Would you send your child to school in this weather?

[HannahP 119]

They don't cancel school for blizzards? They don't cancel school for floods? They don't cancel school for hurricanes? They don't cancel school for heat waves in places where there is no AC?

Ahhh, memories.

I spent two years in ND going to uni. They don't cancel school in ND for anything. This includes -25 F + -40 F windchill + a freakin' blizzard. So I'm totally trudging to class with 25 mph winds, snow, in my face and I'm wearing:

underwear, fleece long underwear (top and bottom), knee-high socks, thermal socks, regular socks, snow boots, pajama pants, regular pants, snow pants, t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, sweat-shirt, hoodie w/hood up, Michelin man coat w/hood up, toque, scarf tucked into coat, scarf around mouth, gloves and thick mittens...

good times, good times.

[GabiandVi 34]

By your acceptance that "this is the way it is and they cannot change" Then you have cut these kids short by not expecting more from them. If they were expected to be there no matter what, they would find a way, if they had to wear snuggies... because to do less would not be tolerated.

Are you a teacher in a low-income area? If not, try subbing for about three weeks in such a school. One of my students came to school and announced she had no books and no change of clothes because her house was roped off with yellow tape because it was a crime scene. Her father was in critical condition in the hospital and her uncle was dead, the result of a drive-by shooting two nights previous. Maybe I've dropped my expecations too far, but I excused her from class that day and sent her to the counselor. That's one very small story out of hundreds I could tell you. Like I've said, I choose my battles. I have to work within their reality to get anywhere. I don't want you to drop yours. I agree that's part of the problem. Expectations have been dropped too low.

If you read other threads that I've responded in, you'll see that I don't accept the victim mentality. But I can only teach these children how to get out of that by working with what they've got. It's hard to understand unless you are in it. I also think we have to recognize the destructiveness of this culture in order to address it. But that is very unPC. This is a cultural problem, and no one wants to admit it.

[William33 110]

Are you a teacher in a low-income area? If not, try subbing for about three weeks in such a school. One of my students came to school and announced she had no books and no change of clothes because her house was roped off with yellow tape because it was a crime scene. Her father was in critical condition in the hospital and her uncle was dead, the result of a drive-by shooting two nights previous. Maybe I've dropped my expecations too far, but I excused her from class that day and sent her to the counselor. That's one very small story out of hundreds I could tell you. Like I've said, I choose my battles. I have to work within their reality to get anywhere. I don't want you to drop yours. I agree that's part of the problem. Expectations have been dropped too low.

If you read other threads that I've responded in, you'll see that I don't accept the victim mentality. But I can only teach these children how to get out of that by working with what they've got. It's hard to understand unless you are in it. I also think we have to recognize the destructiveness of this culture in order to address it. But that is very unPC. This is a cultural problem, and no one wants to admit it.

OK, how can we help?

[christeen 966]

Are you a teacher in a low-income area? If not, try subbing for about three weeks in such a school. One of my students came to school and announced she had no books and no change of clothes because her house was roped off with yellow tape because it was a crime scene. Her father was in critical condition in the hospital and her uncle was dead, the result of a drive-by shooting two nights previous. Maybe I've dropped my expecations too far, but I excused her from class that day and sent her to the counselor. That's one very small story out of hundreds I could tell you. Like I've said, I choose my battles. I have to work within their reality to get anywhere. I don't want you to drop yours. I agree that's part of the problem. Expectations have been dropped too low.

If you read other threads that I've responded in, you'll see that I don't accept the victim mentality. But I can only teach these children how to get out of that by working with what they've got. It's hard to understand unless you are in it. I also think we have to recognize the destructiveness of this culture in order to address it. But that is very unPC. This is a cultural problem, and no one wants to admit it.

Actually My best friend is an Assistant Principal at a very low income school near Orlando and these are exactly the stories that make it even MORE important to give the kids to make education a vital outlet for them to push through the difficulties... Acceptance that they can only achieve so much it setting them up for failure in life as they can always say, well I did'nt get this or that, or I did'nt even have a coat to go to school... I have personally seen what setting high expectations can do for children and how much they learn by enduring through difficulties to learn... The business, university and world community has not dropped their expectations for their workers so we should not set up these (or any) kids for failure by not expecting the same... Kids respond to challange and when others believe enough in them to expect them to be there and learn, they also know when they can get away with things and become experts at finding excuses for not meeting challanges, also because they know when expectatons have been lowered, and they know when they are being given up on...

Now, I have to go to bed, but I might have to call in tomorrow becuase I only have a brown sweater and grey heavy pants and they do not match and are totally the wrong style (but living down here I do not have a lot of winter clothes) and it is cold... maybe they will cancel work... Fashion Emergency... But hey, I have a snuggie!!

[GabiandVi 34]

OK, how can we help?

Are you being sincere? Honestly, it would help if everyone would sub for about three weeks in such a school. That would give everyone a clearer picture and we might be able to come to a realistic consensus about what to do.

