Nice new neighbors

Authored by Leandro Delgado

We had just moved onto a new street when or new neighbor suggested we go to http://www.tvbydirect.com/ to set up our satellite service. They actually came to our front door with some fresh-baked cookies to welcome us to the neighborhood when we started chatting. I was so grateful that at our new house we would have good neighbors.

I know that these days people pretty much keep to themselves and don’t care much about who lives next door as long as they aren’t being bothered. On our old street we had the worst neighbors ever. They would always leave trash in their yard and be really loud and inconsiderate. I think this experience traumatized me a little bit so I’m extra happy that I know we have people close by we can talk to and ask for advice.

It makes life so much more pleasant when people around you are nice. We had hoped this would happen when we decided to move but half thought that inconsiderate people have started to be the norm. We were pleasantly surprised by our helpful new neighbors!

Quote of the week

"Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let's offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren't helping kids learn. That's a bargain worth making." - President Obama in his State of the Union address.

Source:  WhiteHouse.gov

Bridge building in education

A new publication, You Can't Do It Alone, gives school leaders tips on what they can do to more successfully engage stakeholders in areas such as reforming teacher evaluation, turning around low-performing schools, and building support for world-class standards.  Learn more:
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781610483001

Artist of the computer kind

I appreciate this guest post from Marian Combs

Who would have thought that living here would inspire me to become an artist? Well, not a paint and canvas kind of artist but the graphic design kind – I love owning my own business and working for myself! I can only imagine what my life would be like if I still had to sit in a cubicle all day and stare at a computer screen to make money…I can’t believe I ever lived that kind of life!

I got wireless internet Seattle to help me communicate with my customers from my home office and I met with an accountant to make sure I had all the logistics under control before I got started. I thank God everyday I moved here and met Sam who encouraged me to follow my dreams because with his support, both emotional and financial, I never would have been able to do this for a living. I can’t imagine doing anything else and I’m happier than I’ve ever been so I can be grateful for everything I’ve got in life!

Nine states to share early learning grant

Studies show that youngsters who participate in strong early childhood programs have a much greater chance of succeeding in their academic and professional careers.  Public schools are trying to stay ahead of the game.

Nine states will get a chance to jump-start their early childhood initiatives, thanks to $500 million in federal grant money.  The funds are available through the U.S. Department of Education's program, Race to the Top.  In this initiative, states compete for federal dollars to create programs that make schools more effective.  The $500 million will be shared by the following states:

• California
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Washington

A long-term study by the Chicago Public Schools found that "children who attended a high quality early childhood program were more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to stay out of jail and less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than students who did not attend such a program."

Sources: The Associated Press, Chicago Tribune

My own boss

Guest post by Aldo Mays

Being my own boss is something I always thought I might do but I had no idea how it would actually come to fruition. I never had a ton of extra cash, and it took me decades to figure out what I was good at. But look at me now – I own my own graphic T-shirt company, and I’m actually turning a profit!

I’ve had to learn as I go about stuff like bank card processing and human resources and tax laws – you don’t learn about any of that stuff when you don’t go to college (and I’m not so sure you learn it in college, either!) -- but I think I’m pulling my weight and starting to feel more confident about being a good businessperson. I like having total control over what I put out there.

I try really hard to be a good boss.  I know how important it is to keep morale high and people interested in working for you. That’s why I finally struck out on my own!

Polical humor

Conan O'Brien: "Telemundo is going to make history. It will host its first ever Republican presidential debate. Yeah. This could be nice. The Republican candidates will take questions from journalists and then have them deported."

Conan O'Brien: "Occupy Wall Street's been getting a lot of attention. And it's been reported that it has now raised more than $300,000. Which means, which means technically now they have to protest themselves."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Great Guy? NOT!

Thanks to Olga Quinn

Why does it seem like every time I meet a great guy there’s something wrong with him? I’m sorry to be all Debby Downer about relationships, but it seems like I just can’t catch a break!

The last guy that I was talking to seemed like he had it all: good looks, a great job, great sense of humor. Only to find out 6 months in to our relationship that he was married! I guess that you’re going to tell me that I should have known, but he was honestly so good about hiding his relationship with his WIFE!

I decided that Chicago was not the place where I was going to meet an honest man - so after that last straw I’ve decided to pack up my mid-western self and move to Texas! My mom has been helping me get everything ready- setting up all of my providers for when I arrive so I have electricity and water (a great informational website is: WWW.TEXASELECTRICITYPROVIDERS.COM/ ) when I get there.

I’m so excited! Maybe there I’ll meet an honest man with cowboy boots!

Are guidance counselors facing burnout?

At most local high schools, counselors used to check in with students to make sure they were taking the right classes and had the grades they'd need to graduate on time. It's not that simple anymore. High school counselors across the country face growing caseloads. At the same time, students need their help more than ever -- whether it's applying to college or meeting more complex graduation requirements.

The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of about 250 to 1, but it's nearly twice that at many high schools. In addition, counselors have to help students with a growing array of personal struggles. Many are homeless or living in poverty. More experience mental illness or have more complex medical or developmental disorders. Details from the Seattle Times.


Tags: Counselors, Education, Education by Sistrunk