Oregonian Art Article
The organization, Junk to Funk, does, well, pretty much what the name says. It takes “junk” and makes it into “funky” items. Now, what does this have to do with learning and education? Well, as schools continue to face the recession and constant budget cuts – maybe the Junk to Funk philosophy can come in handy?
Parade Magazine- American stories
Okay – wow, a town so small that the local library is a hangout? I once spent a summer in Klamath Falls, Oregon (never again) and we didn’t have a movie theatre, but we didn’t hang out in the library. Parker, Arkansas must be a very special library. I think it’s great that a library is so inclusive that everyone wants to go there. It’s also equally as sad that it might have to close due to budget constraints.
NYTimes Magazine
Facebook does want your kids. I am amazed at the amount of personal information teens and children give away on Facebook. They don’t realize, understandably, that it’s all for marketing and future marketing. Plus, Facebook – in my opinion – is a little scandalous with the information that they want from you and the amount of data that they keep. I definitely think it’s wise of families to limit and scrutinize what their children do on FB. I think making a pseudonym or downloading the data that it has on you is also a good step in keeping private things private.
Parade Magazine on ‘wired’ kids
I definitely believe that our youth are more plugged in than we adults are. “For today’s youth, technology isn’t just a handy way to keep in touch or organize your calendar; it’s as integral as eating and breathing—and seems to come just as naturally.” It’s such an integrated part of their lives. And I wholeheartedly agree that it has an impact on their brain function. If we try/want to limit the amount of television that babies and toddlers get in the hope to reduce the chances of ADD, then the same can be said of the speed at which technology impacts our teens. Furthermore, I feel as though I might be slowly suffering from ADD; all due to the amount of time I spend online and constantly check my cellphones (yup, that’s multiple phones).
However, the real question shouldn’t be is this a reality – but what steps can adults take to limit the ways in which technology constantly participate in our children’s lives?
CNN article – Ron Clark
Oh, so so true this commentary. Teachers aren’t the enemy. Really. We care for your children so. And caring for them is part of our job – literally. So is teaching. Since I’m not a parent, I don’t know what it is that makes some (some, not all) parents not trust what the teacher has to say. But, please, this is our job — and we aren’t going to deliberately steer you wrong. 
What Teachers Want To Tell Parents
The previous write up came from commentary that was based upon this original article from CNN by the popular teacher, Ron Clark. He came up with a note to parents, voicing out the things that most teachers want to say – but for one reason or another, don’t. I especially agree with his points that teachers are walking on eggshells and that parents and teachers should be partners – not prosecutors.
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If you took the time to read Ron Clark’s article and felt passionately (either positively or negatively) – then you should check out this article . There was so much feedback and discourse, that CNN had to do a separate second article about it.
Presidential Citizen’s Award
Recently, my friend, Chelle McIntryre-Brewer was awarded the Citizen’s Medal. It is the second highest honor a civilian can receive. Chelle received it for creating the non-profit Soldier’s List. Soldier’s List works to deliver care packages to military personnel from around the country and world. WOOHOO to you Chelle for being recognized for what you do!
