SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY

 

SFUSD WHERE THE BILLIONAIRES PLAY AND TEACHERS PRAY

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is in the news again, and this time it's not for their high-ranking Asian students or their big budget. No, this time it's for their financial mismanagement, teacher shortages, and potential school closures. But don't worry, folks, it's all part of the billionaires' plan to destroy public education in California.

According to the San Francisco teachers' union, the district has borrowed irresponsibly, failed to capitalize on vacant properties, and overspent on top administrative salaries. And let's not forget about the faulty payroll system that cost the district over $30 million. But hey, at least they're consistent in their mismanagement.

The union is asking for a two-year, across-the-board raise for all credentialed teachers and a minimum salary of $30 an hour for teacher's aides. The district responded with a $5,500 across-the-board raise proposal for a one-year contract. The union says that the district received $80 million from the state last year and has millions of dollars in savings. So why not spread the wealth, right?

But the real issue here is the portfolio model that SFUSD is using, which is straight out of the billionaires' privatization playbook. This model emphasizes testing and data over actual learning and creativity. It's all about the bottom line, folks, and if that means closing schools and laying off teachers, so be it.

And let's not forget about the scandals that have plagued SFUSD over the years. From Alison Collins' frivolous lawsuit to the school board's decision to rename 44 schools without consulting historians or educators, it's clear that SFUSD has a knack for making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

But perhaps the biggest scandal of all is the persistent achievement gap between white and Asian students and their Black and Latino peers. Despite various attempts to desegregate schools, increase funding, and implement reforms, the district has failed to close the gap or improve outcomes for its most disadvantaged students. It's as if SFUSD is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

So what's the solution? Well, for starters, how about we stop letting billionaires buy our school board elections? How about we prioritize actual learning and creativity over testing and data? And how about we actually listen to teachers and parents instead of just paying lip service to their concerns?

In conclusion, SFUSD may have a big budget and high-ranking Asian students, but it's clear that something is seriously wrong with this district. It's time to stop the billionaires' privatization agenda and start prioritizing public education for all students. Because if we don't, we'll be stuck in this comedy of errors for years to come.

Teachers Accuse San Francisco School Leaders of Fiscal Mismanagement https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/teachers-accuse-san-francisco-public-school-leaders-of-fiscal-mismanagement/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

SFUSD compares to other school districts in California in the following ways:

• - SFUSD is one of the most diverse school districts in California and in the nation, ranking fifth and 67th respectively¹.
• - SFUSD has the second highest Academic Performance Index among the seven largest California school districts, which measures student achievement and growth based on standardized tests³.
• - SFUSD has seven high schools that were named among the top five percent in the country by Newsweek in 2007³.
• - SFUSD spends more and has more staff allocated to central administration functions than most of its peer districts, especially on instructional supervision and administration².
• - SFUSD has 75% more schools and 28% less students per school than the median number in its peer districts, which may affect its efficiency and economies of scale².
• - SFUSD faces a budget deficit of $100.2 million and a possible state takeover if it cannot balance its books without relying on one-time funds².

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) 2022 San Francisco Unified School District Rankings - Niche. https://www.niche.com/k12/d/san-francisco-unified-school-district-ca/rankings/.
• (2) San Francisco Unified School District - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Unified_School_District.
• (3) SF Schools Spent Nearly Double on Central Admin vs. Peers. https://sfstandard.com/education/san-francisco-schools-sfusd-spending-central-administration-audit/.

San Francisco Public Schools fiscal mismanagement. 

• - The San Francisco teachers' union released a report on August 28, 2023, accusing the school district of fiscal mismanagement amid ongoing contract negotiations¹²⁶. The report claims that the district has borrowed irresponsibly, failed to capitalize on vacant properties, hired expensive consultants, and overspent on top administrative salaries¹²⁶. The union says that the district's behavior has led to teacher shortages, a payroll disaster, and talk of merging and closing campuses¹²⁶.
• - The union is asking for a two-year, across-the-board raise for all credentialed teachers and a minimum salary of $30 an hour for teacher's aides, which would cost the district roughly $90 million over the course of the contract¹²⁶. The district responded with a $5,500 across-the-board raise proposal for a one-year contract¹²⁶. The union says that the district received $80 million from the state last year and has millions of dollars in savings¹²⁶.
• - The school board approved a $1.16 billion total operating budget for the 2021-22 school year on June 23, 2021⁹ [^10^]. The budget includes the $75.8 million 2021-22 Public Education Enrichment Fund (PEEF) Expenditure Plan, which supports programs such as sports, libraries, arts, and music in the public schools⁹ [^10^]. The budget also includes $93.5 million parcel taxes from the Quality Teacher and Education Act (QTEA) and the Fair Wages for Educators Act (FWEA), which help make San Francisco teacher salaries competitive and provide financial incentives for teachers to work at high-needs schools and subjects⁹ [^10^].
• - The district expects to receive $140 million in federal stimulus funding that will help welcome students back with increased academic and wellness support in the fall and will help address a budget deficit of $100.2 million⁹. The district also expects to receive $551.3 million from the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), California's primary source of state education dollars⁹. However, school district officials caution that these new state and federal funds may only be short-term relief for an ongoing structural deficit facing SFUSD and many other California school districts⁹.
• - The district faces possible takeover by the state due to its budget problems¹¹. According to state law, if a school district cannot meet its financial obligations for the current or two subsequent fiscal years, it must request an emergency loan from the state, which would trigger state intervention and loss of local control¹¹. The district has until October 8, 2021, to submit a revised budget to the county office of education that shows how it will balance its books without relying on one-time funds¹¹. If the county office rejects the revised budget, it could appoint a fiscal advisor to oversee the district's finances and make recommendations to avoid insolvency¹¹.

 Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Teachers Accuse SF School Leaders of Fiscal Mismanagement. https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/28/teachers-accuse-san-francisco-public-school-leaders-of-fiscal-mismanagement/.
• (2) ‘Math isn’t mathing’: Teachers’ union alleges SF school district of .... https://localnewsmatters.org/2023/08/28/math-isnt-mathing-teachers-union-alleges-sf-school-district-of-fiscal-mismanagement/.
• (3) Teachers' Union Releases Report Accusing School District Of Fiscal .... https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/teachers-union-releases-report-accusing-school-18335086.php.
• (4) SF Board of Education Approves Budget for 2021-22 School Year. https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2021-06-23-sf-board-education-approves-budget-2021-22-school-year.
• (5) Budget and LCAP | SFUSD - San Francisco Public Schools. https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/budget-and-lcap.
• (6) San Francisco school district faces possible takeover due to budget .... https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-francisco-school-district-faces-possible-takeover-due-to-budget-problems/.
• (7) San Francisco teachers' union accuses school district of fiscal .... https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco/san-francisco-unified-school-district-fiscal-mismanagement/3305731/.
• (8) SF teachers, parents claim San Francisco Unified School District .... https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-teachers-sfusd-board-of-education-district-stabilization-plan/13712985/.
• (9) undefined. https://t.co/w7B5HpkX8n.
• (10) . https://bing.com/search?q=San+Francisco+Unified+School+District+budget.
• (11) San Francisco Unified School District. https://www.sfusd.edu/.
• (12) SFUSD Board approves short-term budget for 2021-22. https://sfbayview.com/2021/07/sfusd-board-approves-short-term-budget-for-2021-22/.

SFUSD scandals:

• - One of the most recent scandals involves Alison Collins, a school board member who filed a $87 million lawsuit against the district and five of her colleagues for stripping her of her vice-president title and committee assignments over her 2016 tweets that disparaged Asian Americans¹. The lawsuit claims that Collins was a victim of a "cancel culture" campaign orchestrated by the mayor, the city attorney, and wealthy donors who wanted to silence her voice on racial justice issues¹. The lawsuit also alleges that Collins was unfairly targeted for her criticism of the district's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to reopen schools¹. The lawsuit has been widely criticized as frivolous, baseless, and self-serving by legal experts, community leaders, and parents¹.
• - Another scandal that drew national attention was the school board's decision to rename 44 schools that were named after historical figures who were deemed to have ties to slavery, oppression, racism, or genocide². The decision was made without consulting historians, educators, or the public, and relied on faulty research from a volunteer committee that used Wikipedia and other questionable sources². Some of the names that were slated to be changed included Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Paul Revere, and Dianne Feinstein². The decision sparked outrage and ridicule from across the political spectrum, and was challenged in court by a group of parents and alumni who argued that the board violated state law by not holding public hearings or considering the educational impact of the name changes². The board eventually suspended the renaming process and admitted that it had made mistakes².
• - A third scandal that has plagued the district for decades is the persistent achievement gap between white and Asian students and their Black and Latino peers³. Despite various attempts to desegregate schools, increase funding, and implement reforms, the district has failed to close the gap or improve the outcomes for its most disadvantaged students³. According to the 2019 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), only 19% of Black students and 23% of Latino students met or exceeded standards in English language arts, compared to 79% of Asian students and 72% of white students³. In math, only 12% of Black students and 16% of Latino students met or exceeded standards, compared to 77% of Asian students and 66% of white students³. The district also has one of the highest suspension rates for Black students in the state, and one of the lowest graduation rates for Black males in the nation³.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Alison Collins' strange and terrible $87M lawsuit - Mission Local. https://missionlocal.org/2021/04/alison-collins-strange-and-terrible-87m-lawsuit/.
• (2) Why San Francisco’s city government is so dysfunctional - The Economist. https://www.economist.com/united-states/2021/08/28/why-san-franciscos-city-government-is-so-dysfunctional.
• (3) Facing Our Past, Changing Our Future, Part II: Five ... - SFUSD: Home. https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today.

THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLERS A VOICE... AND A VOTE

THE FUTURE IS NOW: HOW MEASURE QQ GIVES HIGH SCHOOLERS A VOICE... AND A VOTE

Attention all high school students in Oakland! Get ready to exercise your right to vote because Measure QQ is coming to town! That's right, the voting age for school board elections is being lowered to 16, and it's not just any ordinary civics lesson, it's a real-life one!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Wait, I can barely decide what to wear to school, how am I supposed to decide who should be on the school board?" Well, fear not my young friends, because you are not alone. Many adults also struggle with this decision. But hey, at least you don't have to worry about paying taxes yet, so that's a plus!

Measure QQ was approved by 67% of Oakland voters in the 2020 general election. It was supported by a coalition of youth organizations who argued that young people should have a voice in the laws that affect their lives. And let's be real, who knows more about what's going on in schools than the students themselves?

But not everyone was on board with this idea. Some people argued that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to participate in elections, or that they would be influenced by their parents or teachers. Well, newsflash, adults can also be influenced by their families and friends. And let's be honest, some of them are not exactly the most mature people either.

The implementation of Measure QQ has been delayed due to technical and legal challenges. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters has not made the necessary changes to its voter databases and ballots to accommodate the younger voters. But don't worry, we'll get there eventually. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a fair and just electoral system.

If Measure QQ is implemented by 2024, 16- and 17-year-olds in Oakland will be able to vote in the school board races for Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7. That means you will have a say in who represents your district and makes decisions about your education. So start doing your research now and get ready to cast your vote!

To make things even more exciting, the youth vote coalition is planning to host a candidate forum at Fremont High School in October for the special election taking place in November to fill the vacant school board seat in District 5. And the school district's student government association, All City Council, will endorse a candidate through a mock youth vote. So not only will you get to vote for real in a few years, but you can also practice your voting skills now.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But what if I make the wrong choice?" Well, my young friend, that's the beauty of democracy. Sometimes we make mistakes, but we learn from them and we keep moving forward. And if all else fails, just remember to vote for the candidate with the funniest name. Works every time.

In all seriousness though, lowering the voting age is a step towards creating a more inclusive and democratic society. It gives young people a voice and empowers them to shape their own future. So let's embrace this opportunity and show the world that we are ready to be active and engaged citizens.

In conclusion, Measure QQ is not just a civics lesson, it's a chance for young people to make a real difference in their community. So let's get out there and show everyone what we're made of! And remember, when in doubt, always vote for the candidate with the funniest name.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and register to vote! And who knows, maybe one day you'll be running for office yourself. Just don't forget about us little people when you're in charge.

