classmates Through Posts on Lockers</a>

It takes a village

We have been following the remarkable story of Samantha Garvey, Intel Talent Search semi-finalist from New York. Her family was evicted from their home on New Year's day, spent a week in a hotel before moving to a homeless shelter. This gifted young woman's talent and hard work inspired Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to find a three-bedroom, rent subsidized home for Samantha and her family. This is American exceptionalism...recognizing a problem and doing the right thing. Hats off to all who have supported this young woman and her family and the best of luck to her in what we hope will be a wonderful career in the sciences.

STORY: Samantha Garvey, Homeless Intel Science Competition Semifinalist, Is Dedicated To Helping Her Family Overcome Hardship

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://s1.hubimg.com/u/952716_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://s1.hubimg.com/u/952716_f520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We have been following the remarkable story of Samantha Garvey, Intel Talent Search semi-finalist from New York. Her family was evicted from their home on New Year's day, spent a week in a hotel before moving to a homeless shelter. This gifted young woman's talent and hard work inspired Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to find a three-bedroom, rent subsidized home for Samantha and her family. This is American exceptionalism...recognizing a problem and doing the right thing. Hats off to all who have supported this young woman and her family and the best of luck to her in what we hope will be a wonderful career in the sciences.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/19/samantha-garvey-intel-science-immigrant_n_1215994.html">Samantha Garvey, Homeless Intel Science Competition Semifinalist, Is Dedicated To Helping Her Family Overcome Hardship</a>

WWJD...what would jessica do?

Teenage atheist Jessica Ahlquist questioned the display of a banner displaying a prayer in her public high school and was summarily blown off by school administration. Now that's such a surprise that a high school student wouldn't be taken seriously. As a plaintiff represented by the ACLU, Jessica won a slam dunk decision against the school...not a surprise. House representative Peter Palumbo has referred to Jessica as an "evil little thing" and a "pawn star" of the ACLU. Now that's the kind of elected state official I want to have representing me! The hell with the Constitution and all that separation of church and state nonsense! While we are at it...the hell with...no I go too far. A bit of christian kindness is in order...unlike the hostile outpourings that Jessica has endured over twitter and Facebook. Lesson learned? You can memorize the Constitution to spit back on multiple choice tests but don't have the courage to actually expect it to be applied at Cranston High School West.


STORY:  Misguided faith unjust to nonbelievers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://wittmeier.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/picture-3.png?w=481&h=318" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://wittmeier.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/picture-3.png?w=481&h=318" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Teenage atheist Jessica Ahlquist questioned the display of a banner displaying a prayer in her public high school and was summarily blown off by school administration. Now that's such a surprise that a high school student wouldn't be taken seriously. As a plaintiff represented by the ACLU, Jessica won a slam dunk decision against the school...not a surprise. House representative Peter Palumbo has referred to Jessica as an "evil little thing" and a "pawn star" of the ACLU. Now that's the kind of elected state official I want to have representing me! The hell with the Constitution and all that separation of church and state nonsense! While we are at it...the hell with...no I go too far. A bit of christian kindness is in order...unlike the hostile outpourings that Jessica has endured over twitter and Facebook. Lesson learned? You can memorize the Constitution to spit back on multiple choice tests but don't have the courage to actually expect it to be applied at Cranston High School West.<br /> <br /> <br /> STORY:  <a href="http://www.dailygamecock.com/viewpoints/item/3206-misguided-faith-unjust-to-nonbelievers">Misguided faith unjust to nonbelievers</a>

Math is hard...knocks!

Landstown math teacher Mike Shanklin was arrested by Virginia Beach police for allegedly belting a math student who failed to finish an assignment. Talk about high stakes testing!! The female student apparently stayed after school for some extra tutoring help when Mr. S cut loose with the fury of  No Child Left’s Behind.  With all of the negative publicity about US schools falling so far behind foreign competition in math and science test performance (TIMMS for example), rather than actually invest a higher % of our GDP in public education ( we rank near the bottom in this), we leave it up to individual teachers to come up with creative ways to solve the problem. Mr. Shanklin’s efforts were failed patriotism but patriotism nevertheless!
USA, USA, USA!!!

STORY: Landstown High School teacher arrested for allegedly beating student with belt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.jor-on.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/mathematics_theproblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.jor-on.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/mathematics_theproblem.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Landstown math teacher Mike Shanklin was arrested by Virginia Beach police for allegedly belting a math student who failed to finish an assignment. Talk about high stakes testing!! The female student apparently stayed after school for some extra tutoring help when Mr. S cut loose with the fury of  No Child <b>Left’s Behind</b>.  With all of the negative publicity about US schools falling so far behind foreign competition in math and science test performance (TIMMS for example), rather than actually invest a higher % of our GDP in public education ( we rank near the bottom in this), we leave it up to individual teachers to come up with creative ways to solve the problem. Mr. Shanklin’s efforts were failed patriotism but patriotism nevertheless!<br /> USA, USA, USA!!!<br /> <br /> <b>STORY</b>: <a href="http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-landstown-high-school-teacher-arrested-for-allegedly-beating-student-with-belt-20120119,0,1141178.story">Landstown High School teacher arrested for allegedly beating student with belt</a><br /> <div> <br /></div>

Tea Party gains momentum in Michigan

Politics schmolitics…the Tea Party rules at Hastings High near Grand Rapids. A teacher reportedly poured hot tea on two boys to break up a fight. Tea for two as they say. The boys received minor burns from the Spanish teacher’s actions…mucho gusto!  Tea Party supporters are touting this teacher for a congressional run in order to lure more latino voter support. In the meantime, the school may be looking into some behavior management models that do not require deadly force!!

STORY: Teacher pours HOT TEA on students to break up a fight following escalating texts over a girl

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Alice-Tea-Party-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.youthedesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Alice-Tea-Party-14.jpg" width="297" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Politics schmolitics…the Tea Party rules at Hastings High near Grand Rapids. A teacher reportedly poured hot tea on two boys to break up a fight. Tea for two as they say. The boys received minor burns from the Spanish teacher’s actions…mucho gusto!  Tea Party supporters are touting this teacher for a congressional run in order to lure more latino voter support. In the meantime, the school may be looking into some behavior management models that do not require deadly force!!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2089269/Teacher-pours-HOT-TEA-students-break-fight-following-escalating-texts-girl.html?ito=feeds-newsxml">Teacher pours HOT TEA on students to break up a fight following escalating texts over a girl</a><br /> <br /> <br />