Tuesday Open Thread
From Think Smart, an article about Elizabeth Smart who,when she was 14, was taken from her home and held for nine months. This incredibly brave woman has created her own foundation to educate children about sex abuse. She speaks out against the danger of having only abstinence education in schools. She talks about how she felt after her rape(s) and why emphasizing purity can leave girls feeling less valued.
Social psychologists and sexual abuse counselors agree that comprehensive sex education can help prevent sexual crimes. Teaching children about their bodies gives them the tools to describe acts of abuse without feeling as embarrassed or uncomfortable, and it also helps elevate their self-confidence and sense of bodily autonomy. A shame-based approach to genitalia and sexuality, on the other hand, sends kids the message that they can’t discuss or ask questions about any of those issues.
On a completely different subject, a heads up. It is on my radar that something of a concerning nature about SPS may be coming out publicly very soon. I don't have details but it is clear something is amiss at headquarters.
Update: Tomorrow sees two Work Sessions and the Executive Committee meeting and yet, still no agendas for any of them. Fascinating how things work in SPS. But again, words used like "transparency" seem to be thrown around for effect.
What's on your mind?
Social psychologists and sexual abuse counselors agree that comprehensive sex education can help prevent sexual crimes. Teaching children about their bodies gives them the tools to describe acts of abuse without feeling as embarrassed or uncomfortable, and it also helps elevate their self-confidence and sense of bodily autonomy. A shame-based approach to genitalia and sexuality, on the other hand, sends kids the message that they can’t discuss or ask questions about any of those issues.
On a completely different subject, a heads up. It is on my radar that something of a concerning nature about SPS may be coming out publicly very soon. I don't have details but it is clear something is amiss at headquarters.
Update: Tomorrow sees two Work Sessions and the Executive Committee meeting and yet, still no agendas for any of them. Fascinating how things work in SPS. But again, words used like "transparency" seem to be thrown around for effect.
What's on your mind?
Comments
"Something of a concerning nature"
Wow!
Please, Melissa, this is like junior high rumor spreading.
You want to have the credentials and prestige of a journalist...and then you write something like this?
I don't know what junior high you went to but we certainly didn't talk like that at mine.
"You want to have the credentials and prestige of a journalist."
Never said that, ever. (Also, not so sure journalism today has all that much prestige.)
I'm just the canary in the coal mine.
You have, in the past, tried to protray yourself as a "citizen-journalist" when the district would not allow you to ask questions at a press conference.
You have also said (Sept 2010) that you are recognized by some as a "citizen-journalist."
In February 2011 you used the phrase "citizen-journalist" to describe yourself.
And again in April 2012.
I think you used to draw a distinction between yourself and "professional" journalists who get paid.
Now that you have paid advertisements on your blog, would that change you from a "citizen-journalist" into to "professional-journalist?"
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a journalist.
I'd say go for it.
Aaack, I don't want to lose KSB, BUT! :O
Being a citizen-journalist is quite different from being a professional journalist. I am always careful to make that distinction. That said, I appreciate the encouragement.
Peter Maier? Sigh. I would hate to lose Kay but Peter would not be helpful to the BOE.
I'm not sure I agree with Kay that the BOE would be less time than the School Board (at least there would certainly be more travel down to Olympia).
The more I think of Peter Maier, the more disturbed I get. Concerned, are you sure?
He should not serve on any public board again for how he betrayed the members of his own board and the public.
I applaud KSM for stepping up, she is far better that Carr and Martin-Morris. It just seemed odd to me she took the extra role (more time) and then says 'I don't have time for this and may stop down'. Perhaps her circumstances changed?
Traditionally, Freshman wear red, Sophomores wear white, Juniors wear blue and Seniors wear red, white and blue. Raider Gear will be available in all of the school colors.
Lots of fun and a great way to see your new school!
HP
Also, about Kay, I believe it's like many people. A good example is Susan Enfield. The popular myth is that she was driven out. No she wasn't. She even told people, including me, there were personal issues. I took her at her word because I don't think she would have said that if she didn't mean it.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130506/OPINION01/305060303#ixzz2ScjRSnY6
I don't appreciate the school district promoting secret keeping without any consult.
Anyone know why this is done, and for how long?
-Looking for dates.
SolvayGirl
I will say, though -- I don't think that kids should be encouraged by teachers/administrators at schools to agree to secrecy from parents and other school administrators. Especially if it is not legally binding -- because it promotes the concept that the schools have no problem asking kids to do stuff that the law does not support. There ought to be a way to reinforce that without making a 9 year old sign a legally invalid, and morally problemmatic "gag order."
Children should NEVER be told to keep secrets from their parents. That's just what a predator wants.
I am an SPS teacher who proctors the MSP. The cover of the test booklets includes a place for students to sign stating that they are not to talk about the test with anyone.
a. This is a state mandate, not a district provision.
b. As proctors we are not allowed to vary from the script provided in the MSP instructions manual. We have been informed that doing so could invalidate tests. I have bigger curricular issues to tackle and this is a battle I choose not to fight.
Personally, I disagree with the secrecy policy for soooo many reasons, but I do agree that the testing "experience" should be as consistent as possible around the state.
Good on ya for talking with your child.
Ms P
Yes, Peter Maier is also being considered as a State Booard of Ed. Director. Please consider leaving a comment in the Seattle Times section- I understand the comment section is looked at and considered. Also, please consider writing the State Board of Ed and Inslee regarding any concerns about Maier. Frankly, given what I saw from him, he shouldn't be anywhere allowed to influence our children's educational experience. He was a "yes" man to administration and failed to give consideration to parental concerns.
-parent
-FormerSPSTeacher
Sniffy
I am waiting for Sup Banda to make an announcement about AL soon. Is it true that parents will be able to go their neighborhood school next year even if they have enrolled at an APP site? How will parents know if their kids will be eligible for self-contained when the new plan goes into effect? Will there still be a site-based program for these kids and how does one get assigned to it?
Seems like with Charlie's thread and Bob V.'s resignation, the new plan is coming.