Cybersafe: Why Teachers, Students, and Social Networking Don't Mix

As technology advances, kids are being exposed to increasing amounts of digital interaction. Cyber communication is even supplanting face to face. While there are advantages to social networking, there are times when it's not appropriate. Speaking as a teacher and parent, I'm concerned about adults and specifically teachers communicating with students via text and social sites. Here's why, plus suggestions for parents. Cybersafe: Why Teachers, Students, and Social Networking Don't Mix

Detroit to Lose 51 Parks - Impact on Residents

Detroit's City Council nixed a plan to lease Belle Isle to the State of Michigan last week. In response, Mayor Dave Bing announced plans to close 51 area parks, cut maintenance at others, and greatly reduce recreation center budgets overall, says the Detroit Free Press. These cuts will impact residents, particularly kids, in significant ways. When municipalities cut recreation services, children and teens have fewer opportunities for healthy activities. Defunct or unmaintained parks become attractive nuisances. Here's how  Detroit to Lose 51 Parks - Impact on Residents

Right-to-Work Not Right for Michigan, Now or Ever

Protesters opposing right-to-work legislation rallied at Michigan's Lansing capitol earlier this week, says WXYZ. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has been flirting with right-to-work since Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker ousted collective bargaining in his state last year. In fact, the Washington Post dubbed Gov. Snyder "the Scott Walker of 2014." However, when lawmakers forwarded right-to-work, Gov. Snyder said it wasn't the right thing for Michigan then. Operative word: then. Teachers, pay attention. This legislation will strip you of rights even if you're not unionized. The photo left was taken by my son at an anti-RTW rally. Those are armed guards. They shot tear gas at some kids. For peacefully protesting. So much for the bill of rights.  Right-to-Work Wrong for Michigan

Michigan School Elects Special Needs Homecoming King

Fall in high school means one thing perhaps more than others: football. And with football comes the ritual homecoming king and queen selections. In Linden, Michigan, a small rural community located between Flint, Michigan, and Detroit, it's no different. Linden is just an average small town, but in quality of life and paying it forward, it's a world leader, particularly at the local high school. Students at Linden High School elected a special needs boy, Danny Leideker, as their homecoming king. Michigan School Elects Special Needs Homecoming King

Closed Detroit Science Center Might Reopen

The Detroit Science Center closed in September because of financial hardship. The facility faced foreclosure and a public auction of collections on July 5. But a businessman is looking to buy the museum and reopen it as an educational science facility, the Detroit News reports. Let's hope the DSC, a world-class educational venue, can reopen and continue serving visitors. Let's hope, too, that this venture will be a genuine give-back to the community that has so faithfully supported it and not just an expansionist marketing ploy. It's a shame with vital educational enterprises get exploited by privatization. Closed Detroit Science Center Might Reopen 

'You're Not Special' Graduation Speech is Spot On

When I first read about the graduation speaker who told students "you're not special," it hit a discordant note. Then I realized that he's absolutely correct, pragmatically and in the larger point he was making. According to BostonHerald.com, Wellesley High English teacher David McCullough Jr. demonstrated in his speech that, by the numbers, students are a pretty pedestrian lot and that they've got it pretty easy. I think kids and we parents, too, need to hear more of this kind of thinking. It may seem harsh, but it's realistic. Read on   'You're Not Special' Graduation Speech is Spot On

Michigan House Approves Changes to 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Age

Currently, the state of Michigan says 4-year-old children may be enrolled in kindergarten as long as they turn five by December 1. State lawmakers are considering whether children are, in fact, mature enough to start school at that age, says Michigan Radio. The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would gradually narrow age requirements for children enrolled in any given year.  Michigan House Approves Changes to 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Age

Embarassing Yearbook Photo Flap: Girl with No Underwear

Sickles High School Yearbook Publishes Embarassing Photo of Teen Girl
When having school yearbook photo taken, one should not wear short skirt with no underwear. That's what a Florida Sickles High School junior learned. Now she and mom want the yearbook recalled for publishing revealing photo. Where is the sanity?

How to Raise Student Awareness

How to Raise Student Awareness and Sensitivity for Global Issues
We live in insular, often self-centered communities and schools. We're ethno-centric. So how can we berate kids for being selfish? Here's a proactive way to build student and community awareness about global issues of health care, malnutrition, poverty, lodw literacy rate, environmentalism and other world problems. Use this guide with lesson plans and activities to raise students awareness and promote sensitivity to our global neighbors.
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