I don't know how to face this problem. I've gotten to the point where I don't even like to think about how to face it because it is overwhelming and depressing. But I've listed in other threads some of the things that I think we can do. It would start with an overhaul of the education system.

I know some will say I'm dropping expecations, but the truth is, most of these kids will never go to college, so why do they need a college prep curriculum? What's the shame in being the best janitor you can be? What's the shame it being a welder? What's the shame in checking people out at Walmart with dignity and ethics? What's the shame of becoming a plumber?

With regards to this particular issue - extreme weather - there's nothing you can do. I've expressed my opinion, and others have expressed their's. Both are valid. If I weren't teaching these students, I'm sure I would have an opposite point of view about this particular issue. Almost all the people I respect outside of my field have the opposite point of view.

[GabiandVi 34]

Actually My best friend is an Assistant Principal at a very low income school near Orlando and these are exactly the stories that make it even MORE important to give the kids to make education a vital outlet for them to push through the difficulties... Acceptance that they can only achieve so much it setting them up for failure in life as they can always say, well I did'nt get this or that, or I did'nt even have a coat to go to school... I have personally seen what setting high expectations can do for children and how much they learn by enduring through difficulties to learn... The business, university and world community has not dropped their expectations for their workers so we should not set up these (or any) kids for failure by not expecting the same... Kids respond to challange and when others believe enough in them to expect them to be there and learn, they also know when they can get away with things and become experts at finding excuses for not meeting challanges, also because they know when expectatons have been lowered, and they know when they are being given up on...

Now, I have to go to bed, but I might have to call in tomorrow becuase I only have a brown sweater and grey heavy pants and they do not match and are totally the wrong style (but living down here I do not have a lot of winter clothes) and it is cold... maybe they will cancel work... Fashion Emergency... But hey, I have a snuggie!!

You did get that we are talking about one day with weather that the American Weather Association has issued and advisory about, didn't you?

[christeen 966]

Instead of starting with an overhaul of the education system, start with an overhaul of the children and how they set personal goals... There is nothing wrong with any of the trades or customer service work, but for many, this is a very low goal compared to what they can realize. Barak Obama is where he is because of education and he gave back to his community in Chicago... Kids that most have just accepted as not worth trying... Start with what you can change... One child, one kid learning something new and coming back to school the next day, then the day after....

But I believe that by sucomming to easy excuses, that is one lesson that should not be taught... Perseverence and inginuity would be a better lesson then closing school because their "culture" prevents them from getting coats or figuring out a way to keep warm using what they have. Challange your kids, expect more from them, teach them to expect more of themselves... Self pride is the biggest motivator...

Yes, it is easy to get discouraged, but once that mentality wins, you are not advancing your students, but have fallen into the same trap...

You did get that we are talking about one day with weather that the American Weather Association has issued and advisory about, didn't you?

Oh yes, that is a very convient... ahem... valid excuse... The weather service issued an advisory to "DRESS WARMLY" not sit on you a$$ at home or stay off the roads...

[GabiandVi 34]

Instead of starting with an overhaul of the education system, start with an overhaul of the children and how they set personal goals... There is nothing wrong with any of the trades or customer service work, but for many, this is a very low goal compared to what they can realize. Barak Obama is where he is because of education and he gave back to his community in Chicago... Kids that most have just accepted as not worth trying... Start with what you can change... One child, one kid learning something new and coming back to school the next day, then the day after....

But I believe that by sucomming to easy excuses, that is one lesson that should not be taught... Perseverence and inginuity would be a better lesson then closing school because their "culture" prevents them from getting coats or figuring out a way to keep warm using what they have. Challange your kids, expect more from them, teach them to expect more of themselves... Self pride is the biggest motivator...

Yes, it is easy to get discouraged, but once that mentality wins, you are not advancing your students, but have fallen into the same trap...

Oh yes, that is a very convient... ahem... valid excuse... The weather service issued an advisory to "DRESS WARMLY" not sit on you a$$ at home or stay off the roads...

So you've heard our advisory? I heard them to say don't go outside unless you have to. But maybe you heard a more recent advisory for my area.

[AlHayatZween 2]

Are you being sincere? Honestly, it would help if everyone would sub for about three weeks in such a school. That would give everyone a clearer picture and we might be able to come to a realistic consensus about what to do.

I don't know how to face this problem. I've gotten to the point where I don't even like to think about how to face it because it is overwhelming and depressing. But I've listed in other threads some of the things that I think we can do. It would start with an overhaul of the education system.

I know some will say I'm dropping expecations, but the truth is, most of these kids will never go to college, so why do they need a college prep curriculum? What's the shame in being the best janitor you can be? What's the shame it being a welder? What's the shame in checking people out at Walmart with dignity and ethics? What's the shame of becoming a plumber?

