Okay. I read it. I really did. It wouldn't have changed my decision and it doesn't make me regret my decision. I told my children basically what he said. And again, my 4th grader says "we hear that all the time". Just proof that my kids didn't need the president to tell them.
The speech was good. And there are probably some children that needed to hear that. That don't hear it at home, or need to hear it from someone besides their parents.
My problem was never with the speech. But with the timing of it - why during school and only available on the internet for the kids? And with the curriculum recommendations made by the federal department of education.
At any rate, it's over.
Wednesday, September 9
Tuesday, September 8
Thoughts on "The Speech"
My children aren't going. Thank goodness my county gave parents the option. I can tell you, if it hadn't, my children would not have gone to school. Every parent needs to make that decision for themselves and their children based on their beliefs and values. I will not criticize anyone's decision. Everyone raises their children differently. But here are my thoughts, and the reasons we made the decision we did.
1 - My children are 9 & 5. In Kindergarten and 4th grade. The speech will most certainly be over the little one's head and some of it may be over the bigger one's. It's also scheduled for an hour - do you know any children that young that will acutally pay attention for that long?
2 - I don't understand its necessity. To encourage children to stay in school? I drive mine every day - they don't have a choice. To encourage them to try their best? Here's the conversation I had with my 4th grader this morning:
3 - It just doesn't smell right. Why not do this in the speech in conjunction with his joint session of congress speech later this week? Why not just set aside part of that to address school aged children? My opinion on this is that he knows he's not good for ratings any more and a lot of adults won't be watching it - much less calling their children in for a portion. They keep saying other presidents have done this. Including both Bushes. But I just don't remember - and I was in high-school during the first Bush administration. I was old enough for my parents to have discussed it with me if a permission slip like the one we got this week had been sent home. I think he did it as part of a prime time address. And I've had school-aged children for most of the 2nd Bush administration and nothing like this has ever happened.
4 - No one speaks to my child without my permission. I have developed some kind of relationship with every teacher they have ever had. Every one. It's my job to stay on top of what's going on in their schools. To communicate with them about what they are being taught and communicate with the teacher about what's going on in the classroom. Any classroom. I know who's coming in to talk with them. I know more than half of the 4th grade parents also. So, I know what adults my children are around. I know when a speaker is coming to school what he/she is going to talk about in general. Because of these relationships, I have come to trust the adults in charge of my children's education. And I don't trust this president. I just don't think he ever tells the whole truth. I think it's wrong of the administration to all but demand schools show this speech and I think it's wrong of a school district to force a parent to opt out. We should have had to opt in - like we do for everything else.
5 - The hours my children are in school are for education. If education is so important, why take an hour out of the educational day to impress on students how important education is?
6 - The curriculum suggestions. Rumor or not, they were out there. And the wording was suspect. It was changed also. If nothing was wrong with the questions teachers were encouraged to get students to answer, why were they changed? And even if all of this is rumor, rumors generally have some basis in fact. Why should my Kindergartner have to color a picture of the president? He knows who he is. In fact, prior to the election both of my children (my youngest at the time was barely 4) could recognize all 4 candidates on the top 2 tickets. Why should my 4th grader have to write a letter saying how he can help the president achieve his goals? He needs to worry about how he's going to read 24 books this year and work toward achieving his own goals. Not to mention that there should be no loyalty to the president but to the country he serves.
Somone asked me last week would I have made the same decision if it had been President McCain doing this. I think so. I don't think it's appropriate. But honestly, I don't think a President McCain would have been arrogant enough to do this. I was also asked, what if he was coming to your school. First of all, he wouldn't, it's a largely conservative area and it would be a waste of his time. But my kids would go see him, sure. I would go with them. That's a once in a lifetime opportunity. This president is on TV every other night for some reason or other. So they won't be missing anything. Will I let them watch the speech later? My 4th grader, maybe. As long as I'm with him and I can explain things in more detail. Or note if I think he's said something out of line. My Kindergartner, nah, he's just too young and won't do anything but say "hey, that's Barack Obama" over and over.
