On Celebrating your local library
Posted on April 14 at 3:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Local libraries are the best resources a community has. The strength of the local library is a direct reflection on the intelligence of a community. I for one, couldn't be more proud of Sarah and Diane at my library! Orfordville Library rocks!! It is my favorite part of town.
On Board to consider foreign language expansion
Posted on September 11 at 7:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Joker- There have been countless studies on the benefits of world language study. Better understanding of your native language being one of the most important. As a language teacher, I can attest to the fact that more than once, students have commented to me that only though learning my world language did they really understand what their English teachers had been trying to teach them!
On Two-sided story: Schools, parents debate twins’ placement
Posted on September 1 at 3:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a teacher AND the parent of twins entering 2nd grade. Education is a partnership bewteen parents and the schools. Those of you who assume parents are always right about your children are VERY WRONG. Equally, schools are also not always right. When I discuss with the school about the placement of my twins (as I would with any child), I have to assume that the school sees them in the SCHOOL setting and I only know them in the home setting. These are two very different places. I work with students in and out of the classroom and can say that there are differences between students in the classroom and when coaching them. Teachers and administrators have advanced degrees on how to educate children. I would never dream of telling a doctor how to handle my twins. I wouldn't ever tell a mechanic how to fix my car or a hairstylist how to cut my hair. In this situation the school and parents may not have communicated enough with each other.
FYI- It is more work for the parent to have children in separate classes. Homework, field trips and projects aren't always the same. Maybe those of you fighting to keep your children together, simply don't want the extra work...
Posted on May 4 at 9:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a teacher I take great offense to the comment that an "A" equates to meeting expectations. "A" to me means going above and beyond. That is what I expect from my students and that is what I expect from myself. If I were to do anything less, I should not be in this profession. Teachers that treat "A" as meeting expectations are what is causing that main problems in our schools. If we do expect the least from out students, that is exactly what we will receive. Students will rise to the occasion when given the chance and rewarded accordingly.
On Five inductees headed to Janesville Sports Hall of Fame
Posted on March 26 at 4:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I will second the nomination of Renee Wolters. She is one of the most amazing people I have met in Janesville!!!
On Janesville board OKs girls ice hockey co-op
Posted on March 25 at 12:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Boys are welcome in cheerleading, as they are in volleyball. Girls are welcome in wrestling and football. Whenever a sport is offerd primarily for one gender, the other is required to be included whenever possible.
On School district wants parents' input on languages
Posted on March 19 at 8:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
As a World Language teacher in the district, I can accurately respond to a few of these comments. First of all, no, language is not required to graduate. It should be, as it is treated as a core subject in every other country of the world. Secondly, students do need it for college. They may get into college without it, but will likely have trouble graduating without one in most fields. Thirdly, I have taught all types of students from valedictorians to those with fairly severe special needs. Every single one of them as said after their 3-4 years with me that their English improved because of taking my language!! World language doesn’t just teach language. We teach culture, history, geography and just about every other subject as well. In a given week I may go from discussing food preparation to staying healthy to weather to practicing vocabulary by running around in a game situation. No other subject area addresses so many aspects of the curriculum and enhances overall learning as much as World Language. I love the idea of adding Sign Language. I would gladly welcome them into our department, but not all aspects of language learning are present in ASL. One reason universities want World Language is the worldly/ cultural dimension. ASL would teach tolerance and understanding of people’s differences within the US, but wouldn’t reach out to the world in quite the same way.
Page 1 of 1
On Janesville board votes down Chinese school
Posted on April 15 at 8:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I rarely waste my time with all of your nonsense, but this issue is close to my heart. Janesville MUST wake up and get their heads out of the sand. The world is not a GM factory. The world AND Janesville needs people who can properly communicate in multiple languages. The school district of Janesville does the best it can with the students we receive. Problem is, many come from parents like some of you that love to comment about things you know nothing about, while likely ignoring that your children are slipping through the cracks due to your lack of assistance. To correct some facts-Janesville Schools teacher German, French and Spanish in grades 7-12. NO LATIN! Students in the district learn English very well, unless their parents didn't raise them to speak it properly either. Also, to clear up a MAJOR misconception- to answer the question of a previous comment. When was the last time you spoke to a German? You speak to some EVERY DAY. Statistically speaking there are still more Germans in Rock county, leaps and bounds, than ANY OTHER GROUP! The 2010 Census will still confirm that if predictions are correct. The fact is, that all Germans (and French) are considerate enough to learn English for us. They have basically given up thinking we will ever wise up and treat them with the respect they deserve. So yes, go and just learn Spanish so that it is easier at McDonald's and Walmart. Anyone that actually looked into the statisics would know that Germany and France and two of the most wealthy and powerful countries in the world. You want a high paying job? Learn French or German. You want to order a hamburger? Learn Spanish.