Tuesday, June 13, 2023

FLORIDA PACK RAT PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES THAT HE'S A PACK RAT

 

FLORIDA PACK RAT PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES THAT HE'S A PACK RAT

Former President Donald Trump has once again found himself in hot water, this time for allegedly illegally keeping classified documents at his Florida estate. But let's be real, is anyone surprised? Trump has been in more legal battles than a professional wrestler.

The charges against Trump stem from an investigation into his handling of sensitive information during his presidency. Critics have pointed out that Trump's history of careless handling of confidential information, including his use of a personal cell phone for official business, could have put national security at risk. But who needs national security when you have Twitter?

Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but let's not forget his track record of denying any wrongdoing. Remember when he claimed he had the largest inauguration crowd in history? Or when he said he won the 2020 election? The man is about as trustworthy as a used car salesman.

The case against Trump is expected to be a long and complex legal battle, with both sides presenting extensive evidence and arguments. But let's be real, the only evidence we need is his Twitter account. The man couldn't keep a secret if his life depended on it.

This latest legal challenge is just one in a string of controversies surrounding Trump. From allegations of election fraud to accusations of sexual misconduct, the former president has been a one-man drama factory.

Regardless of the outcome of this case, it's clear that Trump's legacy will be forever tarnished by his legal troubles. But hey, at least he'll have something to talk about at his next Mar-a-Lago cocktail party.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, many Americans will be watching closely to see how justice is served. And by justice, we mean watching Trump squirm like a worm on a hook.

Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he illegally kept classified documents at Florida estate | AP News https://apnews.com/article/trump-classified-documents-indictment-miami-court-e9412bb71b63ab1b7cfb8e8b122e9809

Trump pleads not guilty to federal charges that he hoarded classified documents in Florida | PBS NewsHour https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-pleads-not-guilty-to-federal-charges-that-he-hoarded-classified-documents-in-florida



MOMS FOR LIBERTY: THE PISTOL PACKING MERCENARY MILITIA OF THE RIGHT WING

MOMS FOR LIBERTY: THE PISTOL PACKING MERCENARY MILITIA OF THE RIGHT WING

Right wing front groups like Moms for Liberty are like a mercenary army? Well, that's news to me! I mean, sure, they're organized, armed, and motivated by a political agenda, but are they really like a group of hired guns? Let's take a closer look.

First of all, let's define what we mean by "right wing front groups". According to NPR, these are groups that promote extremist views such as white supremacy, anti-immigration, anti-federalism, pro-gun-ownership, and survivalism. Wow, sounds like a fun bunch! They also envision or seek to advance a civil war or a violent overthrow of the government. Yikes! And they engage in street violence, especially against left-wing protesters or activists. Double yikes!

So where does Moms for Liberty fit into all of this? Well, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Moms for Liberty is an extremist group that engages in anti-student inclusion activities. They were founded by conservative women in Florida who opposed COVID-19 safety measures in schools. Since then, the group has expanded its presence across the country and has campaigned to ban books, limit discussion about race and LGBTQ+ identities, and populate local school boards with conservatives. So basically, they're like a bunch of overprotective moms who want to shield their kids from anything that doesn't fit into their narrow worldview. How charming!

But are they really like a mercenary army? I mean, sure, they're willing to use force, intimidation, and propaganda to achieve their goals, regardless of the law or the will of the majority. And they're not exactly loyal to the country or its constitution, but only to their own ideology or interests. But do they really have the skills and training to be a group of hired guns? I'm not so sure.

So how do we stop these right wing extremists? According to experts and organizations, we need to strengthen law enforcement and intelligence capabilities to detect, disrupt, and prosecute right wing extremists who plan or carry out violent acts. We also need to counter radicalization and recruitment efforts by right wing extremists, especially online and on social media platforms. And we need to support exit programs and rehabilitation initiatives for individuals who want to leave right wing extremist groups or ideologies. In other words, we need to take this threat seriously and work together to combat it.

But let's not forget to have some fun along the way! After all, laughter is the best medicine. So why not organize a comedy night fundraiser to support organizations that are working to counter right wing extremism? Or how about a satirical sketch show that pokes fun at the absurdity of these extremist groups? We can use humor as a weapon against hate and intolerance.