I've said this a lot this week: It is the teachers' job to educate my children and the teachers at our elementary school are doing a fantastic job. It is my job to impress on them how important school is. We're doing a good job of that. Both of my kids love school. Yes, that's in their nature, but if we weren't always encouraging them, that would fade. My 4th grader was ready to go back after only a few days of summer. It's my job to encourage them to try their best. From time to time they struggle with that, but there are consequences for not doing your best. So far, we haven't had any major issues with behavior or bad grades, so we must be doing fairly well with that also. None of this is the president's job and if that's what his speech is about, my kids don't need it. If it's about more than that, I don't want my kids to be used in politics that way.
1 - My children are 9 & 5. In Kindergarten and 4th grade. The speech will most certainly be over the little one's head and some of it may be over the bigger one's. It's also scheduled for an hour - do you know any children that young that will acutally pay attention for that long?
2 - I don't understand its necessity. To encourage children to stay in school? I drive mine every day - they don't have a choice. To encourage them to try their best? Here's the conversation I had with my 4th grader this morning:
Him: What am I going to miss in the president's speech?
Me: I don't know all of it. But I know he wants to talk about how important
school is and how you should do your best.
Him: But you've told me that every day since I started Kindergarten!
3 - It just doesn't smell right. Why not do this in the speech in conjunction with his joint session of congress speech later this week? Why not just set aside part of that to address school aged children? My opinion on this is that he knows he's not good for ratings any more and a lot of adults won't be watching it - much less calling their children in for a portion. They keep saying other presidents have done this. Including both Bushes. But I just don't remember - and I was in high-school during the first Bush administration. I was old enough for my parents to have discussed it with me if a permission slip like the one we got this week had been sent home. I think he did it as part of a prime time address. And I've had school-aged children for most of the 2nd Bush administration and nothing like this has ever happened.
4 - No one speaks to my child without my permission. I have developed some kind of relationship with every teacher they have ever had. Every one. It's my job to stay on top of what's going on in their schools. To communicate with them about what they are being taught and communicate with the teacher about what's going on in the classroom. Any classroom. I know who's coming in to talk with them. I know more than half of the 4th grade parents also. So, I know what adults my children are around. I know when a speaker is coming to school what he/she is going to talk about in general. Because of these relationships, I have come to trust the adults in charge of my children's education. And I don't trust this president. I just don't think he ever tells the whole truth. I think it's wrong of the administration to all but demand schools show this speech and I think it's wrong of a school district to force a parent to opt out. We should have had to opt in - like we do for everything else.
5 - The hours my children are in school are for education. If education is so important, why take an hour out of the educational day to impress on students how important education is?
6 - The curriculum suggestions. Rumor or not, they were out there. And the wording was suspect. It was changed also. If nothing was wrong with the questions teachers were encouraged to get students to answer, why were they changed? And even if all of this is rumor, rumors generally have some basis in fact. Why should my Kindergartner have to color a picture of the president? He knows who he is. In fact, prior to the election both of my children (my youngest at the time was barely 4) could recognize all 4 candidates on the top 2 tickets. Why should my 4th grader have to write a letter saying how he can help the president achieve his goals? He needs to worry about how he's going to read 24 books this year and work toward achieving his own goals. Not to mention that there should be no loyalty to the president but to the country he serves.
Somone asked me last week would I have made the same decision if it had been President McCain doing this. I think so. I don't think it's appropriate. But honestly, I don't think a President McCain would have been arrogant enough to do this. I was also asked, what if he was coming to your school. First of all, he wouldn't, it's a largely conservative area and it would be a waste of his time. But my kids would go see him, sure. I would go with them. That's a once in a lifetime opportunity. This president is on TV every other night for some reason or other. So they won't be missing anything. Will I let them watch the speech later? My 4th grader, maybe. As long as I'm with him and I can explain things in more detail. Or note if I think he's said something out of line. My Kindergartner, nah, he's just too young and won't do anything but say "hey, that's Barack Obama" over and over.
