My morning began with a parent making an unannounced visit to meet me. She did not attend Open House last night, but what she wanted to talk about was more specific to her son, not about a general overview of the course. The family has very recently moved here from Puerto Rico. That is, they moved here just last week due to the father's job. The student is a senior and is now taking the courses that, we believe, will allow him to graduate in June. The major concern is that most of the courses he has to take are required EOC (End-of-Course) subjects. These courses are those where the state makes the final exam and uses the data it collects from the results to determine school performance. The big concern here is that these are high pressure courses at Leesville. The stakes are pretty high and the student is afraid that he will not do well. And of course, his extra obstacle to success is a language barrier. From speaking with the ESL teacher, this student reads and writes English very well, but seems to have a difficult time comprehending spoken English. This is very concerning because i want him to succeed. The mother told me today that her son wants to go back to Puerto Rico in order to complete the 12th grade. The mother was on the verge of tears and I felt very badly for her. I wish there was more I could do to help, but I do not speak Spanish so I can't explain things more plainly to him. What is more, the nature of the course, Civics & Economics, is current events. All of the concepts and theories that are read and taught are followed up with real time examples as the make headlines day-to-day. My explaining these examples, I fear, will be lost on him. I only hope that his hard work (which is already evident) will be rewarded in the long run.
The rest of the day was business as usual. The classes cooperated very well. We seem to get a long very well and so I anticipate great progress this year. I did have a student ask me a personal question during class today about my political views. That is a bit of a slippery slope because as a teacher and an authority figure, I have to be careful not to portray my opinion as fact. So I did my best to explain that from time to time, when asked, I will give my opinion and that the students should understand that by no means is my opinion the rule or the fact and that the students should make sure to form their own opinions after gathering as much information on a subject as possible.
In the Civics & Economics class I showed a short video about the Declaration of Independence. It is a very well done video featuring many popular movie personalities reading the Declaration of Independence, but not after an inspiring introduction by Morgan Freeman (what a great name for the person introducing the Declaration of Independence). I was hoping to add it here to this blog today because I believe everyone should see it, but I do not have it saved on my computer. I will try to remember to bring it home tomorrow and add it. It is very moving and inspiring, and was made even more so, today, Patriot Day, September 11.
Today's Headlines:
Kanye: MTV Exploited Britney for Ratings
Kanye West seems a bit fed up with MTV, and I can't blame him, I have been up with the network ever since they took the "music" out of MTV and filled it with reality shows that are clearly not any person's reality (the "Real World," for one!) His gripe is that MTV exploited Britney Spears Sunday having her perform during the music awards knowing she was not ready and was not up to it. Although I did take my shots at Britney yesterday, I have to say, I do agree with Kanye, the network must have known that she was in no condition, physically and mentally, to perform, but signed her on anyway. That is just despicable. If you haven't seen the performance, just look to my blog from yesterday.
Frustration Evident as Officials Grilled on Iraq
Six years ago today terrorist attacks were engaged on the United States that were largely successful. Today (and yesterday), in the Senate, General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker presented their report on the current condition in Iraq. They were asked some serious questions today and responded admirably. Although I personally am skeptical, I agree with Senator Leiberman who gave these two men much credit for their candor, truthfulness, and clarity. Having heard information from the General who is one of the best positions to understand and respond to the conditions in Iraq, I am confident in what he is doing there. That being said, I still do not remain confident in the plan as portrayed but this "administration." We are however at a critical point in Iraq (every point from no on will be a critical point). Despite my disagreement with the motivations for invading Iraq, our forces are there and cannot just up and leave with making sure that a stable and secure government exists. As a result, our troops must remain in Iraq until that job is done because it is in the best interest of the region, the United States, and the world. Iran has already said that any political or power vacuum that exists in Iraq after American forces leave will be filled by Iran. So, despite the fact that our government created this problem in Iraq, we must stay there until it is fixed.
To hear part of the Senate hearing:
listen at NPR.org
Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9/11. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
August 9, 2007
Democrats Give in to Bush's Surveillance Demands
Again, the Constitution is being trampled. Out of fear of looking soft on terror, Democrats gave in to the White House's requests regarding Surveillance. In this case, sensationalism is winning out over principles and rights. The essence of our country and democracy is being lost. In this, the terrorists of 9/11 have been successful. Remember, the right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do.
Today was a rather slow day. I didn't do too much and before I knew it, it was time to pick Evan up from school. My grandfather is slated to come home from the hospital tomorrow, which is, of course, good news. My sister had her a physical therapy session today, the first since Tuesday's surgery. I don't know how that was, but I am sure it was not without pain.
