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What's wrong with the graffiti "artists?"
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CommentDecember 17th, 2008
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Graffiti is plain ugly, everybody knows that ... in fact, this week it's been talk of the town ... or at least the bloggers that inhabit the Napa Valley Register's Web site.
After reading the article "Two Arrested For Graffiti In Napa" and “Graffiti Suspect Arrested Again," I began to think about why the kids and adults doing graffiti would think it is OK to go around destroying someone else's property by spray-painting it to mark their territory like they are dogs marking trees?
After reading the article "Two Arrested For Graffiti In Napa" and “Graffiti Suspect Arrested Again," I began to think about why the kids and adults doing graffiti would think it is OK to go around destroying someone else's property by spray-painting it to mark their territory like they are dogs marking trees?
Were they not told the only place you paint things is on paper, as my sister and I were taught? How come there was hardly any graffiti when my parents were kids? How come there weren't even violent gangs when my parents were kids and young adults?
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that when my parents were kids their parents were not only allowed to spank their children when they misbehaved, but were expected to make sure their behavior was appropriate everywhere they were? Nowadays, if a kid misbehaves in public and his parents spanked him, the parents would be given the “stink-eye” by the people around them and would most likely be reported to some authority for child abuse, all because they were trying to teach their kid a lesson.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that when my parents were kids their parents were not only allowed to spank their children when they misbehaved, but were expected to make sure their behavior was appropriate everywhere they were? Nowadays, if a kid misbehaves in public and his parents spanked him, the parents would be given the “stink-eye” by the people around them and would most likely be reported to some authority for child abuse, all because they were trying to teach their kid a lesson.
Why is disciplining your child practically considered a felony? I think it has something to do with the fact so many people are worried about how if you spank your kid you will hurt their “self-esteem” and they will become “socially inept.”
I have news for them. I was spanked by my parents when I misbehaved, and so far I'm even better off than the kids whose parents gave them “time-outs.” Kids I know who were spanked when they misbehaved — me included — are all really sociable, don't have an endless list of bad habits, and definitely do not burst into tears when we are am told no.
I have news for them. I was spanked by my parents when I misbehaved, and so far I'm even better off than the kids whose parents gave them “time-outs.” Kids I know who were spanked when they misbehaved — me included — are all really sociable, don't have an endless list of bad habits, and definitely do not burst into tears when we are am told no.
A perfect example of what society is turning into is in our schools. Teachers can no longer punish kids when they are disruptive. My mom remembers a girl in her class when she was in second grade who just would not stop talking, no matter how many times the teacher asked her. Before you could blink, there was a chalkboard eraser flying through the air ... the eraser hit the girl on the side of her head!
She stopped talking.
After school the girl's mother came in to the classroom ... not to yell at the teacher threatening to sue her for everything she owned, but to apologize about how naughty her daughter had been. Now the teacher would be sued for everything she owned!
Teachers not being able to punish kids isn’t the only thing we should be worried about. Today, tons of kids are being misdiagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Kids that actually have ADD or ADHD can’t concentrate and are fidgety. Most kids I know that were probably misdiagnosed with these conditions are just really annoying and disruptive, not fidgety and unable to concentrate. Most of these kids are drugged. It seems to me that these kids are diagnosed with this because nobody wants to discipline them and teach them that there is an absolute right from wrong.
The really sad thing is, most of these kids are recommended to be diagnosed by their teachers!
Why are kids being labeled with these “disorders” because parents and teachers simply do not want, or can’t deal with a discipline problem? Why are we redefining things that have been the same for years? This is what society has become, redefining things for one’s own convenience.
We, as Americans shouldn’t stand for that.
“Make your educational laws strict and your criminal ones can be gentle; but if you leave youth its liberty you will have to dig dungeons for ages.”
Michel Eyquem De Montaigne
1533-1592, French Philosopher, Essayist
She stopped talking.
After school the girl's mother came in to the classroom ... not to yell at the teacher threatening to sue her for everything she owned, but to apologize about how naughty her daughter had been. Now the teacher would be sued for everything she owned!
Teachers not being able to punish kids isn’t the only thing we should be worried about. Today, tons of kids are being misdiagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Kids that actually have ADD or ADHD can’t concentrate and are fidgety. Most kids I know that were probably misdiagnosed with these conditions are just really annoying and disruptive, not fidgety and unable to concentrate. Most of these kids are drugged. It seems to me that these kids are diagnosed with this because nobody wants to discipline them and teach them that there is an absolute right from wrong.