I've said this a lot this week: It is the teachers' job to educate my children and the teachers at our elementary school are doing a fantastic job. It is my job to impress on them how important school is. We're doing a good job of that. Both of my kids love school. Yes, that's in their nature, but if we weren't always encouraging them, that would fade. My 4th grader was ready to go back after only a few days of summer. It's my job to encourage them to try their best. From time to time they struggle with that, but there are consequences for not doing your best. So far, we haven't had any major issues with behavior or bad grades, so we must be doing fairly well with that also. None of this is the president's job and if that's what his speech is about, my kids don't need it. If it's about more than that, I don't want my kids to be used in politics that way.
Friday, September 4
WOW!
Has it really been more than 4 months?! BTW, it's also been that long since I've read any blogs, too. It's been a busy summer with baseball and all the other things we've had going on.
Both boys have been in school just a little over a month. Colby is still learning the ropes and this week wasn't great, but he's learning and that's what's important. Garrett loves school, so I knew there weren't going to be any problems there. He's had a great year so far. We're happy with both teachers - I should say here that I've NEVER been disappointed with a teacher.
Both played baseball this summer which took up most of our free time. Add to that scout camp and once a month scout activities and we just were not home much at all. Both of them loved it and Garrett's going to be pretty good at it, I think.
They both had birthdays last month, so they are now 9 & 5. To have my baby turn 5 is a little overwhelming. I guess I shouldn't call him "the baby" any more. But I'm afraid that's what he'll always be. We didn't have any kind of big party since we're planning a big trip next month. And we just don't need any more stuff in this house, so I didn't want a bunch of kids bringing random toys as presents. And, quite frankly, we were just too crazy to plan anything.
It doesn't sound like we did a lot, but we just weren't home a lot. We managed to have some fun. We spent a lot of nights & Saturdays (after baseball ended) at The Streets playing in the fountain or at the park with the big playground. It was a mild summer for Tennessee so we weren't cooped up all summer and we spent a lot of time outside - away from the computer.
I'm sure I'll catch up on my reading and posting in the near future - maybe...Happy Fall Y'all!
Both boys have been in school just a little over a month. Colby is still learning the ropes and this week wasn't great, but he's learning and that's what's important. Garrett loves school, so I knew there weren't going to be any problems there. He's had a great year so far. We're happy with both teachers - I should say here that I've NEVER been disappointed with a teacher.
Both played baseball this summer which took up most of our free time. Add to that scout camp and once a month scout activities and we just were not home much at all. Both of them loved it and Garrett's going to be pretty good at it, I think.
They both had birthdays last month, so they are now 9 & 5. To have my baby turn 5 is a little overwhelming. I guess I shouldn't call him "the baby" any more. But I'm afraid that's what he'll always be. We didn't have any kind of big party since we're planning a big trip next month. And we just don't need any more stuff in this house, so I didn't want a bunch of kids bringing random toys as presents. And, quite frankly, we were just too crazy to plan anything.
It doesn't sound like we did a lot, but we just weren't home a lot. We managed to have some fun. We spent a lot of nights & Saturdays (after baseball ended) at The Streets playing in the fountain or at the park with the big playground. It was a mild summer for Tennessee so we weren't cooped up all summer and we spent a lot of time outside - away from the computer.
I'm sure I'll catch up on my reading and posting in the near future - maybe...Happy Fall Y'all!
Monday, April 27
Kindergarten - again
I have a kindergartner - again. On Friday, I registered Colby - my baby! - for Kindergarten. WOW! Hard to believe. He went with me and did pretty well while I filled out the mountains of paperwork.
