Bully

Today I saw in the news that another child took his own life after being bullied. This is so sad and tragic. My heart breaks for him, his family and the entire community involved. We all have to look in our hearts and see what role we each play in these problems. Do we look the other way? Do we confront bullies? My son was bullied in middle school. I was bullied as a child. It is hard to deal with and children need the adults around them to be models. I have watched parents scream at Tball games. That is bullying! Where do you think children learn to be bullies? Parents, coaches, teachers, faith leaders, everyone who works and spends time with children, it is up to all of us! We have to change this today! Every child deserves to be able to go to school without fear!

September 11

Well, ten years later and I am not sure if we have come very far. Hate is what causes all pain. We are still a society full of hate and pain. I hear it everyday in the media. We don't like anyone who is different. We don't like Muslim's, we don't like gays, we don't like Catholics, we don't like Jews, we don't like democrats, we don't like republicans, the tea party seems to hate everyone who is in government (while running for office). I am so weary of hate. This morning in church Father asked that we all pray for peace for all the children of the world. That is my prayer today. Ten years after hate took over and hurt us all.

Horray for Fall!!

Although it is still over 100 degrees here in the lovely Coachella Valley, I am excited to be heading into what we will call fall here. Back to school!! Yeah! As a child my siblings hated that I was always excited to return to school. As my brothers and sister followed me (Miss Teacher's Pet) through school, they were often provided with stories about how wonderful I had been. I am sure that is part of the reason they were glad to see me move out after high school. No wonder I am a teacher today! I am still excited to buy new school supplies, get some new clothes, sharpen up some pencils and go back to my favorite place it the world, school. Can't wait to meet my new students, say hi to the "old" ones and see all my fellow teachers. Horray for fall!!!

What is happening?? Sad day for the public workers

I am confused and saddened by so much that I see in the news lately. Union busting everywhere. I thought that Wall Street greed caused the financial mess that we are stuck in today. But, apparently I was confused. It was caused by those greedy teachers, police officers, and other public servants wanting to get paid a decent wage and earn good retirement packages. Shame on the politicians who go along with this. Shame on the journalists who report as if there is nothing to analyze. Shame on everyone who screams they don't want to raise taxes on the wealthy. Our children are losing, the poorest of the poor are losing. As we fall into decline as a society, remember that your SUV that sucks gas as if it were abundant and cheap is costing a child his or her education and health. Your refusal to recycle is costing the future a clean planet. Your refusal to pay taxes for the education system that you used as a child is now going to cost the children of the future a decent education. When your house is robbed, remember those greedy police officers who had to be cut. When your home burns to the ground because you did not want to pay taxes to fix the roads and upgrade the fire equipment and pay the fire fighters, remember this day. When you are sent a bill for a 911 call because the greedy dispatchers union wanted a decent salary, remember this day.

Happy New Year and On to New Adventures

So, my son is off to Israel for the forseeable future. I am excited and happy for him, but will really miss him. On a positive note, back to work today and am enjoying my new students already. I love my job so much!!