Where does one even begin to rant about $$ woes in this particular economic climate? Every person I know is feeling the belt tightening right now. I thank my father and his practicality that he instilled in me over the years, that I've been able to run my family's finances in such a way that we simply have to "watch" what we spend on...rather than really "cut" what we spend on. If only our towns, cities, states and country could say the same.
But alas...that is not the world we currently live in...so what to do...what to do??
I can say that I know what NOT to do. Our community's education CANNOT be used as the sacrificial lamb for our community's financial disarray. To do so would be shameful, embarassing and more importantly, counter-productive.
The Schools have ALREADY sacrificed enough. As it stands, for the 2009-2010 Budget...the Elementary and High Schools made many cuts...of which the schools eliminated 25 positions and once again re-organized our Middle Schools. Also over the years...programs such as Gifted or Accelerated Education have been lost.
With a proposed Referendum...Councilman Jim O'Neill is looking for a reduction of another $1.3 million dollars on top of what has already been cut. According to O'Neill's proposal: "much of the $1.3 million could come from a pay freeze for teachers and higher health care co-pays"...however...this could only come about if the Teachers' Contract is re-opened and re-negotiated...which to be 100% frank here...WILL NOT HAPPEN.
So what WILL HAPPEN?? This is what WILL HAPPEN:
~ Middle School Ahtletic programs WILL be cut
~ Education programs such as CARES, FCE & SMILE WILL be cut
~ at least 2 teacher aides WILL be cut
~ Elementary Band and Strings WILL be cut
~ Middle School Guidance WILL be cut
~ High School Language, Art and Technology Ed classes WILL be cut
~ Support for our students, such as Psychologists, OTs & PTs WILL be cut
~ there WILL be reduction in Elementary Art, Library & Music
This is OUTRAGEOUS. Having a child in preschool, a child in elementary school and a child @ the high school...I have to scream: ENOUGH!! These kids cannot take anymore.
I have to ask our Community: WHERE ARE YOU??
Where is our Local pride? I know many people who graduated from SK have moved to other areas....but I also know that MANY MANY MANY have not. And add to those who've stuck around...I know MANY alumni who have returned to SK...because "it's a great place to raise a family" and they want their kids to go through the SK school system. But now that we are back here...WHAT HAS HAPPENED?
This referendum won't just affect students in the upcoming school year. The aftershocks of this earthquake will be felt for decades to come. Families who have children not yet school age may think this won't effect them...but they're wrong. The ramifications of this proposal will be permanent, and will be hard pressed to overcome in years to come. Families who have children already out of SK school system may think this doesn't effect them either. Again...they're wrong. The legacy that will be left will be nothing but shameful. And taxpayers who do not have children in the school system may argue that this will not effect them. THEY ARE WRONG. Look at other communities where education is not valued. Look at other communities where school systems are not properly funded. What do those communities look like? Is THAT what you want for YOUR community?
Here is a well written explanation of what is being proposed and what will ultimately happen if Parents, Teacher and Taxpayers sit idly by:
http://www.scindependent.com/articles/2009/05/15/local/doc4a0c3038282df498302434.txt
And here is a PowerPoint Presentation as well:
http://fc.skschools.net/Documents/Potential%20Cuts.pdf
If this referendum goes through, what is left of South Kingstown's once exemplary education system will be thoroughly decimated! And ultimately many parents will be forced to find other options for their children's education...because quite frankly...SK will no longer cut the mustard :(
"VOTE 1 ON JUNE 9th"
Broad Rock Middle School from 8am til 8pm!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
When exactly did they say: pick me...pick me!!?
Recently I've been pondering: Why exactly is it that people think kids need to 'earn their keep' or 'carry their own weight' or for that matter reward their parents for parenting?
As far as I can tell...the parents are the ones to choose to have their children. Kids don't sit around saying "PICK ME! PICK ME!"