With regards to this particular issue - extreme weather - there's nothing you can do. I've expressed my opinion, and others have expressed their's. Both are valid. If I weren't teaching these students, I'm sure I would have an opposite point of view about this particular issue. Almost all the people I respect outside of my field have the opposite point of view.

i hear what you are saying, Gabi... i have been there, teaching in the Bronx. And i'm not teaching there now, which says a lot. Yes, i think there has to be a complete overhaul of the education system... not only with students & teachers & curricula, but with parents, politicians, and the importance that our society places on education as a whole. i hate to be a pessimist, but it doesn't seem like we as a collective nation are ready to make the commitment. Not when there are wars to fight and big banks to save and insurance companies to pussyfoot around.

i certainly don't have any answers, but keep doing what you are doing the best you know how. every good teacher contributes in his or her own way, and what might work for some, might not work for others, but that doesn't mean that the students don't benefit from every encounter they have with a well-intentioned teacher. You already know all this, i'm sure.

At the very least, the kids and you have off tomorrow, so you don't have to take up the good fight until Monday morning.

Signing off for the evening,

hz

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

i hear what you are saying, Gabi... i have been there, teaching in the Bronx. And i'm not teaching there now, which says a lot. Yes, i think there has to be a complete overhaul of the education system... not only with students & teachers & curricula, but with parents, politicians, and the importance that our society places on education as a whole. i hate to be a pessimist, but it doesn't seem like we as a collective nation are ready to make the commitment. Not when there are wars to fight and big banks to save and insurance companies to pussyfoot around.

i certainly don't have any answers, but keep doing what you are doing the best you know how. every good teacher contributes in his or her own way, and what might work for some, might not work for others, but that doesn't mean that the students don't benefit from every encounter they have with a well-intentioned teacher. You already know all this, i'm sure.

At the very least, the kids and you have off tomorrow, so you don't have to take up the good fight until Monday morning.

Signing off for the evening,

hz

wall street and insurance companies need smart people! don't hate us, we can be part of the solution

[William33 110]

Are you being sincere? Honestly, it would help if everyone would sub for about three weeks in such a school. That would give everyone a clearer picture and we might be able to come to a realistic consensus about what to do.

I don't know how to face this problem. I've gotten to the point where I don't even like to think about how to face it because it is overwhelming and depressing. But I've listed in other threads some of the things that I think we can do. It would start with an overhaul of the education system.

I know some will say I'm dropping expecations, but the truth is, most of these kids will never go to college, so why do they need a college prep curriculum? What's the shame in being the best janitor you can be? What's the shame it being a welder? What's the shame in checking people out at Walmart with dignity and ethics? What's the shame of becoming a plumber?

With regards to this particular issue - extreme weather - there's nothing you can do. I've expressed my opinion, and others have expressed their's. Both are valid. If I weren't teaching these students, I'm sure I would have an opposite point of view about this particular issue. Almost all the people I respect outside of my field have the opposite point of view.

Yes, I am sincere. Individually, we cannot solve these issues, but we can contribute in a small way collectively. I can teach, but my field is quite advanced. I was thinking monetary contribution.

[Marzy 1]

If the principal calls me not to send my child(ren) at school, yes, I won't.( I live half mile away from school).

Edited January 8, 2010 by Fresgal

[GabiandVi 34]

Yes, I am sincere. Individually, we cannot solve these issues, but we can contribute in a small way collectively. I can teach, but my field is quite advanced. I was thinking monetary contribution.

Actually, there is a lot of federal money for these types of schools. I think it would have to be through some other organization. Maybe one that works with young children. I've always had a dream of putting these sorts of students in situations outside their comfort zone, such as ski trips to Colorado, or a month at sea. I don't know of a program that does that, and I'm not equipped at this point in my life to start it. And there would be the issue of convincing students to participate.

I did start a short-lived, very small program giving childrens books to young girls having babies so that they would read to their children. And I found there were very few childrens books at that time for minorities. I think that is better now. But that is a very small, very unreliable step.

I don't know. As I said before, these students are poor, but they find money for frivolous things, so it's not like they are denied. And they won't accept hand-me-downs. They didn't even know what a hand-me-down was when that expression came up in class a few weeks ago.

But look for something involved with these sorts of students in your area. Or get involved in the Big Brother program. That could be a good way to make a difference.

[lostinblue 1,989]

young girls having babies Right there you defined the whole problem of poverty in america. Single unwed mothers. Uncle Sam has taken over the traditional role of the father in "this" culture。You have to solve this one problem before you advance to the others.

[GabiandVi 34]

young girls having babies Right there you defined the whole problem of poverty in america. Single unwed mothers. Uncle Sam has taken over the traditional role of the father in "this" culture。You have to solve this one problem before you advance to the others.

That would be a great start, but how? It's a cycle. How do we break it? The only thing I can do is influence my students the best way I know how. But if we could offer them an education that would be more meaningful to them, we might be able to change the cycle.