The older kids (3-5 grades) had TCAPs (our standardized tests) last week, so Friday was a relaxing day for them. Garrett's teacher told them Friday morning they weren't allowed to learn anything that day. So, after Colby & I registered for Kindergarten, we went outside and he played on the playground with Garrett's class for almost an hour. He had a blast!
He's young - he won't be 5 until the day before he starts. His brother was the same way. In fact, Garrett's birthday is later than Colby's. I considered holding him out. And even though he's registered, I reserve the right to do just that. I did the same with his brother. Spent the whole summer preaching to him about how he needed to behave. We started him and he did fine.
I know every child is different. But, really, how do you hold a child out who is READING just because he's young? Don't get me wrong, Colby's not reading classical literature or anything. But he's reading. I've been trying to remember Garrett's "sight words" from Kindergarten and work on those. He's doing really, really well. He also knows all the sounds of his letters, so in addition to the "sight words" we're working on sounding words out, too. That's going okay.
We're still working on things - like sitting still - but I suspect it will be worse if I hold him out and he's bored when he does finally start. As it is, I'm afraid he's going to be a little bored this year - Garrett was. But, we have great Kindergarten teachers at our school (we have great teachers in all grades, but right now Kindergarten is my concern). Teachers who make learning fun - even if it's something the kids already know - like the sound M makes.
Next year is my first year with 2 in school. A Kindergartner and a 4th grader. I'm not sure it's sunk in yet. Talk to me in August.
The older kids (3-5 grades) had TCAPs (our standardized tests) last week, so Friday was a relaxing day for them. Garrett's teacher told them Friday morning they weren't allowed to learn anything that day. So, after Colby & I registered for Kindergarten, we went outside and he played on the playground with Garrett's class for almost an hour. He had a blast!
He's young - he won't be 5 until the day before he starts. His brother was the same way. In fact, Garrett's birthday is later than Colby's. I considered holding him out. And even though he's registered, I reserve the right to do just that. I did the same with his brother. Spent the whole summer preaching to him about how he needed to behave. We started him and he did fine.
I know every child is different. But, really, how do you hold a child out who is READING just because he's young? Don't get me wrong, Colby's not reading classical literature or anything. But he's reading. I've been trying to remember Garrett's "sight words" from Kindergarten and work on those. He's doing really, really well. He also knows all the sounds of his letters, so in addition to the "sight words" we're working on sounding words out, too. That's going okay.
We're still working on things - like sitting still - but I suspect it will be worse if I hold him out and he's bored when he does finally start. As it is, I'm afraid he's going to be a little bored this year - Garrett was. But, we have great Kindergarten teachers at our school (we have great teachers in all grades, but right now Kindergarten is my concern). Teachers who make learning fun - even if it's something the kids already know - like the sound M makes.
Next year is my first year with 2 in school. A Kindergartner and a 4th grader. I'm not sure it's sunk in yet. Talk to me in August.
Wednesday, April 22
Daycare
I work. I like my job, but I call it my second choice. I want to be at home. Since I work, I have to have daycare. For just over 7 years, my children have been in daycare. For 6 1/2 years they have been at the same one - ever since we moved. My youngest has never gone anywhere else. I have been very happy with the teachers there. Similar to the way I feel about my job, I call my daycare my second choice.
My oldest is now in school, but has been going there during the summers. This summer was going to be our last. My youngest starts Kindergarten in the fall. We don't need child care except during the breaks and the school has a good program.
But - yesterday. They met parents at the door (in the morning, when everyone is in a hurry) to tell us they've decided to close the center at the end of May. Now, they said the economy wasn't supporting keeping the center open. Baloney. That center is full. I'm not going to get into it here, but I told the district manager exactly what I thought about that. Then called the corporate office & gave then a piece of my mind also. I was controlled and polite, but was sure to let them hear my frustration and made sure they knew how angry and disappointed I was.
Now, I have to find a new daycare for my youngest. FOR TWO MONTHS! PART TIME for two months. And hope that this crazy transition doesn't mess up his transition to Kindergarten in August. He may handle it better than I am. Kids are much more resilient than adults. But that doesn't stop the worry - and the anger.