I first started wondering about this when my step-daughter moved in with us 2 years ago. At the time, she had just turned 11. She moved in to a house that consisted of what one would consider a "traditional family lifestyle". A 2-parent house with 2 other siblings...a 4 year old sister and 1 year old brother. Oh and don't forget the 2 dogs and cat :)
In this "traditional family" house-hold, Mom is the home-maker. Mom also works out of the house alongside Dad, but we have the fortunate situation where Mom can do both. So Mom cooks for the family, does the laundry for the family and...oh...well...you get the scenario. So the 11 year old moves in. What does this Mom do? She 100% includes her into their family lifestyle. This means doing her laundry, cooking for her, making sure her things are picked up and kept clean & organized.
The initial reaction is: why isn't the 11 year old 'earning her keep'? She's old enough to do her own laundry, make her own school lunches, clean her own room, etc. But I question that! Is she really? Should she have to? Did she barter in some way, shape or form to be born into this world and should in return be so thankful that she will 'carry her own weight'?
To this I respond with an emphatic NO!! I am the parent. I am the Mom. I am the adult. I'm doing the cooking, cleaning, raising, laundering, and what not for the other children in the house...why...because she CAN should she be expected to at the meager age of 11? Doesn't she have an ENTIRE lifetime ahead of her where she will most likely be doing this for herself and possibly her family when she is old enough?
Why I ask, should this be put upon a child? Why should a child have to be 'grateful' or 'thankful' or 'indebted' for something that, quite frankly, they did not even ask for?!
Now...I'm not saying that kids should not be taught to take care of themselves. Of course they need to know how to take care of themselves (ie: 'carry their own weight'). It would be doing an injustice if a teen didn't know how to make their own bed, or do their own laundry, or manage their time in such a way that they can learn to be on time and respect deadlines.
BUT that does not mean that they should be on their own in doing so. I hear people say that "it's a tough world out there" and "when your older, you wont have anyone to help with..." To that I say BULLSHIT! In 'the real world' you have a TEAM to work with you. At the office...you have co-workers or project managers or team leaders or administrators to assist you in your tasks....to guide you...to make sure you are doing what is expected and right for the better of the Team. If you work at a school...you have other teachers to help guide you, a principal you can go to for assitance or help, mentors, counselors, peers, even students themselves to work together as a Team.
Kids should not be made to feel guilty if they are not rewarding their parents Parenting. Kids should be KIDS. You only get to be a kid for what?...18 years out of ~80?! That's less than 1/4 of a typical lifespan.
We have 3/4 of our life to be adults...to be responsible for ourselves and then for others.
So when I do my step-daughter's laundry, who is now 14, I refuse to think that wrong. I'm doing the 6 year old's laundry and the 4 year old's laundry...and, shit, for that matter my 35 year old husband's laundry...I can sure as shit do my 14 year old's laundry.
I'll clean my kids' rooms, do their laundry, cook their meals, make their school lunches, and drive them to and from any and all social activities. I will put my social needs on hold for them, because this is THEIR time.
I had my time, and when they are old enough, I'll have my time again. But I CHOSE to be a parent. I CHOSE to have multiple children. I CHOSE to have a house where each child was able to have his/her own space. I CHOSE to adopt my pets. Until they are "on their own" and in "the real world"...I will continue to PARENT my family, because that is what I am. I am a parent. That is what parents do.
The only "reward" I expect for this, is when they decide it's time to become parents, they do for their kids what I have done for them. The reward will be, being a grandparent.
We are, after all, a Team!
As far as I can tell...the parents are the ones to choose to have their children. Kids don't sit around saying "PICK ME! PICK ME!"
I first started wondering about this when my step-daughter moved in with us 2 years ago. At the time, she had just turned 11. She moved in to a house that consisted of what one would consider a "traditional family lifestyle". A 2-parent house with 2 other siblings...a 4 year old sister and 1 year old brother. Oh and don't forget the 2 dogs and cat :)
In this "traditional family" house-hold, Mom is the home-maker. Mom also works out of the house alongside Dad, but we have the fortunate situation where Mom can do both. So Mom cooks for the family, does the laundry for the family and...oh...well...you get the scenario. So the 11 year old moves in. What does this Mom do? She 100% includes her into their family lifestyle. This means doing her laundry, cooking for her, making sure her things are picked up and kept clean & organized.
