On A new foreign language? At what cost?
Posted on August 11 at 8:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nutty...there are books on science and math and english that students could get too, that doesn't mean that they will.
If i remember correctly, forgive me if i'm wrong, but foreign languages are only mandatory for 7th and 8th graders. Beyond that, it becomes an elective course. ALTHOUGH, it's important to know that many colleges and universities require a certain minimum.
On Foreign-language speakers increasing in Janesville schools
Posted on August 11 at 8:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It had been a while since i last read this, and i didn't catch the top 13 or 15 posts, but i wanted to reply to the comments about eliminating language classes in favor of "life lessons" classes. Balancing a checkbook i actually DID learn in my 7th grade math class. But other "life lessons" should be taught by the PARENTS (Not to turn this into a completely different arguement.).
I was totally satisfied with my education within the Janesville school district. And you can't eliminate classes just because YOU didn't use it as an adult. Physics was worthless to me, but Spanish was HUGE in my life.
Tell you what...you can eliminate foreign languages after you take out football and basketball and the other sports. But we all know hell will freeze over before that happens. I'm not saying sports aren't great for kids. They really are. But if you're looking to cut expenses from schools, cut sports and make city teams before you eliminate classes.
On Runaway paddleboat passengers rescued
Posted on July 21 at 1:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There's a difference between running wild and giving freedom to your kids when you know they're not going to get into trouble. Not EVERY student at those HS football games or the mall, or Frostie Freeze is a hooligan. But that's not to say that there AREN'T kids running around unsupervised that shouldn't be. But let's face it, not all parents are grade A material in everyone's eyes.
But i would hope that parents would be extra vigilant when it comes to the floodwaters in the area and warn their children to stay well away.
On Foreign-language speakers increasing in Janesville schools
Posted on July 21 at 12:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Joker...Are you serious?
Yeah...let's get rid of those language classes that (even if every kid doesn't decide to follow through and eventually become fluent) not only teach the language, but the CULTURES of other countries. And in the process, blind our students to the outside world. Terrible idea.
And i love NorthernBelle's comment about people wanting non english speakers to "learn the lang. or get out" but then complaining on the method of that learning.
Bottom line is that these kids need to go to school. They're NOT holding the english speakers back. If you're going to argue that, then i'll argue that the kid who can't count by 2s yet is holding back some other kid.
This is why teachers are so fantastic, (and why they aren't payed nearly enough) they tailor their lessons to the needs of the children because not every one learns at the same pace. This is also why aids are needed. When was the last time you single handedly tried to get 28+ kids to sit down and learn something at one time? And for 8 hours a day?
You can't change the fact that not everyone speaks English. You can however, strive to ensure that 15 yrs down the road, we don't have a lot of really stupid kids.
Besides, kids around the kindergarten age have enormous language acquisition skills and become bi-lingual quite quickly.
On 4-year-old kindergarten to start in private sites
Posted on March 4 at 6 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Well...if i was going to put my kid in daycare, it'd be nice to know that it was an educational environment (as educational as you can make an envirtonment for a 4 year old, anyway.) and not a babysit-with-TV kind of thing. Of course, there's no substitute for parents who take an active role in their children's education and who read to them every night growing up, etc. etc. You're right Cracker, any jackass can have a child. If only we had PARENT daycare that would educate parents. And i especially love sluggo's coment about paying teachers what they're worth (YOU try being responsible for half raising and educating 30 students 8 hours a day 5 days a week!) and lowering the class sizes. Amen.
On Brett Favre retires after 17 seasons
Posted on March 4 at 5:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I understand that to the state of WI it's the end of an era, but it's not the end of the world!
Get a grip and let the guy enjoy his retirement. Half the people i've talked to act like it's been declared a day of national mourning!
Favre is a great player and i'll give credit where credit is due but we've all seen this coming for the past couple years. Life will go on in Green Bay and Favre will be remembered. In the mean time, let's blow our noses and hope the "new guy" can fill those big shoes.
Posted on December 2 at 8:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree, digitalodonata. If the quality of life can be so dramatically improved for a loved one (for me, a term not limited to human beings) then i think it's great. Pets aren't just a novelty item, they're part of the family, and should be cared for as such.
On Party bust is 'fine-line' case
Posted on November 28 at 4:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's possible that this has already been mentioned in the mile long list of comments, but had the police NOT entered, and had the person they SAW passed out on the couch DIED, the whole community would be raising holy hell because the police could have prevented it. It's their job to make quick judgement calls and considering that there was pretty blatant illegal activity going on inside the house, i'm glad they decided as they did. If i were these kid's parents i'd be pissed if the police just walked away. They're saying a warrent should have been obtained first? How long would that have taken? If it was a matter of minutes, i could understand. Any longer than a couple hours, though and it would be practically pointless. It'll be a sad day if these kids get off due to some loophole. THAT'D be good message... (sarcasm)
On Ordinance would put brakes on skateboarding
Posted on November 28 at 3:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Like thebeast said, skateboarding relies on the terrain. Steps, inclines, ledges, etc. so abundant in the downtown areas are exactly draws skaters and bikers there. I'm sure there is damage to structures, but that's exactly why an alternate area like the skatepark needs to be offered. The downtown area is far from being the city's hotspot, but i sympathize with property owners dealing with damages. Skaters will skate where the skating is good, that much is certain. I do hope, however, that they will be responsible and respectful to both property and the vehicles/pedestrians that share the streets and sidewalks.
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On A new foreign language? At what cost?
Posted on August 11 at 8:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"If the average teacher salary is $54,500, taxpayers should not have to pay for them to continue their education. I guessing you must be a teacher. There are a lot of people in Janesville that would love to only work one job and make $54,500."
Yeah...but most teachers have to spend a LOT just on classroom supplies and materials for their own students. How many other jobs need the employee to purchase items in order to do their job?