In conclusion, right wing front groups like Moms for Liberty may not be exactly like a mercenary army, but they are still a serious threat to our democracy and our way of life. We need to take action to stop them, but we can also have some laughs along the way. So let's get creative and use humor as a tool for change!

Moms for Liberty rises as power player in GOP politics after attacking schools over gender, race | AP News https://apnews.com/article/moms-for-liberty-2024-election-republican-candidates-f46500e0e17761a7e6a3c02b61a3d229

Moms for Liberty rises as power player in GOP politics after attacking schools over gender, race | PBS NewsHour https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/moms-for-liberty-rises-as-power-player-in-gop-politics-after-attacking-schools-over-gender-race 

Big Education Ape: RYAN WALTERS + MOMS FOR LIBERTY: MY MOMMIES CAN BEAT UP YOUR MOMMIES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/ryan-walters-moms-for-liberty-my.html 

Big Education Ape: RIGHT WING FRONT GROUP MOMS FOR LIBERTY NAMED AN EXTREMIST IN NEW SPLC REPORT https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/right-wing-front-group-moms-for-liberty.html

Big Education Ape: SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER: 2022 THE YEAR IN HATE AND EXTREMISM COMES TO YOUR SCHOOL https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/southern-poverty-law-center-2022-year.html 

Big Education Ape: NEWS FROM THE MOMS FOR LIBERTY OUTHOUSE - SH*TTER'S FULL https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/06/news-from-moms-for-liberty-outhouse.html 

Big Education Ape: THE GREAT MOMMY WAR: THE BATTLE BETWEEN MOMS FOR LIBERTY AND THE OTHER MOTHERS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-great-mommy-war-battle-between-moms.html 

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: SHOWING UP IS HALF THE BATTLE

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

SHOWING UP IS HALF THE BATTLE

Are you a chronic absentee? Do you skip school more often than you attend? Well, don't worry, because according to the Stephen Hawking, just showing up is half of the battle. So, if you show up for half of your classes, you're good to go!

But in all seriousness, chronic absenteeism is a real problem that affects millions of students and teachers across the country. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, it's only gotten worse. I mean, who wants to attend virtual classes all day when you could be binge-watching Netflix instead?

But let's not forget the consequences of chronic absenteeism. Lower achievement, disengagement, course failure, and dropping out of school are just a few of the outcomes. Plus, it can also affect your health, social skills, and emotional well-being. So, maybe it's time to put down the remote and pick up a textbook.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I have so many excuses for why I can't attend school!" Lack of access to technology, difficulty with online platforms, loss of motivation, increased stress and anxiety, family responsibilities, health concerns, economic hardships...the list goes on.

But here's the thing: chronic absenteeism not only affects students, but also teachers. They have to adapt to new modes of instruction and assessment, communicate with students and families, provide academic and social-emotional support, balance work and personal obligations, and cope with burnout and frustration.

So, what can we do to address chronic absenteeism during the pandemic? Well, schools need to adopt a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves everyone - students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners. And maybe a little humor wouldn't hurt either.

For starters, let's provide clear and consistent expectations for attendance policies and procedures. And let's form an attendance team that monitors and analyzes attendance data regularly and accurately. Plus, let's intervene early and reach out to students and families who are at risk of chronic absenteeism.

But let's not forget about the positivity ratio. By creating a more positive school culture that fosters student interest and participation, we can help reduce chronic absenteeism. And let's offer flexible learning options that meet the needs and preferences of students.

Of course, we can't forget about providing access to technology, internet, devices, and technical support for remote learning. And let's provide academic and social-emotional interventions and supports for students who are struggling.

But let's also recognize and reward positive attendance behaviors and achievements. And let's provide professional development and wellness resources for teachers who are facing challenges.

And last but not least, let's build positive relationships and communication among students, families, teachers, and school staff. And let's collaborate with community partners who can provide additional services and supports.

In conclusion, chronic absenteeism is a complex problem that requires a holistic and coordinated response. But with a little humor and a lot of collaboration, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive during the pandemic and beyond. So, put down the remote and pick up a textbook...or at least show up for half of your classes!