The really sad thing is, most of these kids are recommended to be diagnosed by their teachers!
Why are kids being labeled with these “disorders” because parents and teachers simply do not want, or can’t deal with a discipline problem? Why are we redefining things that have been the same for years? This is what society has become, redefining things for one’s own convenience.
We, as Americans shouldn’t stand for that.
“Make your educational laws strict and your criminal ones can be gentle; but if you leave youth its liberty you will have to dig dungeons for ages.”
Michel Eyquem De Montaigne
1533-1592, French Philosopher, Essayist
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a teacher wrote on Aug 7, 2008 8:38 AM:
I was a peace corps volunteer in Kenya. I worked in a small school where we rotated the various duties. One was "Discipline Master", the Dean of Discipline. The standard punishment there is "caning" being struck with a stick, usually three times on the back or hand.
I decided caning wasn't for me. I didn't oppose it on philosophical grounds, I just thought it was too easy an out for some kids. There were latrines to be dug, water to be fetched (hauling 40 pounds of water up a mountain will take the starch out of you) and the cook always needed a hand. I usually had little work to do during my turn.
In my opinion, the problem with kids today is that they have an overdeveloped sense of privilege. That they don't have to earn anything, in fact that teachers have to earn THEIR respect. It's backwards. "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:12 PM:
I agree, that it is definetely NOT right that the teacher has to earn the students respect. It might just have to do with the fact that the kids KNOW that you can't really do anything to them, so they can do basically anything without getting that bad of a punishment.
What is the WORST puishment you as a teacher can give to a kid if he won't follow simple rules (no talking, no throwing stuff, etc.)? Probably not that bad.
Now if you could teach that kid that if he disrespects you he gets a "bad" punishment (can't go to class party, has to clean out smelly fish tank, etc.) if he disrespects you.
He has to respect you if he wants his life to be easier, not the other way around. "
Bill wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:12 PM:
I never once struck either of my children and I am very proud of that. They turned out to be responsible people with merely scolding and I would certainly have taken a few teeth out of any teacher or any adult that sought to strike them. "
a teacher wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:52 PM:
Not so here. Kids have tiny attention spans, need instant gratification and are far too tolerant of mediocrity. What's worse is that their parents are pretty much the same. Everyone talks a good game, but when it's time to be tough, they'd rather make their kid happy.
It's a shame. I'm a good teacher. I work hard and kids like me. I like kids and I like math. I believe that the way to make a positive difference in the world is by teaching. Most of the time, though, I feel like a high priced babysitter. So do many of my colleagues. "
Bill wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:33 PM:
I would suggest that an intolerance of mediocrity may be the the root cause of children acting out against those who have not earned their respect.
Another thing I would suggest is that professionals like yourself when claiming a right to be respected for what you think is your due stop referring to your charges as barnyard spawn and give them the respect they deserve. They are children, little human biengs not baby goats or dolls. "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:39 PM:
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:17 PM:
a teacher wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:09 PM:
I'll leave it at this. If you think it's so easy, walk a mile in my shoes. Substitute for a week in my school. I bet you don't last the week.
As for my "backwood Kenyan students", in 23 years I have met few American students who worked as hard with as little. I'd stack them up against any American students. "
Bill wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:34 PM:
Almost pouting about the lack of respect you feel is yours by right of being a teacher. This appears a central theme in many of your blogs. It exposes insecurity in the demand for respect. You can not whack respect into any one and you can not demand it from children no matter what the system is, it must be earned. You certainly can not achieve it out her in cyber space without a much better formulated approach. Out here everyone is an expert, just Google it.
Are there terrible discipline problems? Most certainly but a general lament that sounds like a poor rendition of Rodney Dangerfield from someone who supposedly is in a position of authority is hardly informative much less “the walk a mile in my shoes retort.” Use words properly to lay out in specifics what is disrespectful and do not imagine that those who challenge you have no idea of the trials and tribulations of the American School system or several other systems. "
a teacher wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:13 AM:
I don't know about you, but my parents taught me that the teacher is there to teach me and not for my amusement or derision. My parents could tolerate my many misadventure at school, but never being rude to the teacher. It's the same for my kids. Apparently you have a different plan for yours.
You sure put a lot of words in my mouth, "barnyard spawn", "goats", "little dolls", things I never said. I don't believe "You can not whack respect into any one". In fact I said the opposite. I don't believe teachers need to be paid homage. A little appreciation and courtesy would go a long way.
