On In regard to Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill:

Posted on February 17 at 10:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

officerfriendly1--You're overlooking the fact that all those college students are now changing their majors because teaching is no longer a viable, life-sustaining career.

On H1N1 danger to kids stressed

Posted on October 16 at 3:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

The doses of vaccine you've heard are in Wisconsin are likely the nasal-spray version, which are not recommended for pregnant women or those with chronic conditions, such as asthma. Swine-flu shots have begun shipping . . . should hear something soon.

On Board alters Janesville Chinese program

Posted on September 30 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I think many of you in favor of the mandatory Chinese program should know more about the teacher and her skills. My daughter had to take the class as part of the 5th grade Challenge program. She struggled to understand the teacher, hated the class, and really didn't learn any Chinese after a year's worth of classes. And this is an advanced student who had the class 2-3 days each week.

Ms. Gallant's initial mode of instruction included no supplemental written materials, only verbal instruction. So my daughter really didn't have anything she could work on at home. Apparently, Ms. Gallant was told verbal-only instruction was the best way to teach a language (she has since added written/online materials). So I wonder how much is anyone really auditing her class and evaluating her instruction?

Those of us who suggest the class should be optional are not taking anything away from those students who like the class and want to take it.

On Summer cooled its heels this year

Posted on September 22 at 2:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Hah! It was much more fun reading this series of posts than most others! And the first sentence of an article (the "lead," as indicated previously), is of utmost importance. First lesson of Journalism 101.

On Five confirmed flu cases in Rock County

Posted on May 8 at 9:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Yes, lunch lady needs to look up the definition of "pandemic." Go to the CDC web site. Get the info first hand.

On Milton High School closed for "probable" swine flu

Posted on May 4 at 9:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

According to WHO and CDC updates, one of the key reasons they need to stop the spread of this virus is the possibility of it mixing with other existing flu viruses and coming back bigger and stronger next fall/winter, which is what happened in 1918, killing millions (not thousands).
******
As all the experts are saying, the situation is cause for concern but not panic. If all preventive efforts are not taken now, and if the worst happens, all you nay-sayers would instead be saying, "Why didn't they do more sooner"?
******
So let's let the experts guide us, not the extremists.

On Walking, bicycling could unclog school traffic jams

Posted on April 27 at 9:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wow! It is amazing the angst this article has caused.
**
Part of the problem that needs to be addressed is the rural school bus service. We stopped using the morning bus from Afton when they combined the two buses, which placed elementary students with the middle and high school kids and also resulted in a bus ride that is close to an hour.
**
Also, those of you who use the circle drive at Edison . . . please don't wait until your vehicle is even with the entrance doors. Have your kid get out, even if you are five or seven cars back! This would greatly improve the traffic flow.

On Janesville homicide suspect appears in court

Posted on April 24 at 9:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

jaf2--Thanks for your post.
******
Scenario. Police shoot driver of fleeing truck going 90 mph. Truck goes out of control, smashing into at least three vehicles, killing two adults and one child. Truck then jumps a curb, crashes into a house, explodes into flames, seriously injuring two elderly people eating breakfast.
*****
Yup. That's better than the ramming scenario. No doubt about it.

On Janesville board votes down Chinese school

Posted on April 15 at 9:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I completely agree with all the comments favoring multilingualism. However, I was against the establishment of the charter school for Chinese from the get go . . . primarily because the current program being offered to the talented and gifted program students leaves a whole lot to be desired.

On Our foundering father: At least we’re entertained as we try not to notice that no one’s in charge

Posted on March 26 at 2:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Andre,
Take a chill pill! I read your last post twice (which is more than it deserved) and I can't make any sense out of it whatsoever.
I am going take a lesson from pharm's book and cease my "discussion" with you. Your debating skills clearly outclass mine.

Can someone please tell me what "parse straws" means?!