My summer is drawing to a close as beginning Monday I will be up at school supervising the seniors as they decorate the newly inaugurated "Senior Wall." Although the supervision will essentially cut my summer break short by a week, I am kind of excited to greet the students back for their final year. It is a bit exciting. I am the only advisor to stick with them since freshman year. I am looking forward to it. But I am not looking forward to doing it in the intense heat! The high temperatures everyday this week have been above 100 degrees. Today I saw readings of over 105! The air conditioner was struggling to get the house to the 77 degrees we keep it set. Evan has been disappointed at school, with it being so hot, they have not had recess. Instead they have been exercising in their classroom to a video. In addition, I did not allow Evan to attend soccer practice today. Although the practice did not begin until 7pm, it was still 97 degrees, and in my and Michelle's opinion, that is a dangerous temperature to have children running around in. We were both surprised to see that the Town of Apex did not suspend outdoor activities today due to the intense heat and the heat advisories. Tomorrow promises to be just as hot and humid as today. I know it is going to be a hot one when it is already 80 degrees, in the shade, at 8:30 in the morning!
Again, the Constitution is being trampled. Out of fear of looking soft on terror, Democrats gave in to the White House's requests regarding Surveillance. In this case, sensationalism is winning out over principles and rights. The essence of our country and democracy is being lost. In this, the terrorists of 9/11 have been successful. Remember, the right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do.
"So this is how democracy dies - with thunderous applause." - Senator
Amidala, "Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
Today was a rather slow day. I didn't do too much and before I knew it, it was time to pick Evan up from school. My grandfather is slated to come home from the hospital tomorrow, which is, of course, good news. My sister had her a physical therapy session today, the first since Tuesday's surgery. I don't know how that was, but I am sure it was not without pain.
My summer is drawing to a close as beginning Monday I will be up at school supervising the seniors as they decorate the newly inaugurated "Senior Wall." Although the supervision will essentially cut my summer break short by a week, I am kind of excited to greet the students back for their final year. It is a bit exciting. I am the only advisor to stick with them since freshman year. I am looking forward to it. But I am not looking forward to doing it in the intense heat! The high temperatures everyday this week have been above 100 degrees. Today I saw readings of over 105! The air conditioner was struggling to get the house to the 77 degrees we keep it set. Evan has been disappointed at school, with it being so hot, they have not had recess. Instead they have been exercising in their classroom to a video. In addition, I did not allow Evan to attend soccer practice today. Although the practice did not begin until 7pm, it was still 97 degrees, and in my and Michelle's opinion, that is a dangerous temperature to have children running around in. We were both surprised to see that the Town of Apex did not suspend outdoor activities today due to the intense heat and the heat advisories. Tomorrow promises to be just as hot and humid as today. I know it is going to be a hot one when it is already 80 degrees, in the shade, at 8:30 in the morning!
Monday, July 30, 2007
July 30, 2007
Evan is officially a 1st grader. This morning his stomach was in knots - a combination of anxiety, excitement, and nerves. But once he got to school he slid right back into the routine. Sitting at his table are two of his friends from kindergarten and two students he did not know. One of the familiars at his table was Cameron, his "partner in crime" from Ms. Riggins' class. Although they are at the same table they do not sit next to each other, which, if it was deliberate by the teacher, was a good idea - keep familiar students near but not right next to each other, force them to make new friends. The first day of school video will be forthcoming.
Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, is up to his tricks, he is now trying to bash John Edwards' stand on Iraq. In yet another email I received he points out that Edwards has changed his position on Iraq, quite recently. But what he misses is that starting to pull troops out of Iraq does not constitute abandoning Iraq to al-Qaeda. There are other ways to support Iraq and fight terrorism than by sacrificing our young servicemen and women. Political, financial, and trade support can also help the Iraqis fight terrorism in their own country. The United States can provide support, but does not need to be the front line. But the Republican National Committee only sees things as "black and white" - either you fight al-Qaeda but keeping the troops in Iraq or you abandon the fight against terrorism by pulling troops from Iraq. And that is the problem with the Republican control of the White House for the last 6 years, they do not see any middle ground, it is all or nothing for them. Bush said it himself not long after 9/11: "either you're with us or against us." What he fails to realize is that maybe other countries around the world want to fight terrorism but not on George Bush's terms. It is the very nature of fascism.
Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, is up to his tricks, he is now trying to bash John Edwards' stand on Iraq. In yet another email I received he points out that Edwards has changed his position on Iraq, quite recently. But what he misses is that starting to pull troops out of Iraq does not constitute abandoning Iraq to al-Qaeda. There are other ways to support Iraq and fight terrorism than by sacrificing our young servicemen and women. Political, financial, and trade support can also help the Iraqis fight terrorism in their own country. The United States can provide support, but does not need to be the front line. But the Republican National Committee only sees things as "black and white" - either you fight al-Qaeda but keeping the troops in Iraq or you abandon the fight against terrorism by pulling troops from Iraq. And that is the problem with the Republican control of the White House for the last 6 years, they do not see any middle ground, it is all or nothing for them. Bush said it himself not long after 9/11: "either you're with us or against us." What he fails to realize is that maybe other countries around the world want to fight terrorism but not on George Bush's terms. It is the very nature of fascism.
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