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andi03
F L I N T O I D
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I have to preface by stating that I have three children that attend Grand Blanc Schools. The Board of Education has decided to cut a plethora of items, one of which being the Gifted and Talented Program. My kids range in age from 10.5 down to almost 6.
The ten year old is a wonder at reading!!! She always has a book in her hand and has been in the said program for the last two years. I have loved the information that they have sent home for me to help her with her reading, otherwise, I would be lost in challenging her. Canceling the G and T program will hurt her and myself, big time, as the teachers were the guidance that I had to challenge her with certain book titles.
On the other hand, I am glad that the No Child Left Behind Act is there because I do not like to see the disparity between the haves and the have nots, so to speak. That is the way that it seems. The stats have somewhat proven that the disparities between the educational level of races has been closing. But with that said, I am glad that this is offered, because I have a child, the 6 year old that needs "extra attention".
But children are being left behind, as noted by canceling Gifted and Talented Programs, not only in GB but in other school systems. I seem to have a microcosm of the positives and negatives in my house.......<sigh>
Any input, discussion, opinions?
Andrea |
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Thu Jun 14, 2007 3:42 pm |
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
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Concentrate on being a parent and teach by example without depending on programs run by the government. Spend some time at the library with your children in the Children's departments, learn what their interests are and what is there and elsewhere besides books for them to learn from. Encourage them to read and ask questions, to develop reasoning skills to seek their own answers and conclusions. Challenge them to increase their interests and go on to the next level. If they like to write and draw, look for puzzles and games and drawing lessons online that you can print and have them do in free time if they wish. Go on walks or hikes or camping in the outdoors. Music? Dance? Sports? Building? Science? Engage them. Teach them about how to have healthy bodies by exercising and eating right. Healthy body, healthy mind, joyful spirit.
Speaking of science, have you tried the Alka-Seltzer rocket or making slime yet? See
http://www.examiner.com/a-747478~Ed_Caballero___Sharon_Mor__Making_learning_fun.html
Need to engage his help cleaning brass? Try some vinegar and salt, cleans brass like a charm. |
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Thu Jun 14, 2007 10:11 pm |
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Richard
F L I N T O I D
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I believe you have to spend time with your kids and depend less on programs. Go "Old School" and do it yourself.
These programs are important but you cannot rely on them to raise your kids, or to educate them, or to instill values. This must come from the parents. |
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Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:40 am |
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andi03
F L I N T O I D
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Thanks OO and Richard,
You have given me much food for thought, it is really appreciated more than you know.
Andi |
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Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:24 am |
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Adam Ford
F L I N T O I D
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I agree with the others. They really don't teach much critical thinking in public schools. They also teach very little about the American political system in schools other than the most basic stuff.
Have you ever read the no child left behind act? I believe it's about 1000 pages. Perhaps your school could have continued the gifted program if they didn't have to focus time and resources on the NCLB act.
It's hard for me to believe that schools don't want all their children to succeed even without the government telling them how they should go about doing that.
You could put your children in Flint schools. It may seem dumb but I think we are still going to run an internattional baccalaureate program that is better and more advanced than the gifted program your children were in.
Do you live in Grand Blanc? If so you could run for school board. |
_________________
Adam Ford
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Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:13 am |
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andi03
F L I N T O I D
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Thanks Adam!!
My husband and I are diametrically opposed to the schooling that we provide our children, believe it or not. He wants to send them to a parochial school and I have shunned the possibility of that endeavour, due to the fact that there is not enough diversity amongst the enrollees that I have found there to be at the school that he has in mind. He is totally conservative and I am totally liberal in my viewpoints, so currently we are holding steadfast at the moment and keeping them where they are.......dunno.
I would love to send the oldest to the school that you mention, but I don't know what my plans are for furthering my own education at this moment along with the fact of my job opportunities at the present. Sounds like I am copping out, but these are my realities. I love the fact also that Grand Blanc is filled with diversity and our neighborhood as well.
I was approached by my boss actually to see if I would run for local office where I reside. Needless to say I was flummoxed and flattered at the same time, but abhore the politics involved of the "he said she said" mentality that ensues when people are diametrically (sp) opposed in viewpoints.
GB school board? I'd love to, but there seems to be a cerebral capacity needed that I don't have..............a bachelor's degree for one.  |
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Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:24 am |
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JustAskMe
F L I N T O I D
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It's wonderful to hear from another parent focused on their children.