Since I've been a successful teacher for as long as I have, I obviously know how command respect and run a classroom. My kid enjoy me and I enjoy them, but it's hard work and it gets harder every year.
I take nothing back that I said before. I had friends who worked in Nairobi, Mombassa, Kissumu, all big cities. They would have told you pretty much the same. I suspect that you are pretty uninformed about Kenya in particular and Africa in general.
The difference between my Kenyan students and my American students is that in Kenya, they knew they were on the bottom and wanted out. I don't see that in American students much, except for my immigrants.
Personally I think we're our own worse enemy. "
funnyme wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:20 AM:
I would have never believed that some day I would be in almost total agreement with you. OMG!
I was brought up with the notion that AUTHORITY figures exist. Parents first, and by definition "your elders" and that would include your grandparents, uncles, aunts and even strangers on the street.
As a sign of "earned respect" you offer your seat to your elders, as a sign of politeness to the ladies if you are a gentleman, and pregnant women overall when you ride the subway or the city bus.
Unfortunately I have seen that lost among our "Generation Y" (People born between 1977 and 1989) and their offspring.
I am on my 40's and remember behavior, common courtesy and respect rules.
There are "a million two" ways of parenting (every parent has one), but when you see all these "learning disability", and "behavioral disorder" labels being pasted on every other kid in our society you have to stop and wonder :
What is really going on with our "civilized" society?
Why do parents have to be "reminded" of a "dress code" at school? Have you seen these girls dressed like call-girls? the boys with their clothes "gang banger" like?
It is all about parenting, and parenting includes discipline your kids to the point where teachers all they have to do is punish the kids by either "Calling your parents in" or "Send you to the Principal".
Nowadays, the parents get all aggravated because they had to miss work to come and take care of their kids' problems, or not available at all...And God forbids if the Principal "suspends" your kid for lighting up a joint on school grounds. He/She didn't do it and they are suing you!
It is totally out of control! "
Bill wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:36 AM:
You like to use the word “kid” instead of child. That’s where the other words come in. As a “professional” you should appreciate your stature and respect yourself first by using language appropriate to your presumptive position. Using the vernacular to describe people that you are charged with educating is fine when you want to treat them casually but too many in your profession have allowed the casual to become the norm and this has not served your profession well. Speaking patronizingly about “my kids, students, my immigrants etc” as if they are your possession and only you have the knowledge to speak about them is illustrative what is wrong with many educators.
Assume what you will about me but you have no special knowledge of what I know or think other than my words. I am not representing myself as an authority on anything nor do I claim any expertise, in that case you don’t know what I know. If I am arrogant and offensive out here in the cyber world, oh well at least it is an attempt at honesty. "
Bill wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:18 AM:
Funnyme has the word “authority.” To instill that servile attitude in home and school to lead subservient lives is what it is all about. Children should be prevented from exercising their rebellious nature and natural inquisitiveness and molded to join the herd. Respect authority above all that is discipline and order in a follow the leader world.
Does it occur to any one that the graffiti theme that kicked off this thread is more about rebellion than respect? This is not saying that the act should not be punished or should it be construed as advocating leniency, rather it is seeing it as a phenomenon that cannot be boxed neatly in generalizations. Extending it to a general disrespect of children in the schools is fine for the original author attempting to point out a heart felt offense at what is observed.
Does that mean we should not challenge our selves and our children to look deeper at the causes and reasons for the behavior we protest against? Do the platitudes used to ascribe blame and complain about a lack of respect further the cause of understanding or contribute to a solution? Is the problem even well defined? "
a teacher wrote on Aug 8, 2008 11:11 AM:
This comes down to trust. If you don't trust the people in authority, you don't respect them. However, that said, sometimes we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. In an emergency, people's lives depend on your trust, even when it hasn't been earned.
In my class I will have kids who have been taught how to behave in a civil manner and believe that I know what I'm doing. It is on me to reward their initial trust. If I fail, I deserve the chaos that will ensue.
I will also have kids who have not learned to behave reasonably and who trust few people, certainly not me. Ultimately, all I can do is be patient, have good will and have firm rules. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Much of what happens is the result of things out of my control. My school has a lot of kids in this group. "
a teacher wrote on Aug 8, 2008 11:29 AM:
Let me ask you this, Bill. Would you want your child in a school where the the directions of the adults were ignored because they needed to earn the respect of the students? Would you feel your child is safe? "
a teacher wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:11 PM:
Submitting to authority is not servile, it is recognition of place. A person becomes an authority generally through achievement. The purpose of the symbol of that authority( a badge, a uniform, a title) is to show that they have the right to wield that authority without having to prove it to every individual that crosses their path.