I'm dealing, and he'll have a new place by the time his closes. And in August, he'll start Kindergarten at the "big school" with his brother and won't remember all of this. Please, pray for all of us.
My oldest is now in school, but has been going there during the summers. This summer was going to be our last. My youngest starts Kindergarten in the fall. We don't need child care except during the breaks and the school has a good program.
But - yesterday. They met parents at the door (in the morning, when everyone is in a hurry) to tell us they've decided to close the center at the end of May. Now, they said the economy wasn't supporting keeping the center open. Baloney. That center is full. I'm not going to get into it here, but I told the district manager exactly what I thought about that. Then called the corporate office & gave then a piece of my mind also. I was controlled and polite, but was sure to let them hear my frustration and made sure they knew how angry and disappointed I was.
Now, I have to find a new daycare for my youngest. FOR TWO MONTHS! PART TIME for two months. And hope that this crazy transition doesn't mess up his transition to Kindergarten in August. He may handle it better than I am. Kids are much more resilient than adults. But that doesn't stop the worry - and the anger.
I'm dealing, and he'll have a new place by the time his closes. And in August, he'll start Kindergarten at the "big school" with his brother and won't remember all of this. Please, pray for all of us.
Thursday, April 16
Tea Parties!!
I had an amazing time! I have never done anything like that in my life. And I am PUMPED. I'm ready to get involved and do anything I possibly can to keep this up. We are in danger of losing our republic if we do not start paying more attention to what is going on in Washington.
Yes, I'm angry about what's been said about it. How the people are being insulted by the media and left-wing politicians. How the people are just angry and aren't smart enough to organize by themselves. We must be driven (or paid) by a party. Oh, yeah, and everyone there was a "right-wing extremist" and is on the Homeland Security watch list. But those who were at a tea party (any of them) know the truth and it will spread thanks to blogs and word of mouth. You cannot deny what you see.
It was like one huge pep rally. And the horn honking! If you were in Tennesse around 10 years ago, you remember the income tax protests that went on for years. Every time you drove the capital, you honked your horn to let the legislature know you were against it. And it worked. And yesterday it was continued. You could barely hear the speakers because of the horns. It was peaceful, too. Amazing with 10000 people crammed into that space. And clean when we left.
There was no party affiliation yesterday. In fact, I saw signs that blamed Bush for the spending as much as Obama. And they were right. It's about responsibility. And it's about "we, the people" taking responsibility as well. Responsibility for who we send to Washington. Responsibility for watching them while they're there.
I do have pictures, but my batteries died and I need to get new ones before I can upload them. Hopefully some time today.
Yes, I'm angry about what's been said about it. How the people are being insulted by the media and left-wing politicians. How the people are just angry and aren't smart enough to organize by themselves. We must be driven (or paid) by a party. Oh, yeah, and everyone there was a "right-wing extremist" and is on the Homeland Security watch list. But those who were at a tea party (any of them) know the truth and it will spread thanks to blogs and word of mouth. You cannot deny what you see.
It was like one huge pep rally. And the horn honking! If you were in Tennesse around 10 years ago, you remember the income tax protests that went on for years. Every time you drove the capital, you honked your horn to let the legislature know you were against it. And it worked. And yesterday it was continued. You could barely hear the speakers because of the horns. It was peaceful, too. Amazing with 10000 people crammed into that space. And clean when we left.
There was no party affiliation yesterday. In fact, I saw signs that blamed Bush for the spending as much as Obama. And they were right. It's about responsibility. And it's about "we, the people" taking responsibility as well. Responsibility for who we send to Washington. Responsibility for watching them while they're there.
I do have pictures, but my batteries died and I need to get new ones before I can upload them. Hopefully some time today.