Oakland youth could vote in school board elections as early as 2024 https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/28/oakland-youth-vote-measure-qq-2024-school-board-election/

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Measure QQ, which lowers the voting age to 16 for OUSD board elections:

• - Measure QQ was a ballot measure that was approved by 67% of Oakland voters in the 2020 general election¹². It amended the city charter to authorize the city council to allow 16- and 17-year-olds who are otherwise eligible to vote under state and local law to vote for the office of school board director⁵.
• - The measure was supported by a coalition of youth organizations, such as Oakland Kids First, All City Council Student Union, and Youth Together, who argued that young people should have a voice in the laws that affect their lives and a stake in the future of their country¹². They also claimed that lowering the voting age would increase voter turnout and develop lifelong voting habits⁶.
• - The measure faced some opposition from people who believed that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to participate in elections, or that they would be influenced by their parents or teachers⁶⁷. Some also argued that the measure was unnecessary, since OUSD already has two student directors who are elected by students and can advise the board on issues affecting them⁷.
• - The implementation of Measure QQ has been delayed due to technical and legal challenges. The Alameda County Registrar of Voters, which oversees the elections in Oakland, has not made the necessary changes to its voter databases and ballots to accommodate the younger voters¹. There are also privacy concerns about how to protect the personal information of minors who register to vote¹.
• - In June 2023, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors directed the registrar to implement Measure QQ by the November 2024 general election¹. The Oakland City Council and the OUSD Board of Education must also pass resolutions detailing how voting will work for young people and who exactly is eligible¹.
• - If Measure QQ is implemented by 2024, 16- and 17-year-olds in Oakland will be able to vote in the school board races for Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7¹. These districts are currently represented by Sam Davis, VanCedric Williams, Mike Hutchinson, and Clifford Thompson, respectively¹¹. The candidates for these seats have not been announced yet.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) Oakland youth could vote in school board elections as early as 2024. https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/28/oakland-youth-vote-measure-qq-2024-school-board-election/.
• (2) Home - Oakland Youth Vote. https://oaklandyouthvote.org/.
• (3) Oakland, California, Measure QQ, Allow 16-Year-Olds to ... - Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Oakland,_California,_Measure_QQ,_Allow_16-Year-Olds_to_Vote_for_School_Board_Director_Charter_Amendment_%28November_2020%29.
• (4) Lowering the Voting Age – Top 3 Pros and Cons - ProCon.org. https://www.procon.org/headlines/lowering-the-voting-age-top-3-pros-and-cons/.
• (5) Pro and Con: Lowering the Voting Age in the United States. https://www.britannica.com/story/pro-and-con-lowering-the-voting-age-in-the-united-states.
• (6) How to attend OUSD school board meetings - oaklandside.org. https://oaklandside.org/2023/08/08/attend-ousd-oakland-school-board-meetings-2023-2024/.
• (7) What is Oakland's Measure QQ? A video explainer by Iris Crawford and .... https://oaklandvoices.us/2020/10/26/what-is-oaklands-measure-qq-a-video-explainer-by-iris-crawford-and-azucena-rasilla/.
• (8) Measure QQ: Lowering the voting age for school board races. https://oaklandside.org/2020/10/26/measure-qq-lowering-the-voting-age-for-school-board-races/.
• (9) Pros and Cons of Lowering the Voting Age - Benefits - proscons. https://prosconss.com/pros-and-cons-of-lowering-the-voting-age.
• (10) The pros and cons of lowering the voting age - Campaigning Info. https://campaigninginfo.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-lowering-the-voting-age/.
• (11) Pros and Cons of Lowering the Voting Age to 16 - Purposeful Politics. https://purposefulpolitics.com/pros-cons-lower-voting-age-to-16/.
• (12) 2022 Election: Meet the OUSD school board candidates for District 6 - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/2022-election-meet-the-ousd-school-board-candidates-for-district-6/ar-AA12Wdss.
• (13) Who’s running for president in 2024? All the declared candidates. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2023/jun/17/2024-presidential-candidates-biden-trump-republicans-democrats.
• (14) OUSD school board race: Brouhard, Resnick, Bachelor pull ahead. https://oaklandside.org/2022/11/10/oakland-school-board-election-leading-candidates/.

NEW BS HIGH SCHOOL RANKING IS OUT: RICH KIDS STILL WINNING

NEW BS HIGH SCHOOL RANKING IS OUT: RICH KIDS STILL WINNING

Are you tired of hearing about the "best" schools in the country? Well, I've got news for you: those rankings are just a bunch of bullsh*t. All they really tell you is which schools have the richest kids and are located in the most affluent areas.

Let's take a look at the top 10 schools in the 2021 Best High Schools national rankings. Not a single one of them is a Title I majority school, meaning they don't have at least 40% of their students from low-income families. In other words, these schools are for rich kids only.

And don't even get me started on the demographics of these schools. Some of them have student bodies that are over 70% Asian. Others have more balanced racial and ethnic compositions, but they're still not representative of the real world.

But here's the real kicker: these rankings are just another way to measure how white a school is. Sure, they might claim to be looking at academic performance and other factors, but at the end of the day, it's all about how many rich white kids go there.

And if you really want to compare schools, just look at their budgets. The rich schools have all the resources they need to provide a top-notch education, while the poor schools are struggling just to keep the lights on.

So, next time you hear someone bragging about their school's ranking, just remember: it's all a bunch of bullsh*t. The real measure of a school's success is how well it serves ALL its students, not just the ones with trust funds.

High School Rankings Overview: Best High Schools https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/rankings-overview 

THE DEFT DIVE

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the top 10 schools in the 2021 Best High Schools national rankings are¹²:

1. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (VA)

2. Academic Magnet High School (SC)

3. The Davidson Academy of Nevada (NV)

4. Payton College Preparatory High School (IL)

5. School for Advanced Studies (FL)

6. Sumner Academy of Arts and Science (KS)

7. Merrol Hyde Magnet School (TN)

8. BASIS Chandler (AZ)

9. Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GA)

10. Townsend Harris High School (NY)

None of these schools are Title I majority schools, meaning that they do not have at least 40% of their students from low-income families eligible for Title I funding⁵. In fact, most of these schools have very low percentages of students who are economically disadvantaged, ranging from 0.6% at Thomas Jefferson High School to 15.8% at Townsend Harris High School¹⁶.

The demographics of these schools also vary widely, reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve. For example, Thomas Jefferson High School has a student body that is 70% Asian, 20% White, 3% Hispanic and 2% Black¹⁶, while Townsend Harris High School has a student body that is 49% Asian, 25% White, 12% Hispanic and 9% Black¹⁶. Some schools have more balanced racial and ethnic compositions, such as Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, which has a student body that is 34% Black, 29% White, 24% Hispanic and 7% Asian¹⁶.

The economic conditions of the communities where these schools are located also differ significantly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Fairfax County, Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson High School is located, was $124,831 in 2019¹⁷, while the median household income in Queens County, New York, where Townsend Harris High School is located, was $68,992 in 2019¹⁷. The poverty rates in these counties also vary, from 5.7% in Fairfax County to 13.4% in Queens County¹⁷.