I don't believe that it is wrong to question authority, especially when they have abused the publics trust. When we get to the point that every authority has to justify their right to their title, we have a very large problem. "
vocal-de-local wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:30 PM:
The bigger problem involves a sense of entitlement in the younger generation. They've been handed too much too quickly without expectation of reciprocation. And we wonder why students cannot pay attention. They've been raised on video games from the age of two where the screen changes every five seconds. Everything in the school system is "hurry hurry"; "don't take your time finishing that project because we must move onto the next one". From the time kids are in kindergarten, they are moving from one subject to the next before they have time to really absorb the information. We are treating them like little robots.
Is there any wonder we have a generation of so called ADHD kids? And now we want to medicate all of them so that they can fit nicely into the robot world. We have a diminishing sense of pride and quality in our work world today because of this.
The issue of corporal punishment probably has little to do with the current trend toward "sense of entitlement" or the causes and labeling of ADHD in the student population. "
bill wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:14 PM:
Again the symbol of authority may deserve the salute but the respect is first earned then learned. Confusing the symbol of authority with the reality of obedience is not respect. I notice you have now referred to “my child” and “your kids”
Trust and respect especially of authority must be earned it cannot be a rote instilled attribute. Most so called respect for authority is nothing more than fear of retribution.
Knowing ones place is quite possibly the most subservient thing I can think of out side of being an out right slave. As far as my children, they challenge me all the time and as adults they think about the world around them or at least I hope they do. They do not accept at face value authority that they have not learned to trust. Notice the operative verb is learned. It is a two-way street trust must be earned and in doing so it is learned. "
Bill wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:38 PM:
On another occasion when I sought help from the counseling dept at another school when I found out that the math teacher had essentially “rolled out the ball” on my son for almost a whole year I was informed that that specific teacher was retiring and the problem was too minimal to be addressed and then informed that the counseling dept had greater concerns with several hundred truant “kids” and my son’s problem, not being disciplinary, was relatively low or non existent on the priority list. So now where does my lack of respect come from, perhaps associating with goatherds? After all most Americans share the same system no mater where we come from in the U.S. there is a reasonable similarity. Against my better judgment I will reveal, I am much older than Teacher or Funnyme and have an experience and education that that could quite well exceed many posters and means squat. Things haven’t changed all that much especially in education or respect and that is an observation born of much experience. "
a teacher wrote on Aug 8, 2008 5:12 PM:
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:34 PM:
I am, I get to see what a really large variety are like when they argue, erm... debate, about a topic with total anonymity.
Like Bill , who says "If I am arrogant and offensive out here in the cyber world, oh well at least it is an attempt at honesty."
Hey Bill, why are you finding the need to be arrogant and offensive out here? "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:55 AM:
VDL-
You're right about the fact that society is trying to raise a generation of brain washed robots. I nearly became one. Being a conservative in an ocean of liberals is not an easy swim.
You're right in saying that kids are given "learning video games" before they can even WALK!!!
Parents are barely raising their kids anymore between daycares and those video games!!! No wonder teens are getting pregnant left and right, getting abortions, and doing it all over again!
No wonder kids are out doing drugs and drinking as early as 10! They were never taught right from wrong or given (or at least explained the consequences)!
They were told that no matter what, they are "beautiful", that people should love you no matter what.
They were BRAINWASHED, and they didn't have parents to snap 'em out of it!
Now they are on their twenties and have no clue how to fit in the real world where not everybody is "beautiful" and not everybody loves you no matter what, then they turn to drugs or graffiti the least. "
Raven wrote on Aug 9, 2008 10:26 PM:
And yes, I think that until proven otherwise by actions, everyone, I repeat everyone is deserving of respect...it comes from the golden rule, treat people as you would like to be treated...It is a matter of earning my respect, it is a matter of them losing the respect they started out with. "
funnyme wrote on Aug 10, 2008 6:40 AM:
Great statement! "
funnyme wrote on Aug 10, 2008 7:24 AM:
From Dictionary.com the definition of a KID is a child, a young person..not exclusively of a goat.