The initial reaction is: why isn't the 11 year old 'earning her keep'? She's old enough to do her own laundry, make her own school lunches, clean her own room, etc. But I question that! Is she really? Should she have to? Did she barter in some way, shape or form to be born into this world and should in return be so thankful that she will 'carry her own weight'?
To this I respond with an emphatic NO!! I am the parent. I am the Mom. I am the adult. I'm doing the cooking, cleaning, raising, laundering, and what not for the other children in the house...why...because she CAN should she be expected to at the meager age of 11? Doesn't she have an ENTIRE lifetime ahead of her where she will most likely be doing this for herself and possibly her family when she is old enough?
Why I ask, should this be put upon a child? Why should a child have to be 'grateful' or 'thankful' or 'indebted' for something that, quite frankly, they did not even ask for?!
Now...I'm not saying that kids should not be taught to take care of themselves. Of course they need to know how to take care of themselves (ie: 'carry their own weight'). It would be doing an injustice if a teen didn't know how to make their own bed, or do their own laundry, or manage their time in such a way that they can learn to be on time and respect deadlines.
BUT that does not mean that they should be on their own in doing so. I hear people say that "it's a tough world out there" and "when your older, you wont have anyone to help with..." To that I say BULLSHIT! In 'the real world' you have a TEAM to work with you. At the office...you have co-workers or project managers or team leaders or administrators to assist you in your tasks....to guide you...to make sure you are doing what is expected and right for the better of the Team. If you work at a school...you have other teachers to help guide you, a principal you can go to for assitance or help, mentors, counselors, peers, even students themselves to work together as a Team.
Kids should not be made to feel guilty if they are not rewarding their parents Parenting. Kids should be KIDS. You only get to be a kid for what?...18 years out of ~80?! That's less than 1/4 of a typical lifespan.
We have 3/4 of our life to be adults...to be responsible for ourselves and then for others.
So when I do my step-daughter's laundry, who is now 14, I refuse to think that wrong. I'm doing the 6 year old's laundry and the 4 year old's laundry...and, shit, for that matter my 35 year old husband's laundry...I can sure as shit do my 14 year old's laundry.
I'll clean my kids' rooms, do their laundry, cook their meals, make their school lunches, and drive them to and from any and all social activities. I will put my social needs on hold for them, because this is THEIR time.
I had my time, and when they are old enough, I'll have my time again. But I CHOSE to be a parent. I CHOSE to have multiple children. I CHOSE to have a house where each child was able to have his/her own space. I CHOSE to adopt my pets. Until they are "on their own" and in "the real world"...I will continue to PARENT my family, because that is what I am. I am a parent. That is what parents do.
The only "reward" I expect for this, is when they decide it's time to become parents, they do for their kids what I have done for them. The reward will be, being a grandparent.
We are, after all, a Team!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Stop the comparisons please...
I really wish people would stop comparing the Obama's to the Kennedy's. I mean really...the only thing that is remotely similar would be their tasteful attires.
President Obama and his wife built themselves up from nothing to where they are. They did not have family fortunes, silver spoons or family-pull to get them where they are today.
Jackie was not the strong, powerful woman that we see in Michelle. She sat there with that plastic smile on her face while her husband ran around the town with any skirt he could catch. Michelle is an independent, intelligent woman who does not stand down to her man, and my guess, would be less than tolerant of the mis-behavior JFK publicly displayed time and time again.
President Obama is a man who displays immense pride and hands-on love for his wife and two daughters. He does not walk a step ahead with a trophy family on display in tow. He has his adoration in his eyes when he lovingly gazes into his wife's eyes and does not look past her at the likes of Marilyn Monroe and other starlets.
While it is true, JFK supported and pushed forward many civil rights actions for America's black population...however, in comparing the two as men, husbands and heads-of-family....there is no comparison here. President Obama is twice what JFK could have hoped to have been in the areas of class, taste, pride and respect.
JFK may have been one of the most "popular" presidents of our time...in no way do I want to diminish all the good he did for our country...but when it came to working hard for something you want, and the concept of family-values...the man falls very short in comparison to President Obama...so let's all please get things in perspective here...
President Obama and his wife built themselves up from nothing to where they are. They did not have family fortunes, silver spoons or family-pull to get them where they are today.