Bing, 8/29/2023

• (1) U.S. News Announces 2021 Best High Schools Rankings - PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news-announces-2021-best-high-schools-rankings-301277337.html.
• (2) Title I funding for schools: Interactive maps show your state's stakes. https://journalistsresource.org/economics/2020-census-title-i-maps/.
• (3) undefined. https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/consolidated/index.html.
• (4) undefined. https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/.
• (5) 2022-2023 Best National Universities | US News Rankings. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities.
• (6) U.S. News Best Colleges - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges.
• (7) 10 best universities in the world, according to US News ranking - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/22/10-best-universities-in-the-world-according-to-us-news-ranking.html.
• (8) The 10 best global universities of 2022, according to U.S. News - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/26/the-10-best-global-universities-of-2022-according-to-us-news.html.
• (9) Children in Title I schools by race and ethnicity in United States. https://datacenter.aecf.org/data/tables/8418-children-in-title-i-schools-by-race-and-ethnicity.
• (10) Federal Programs / Title I - Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. https://www.cmsk12.org/Page/769.
• (11) Title 1 Status for Public Schools in California Counties - Zipdatamaps. https://www.zipdatamaps.com/counties/state/education/map-of-percentage-of-title-1-status-public-schools-for-counties-in-california.
• (12) Title 1 Status for Public Schools in Massachusetts Counties - Zipdatamaps. https://www.zipdatamaps.com/counties/state/education/map-of-percentage-of-title-1-status-public-schools-for-counties-in-massachusetts.
• (13) U.S News Reveals 2023-2024 Best High Schools Rankings. https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2023-08-29/u-s-news-reveals-2023-2024-best-high-schools-rankings.
• (14) U.S. News Announces New Rankings of Elementary and Middle Schools. https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2021-10-12/us-news-announces-new-rankings-of-elementary-and-middle-schools.
• (15) US News & World Report: The 20 best high schools in the US - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/01/us-news-world-report-the-20-best-high-schools-in-the-us.html.
• (16) Top Tennessee high schools 2022: US News & World Report list. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2022/04/26/top-tennessee-high-schools-2022-us-news-world-report-list/7442685001/.
• (17) U.S. News & World Report Announces the 2021 Best Colleges Rankings. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news--world-report-announces-the-2021-best-colleges-rankings-301129653.html.

JOE BIDEN: WE MUST KEEP MARCHING TOWARD DR. KING'S DREAM

 

JOE BIDEN: WE MUST KEEP MARCHING TOWARD DR. KING'S DREAM

Joe Biden is president of the United States.

Joe Biden: We must keep marching toward Dr. King’s dream https://wapo.st/44oSV0c 

Sixty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans marched on Washington for jobs and freedom. In describing his dream for us all, Dr. King spoke of redeeming the “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir” derived from the very idea of America — we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While we’ve never fully lived up to that promise as a nation, we have never fully walked away from it, either. Each day of the Biden-Harris administration, we continue the march forward.

That includes a fundamental break with trickle-down economics that promised prosperity but failed America, especially Black Americans, over the past several decades. Trickle-down economics holds that taxes should be cut for the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations, that public investments in priorities such as education, infrastructure and health care should be shrunk, and good jobs shipped overseas. It has exacerbated inequality and systemic barriers that make it harder for Black Americans to start a business, own a home, send their children to school and retire with dignity.

Vice President Harris and I came into office determined to change the economic direction of the country and grow the economy from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down. Our plan — Bidenomics — is working. Because of the major laws and executive orders I’ve signed — from the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Chips and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, my executive orders on racial equity and more — we’re advancing equity in everything we do making unprecedented investments in all of America, including for Black Americans.

Black unemployment fell to a historic low this spring and remains near that level. More Black small businesses are starting up than we’ve seen in over 25 years. More Black families have health insurance. We cut Black child poverty in half in my first year in office. We are delivering clean water and high-speed internet to homes across America. We’re taking on Big Pharma to reduce prescription drug costs, such as making the cost of insulin for seniors $35 a month. We’re taking the most significant action on climate ever, which is reducing pollution and creating jobs for Black Americans in the clean energy future.

This administration will continue to prioritize increasing access to government contracting and lending. We awarded a record $69.9 billion in federal contracts to small, disadvantaged businesses in fiscal 2022. We’re taking on housing discrimination and increasing Black homeownership. To date, we’ve invested more than $7 billion in historically Black colleges and universities to prepare students for high-growth industries. We’ve approved more than $116 billion in student loan debt cancellation for 3.4 million Americans so that borrowers receive the relief they deserve. And a new student debt repayment plan is helping Black students and families cut in half their total lifetime payments per dollar borrowed. We’re doing all of this by making sure the biggest corporations begin to pay their fair share, keeping my commitment that Americans earning less than $400,000 a year not pay a single penny more in federal taxes.

And to help guide these policies, I made it a priority to appoint Black leaders to my Cabinet, my staff, in the judiciary and to key positions in agencies such as the Federal Reserve to ensure policymakers represent the experiences of all Americans in the economy.

But we know government can’t do it alone. Private-sector leaders have rightly acted to ensure their companies are more reflective of America, often in response to their employees, their customers and their own consciences. Right now, the same guardians of trickle-down economics who attack our administration’s economic policies are also attacking the private sector and the views of the American people. A recent poll from the nonpartisan Black Economic Alliance Foundation shows overwhelming bipartisan support for promoting diversity as central to a company being more innovative and more profitable, and central to fulfilling the promise of our country for all Americans. Despite the attacks, we all must keep pushing to create a workforce that reflects America.

For generations, Black Americans haven’t always been fully included in our democracy or our economy, but by pure courage and heart, they have never given up pursuing the American Dream. We saw in Jacksonville, Fla., yet another community wounded by an act of gun violence, reportedly fueled by hate-filled animus. We must refuse to live in a country where Black families going to the store or Black students going to school live in fear of being gunned down because of the color of their skin. On this day of remembrance, let us keep showing that racial equity isn’t just an aspiration. Let us reject the cramped view that America is a zero-sum game that holds that for one to succeed, another must fail. Let us remember America is big enough for everyone to do well and reach their God-given potential.

That’s how we redeem the promissory note of our nation.

Joe Biden: We must keep marching toward Dr. King’s dream https://wapo.st/44oSV0c 

MEATAXE MIKE MILES AND THE TEXAS MEATAXE MASACRE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

MEATAXE MIKE MILES AND THE TEXAS MEATAXE MASACRE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Texas takeover of Houston's public school district has caused quite the stir among students, parents, and teachers alike. MeatAxe Mike Miles, the new state-installed superintendent, has implemented some major changes that have left everyone feeling a little anxious. But fear not, dear readers, for I have the inside scoop on what's really going on.