Bill, I was the kid who thought on throwing that eraser back at the teacher as well, but knowing the consequences of that action I was just thankful that my parents taught me to respect my teachers and my fellow students so during school time I pay attention and learn and wait for recess to talk my life away...and shut up when teacher says so!
VDL,
" ...Ok, do we want our youth to have critical thinking skills? Critical thinking teaches people to "question authority..."
I'd say ABSOLUTELY!
And I think that is when a lot of kids get confused.
I expect my kids to question authority but not disrespect it.
For example, let's say my kids want to go to a camping trip with some friends of the family and we, the parents, the authority say: No, you can't go this time!...But why?...Well, because (insert any reason you want) 1. Your grades were not desirable ones, or 2. You didn't do your weekly chores as expected, etc., etc.
And the result of those actions is they don't go to such trip. Period.
They are questioning authority without losing respect.
We, the parents, as authority figures, are respecting our kids by teaching them that there are always consequences to your actions and they deserve the entire explanation of right from wrong.
Next time we only have to remind them of what happened, and yes, reminding them has to be done constantly, and here is where it gets boring and some parents just quit...tsk, tsk, tsk!
Authority says NO GRAFFITI...and that shall be! "
leavintown wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:50 AM:
We never had counseling back in the day. No one got "Time Outs". No one had A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. We just got the leather belt, the wooden spoon or whatever. It made you think twice before doing or saying something stupid that might get you in trouble. "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 10, 2008 11:14 AM:
Couldn't have said it better myself. Since when has spanking your kid become "child abuse"? The 60's"? The 70's? When? I would really like to know.
Raven- I honestly cannot believe I agree with you! "
a teacher wrote on Aug 10, 2008 1:52 PM:
funnyme wrote on Aug 10, 2008 2:24 PM:
I think Raven said it perfectly by mentioning "the golden rule". "
a teacher wrote on Aug 10, 2008 3:50 PM:
funnyme wrote on Aug 10, 2008 4:22 PM:
I believe "respect" is the bottom line where most of us agree upon. Why do you think is that? "
theodora wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:25 PM:
I have had more close friendships with teachers in my 14 years of being in school then I have had with my own family. And because of that, I feel like I have excelled at not only my education, but have learned how to treat adults in general.
My parents of course helped in my manners, but I will always have an even greater respect and thankfulness to those teachers who put those extra hours to help me reach my very true potential.
P.S. I was only spanked once - but in to many, many time outs - and a couple of "groundings". "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:19 PM:
My only question for you is do you think that the "time outs" actually worked? "
steph wrote on Aug 10, 2008 11:37 PM:
Some people use corporal punishment and that works well, some people use talking/lecturing, and some use time-outs. Some use natural discipline brilliantly. Where real love and concern are the guiding force, then the kids turn out just fine.
The worst parenting I have seen is from parents who ignore their children and feel burdened by the responsibility of parenting. Second worse is parents who defend their children's bad behavior to school officials who are forced to step in to do their parents' jobs.
"Kid" is a synonym for "child". Sorry, Bill, but your idiosyncratic obsession with the word doesn't bother anyone but you, it seems. People recognize it as lunacy, which you are misperceiving in their reactions as "getting the message." I think the message they're getting is not the one you're thinking of.
I agree with Angelina, by the way.
And personally, my children have had some good teachers and a couple who had certain deficiencies, and while my children have not always been perfectly well behaved in school, the message at home is that they should show the teacher some respect. Teachers have a very difficult job to do, even if all the children are present and ready to learn. The last thing I expect my kids to do is to make the teacher's job more difficult. If they do that, they'll get no support from me when the consequences are levied. Respecting a teacher also shows respect for fellow classmates. "
steph wrote on Aug 10, 2008 11:54 PM:
Hah, one time, my oldest wouldn't stop spitting at his brother, so I made him spit 100 times on the ground before he could come into the house. I didn't give him a pat on the back and congratulate him for questioning authority or rules. YOU DON'T SPIT AT PEOPLE! YOU DON'T IGNORE YOUR PARENTS!
In order to live in a civilized society, we have rules and standards for behavior. There is a right way and a wrong way to make changes.
Doing whatever you feel like, including the destruction of other people's property is not acceptable, and is deserving of punishment. Period.
My children are very good students and mostly respectful of people who have earned positions of authority and responsibility, even if they don't like it. This has served them well.
It has to do with expectations that we set for them--just like Teacher says. They know that in order to be successful in life, they will need a good education, and every year builds on the previous year. Good habits are started early.