I agree with everyone - there is no government program that can replace good parenting. I also see too many youth becoming "parents" without the tools required to be a good parent.
As far as No Child Left Behind - intentions were good; implementation has been impossible.
So what is a parent to do? My husband and I disagree on most issues - I'm a liberal he's not  . However, when it comes to our role as a parent - we are both committed to raising our children to be respectful, empowered, responsible adults. In our home, we have values and a belief system that supports this goal.
BTW our children attend Clio Schools and we appreciate our district! We expect a school to provide academic resources. Our children are taught the importance of an education. We help with homework or get the help they need with homework; we keep in contact with teachers; we get the kids up, fed and out to school each day. It's exhausing but when they reach the age of majority - all this work will hopefully prove worthwhile. Time will tell?
Thanks. |
_________________
Don't ask what I think - unless you REALLY want to hear. |
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Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:54 am |
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andi03
F L I N T O I D
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Howdy JAM (aka Just Ask Me)
It's nice to meet another woman that is a liberal that has a "conservative" husband. It's tough, sometimes, but it is wonderful for the kids to see two people diametrically opposed in viewpoints, but still carry on in day to day life.
I am going to be giving my kids some homework over the summer, to keep their little minds fresh, so to speak. Ever since they have been out of school last Thursday, they have been shall we say, "interesting little specimens" to live with.
Boston Public Library in Mass. has some good book titles on their website, don't know how old your little one(s) is/are. I think that I may be taking my kids to "LunchLadies" restaurant as a "reward" sometime in downtown Flint. It looks really neat on her website!!
I think that our kids will wind up okay. |
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Tue Jun 19, 2007 5:57 am |
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lunchlady
F L I N T O I D
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Andi03
"I think that I may be taking my kids to "LunchLadies" restaurant as a "reward" sometime in downtown Flint. It looks really neat on her website!!"
Cool, and thanks I hope you and your kids LOVE your lunch. They might like the backroom, there are toys and games back there. We look forward to seeing you! |
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Tue Jun 19, 2007 6:32 pm |
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Ryan Eashoo
F L I N T O I D
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They will love it, that place is Awesome! I wish i was so lucky to have a place like that when I was a kid!
quote:
andi03 schreef:
Howdy JAM (aka Just Ask Me)
I think that I may be taking my kids to "LunchLadies" restaurant as a "reward" sometime in downtown Flint. It looks really neat on her website!!
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_________________
Flint Michigan Resident, Tax Payer, Flint Nutt - Local REALTOR - Activist. www.FlintTown.com |
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Tue Jun 19, 2007 6:48 pm |
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
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Andi, while you're in town for lunch you could check out the Flint Public Library.
The Flint Public Library has a Kids' Web and Teen Zone online, too. See link in left frame at www.flint.lib.mi.us.
Here's more fun.
PBS has many quality programs. Check the PBS kids, parents (games, activities and parenting advice) and teachers links in the frame on the right at p b s . org. [spaced because bull sitting on toilet appears without it]
What's That Bug? www.whatsthatbug.com. Incredibly detailed closeup photos and personal descriptions by individuals seeking identification of discoveries in their personal environment. Creepy, crawly, beautiful, unusual, interesting and educational--even if you don't like bugs. |
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Tue Jun 19, 2007 9:49 pm |
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andi03
F L I N T O I D
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Howdy Lunch Lady!!  Wowzer!! I'll visit your wonderful establishment after the fourth, you definitely have my curiousity piqued!! I am glad that you have the guts to run a business and a restaurant at that. Restaurant work is NOT easy. More power to you, milady!!!
Howdy Ryan!! The only place I had like that as a kid in the early 80's was Chuckie Cheeze in Lansing...........woo hoo. Can you say kiddie casino?
Howdy OOS!! Don't you have to be a resident of Flint to check out books? Just askin'. I have to go to the Flint Public Library in the fall to scope out some local history stuff and documentation, maybe I will go early to get the lay of the land so to speak. Thanks much for the resources, my middle son will love the bug stuff....<shiver> |
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Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:06 am |
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00SL2
F L I N T O I D
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quote:
andi03 schreef:
Don't you have to be a resident of Flint to check out books?
"The Flint Public Library gives cards to anyone in the state with proof of residency. You may get the card the same day you come in if you have the proof with you." That's their response to the question you pose. |
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Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:46 am |
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