First off, let's talk about the new curriculum. Miles has decided that all teachers must follow a centrally scripted plan, which sounds like a recipe for disaster if you ask me. I mean, have you ever tried to follow a recipe to the letter and ended up with a burnt mess? Yeah, that's what I thought. And to make matters worse, there are in-classroom cameras monitoring the teachers' every move. Talk about Big Brother watching you! But hey, at least they'll know who to blame when little Timmy fails his math test.

And speaking of tests, Miles has decided that pay will be largely based on standardized test scores. So if you're a teacher who wants to make bank, you better start drilling those kids on their multiplication tables ASAP. But let's be real, we all know that standardized tests are about as accurate as a weatherman's forecast. So good luck with that.

But wait, there's more! Miles has also disbanded a team that supported students with autism. Because who needs support when you're on the spectrum, right? And to top it all off, he's transformed libraries at underperforming schools into "team centers" where students will get extra help and those who misbehave will be disciplined. Because nothing says "learning" like being sent to the principal's office.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is not pleased with this new plan, and neither are we. The libraries plan is creating a prison-like atmosphere in spaces usually associated with learning. I mean, what's next? Metal detectors at the door? Strip searches before entering the building? It's like we're living in a dystopian novel.

But fear not, dear readers, for there is hope yet. We can all band together and fight against this madness. We can protest, we can write letters, we can even start a petition. And if all else fails, we can always homeschool our kids. Just kidding, please don't do that. We all know how well that turned out for the Duggars.

In conclusion, the Texas takeover of Houston's public school district may be causing some back-to-school anxiety, but let's not lose hope just yet. We can all come together and fight against this madness. And who knows, maybe MeatAxe Mike Miles will have a change of heart and realize that standardized tests aren't the be-all and end-all of education. Or maybe he'll get hit by a bus. Either way, we'll be okay.

All jokes aside, the situation in Houston is no laughing matter. The state takeover of the HISD is just one example of the power struggle between Republican and Democratic leaders around the country. But in the midst of all the uncertainty and anxiety, it's important to remember that our kids are resilient. They'll adapt to these changes, no matter how ridiculous they may seem. And as parents and educators, it's up to us to make sure they still get the quality education they deserve - even if we have to do it in spite of the system.

Texas takeover raises back-to-school anxiety for Houston students, parents and teachers | AP News https://apnews.com/article/houston-school-takeover-texas-libraries-discipline-44afa1a8d85d09cdcfd19879989d5379 

Inside an NES school as Houston ISD begins a new academic year under state control - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfwazONTvAY 

Big Education Ape: MEATAXE MIKE CUTS AUTISM SERVICES TEAM, PROVES HE TRULY DESERVES HIS NICKNAME https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/meataxe-mike-cuts-autism-services-team.html 

Big Education Ape: THE TIME WARP TAKES ON NEW MEANING IN HISD MEATAXE MIKE'S MUSICAL PLAY THE ROCKY HORDE TAKEOVER SHOW https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-time-warp-takes-on-new-meaning-in.html 

Big Education Ape: RED STATE EDUCATION REVOLT: BAN EVERYTHING EXCEPT PATRIOTIC PROPAGANDA https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/red-state-education-revolt-ban.html 

TIME TO FIRE RYAN WALTERS: THE MAD MAGA MONK BEHIND THE OKLAHOMA BOMB THREATS

TIME TO FIRE RYAN WALTERS: THE MAD MAGA MONK BEHIND THE OKLAHOMA BOMB THREATS

Oklahoma has been rocked by a series of bomb threats that have targeted several schools and public figures. The threats started on August 22, 2023, when a far-right TikTok account called Libs of TikTok reposted a video of a librarian from Union Public Schools who jokingly said she was pushing her woke agenda on kids. The video was taken out of context, and the reposted version left out the part where the librarian talked about teaching kids to love books and be kind.

The next day, the librarian's elementary school, Ellen Ochoa Elementary, received a bomb threat via email that also threatened her home. The email claimed to have placed a bomb in the school and said the sender was not going to stand as the school continued to indoctrinate and prey upon the children.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters retweeted the Libs of TikTok video and wrote, "Democrats say it doesn't exist. The liberal media denies the issue. Even some Republicans hide from it. Woke ideology is real and I am here to stop it." It is unclear if he knew about the bomb threat before posting.

The bomb threats continued for several days, causing widespread concern and criticism among parents, teachers, students, and officials. Some legislators have called for Walters' impeachment or reprimand for his polarizing rhetoric and his retweet of the Libs of TikTok video. Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall issued a statement calling for an end to rhetoric and political activism surrounding education and urged leaders to focus on improving student outcomes.

A law enforcement official said the FBI has identified six persons of interest around the country, all juveniles, who are suspected of making the threats. The official said they appear to be "tech savvy," using sophisticated methods to try to disguise the source of the threats, which appear to have a racist motivation.

But who is Ryan Walters, and why is he inspiring such hate-filled rhetoric? Well, let me tell you, dear reader. Ryan Walters is a mad Maga monk who has been waging war on Tulsa Public Schools for years. His attack on the school system was started to push his candidacy for Oklahoma Governor, which thrills Maga Governor Stitt.

Walters' hate-filled Maga rhetoric has been causing chaos in Oklahoma for far too long. It's time to fire this Rasputin wannabe and put an end to his reign of terror. His actions have caused widespread panic and fear among parents and students alike.

In conclusion, we must take action against those who spread hate and fear in our communities. Ryan Walters' Maga rhetoric has caused chaos in Oklahoma, and it's time to put an end to it. Let's hope that those responsible for these bomb threats are brought to justice soon, and that we can all move forward together towards a brighter future.

John Thompson: Protests Force Ryan Walters to Suspend Plans for Takeover of Tulsa Public Schools https://dianeravitch.net/2023/08/28/john-thompson-protests-force-ryan-walters-to-suspend-plans-for-takeover-of-tulsa-public-schools/ via @dianeravitch 

Additional Bomb Threats For Several Schools, Buildings Received In Oklahoma https://www.newson6.com/story/64ebf41bd216c90739ce0058/additional-bomb-threats-for-several-schools-buildings-received-in-oklahoma 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

The bomb threats in Oklahoma schools started on August 22, 2023:

• - The bomb threats in Oklahoma schools started on August 22, 2023, when a far-right TikTok account called Libs of TikTok reposted a video of a librarian from Union Public Schools who jokingly said she was pushing her woke agenda on kids⁴. The original video had a caption that said her agenda was teaching kids to love books and be kind, but the reposted video left that out and added her school bio that mentioned social justice⁴.
• - The next day, the librarian's elementary school, Ellen Ochoa Elementary, received a bomb threat via email that also threatened her home⁴. The email said the sender was not going to stand as the school continued to indoctrinate and prey upon the children, and claimed to have placed a bomb in the school⁴. The school delayed its start time until the police cleared the building⁴.
• - On the same day, State Superintendent Ryan Walters retweeted the Libs of TikTok video and wrote, "Democrats say it doesn't exist. The liberal media denies the issue. Even some Republicans hide from it. Woke ideology is real and I am here to stop it."⁴ It is unclear if he knew about the bomb threat before posting⁴.
• - On August 23, 2023, another bomb threat was sent to Ellen Ochoa Elementary, causing the school to shelter in place while the police searched the facility⁴. The librarian's home was also threatened again⁴.
• - On August 24, 2023, a third bomb threat was sent to Ellen Ochoa Elementary and the librarian's home⁴. The threat also included three other elementary schools in the Union district: Peters, Andersen, and Moore¹. The district said it would have additional security at the sites named¹.
• - On August 25, 2023, a fourth bomb threat was sent to Ellen Ochoa Elementary¹. The threat also listed the homes of Walters and former Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist as places where bombs had been placed⁵.
• - On August 27, 2023, additional bomb threats were sent to several locations across Oklahoma, including every airport, school, university, store, mall, bus station, highway, police station, courthouse, and city hall in the state¹. No specific Union schools were listed in this threat¹. The district said all schools would be open on Monday and that all buildings would be swept by security and staff as a precaution¹.
• - The bomb threats have caused widespread concern and criticism among parents, teachers, students, and officials. Some legislators have called for Walters' impeachment or reprimand for his polarizing rhetoric and his retweet of the Libs of TikTok video⁶. Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall issued a statement calling for an end of rhetoric and political activism surrounding education and urged leaders to focus on improving student outcomes⁶.
• - A law enforcement official said the FBI has identified six persons of interest around the country, all juveniles, who are suspected of making the threats¹². The official said they appear to be "tech savvy," using sophisticated methods to try to disguise the source of the threats, which appear to have a racist motivation¹². No arrests have been made yet.

Bing, 8/28/2023

• (1) Oklahoma school district faces bomb threats after video shared by far .... https://www.kosu.org/education/2023-08-23/we-will-bomb-every-school-in-the-union-district-tulsa-school-threatened-for-woke-ideology.
• (2) Additional Bomb Threats For Several Schools, Buildings Received In Oklahoma. https://www.newson6.com/story/64ebf41bd216c90739ce0058/additional-bomb-threats-for-several-schools-buildings-received-in-oklahoma.
• (3) Ryan Walters issues statement after bomb threats made - KOCO 5 News. https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ryan-walters-statement-bomb-threats-tulsa-schools/44913728.
• (4) As Ryan Walters speaks on bomb threats, officials call for "end of .... https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2023/08/25/ryan-walters-oklahoma-elementary-school-bomb-threat-libs-tiktok-video/70682404007/.
• (5) FBI identifies 6 juveniles as persons of interest in bomb threats at .... https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/six-juveniles-identified-fbi-persons-interests-bomb-threats-historical-rcna14591.
• (6) “Additional” bomb threats sent to Union Schools. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/additional-bomb-threats-sent-to-union-schools/ar-AA1fRXI3.
• (7) Bomb threats disrupt two schools. Did right-wing LibsofTikTok posts help prompt them?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bomb-threats-disrupt-two-schools-did-right-wing-libsoftiktok-posts-help-prompt-them/ar-AA1fLZcg.
• (8) Oklahoma school receives bomb threats over librarian pushing 'woke agenda'. https://nypost.com/2023/08/26/oklahoma-school-receives-bomb-threats-over-librarian-pushing-woke-agenda/.
• (9) Tulsa police issue all clear at Union's Ellen Ochoa elementary. https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/unions-ellen-ochoa-elementary-delays-start-tuesday-due-to-threat.
• (10) Ryan Walters under fire after Libs of TikTok video tied to bomb threat. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2023/08/23/ryan-walters-libs-tiktok-video-bomb-threat-oklahoma-elementary-school-librarian-ellen/70661306007/.
• (11) Bodycam Video Shows Arrest Of Suspect In School Bomb Threat, Assault. https://www.news9.com/story/64e698c8e5805f07364770e0/bodycam-video-shows-arrest-of-suspect-in-school-bomb-threat-assault.
• (12) Woman arrested after allegedly making threats against Edmond middle school, attacking staff member. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/woman-arrested-after-allegedly-making-threats-against-edmond-middle-school-attacking-staff-member/vi-AA1fGskk.
• (13) Bomb threats disrupt two schools. Did right-wing LibsofTikTok posts .... https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bomb-threats-disrupt-two-schools-did-right-wing-influencer-posts-help-prompt-them/ar-AA1fLZcg.

CATCHING MAGA HELL IN DENVER: WHO IS TIM HERNANDEZ

 

CATCHING MAGA HELL IN DENVER: WHO IS TIM HERNANDEZ

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Tim Hernández, the man who inspired student protests at Denver Public Schools last spring, has been appointed to the Colorado House of Representatives. It seems that the vacancy committee was impressed with Hernández's ability to rile up a crowd and thought he would be the perfect fit for the job.

Hernández, a former teacher who taught a Mexican-American studies course in the Tucson Unified School District, is no stranger to controversy. His course was banned in 2010, which led to mass protests by students and a lawsuit that eventually resulted in the course being reinstated. It's safe to say that Hernández knows how to make a scene.

But what does this mean for House District 3 in Colorado? Well, for starters, Hernández will be the first Latino legislator to represent the district. This is a huge milestone for the community and a step in the right direction for diversity in politics. However, some are worried that Hernández's antics may overshadow his ability to get things done.

When asked about his plans for the district, Hernández replied, "I plan on bringing some much-needed humor to the Capitol. Let's face it, politics can be pretty dry. I think it's time we inject some laughter into the mix." While this may sound like a good idea in theory, some are worried that Hernández's jokes may fall flat.

One thing is for sure, though - Hernández is not afraid to speak his mind. When asked about his thoughts on the current state of politics, he replied, "It's a mess, but at least it's an entertaining mess. I mean, have you seen some of the things these politicians say? It's like they're trying to be comedians." While this may be true, some are worried that Hernández's lack of filter may get him into trouble.