In schools where discipline is an issue--where parents aren't doing their jobs--you don't often find neighborhoods full of successful people. The connection is obvious. Civilizing children takes effort. Failure in this responsibility has disastrous consequences--in spite of some of the best efforts of teachers and counselors and administrative staff.
I blame the parents. THEY are with the children longer than the 9 months that any one teacher is. "
napamama wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:41 AM:
theodora wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:38 AM:
At my school, every quarter, the teachers have to write subject reports on all their students. The worse things that a teacher has ever written about me is : I am not very oraganized, and I don't have a very good french accent. But I already knew that. Maybe if I my parents had spanked me just a little bit more - I might have learned how to pronouce "bouchette" just a little bit better. "
theodora wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:47 AM:
Bill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:08 AM:
Children receive the education their parents demand. When the parents accept the casualness and mediocrity provided by would be “professionals” lamenting the lack of respect they receive children suffer and are encouraged to live mediocre lives.
Preferring the informal choice of words in the common course of everyday life leads to sufficient effort but not to an excellent effort. If you refuse to demand that those charged with the education of the most precious beings in your lives exceed the sufficient and at least approach the necessary then accept the mediocrity you foster.
At least a few graffiti artists are not mediocre, even if disrespectful. "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:13 AM:
What kind of video games do your kids play? I played "guitar hero" once when I went to Berryessa for a week, but that's just about it. I like Wii too.
Nice idea with the spitting thing btw.
napamama-
Different parents have different ideas on how to discipline kids. As long as your kid is well behaved and not annoying, your disciplining works.
theodora-
Having to work to get better at something you're not good at and being spanked because you were disrespectful are totally different things. If your parents sapnked you because you had a bad french accent THEY were in the wrong, but if they had spanked you because you were disrespectful to your french teacher, they were right in doing so.
In the end it's our choice, we can listen to the advise our parents gave us and be successful adults or we can turn right around and become a tagger.
Our parents can "spank the french out of us" but in the end it's our choice.
What do you all think of parents who bail their kids out of jail when they get caught doing something illegal, like "Jena"? Arrested TWICE, bailed TWICE? in the same week? "
gatekeeper wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:41 AM:
Bill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:08 AM: At least a few graffiti artists are not mediocre, even if disrespectful.
Pathetic indeed! "
theodora wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:46 AM:
And I Know! If that had been me I would have been left to rot in there until could get the money to get bail. And for something so stupid as tagging. Personally, I think she should wear her "artwork" for however long her punishment is. Her shirt, face, both arms - let's go all out. "
steph wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:52 AM:
Angelina--you name it. Our Wii is new. Presently, it's in its box under the TV, and one child is reading Hemingway (not by choice), one is sleeping and growing, and one is studying chemistry in preparation for next week's school opening.
Also, Angelina, I want to let you know how very impressed I am that you are such an excellent writer and have such a presence as to have a column in your town's newspaper! You're obviously an excellent reader and have benefitted from having engaged, intelligent parents. You're on your way in the world! Good for you, kid! (Or, if you prefer, Good for you, child!) "
a teacher wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:01 AM:
Bill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:35 PM:
Steph, familiarity in and of itself is not a defining social attribute. In informal circumstances it may be useful but accepting it as a substitute in a professional circumstance where I may address you as Ms.or Mrs. or Mr. or Dr. and expect a professional opinion may not be extended in a casual meeting where I could substitute “Hullo Joe (Bill) you old fart, Why is my kid so messed up.” "
JimClark wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:37 PM:
kdbk wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:38 PM:
Sandra wrote on Aug 19, 2008 9:47 AM:
funnyme wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:29 PM:
I totally understand what you're saying.
It's sad indeed that California's schools when confronted with an "above average" student don't have a clue what to do with him/her.
It will always be up to the parents to search and find better ways to keep those gorgeous minds motivated.
Did the GATE programs work for you? "
winemd wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:48 PM:
Sandra wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:47 AM:
a teacher wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:40 PM:
Being big made me ashamed of spanking a child.
Working in Africa showed me that some places seem to value teachers more than others and I that "community service" was more effective than beatings as a means of discipline.
Some people seem to think that teachers have an easy job, but don't really know what we do.
Good discipline is an essential element to learning.
Does your comment actually have a point other than snark? "
Angelina Gervasio wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:12 PM:
Napagrrl wrote on Sep 17, 2008 1:06 PM: