School safety?

Franklin Regional was a hard story for me to watch and listen about. Two of my cousins went there. They both graduated and were not there during this horrible incident. However, I did know a couple students who were there and still are shaken up by the entire situation and some even scared to go to school everyday. I am very thankful that these students and security guard hurt in this horrible incident are alright.  I hope these students can get past this incident and move on with their lives. 

It is very sad that children now have to live in a world where they are terrified to go to school. We need to ensure that these schools are safe. If the school has metal detectors use them! If you are a district without detectors like Franklin Regional shame on you! It is the job of the schools and districts to protect their children. 

We know that horrible things happen and we need to stop them! There are other schools in this area who check every pocket in purses and backpacks to make sure there are no drugs or weapons being brought in. These schools should teach safety to some other schools. 

I know where I went to high school the metal detectors were suppose to be for everyone who did not take the bus to school and the few buses that were selected to go through them every morning. That is not smart! I know people who drove to school and walked around the building so they did not have to go through the detectors. Also my bus knew that if we went through Monday that the rest of the week we would be safe unless people acted up on the bus. This never made sense to me even when I was in school. 



We need to talk with our students and make them feel comfortable at school. They need to let an adult know if they are being bullied. There needs to be strict rules about bullying. Schools need to pay attention and address bullying. I know certain schools report 0 acts of bullying and I can tell you that is a LIE! Bullying is everywhere. If there is no bullying in the school then everyone must be best friends... NOT. Teachers keep an eye out! Principles and School board members enforce the No tolerance! 


Also practice safety drills frequently!!! In case something happens at your school make sure the students know what to do!

Mobility Awareness Month!

It is national mobility month! 

There are over 18 million people in the United States alone with mobility issues! The NMEDA is having a local heros contest. You can go on and view different people in the United States that have entered to try to win a custom wheelchair accessible van. To some of these individuals it can mean the world with out these vans some people are confined to their homes and not able to enjoy life like they should!

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding mobility options for people with disabilities. The organization promotes and supports members engaged in the modification of quality transportation and wheelchair accessible vehicles. Over 600 international members work to provide safe and reliable adapted transportation solutions to help build the road to independence. Transportation is the key to freedom and NMEDA is the key to quality transportation.

I personally know one of these hero. A sweet 4 year old little boy whose family would benefit greatly if they could win one of these vans. 

Please go on and vote! You can vote 1 time every day! (link below)


http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/cayden-mcclain-east-mckeesport-pa/




“A chance that something desirable will happen.” This is the definition of the word HOPE. That’s what I have for my son, Hope. It’s been a difficult life for Cayden, but you couldn't tell that from the incredible smile that shines so brightly from this little man’s face. He’s had a rough go from birth. Brain damage, failure to thrive, visual impairment, open heart surgery, stomach surgery, seizures, the list goes on. He’s had every test done to him you can imagine. from spinal taps to MRI’s every six months. he will be seeing specialists for the rest of his life. he is fed through a tube in his stomach, has a kid kart (wheelchair) to get around, and doesn't form words, doesn't crawl or walk. He takes more medication than most people have taken in their lives. And he’s only four years old. I don’t say this for sympathy, this is just some of his background. Cayden will be getting a new wheelchair this summer. Unfortunately, our current van can not access a larger wheelchair. I don’t know what we are going to do. So, my Hope is that you will find Cayden worthy of your vote. I Hope that the diagnosis is wrong, and someday he will walk. I Hope he knows the joy he brings to everyone’s life who has met him. And I Hope that one day I will be able to give him half the happiness he has given me. Thank you for reading, and God Bless.

Bill Nye/ Ken Ham debate

For my Teaching Science K-4 class we were asked to watch the Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate of evolution vs. creation.

 Both Bill Nye and Ken Ham made very valid arguments for their opposing sides. I feel that this is a topic that will never be agreed upon. When discussing something this controversial it becomes hard for some people to talk in a professional matter. I feel that these two men kept their emotions out of the debate enough so they both remained professional. 

Ken stated 'if you teach creation in a public school that's teaching religion. If you teach evolution that's science"

This is a very important topic in schools. Many districts in our country have opted to discuss the theory of evolution as part of their curriculum. This can make some teachers uncomfortable. They think 'what should I do?' 

Science should be all about DISCOVERY! Children love doing hands on learning and actually becoming 'scientists' discovering new ideas. Let science be messy and fun not lectures that half of the children will ignore. If we constantly lecture the students will not learn and they will not enjoy science as they should! 

In my opinion, since the school districts call for evolution to be taught, I believe the teachers should teach a little bit of  evolution and a little bit of creation. By teaching this we are educating children on the diverse thinking about how the world came to be about how it is now. It should be kept simple and contain the 'facts' from each side. We should not teach these two sides to try and cause tension in the school. They should be used as a tool to help show diversity in society. 

Where do you stand as teachers, educators, parents, grandparents, citizens?