Only time will tell what kind of legislator Tim Hernández will be. Will he be a force for change or a source of entertainment? One thing is for sure - he'll definitely keep things interesting.

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Tim Hernández, the Denver State Representative for House District 4:

• - Tim Hernández is a teacher, community organizer, and activist who was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in August 2023 by a vacancy committee of Democrats. He replaced Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who was elected to the Denver City Council in April 2023¹².
• - Tim Hernández is a native of Denver's Northside, where he grew up in his aunt's basement. He graduated from North High School and attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a degree in ethnic studies and education³⁴.
• - Tim Hernández taught ethnic and Chicano studies at North High School for two years, where he became a popular and influential teacher among his students, especially those of color. He organized several community events and projects for his students, such as poetry readings, food drives, and a book publication⁵⁶.
• - Tim Hernández was controversially dismissed from North High School in May 2022, after his contract was not renewed by the school administration. He claimed that he was retaliated against for challenging the principal on issues of equity and anti-racism. He also joined a student walkout in support of him, which led to his administrative leave⁷⁸.
• - Tim Hernández moved to Aurora Public Schools, where he continued to teach ethnic and Chicano studies at Aurora West College Preparatory Academy. He also ran for the vacant House District 4 seat, where he faced two other candidates: former immigration judge Cecelia Espenoza and former Greeley House representative Rochelle Galindo⁹ [^10^].
• - Tim Hernández won the House District 4 seat with a majority of votes on the first ballot of the vacancy committee. He said he was proud to represent the Northside and Westside communities of Denver, and that he would fight for change on issues such as housing, gun violence, and education funding¹¹¹².
• - Tim Hernández has been criticized for his radical political views, which some have described as Marxist or anti-white. He has called for a "forceful cultural revolution" to dismantle white supremacy and whiteness, and has expressed support for banning assault weapons, reforming zoning laws, and increasing protections for renters¹³¹⁴. He has also faced backlash for celebrating the death of Queen Elizabeth II with his students, some of whom came from former British colonies¹⁵.

Bing, 8/28/2023

• (1) Marxist teacher who called for 'forceful cultural revolution' lands seat on state legislature. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/marxist-teacher-who-called-for-forceful-cultural-revolution-lands-seat-on-state-legislature/ar-AA1fRRC6.
• (2) Tim Hernández, teacher who inspired student protests, wins Colorado House appointment. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/tim-hern%C3%A1ndez-teacher-who-inspired-student-protests-wins-colorado-house-appointment/ar-AA1fOTBy.
• (3) Denver Democrats pick Tim Hernández to fill vacant House District 4 seat. https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/tim-hernandez-chosen-to-represent-house-district-4-next-year-in-legislature/.
• (4) Community organizer Tim Hernández selected to serve as Denver's House .... https://denverite.com/2023/08/26/tim-hernandez-selected-denver-house-district-4-state-representative/.
• (5) Tim Hernández, teacher who inspired student protests, wins Colorado .... https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/26/colorado-house-democrat-tim-hernandez/.
• (6) Tim Hernández's Denver Public Schools Hose Job and Aurora Rebirth .... https://www.westword.com/news/tim-hernandezs-denver-public-schools-hose-job-and-aurora-rebirth-14961532.
• (7) Tim Z. Hernandez - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Z._Hernandez.
• (8) Tim Z. Hernandez - The University of Texas at El Paso. https://www.utep.edu/liberalarts/creative-writing/people/tim-z-hernandez.html.
• (9) Tim Hernández, former DPS teacher who inspired protests, will run for .... https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/02/colorado-tim-hernandez-legislature-democrats/.
• (10) Colorado Dems fill seat with Marxist teacher who called for ‘FORCEFUL .... https://www.bizpacreview.com/2023/08/28/colorado-dems-fill-seat-with-marxist-teacher-who-called-for-forceful-cultural-revolution-against-whiteness-1390821/.
• (11) Colorado teacher calls for 'FORCEFUL cultural revolution' targeted at .... https://www.foxnews.com/media/colorado-teacher-calls-for-forceful-cultural-revolution-targeted-at-whiteness-this-sacred.
• (12) Teacher and community organizer Tim Hernández wants to go from the .... https://denverite.com/2023/08/01/teacher-and-community-organizer-tim-hernandez-wants-to-go-from-the-classroom-to-political-office/.
• (13) Denver students, parents protest after beloved Latino teacher's .... https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/12/tim-hernandez-north-high-school-denver/.
• (14) North High School teacher Tim Hernández put on leave after joining .... https://www.denverpost.com/2022/05/13/tim-hernandez-north-high-administrative-leave/.
• (15) Too much untold in Netflix’s Florida Gators football documentary - MSN. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/too-much-untold-in-netflix-s-florida-gators-football-documentary/ar-AA1fGo9j.

BROTHER BERNIE SAYS BACK BIDEN OR BITE ME

BROTHER BERNIE SAYS BACK BIDEN OR BITE ME

The US presidential election is heating up and it seems like everyone has an opinion on who should take the top seat in the country. But one voice that has been particularly loud is that of Brother Bernie Sanders, who has urged progressive voters to unite behind Joe Biden in order to prevent another term of Donald Trump. And in true Bernie style, he didn't mince his words - he said "back Biden or bite me". 

Now, we're not sure if Brother Bernie has a biting fetish or if he just really wants people to vote for Biden, but either way, we can't help but laugh at his witty remark. And let's be honest, anything that can make us laugh during this stressful time is a welcome relief. 

But let's get serious for a moment - Bernie's endorsement of Biden is an important one. He argues that Trump is a "very, very dangerous person" who doesn't believe in democracy and is an authoritarian. And we have to agree with him on this one - Trump's track record speaks for itself. From his constant attacks on the media to his blatant disregard for human rights, it's clear that he's not fit to lead a country. 

But it's not just Trump that's in the running - there are other candidates too. Democrat Robert F Kennedy Jr and Marianne Williamson are both running long-shot primary campaigns, and third-party progressive candidate Cornel West is also in the race. But let's be real here - none of these candidates stand a chance against Biden. 

And why is that? Well, for starters, Biden has the backing of Brother Bernie himself. But more importantly, he has the experience and the policies that America needs right now. Sanders has stated that he would push Biden to tackle "corporate greed and the massive levels of income and wealth inequality" in the US, and we couldn't agree more. 

