As you may or may not know, California is looking at some SERIOUS budget cuts for the education system. 7 of our school's teachers got pink slips a few weeks ago. They aren't guaranteed to lose their jobs--yet. The budget has to be approved in June first. This is going on all over the state, and it will have far reaching effects. . .over 40 kids in each classroom with one teacher, cuts to AP, athletic, music, art, etc programs--on and on and on. We are trying to come up with ways to make sure the legislators know that we don't approve. Most stuff in CA I don't get to have an opinion on, since we are registered to vote in a different state, but education is different. The school district and state get paid money based on the number of military kids here. . .even if we don't pay state income tax etc. So, for this, I get to have a voice. Some kids at one of the high schools organized a 12K for K-12 walk last weekend that was a big deal. A bunch of people wear pink on Fridays to show support for the teachers (of course they are the young energetic ones that everyone loves--that don't have tenure so are first on the chopping block).
Anyway--I was just wondering if anyone has suggestions for ways to make a big stink about this. Today my friend hosted a phone call party where they had a script and all the phone numbers for our area assembly reps and everyone called. . .other ideas??
It's Who We Are
- The Monkey House
- There are 5 of us--I frequently use the terms zoo and locker room in place of Monkey House. All are completely accurate. I am the only girl--and the feeling of being outnumbered increases as the little monkies get older! All in all, a pretty great (although chaotic) place to be!
Mommy of the Monkies
I don't really know what to say about myself here, but felt obligated to have a caption since I have one for all the boys!
Soldier Boy
Before there was a "Soldja Boy" there were the Sherelles...they sang a song called "Soldier Boy" and I have called him that since we met. He is my friend and my strength. I love him with everything in me.
Monkey #1
He's kind and smart; athletic and sensitive; trying to figure out the difference between being a little boy and a young man. A rocky road--especially without the road map of an older sibling to follow. He blazes a great trail, though, and his little brothers are all the more lucky because of it!
Monkey #2
He is a genius...an absentminded one, but genius nonetheless. Everyone who meets him describes him as an "old soul." It is in his eyes and in his conversation--especially in his questions. At 2 1/2, he told me, "I'm not big like N. I'm not little like J. I'm just like me." What we all hope to instill in our middle children, he knew on his own before his 3rd birthday! He loves everyone.
Monkey #3
4 hours after his birth I told him, "You are the third of three boys. You have to be BIG or FAST." He is both. Surefooted and coordinated, fearless and frightening. He has no concept that he is younger or smaller than his brothers and is quite sure he can do anything they can. He is the comic relief of the family, without even meaning to be. He reveres his brothers--even as he tortures them.
Me as a cartoon!
2 comments:
Get a media person... One of those guys like Anderson Cooper or Bill O'Reilly. They usually get people to notice.
Yeah I have to agree. I watch the "O'Reilly Factor" frequently and he regularly tracks down these kinds of issues and usually gets good results. I would e-mail his website or write a letter.
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