Jackie was not the strong, powerful woman that we see in Michelle. She sat there with that plastic smile on her face while her husband ran around the town with any skirt he could catch. Michelle is an independent, intelligent woman who does not stand down to her man, and my guess, would be less than tolerant of the mis-behavior JFK publicly displayed time and time again.
President Obama is a man who displays immense pride and hands-on love for his wife and two daughters. He does not walk a step ahead with a trophy family on display in tow. He has his adoration in his eyes when he lovingly gazes into his wife's eyes and does not look past her at the likes of Marilyn Monroe and other starlets.
While it is true, JFK supported and pushed forward many civil rights actions for America's black population...however, in comparing the two as men, husbands and heads-of-family....there is no comparison here. President Obama is twice what JFK could have hoped to have been in the areas of class, taste, pride and respect.
JFK may have been one of the most "popular" presidents of our time...in no way do I want to diminish all the good he did for our country...but when it came to working hard for something you want, and the concept of family-values...the man falls very short in comparison to President Obama...so let's all please get things in perspective here...
Friday, January 9, 2009
I must confess...I'm in love with Will.I.Am
It's A New Day by Will.I.Am
I went to sleep last night
Tired from the fight
I've been fighting for tomorrow
All my life
Yea I woke up this morning
Feeling brand new
'Cause the dream that I'd been dreaming
Had finally come true
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's been a long time comin'
Up the mountain kept runnin'
Souls of freedom kept hummin'
Channelin' Harriet Tubman
Kennedy, Lincoln, and King
We gotta maninfest in that dream
It feels like we're swimmin' upstream
It feels like we're stuck inbetween
A rock and a hard place,
We've been through the heartaches
And lived through the darkest days
If you and I made it this far,
Well then hey, we can make it all the way
And they said no we can't
And we said yes we can
Remember it's you...and me...together
I woke up this morning
Feelin' alright
I've been fightin' for tomorrow
All my life
Yea, I woke up this morning
Feelin' brand new
Cause the dream that I'd been dreaming
Had finally come true
It's a new day (it's a new day)
It's a new day (it's a new day)
It's a new day
It's a new day! (it's a new day)
It's been a long time waitin'
Waitin' for this moment
It's been a long time prayin'
Prayin' for this moment
We hope for this moment
And now that we own it
For life Ima hold it
And I won’t let it go
It's for fathers, our brothers,
Our friends who fought for freedom
Our sisters, our mothers,
Who died for us to be in this moment
Stop and cherish this moment
Stop and cherish this time
It's time for u-ni-ty
For us...and we
That's you...and me...together
I woke up this morni'g
Feelin' brand new
'Cause the dreams that I've been dreamin'
Had finally came true
Yea, I woke up this mornin'
Feelin' alright
'Cause we weren't fighting for nothin'
And the soldiers weren't fighting for nothin'
No, Martin wasn't dreaming for nothin'
And Lincoln didn't change it for nothin'
And children weren't crying for nothin'
It's a new day
It's a new day
A new day
It's a new day
It's a new day!
I went to sleep last night
Tired from the fight
I've been fighting for tomorrow
All my life
Yea I woke up this morning
Feeling brand new
'Cause the dream that I'd been dreaming
Had finally come true
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's a new day
It's been a long time comin'
Up the mountain kept runnin'
Souls of freedom kept hummin'
Channelin' Harriet Tubman
Kennedy, Lincoln, and King
We gotta maninfest in that dream
It feels like we're swimmin' upstream
It feels like we're stuck inbetween
A rock and a hard place,
We've been through the heartaches
And lived through the darkest days
If you and I made it this far,
Well then hey, we can make it all the way
And they said no we can't
And we said yes we can
Remember it's you...and me...together
I woke up this morning
Feelin' alright
I've been fightin' for tomorrow
All my life
Yea, I woke up this morning
Feelin' brand new
Cause the dream that I'd been dreaming
Had finally come true
It's a new day (it's a new day)
It's a new day (it's a new day)
It's a new day
It's a new day! (it's a new day)
It's been a long time waitin'
Waitin' for this moment
It's been a long time prayin'
Prayin' for this moment
We hope for this moment
And now that we own it
For life Ima hold it
And I won’t let it go
It's for fathers, our brothers,
Our friends who fought for freedom
Our sisters, our mothers,
Who died for us to be in this moment
Stop and cherish this moment
Stop and cherish this time
It's time for u-ni-ty
For us...and we
That's you...and me...together
I woke up this morni'g
Feelin' brand new
'Cause the dreams that I've been dreamin'
Had finally came true
Yea, I woke up this mornin'
Feelin' alright
'Cause we weren't fighting for nothin'
And the soldiers weren't fighting for nothin'
No, Martin wasn't dreaming for nothin'
And Lincoln didn't change it for nothin'
And children weren't crying for nothin'
It's a new day
It's a new day
A new day
It's a new day
It's a new day!
Friday, December 26, 2008
How fabulous was Christmas this year?!
I think due to the current state of the country...financially...educationally...work-force-wise...this Christmas season was more intense and meaningful than ever before.
I don't want to think that I took what I have, who I am and who I love for granted in the past...but the "awakening" feeling I've had this Christmas season...I'm starting to feel like maybe I was.
Knowing how many people lost so many things over this past year, made me appreciate everything I have from my house to my car to my family to my pets...right down to the socks and shoes on my feet.
This year I tried to make sure everyone I was in touch with was aware of the charities that needed help this winter. I was so filled with joy when each person I talked with responded that they took my information, did something with it and received the gift of helping those who have not been as fortunate as us.
I believe this is the Change that our future President is about. People helping people!!
If you haven't seen the movie Pay It Forward...you should...and then make sure you:
PAY IT FORWARD!!
:o)
I don't want to think that I took what I have, who I am and who I love for granted in the past...but the "awakening" feeling I've had this Christmas season...I'm starting to feel like maybe I was.
Knowing how many people lost so many things over this past year, made me appreciate everything I have from my house to my car to my family to my pets...right down to the socks and shoes on my feet.
This year I tried to make sure everyone I was in touch with was aware of the charities that needed help this winter. I was so filled with joy when each person I talked with responded that they took my information, did something with it and received the gift of helping those who have not been as fortunate as us.
I believe this is the Change that our future President is about. People helping people!!
If you haven't seen the movie Pay It Forward...you should...and then make sure you:
PAY IT FORWARD!!
:o)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Who is your favorite character of all time from a book or movie?
A friend of mine posed this question the other day. I liked it so much because it made me think long and hard. Most people go to "classic" literature to come up with their answers...but I kept coming back to a white china rabbit named Edward Tulane.
In the story "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane", Edward belongs to a young girl who lavishes him with attention and love. During this time, Edward seems to only fancy himself. The girl's grandmother senses this...and he feels her discerning look and reads into that she knows the "real" Edward...with the implication that the "real" Edward is to self-centered and egocentric to love anyone or anything outside of himself.
The day comes that Edward gets lost...and thus starts his journey. Over the years, he is found and lost many times...and from each experience he discovers many different kinds of love from others, but more importantly FOR others.
I feel like Edward is a fantastic symbol of the human spirit. When we are young...we think only of ourselves and the effects of life on us and how they make us feel. But as you grow both physically and emotionally, thru different experiences with love in life...you begin to open your heart and mind to others and different capacities of love. Through it all - there always seems to be that 1 person who "looks you over" with a sense that they can see through your facade. In the beginning...the look haunts you...but as you grow as a person...the look turns into something that you strive to prove wrong...not for yourself...but for those that love you.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a children's book...intended to reach a 7 year old audience. However, I found myself deeply touched and moved by this story and highly recommend it to people of all ages who feel like they are in between stages in their lives.
So - that's my favorite character...who or what is yours? and of course why?
In the story "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane", Edward belongs to a young girl who lavishes him with attention and love. During this time, Edward seems to only fancy himself. The girl's grandmother senses this...and he feels her discerning look and reads into that she knows the "real" Edward...with the implication that the "real" Edward is to self-centered and egocentric to love anyone or anything outside of himself.
The day comes that Edward gets lost...and thus starts his journey. Over the years, he is found and lost many times...and from each experience he discovers many different kinds of love from others, but more importantly FOR others.
I feel like Edward is a fantastic symbol of the human spirit. When we are young...we think only of ourselves and the effects of life on us and how they make us feel. But as you grow both physically and emotionally, thru different experiences with love in life...you begin to open your heart and mind to others and different capacities of love. Through it all - there always seems to be that 1 person who "looks you over" with a sense that they can see through your facade. In the beginning...the look haunts you...but as you grow as a person...the look turns into something that you strive to prove wrong...not for yourself...but for those that love you.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a children's book...intended to reach a 7 year old audience. However, I found myself deeply touched and moved by this story and highly recommend it to people of all ages who feel like they are in between stages in their lives.
So - that's my favorite character...who or what is yours? and of course why?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tis the season...
So while checking my email this morning...I received a notice about donating gift cards to a local center that helps provide basic necessities for local people in need. This center was established back in 1973 by 4 women who "saw a need for an agency that could help people who might not qualify for support through established agencies".
These specific gift card donations are going to be Christmas Gifts for kids being helped by this center...ages 13-18. Normally they have ~150 teens to assist...but this season they are predicting that it'll be closer (if not over) 200 teens.
As I read type this my heart breaks. 200 TEENS! That is about a 1/4 of the nearby high school population!!
My family is lucky. My husband and I over the years have taken the appropriate steps to make sure that our kids haven't had to personally feel the devastating effects of the "economic crisis" that many in the town, state & country are reeling from.
With that said - it's time to "share the wealth" guys!! Give time...give money...give often. It's amazing how helping others also helps you. You feel good, you feel proud, you learn and feel compassion. What do you say?! It's about time to "pay it forward".
Most people WANT to give...but never know where or how to start. So here we go. I'm from South County RI...so I'll post some links for different organizations around our area where it's more than easy to give quickly and painlessly. But if your reading this from somewhere else in the state or country...go here to find a way to give now:
http://www.charity-charities.org/
It's time to make a difference!!!
These specific gift card donations are going to be Christmas Gifts for kids being helped by this center...ages 13-18. Normally they have ~150 teens to assist...but this season they are predicting that it'll be closer (if not over) 200 teens.
As I read type this my heart breaks. 200 TEENS! That is about a 1/4 of the nearby high school population!!
My family is lucky. My husband and I over the years have taken the appropriate steps to make sure that our kids haven't had to personally feel the devastating effects of the "economic crisis" that many in the town, state & country are reeling from.
With that said - it's time to "share the wealth" guys!! Give time...give money...give often. It's amazing how helping others also helps you. You feel good, you feel proud, you learn and feel compassion. What do you say?! It's about time to "pay it forward".
Most people WANT to give...but never know where or how to start. So here we go. I'm from South County RI...so I'll post some links for different organizations around our area where it's more than easy to give quickly and painlessly. But if your reading this from somewhere else in the state or country...go here to find a way to give now:
http://www.charity-charities.org/
It's time to make a difference!!!
- Johnnycake Center of PeaceDale
- Habitat for Humanity
- Welcome House of South County
- Women's Resource Center of South County
- Animal Rescue League of RI
- Pet Refuge
- Meals on Wheels of RI
- RI Community Foodbank
- Kids First
There are many many more out there...these are just a few...but they're a great place to start.
Another helpful suggestion...when you go into your local grocery store (Shaw's...Super Stop & Shop)...they have either bins for food donations...or even more convenient...they have pre-packed grocery bags ($5, $10, $15 denominations) that you can just stick in your carridge at the begining of a grocery trip. You pay for it when you check out...and the donated bag full of food is place in a bin that then goes to your local Food Bank. How easy is that?! Personally I think they should do this ALL YEAR ROUND. I mean really...how many of us are impulse shoppers and have spent $5, $10 or $15 on items that we don't really need during a trip to Shaw's?? Why not use that money on things that people truely need?!
Even if only 1 person reads this blog and decides to act on it...well that's one more person/family who reaps the benefit!
Happy Friday...and if you have it...share the wealth this Christmas season...you'll be better and feel better for it!
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