Category: Mount Vernon

Are schools bribing kids to do the ISAT?

Recently I was made privy to the fact that at least JL Buford school is trying to raise money to buy “prizes” for a “raffle”. The trick in all of this is that the kids will be given “tickets” for the “raffle” based upon their participation in the ISAT.

I heard that Casey Jr. High is doing the same thing, but I didn’t see any letter from them.

So basically, funding is on the line thanks to “No Child Left Behind”, and the schools have resorted to bribing our children. This is truly a sad state of affairs for our school system.

How did we get here? I’m sure some will blame the NCLB act (teachers), and others will blame the educators (politicians). Personally, I would say it is a combination of those factors and us as parents.

We elected the politicians, we employ the teachers (indirectly), and we are the ultimate responsibility when it comes to the well-being and education of our kids. If little Jimmy isn’t keeping up with the rest of the class, help him. Talk to his teacher(s). Arrange tutoring. Whatever it takes!

Our children are our future. They will one day lead this country.

While I don’t approve of the outright bribery that local schools have resorted to, I do understand the pressure they are under to produce results or else. There are already no sports for our kids to play, what happens when more funding is cut?

District 80 is a business?

The Jaycees are having a Guitar Hero tournament March 1st for primarily kids. We have been planning and arranging this for a few weeks, and it has come together nicely.

We approached the school district about giving them a flier to send home with the kids so they and their parents are aware. This way the kids have something positive to do over the weekend instead of playing in the mud.

District 80 asked us this morning what the district was going to get from this distribution. Quite frankly, nothing. We are just trying to present something fun to do late on a Saturday. (Disclaimer: there is a $10 entry fee)

Upon learning that the district would not financially gain from this distribution, they declined to allow the distribution of our information.

I could understand if we were for-profit or stood to gain greatly from this venture, but we don’t. It’s not like we were asking for an endorsement nor advertisement in their newsletter. Just send this sheet, printed at our cost, home with the kids in their folder.

Every week there are several sheets sent home with my kids wanting money for something. Also, the school holds several funding projects every year that we are, of course, obliged to give money to and harass our friends and family.

Please bear the money-grubbing ways of District 80 in mind if you ever think about doing something positive for the kids to participate in and need to let them know about it.

Jaycees Rummage

Well, the Jaycees rummage last weekend went well. Everyone (including some from the community) donated many items to sell. In fact, there were so many items that we have a lot left.

The purpose of this sale was to raise funds for Jaden who had surgery recently for a brain tumor, and the Hall family of Walnut Hill who lost everything in a fire this month. After the preliminary tallies were completed it appears we raised about $300/each for them. It’s not what our hearts would like to give, but it is more that will hopefully help both families.

We are kicking around the idea of a $2/bag sale this Saturday to clean out what is left. That way people in need should be able to get clothing, etc. if they need, and we get to clean out what is left (hopefully) quickly.

Please keep the Halls and Jaden in your prayers.

Protected: 2nd Largest Pot Bust in Mount Vernon

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Two turtle doves…

On our trampoline this Christmas morning. It’s odd and unexpected, but kind of cool. If I find 3 french hens later, I’m going to need a stiff drink. Spooky.

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As you might expect, The kids had a great time last night out at Grandpa’s house opening presents from everyone. Today, we will be going to Em’s family gatherings. The kids will have the time of their lives, and our trunk will be full of their treasures.

The day began at 2AM when Erich discovered that Santa had come and delivered presents. Unfortunately this meant trucking the kids back to bed every 1/2 hour until Mom and Dad finally caved in at about 6.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 🙂