Tuesday, April 14
Tax Day Tea Party
So, tomorrow is April 15. An "anti-holiday" to most Americans. Now, my husband & I have already filed our taxes. He starts harassing me to put the paperwork together some time in mid-January every year. That way we're ready when the W-2s and other official paperwork arrive in the mail. And, we got a refund. Well, not a refund. We got our money back that we loaned to the federal government interest free. But I don't necessarily look at that number. I look at the actual tax due numbers. AND IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! If everyone had to actually write a check for their taxes in April instead of just getting back the extra the government took out of their checks, there would be a much larger revolt in this country. People, as a rule, just don't realize how much it is.
I am not one that believes there should be no taxes. I understand the government needs to provide defense and other items. I do not believe the government - at any level - should take care of people. YES, I know there are those that can't take care of themselves. I support charities that do that. And I believe the government has some role in that. But I believe the government has moved into supporting those that won't support themselves. I also believe the government is spending money where it shouldn't. Things that should be taken care of in the private sector - bailouts, anyone?
We need to be involved. I email my representatives & senators, both federal and state, regularly. I follow their websites & blogs and any legislation they sponsor and support. I monitor their voting records. I VOTE. Every. single. time. Now, it's time to do something else. In this country we still have the right to speak out.
I am taking a vacation day tomorrow to do just that. The Tea Party is tomorrow. There are hundreds of these nationwide. Here, in Tennessee, there is one at the capital in Nashville tomorrow at noon. Then there are county tea parties at 6pm all over the state. TWO chances to get involved. Once at the state level, once at the local level. TWO chances to make your voice heard. Guess what? We're going to both. I've never been to a protest before so this is new to me.
And we're taking our kids to the evening one. My kids vote with us. They knew by sight the candidates last year. My oldest got to where he could recognize their voices if he heard speeches from the other room. He also has a basic understanding of the Electoral College. And they both understand elections and the transfer of power. We're taking them because we think they need to understand "we, the people". Especially my oldest. They need to start learning now the responsibility we have to monitor those we elect.
Want to get involved? Find a Tea Party near you...http://taxdayteaparty.com/
By the way - don't just complain and protest. I have also emailed thank yous to my representatives and senators. Complain too much and they just quit listening. Tomorrow, I will take note of who listens and who doesn't and send them messages accordingly.
I am not one that believes there should be no taxes. I understand the government needs to provide defense and other items. I do not believe the government - at any level - should take care of people. YES, I know there are those that can't take care of themselves. I support charities that do that. And I believe the government has some role in that. But I believe the government has moved into supporting those that won't support themselves. I also believe the government is spending money where it shouldn't. Things that should be taken care of in the private sector - bailouts, anyone?
We need to be involved. I email my representatives & senators, both federal and state, regularly. I follow their websites & blogs and any legislation they sponsor and support. I monitor their voting records. I VOTE. Every. single. time. Now, it's time to do something else. In this country we still have the right to speak out.
I am taking a vacation day tomorrow to do just that. The Tea Party is tomorrow. There are hundreds of these nationwide. Here, in Tennessee, there is one at the capital in Nashville tomorrow at noon. Then there are county tea parties at 6pm all over the state. TWO chances to get involved. Once at the state level, once at the local level. TWO chances to make your voice heard. Guess what? We're going to both. I've never been to a protest before so this is new to me.
And we're taking our kids to the evening one. My kids vote with us. They knew by sight the candidates last year. My oldest got to where he could recognize their voices if he heard speeches from the other room. He also has a basic understanding of the Electoral College. And they both understand elections and the transfer of power. We're taking them because we think they need to understand "we, the people". Especially my oldest. They need to start learning now the responsibility we have to monitor those we elect.
Want to get involved? Find a Tea Party near you...http://taxdayteaparty.com/
By the way - don't just complain and protest. I have also emailed thank yous to my representatives and senators. Complain too much and they just quit listening. Tomorrow, I will take note of who listens and who doesn't and send them messages accordingly.
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