On How many of these "Great Places" have you visited?
Posted on August 16 at 12:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have been to 27 out of 100. I'd love to see so many more! Most of them were places where I could camp in national forests or parks, so I have seen few of the "city" landmarks except for Chicago, DC, and New York.
On Retirees flooding dental and vision offices as benefits run out
Posted on June 29 at 6:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wow...some kind of hostility, hannah. I guess I am a real creep for caring about what happens to my parents and their health care. Sure, they "still" have medical insurance but I am pretty sure that will be chipped away at as well along with the pension - leaving less money to pay for supplemental dental etc. Anyways, again, my apologies for "crying" about the loss of some of my parents' source of support. Have a good day.
On Retirees flooding dental and vision offices as benefits run out
Posted on June 28 at 8:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I too would like to thank the local offices that have extended hours, allowed people to come in before/after hours, and those who have tirelessly worked through breaks and lunches to help accomodate GM retirees. It has been heartbreaking to watch my parents, who live on GM pension, attempt to finish getting dentures, cleanings, glasses, etc. with only a month's notice. They also worry about future potential cuts to the pension plan and have already been warned of further reductions in health coverage...and how terrible because my parents are just now getting to the age where dental/vision/health problems are more prevalent than ever. Again, thank you to local businesses that have extended their time, and that will hopefully continue to extend a helping hand to ALL who are struggling at this time.
On Parker teacher is PTA teacher of the year
Posted on May 24 at 7:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Way to go Ms. Wahlert! How deserving for all your hard work...I have often heard positive things mentioned by students about all four of these teachers...thanks to all!
Posted on May 20 at 5:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
How awesome that someone is getting to go on a wonderful family vacation!!! I hope you have an amazing time...I think I have suggested these before, but they are excellent "vacation" reads! I really enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale (as mentioned by "Vector).Oh, and I loved "The Russian Concubine". Also, as someone else mentioned, Dewey - the small town library cat - was truly a fun and quick read as well!
Posted on April 22 at 7:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Icky...where on earth did the picture accompanying this blog come from! EWWW! I am not sure I'd be a fan of this remake - I am a pretty traditional literature lover!
On How should students’ cell phone use be limited?
Posted on March 28 at 8:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
optimism: Iam not sure how I am making "such a SCENE" when I quietly and politely ask a student who is breaking a rule to "please" hand over the phone. It would take less than 3 very quiet seconds for this transaction to happen...barely a blip in the classroom flow. Remember, in addition to teaching, it is part of my job to enforce rules. There are rules and consequences at school just as there are on the job - asking students to comply with expectations is helping to prepare them for future rules and expectations. I am not rude or over the top when I ask students to comply. Many are rude and scene-making by responding in a disrespectful and juvenile manner, especially because they already know if they are caught with it, they will be asked to turn it in. Insubordination,cussing, and crying over the loss of a cell phone for a few hours is simply ludicrous, and it is NOT my doing but a choice the student has made as his/her response. And by the way, I do actually care when one of my students makes a choice to "lose out" on a learning opportunity...If I didn't care, I certainly wouldn't be there! :)
On How should students’ cell phone use be limited?
Posted on March 28 at 4:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a teacher, I certainly want them banned from class; I wouldn't mind a policy that would allow use before/after school, or even between classes. The main issue is and will remain enforcement of partial or total ban. When I do confiscate phones during class, I usually end up with a student refusing to hand it over (and clearly I can not force it from his/her fingers), which then leads to verbal confrontation and being sent to the office (sometimes they refuse to leave so I have to call for an escort!)- all of which has only further disrupted the class and lessened the learning. Sometimes these battles happend with students in the hall, and I never even find out who it is for them to receive any kind of consequence at all. (Currently students are not supposed to be on them between 7:30 and 3:30 pm at my school) Students think it is funny to see someone refuse to hand over their phone. It is also not uncommon to have students (usually girls for some reason) actually scream at me, cuss at me, and even burst into tears while refusing to hand it over. Then, whether or not I get the phone,I spend a lot of time writing up a referral, calling home, getting the phone secured in the vault, etc. It is just insane! Maybe if the consequence were more stringent, in time, the offenses would lessen, and these daily epic battles would eventually go away! I wish ALL parents would stress the importance of following the cell phone policy with their kids and have severe consequences at home in addition to the school ones for violations.
Posted on March 9 at 7:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My first attempt at running, or should I say, slow jog, barely lasted 1/4 mile! I am not nor have I ever been overweight by any stretch, and I work out on the elliptical or walking uphill a couple of times a week...and I still thought I was going to die after that 1/4 mile. I bought what I thought were good running shoes but I have also struggled with shin splints - and for some strange reason - a very sore right hip! I wish you all the best with your efforts to run...you just might inspire me to try again this year :)
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On Janesville School District honors 6 in annual program
Posted on November 19 at 7:01 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Rita rocks!!!!! She is always compassionate and calm, even in the face of some absolutely chaotic conditions! She is truly one of the most important people in keeping Parker moving smoothly on a daily basis. Rita, you so deserve this acknowledgement!