Education dilemma: Why are kids (and teachers) missing so much school? https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/education/2023/06/12/why-students-teachers-miss-so-much-school/70258140007/ 

How to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

Chronic absenteeism is a serious problem that affects millions of students and teachers across the country. It is defined as missing at least 10% of school days in a year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences¹⁴. Chronic absenteeism is linked to lower achievement, disengagement, course failure, and dropping out of school¹². It can also affect students' health, social skills, and emotional well-being⁶.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made chronic absenteeism even worse, as many schools have shifted to remote or hybrid learning models. The U.S. Department of Education released the first set of national data on school attendance during the pandemic in April 2021, but more schools skipped the attendance question than any other question on the federal survey³. This suggests that tracking and reporting attendance during the pandemic has been challenging and inconsistent.

Some of the factors that may contribute to chronic absenteeism

There are many factors that may cause students to miss school, especially during the pandemic. Some of them are:

  • - Lack of access to technology, internet, or devices for remote learning
  • - Difficulty with online platforms or applications
  • - Loss of motivation or engagement with virtual instruction
  • - Increased stress, anxiety, or depression due to isolation, trauma, or loss
  • - Family responsibilities, such as caring for siblings or relatives
  • - Health concerns, such as illness, exposure, or quarantine
  • - Economic hardships, such as unemployment, food insecurity, or housing instability

These factors may vary depending on the student's age, grade level, background, and individual circumstances. For example, younger students may need more parental support and supervision for remote learning, while older students may face more peer pressure and social challenges. Students with disabilities, English learners, homeless students, and foster youth may also face additional barriers to attendance.

How chronic absenteeism affects students and teachers

Chronic absenteeism can have negative consequences for both students and teachers. For students, missing school can lead to:

  • - Gaps in learning and skill development
  • - Lower test scores and grades
  • - Reduced academic confidence and self-esteem
  • - Less participation and interaction with peers and teachers
  • - Increased risk of dropping out of school
  • - Poorer health outcomes and quality of life
  • For teachers, dealing with chronic absenteeism can lead to:
  • - Difficulty planning and delivering effective instruction
  • - More time and effort spent on catching up absent students
  • - Less feedback and communication with students and families
  • - Lower morale and satisfaction with teaching
  • - Higher stress and burnout levels

Some of the strategies that may help reduce chronic absenteeism

To address chronic absenteeism during the pandemic, schools need to adopt a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners. Some of the strategies that may help reduce chronic absenteeism include:

  • - Providing clear and consistent expectations and guidance for attendance policies and procedures¹⁵
  • - Forming an attendance team that monitors and analyzes attendance data regularly and accurately¹⁵
  • - Intervening early and reaching out to students and families who are at risk of chronic absenteeism¹⁵
  • - Tracking the positivity ratio and creating a more positive school culture that fosters student interest and participation¹⁵
  • - Offering flexible and personalized learning options that meet the needs and preferences of students³⁶
  • - Providing access to technology, internet, devices, and technical support for remote learning³⁶
  • - Providing academic and social-emotional interventions and supports for students who are struggling³⁶
  • - Recognizing and rewarding positive attendance behaviors and achievements⁴⁵
  • - Providing professional development and wellness resources for teachers who are facing challenges³⁶
  • - Building positive relationships and communication among students, families, teachers, and school staff³⁶
  • - Collaborating with community partners who can provide additional services and supports²

These strategies may require different levels of resources and coordination depending on the school context and the student population. Schools should also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies and make adjustments as needed.

Chronic absenteeism is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a holistic and coordinated response. By working together, schools can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive during the pandemic and beyond.

(1) Understanding Chronic Absenteeism | American Federation of Teachers. https://www.aft.org/ae/winter2019-2020/marsh.

(2) Chronic absenteeism | American Federation of Teachers. https://www.aft.org/childrens-health-safety-and-well-being/childrens-access-care/chronic-absenteeism.

(3) CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM IN THE NATION'S SCHOOLS. https://www2.ed.gov/datastory/chronicabsenteeism.html.

(4) The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/143/2/e20183648/37326/The-Link-Between-School-Attendance-and-Good-Health.

(5) New Data Reveals School Attendance Numbers During The Pandemic. https://www.npr.org/2021/04/07/985128487/new-data-reveals-school-attendance-numbers-during-the-pandemic.

(6) School Attendance, Truancy & Chronic Absenteeism: What Parents Need to .... https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/School-Attendance-Truancy-Chronic-Absenteeism.aspx.

Bing, 6/13/2023