So if you're still on the fence about who to vote for in the upcoming election, take Brother Bernie's advice and back Biden. And if you don't, well, you might just have to bite him - but we wouldn't recommend it. After all, he's a pretty tough cookie to crack. 

In conclusion, the US presidential election may be a serious matter, but that doesn't mean we can't inject a little humor into it. Brother Bernie's quip about backing Biden or biting him is just the kind of light-hearted remark we need right now. So let's all unite behind Biden and make sure that Trump doesn't get another term in office. And if anyone asks why we're voting for him, we can just say "Brother Bernie told us to".

Bernie Sanders urges left to back Biden to stop ‘very dangerous’ Trump https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/28/bernie-sanders-democrats-support-biden-trump-2024?CMP=share_btn_tw 

Florida shooting: ‘White supremacy has no place in US,’ Biden says after killings https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/27/florida-jacksonville-shooting-biden-desantis?CMP=share_btn_tw 

BACK TO SCHOOL SURVIVING THE MADNESS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND A SMILE

BACK TO SCHOOL

SURVIVING THE MADNESS WITH A CUP OF COFFEE AND A SMILE

It's that time of year again, folks. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the sound of children's screams can be heard echoing throughout the neighborhood. That's right, it's back to school season. As parents, we all know the drill. We have to prepare our kids for the academic pressure, the social dynamics, and, of course, the active shooter drills. But fear not, my friends. With a little bit of humor and a whole lot of caffeine, we can survive this madness together.

Let's start with the dreaded active shooter drills. I mean, who doesn't love pretending to hide under a desk while a crazed gunman roams the halls? As parents, it's important to remind our children that these drills are just like fire drills or tornado drills. They're necessary for everyone's safety, but they're also a bit ridiculous. So, encourage your child to embrace the absurdity of it all. Maybe they can come up with a secret code word to shout out during the drill, like "banana hammock" or "pickle juice." It'll lighten the mood and make the whole experience a little less terrifying.

Now, onto homework. Ah, homework. The bane of every child's existence. As parents, it's our job to make sure our kids are staying on top of their assignments and projects. But let's be real, we all know that means we'll be doing half of it ourselves. So, why not make it a little more enjoyable? Turn it into a game. For every math problem they solve correctly, they get a gummy bear. For every paragraph they write for their English essay, they get to take a five-minute dance break. It'll make homework time a lot more fun and a lot less like pulling teeth.

Of course, we can't forget about bullying. As parents, it's important to teach our children how to stand up for themselves and how to be kind to others. But let's also teach them some witty comebacks for when they're faced with a bully. For example, if someone calls them a loser, they can respond with "at least I'm not a brussel sprout" or if someone makes fun of their outfit, they can say "I didn't realize we were in a fashion competition, but thanks for letting me know." It'll make your child feel empowered and it might even make the bully laugh.

Lastly, let's talk about mental health. It's no secret that school can be stressful for kids (and parents). It's important to encourage our children to take breaks and practice self-care. Maybe they can take a few minutes each day to color in a coloring book or listen to their favorite song. Or maybe they can take a bubble bath after a particularly rough day at school. And let's not forget about caffeine. A little bit of coffee never hurt anyone (except maybe their growth spurt).

So, there you have it folks. Back to school season doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. With some humor and some caffeine, we can survive anything that comes our way. Just remember to embrace the absurdity of it all and encourage your child to do the same.

How parents and adults can help the students in their lives succeed in school - Vox https://www.vox.com/even-better/23844294/parents-help-kids-school-homework-bullying-mental-health 

A parent’s guide to K-12 school success http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/get-prepared-for-back-to-school-culture.html 

GET PREPARED FOR THE BACK TO SCHOOL CULTURE WARS : A parent’s guide to K-12 school success http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/get-prepared-for-back-to-school-culture.html 

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VIVA LAS VEGAS TEACHER STRIKE: WILL THEY ROLL THE DICE?

 

VIVA LAS VEGAS TEACHER STRIKE

 WILL THEY ROLL THE DICE

As the old saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." But for teachers in the Clark County School District, what's happening in Vegas is no laughing matter. With contract negotiations at a standstill, nearly 5,000 teachers rallied in front of the school board demanding better pay and support staff salaries. Two teachers were even handcuffed and escorted out of a meeting, which is not exactly the kind of detention they were hoping for.

It's a tough time to be a teacher in Las Vegas, but then again, when has it ever been easy? Teaching in Sin City is a crapshoot at best. You never know if you're going to hit the jackpot or go bust. But with the current contract negotiations, it looks like the odds are not in the teachers' favor.

The Clark County Education Association (CCEA) has requested a 10% salary increase in year one and an 8% increase in year two. The school district has countered with an 8.5% increase in year one and a measly 2% increase in year two. It's no wonder the teachers are up in arms. They're not asking for a free trip to the Bellagio, they just want to be paid what they're worth.

But with negotiations at a standstill, the CCEA is discussing "possible work actions." This could mean anything from a sit-in to a full-blown strike. And let's be real, a teacher strike in Las Vegas would be a spectacle like no other. Can you imagine a picket line outside of the Luxor? Or teachers on strike marching down the Strip with signs that say "Pay us what we're worth, not what you think we'll fold for"?

If a strike does happen, the school district has already filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent it. But let's be honest, this is Las Vegas we're talking about. A little legal action isn't going to stop these teachers. They're used to facing long odds and coming out on top.

In fact, I think we should take a cue from the teachers and start placing our bets on them. Forget about the craps table or the roulette wheel, let's put our money on the teachers of Las Vegas. They're the ones who are truly taking a gamble by dedicating their lives to educating the next generation.

So, let's show them some support. If you see a teacher on the street, give them a high-five or buy them a drink. And if you really want to make a difference, call up Governor Sisolak and tell him to mediate this dispute. After all, he's the one who's supposed to be looking out for all of us.

In conclusion, teaching in Las Vegas may be a crapshoot at best, but that doesn't mean we should leave it up to chance. Let's support our teachers and demand that they get paid what they're worth. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to say that what happens in Vegas is fair pay for teachers.

Teachers union discusses 'work actions' as CCSD negotiation deadline passes https://www.ktnv.com/news/teachers-union-leadership-discusses-possible-work-actions-as-deadline-for-ccsd-negotiations-passes 

CCEA union members meet to discuss CCSD contract negotiations | Las Vegas Review-Journal https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/education/teachers-union-holds-meeting-on-next-steps-in-contract-negotiations-2894536/ 

2 Nevada teachers placed in handcuffs at school board meeting https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/education/2-nevada-teachers-handcuffs-school-board-meeting/